Q&A Home > S > Speaking in Tongues

• I read 1 Corinthians 14 and it talked about speaking with a language only God can understand. If I understand correctly, this is different than what happened at Babylon and on Pentecost when God made His disciples have different languages even though they never learned that language. Our Church addressed speaking with tongues when they have different languages but not having a specific language to talk to with God like 1 Corinthians 14 said: "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however in the spirit, he speaks mysteries." Please explain to me our Church views on speaking with tongues to God.
• I would like the Orthodox perspective on the gift of tongues that the Holy Book of Acts as well as the first Holy Book to Corinthians refer to. 1) Does the church believe that these gifts currently exist and if not, why not? 2) Why would one need a different tongue to talk directly to God? 3) Why would there be need for an interpreter?
• Where does "speaking in tongues" stand with regards to personal prayer and spiritual life? Holy Book of 1 Cor 14:4 mentions "Edifies himself", where does self edification fit in?