While not particularly religious myself, I am Native Alaskan. Im glad to hear you speak well of my people and this video was very intriguing. Glad to know more about my peoples past.
Oh my goodness!!! Someone has finally put it into words that I have found to be true of Native Peoples for decades now. Thank you so very much and to God, the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ be the Glory for not leaving anyone to the darkness. In the "West" they did not come with such a "listening ear" - they came to "conquer" not to share and love. +++
I realize that. I am very aware of the "powers of this present evil age" still at work from the beginning. However, I also understand that our God has never left Himself without a "witness" in this world from the Beginning. One aspect of what I am grateful for is the "way", the manner, in which the Orthodox approached these Peoples. Powerful demonstration of the witness of the Faith that comes with Grace and Mercy, not judgement or condemnation. and "yes" I realize it has never been prefect within the history of the Church. thanks.
I really appreciate listening to Fr Oleska, a new voice for me. I learn much from him. Thank you so much for the work of Protecting veil. May it continue!
It's as Paul said in his Epistle to the Romans, the requirements of the law are written into our hearts: (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) - Romans 2:14-15
Love listening to Fr. Michael! Everyone should read his book Orthodox Alaska. Too many are ignorant of the history of Orthodoxy in North America and the American Saints! When I lived on the West Coast people were more informed but as you go East, it’s not the same.
While attending Seminary, I read that very book by Fr. Michael. It fascinated me with Orthodoxy in America. Initially I bought it for research but found myself reading it cover to cover multiple times. A very easy read packed with facts and information. It’s been 20+ years since Seminary and I still find myself pulling “Orthodox Alaska” from my library and enjoying it.
That last part: "But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law ;and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth- you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law .For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” - Romans 2:17-24
Well, to each their own, but personally, I find being overly concerned with the letter of law, instead of the spirit, to be concerning. But that's just me.
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While not particularly religious myself, I am Native Alaskan. Im glad to hear you speak well of my people and this video was very intriguing. Glad to know more about my peoples past.
Glad that you found it! If you are so inspired, please pray for the soul of Fr. Michael, who just passed away...
Oh my goodness!!! Someone has finally put it into words that I have found to be true of Native Peoples for decades now. Thank you so very much and to God, the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ be the Glory for not leaving anyone to the darkness. In the "West" they did not come with such a "listening ear" - they came to "conquer" not to share and love. +++
Thanks to God...glad this blessed you!
I realize that. I am very aware of the "powers of this present evil age" still at work from the beginning. However, I also understand that our God has never left Himself without a "witness" in this world from the Beginning. One aspect of what I am grateful for is the "way", the manner, in which the Orthodox approached these Peoples. Powerful demonstration of the witness of the Faith that comes with Grace and Mercy, not judgement or condemnation. and "yes" I realize it has never been prefect within the history of the Church. thanks.
The missionaries acted "as guests in another man's house..."
Oh, God Bless You Both for this ... Thank You! 🙏🏻
I really appreciate listening to Fr Oleska, a new voice for me. I learn much from him. Thank you so much for the work of Protecting veil. May it continue!
Amen...thanks to God...very glad you found us!
It's as Paul said in his Epistle to the Romans, the requirements of the law are written into our hearts:
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
- Romans 2:14-15
So consonant with my own love
For native
Elders
Great interview. I’ve lived in Alaska and everything Father saids about the natives people us true
Wonderful
Love listening to Fr. Michael! Everyone should read his book Orthodox Alaska. Too many are ignorant of the history of Orthodoxy in North America and the American Saints!
When I lived on the West Coast people were more informed but as you go East, it’s not the same.
Me too! He's a lovely person, full of wonderful stories! And you're right...our Saints in Alaska should inspire us greatly...
While attending Seminary, I read that very book by Fr. Michael. It fascinated me with Orthodoxy in America. Initially I bought it for research but found myself reading it cover to cover multiple times. A very easy read packed with facts and information. It’s been 20+ years since Seminary and I still find myself pulling “Orthodox Alaska” from my library and enjoying it.
We are called to see Christ in all people!
Leon Tolstoy wrote a wonderful short story about this subject: "The three wise men".
Why did it cut off? Did not seem like he was done talking.
Would to God that He allow me to embody His gifts.
They even traveled to the stars.
That last part:
"But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law ;and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth- you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law .For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” - Romans 2:17-24
The Maya and the Aztecs also have a flood story.
Why was he cut off at the end?
It was due to a technical error - the interview got cut in half and so we repeated part of the answer to make sure that we didn't miss anything...
Is he a deacon?
Retired priest
Beard trimming is very concerning
Well, to each their own, but personally, I find being overly concerned with the letter of law, instead of the spirit, to be concerning. But that's just me.