Thank you brother. Through Fr Sypridon, he has introduced me to the nature of orthodoxy, I’m not orthodox yet nor do I know I will ever be orthodox, but it is beautiful
I converted(baptized and Chrismated) into the Orthodox Church just last month and it was easily the best decision I’ve made in my life so far! I’ve even brought a friend into the faith and have made so many more here! God bless, great to hear you speak so honestly and earnestly 👊
So you bow down to idols now and pray to dead people? How about the First and Second Commandments? I am sure you feel just so great and excited now being disobedient. We always do at first. Then the ugliness of the truth strikes.
I've been visiting a Greek Orthodox Church for a while now, from a presbyterian background. By God's grace I'll hopefully be Chrismated into the Church one day, God bless you brother.
I come from an Evangelical Protestant upbringing, having been raised in a Pentecostal church. I left all that behind some time ago and I have been exploring Orthodoxy for several years now. I apologize in advance for the length of this comment lol. I became disillusioned with the faith as I was taught it, and began searching for truth. Out of all of the thousands of branches of Christianity, there had to be SOMEBODY who had it right, I thought. I started researching histories, theologies, learning what beliefs came from where and why all of the different branches believe what they do. My search ended when I found Orthodoxy. Finally, I had discovered THE Church that Christ founded while on earth. A Church that has an unbroken line of Sacred Tradition, passed down through the generations, a Church practically unchanged throughout the centuries. You can look at a church from the earliest centuries after Christ and a modern Orthodox church building, and they look nearly identical, inside and out. That alone said a lot to me. Their liturgy and worship practices also have not changed in 2,000 years. No other church, no other denomination, no other branch or sect can say the same. There are Russian, Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, and countless other national churches, but their liturgies and worship are IDENTICAL. They may have certain practices or traditions of the culture in those countries, but they are all Orthodox. Protestant denominations have different worship practices between churches in the same TOWN, let alone country. I saw another post mentioning abuses in the Russian Church, and I will say abuses and wrongdoings will exist as long as man exists, for we are fallen and sinful by nature. That includes priests, monks, bishops, etc. Pray for these men, but do not lose sight of God in your disdain for their sin. You are correct, there is something special about Orthodoxy. Take the time to learn the Church’s history and beliefs. Also, check out the TH-cam channel Patristic Nectar Publications (PNP). It has been such a help to me and my journey in faith. Good luck, God bless you all.
Hello there, thank you very much for your comment and great job on searching and looking for the truth and what works for you! Yes I agree with the premise of your comment when you say that being raised in Protestantism, you can become disillusioned with the truth, and with your point about orthodox churches and the fact that it hasn’t changed since the time it started does give it credit in that sense. There’s a lot to unpack with orthodoxy but we are all still learning and growing in the faith, God bless you and thank you for the comment 🙏👍
Orthodox pray images, images of human, idols, they pray Elijah, so they pray human. They pray for Mariyah, so they pray a humans. Jesus (Yeshua) was God's word and became flesh through Maryah (Miriyam), He was part of God and part human. Orthodox don't want to pray the real thing they use substitutes, such as "Pray God in my name." Practically it means to pray like this: "Dear Father, please help me in your son Yeshua's name."
So in your search for truth you looked at history, tradition, church buildings instead of going to the Bible and prayer? Also how can you set aside the fact that there are leaders in the orthodox church who have abused/assaulted the women? That should not be allowed, those men are fake shepherds. Paul the apostle when he was telling the believers to appoint leaders for themselves had very strict requirements Titus 1:6 "An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." And also what good is it having traditions that are useless? "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, *but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence* . Why does Catholicism and Orthodoxy have so many sex scandals? What's up with that? And WHY do people put up with it and make excuses for it? Why do they look up to and respect men that are r*ping/assaulting women and children behind closed doors? why does Catholicism and Orthodoxy attract such men to it's positions of power and authority? That's not right. Anyways, I recommend you check out Clevelandstreetpreachers TH-cam channel. God bless you❤️🙌✝️
@@Ria.ray77257 They also should be married, cause those who have not been married can not understand the concept of taking care of a family. If they can not do that in their homes how they can be loving elders in congregation?
@@Ria.ray77257 hey there, yes I’ve watched Cleveland Street preachers I think they’re fantastic. I watched the video of this one gentleman debating Muslim students and every single question he had they had for him. He had the answers for them. regarding your comment about my search for truth has been about traditions, history, and church buildings, I can say that I understand where you’re coming from in this video I didn’t quote scripture. I just simply talked about my thoughts about the orthodox faith and why I think it has something that protestantism can’t offer. God bless you and thank you for the comment
Former baptist pastor here who has run the gamut of denominations. Converted 3 years ago and best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my family. Every other church told me I was sinless and had all of God I could get. Very defeating when there is no more room to grow and all of Jesus’ words are seemingly optional. In Orthodoxy it is such a deep well and a lifelong journey. Following Christ is not easy, but it is good and what we were made for. Orthodoxy gives us the guidance and medicine to walk the narrow path and for that I am grateful. Jesus invites us not only into relationship with himself but an entire family in heaven. That was a game changer for me.
Hey there, oh yes, I totally understand what you’re saying I think much of Pentecostal Christianity the true meaning has been watered down, we find ourselves being spiritually weak in that sense. When orthodoxy gives us the blueprint to become closer to God, understand the true nature of this life and the gospel, thank you for your comment. Hope to see you again. God bless
@@ItWontLetMePutMyName259 This was a decision God worked through in my life for sure! I’m grateful for that decision I made in 5th grade. But I also fell into sin and was not taught I needed to ongoingly repent but instead that I was already saved. Orthodox Christianity is not only saying that prayer once, but the awareness that all of us must say that prayer constantly since we so often turn away from God, becoming lord of our own lives again. Ongoing repentance is a big deal but is not practiced in many modern day churches. Orthodoxy has a means of seeking God not just mentally: “I believe in Jesus”, but for the salvation of mind, body, soul, and spirit into Christ, as we are called to dedicate the entirety of our being to Him.
I'm Greek orthodox as a kid but the Church is the people not a man made denomination. It's non denominational just plain Christians worldwide who are growing. Orthodoxy is a old man made denomination in Eastern Europe who aren't even united with other oriental orthodox lol. Nah.
@@chrishey9879 To make decisions on the basis of "what's growing" is not wise. If Islam is growing, should we follow it? No. We should not judge something by its abuse but by its proper use. The proper use of Orthodoxy cannot always be found in the lives of Orthodox people. It is almost always found, however, in the monastic community. Non-denominational Christianity is by no means historic. It is what is popular and brings people to emotional highs, seeking to solve salvation with business plugs and short, one time sentences. Giving people a point of arrival and security to appeal psychologically. Yet as a result, it upholds things that were never believed by Christians prior to the 16th century. I am not saying God doesn't work through these things in people's lives, he worked through mine to deliver me in various ways, but that "old man-made" denomination you speak of is not a denomination at all, it is pre-denominational and is the Church Christ founded (thus, "God-made") which maintains the way of worship Christ handed down through the apostles but that most have since rejected in light of their own desires: lights, camera, action type services that seek to appeal to fleshly and emotional desires. We must reject the flesh for the sake of the spirit, but non-denom protestantism does not help people to do so, they do not maintain fasting (e.g. Jesus said "WHEN" you fast, not IF): Matt 6:16. I would encourage you to read or listen to the Didache, a document written in the first century, that details Christian practices shortly after the time of Christ. You'll see that there are things that are maintained and practiced that are whole sale rejected by non-denom Christians everywhere, thus they are not apostolic churches.
Oh amen to that brother!! The church is indeed of a hospital for our souls. God doesn’t want our performance, he wants our hearts. Obviously there is a place for serving and such but the most important thing is that God has our heart and not just our intellect
@@andys3035I feel ya brother. God has buried our sins in the deepest oceans and God even chooses to forget our sins, but often we are the ones who go and dig our sins up. Most times it would happen to me would be because I’m lacking fulfilment in my life and sometimes feel I am going nowhere in life. And then I’m reminded about the wonderful promises of God and truly what God thinks about me and His creation. God bless you please never lose the hope. You will get through this. God bless
I am Orthodox and YOU inspire me. Even among Orthodox who were born in this faith often take our blessings for granted. But those as yourself provide new freshness and vigor to us, rekindling our ardor for the one true God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to God, now and always and blessings to you fellow brother and Christian struggler.
My brother, I see you’re getting a lot of replies in these comments, but if you happen to read mine, I will be praying for you. My journey to the faith is an ongoing one as well, as I am a catechumen in the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States. I’m glad you found Fr Spyridon’s channel, as he was instrumental in helping me learn more about Christ in general and His church. I came from Protestantism as well, having grown disillusioned with western Christendom and the clear decay of tradition. The Orthodox Church, as you mentioned, is unchanged since the time of the Apostles. And you’re right, it is truly special. The west once had that feeling as well, but that was a millennium ago. What little advice I can offer is to be patient, and do not afraid to talk to a priest about any questions you may have. I pray you join all of us in due time in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that is Eastern Orthodoxy. God bless! Kyrie Eleison! ☦️
Hey there, thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate the premise of what you said regarding being patient. Our belief systems take time to develop and I know jumping in head first into something new is never a good idea as I’m still gathering new information, but thank you so much for the heartwarming comment and thank you for the prayers. Also thank you for the support God bless and hopefully see you again ☦️🙏👍
Nice name tag mate! I'll pray for you as well. Joining the Orthodox church was the best decision I made in my life. I trust that you have found an Orthodox church in the USA that you plan to attend regularly? Before I joined everyone was very helpful to me by providing me with great books to read. I pray for your journey brother.
@@dblezi Hey brother! Yeah I’m currently in college and the church I go to is like 5 minutes down the road. It’s quite a large parish, but I have a very good relationship with the senior priest and the pastoral assistant. We’re actually trying to set up an Orthodox fellowship club currently, and God willing we are making progress with it. There’s also an OCA and two Greek parishes up near my home that all have good relationships with the parish at my college. My journey is going pretty well so far, and I hope to be welcomed into the church at some point this year, God willing. Thank you for your prayers bro! I appreciate it! I will pray for you too! God bless! ☦️
@@sigmamaleonhisgrindset thank you for the reply brother! I’m very pleased to hear about your progress. It is great that you have good relationships with a parish. Once you fully come into orthodoxy and continue on your journey the parish will truly become a family. Which was how it was for me. Also good that you have fellowship with other orthodox parishes. Keep doing this as it is good to have relationships with many in the orthodox community. So continue to develop those bonds with other communities since we are about 1% of the American population last time I checked! God bless your journey and your coming into orthodoxy this year!
As someone who is from the Balkans , who grew up in a majority christian orthodox country, but was never religious, up until a few years ago when I turned 21, I just want to say that it warms my heart to see people overseas showing interest for orthodoxy, especially young men like you, I feel like there is a big shift going on , on a spiritual level in the world right now. I am interested if more young people like you in the States are interested about orthodoxy? The US is the last place I would expect this to happen, funny how here in Europe, especially the Balkans and Eastern Europe, there is more and more pushing of the whole Woke Cancel culture, and the narrative how we are so old fashioned and need to catch up and learn how to be civilized from the West, but now we see this awakening among people in western countries, and I hope that it will countinue to grow, with Gods help!
Amen to that, and thank you for the heartwarming comment. Yes I agree I think there is a shift, especially on a spiritual level with people I think since people have been sort of exposed to the evil of this world they are now coming to their senses. I think orthodox Christianity Really showcases the need for repentance, but also the beauty of the traditions and practices and they are failing faith for Christ. God bless and thank you for your comment.
I'm 65, and late in life I had enough of evangelical Protestantism, and was received into the Orthodox Church. I belong to a little Antiochian parish. We've seen an exponential growth of young men and young families coming to our parish. I'm glad young men are coming to Orthodoxy ☦️
Wow that’s amazing! Hopefully this is a start of a new great awakening or a revival of Christianity in the modern day. Orthodoxy is beautiful, I’m not yet orthodox but it’s something I’m looking into. God bless and thank you for the comment 🙏☦️❤️
As one of said young men in a small Antiochian parish, I want to return the sentiment to my Elders such as yourself. Leaving one faith is suffering as the false christ digs into us with doubts and fear. Many today will see the Orthodox faith from the outside as a path for gymbros and focus on the youth, but I cannot imagine the importance of having our stronger and wiser Elders there in our community.
Hey there! Traditions won't save you. Jesus will! Traditions are good only if they help point to Jesus. Traditions are bad if they just point to people, no matter how many good things they did. People are people and God is God. May God bless you! Read what the Bible says and trust God more than people 😊
I was a Lutheran for 30 years. It was a looonggh journey, but God eventually used all that I learned and helped me learn even more because I craved knowledge. I'm now Orthodox. My wife, who grew up Roman Catholic, also joined Holy Orthodoxy.
I'm Greek orthodox as a kid but the Church is the people not a man made denomination. It's non denominational just plain Christians worldwide who are growing. Orthodoxy is a old man made denomination in Eastern Europe who aren't even united with other oriental orthodox lol. Nah. But there is nice stuff in orthodoxy I love.
@chrishey9879 I guess I significantly disagree. But I understand what you're saying because that's how I was taught my whole life. 😆 Growing up Protestant, I'm so grateful that I was taught about Jesus, love, going to church, the Holy Bible, etc. That said, when I read through the NT, especially the Epistles of St. Paul, I began to be confused as to why he speaks about setting overseers and elders over other Christians. Protestants just spring forth teaching whatever they feel the Scriptures say. But St Paul says how every teaching was to be agreed upon. It seemed so foreign to the 'invisible church of believers'. After so many years, I realized ... thats because it is. The earliest Christian bishops of the first 300 years wrote a fair bit about the Church hierarchy. I trust what St Paul and the ealiest Christian spoke, the ones who suffered martyrdom and persecution until Constantine, more than these new 'preachers' who read the Bible on their own. (Though I still respect their zeal for Christ.) The verses of Matthew 7:21-23 hit me hard one day. How can people believe in Jesus AND do wonders in His name be cast aside? That doesn't sound like Protestant teachings of 'just believe in Jesus' and you're saved. So I realized that maybe they were wrong. It's more than that. Not saying all Roman Catholics and Protestants are not going to Heaven or that all Orthodox are. God speaks about judging the heart. I just have realized that the Holy Bible speaks about so much more. Believing in Jesus Christ, working in love for those around you, and being joined to the Church. Don't believe that will change your mind, but I had to respond. The Bible, yes, says all that believe in Jesus will be saved. (Acts 16:31, Roman's 10:9-13, John 3:15 just to name a few) it also talks about Baptism, the Eucharist, Church leadership, good works, and unity. I realized that across the wide spectrum of Protestantism, each denomination takes one or all of these things away from the Bible's instructions. God bless you and your journey to/with Christ! 😁
@MajorMustang1117 brother I used to argue the same stuff you did. Protestants have their wrong stuff too like calvinism and stuff. But here's the thing. DID early Christians really teach orthodox doctrine and papal doctrine? Now. Protestants do have elders and bishops. I don't think you need to be apart of a Church to be saved. You need JESUS who purifies us. He did the work. Hebrews 1:3 and then He Sat down meaning in Greek, He finished. I don't need to do the sacrements to be saved each week to be purified.
@chrishey9879 well, glad we both understand our positions! Kinda makes it interesting! 😁 But yes, historically from reading the early Christians I would say Orthodox Doctrine was really taught. Some things, perhaps, not as fleshed out. (Like the Trinity or nature of Christ) But nothing against the Scriptures or new teachings that just came from nowhere. And no, I don't believe the Early Church ever taught Papal infallibility, purgatory, merits, or many many things the Catholics teach currently. They didn't teach most of those things until the medieval era after they propped up a single man as having Godlike authority on this Earth. And no, all Protestant reformers were not put in their positions by bishops over them. They just usurped their own authority. And so people who become pastors after them don't have any authority either. (While there is more to that, that's not the topic. I believe many of their hearts are in the right place.) Your statement that you don't think you need to be part of a Church to be saved is kinda worrying, though. We are to exist in communion with each other. When St Paul talks about Holy Communion in his letter to the Corinthians, it is a given. The Eucharist is expected. And his language is that it is only used when Christians gather. His language, as well as the church fathers after him, is to be under a bishop or priest chosen by the Apostles or their successors. I suppose my question is this; While I agree, partially, that nobody "needs" to be a part of a church, be baptised, have sacraments, have elders, to be saved.... does that mean we shouldn't obey what the Holy Bible says about them? All these things are touched upon in the Bible. And they are described as a given. So why shouldn't I look for these things? God is the Judge of souls. Granted. He saves by His grace. And I don't pretend to know who that will be. But this same God who was incarnated to walk among and save sinners didn't command only belief, but Baptism as well. And repenting and being loving etc. The Apostles He chose, taught, and led, were given authority. Acts defines the 'completion' of becoming a Christian. Being both baptised AND having the laying on of hands by the Apostles. Not even other Christians could do it all. I'd go on and on, verse by verse, but TH-cam isn't the place for a book.
I’ll absolutely be praying for you man, coming from an evangelical background myself, I’ve been inquiring into orthodoxy for about a year now. Last Sunday I was made a catechumen, and Lord willing will be baptized at Easter. I found orthodoxy appealing for many of the same reasons you do, what really made me dig deeper though was that they were truly unchanging; and to this day producing saints. Above all else I implore you to approach everything with a humble and contrite heart. No one can study God and his church without first lowering himself, confessing in humility that Christ is Lord and knows all; while we do not. He has the answers, we don’t. Therefore we have to lean into the resources he has given us: scripture, the witness of other Christian’s, and prayer. James 4 reads, “Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Humility was something I learned the importance of as an evangelical, but orthodoxy taught me how to actually begin to live it. I will pray for you tonight at church, God bless ☦️❤️
Hey there brother, thank you very much for the prayers and kind words you’re right about approaching God with a humble heart humility is truly the pathway to communication with God and connection. God, hates a proud heart, but favours the humble. The humble will be exalted , and the exalted will be humbled, God bless you, and thank you for your comment and hopefully see you again. And yes it’s nice to hear that you have similar thoughts and experiences to me regarding orthodoxy
As a catechumen here in America, I can share that Orthodox very much is special. It’s the only church that can claim it was founded by Jesus Christ that didn’t change the nature of the faith itself and Apostatize into something else like the Coptic Orthodox or the Roman Catholic Church. I attend a Greek church, but have brothers and sisters in the Serbian, ROCOR(Russian Orthodox Church Abroad) Antiochian, other Greek parishes, etc. the main point to remember is the Irrespective of what nationally and culture they stem from, they have the Same faith, the same Apostolic deposit. They all act as a hospital for sinners, while none of them are filled with cookie cutter “perfect people”, as in they all have their own problems unique to their respective context, these kind of things ought not to dissuade us from attending or visiting. I highly recommend you check out a monastery if you can get to one, and talk to some monastics. God bless from the USA brother ☦️
Yes thank you very much and blessings back to you from the UK! That’s very interesting and it’s wonderful to hear that the church don’t pretend their “cookie cutter” perfect people but the church is truly a hospital for sinners sick with sin. I find the Orthodox Church traditions and beliefs to be beautiful and they emphasise the need for repentance but they do believe in being saved by grace through faith and no of works. Of course works are evidence of salvation but it isn’t the ground for salvation. (Or at least that’s how I understand it) there are over things that I forgot to mention regarding saints. I don’t know much about saint intercession in prayers, I don’t personally associate with that but I’m still learning about it. God bless you and stay safe
@@harrydonovan9192hey there. My only answer really has to do with papal infallibility which is seen no where in the bible and the 7 sacraments. What I’ve gathered, they believe we are saved by grace through faith + works
I'm from an Irish Catholic family in Sheffield. Attended mass with my granma as a child. Always found it very odd to be honest. Went to a Protestant school - always found Protestantism to be totally dry and seemed to appeal to a Ned Flanders type person. I had assumed that Christianity just wasn't for me. Then when on a trip to Slovenia I came across an Orthodox church - hearing the solemnity of the chants,smelling the incense and seeing the father's dress it immediately struck me as something ancient. A few months later I moved to Romania and was struck again by the beauty of the churches and artwork. From there I went to North Macedonia and saw the giant crucifixes all around the city. There nestled in the mountains of Skopje I had a profound understanding that this was the first time I had ever seen real Christianity. I went on to see the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and began to learn the history of the church and the richness of slavic culture. There is something about the Slavic guys too that impressed me. They're the type to have tattoos and a handgun in the glove compartment - but at the same time they are quite religious family men. It's what I aspire to as a man - strong but loving. The West want us to be weak and cynical - the opposite of the kind of honour we naturally strive for. I now consider myself an Orthodox Christian although I'm still going through the process right now I live in a country with only one Orthodox church on the other side of the country. If you are moved by what you see online I would highly recommend going to Bucharest, Skopje and Istanbul (former Constantinople) There you see what the living Orthodox culture is. It's an incredible faith and in my view it is the true Christianity and frankly is virtually nothing like the other forms. Only on paper do they even reseemble each other not in practice.
Hey there, thanks for sharing your thoughts and your experience. I think that’s very interesting and fascinating how you’ve been able to witness orthodox churches in many different countries and the fact that you said you only found true Christianity when you found Orthodoxy as protestantism has lost a lot of its meaning and for sure doesn’t appeal to me anymore. God bless you thank you for your comment and all the best on your spiritual journey.
Hey there! Traditions won't save you. Jesus will! Traditions are good only if they help point to Jesus. Traditions are bad if they just point to people, no matter how many good things they did. Mary is Mary, God is God. May God bless you! Read what the Bible says and trust God more than people 😊
I am very happy for you, brother, that this causes a response in your heart and every time you see Orthodox Christians on the Internet, then every time like a mountain off my shoulders, it inspires me very much! God bless you
Hey there. I’m blessed that it encourages you and as more people are looking into the truth they will come in their own conclusion about these things. God bless you and thank you for the comment 🙏👍
I was raised in a pentecostal church as well for all 40 years of my life. Stopped going a few years ago as I just couldn't see the point. Initially I started exploring orthodoxy because my heart yearned for reverence and authenticity. Spent about a year doing research online and finally started attending a local orthodox church. My wife and I became catechumen a couple months ago. It started out as a rejection of the modern style of church you're accustomed to, but it's grown into a deep love for church tradition and the challenge of true repentance. It's also nice to know that your church will have the same biblical stances it had for thousands of years and that is resistant to trying to make worship conform to the world. So I definitely encourage you to keep up your research, and when you're ready, take the plunge and start attending orthodox services. That was the single best decision I've made in my journey of faith.
Hey there that all sounds great my friend and thank you for sharing your experience. You searched and you eventually found what works for you and to delve deeper into your faith. Thank you for the comment and have a wonderful day 👍🙏
You are on the right track, Orthodoxy is the way to go. If you have an Orthodox Church anywhere near you ,just go and talk to a priest. Don't worry about which one, they are all good
I'm a protestant thats since been disillusioned and it's only been like a little over a year that I even became aware of Orthodoxy, and less than that before I came to any understanding of it. I do feel drawn to it, for a bunch of reasons. It appears to be the most credible, and its theology is... actually coherent. It's a lot less legalistic and feels authentic. I don't feel like it's emotionally manipulating like when growing up amongst the charismatics and baptists. I got a hold of Stephen De Young's book "The Religion of the Apostles", and it's changed my whole perspective, it was a mind-blowing read and a lot of things clicked. You should really get that book. I also watched Jonathan Pageau a lot on TH-cam. I don't think I can go back to Protestantism now.
Well that’s amazing for you and perhaps you’ve had a revelation the protestantism in the west is lacking something that orthodoxy has. There’s many things I can touch on, but I hope you enjoyed the video I made regarding it. God bless, and all the best on your spiritual journey
Eastern Orthodoxy is wonderful. I was resistant but the more research I did I couldn’t deny the facts. Even the church fathers solidify it. Glad you know bout the great schism.
@@AdamJDonegan God bless brother ☦️. I recommend Welcome to The Orthodox Church by Frederica Mathewes Green and Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware. TH-cam channels Orthodox Kyle and Protecting Veil are good too.
As now a regular attendee and student of Orthodoxy, I offer advice in the way of warning; do not dig too deeply into the philosophical without practical grounding. It will puff you up with pride in believing you are Orthodox because of your new "beliefs" without actually submitting to the guidance of the Church. Notice it is still a status based on belief alone rather than works through faith. That is still protestantism, Prot+ you might say. Father Spyridon is a wellspring of wisdom but one must also engage with the small and minute aspects of faith. Have something you can engage with practically. For me I followed up my Baptist bible-in-a-year reading list with Orthodox biblical commentary. Whole Council of God podcast was my choice but there are other options. The daily routine which enforces patient growth is the sure way to avoid burnout. Bless you and your journey into the True knowledge OF God. 🙏 ☦️
Hey there thank you for your comment and thank you for tackling the issue of pride in our lives that can easily slip in and derail our spiritual growth. Yes I think it’s important to practice and strengthen our faith through Bible studies and even listening to Christian podcasts. I’ve been listening to Vlad Savchuk. He’s not orthodox but he’s great to listen to. God bless and thank you for your comment 🙏👍
Very true orthodoxy is a way of life not a set of ideas. We get all the theory we need for salvation from the services. The best way to discover Orthodoxy is in person in a parish with real people.
Nice video Adam. I agree Fr Spyridon is brilliant and to be honest I think the way he records videos in the outdoors makes them even better aha. Orthodoxy is something that’s been at the back of my mind for a while now too. You may have already listened to some already but Gregorian chants are lovely too - although these are more associated with more traditional Roman Catholicism. God bless you.
Hey there God bless you too. Yes there’s something quite special about Fr Spyridons videos, not only does he film in the woods! 😄 but he articulates himself brilliantly. He’s one of the only channels that really makes me concentrates on exactly what he’s saying. The way he speaks comes across well!
Ive done both, born Greek Orthodox, remained it for the entirety of my life but I have been to protestant churches, there is a humility about Orthodoxy that other churches don't have. A calmness, tradition, patience, like you said, grace through faith, good works, repentance, knowing that God allows struggles to keep us grounded and focused on him. None of this prosperity stuff, its all focused on Jesus. As it should be. Welcome!
I’m a Catechumen. I am happy to see this. As a Pentecostal you may like to read the section Father Seraphim Rose wrote on this, in his book “Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future.” I’d also suggest reaching out and talking to some clergy, maybe they’d even do an interview for the sake of your viewers, I suggest: -Father Peter Heers -Father Josiah Trenham(he would very much be able to help you if you have questions from a Protestant POV) -Father Turbo Qualls(just good all around)
I feel exactly the same way tou feel. I watch Fr Spyridon too and am drawn to Orthodoxy but in our town in North Norfolk there is sadly no Orthodox church nearby. Much respect for you 🙏🏼
Thank you very much. Yes Fr Spyridon is fantastic. I’m in a similar situation, the nearest orthodox churches are not local to me but I’ll have to make the effort to drive to one in a local city ☦️🙏
Welcome Home Brother. ☦️💙 Take your time to learn the faith, and most importantly attend services. Orthodoxy is living Christianity. You have to attend vigil the night before, or else you’re really not ready spiritually to commune from the true Body and Blood. You gotta pray, you gotta fast. You gotta reorient your life towards God and his Church. Repentance is a lifetime. I recommend reading book on the life of St Porphyrios called Wounded By Love. He’s a very recent saint who’s feast day we celebrated Monday.
Hey there thanks so much brother. Yeah I agree with the premise of your comment and thank you for it. I am interested in getting a book from Fr seraphim rose
Abbott Tryphon... fr. Josiah Trenham as well.... Orthodoxy is a lot to take in for the western protestant... Doamne Ajuta ☦️🙏🏽🕊️ you are on a wonderful path of discovering the ancient and apostolic church founded on the day of Pentecost
Hey Adam, I am Faith from India, and born into a Pentecostal family. I was introduced to Orthodoxy at the age of 16 and it gave me a different worldview altogether. Now when I see you, I see myself😅. And for your knowledge before the great schism, there was another schism which made way for Oriental Orthodox Churches. I wish more power to your journey and hope we can have a conversation in the future. Shlomo☦️
I'm Glad your video is ganing a lot of views most people deserves to meet the Orthodoxy ☦️ I,m Greek Orthodox these are videos of Psalm 135 in Greek 🇬🇷🇨🇾
God bless you sir. I feel you put your experience quite well, I feel quite the same. I also feel that I did not understand the Gospel instantly but until in my late teens even though my background is Christian. I feel quite similar to you. I also really agree with what you brought up in this video on the authenticity of Orthodoxy. I've also seen some of father Spyridon's videos. I recommend Monastery on the Mull, I think his name is father Seraphin, he's also quite a blessing. On a side note, your mention of John Calvin made me laugh as I think of him (and Calvinism as a whole) as the predestination guy as well 😅 Also same thing with the Orthodox chants, they are blessed prayers. One that I find quite beautiful is Agni Parthene, you are likely familiar with it. God guide and bless you brother, it is quite a blessing to see another young man walking with Christ with an open heart, have a blessed season of Advent, and may God protect you and keep you❤️🙏
Hello there, peace and blessings back to you. Thank you for the heartwarming comments and it’s very comforting to know that I am not alone in my experience. Thank you for the kind words and I’m glad you were able to derive some meaning and value from this. God bless you, and may God keep you.
I reccomend a channel called Patristix, nice dude. A lot of stories of saints, traditions and The Early Church Fathers. Other things to check out is The Great Schema, Mount Athos and how Constantine I accepted Christ ending the prosecution.
I agree. Even me, a born and raised Orthodox Christian, who studied in theology institute, find this channel interesting. Also, Adam, there is a good channel called Bible Illustrated. Basically it's conception is the same with Patristix, but there you can find more topics to discover and discuss. God bless!
God bless you brother!! The main 2 moments are The Great Schism and The Protestant Reformation (post-Schism but important to research considering the state of western Christianity and your background), I would suggest the Orthodox youtuber 'Kyle' on his Vids on Protestantism and Roman Catholicism..!! He is a young guy like you and me but covers these topics in-depth yet in an entertaining and concise manner!! 🙂. Put quite simply in the first thousand years The Church made decisions through Councils, called 'Ecumenical Councils', where hundreds of bishop (bishop is the highest rank in The Church), gathered and certain criteria had to be met such as 2/3rds majority to make a decision.. So this is what we would call the 'collegiate system' or Collegiality.. meaning All Bishops were equal.. There were 'Patriarchs' which is simply an administrative title for a bishop who represents his city, such as Constantinople, Rome, Moscow, Alexandria, Jerusalem, etc.. But no Patriarch is supreme to another.. But in 1054 that changed.. when East and West split.. and later we would see the development of the new idea in the West of 'papal supremacy' and 'papal infallibility', which means The Patriarch of Rome (The Pope) was not wrong in matters of Theology and supreme to all the other bishops.. So I would argue many of these developments post-schism (many of which protestants rightfully criticized), such as the doctrines of the filioque, Limbo, Purgatory, immaculate conception, forced priestly celibacy (for reasons of tax and inheritance law so that The Church would not accrue too-much power.. not based in the traditions of the Church), indulgences, etc... Where the Protestants went wrong was divorcing The Bible (which was Complied in the year 400..) from the tradition of The Church and going off-of their own interpretation, instead of listening to The Church, which has the only correct interpretation, because we wrote it Lol. Also, The Protestants don't have an unbroken lineage of Priests (Apostolic Succession).. where you can trace the Priesthood back to the Apostles.. also not only did they come up with new heretical doctrines of their own... but they also kept many of the Heretical Roman Catholic Doctrines..!!
I am 15 and for me it was really a quick change. I was brought up in an Orthodox country,but my family are not Orthodox,so until recently i was an atheist. But i realised i was only that because i wanted to sin without consequence,and i really started looking into orthodoxy. But what started it was one night i just suddenly felt that i needed to pray,even though i was an atheist for a long time,i felt so faithful then.
Hey there, I feel I’ve had a similar experience to you my friend when I was younger. I hadn’t come to this conclusion that I am currently at so I was so clueless when it comes to God and rejecting sin but just like you it was almost all of a sudden, I had a feeling of conviction of my sin and I started to delve into the truth. God bless you, and all the best on your spiritual journey.
Glory to God. Fr. Spyridon’s homilies, are perfect for enquirers and beyond. Also look at Fr. Josiah Trenham, who is another great resource on all things Orthodox. Aside from those, visit a local Church to experience Vespers or Divine Liturgy and reach out to the priest. Also, get serious about prayer and if you are able, incorporate fasting a couple of times a week. A sincere, penitent heart, devoted to prayer, in patient humility, while fasted, will invite the grace of the Holy Spirit. This will soften your heart and open the eyes of your understanding so that you may see the Way, the Truth and find His Life. Ask, seek and knock. Godspeed!
Amen that’s awesome! That’s what’s so beautiful about orthodoxy that it tells us about all these things and how to get closer to God. None of it is watered down. God bless and thank you for the comment 👍🙏
Awesome. I am finding so many people coming to this realization. I just started going back to church in 2021. All I knew before was Protestantism. I went to a charismatic church for 2 years then I just started to find out about Orthodoxy. Been going to an Eastern Orthodox Church now for 1.5 months and trying to learn as much as I can. The journey has been fascinating..👍🏽🙏🏽❤️🩹
I meant no offense. In the Orthodox Church, we believe that salvation comes from Christ through his Church. This isn't to say that those outside the Church can't be saved through the action of God, but the "tried and true" method for salvation is being within the Church. God bless, and thanks again for the video. @@AdamJDonegan
Hey there, and no offence was taken, just had a desire to re-clarify my position, honestly the way you described that does make sense. I think if we are to hear the truth of God it would be in a Church and so in regarding salvation, The church is vital for providing the truth so people can come to the knowledge of God. God bless you and thank you for your comments, and I appreciate your support.
Hey Adam, we are in sort of opposite positions. I was born an orthodox christian and have come back after being a protestant (i havent fully become orthodox yet), and I struggle with severe OCD. I could help you learn about the faith if you want to have a conversation, as I would also like your help in dealing with my anxiety. God bless ☦️
Hey there, I’m happy that you found my video to be of a resource and thank you for sharing your experience in life regarding orthodoxy. If you want to have more help with your anxiety, check my anxiety and mental health playlist. God bless you brother you will get through this
I was raised in South Africa as a dutch reformed calvinist. Very strict. In my teen years my family moved back to our roots in the Netherlands. When I was 20 I found Orthodoxy through the internet. Going through the rabbithole of church history and it illuminated my mind to a new level. Now I am a Orthodox Catechumen at 22 and hopefully soon to be recieved in the Orthodox Church.
I am on the same page as you. I was non denominational leanings towards pentecostal charismatic and went on a huge denomination church research journey. I read a book called Councils of the Holy Mountain. I wrote the publishers because the teachings sounded like New Testament Epistles by an Orthodox Monk Father. I got in touch with Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Church in Arizona. Ever since reading more of Thier books I began studying more of Thier history and it is the Church from the beginning and they hold true to the apostolic teachings of Christ. I'm on the road of full conversion to the Orthodox Church. I believe the Holy Spirit is calling me to them.
That’s amazing brother and it’s great that you’ve come to this conclusion. Yes there’s a reason that when I specifically watch father Spyridons videos and I know well at least I think most of orthodox folk will continually mention the lives of Saints and monks is because we can draw strength and wisdom from their lives, and as father Spyridon calls them, spiritual guides, I think that’s great that you’ve gotten in touch with a local orthodox Church all the best for your spiritual journey. God bless and thank you for your comment.
@@AdamJDonegan hey brother. Yes I believe that the deeper one searches for truth in our faith and is looking for authenticity and a sustained originality of our christian faith that it's inevitably going to bring u back to orthodoxy
You can have Christian pop or rock music but it is not sacred music. It is always secular and profane music with just Christian lyrics. Otherwise with Gregorian chant and Orthodox chant, here you are in presence of sacred music in lyrics but also how music is structured; you can feel it. A huge difference.
Oh yes definitely, there’s a difference feeling when it comes to the style of music that orthodox chants offer, it almost sounds like heaven. And the complete surrender to God instead of using modern music mixed with God and things related to that. I’m not condemning anyone who listens to modern Christian music, a lot of it is quite beautiful but you get a different feeling with orthodox chants. Thank you for the comment 🙏👍
@@AdamJDonegan The difference of sacred art and religious art is very important. When you´ll begin to study the theology of the icon or even traditional architecture you will see that there is a canon, there are principles and canons that must be followed in order to have something holy and sacred. In Western Christianity we used to have sacred art but unfortunately after Renaissance we gradually lose this sacredness. You can see how modern churches look like comparatively with the traditional ones. Orthodoxy preserved this sacredness in art thank God.
@@fernandom.olimencarnacao2252that’s very interesting and thought provoking. Yes I’ve always wondered about the icons. There’s a reason why Protestantism got rid of icons because they believe that having icons breaks one of the 10 Commandments, you shall not make a graven image, but it is not as if the orthodox folk are worshipping the actual material, but they are worshipping Christ by seeing him literally in an image I heard this idea of Voddie Baucham, he is a Calvinistic protestant
@@AdamJDonegan That´s right. One of the biggest crises in the Church was iconoclasm, one of the biggest heresies and had to do with the eradication of images; The iconoclasts wanted to eradicate the images of churches and worship based on the Old Testament, without taking into account the Incarnation of Christ who became man and flesh and visible. Saint John Damascene completely refuted iconoclasm and the images are strictly part of both Eastern and Western Christian Tradition. The issue of iconography is vast and rich and I cannot address it in depth here. However, it is regrettable that Protestantism will fall back into iconoclasm. The Catholic Church, by integrating naturalistic elements into its iconographic art, caused images to lose their sacred aura and simply become objects with a religious theme, as we can find in religious paintings from the Renaissance and in much Catholic art. In this aspect, Orthodoxy preserved Christian art in its entirety much better. Icons are windows to eternity. We do not worship images in themselves but rather what they convey and represent.
You do good in leaving protestantism a German and western invetion and Join the Real Eastern Christinity cause our Lord JesusChrist was Asian and we need to preserve the Faith 🇬🇷☦️
not just "eastern Europe", it was the 4 of the 5 "ancient Churches" or the 5 "ancient Patriarchate's" might be a better way of putting it initially there was Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem, Rome left the Church in 1054 yes and obviously since then the Church has expanded into Russia and Serbia and other parts of the world, even in the west there is the OCA, Orthodox Church in America, as a Catechumen in the ROCOR i defiantly recommend you attend a Divine Liturgy at an Orthodox Church if there is one near to you and you could ask the Priest any questions you might have. finally attending my Parish for the first time was very daunting, but it was great and by the 3rd time attending it felt more like home than home as for Orthodox content on TH-cam (which obviously is a lot less important and should take a back seat to actually attending Divine Liturgy), there is also the Mull Monetary and Patristic Nectar Film's/Publications, those are 2 channels i find quite edifying, one run by a Abbot of a Monetary in Scotland and the other run by an American Priest, Fr Josiah Trenham, and there are 2 channels dedicated to the teachings of Elders and Saints, those being, Orthodox Teachings of the Elders and Orthodox Wisdom
@@AdamJDoneganWe can talk a lot. Saw in your channel that you were going through the same struggles as mine. Any social platform that you use where we can chat?
Brother, u r very articulate and it is easy to see you want truth 100%. I have been saved for 43 years and have read the whole bible through circa 67 times using various versions, and lots in Hebrew and Greek, and was very much getting interested in Orthodoxy about 15 yrs ago, but couldn't find that help i needed to fully understand. Recently, the Lord led me to bishop Mar Mari Emanuel (greek Orthodox)(see TH-cam vids), and finally have my help. I know what you mean about the chants and the otherworldly beauty you are finding. I am having a great time trying to listen to every thing Mar Mari teaches, and I'll check out the man you mentioned. Your sincerity is beautiful. Thank you for reaching out to share!! The Lord Jesus guide you into ALL truth.
Amen there, brother, and fuck you so much for the encouragement and heartwarming comment I have viewed about Mari Emmanuel before I saw him on the PBD podcast recently and I think he has some great insight. God bless bless you on your journey and take care
@@AdamJDonegan Recently I have found many channels teaching about the Orthodox faith, however Mar Mari Emmanuel is not one of them. He is from the coptic / assyrian "oriental" orthodox churches, which is actually a split from the true church in the 400s A.D at the council of Chalcedon, meaning his church doesn't accept the 2 natures of Christ (nestorianism aka. schismatic). A great breakdown on his schismatic teachings can be viewed on Father Mikhail's youtube channel "Living Orthodox", and he breaks down why what Mar Mari teaches is heresy. Other orthodox channels include "KyleOrthodox" and I would highly recommend Jay Dyer.
Hi friend! You mentioned you were interested in learning more. I would recommend a podcast (also available as a book) called Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, which talks about the differences between Orthodoxy and different faiths. There's also Rock and Sand, an excellent book by Fr. Josiah Trenham that focuses specifically on Orthodoxy and Protestantism. God bless! Have a good day!
Brother, it truly warms my heart that you found the truth. I am Romanian, we may be considered one of the OG Orthodox nations, but people here seem to lose their faith. We have a lot of Protestants, just yesterday 7 people from my village of a population of 300 converted to the Pentecostal denomination, 4 of which are my neighbors, and also my kin. It saddens me that they lost their faith in orthodoxy, and it is getting more common here in Romania. Surveys and other stuff in the internet says we are 95% Orthodox, but it does not feel like this anymore. As a 22 year old, young people tend to be atheist (the majority in the urban areas), the other turn to the Pentecostal or Baptist denomination, only a few of my friends and acquaintances from the village are Orthodox. So, you may imagine the warmth it brings me that someone from a foreign, non-majority Orthodox nation converts. Of course, we are still a majority Orthodox nation, and you see it in the Monasteries during Holidays, but in my village, Sundays, it gets emptier each passing year. I pray for my compatriots, and for all the people of the world all the same that we find God through Orthodoxy, and brother, believe that you are truly blessed. Please, continue your journey, follow Christ our Lord through the numerous Priests here, and honestly, if you would like to have a conversation about the history of the Orthodox Church, I would be more than happy to have it with you. I would love to have a conversation with an Orthodox American. Thank you for reading my long comment, sorry for making it hard to read, and God bless you!
best is to go to the nearest eastern orthodox parish and to speak with the priest. when you come with your intentions he can advice and help you further. for me i came from atheism and am an orthodox catechumen now. i learn from my priest with others about the faith and history and so much you will not simply find or learn anywhere else than the one true apostolic and unchanged catholic church. the eastern orthodox church also known as the orthodox catholic church. truly my journey so far has been amazing and i also advice to take a look at trisagion films. there you will find much more on the faith and lives of the saints which i truly recommend to have a look at. it's from the early christians and some more modern ones. God bless you and your family and i'll pray for you☦
I was writing a comment about to say you sound like you're near where Fr Spyridon may be.... You should go to his parish! It would be so incredible to meet him, cheers
Oh yes it would be incredible. I believe the orthodox Church he is a priest in is in the Midlands, England in a town called Telford, which really isn’t that far from me!
Brothers, the Lord is merciful, there are so many of you who have chosen the path of salvation, I am so glad for us, God save and preserve you,I love you from Russia☦️♥️🇷🇺
Wow that’s incredible! As a Protestant point of view orthodoxy does remind a lot of Islam, like the prostration prayers, the chants the buildings etc…. I find it fascinating. I’m glad you found the truth! God bless!! ☦️✝️👍
Hi, Adam--Christ is born, glorify Him! I came across your video and really appreciated your honesty and openness on this subject. I became Orthodox coming up on 30 years ago, when I was in my early 30s, and while it quickly became the center of my life, I can tell you two things: one, it has definitely been a "process" and no easy journey; and two, even after nearly 30 years of being steeped in the Faith, I am still learning. But this says a lot about the incredible depth and riches contained within the Orthodox Faith and Tradition, in other words, in the Orthodox Church. I really encourage you to keep investigating and inquiring into the Faith. As St. Philip said to St. Nathanael, when they had found Jesus, "Come and see." You said in your video that you really wanted to learn, and there is so much one could say that it would be impossible to cover a drop in the ocean in a short comment like this. But one point I'll make is this: in every other form of Christianity, God is basically viewed as an object. Furthermore, God and human beings always remain separate, and man's salvation is simply a decision of God's to move the person from one list to another list--from one place to another, so to speak--but there is no fundamental change in the person himself. The Orthodox understanding is totally different. The whole purpose of our life is our union with God, and that is what our salvation is. It is a transformative process by which we gradually open our hearts to the indwelling of the Triune God and become thoroughly infused by His presence inside our very being. Just as the immeasurable, incomprehensible, eternal God became a newborn baby in a manger in a cave in a point in time, He, the awesome and omnipotent God condescends to unite with us, His own creatures, and to dwell inside of us and to transfigure us so that we become like Him and reflect not only His image, but His likeness (for which He created us). As many of the early Church Fathers said, God became man so that men could become gods (small 'g'). That's a far cry from a legalistic, accounting approach to salvation, which just moves us from column A to column B on the ledger. God bless you and speed you on your spiritual path to come ever closer to Him, through His Son and our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Father spyridon is absolutely amazing man not only all the things u describe about his character but the gentness in his voice full of love and his eyes tells all but truth
I am 29 and starting my journey with Christ. I too am very attracted to orthodox belief. However where I live there is no orthodox church near me so idk what to do. I really want to start going to church and finding like minded people and make some friends. There is a beautiful catholic church in my town, but I really am drawn to the orthodox view. So I don't know what to do. Also I have found myself listening to more and more orthodox chants as well. And I really like metal music, not the satanic kind of course though lol. If you are into somewhat heavier music check out the band OM. They are just bass and drums. Their music has some Christian/biblical influence in it. They have an album called God is Good and an album called Advaitic Songs with John the Baptist on the album cover. The two members of OM are also part of the band Sleep, whose original guitarist actually left the band and became an orthodox monk. OM's album God is Good is my favorite. God bless you and take care 😊♥
Wow that’s awesome, with your experience and perspective I can relate to how you feel and just like you I listen to orthodox chants. Likewise there isn’t an Orthodox Church near me but if I really want to see what’s like I will have to make the trip down!
have u listened to Gregorian chant music? i find that I feel like I'm in Heaven listening to both Orthodox Byzantine music and Gregorian chants. Also Claudio Monteverdi from 1500s has some amazing music produced today, one woman who sang his song I felt like an angel was singing to me. ✝☦
Hey there! I usually listen to Psalms 135 chant. I believe it’s a military chant and I listen to a compilation of Byzantine chants on TH-cam. I’ll have to check out the chants that you mentioned there! God bless!!
Love you,keeps going we will support you hundred percent, christianity is going down in the west...they need more men like you, So WIth the help of holy spirit your words and channel will also grow every time...May God Bless you brother.. From India...
Amen bless you 🙏 praise God thank you I also go to pentecostal church ⛪️ but I agree with what you said thier is something special about orthodox christianity and chants wow you really need to be born again to understand ❤
I implore you to visit your closest Eastern Orthodox Church and talk to the residing priest, ask him any questions you might have. Also, Jay Dyer and Fr. Trenham are amazing channels to learn more about Church history and Orthodoxy. God bless you on this journey.
I also wanted to recommend these guys to you, although I have been in Orthodoxy since birth, I am pleased to see how more and more people in your country are coming to Orthodoxy. look, you will learn a lot of new things, the Lord is with you, greetings from Kazakhstan, subscribed to you!@@AdamJDonegan
@@AdamJDoneganYou can check out Jay Dyer as an example of where not to go. Fr. Trenham I cannot speak to. Seraphim Hamilton is the go to Orthodox person to look at, as well as Father John (Patrick) Ransey, imo. Jay Dyer is maybe the worst representative of actual Orthodoxy. He is a great representative of his particular strand of Orthodoxy.
This is great. I had a deep fascination with Orthodoxy a while back because it seemed on the surface to be a more pure form of Christianity, but with some mysticism to keep things feeling profound. I have since been convinced that there really is no such thing as "the one true church". There are better and worse churches, and a lot has to do with the individuals at each congregation. There are orthodox priests and teachers I listen to regularly here on YT (I also love Father Spyridon), but I know there are also Orthodox bishops who are involved in child-trafficking. There is honestly a lot of Orthodox nonsense that gets parroted without a factual basis though, one of those things is the idea that Orthodoxy has never changed. Roman Catholicism has probably changed more, and so they get a lot of hate, but Orthodoxy has been changing, evolving, and even flipping on previous decisions. I think it's harder to research because it's not popular to ask the question "how have the Eastern churches changed?", but if you are serious about doing your research, you will find that like all denominations, they have a complex and messy history just like everyone else. I don't know off the top of my head what books to start with, but I cannot recommend Gavin Ortlund's channel enough, It is called Truth Unites. He has a heart for God and for people, and he is really fair with information and beliefs, rather than being zealously dogmatic. I found his channel by accident, he teaches a lot of really deep dive church history and history of doctrine and faith. At the end of the day, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and whether you are a part of this or that human institution called a "church", he is the head of us all, and we should seek to be in spiritual union with all believers.
I also highly recommend watching a channel called ‘Patristic Nectar’, Father Josiah Trenham from that channel is awesome! As for me personally I’ve began going to my local Orthodox Church for a few months, and I’ve never had a love for God like this before, and now I crave the Holy Spirit more than anything else!! More than anything else, pray that God guides you to the Truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. I’ll pray for you too 🙏
Hey there Jeff, I appreciate that and I’m very happy that you’ve come to this conclusion yourself and I appreciate the prayers. God bless and thank you for your comment.
Hey Adam, i wanted to give my own detailed response and maybe this will be helpful for your own journey (i am on one aswell), my own introduction to Christianity since last year was evangelical protestantism, but since then i have realized that's totally not the truest expression of the faith. I found myself more and more agreeing with the positions of the apostolic churches (they are named that because all 4 of them were founded by the apostles of the Lord themselves), categorically they are: Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Assyrian Church of the East, and lastly Oriental Orthodox churches. All 4 of these have a lot in common but of course they split over minor theological issues aswell (but some bigger than the other, such as the nature of the roman papacy). I find myself leaning more towards Roman Catholicism (with Eastern Orthodoxy probably being No.2). Since i pretty much almost agree with them over the biggest issue they split over in 1054 (Filioque) but i haven't made a choice yet. So if you are inquiring into EO or RC study these 2 topics: Filioque and Papal supremacy over the other bishops. These are not total easy "slam dunk" issues you can get an answer on immediately though, and if anybody from either of those 2 churches say it is they are probably not being honest with you. So ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right conclusions since committing yourself to a specific church fully is a lifelong commitment. There was a nice debate between an Eastern Orthodox apologist and Roman Catholic apologist on the issue of Filioque, the 2 guys that were debating were David Erhan and Christian B. Wagner. And I think they did a nice job presenting their Church's positions on it, you can find the debate on youtube. God bless
Hey there, thank you very much for your comment. Yes I think that’s very true there’s two sides of every story, and of course the debate between Roman Catholicism and orthodoxy is a big one, so you are right when if we asked the holy spirit where God truly is God‘s true church, and the fully well full expression of Christianity and the gospel is then God will show us if we ask him, God bless you, and thank you for your comment
I've just recently become a catechumen. Im kinda old been a baptist for a long time. Its amazing how much the word of God has come alive to me recently. Go to a Divine Liturgy! Its truly a preview of heaven! God bless you and may he grant you strength, wisdom and courage on your journey!
God bless you Adam! Take courage and follow Christ every step of the way. There is so much information out there. I suggest reading Rock and Sand by Fr. Josiah Trenham.
I am only a fifteen year old guy in the United States, and after being an atheist my whole life, I’ve set my eyes on the Orthodox Church after having no previous affiliation with Christinity. And I can say that everything you are saying, I was saying 5 months ago when I started looking into the Church. I relate to you in everything that you’re feeling, and I advise you to attend an Orthodox Church. If you haven’t already, it will enlighten your heart perhaps more than it even is now. Glory to God for all! ☦️
Amen brother, and thank you for reaching out and greetings back to you from the UK, Wales. Yeah there’s something quite special about the Orthodox Church that Western Christianity cannot provide. I think that’s great that you’re looking into this so young and you started on the right track my friend. In the near future I am planning to visit a Greek orthodox church in a local city, God bless, and all the best on your spiritual journey.
Great to see honestly! I am not Eastern Orthodox but I do very much appreciate the Eastern Church. I am theologically Methodist; which is "the most Orthodox Protestant strand."
Hi Adam, I would suggest reading the Apostolic Fathers (first century) and St Symeon the New Theologian (11th century). That would give you the perspective of the unchanging evangelical and Apostolic nature of Orthodox Christianity, where there is no Dark Ages or apostasy.
If it's possible for you, try to get some books of metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh foundation. He was a great man and preacher of orthodoxy. His words changed my life.
Hey there thanks for that I’ll have to check them out. Regarding orthodox books. I’m getting a book called the ancient path by father Spyridon 👍for Christmas
@@AdamJDonegan for me it was more about getting my family on board and being patient for them. But I think a lot of people in the west are waking up to Orthodoxy. There are 28 catechumens right now which blows my mind
Fr.Spiridon videos was one of those things that helped me to find and choose orthodoxy when I was in the times of disappointment and uncertainty because of all the division and worldliness in the protestant world.
I feel very similarly about this with you. Fr Spyridon is truly a breath of fresh air in a world gone wild and has definitely helped me on my spiritual path. God bless! ☦️✝️
Regarding the Great Schism (1054 AD), that wasn't even the first schism in the sequence, though it surely is one of the greatest split in the history of the Church... So-called Monophysites *(Oriental Orthodox churches)* and Nestorians *(the church of the East)* unfortunately divorced already in 5th and 6th centuries. Also, it must be understood that the Great Schism was a long process, developing over time. The patriarch of Rome was trying to take authority over other bishops and patriarchs already in the 3rd century, the Filioque was introduced in the 7th century etc. etc. But the final nail to the coffin was the fourth crusade in *1202-1204 AD...* The Schism was deeply theological (even semantic), but it also involved much political issues.
If you are interested more to get in depth I'd recommend Orthodox Ethos youtube, but those things he speaks became clear only when I became church goes and began that life, until then I only understood the surface level of what he speaks
That’s fair enough, thank you. I am particularly enjoying Fr Spyridons videos at the moment but I will have to check that channel out. God bless you 🙏👍
@@AdamJDonegan Hello, Adam, and nice to meet you! (First time I encounter your channel.) I am very glad to hear your thoughts on the Orthodox Faith! May Christ help you and enlighten you along this blessed path. Temptations will come; don’t let them stop you. Yes, as our friend recommended above, you should definitely watch some of the videos of Orthodox Ethos (by Fr. Peter). And pray. Pray as much as you can, whenever you can. “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” “Enlighten my darkness!” as Saint Gregory Palamas used to say. I am subscribing. :) I shall keep an eye out, and will remember you in my poor prayers.
Congratulation Adam, you are on right path!!! keep gong with onesty and God will be with you forever! as an ortodox born, i'm from east europe (please sorry for my poor english) I have to encuarage you and say : Every Honely Liturghi we are praying for all humans in the world to find "the knowledge of the TRHU!!" we are never paying for God to come for us.. or for our church NO.. we are praying to find the Thru!!! I belive this detail may be very helpfull for you and everyboady's journey! I write for you like many others from here be aware: Our Faith are NOT based on humans like us even if they serve God. (Prists, monks, bishops.. etc ) if exist this missunderstending we CAN'T stand up on the war of thoughts!! we shoud see and have mersy, compation for people like us with wekneses and sins like anyboady and are good to pray one for eachother!! Yes when everyboady are geting closer to God have to prepare for fight, and our fight are to become less and less "ego" oriented (less proud i mean). On this fight we have in our side God, Mother of God, all angel powers from the sky and the Saints!!! they are just waing for us to ask for help!! the best pray are the pray from hard with redemtion and humiliation !! We allways have to be in the front of God like this when we are living on His planet!!(important to live here like sons not like strangers!!) And allways keep in mind. Jusus Hristos win all the battels, He win the death, He win over hell, over evel, He win everything we just need to Trust Him, to be with Him, and make what He says, and to be trustfully in Him and will take care of us! :) God Bless you Adam to become the NEW ADAM as Apostols says!! :) P.S. take it little by little, step by step!! we have open hard for you!! :) and i thanks to God for finding you, for yous reserch and serchings for Thru and serching for real mening of life!! :)
Hello there friend and greetings back to you from the United Kingdom. Thank you for that heartwarming comment. Thank you for your insight into this as you are orthodox born so naturally you will know things that I certainly won’t. God bless you and your family
Our King are not from here!! I'm glad I can help you! Orthodoxy is about serving the true King through my whole life, through my works, through my thoughts, through my inner state. Orthodoxy is a great treasure from which I must always learn, practice and from bad become better. In general Orthodoxy means to change from bad to good, to stop doing sins and to stop hurting our neighbor, to change our heart and our behaviors in better God requires. These changes can only be made with the help of God! And this power of changing people in better exists just where exist Honley Spirit, now come for history of Church offcourse!! ... and everything comes togeder after.. Saints... now in our country romania we have a lot of Saints wich get tortured and kill in comunist jails.. many miracle happen, and a lot of mercy made God with us thru this Saints. they are on our hard and blood, live thru us sometimes feel. we been very Blessed and God call everyboady for His Blessing!! Orthodoxy, offcourse are about eternal life, thinking ahed. but until then we should prepere for it. :) wish you all good Adam! God be with you! th-cam.com/video/JBBJHLAEfRk/w-d-xo.html
God are enlighting all of us Dear Adam! :) I haev been thinking and praying for you many times.. :) and come at my little mind some words: "Adam, Adam where you are?" the words FROM Heaven of IIsus Hristos! :) The path of Thru have NO WAY BACK :) unleast of lie ourselfs and to live a fake life... and shure to have sad end... for eternity!!! uh :( Please God help our steps and hards to fnd and realiy love You !! th-cam.com/video/z9yDql2D-0M/w-d-xo.html
God help us! right now I,m going to church for the Holy Liturghy and we celebrate also the day of the "Ancestors Saints" Adam are including also , all prophets and the Rights of the Old testament :) since the creation of the world so we celebrate Your Name today Adam :) God Bless you! :)
Good point on the seriousness. Many churches in the west have fallen into lukewarm teachings, or even fleshly teachings. But honestly, Christianity is based on God's word. So what you and we should do is open it and read it and pray that we might understand it. I don't want to take away anything from someones tendecies to this or that church. But the truth is not left or right, it is right in the middle. There are a few things to consider. It has been roughly 2000 years since Paul warned the Corinthians by saying (1. Corinthians 1,10-12): "10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be *no divisions among you,* but that you be *perfectly united* in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” There is no such thing as Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, etc, etc. There is one savior, which is Jesus There is one Book, that is the Bible There is one Church of those who follow Christ from all their heart If Paul would live today, don't you think he would say the exact same thing he said 2000 years ago? And Jesus aswell. So rather than asking yourself, what is the right Church, you may ask, what is the truth? Then you see that putting your name on a member list of a church is actually a dangerous thing to do, because you might deceive yourself. We should know each other by the love, that God showed us. If anyone says otherwise, he is lying. For in Galatians 1,8 it says: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!" Jesus said '"take your cross and follow *me* ".
@@AdamJDonegan Well, Paul said "they departed from us, because they weren't from us" So no, if you give your group a certain name or enter a group with a certain name you declare your division from other Christians, which is a no-go actually. Anyway Jesus sees the heart, but don't be deceived by the voices of the world. In the body of Christ devision does not happen.
Many young men are joining Orthodoxy. The church is the cosmic Ark. I salute you brother
Thank you brother. Through Fr Sypridon, he has introduced me to the nature of orthodoxy, I’m not orthodox yet nor do I know I will ever be orthodox, but it is beautiful
@AdamJDonegan I love Spyridon too. I will pray for you bro. Lord bless you
Thank you brother. God bless you
@@AdamJDonegansame here! Fr Peter Heers, and Channel: "Living Orthodox" Are Great As Well! Mad Respect And Bless You!!!💙
Schismatic, repent and come to The True Home : Catholicism.
I converted(baptized and Chrismated) into the Orthodox Church just last month and it was easily the best decision I’ve made in my life so far! I’ve even brought a friend into the faith and have made so many more here!
God bless, great to hear you speak so honestly and earnestly 👊
Thank you very much friend. That’s great to hear and even better to hear that you’ve brought a friend into the faith! God bless!!!
So you bow down to idols now and pray to dead people? How about the First and Second Commandments? I am sure you feel just so great and excited now being disobedient. We always do at first. Then the ugliness of the truth strikes.
I've been visiting a Greek Orthodox Church for a while now, from a presbyterian background. By God's grace I'll hopefully be Chrismated into the Church one day, God bless you brother.
@@67I36that’s amazing! God bless!
@@AdamJDonegan 😁👍❤️
I come from an Evangelical Protestant upbringing, having been raised in a Pentecostal church. I left all that behind some time ago and I have been exploring Orthodoxy for several years now. I apologize in advance for the length of this comment lol.
I became disillusioned with the faith as I was taught it, and began searching for truth. Out of all of the thousands of branches of Christianity, there had to be SOMEBODY who had it right, I thought. I started researching histories, theologies, learning what beliefs came from where and why all of the different branches believe what they do.
My search ended when I found Orthodoxy. Finally, I had discovered THE Church that Christ founded while on earth. A Church that has an unbroken line of Sacred Tradition, passed down through the generations, a Church practically unchanged throughout the centuries.
You can look at a church from the earliest centuries after Christ and a modern Orthodox church building, and they look nearly identical, inside and out. That alone said a lot to me. Their liturgy and worship practices also have not changed in 2,000 years. No other church, no other denomination, no other branch or sect can say the same.
There are Russian, Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, and countless other national churches, but their liturgies and worship are IDENTICAL. They may have certain practices or traditions of the culture in those countries, but they are all Orthodox. Protestant denominations have different worship practices between churches in the same TOWN, let alone country.
I saw another post mentioning abuses in the Russian Church, and I will say abuses and wrongdoings will exist as long as man exists, for we are fallen and sinful by nature. That includes priests, monks, bishops, etc. Pray for these men, but do not lose sight of God in your disdain for their sin.
You are correct, there is something special about Orthodoxy. Take the time to learn the Church’s history and beliefs. Also, check out the TH-cam channel Patristic Nectar Publications (PNP). It has been such a help to me and my journey in faith.
Good luck, God bless you all.
Hello there, thank you very much for your comment and great job on searching and looking for the truth and what works for you! Yes I agree with the premise of your comment when you say that being raised in Protestantism, you can become disillusioned with the truth, and with your point about orthodox churches and the fact that it hasn’t changed since the time it started does give it credit in that sense. There’s a lot to unpack with orthodoxy but we are all still learning and growing in the faith, God bless you and thank you for the comment 🙏👍
Orthodox pray images, images of human, idols, they pray Elijah, so they pray human. They pray for Mariyah, so they pray a humans. Jesus (Yeshua) was God's word and became flesh through Maryah (Miriyam), He was part of God and part human. Orthodox don't want to pray the real thing they use substitutes, such as "Pray God in my name." Practically it means to pray like this: "Dear Father, please help me in your son Yeshua's name."
So in your search for truth you looked at history, tradition, church buildings instead of going to the Bible and prayer?
Also how can you set aside the fact that there are leaders in the orthodox church who have abused/assaulted the women? That should not be allowed, those men are fake shepherds. Paul the apostle when he was telling the believers to appoint leaders for themselves had very strict requirements Titus 1:6 "An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient."
And also what good is it having traditions that are useless?
"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, *but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence* .
Why does Catholicism and Orthodoxy have so many sex scandals? What's up with that? And WHY do people put up with it and make excuses for it? Why do they look up to and respect men that are r*ping/assaulting women and children behind closed doors?
why does Catholicism and Orthodoxy attract such men to it's positions of power and authority? That's not right.
Anyways, I recommend you check out Clevelandstreetpreachers TH-cam channel.
God bless you❤️🙌✝️
@@Ria.ray77257 They also should be married, cause those who have not been married can not understand the concept of taking care of a family. If they can not do that in their homes how they can be loving elders in congregation?
@@Ria.ray77257 hey there, yes I’ve watched Cleveland Street preachers I think they’re fantastic. I watched the video of this one gentleman debating Muslim students and every single question he had they had for him. He had the answers for them.
regarding your comment about my search for truth has been about traditions, history, and church buildings, I can say that I understand where you’re coming from in this video I didn’t quote scripture. I just simply talked about my thoughts about the orthodox faith and why I think it has something that protestantism can’t offer. God bless you and thank you for the comment
Former baptist pastor here who has run the gamut of denominations. Converted 3 years ago and best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my family. Every other church told me I was sinless and had all of God I could get. Very defeating when there is no more room to grow and all of Jesus’ words are seemingly optional.
In Orthodoxy it is such a deep well and a lifelong journey. Following Christ is not easy, but it is good and what we were made for. Orthodoxy gives us the guidance and medicine to walk the narrow path and for that I am grateful.
Jesus invites us not only into relationship with himself but an entire family in heaven. That was a game changer for me.
Hey there, oh yes, I totally understand what you’re saying I think much of Pentecostal Christianity the true meaning has been watered down, we find ourselves being spiritually weak in that sense. When orthodoxy gives us the blueprint to become closer to God, understand the true nature of this life and the gospel, thank you for your comment. Hope to see you again. God bless
the best decision uve made in ur life was to accept Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOUR over your life. unless u havent...
@@ItWontLetMePutMyName259 This was a decision God worked through in my life for sure! I’m grateful for that decision I made in 5th grade. But I also fell into sin and was not taught I needed to ongoingly repent but instead that I was already saved.
Orthodox Christianity is not only saying that prayer once, but the awareness that all of us must say that prayer constantly since we so often turn away from God, becoming lord of our own lives again. Ongoing repentance is a big deal but is not practiced in many modern day churches.
Orthodoxy has a means of seeking God not just mentally: “I believe in Jesus”, but for the salvation of mind, body, soul, and spirit into Christ, as we are called to dedicate the entirety of our being to Him.
I'm Greek orthodox as a kid but the Church is the people not a man made denomination. It's non denominational just plain Christians worldwide who are growing. Orthodoxy is a old man made denomination in Eastern Europe who aren't even united with other oriental orthodox lol. Nah.
@@chrishey9879 To make decisions on the basis of "what's growing" is not wise. If Islam is growing, should we follow it? No. We should not judge something by its abuse but by its proper use. The proper use of Orthodoxy cannot always be found in the lives of Orthodox people. It is almost always found, however, in the monastic community. Non-denominational Christianity is by no means historic. It is what is popular and brings people to emotional highs, seeking to solve salvation with business plugs and short, one time sentences. Giving people a point of arrival and security to appeal psychologically. Yet as a result, it upholds things that were never believed by Christians prior to the 16th century.
I am not saying God doesn't work through these things in people's lives, he worked through mine to deliver me in various ways, but that "old man-made" denomination you speak of is not a denomination at all, it is pre-denominational and is the Church Christ founded (thus, "God-made") which maintains the way of worship Christ handed down through the apostles but that most have since rejected in light of their own desires: lights, camera, action type services that seek to appeal to fleshly and emotional desires. We must reject the flesh for the sake of the spirit, but non-denom protestantism does not help people to do so, they do not maintain fasting (e.g. Jesus said "WHEN" you fast, not IF): Matt 6:16.
I would encourage you to read or listen to the Didache, a document written in the first century, that details Christian practices shortly after the time of Christ. You'll see that there are things that are maintained and practiced that are whole sale rejected by non-denom Christians everywhere, thus they are not apostolic churches.
Eastern Orthodoxy Is The One Truth!☦️💙
That’s great that you think that! I’m still on my journey but I’ll get there ☦️👍
Remember, the church is not a courtroom, but a hospital for the soul! I feel the same as you do.
Oh amen to that brother!! The church is indeed of a hospital for our souls. God doesn’t want our performance, he wants our hearts. Obviously there is a place for serving and such but the most important thing is that God has our heart and not just our intellect
Thank you for the reminder. I am an Orthodox Christian struggling with my past sins. I know God has forgiven me but the pain that I caused remains.
@@andys3035I feel ya brother. God has buried our sins in the deepest oceans and God even chooses to forget our sins, but often we are the ones who go and dig our sins up. Most times it would happen to me would be because I’m lacking fulfilment in my life and sometimes feel I am going nowhere in life. And then I’m reminded about the wonderful promises of God and truly what God thinks about me and His creation. God bless you please never lose the hope. You will get through this. God bless
@AdamJDonegan thank you and yes, I look to God's boundless grace. Psalm 103
I am Orthodox and YOU inspire me. Even among Orthodox who were born in this faith often take our blessings for granted. But those as yourself provide new freshness and vigor to us, rekindling our ardor for the one true God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to God, now and always and blessings to you fellow brother and Christian struggler.
My brother, I see you’re getting a lot of replies in these comments, but if you happen to read mine, I will be praying for you. My journey to the faith is an ongoing one as well, as I am a catechumen in the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States. I’m glad you found Fr Spyridon’s channel, as he was instrumental in helping me learn more about Christ in general and His church. I came from Protestantism as well, having grown disillusioned with western Christendom and the clear decay of tradition. The Orthodox Church, as you mentioned, is unchanged since the time of the Apostles. And you’re right, it is truly special. The west once had that feeling as well, but that was a millennium ago. What little advice I can offer is to be patient, and do not afraid to talk to a priest about any questions you may have. I pray you join all of us in due time in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that is Eastern Orthodoxy. God bless! Kyrie Eleison! ☦️
Hey there, thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate the premise of what you said regarding being patient. Our belief systems take time to develop and I know jumping in head first into something new is never a good idea as I’m still gathering new information, but thank you so much for the heartwarming comment and thank you for the prayers. Also thank you for the support God bless and hopefully see you again ☦️🙏👍
Nice name tag mate! I'll pray for you as well. Joining the Orthodox church was the best decision I made in my life. I trust that you have found an Orthodox church in the USA that you plan to attend regularly? Before I joined everyone was very helpful to me by providing me with great books to read. I pray for your journey brother.
@@dblezi Hey brother! Yeah I’m currently in college and the church I go to is like 5 minutes down the road. It’s quite a large parish, but I have a very good relationship with the senior priest and the pastoral assistant. We’re actually trying to set up an Orthodox fellowship club currently, and God willing we are making progress with it. There’s also an OCA and two Greek parishes up near my home that all have good relationships with the parish at my college. My journey is going pretty well so far, and I hope to be welcomed into the church at some point this year, God willing. Thank you for your prayers bro! I appreciate it! I will pray for you too! God bless! ☦️
@@sigmamaleonhisgrindset thank you for the reply brother! I’m very pleased to hear about your progress. It is great that you have good relationships with a parish. Once you fully come into orthodoxy and continue on your journey the parish will truly become a family. Which was how it was for me. Also good that you have fellowship with other orthodox parishes. Keep doing this as it is good to have relationships with many in the orthodox community. So continue to develop those bonds with other communities since we are about 1% of the American population last time I checked! God bless your journey and your coming into orthodoxy this year!
As someone who is from the Balkans , who grew up in a majority christian orthodox country, but was never religious, up until a few years ago when I turned 21, I just want to say that it warms my heart to see people overseas showing interest for orthodoxy, especially young men like you, I feel like there is a big shift going on , on a spiritual level in the world right now.
I am interested if more young people like you in the States are interested about orthodoxy?
The US is the last place I would expect this to happen, funny how here in Europe, especially the Balkans and Eastern Europe, there is more and more pushing of the whole Woke Cancel culture, and the narrative how we are so old fashioned and need to catch up and learn how to be civilized from the West, but now we see this awakening among people in western countries, and I hope that it will countinue to grow, with Gods help!
Amen to that, and thank you for the heartwarming comment. Yes I agree I think there is a shift, especially on a spiritual level with people I think since people have been sort of exposed to the evil of this world they are now coming to their senses. I think orthodox Christianity Really showcases the need for repentance, but also the beauty of the traditions and practices and they are failing faith for Christ. God bless and thank you for your comment.
I'm 65, and late in life I had enough of evangelical Protestantism, and was received into the Orthodox Church. I belong to a little Antiochian parish. We've seen an exponential growth of young men and young families coming to our parish. I'm glad young men are coming to Orthodoxy ☦️
Wow that’s amazing! Hopefully this is a start of a new great awakening or a revival of Christianity in the modern day. Orthodoxy is beautiful, I’m not yet orthodox but it’s something I’m looking into. God bless and thank you for the comment 🙏☦️❤️
As one of said young men in a small Antiochian parish, I want to return the sentiment to my Elders such as yourself. Leaving one faith is suffering as the false christ digs into us with doubts and fear.
Many today will see the Orthodox faith from the outside as a path for gymbros and focus on the youth, but I cannot imagine the importance of having our stronger and wiser Elders there in our community.
Hey there! Traditions won't save you. Jesus will! Traditions are good only if they help point to Jesus. Traditions are bad if they just point to people, no matter how many good things they did. People are people and God is God. May God bless you! Read what the Bible says and trust God more than people 😊
I was a Lutheran for 30 years. It was a looonggh journey, but God eventually used all that I learned and helped me learn even more because I craved knowledge.
I'm now Orthodox. My wife, who grew up Roman Catholic, also joined Holy Orthodoxy.
Wow that’s awesome. God bless you and your wife
I'm Greek orthodox as a kid but the Church is the people not a man made denomination. It's non denominational just plain Christians worldwide who are growing. Orthodoxy is a old man made denomination in Eastern Europe who aren't even united with other oriental orthodox lol. Nah. But there is nice stuff in orthodoxy I love.
@chrishey9879 I guess I significantly disagree. But I understand what you're saying because that's how I was taught my whole life. 😆
Growing up Protestant, I'm so grateful that I was taught about Jesus, love, going to church, the Holy Bible, etc.
That said, when I read through the NT, especially the Epistles of St. Paul, I began to be confused as to why he speaks about setting overseers and elders over other Christians. Protestants just spring forth teaching whatever they feel the Scriptures say. But St Paul says how every teaching was to be agreed upon. It seemed so foreign to the 'invisible church of believers'. After so many years, I realized ... thats because it is. The earliest Christian bishops of the first 300 years wrote a fair bit about the Church hierarchy. I trust what St Paul and the ealiest Christian spoke, the ones who suffered martyrdom and persecution until Constantine, more than these new 'preachers' who read the Bible on their own. (Though I still respect their zeal for Christ.) The verses of Matthew 7:21-23 hit me hard one day. How can people believe in Jesus AND do wonders in His name be cast aside? That doesn't sound like Protestant teachings of 'just believe in Jesus' and you're saved.
So I realized that maybe they were wrong. It's more than that. Not saying all Roman Catholics and Protestants are not going to Heaven or that all Orthodox are. God speaks about judging the heart. I just have realized that the Holy Bible speaks about so much more. Believing in Jesus Christ, working in love for those around you, and being joined to the Church.
Don't believe that will change your mind, but I had to respond. The Bible, yes, says all that believe in Jesus will be saved. (Acts 16:31, Roman's 10:9-13, John 3:15 just to name a few) it also talks about Baptism, the Eucharist, Church leadership, good works, and unity. I realized that across the wide spectrum of Protestantism, each denomination takes one or all of these things away from the Bible's instructions.
God bless you and your journey to/with Christ! 😁
@MajorMustang1117 brother I used to argue the same stuff you did. Protestants have their wrong stuff too like calvinism and stuff. But here's the thing. DID early Christians really teach orthodox doctrine and papal doctrine? Now. Protestants do have elders and bishops. I don't think you need to be apart of a Church to be saved. You need JESUS who purifies us. He did the work. Hebrews 1:3 and then He Sat down meaning in Greek, He finished.
I don't need to do the sacrements to be saved each week to be purified.
@chrishey9879 well, glad we both understand our positions! Kinda makes it interesting! 😁
But yes, historically from reading the early Christians I would say Orthodox Doctrine was really taught. Some things, perhaps, not as fleshed out. (Like the Trinity or nature of Christ) But nothing against the Scriptures or new teachings that just came from nowhere. And no, I don't believe the Early Church ever taught Papal infallibility, purgatory, merits, or many many things the Catholics teach currently. They didn't teach most of those things until the medieval era after they propped up a single man as having Godlike authority on this Earth. And no, all Protestant reformers were not put in their positions by bishops over them. They just usurped their own authority. And so people who become pastors after them don't have any authority either. (While there is more to that, that's not the topic. I believe many of their hearts are in the right place.)
Your statement that you don't think you need to be part of a Church to be saved is kinda worrying, though. We are to exist in communion with each other. When St Paul talks about Holy Communion in his letter to the Corinthians, it is a given. The Eucharist is expected. And his language is that it is only used when Christians gather. His language, as well as the church fathers after him, is to be under a bishop or priest chosen by the Apostles or their successors.
I suppose my question is this;
While I agree, partially, that nobody "needs" to be a part of a church, be baptised, have sacraments, have elders, to be saved.... does that mean we shouldn't obey what the Holy Bible says about them? All these things are touched upon in the Bible. And they are described as a given. So why shouldn't I look for these things?
God is the Judge of souls. Granted. He saves by His grace. And I don't pretend to know who that will be.
But this same God who was incarnated to walk among and save sinners didn't command only belief, but Baptism as well. And repenting and being loving etc. The Apostles He chose, taught, and led, were given authority. Acts defines the 'completion' of becoming a Christian. Being both baptised AND having the laying on of hands by the Apostles. Not even other Christians could do it all. I'd go on and on, verse by verse, but TH-cam isn't the place for a book.
I’ll absolutely be praying for you man, coming from an evangelical background myself, I’ve been inquiring into orthodoxy for about a year now. Last Sunday I was made a catechumen, and Lord willing will be baptized at Easter. I found orthodoxy appealing for many of the same reasons you do, what really made me dig deeper though was that they were truly unchanging; and to this day producing saints.
Above all else I implore you to approach everything with a humble and contrite heart. No one can study God and his church without first lowering himself, confessing in humility that Christ is Lord and knows all; while we do not. He has the answers, we don’t. Therefore we have to lean into the resources he has given us: scripture, the witness of other Christian’s, and prayer.
James 4 reads,
“Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Humility was something I learned the importance of as an evangelical, but orthodoxy taught me how to actually begin to live it.
I will pray for you tonight at church, God bless ☦️❤️
Hey there brother, thank you very much for the prayers and kind words you’re right about approaching God with a humble heart humility is truly the pathway to communication with God and connection. God, hates a proud heart, but favours the humble. The humble will be exalted , and the exalted will be humbled, God bless you, and thank you for your comment and hopefully see you again. And yes it’s nice to hear that you have similar thoughts and experiences to me regarding orthodoxy
Amen brother! I was Anglican, now Orthodox catechumen
As a catechumen here in America, I can share that Orthodox very much is special. It’s the only church that can claim it was founded by Jesus Christ that didn’t change the nature of the faith itself and Apostatize into something else like the Coptic Orthodox or the Roman Catholic Church.
I attend a Greek church, but have brothers and sisters in the Serbian, ROCOR(Russian Orthodox Church Abroad) Antiochian, other Greek parishes, etc. the main point to remember is the Irrespective of what nationally and culture they stem from, they have the Same faith, the same Apostolic deposit. They all act as a hospital for sinners, while none of them are filled with cookie cutter “perfect people”, as in they all have their own problems unique to their respective context, these kind of things ought not to dissuade us from attending or visiting. I highly recommend you check out a monastery if you can get to one, and talk to some monastics. God bless from the USA brother ☦️
Yes thank you very much and blessings back to you from the UK! That’s very interesting and it’s wonderful to hear that the church don’t pretend their “cookie cutter” perfect people but the church is truly a hospital for sinners sick with sin. I find the Orthodox Church traditions and beliefs to be beautiful and they emphasise the need for repentance but they do believe in being saved by grace through faith and no of works. Of course works are evidence of salvation but it isn’t the ground for salvation. (Or at least that’s how I understand it) there are over things that I forgot to mention regarding saints. I don’t know much about saint intercession in prayers, I don’t personally associate with that but I’m still learning about it. God bless you and stay safe
@@harrydonovan9192 Well a big one is that a man (current man being Pope Francis) is the head of the church instead of Christ himself.
@@harrydonovan9192hey there. My only answer really has to do with papal infallibility which is seen no where in the bible and the 7 sacraments. What I’ve gathered, they believe we are saved by grace through faith + works
@@lukeplaysdrums7007yup
@@AdamJDoneganHave you read the lives and teachings of any saints? If not then i highly recommend you to.
I'm from an Irish Catholic family in Sheffield. Attended mass with my granma as a child. Always found it very odd to be honest. Went to a Protestant school - always found Protestantism to be totally dry and seemed to appeal to a Ned Flanders type person. I had assumed that Christianity just wasn't for me.
Then when on a trip to Slovenia I came across an Orthodox church - hearing the solemnity of the chants,smelling the incense and seeing the father's dress it immediately struck me as something ancient. A few months later I moved to Romania and was struck again by the beauty of the churches and artwork. From there I went to North Macedonia and saw the giant crucifixes all around the city. There nestled in the mountains of Skopje I had a profound understanding that this was the first time I had ever seen real Christianity. I went on to see the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and began to learn the history of the church and the richness of slavic culture. There is something about the Slavic guys too that impressed me. They're the type to have tattoos and a handgun in the glove compartment - but at the same time they are quite religious family men. It's what I aspire to as a man - strong but loving. The West want us to be weak and cynical - the opposite of the kind of honour we naturally strive for.
I now consider myself an Orthodox Christian although I'm still going through the process right now I live in a country with only one Orthodox church on the other side of the country.
If you are moved by what you see online I would highly recommend going to Bucharest, Skopje and Istanbul (former Constantinople) There you see what the living Orthodox culture is. It's an incredible faith and in my view it is the true Christianity and frankly is virtually nothing like the other forms. Only on paper do they even reseemble each other not in practice.
Hey there, thanks for sharing your thoughts and your experience. I think that’s very interesting and fascinating how you’ve been able to witness orthodox churches in many different countries and the fact that you said you only found true Christianity when you found Orthodoxy as protestantism has lost a lot of its meaning and for sure doesn’t appeal to me anymore. God bless you thank you for your comment and all the best on your spiritual journey.
4 Ardsley Road, Ashgate, Chesterfield S40 4DG
Hey there! Traditions won't save you. Jesus will! Traditions are good only if they help point to Jesus. Traditions are bad if they just point to people, no matter how many good things they did. Mary is Mary, God is God. May God bless you! Read what the Bible says and trust God more than people 😊
¡ Next Year in Constantinople !
Greetings from Greece my brother. As the bible says: Χριστοσ Ανεστη ☦️❤️🔥💒📖
Hello there my brother. Thank you and God bless you back from the UK! 🇬🇧☦️
I am very happy for you, brother, that this causes a response in your heart and every time you see Orthodox Christians on the Internet, then every time like a mountain off my shoulders, it inspires me very much! God bless you
Hey there. I’m blessed that it encourages you and as more people are looking into the truth they will come in their own conclusion about these things. God bless you and thank you for the comment 🙏👍
I was raised in a pentecostal church as well for all 40 years of my life. Stopped going a few years ago as I just couldn't see the point. Initially I started exploring orthodoxy because my heart yearned for reverence and authenticity. Spent about a year doing research online and finally started attending a local orthodox church. My wife and I became catechumen a couple months ago. It started out as a rejection of the modern style of church you're accustomed to, but it's grown into a deep love for church tradition and the challenge of true repentance. It's also nice to know that your church will have the same biblical stances it had for thousands of years and that is resistant to trying to make worship conform to the world. So I definitely encourage you to keep up your research, and when you're ready, take the plunge and start attending orthodox services. That was the single best decision I've made in my journey of faith.
Hey there that all sounds great my friend and thank you for sharing your experience. You searched and you eventually found what works for you and to delve deeper into your faith. Thank you for the comment and have a wonderful day 👍🙏
I promise, our story are almost alike but I’m not up to 40 and not married.
Exactly this
One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. God bless you, young man
God bless you! 🙏👍
You are on the right track, Orthodoxy is the way to go. If you have an Orthodox Church anywhere near you ,just go and talk to a priest. Don't worry about which one, they are all good
Fair enough 👍🙏 thank you
I'm a protestant thats since been disillusioned and it's only been like a little over a year that I even became aware of Orthodoxy, and less than that before I came to any understanding of it. I do feel drawn to it, for a bunch of reasons. It appears to be the most credible, and its theology is... actually coherent. It's a lot less legalistic and feels authentic. I don't feel like it's emotionally manipulating like when growing up amongst the charismatics and baptists.
I got a hold of Stephen De Young's book "The Religion of the Apostles", and it's changed my whole perspective, it was a mind-blowing read and a lot of things clicked. You should really get that book. I also watched Jonathan Pageau a lot on TH-cam. I don't think I can go back to Protestantism now.
Well that’s amazing for you and perhaps you’ve had a revelation the protestantism in the west is lacking something that orthodoxy has. There’s many things I can touch on, but I hope you enjoyed the video I made regarding it. God bless, and all the best on your spiritual journey
Eastern Orthodoxy is wonderful. I was resistant but the more research I did I couldn’t deny the facts. Even the church fathers solidify it. Glad you know bout the great schism.
Hey there! That’s awesome that you’ve come to this conclusion. God bless
@@AdamJDonegan God bless brother ☦️. I recommend Welcome to The Orthodox Church by Frederica Mathewes Green and Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware. TH-cam channels Orthodox Kyle and Protecting Veil are good too.
Thank you for the suggestions! I watch Orthodox Kyle on occasion!😄
@@AdamJDonegan Nice! You’re welcome
As now a regular attendee and student of Orthodoxy, I offer advice in the way of warning; do not dig too deeply into the philosophical without practical grounding. It will puff you up with pride in believing you are Orthodox because of your new "beliefs" without actually submitting to the guidance of the Church. Notice it is still a status based on belief alone rather than works through faith. That is still protestantism, Prot+ you might say.
Father Spyridon is a wellspring of wisdom but one must also engage with the small and minute aspects of faith. Have something you can engage with practically. For me I followed up my Baptist bible-in-a-year reading list with Orthodox biblical commentary. Whole Council of God podcast was my choice but there are other options.
The daily routine which enforces patient growth is the sure way to avoid burnout.
Bless you and your journey into the True knowledge OF God. 🙏 ☦️
Hey there thank you for your comment and thank you for tackling the issue of pride in our lives that can easily slip in and derail our spiritual growth.
Yes I think it’s important to practice and strengthen our faith through Bible studies and even listening to Christian podcasts. I’ve been listening to Vlad Savchuk. He’s not orthodox but he’s great to listen to.
God bless and thank you for your comment 🙏👍
Very true orthodoxy is a way of life not a set of ideas. We get all the theory we need for salvation from the services. The best way to discover Orthodoxy is in person in a parish with real people.
Nice video Adam. I agree Fr Spyridon is brilliant and to be honest I think the way he records videos in the outdoors makes them even better aha. Orthodoxy is something that’s been at the back of my mind for a while now too. You may have already listened to some already but Gregorian chants are lovely too - although these are more associated with more traditional Roman Catholicism. God bless you.
Hey there God bless you too. Yes there’s something quite special about Fr Spyridons videos, not only does he film in the woods! 😄 but he articulates himself brilliantly. He’s one of the only channels that really makes me concentrates on exactly what he’s saying. The way he speaks comes across well!
Ive done both, born Greek Orthodox, remained it for the entirety of my life but I have been to protestant churches, there is a humility about Orthodoxy that other churches don't have. A calmness, tradition, patience, like you said, grace through faith, good works, repentance, knowing that God allows struggles to keep us grounded and focused on him. None of this prosperity stuff, its all focused on Jesus. As it should be. Welcome!
You articulated that very well I must say and portrayed what the orthodox life is all about! God bless!!
I hope you have been to protestant Churches only to convert them to the Orthodox Faith ☦️
Χριστοσ Ανεστη
I’m a Catechumen. I am happy to see this.
As a Pentecostal you may like to read the section Father Seraphim Rose wrote on this, in his book “Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future.”
I’d also suggest reaching out and talking to some clergy, maybe they’d even do an interview for the sake of your viewers, I suggest:
-Father Peter Heers
-Father Josiah Trenham(he would very much be able to help you if you have questions from a Protestant POV)
-Father Turbo Qualls(just good all around)
Thank you for that, I will have to check those out. God bless you 🙏
I converted to Orthodoxy 28 years ago Best thing I ever did.
Wow that’s amazing ☦️👍
God bless you and your loved ones 🙏❤️ Glory to Christ and his Holy Orthodox Catholic Church ☦️
Thank you and God bless you!
I feel exactly the same way tou feel. I watch Fr Spyridon too and am drawn to Orthodoxy but in our town in North Norfolk there is sadly no Orthodox church nearby. Much respect for you 🙏🏼
Thank you very much. Yes Fr Spyridon is fantastic. I’m in a similar situation, the nearest orthodox churches are not local to me but I’ll have to make the effort to drive to one in a local city ☦️🙏
Welcome Home Brother. ☦️💙
Take your time to learn the faith, and most importantly attend services.
Orthodoxy is living Christianity.
You have to attend vigil the night before, or else you’re really not ready spiritually to commune from the true Body and Blood.
You gotta pray, you gotta fast. You gotta reorient your life towards God and his Church. Repentance is a lifetime.
I recommend reading book on the life of St Porphyrios called Wounded By Love. He’s a very recent saint who’s feast day we celebrated Monday.
Hey there thanks so much brother. Yeah I agree with the premise of your comment and thank you for it. I am interested in getting a book from Fr seraphim rose
Abbott Tryphon... fr. Josiah Trenham as well.... Orthodoxy is a lot to take in for the western protestant... Doamne Ajuta ☦️🙏🏽🕊️ you are on a wonderful path of discovering the ancient and apostolic church founded on the day of Pentecost
Oh yes that’s for sure, it’s all a learning curve. Thank you and God bless you
Hey Adam, I am Faith from India, and born into a Pentecostal family. I was introduced to Orthodoxy at the age of 16 and it gave me a different worldview altogether. Now when I see you, I see myself😅. And for your knowledge before the great schism, there was another schism which made way for Oriental Orthodox Churches. I wish more power to your journey and hope we can have a conversation in the future. Shlomo☦️
Hey there Faith! I think that’s awesome and thanks for the kind words! I wish the best for your spiritual journey too. God bless! 😃☦️
I'm Glad your video is ganing a lot of views most people deserves to meet the Orthodoxy ☦️ I,m Greek Orthodox these are videos of Psalm 135 in Greek 🇬🇷🇨🇾
Hey there God bless you and thank you for watching! Blessings back to you from Wales, UK. Happy new year!
God bless you sir. I feel you put your experience quite well, I feel quite the same. I also feel that I did not understand the Gospel instantly but until in my late teens even though my background is Christian. I feel quite similar to you.
I also really agree with what you brought up in this video on the authenticity of Orthodoxy. I've also seen some of father Spyridon's videos. I recommend Monastery on the Mull, I think his name is father Seraphin, he's also quite a blessing.
On a side note, your mention of John Calvin made me laugh as I think of him (and Calvinism as a whole) as the predestination guy as well 😅
Also same thing with the Orthodox chants, they are blessed prayers. One that I find quite beautiful is Agni Parthene, you are likely familiar with it.
God guide and bless you brother, it is quite a blessing to see another young man walking with Christ with an open heart, have a blessed season of Advent, and may God protect you and keep you❤️🙏
Hello there, peace and blessings back to you. Thank you for the heartwarming comments and it’s very comforting to know that I am not alone in my experience. Thank you for the kind words and I’m glad you were able to derive some meaning and value from this. God bless you, and may God keep you.
God bless you. I pray that you find your way home to Orthodoxy. It has changed my life, and changed the world for me.
That’s great to hear Bradley. Thank you and God bless
I am an exmusilm. I chose to be orthodox Christian ☦. True religion. God bless you brother 🙏
That’s great. God bless you 👍🙏☦️
I reccomend a channel called Patristix, nice dude. A lot of stories of saints, traditions and The Early Church Fathers. Other things to check out is The Great Schema, Mount Athos and how Constantine I accepted Christ ending the prosecution.
Oh wow that all sounds great. Will have to check it out! Thank you
I agree. Even me, a born and raised Orthodox Christian, who studied in theology institute, find this channel interesting. Also, Adam, there is a good channel called Bible Illustrated. Basically it's conception is the same with Patristix, but there you can find more topics to discover and discuss. God bless!
Okay! I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for the suggestion and comment. God bless 🙏❤️👍
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen!
Amen! ☦️😃
God bless you brother!! The main 2 moments are The Great Schism and The Protestant Reformation (post-Schism but important to research considering the state of western Christianity and your background), I would suggest the Orthodox youtuber 'Kyle' on his Vids on Protestantism and Roman Catholicism..!! He is a young guy like you and me but covers these topics in-depth yet in an entertaining and concise manner!! 🙂. Put quite simply in the first thousand years The Church made decisions through Councils, called 'Ecumenical Councils', where hundreds of bishop (bishop is the highest rank in The Church), gathered and certain criteria had to be met such as 2/3rds majority to make a decision.. So this is what we would call the 'collegiate system' or Collegiality.. meaning All Bishops were equal.. There were 'Patriarchs' which is simply an administrative title for a bishop who represents his city, such as Constantinople, Rome, Moscow, Alexandria, Jerusalem, etc.. But no Patriarch is supreme to another.. But in 1054 that changed.. when East and West split.. and later we would see the development of the new idea in the West of 'papal supremacy' and 'papal infallibility', which means The Patriarch of Rome (The Pope) was not wrong in matters of Theology and supreme to all the other bishops.. So I would argue many of these developments post-schism (many of which protestants rightfully criticized), such as the doctrines of the filioque, Limbo, Purgatory, immaculate conception, forced priestly celibacy (for reasons of tax and inheritance law so that The Church would not accrue too-much power.. not based in the traditions of the Church), indulgences, etc... Where the Protestants went wrong was divorcing The Bible (which was Complied in the year 400..) from the tradition of The Church and going off-of their own interpretation, instead of listening to The Church, which has the only correct interpretation, because we wrote it Lol. Also, The Protestants don't have an unbroken lineage of Priests (Apostolic Succession).. where you can trace the Priesthood back to the Apostles.. also not only did they come up with new heretical doctrines of their own... but they also kept many of the Heretical Roman Catholic Doctrines..!!
Thank you for this precise comment and the short sum up of church history.
@@carpentersson77 No worries, All Glory to God!! 🙂Hope people found it helpful!!
I am 15 and for me it was really a quick change. I was brought up in an Orthodox country,but my family are not Orthodox,so until recently i was an atheist. But i realised i was only that because i wanted to sin without consequence,and i really started looking into orthodoxy. But what started it was one night i just suddenly felt that i needed to pray,even though i was an atheist for a long time,i felt so faithful then.
Hey there, I feel I’ve had a similar experience to you my friend when I was younger. I hadn’t come to this conclusion that I am currently at so I was so clueless when it comes to God and rejecting sin but just like you it was almost all of a sudden, I had a feeling of conviction of my sin and I started to delve into the truth. God bless you, and all the best on your spiritual journey.
@@AdamJDoneganGod bless you as well brother. Orthodoxy is true ☦️☦️☦️
👍 Merry Christmas to you
Glory to God. Fr. Spyridon’s homilies, are perfect for enquirers and beyond. Also look at Fr. Josiah Trenham, who is another great resource on all things Orthodox. Aside from those, visit a local Church to experience Vespers or Divine Liturgy and reach out to the priest. Also, get serious about prayer and if you are able, incorporate fasting a couple of times a week. A sincere, penitent heart, devoted to prayer, in patient humility, while fasted, will invite the grace of the Holy Spirit. This will soften your heart and open the eyes of your understanding so that you may see the Way, the Truth and find His Life. Ask, seek and knock. Godspeed!
Amen that’s awesome! That’s what’s so beautiful about orthodoxy that it tells us about all these things and how to get closer to God. None of it is watered down. God bless and thank you for the comment 👍🙏
Awesome. I am finding so many people coming to this realization. I just started going back to church in 2021. All I knew before was Protestantism. I went to a charismatic church for 2 years then I just started to find out about Orthodoxy. Been going to an Eastern Orthodox Church now for 1.5 months and trying to learn as much as I can. The journey has been fascinating..👍🏽🙏🏽❤️🩹
That’s awesome Joe. God bless you on your journey ☦️🙏
I love you brother you're words are well chosen
Love you too brother thank you 😄👍🙏
Hello brother's and sisters in Christ I'm from Nepal... Wonderful channel keep up the good work dear brother in Christ 🙏
Thank you Glen I appreciate that. God bless you
Glory to God, become Orthodox and save your soul.
Thank you. My soul is already saved, through the blood of Christ, not the church itself
I meant no offense. In the Orthodox Church, we believe that salvation comes from Christ through his Church. This isn't to say that those outside the Church can't be saved through the action of God, but the "tried and true" method for salvation is being within the Church. God bless, and thanks again for the video. @@AdamJDonegan
Hey there, and no offence was taken, just had a desire to re-clarify my position, honestly the way you described that does make sense. I think if we are to hear the truth of God it would be in a Church and so in regarding salvation, The church is vital for providing the truth so people can come to the knowledge of God. God bless you and thank you for your comments, and I appreciate your support.
❤✌@@AdamJDonegan
Hey Adam, we are in sort of opposite positions. I was born an orthodox christian and have come back after being a protestant (i havent fully become orthodox yet), and I struggle with severe OCD. I could help you learn about the faith if you want to have a conversation, as I would also like your help in dealing with my anxiety. God bless ☦️
Hey there, I’m happy that you found my video to be of a resource and thank you for sharing your experience in life regarding orthodoxy. If you want to have more help with your anxiety, check my anxiety and mental health playlist. God bless you brother you will get through this
Praise Jesus Christ King of Kings. Have a Happy Christmas.
Thanks Kyle! Amen, God bless and merry Christmas
This is a start of a journey. A journey back Home
Well it’s a journey that’s for sure! God bless 🙏👍
I was raised in South Africa as a dutch reformed calvinist. Very strict. In my teen years my family moved back to our roots in the Netherlands. When I was 20 I found Orthodoxy through the internet. Going through the rabbithole of church history and it illuminated my mind to a new level. Now I am a Orthodox Catechumen at 22 and hopefully soon to be recieved in the Orthodox Church.
Wow that’s amazing and well done to you, wishing you all the best in this life and I hope you find what you’re looking for! God bless!
you persuaded me to listen to Father Spiridon
Great 👍 God bless
Yes my bro! Praying for this excellent journey you're on.
Thanks Wes
I am on the same page as you. I was non denominational leanings towards pentecostal charismatic and went on a huge denomination church research journey. I read a book called Councils of the Holy Mountain. I wrote the publishers because the teachings sounded like New Testament Epistles by an Orthodox Monk Father. I got in touch with Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Church in Arizona. Ever since reading more of Thier books I began studying more of Thier history and it is the Church from the beginning and they hold true to the apostolic teachings of Christ. I'm on the road of full conversion to the Orthodox Church. I believe the Holy Spirit is calling me to them.
That’s amazing brother and it’s great that you’ve come to this conclusion. Yes there’s a reason that when I specifically watch father Spyridons videos and I know well at least I think most of orthodox folk will continually mention the lives of Saints and monks is because we can draw strength and wisdom from their lives, and as father Spyridon calls them, spiritual guides, I think that’s great that you’ve gotten in touch with a local orthodox Church all the best for your spiritual journey. God bless and thank you for your comment.
@@AdamJDonegan hey brother. Yes I believe that the deeper one searches for truth in our faith and is looking for authenticity and a sustained originality of our christian faith that it's inevitably going to bring u back to orthodoxy
I subscribed to Spyridons channel
Great 👍
I agree
Thank you for your testimony.... Excellent !!
Thank you! God bless! 🙏
You can have Christian pop or rock music but it is not sacred music. It is always secular and profane music with just Christian lyrics. Otherwise with Gregorian chant and Orthodox chant, here you are in presence of sacred music in lyrics but also how music is structured; you can feel it. A huge difference.
Oh yes definitely, there’s a difference feeling when it comes to the style of music that orthodox chants offer, it almost sounds like heaven. And the complete surrender to God instead of using modern music mixed with God and things related to that. I’m not condemning anyone who listens to modern Christian music, a lot of it is quite beautiful but you get a different feeling with orthodox chants. Thank you for the comment 🙏👍
@@AdamJDonegan The difference of sacred art and religious art is very important. When you´ll begin to study the theology of the icon or even traditional architecture you will see that there is a canon, there are principles and canons that must be followed in order to have something holy and sacred. In Western Christianity we used to have sacred art but unfortunately after Renaissance we gradually lose this sacredness. You can see how modern churches look like comparatively with the traditional ones. Orthodoxy preserved this sacredness in art thank God.
@@fernandom.olimencarnacao2252that’s very interesting and thought provoking. Yes I’ve always wondered about the icons. There’s a reason why Protestantism got rid of icons because they believe that having icons breaks one of the 10 Commandments, you shall not make a graven image, but it is not as if the orthodox folk are worshipping the actual material, but they are worshipping Christ by seeing him literally in an image I heard this idea of Voddie Baucham, he is a Calvinistic protestant
@@AdamJDonegan That´s right. One of the biggest crises in the Church was iconoclasm, one of the biggest heresies and had to do with the eradication of images; The iconoclasts wanted to eradicate the images of churches and worship based on the Old Testament, without taking into account the Incarnation of Christ who became man and flesh and visible. Saint John Damascene completely refuted iconoclasm and the images are strictly part of both Eastern and Western Christian Tradition. The issue of iconography is vast and rich and I cannot address it in depth here. However, it is regrettable that Protestantism will fall back into iconoclasm. The Catholic Church, by integrating naturalistic elements into its iconographic art, caused images to lose their sacred aura and simply become objects with a religious theme, as we can find in religious paintings from the Renaissance and in much Catholic art. In this aspect, Orthodoxy preserved Christian art in its entirety much better. Icons are windows to eternity. We do not worship images in themselves but rather what they convey and represent.
You do good in leaving protestantism a German and western invetion and Join the Real Eastern Christinity cause our Lord JesusChrist was Asian and we need to preserve the Faith 🇬🇷☦️
🙏👍☦️
not just "eastern Europe", it was the 4 of the 5 "ancient Churches" or the 5 "ancient Patriarchate's" might be a better way of putting it
initially there was Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem, Rome left the Church in 1054 yes
and obviously since then the Church has expanded into Russia and Serbia and other parts of the world, even in the west there is the OCA, Orthodox Church in America,
as a Catechumen in the ROCOR i defiantly recommend you attend a Divine Liturgy at an Orthodox Church if there is one near to you and you could ask the Priest any questions you might have.
finally attending my Parish for the first time was very daunting, but it was great and by the 3rd time attending it felt more like home than home
as for Orthodox content on TH-cam (which obviously is a lot less important and should take a back seat to actually attending Divine Liturgy),
there is also the Mull Monetary and Patristic Nectar Film's/Publications, those are 2 channels i find quite edifying, one run by a Abbot of a Monetary in Scotland and the other run by an American Priest, Fr Josiah Trenham,
and there are 2 channels dedicated to the teachings of Elders and Saints, those being, Orthodox Teachings of the Elders and Orthodox Wisdom
Thank you very much for your comment. 🙏👍 I will take in your recommendations
God be with you on your journey.
Thanks God bless
Brother, I think you will love Father Seraphim Rose. Check his books - they all are must read. Blessings from Bulgaria.
Thank you! Yes I think I’m going to get it for Christmas!
@@AdamJDoneganWe can talk a lot. Saw in your channel that you were going through the same struggles as mine. Any social platform that you use where we can chat?
Sorry I don’t use social media, do you use discord?
@@AdamJDonegan rarely but I have such, yes. What should I do? You give me a chat link which I enter or what? :D
adamdonegan is my username on discord 👍
Brother, u r very articulate and it is easy to see you want truth 100%. I have been saved for 43 years and have read the whole bible through circa 67 times using various versions, and lots in Hebrew and Greek, and was very much getting interested in Orthodoxy about 15 yrs ago, but couldn't find that help i needed to fully understand. Recently, the Lord led me to bishop Mar Mari Emanuel (greek Orthodox)(see TH-cam vids), and finally have my help. I know what you mean about the chants and the otherworldly beauty you are finding. I am having a great time trying to listen to every thing Mar Mari teaches, and I'll check out the man you mentioned. Your sincerity is beautiful. Thank you for reaching out to share!! The Lord Jesus guide you into ALL truth.
Amen there, brother, and fuck you so much for the encouragement and heartwarming comment I have viewed about Mari Emmanuel before I saw him on the PBD podcast recently and I think he has some great insight. God bless bless you on your journey and take care
@@AdamJDonegan Recently I have found many channels teaching about the Orthodox faith, however Mar Mari Emmanuel is not one of them. He is from the coptic / assyrian "oriental" orthodox churches, which is actually a split from the true church in the 400s A.D at the council of Chalcedon, meaning his church doesn't accept the 2 natures of Christ (nestorianism aka. schismatic). A great breakdown on his schismatic teachings can be viewed on Father Mikhail's youtube channel "Living Orthodox", and he breaks down why what Mar Mari teaches is heresy. Other orthodox channels include "KyleOrthodox" and I would highly recommend Jay Dyer.
Hi friend! You mentioned you were interested in learning more. I would recommend a podcast (also available as a book) called Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, which talks about the differences between Orthodoxy and different faiths. There's also Rock and Sand, an excellent book by Fr. Josiah Trenham that focuses specifically on Orthodoxy and Protestantism. God bless! Have a good day!
Hey there friend! Thank you for that I will have to check them out! Thanks for the suggestions! God bless!!
Brother, it truly warms my heart that you found the truth. I am Romanian, we may be considered one of the OG Orthodox nations, but people here seem to lose their faith. We have a lot of Protestants, just yesterday 7 people from my village of a population of 300 converted to the Pentecostal denomination, 4 of which are my neighbors, and also my kin. It saddens me that they lost their faith in orthodoxy, and it is getting more common here in Romania. Surveys and other stuff in the internet says we are 95% Orthodox, but it does not feel like this anymore. As a 22 year old, young people tend to be atheist (the majority in the urban areas), the other turn to the Pentecostal or Baptist denomination, only a few of my friends and acquaintances from the village are Orthodox. So, you may imagine the warmth it brings me that someone from a foreign, non-majority Orthodox nation converts. Of course, we are still a majority Orthodox nation, and you see it in the Monasteries during Holidays, but in my village, Sundays, it gets emptier each passing year. I pray for my compatriots, and for all the people of the world all the same that we find God through Orthodoxy, and brother, believe that you are truly blessed. Please, continue your journey, follow Christ our Lord through the numerous Priests here, and honestly, if you would like to have a conversation about the history of the Orthodox Church, I would be more than happy to have it with you. I would love to have a conversation with an Orthodox American. Thank you for reading my long comment, sorry for making it hard to read, and God bless you!
God bless George! Thank you for the comment! ☦️
Hey, have you listened to bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe (ROCOR)? I'd suggest his sermons and podcasts. Kind wishes from Russia, Moscow
I will have to check him out! Thank you God bless back from the UK 🤝
Welcome home brother, many years!
Thank you! God bless
best is to go to the nearest eastern orthodox parish and to speak with the priest. when you come with your intentions he can advice and help you further. for me i came from atheism and am an orthodox catechumen now. i learn from my priest with others about the faith and history and so much you will not simply find or learn anywhere else than the one true apostolic and unchanged catholic church. the eastern orthodox church also known as the orthodox catholic church. truly my journey so far has been amazing and i also advice to take a look at trisagion films. there you will find much more on the faith and lives of the saints which i truly recommend to have a look at. it's from the early christians and some more modern ones. God bless you and your family and i'll pray for you☦
Hey there, I appreciate that and thank you for your comment and giving me your experience when it comes to Orthodoxy. God bless and stay safe❤️☦️👍
Please brother where how can I access the orthodox chants. God bless .
Type in psalm 135 Byzantine chant on YT. God bless brother ☦️❤️👍
I was writing a comment about to say you sound like you're near where Fr Spyridon may be.... You should go to his parish! It would be so incredible to meet him, cheers
Oh yes it would be incredible. I believe the orthodox Church he is a priest in is in the Midlands, England in a town called Telford, which really isn’t that far from me!
Brothers, the Lord is merciful, there are so many of you who have chosen the path of salvation, I am so glad for us, God save and preserve you,I love you from Russia☦️♥️🇷🇺
Thank you brother. Love from the UK 🇬🇧☦️
My family and family friends have converted to the orthodox christian church ☦️ its the true church . We were Muslim.
Wow that’s incredible! As a Protestant point of view orthodoxy does remind a lot of Islam, like the prostration prayers, the chants the buildings etc…. I find it fascinating. I’m glad you found the truth! God bless!! ☦️✝️👍
If I may, a highly recommended lecture on Patristic Nectar Publications called “Divine Energy” by Fr Joseph Copeland is fantastic.
Thank you for that! I will have to check those out! God bless
Hi, Adam--Christ is born, glorify Him! I came across your video and really appreciated your honesty and openness on this subject. I became Orthodox coming up on 30 years ago, when I was in my early 30s, and while it quickly became the center of my life, I can tell you two things: one, it has definitely been a "process" and no easy journey; and two, even after nearly 30 years of being steeped in the Faith, I am still learning. But this says a lot about the incredible depth and riches contained within the Orthodox Faith and Tradition, in other words, in the Orthodox Church. I really encourage you to keep investigating and inquiring into the Faith. As St. Philip said to St. Nathanael, when they had found Jesus, "Come and see." You said in your video that you really wanted to learn, and there is so much one could say that it would be impossible to cover a drop in the ocean in a short comment like this. But one point I'll make is this: in every other form of Christianity, God is basically viewed as an object. Furthermore, God and human beings always remain separate, and man's salvation is simply a decision of God's to move the person from one list to another list--from one place to another, so to speak--but there is no fundamental change in the person himself. The Orthodox understanding is totally different. The whole purpose of our life is our union with God, and that is what our salvation is. It is a transformative process by which we gradually open our hearts to the indwelling of the Triune God and become thoroughly infused by His presence inside our very being. Just as the immeasurable, incomprehensible, eternal God became a newborn baby in a manger in a cave in a point in time, He, the awesome and omnipotent God condescends to unite with us, His own creatures, and to dwell inside of us and to transfigure us so that we become like Him and reflect not only His image, but His likeness (for which He created us). As many of the early Church Fathers said, God became man so that men could become gods (small 'g'). That's a far cry from a legalistic, accounting approach to salvation, which just moves us from column A to column B on the ledger. God bless you and speed you on your spiritual path to come ever closer to Him, through His Son and our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Thank you for sharing your insight, Sir. I will ponder your words. God bless you and thank you. ☦️
The Holy and Eternal Church beckons you home, brother. God bless you
God bless you too. Thank you
God bless you, Glory to God
God bless you too. Thank you
Father spyridon is absolutely amazing man not only all the things u describe about his character but the gentness in his voice full of love and his eyes tells all but truth
Oh for sure, there’s a feeling of peace that radiates from his voice.
This is the way.
I think it might be 👍🙏
I am 29 and starting my journey with Christ. I too am very attracted to orthodox belief. However where I live there is no orthodox church near me so idk what to do. I really want to start going to church and finding like minded people and make some friends. There is a beautiful catholic church in my town, but I really am drawn to the orthodox view. So I don't know what to do.
Also I have found myself listening to more and more orthodox chants as well. And I really like metal music, not the satanic kind of course though lol. If you are into somewhat heavier music check out the band OM. They are just bass and drums. Their music has some Christian/biblical influence in it. They have an album called God is Good and an album called Advaitic Songs with John the Baptist on the album cover. The two members of OM are also part of the band Sleep, whose original guitarist actually left the band and became an orthodox monk. OM's album God is Good is my favorite.
God bless you and take care 😊♥
Wow that’s awesome, with your experience and perspective I can relate to how you feel and just like you I listen to orthodox chants. Likewise there isn’t an Orthodox Church near me but if I really want to see what’s like I will have to make the trip down!
Wow your a very smart guy, you very open to being corrected, and just trying to find the truth. You will find it, God will bless you ☦️
Thank you very much. God bless you too! ☦️
have u listened to Gregorian chant music? i find that I feel like I'm in Heaven listening to both Orthodox Byzantine music and Gregorian chants. Also Claudio Monteverdi from 1500s has some amazing music produced today, one woman who sang his song I felt like an angel was singing to me. ✝☦
Hey there! I usually listen to Psalms 135 chant. I believe it’s a military chant and I listen to a compilation of Byzantine chants on TH-cam. I’ll have to check out the chants that you mentioned there! God bless!!
@@AdamJDonegan i’ll check out psalms 135. i really like “Greek Orthodox - Glory of Byzantium - Choir of Greece” too 🙏
@@AdamJDonegan Lamento della Ninfa - Claudio Monteverdi
Monteverdi lived during baroque period so he’s a great mix of hymn, chant and opera and choir
the thing you said about the orthodox chants, is relatable, incredible what human voice can sound like and convey.
Indeed! God bless brother! I recommend listening to “We bow Down Before Your Cross”
Love you,keeps going we will support you hundred percent, christianity is going down in the west...they need more men like you, So WIth the help of holy spirit your words and channel will also grow every time...May God Bless you brother..
From India...
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Cool reflections bro. Love to hear it!
Thanks man!!! Godspeed!
God bless thanks for the video
No problem. God bless you
Amen bless you 🙏 praise God thank you I also go to pentecostal church ⛪️ but I agree with what you said thier is something special about orthodox christianity and chants wow you really need to be born again to understand ❤
Yes indeed. Thank you 🙏👍 God bless you
I implore you to visit your closest Eastern Orthodox Church and talk to the residing priest, ask him any questions you might have. Also, Jay Dyer and Fr. Trenham are amazing channels to learn more about Church history and Orthodoxy. God bless you on this journey.
Thank you very much. Yes there are two orthodox churches in a local city where I live.
I will have to check out those channels 👍🙏
I also wanted to recommend these guys to you, although I have been in Orthodoxy since birth, I am pleased to see how more and more people in your country are coming to Orthodoxy. look, you will learn a lot of new things, the Lord is with you, greetings from Kazakhstan, subscribed to you!@@AdamJDonegan
Wow that’s amazing! God bless and welcome to the channel! 🙏👍
@@AdamJDoneganYou can check out Jay Dyer as an example of where not to go. Fr. Trenham I cannot speak to.
Seraphim Hamilton is the go to Orthodox person to look at, as well as Father John (Patrick) Ransey, imo. Jay Dyer is maybe the worst representative of actual Orthodoxy. He is a great representative of his particular strand of Orthodoxy.
God bless you!
God bless you too!
This is great. I had a deep fascination with Orthodoxy a while back because it seemed on the surface to be a more pure form of Christianity, but with some mysticism to keep things feeling profound. I have since been convinced that there really is no such thing as "the one true church". There are better and worse churches, and a lot has to do with the individuals at each congregation. There are orthodox priests and teachers I listen to regularly here on YT (I also love Father Spyridon), but I know there are also Orthodox bishops who are involved in child-trafficking. There is honestly a lot of Orthodox nonsense that gets parroted without a factual basis though, one of those things is the idea that Orthodoxy has never changed. Roman Catholicism has probably changed more, and so they get a lot of hate, but Orthodoxy has been changing, evolving, and even flipping on previous decisions. I think it's harder to research because it's not popular to ask the question "how have the Eastern churches changed?", but if you are serious about doing your research, you will find that like all denominations, they have a complex and messy history just like everyone else. I don't know off the top of my head what books to start with, but I cannot recommend Gavin Ortlund's channel enough, It is called Truth Unites. He has a heart for God and for people, and he is really fair with information and beliefs, rather than being zealously dogmatic. I found his channel by accident, he teaches a lot of really deep dive church history and history of doctrine and faith. At the end of the day, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and whether you are a part of this or that human institution called a "church", he is the head of us all, and we should seek to be in spiritual union with all believers.
I also highly recommend watching a channel called ‘Patristic Nectar’, Father Josiah Trenham from that channel is awesome! As for me personally I’ve began going to my local Orthodox Church for a few months, and I’ve never had a love for God like this before, and now I crave the Holy Spirit more than anything else!! More than anything else, pray that God guides you to the Truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. I’ll pray for you too 🙏
Hey there Jeff, I appreciate that and I’m very happy that you’ve come to this conclusion yourself and I appreciate the prayers. God bless and thank you for your comment.
Hey Adam, i wanted to give my own detailed response and maybe this will be helpful for your own journey (i am on one aswell), my own introduction to Christianity since last year was evangelical protestantism, but since then i have realized that's totally not the truest expression of the faith. I found myself more and more agreeing with the positions of the apostolic churches (they are named that because all 4 of them were founded by the apostles of the Lord themselves), categorically they are: Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Assyrian Church of the East, and lastly Oriental Orthodox churches. All 4 of these have a lot in common but of course they split over minor theological issues aswell (but some bigger than the other, such as the nature of the roman papacy). I find myself leaning more towards Roman Catholicism (with Eastern Orthodoxy probably being No.2). Since i pretty much almost agree with them over the biggest issue they split over in 1054 (Filioque) but i haven't made a choice yet. So if you are inquiring into EO or RC study these 2 topics: Filioque and Papal supremacy over the other bishops. These are not total easy "slam dunk" issues you can get an answer on immediately though, and if anybody from either of those 2 churches say it is they are probably not being honest with you. So ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right conclusions since committing yourself to a specific church fully is a lifelong commitment. There was a nice debate between an Eastern Orthodox apologist and Roman Catholic apologist on the issue of Filioque, the 2 guys that were debating were David Erhan and Christian B. Wagner. And I think they did a nice job presenting their Church's positions on it, you can find the debate on youtube. God bless
Hey there, thank you very much for your comment. Yes I think that’s very true there’s two sides of every story, and of course the debate between Roman Catholicism and orthodoxy is a big one, so you are right when if we asked the holy spirit where God truly is God‘s true church, and the fully well full expression of Christianity and the gospel is then God will show us if we ask him, God bless you, and thank you for your comment
I've just recently become a catechumen. Im kinda old been a baptist for a long time. Its amazing how much the word of God has come alive to me recently.
Go to a Divine Liturgy! Its truly a preview of heaven!
God bless you and may he grant you strength, wisdom and courage on your journey!
Hey there thank you and that all sounds awesome. God bless and take care
God bless you Adam! Take courage and follow Christ every step of the way. There is so much information out there. I suggest reading Rock and Sand by Fr. Josiah Trenham.
God bless you too! Thank you for the suggestion 🙏👍
I am only a fifteen year old guy in the United States, and after being an atheist my whole life, I’ve set my eyes on the Orthodox Church after having no previous affiliation with Christinity. And I can say that everything you are saying, I was saying 5 months ago when I started looking into the Church. I relate to you in everything that you’re feeling, and I advise you to attend an Orthodox Church. If you haven’t already, it will enlighten your heart perhaps more than it even is now. Glory to God for all! ☦️
Amen brother, and thank you for reaching out and greetings back to you from the UK, Wales. Yeah there’s something quite special about the Orthodox Church that Western Christianity cannot provide. I think that’s great that you’re looking into this so young and you started on the right track my friend. In the near future I am planning to visit a Greek orthodox church in a local city, God bless, and all the best on your spiritual journey.
Stop worshipping dead man hanging on the cross. The only true God is ALLAH ☝️💟
God bless you brother. May our risen Lord reveal himself to you
Great to see honestly! I am not Eastern Orthodox but I do very much appreciate the Eastern Church. I am theologically Methodist; which is "the most Orthodox Protestant strand."
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Father Spyridion is great, im much like you, i never really considered eastern orthodoxy until i listened to him.
Yeah man I’m in that place where you are. He’s a great speaker and ambassador for Christ. He articulates his points well and clearly
Hi Adam, I would suggest reading the Apostolic Fathers (first century) and St Symeon the New Theologian (11th century). That would give you the perspective of the unchanging evangelical and Apostolic nature of Orthodox Christianity, where there is no Dark Ages or apostasy.
I’ll have to check that out. Thank you 🙏
If it's possible for you, try to get some books of metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh foundation. He was a great man and preacher of orthodoxy. His words changed my life.
Hey there thanks for that I’ll have to check them out. Regarding orthodox books. I’m getting a book called the ancient path by father Spyridon 👍for Christmas
I just started attending an Orthodox church after about 2 years of reading. God willing, I will be a catechumen very soon. God bless bro.
Good bless you too bro. That’s great
@@AdamJDonegan for me it was more about getting my family on board and being patient for them. But I think a lot of people in the west are waking up to Orthodoxy. There are 28 catechumens right now which blows my mind
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Fr.Spiridon videos was one of those things that helped me to find and choose orthodoxy when I was in the times of disappointment and uncertainty because of all the division and worldliness in the protestant world.
I feel very similarly about this with you. Fr Spyridon is truly a breath of fresh air in a world gone wild and has definitely helped me on my spiritual path. God bless! ☦️✝️
@@AdamJDonegan are you familiar with Seraphim Aldea? He was the second one who helped me to restore my faith in Christianity.
No I am not unfortunately, I’ll have to research him 👍
Regarding the Great Schism (1054 AD), that wasn't even the first schism in the sequence, though it surely is one of the greatest split in the history of the Church... So-called Monophysites *(Oriental Orthodox churches)* and Nestorians *(the church of the East)* unfortunately divorced already in 5th and 6th centuries. Also, it must be understood that the Great Schism was a long process, developing over time. The patriarch of Rome was trying to take authority over other bishops and patriarchs already in the 3rd century, the Filioque was introduced in the 7th century etc. etc. But the final nail to the coffin was the fourth crusade in *1202-1204 AD...* The Schism was deeply theological (even semantic), but it also involved much political issues.
Orthodoxy Christianity is a journey to be better today than yesterday .
Amen 🙏👍
If you are interested more to get in depth I'd recommend Orthodox Ethos youtube, but those things he speaks became clear only when I became church goes and began that life, until then I only understood the surface level of what he speaks
That’s fair enough, thank you. I am particularly enjoying Fr Spyridons videos at the moment but I will have to check that channel out. God bless you 🙏👍
@@AdamJDonegan Hello, Adam, and nice to meet you! (First time I encounter your channel.) I am very glad to hear your thoughts on the Orthodox Faith! May Christ help you and enlighten you along this blessed path. Temptations will come; don’t let them stop you. Yes, as our friend recommended above, you should definitely watch some of the videos of Orthodox Ethos (by Fr. Peter). And pray. Pray as much as you can, whenever you can. “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” “Enlighten my darkness!” as Saint Gregory Palamas used to say. I am subscribing. :) I shall keep an eye out, and will remember you in my poor prayers.
Hey there! Thank you so much! May God bless you and it’s so great so see so many people like you spread love and encouragement!!
Congratulation Adam, you are on right path!!! keep gong with onesty and God will be with you forever! as an ortodox born, i'm from east europe (please sorry for my poor english)
I have to encuarage you and say : Every Honely Liturghi we are praying for all humans in the world to find "the knowledge of the TRHU!!" we are never paying for God to come for us.. or for our church NO.. we are praying to find the Thru!!!
I belive this detail may be very helpfull for you and everyboady's journey!
I write for you like many others from here be aware: Our Faith are NOT based on humans like us even if they serve God. (Prists, monks, bishops.. etc ) if exist this missunderstending we CAN'T stand up on the war of thoughts!! we shoud see and have mersy, compation for people like us with wekneses and sins like anyboady and are good to pray one for eachother!!
Yes when everyboady are geting closer to God have to prepare for fight, and our fight are to become less and less "ego" oriented (less proud i mean). On this fight we have in our side God, Mother of God, all angel powers from the sky and the Saints!!! they are just waing for us to ask for help!! the best pray are the pray from hard with redemtion and humiliation !!
We allways have to be in the front of God like this when we are living on His planet!!(important to live here like sons not like strangers!!)
And allways keep in mind. Jusus Hristos win all the battels, He win the death, He win over hell, over evel, He win everything we just need to Trust Him, to be with Him, and make what He says, and to be trustfully in Him and will take care of us! :)
God Bless you Adam to become the NEW ADAM as Apostols says!! :)
P.S. take it little by little, step by step!! we have open hard for you!! :) and i thanks to God for finding you, for yous reserch and serchings for Thru and serching for real mening of life!! :)
Hello there friend and greetings back to you from the United Kingdom. Thank you for that heartwarming comment. Thank you for your insight into this as you are orthodox born so naturally you will know things that I certainly won’t. God bless you and your family
Our King are not from here!!
I'm glad I can help you!
Orthodoxy is about serving the true King through my whole life, through my works, through my thoughts, through my inner state.
Orthodoxy is a great treasure from which I must always learn, practice and from bad become better. In general Orthodoxy means to change from bad to good, to stop doing sins and to stop hurting our neighbor, to change our heart and our behaviors in better God requires.
These changes can only be made with the help of God!
And this power of changing people in better exists just where exist Honley Spirit, now come for history of Church offcourse!! ... and everything comes togeder after.. Saints... now in our country romania we have a lot of Saints wich get tortured and kill in comunist jails.. many miracle happen, and a lot of mercy made God with us thru this Saints. they are on our hard and blood, live thru us sometimes feel. we been very Blessed and God call everyboady for His Blessing!!
Orthodoxy, offcourse are about eternal life, thinking ahed. but until then we should prepere for it. :)
wish you all good Adam! God be with you!
th-cam.com/video/JBBJHLAEfRk/w-d-xo.html
I will check that link very soon. Thank you very much my friend for enlightening me. God bless and take care
God are enlighting all of us Dear Adam! :)
I haev been thinking and praying for you many times.. :) and come at my little mind some words: "Adam, Adam where you are?" the words FROM Heaven of IIsus Hristos! :)
The path of Thru have NO WAY BACK :) unleast of lie ourselfs and to live a fake life... and shure to have sad end... for eternity!!! uh :( Please God help our steps and hards to fnd and realiy love You !!
th-cam.com/video/z9yDql2D-0M/w-d-xo.html
God help us!
right now I,m going to church for the Holy Liturghy and we celebrate also the day of the "Ancestors Saints" Adam are including also , all prophets and the Rights of the Old testament :) since the creation of the world so we celebrate Your Name today Adam :) God Bless you! :)
Fantastic Video Brother
Thank you brother. God bless
Good point on the seriousness. Many churches in the west have fallen into lukewarm teachings, or even fleshly teachings.
But honestly, Christianity is based on God's word. So what you and we should do is open it and read it and pray that we might understand it.
I don't want to take away anything from someones tendecies to this or that church. But the truth is not left or right, it is right in the middle.
There are a few things to consider. It has been roughly 2000 years since Paul warned the Corinthians by saying (1. Corinthians 1,10-12):
"10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be *no divisions among you,* but that you be *perfectly united* in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
There is no such thing as Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, etc, etc.
There is one savior, which is Jesus
There is one Book, that is the Bible
There is one Church of those who follow Christ from all their heart
If Paul would live today, don't you think he would say the exact same thing he said 2000 years ago? And Jesus aswell.
So rather than asking yourself, what is the right Church, you may ask, what is the truth?
Then you see that putting your name on a member list of a church is actually a dangerous thing to do, because you might deceive yourself. We should know each other by the love, that God showed us. If anyone says otherwise, he is lying.
For in Galatians 1,8 it says: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!"
Jesus said '"take your cross and follow *me* ".
Amen 🙏 we are all part of the body of Christ ☦️
@@AdamJDonegan Well, Paul said "they departed from us, because they weren't from us"
So no, if you give your group a certain name or enter a group with a certain name you declare your division from other Christians, which is a no-go actually.
Anyway Jesus sees the heart, but don't be deceived by the voices of the world. In the body of Christ devision does not happen.