When I was growing up protestant, one thing always bugged me. They made it sound so easy. If you answered the altar call and said the sinners prayer, that was it! You're in the club. And some even claim you can never lose that "salvation." Obviously it didn't mesh with many verses in the Bible. Verses about the narrow gate, people crying, "Lord Lord!" at judgment day, etc
@@MegaAnimeforlifethere are two protestant positions: you can lose your salvation, you can never lose your salvation. And both are ABSURD. Because salvation cannot be lost (if you saved by God, you cannot ever die) and salvation cannot be given to those who doesn’t deserve it (maniacs, rapers, killers et cetera). The conclusion is we are NOT saved on earth, God saves us there, in the next world. And this is logical. Being raised as Orthodox I have never even thought that such idea exists. I am sinful. I must amend. And then I will die and the Lord will save me because I will become good
Would be great if you could do a series of fundamentals of orthodoxy for recent converts, where you explain the 101 of Orthodoxy and what patristics to read first and ofc EOC interpretation of holy scriptures.
I would suggest to you getting the Orthodox Study Bible which has most of these things covered. And it’s a very educational way of reading the scriptures, thanks to the notes and interpretations of church fathers etc that are put under every scripture. Reading the Bible hasn’t been the same for me since this book. God bless you
I️ have gained more knowledge and understanding in this video that I️ haven’t heard anywhere. Your way of breaking it down and making connections is amazing. Thank you father
@@michaelkish7794after you eat don't stay with the phone in bed when on internet be careful because promiscuous images are Many and persuasive delete tiktok delete Instagram- Snapchat Facebook be mindful that you are Also the problem because even though you are tempted objectively you are the one who accepts to do it because you either are lying to yourself that you hate doing that or you are addicted.you can heal but not without the grace of the almighty lord .in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit amen may you not give up hope and find rest in Jesus our lord -15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.)the lord Will have mercy on your transgression if you repent and desire to leave the sin forever for in the sight of the lord is justified the one who comes wholeheartedly to him in repentance ☦️❤️
Very awesome skufia, Father! May God be with you and your family. Also, thank you so much for bringing me to Holy Orthodoxy from the papacy! ☦️🙏 Much love from Arkansas!
I wanted to say thank you for all the information you have been putting out here. I was recently baptized into the Orthodox Church, and I found your videos very helpful along my journey . Thank you for everything. God bless Fr!
I decided to read through Galatians today. This verse really hits me: Galatians 3:7 - Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
You are failing due to your selective approach to the Bible. You should collect ALL verses talking about the salvation and not just those that allegedly support your doctrine and you neglect the others. Once you collect them ALL, make sure your doctrine is compliant with ALL of them. That is the way to go. Here is example: (Philippians 2, 12) "...WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling..."
Paul was an apostle to gentiles. God never had a covenant with gentiles prior to Christ's passion. His entire talk of justification was toward people of whom were outsiders for the entirety of human history to that point. That is the talk of the adopted Children of God. That is the talk of justification by faith. He's saying your faith in Christ makes you one of us, you're no longer an outsider. Your faith justifies you. They still had to pick up their cross and follow Christ.
@@eddardgreybeard Yes, but that still does not explain away (Phil 2, 12) in a way you wish it to be explained away. Should I mention James 2. and other verses talking about the same.? My original point is that there is a ton of evidence in the Bible talking about works as a necessary outcome of the faith or else faith is unproven/dead... yet many Prots think their lip service is all it takes and are lifting all 4 up in the air claiming to be saved upfront. What a bоl1оcks concept.!
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399What do you call your dad? Dave? Paul? Jim? Even most fundamental Protestants (which I grew up in) wouldn’t make this mistake. Please read and understand the context of this verse.
Thank you, and God bless you, Father! These important truths are much needed in today's world and especially in our secular, American society. May the Love of Christ bring many more to the Orthodox Faith!☦️ Amen.
I was listening to a Roman Catholic priest on YT recently and he was talking about “merit.” It was like if you are in a state of grace (which I think to them means weekly confession and eucharist) your good works then become like an IOU to God. I can see why that idea needed someone to protest against it, but protestants typically believe Orthodox and Roman Catholics believe the same theology
Bless me abouna. One of the things I’ve been struggling is guidance on how to survive working for woke/liberal companies. This is becoming very much a reality and we orthodox often find no direction on facing this growing standard of work life.
I’m not personally being forced to spread sinful ideas, this is something that’s growing culturally inside companies in the entire world. Stuff like “pride” and “pronouns” are everywhere in the workplace environment. I fear that depending on our careers, this becomes unavoidable. I’m in the tech industry and everywhere you look is the same.
Just discovered you today. Not Orthodox, but have had an interest for some time. I appreciate your simple and direct videos, and am benefiting from them. Thanks!
you know what the Skufia reminds me of? the Campaign hat but without a brim. MILITARY TRAINING INSTRUCTORS, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FLIGHTS! FLIGHT 'TENCH HUT!
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399spiritual father, it’s what we call the church fathers going back to the apostles, it’s a title and respect, you have any idea what they go through, how they live to earn their title? It’s like saying Shepard, pastor but more repect
We can never earn our salvation for it is a gift from God. Doesnt mean we can do what we want and be saved. Faith requires obedience to God and if we don't want to obey, we will sin willingly and if we sin willingly no sacrifice remained anymore (Hebrews 10:26-27).When one falls into sin while claiming they have faith, repentance is a must and not an option. A Christian doesnt just repent once, but daily. Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison (Lord mave mercy, Christ have mercy) are words we don't just shout out in church for nothing. Continues repentance and abiding in Christ through the sacraments the church dispenses is what leads to salvation and not a one time declaration of being justified once you came to faith. Even if you are baptized, you may own a house in heaven and can call yourself child of God, but through sin that inheritance we may never enter. So let's be cautious and tell to ourselves and each other daily: "But exhort one another daily, while it is still called “today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13 God bless everyone. Stay saved and continue to persue the true path in hope to be saved.
Jesus said "sin no more" multiple times. One time with the adulteress, and the other with the man by the pool of Bethesda. Agreed. I feel like protestants (in a general sense) need to emphasize on sanctification/purification as much as salvation. Paul made it clear that being saved does not mean be lawless nor abuse grace. Grace is not a license to sin.
@@nathanjstoicFaith implies trust, trust implies obedience. Faith is a multilayered cake. These attributes of Faith are inseperable. They are two sides of the same coin. When you get married to a wife or husband, you have trust and obedience is there from the start, not down the road.
Thank you for the video. You said that single predestination is demonic, I want to ask, what is the language of election and predestination in the new testament about?
@@living_orthodox I agree that the Calvinist understanding of election and predestination is unhealthy, and can be destructive. I find it interesting that so many deconstructing Christians tend to come from that theological persuasion. I'm not quite sure what you mean with this reply. Certainly the Scriptures teach them both. If Christ is the "new" Israel, then would it be correct to say all who believe in him are the "elect"? And they were "predestined" in the sense that God knew beforehand who would believe? I'm sure Orthodoxy would add that "believing" entails participating in life of the Church with its worship, sacraments, etc .
Protestant here, looking into Orthodoxy. The main thing I am really having trouble with concerning Orthodox soteriology is that there doesn’t seem to be any place for any kind of forensic component to justification or justification by faith. It seems like these ideas are rejected outright, if not minimized as much as possible. But this is obviously a prominent theme in Paul, and can be found in the fathers. Is there an Orthodox understanding of forensic justification / justification by faith that I’m just missing? I’m not necessarily talking about Sola Fide, nor do I mean that salvation must be ONLY forensic. I’m not saying you personally are doing what I’ve described above, I’m just searching desperately for answers. This is the primary thing giving me pause about converting. I’m wondering if I’ve just not found the right sources or am misunderstanding something.
Good question brother. What exactly do you mean by "forensic justification," and can you share some scriptures and quotes from the Fathers that you think support it?
Father, Wonderful Skufia but complements aside very nice teaching. I love your videos honestly, but have you considered taking up a role such as Fr Dcn Ananias?
I came from the Jehovah's Witness, I really love the Orthodox I fell in love with it, I was baptized and had a good church community and then I moved away to a area that doesn't have a church, that I lost all of my supportspell out of i, closest don't have the community support I don't have someone to help guide me and Mentor me and I searched for a long time
I have a question, YES or NO. Can I practice Wim Hof brathing, it has a lot of health benefits but it is taken from yogic practices, they have almoust identical breathing methods.
@ryandunwell7139 well james 2 21 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. We don't do good works to get saved but we do them out of love and respect for what Jesus did for us and because we are saved Faith Without Works Is Dead 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead God helped me with a lot of things and freed me from many habitual sins like smoking cigs and many other because I also tried to repent without repentance we are living in sin also The Narrow and Wide Gates 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
What I've really gotten tired of is a Protestant/Evangelical/"Oprah-lite" approach to teaching and Scriptures: "Just love. The rest is doctrine." They do well to point to the Scriptures where Jesus told us to love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. But they make a fatal mistake when they say "There's no place for doctrine." People who say completely ignore the fact that loving God means obeying Him, and the Bible always talks about making sure our lives and doctrine match what the Word says. Not all Protestants do this, but I have certainly seen it. It is very sad. Many people choose to ignore what the Bible says. May we all be wise in this.
If you’re complaining about theologicaly liberal Protestants then I agree. I would encourage to look more at confessional Protestants. Protestants that hold to the reformers confessions (Augsburg confession, scots confession etc). None of the reformers simply thought put your faith in Christ and you can do what you want and your saved. At least in Lutheranism which I am sanctification is highly emphasized. LCMS churches, WELS churches are better examples to look at.
Thank you Father. My friend is a protestant and sometimes he tries to debate with me and i try to avoid that as much as i can but when we do debate i get annoyed and almost mad, any suggestions to avoid get mad and annoyed Father Mikhail?
I have lost many friends and even some family due to my beliefs. However, over time I have learned to treat it as a practice in patience. The more people push me, the more I remain silent. I don't see the point in arguing with those who don't know the whole truth. It won't benefit them to go back and forth, and it may even lead them to say something that will hold them more accountable. I'm not a priest, but having a better understanding of things and modern-day church history, I feel sorry for them. I also felt sorry for myself when I realized I was lied to my whole life. However, I managed to live off the crumbs of truth for most of my life. Now, I have much to celebrate and learn. I believe that actions speak louder than words. Trying to win people over with your knowledge can fill your mind with pride and make you stumble and fall. So, I try to win them over with my actions instead.
I’m fifteen and am growing up in a Protestant home, how can I know that I am saved? Can I be saved as a Protestant? Or should I convert to orthodox Christianity?
@Desertfox21 I dont know I didn't feel too welcome to his channel and I don't really trust him or father Savvas agioreitis could be wrong and mistaken though. If I'm wrong then what to do I can't do spiritual work all day everyday or cut entertainment video games music etc. Why must I be condemned or called a troll for something that I can't do I'm honest after a while of spiritual work I feel exhausted. Thanks for your time and IL be very happy if you can answer me again. Also is it wrong if the spiritual father I can get is not very strict but more on the lenient side which I really fell leniency will help me not strictness or atlest too much strictness. Again many thanks
The key in all things with the faith is to understand the ideal and work towards it. As a rector and a ROCOR priest, we’ve always been taught that there needs to be a gradual ease into things. St. Arsenios the Cappadocian had a gift for increasing the obedience and piety of his people by his example, and by the fact that he was strict with himself and gentle towards others when it was necessary. This is what I tell my people. To start, work on observing the Wednesday and Friday fast. Prior to receiving communion, be sure to attend vigil on Saturdays, and to abstain from games and movies the evening before liturgy and the day of. Try to set aside time to listen to, or read something spiritual.
@@living_orthodoxthanks for the answer and time father really appreciate it thats a lot more manageable and applicable but also another question the spiritual father I can get in the nearby village in Greece BTW the father there is on the more lenient side which I think leniency will help me not strictness but father Heers called father Savvas agioreitis who I believe is very strict and father Savvas said that those who are lenient spiritual fathers aren't good so I'm very confused and troubled and also atleast some people who like father Peter and father Savvas where very mean to me for saying that I'm distrusting of them and not thinking they can help me and it was a bad experience for me to not be accepted in the Truth and love of Christ througj other Christians. But that is all I can do at the moment any tips Will be greatly appreciated thanks alot
@@arandomdreamer9853 a spiritual father who is too lenient can often hamper progress. For example, my first spiritual father, Fr Vladimir for the first two years of my Orthodox life, gradually increased my fasting and prayer rule. One who is too strict can be like a piece of wood. If the wood cannot bend under the force of the wind, it becomes brittle and snaps. If it’s too soft, it doesn’t hold up and can’t resist even the most mild pressure. A spiritual father must be like a well treated timber. Flexible enough to not break under force, nor so soft that time and light pressure causes him to fold or to be unable to hold weight. A proper strict spiritual will not compromise on matters of truth or faith. He will however, gradually increase your rule of fasting and prayer. If there is no progress after a year or two, even in something minor, that can be a hinderance. But if he is so strict that consistency becomes impossible or one is incapable of living in the world with a sense of moderation and discipline, then something has gone off. As Elder Ephraim said “watchfulness purifies the heart and mind, but when coupled with even a little asceticism it yields much more fruit.” Whatever you fast or abstain from, start by doing it with prayer. Don’t worry about the video games and entertainment for now. Just be moderate to start. Don’t watch or play games the night before liturgy and after. Treat it like food. If we abstain from food the night before, we should do the same with entertainment. I would recommend reading the life of St John Maximovich. Stick with who you have for now. Once you’ve been working on yourself for a while, ask him to increase your fasting and prayer rule. Give him time and see what he might be able to do.
@@living_orthodoxI think I kind of understand you need both strictness and leniency whit such matters even though I personally haven't improved in like six years and I wonder if I do something wrong myself so the best spiritual father wouldn't magically make me better or it's because my spiritual vessel can only hold so much effort like not every athlete has the same potential energy etc. Many thanks again for not hurting me with words but being understanding because I felt really awful due to my weakness mistakes whatever it's called don't know sorry and giving me a applicable example that I can at least try it without destroying myself again many thanks God bless
Father, I as an Orthodox christian, do not know what Bible version is approved by the Orthodox church? There are so many Bible versions out there. Thank you !
@Desertfox21The Old Testament in the OSB is the St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint. We do not use the OT of the NKJV, or Masoretic Text in general, but instead the Septuagint.
In another video Father Michael as recommended the Bibles from Holy apostles convent in Colorado. I bought all three books that they offer and I've been very impressed with the translation, commentary, etc.
@@living_orthodox thank you for responding I was just curious is all I just watched the first one today and was like wait a minute where are the rest lol.
Last night, I was going to watch this video but had to other things, during that time, i was think about how much i liked Christian metal and how if i went monastic, because music is a worldly thing, I'd have to give that up. it's not a hard choice, but it is unfortunate.
In Protestantism a person living in the jungle that never meet a Christian or believed in Jesus is basically going to hell. I wonder what the orthodox would say about this situation?
@@andyscheurer6336 I think one dimensional thinking like this is exactly what’s wrong with Protestantism and most modern ideas of Christianity. It certainly denies God’s mercy, but claiming that someone is saved from mere ignorance also makes irrelevant the whole commission and claim of the gospel. Remove emotions from one’s reasoning (which many fail to do in our times) and dig deeper into what the various successors of the apostles have said.
It is always seen as denying oneself and that is how we train for self-control. In the Gospels Jesus doesn’t say “if you fast,” but “when you fast.” Matthew 6:16-18. It’s not like it’s a magical “get whatever you want from prayer” thing. It’s about emptying oneself.
Is the sex fast before and after receiving holy communion universally enforced? Whats the justification for it? St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 seems to say that this is nobody’s business and to be decided between the husband and wife.
Yes. It is enforced. 1 Corinthians 7 is talking about not allowing others to come between the man and wife and drive divisions between them. Not about teaching what’s expected with regard to fasting and preparation for Holy Communion.
@@living_orthodox it speaks about abstaining from sex for the sake of prayer. That would be fasting. And it’s clear that this is a decision for the husband and wife.
@@MicahMarshall4Truth complain to the Holy Fathers and the Canons. One cannot engage in sexual intimacy before receiving communion. Food, sex etc. I don’t make the rules. I trust in them.
Roman Catholics can start the journey to convert to Orthodoxy at any time. The only union we will ever accept is Roman Catholics joining the Orthodox Church. We have nothing to capitulate.
Catholicism is a divergence from Christian Orthodoxy, I was involved in Catholicism for 13 years and I made my way into Orthodoxy through the process of conversion which requires repentance. I encourage all in Catholicism to do the same.
If those who have been justified are the same as those who are not justified then the good tree and the evil tree bear the same fruit. That is not Orthodox teaching. Jesus said that he who sins is the slave of sin and that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. John wrote: _He that saith he knows him, but who keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him._ (1 John 2:4) This is how we know we are in Christ, if we keep his commandments, as Jesus also says in Mark 10:19. The issue, according to scripture, is fidelity to the commandments. If we violate the commandments with impunity, we are not in Christ.
@@living_orthodoxCertainly God is merciful. But what of people who are continually practicing sin and disobeying God's commands? See Romans 1:24 and also the hardening of Pharaoh's heart who had already hardened it. At some point doesn't God give people over to their desires?
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
When I was growing up protestant, one thing always bugged me. They made it sound so easy. If you answered the altar call and said the sinners prayer, that was it! You're in the club. And some even claim you can never lose that "salvation."
Obviously it didn't mesh with many verses in the Bible. Verses about the narrow gate, people crying, "Lord Lord!" at judgment day, etc
Yeah my protestant friend told me according to Protestantism Hitler could have went to heaven if we had accepted Christ before he died
@@MegaAnimeforlifethere are two protestant positions: you can lose your salvation, you can never lose your salvation. And both are ABSURD. Because salvation cannot be lost (if you saved by God, you cannot ever die) and salvation cannot be given to those who doesn’t deserve it (maniacs, rapers, killers et cetera). The conclusion is we are NOT saved on earth, God saves us there, in the next world. And this is logical. Being raised as Orthodox I have never even thought that such idea exists. I am sinful. I must amend. And then I will die and the Lord will save me because I will become good
I’m orthodox and agree but your not using mathew7:21-23 in its proper context those are people that do good things in vain
@@MegaAnimeforlife That is true, are you forgetting the thief on the cross?
Please don't take the exception as the rule@@Zappacuda
God bless you Father
A wonderful lesson as always, father. I am an ex-Calvinist, and I just want to say, that I can't wait to bring my life into the Orthodox church..
Would be great if you could do a series of fundamentals of orthodoxy for recent converts, where you explain the 101 of Orthodoxy and what patristics to read first and ofc EOC interpretation of holy scriptures.
I would suggest to you getting the Orthodox Study Bible which has most of these things covered. And it’s a very educational way of reading the scriptures, thanks to the notes and interpretations of church fathers etc that are put under every scripture. Reading the Bible hasn’t been the same for me since this book. God bless you
A double upload? Fr. Mikhail is blessing us today. Thank you, father.
I️ have gained more knowledge and understanding in this video that I️ haven’t heard anywhere. Your way of breaking it down and making connections is amazing. Thank you father
I need to train and find self control, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. 🙏☦️
Problems with lust brother?
I struggle.
@@michaelkish7794after you eat don't stay with the phone in bed when on internet be careful because promiscuous images are Many and persuasive delete tiktok delete Instagram- Snapchat Facebook be mindful that you are Also the problem because even though you are tempted objectively you are the one who accepts to do it because you either are lying to yourself that you hate doing that or you are addicted.you can heal but not without the grace of the almighty lord .in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit amen may you not give up hope and find rest in Jesus our lord -15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.)the lord Will have mercy on your transgression if you repent and desire to leave the sin forever for in the sight of the lord is justified the one who comes wholeheartedly to him in repentance ☦️❤️
Very awesome skufia, Father! May God be with you and your family.
Also, thank you so much for bringing me to Holy Orthodoxy from the papacy! ☦️🙏 Much love from Arkansas!
I wanted to say thank you for all the information you have been putting out here. I was recently baptized into the Orthodox Church, and I found your videos very helpful along my journey . Thank you for everything. God bless Fr!
I decided to read through Galatians today.
This verse really hits me:
Galatians 3:7 - Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
You are failing due to your selective approach to the Bible. You should collect ALL verses talking about the salvation and not just those that allegedly support your doctrine and you neglect the others. Once you collect them ALL, make sure your doctrine is compliant with ALL of them. That is the way to go. Here is example: (Philippians 2, 12) "...WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling..."
Paul was an apostle to gentiles. God never had a covenant with gentiles prior to Christ's passion. His entire talk of justification was toward people of whom were outsiders for the entirety of human history to that point.
That is the talk of the adopted Children of God. That is the talk of justification by faith. He's saying your faith in Christ makes you one of us, you're no longer an outsider. Your faith justifies you.
They still had to pick up their cross and follow Christ.
@@eddardgreybeard Yes, but that still does not explain away (Phil 2, 12) in a way you wish it to be explained away. Should I mention James 2. and other verses talking about the same.? My original point is that there is a ton of evidence in the Bible talking about works as a necessary outcome of the faith or else faith is unproven/dead... yet many Prots think their lip service is all it takes and are lifting all 4 up in the air claiming to be saved upfront. What a bоl1оcks concept.!
@@johnnyd2383
I was stating their entire concept of justification is wrong.
@@eddardgreybeard 👍
Love your hat, Father!
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399the paradox of your name being “notyourtypicalcomment” but you posted the typical ignorant comment.
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399Good job brother, taking verses out of context on a video about..... literally taking verses out of context.
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399What do you call your dad? Dave? Paul? Jim? Even most fundamental Protestants (which I grew up in) wouldn’t make this mistake. Please read and understand the context of this verse.
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399 what did you call your dad, you reffered to him as Bobby Joe or what?
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399Do you call your father "guy who conceived me"?
Wow, I was jusr struggling with sola fide. Thank you father Mihkail, I appreciate it.
very nice sermon brother.
Thank you, and God bless you, Father! These important truths are much needed in today's world and especially in our secular, American society. May the Love of Christ bring many more to the Orthodox Faith!☦️ Amen.
Bless you father, greetings from Belgrade
I was listening to a Roman Catholic priest on YT recently and he was talking about “merit.” It was like if you are in a state of grace (which I think to them means weekly confession and eucharist) your good works then become like an IOU to God. I can see why that idea needed someone to protest against it, but protestants typically believe Orthodox and Roman Catholics believe the same theology
Thank you, Father. It's lovely seeing the children's toys too!
Bless me abouna. One of the things I’ve been struggling is guidance on how to survive working for woke/liberal companies. This is becoming very much a reality and we orthodox often find no direction on facing this growing standard of work life.
I’m not personally being forced to spread sinful ideas, this is something that’s growing culturally inside companies in the entire world. Stuff like “pride” and “pronouns” are everywhere in the workplace environment. I fear that depending on our careers, this becomes unavoidable. I’m in the tech industry and everywhere you look is the same.
@Desertfox21 I have a family, if I were on my own I would already be doing something else
Glory to Jesus Christ
God bless you Father, thank you for this video and others, they are really helpful.
Just discovered you today. Not Orthodox, but have had an interest for some time. I appreciate your simple and direct videos, and am benefiting from them. Thanks!
you know what the Skufia reminds me of? the Campaign hat but without a brim.
MILITARY TRAINING INSTRUCTORS, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FLIGHTS! FLIGHT 'TENCH HUT!
Priests are like Captains in that they have a responsibility to care for their flock.
This includes discipline and training.
Thank you for this video, Father! I needed it! ❤ I love you very much, continue your good and blessed work! 🙏🏻
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399spiritual father, it’s what we call the church fathers going back to the apostles, it’s a title and respect, you have any idea what they go through, how they live to earn their title? It’s like saying Shepard, pastor but more repect
Thank you Father🙏🙏🙏, I love your explanation of what death is, yes apart from God I am dead, empty.🙏🌺💕💞🙏
Healthy theology. Thank you father. God bless
We can never earn our salvation for it is a gift from God. Doesnt mean we can do what we want and be saved. Faith requires obedience to God and if we don't want to obey, we will sin willingly and if we sin willingly no sacrifice remained anymore (Hebrews 10:26-27).When one falls into sin while claiming they have faith, repentance is a must and not an option. A Christian doesnt just repent once, but daily. Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison (Lord mave mercy, Christ have mercy) are words we don't just shout out in church for nothing. Continues repentance and abiding in Christ through the sacraments the church dispenses is what leads to salvation and not a one time declaration of being justified once you came to faith. Even if you are baptized, you may own a house in heaven and can call yourself child of God, but through sin that inheritance we may never enter. So let's be cautious and tell to ourselves and each other daily:
"But exhort one another daily, while it is still called “today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13
God bless everyone. Stay saved and continue to persue the true path in hope to be saved.
Kyrie Eleison Me and thank you for everything
Christos Anesti
If a soul doesn't confess then do not partake of holy communion.
Please include me in your daily devotions and prayers that I may living according to the Christians faith, teachings, and values.
How do I convert from Protestantism to Orthodoxy I feel a strong connection to the orthodox church and my souls tells me it's correct.
Best thing is to start by visiting an Orthodox Church :)
Father can we start a weekly or bi weekly Bible study soon? - An OCA member in USA
Jesus said "sin no more" multiple times. One time with the adulteress, and the other with the man by the pool of Bethesda. Agreed. I feel like protestants (in a general sense) need to emphasize on sanctification/purification as much as salvation. Paul made it clear that being saved does not mean be lawless nor abuse grace. Grace is not a license to sin.
I agree this is something lacking in Protestants church’s being that I am a protestant
@@elijahnoy3232brother how can you trust Martin Luther???
@@emje8707I agree with these points you stated, but Martin Luther was correct in that we are justified before God by faith alone.
@@nathanjstoicFaith implies trust, trust implies obedience. Faith is a multilayered cake. These attributes of Faith are inseperable. They are two sides of the same coin. When you get married to a wife or husband, you have trust and obedience is there from the start, not down the road.
@@noybiznatch Yeah. Sola fide includes the whole cake.
THANK YOU FR. THIS WAS VERY HELPFUL INDEED
Thank you for the video. You said that single predestination is demonic, I want to ask, what is the language of election and predestination in the new testament about?
Translation bias. It depends on context. In most cases this refers to cooperation between man and God and the election of hierarchy.
@@living_orthodox Thank you for the reply and a brief answer, this would make a great video as well, God bless.
@@living_orthodox I agree that the Calvinist understanding of election and predestination is unhealthy, and can be destructive. I find it interesting that so many deconstructing Christians tend to come from that theological persuasion.
I'm not quite sure what you mean with this reply. Certainly the Scriptures teach them both.
If Christ is the "new" Israel, then would it be correct to say all who believe in him are the "elect"? And they were "predestined" in the sense that God knew beforehand who would believe?
I'm sure Orthodoxy would add that "believing" entails participating in life of the Church with its worship, sacraments, etc .
@@jamesbarksdale978 the latter statement gig made sums it up. Mere belief in the mind isn’t enough.
☦️🕊🔥📿🙏
Protestant here, looking into Orthodoxy. The main thing I am really having trouble with concerning Orthodox soteriology is that there doesn’t seem to be any place for any kind of forensic component to justification or justification by faith. It seems like these ideas are rejected outright, if not minimized as much as possible. But this is obviously a prominent theme in Paul, and can be found in the fathers. Is there an Orthodox understanding of forensic justification / justification by faith that I’m just missing? I’m not necessarily talking about Sola Fide, nor do I mean that salvation must be ONLY forensic.
I’m not saying you personally are doing what I’ve described above, I’m just searching desperately for answers. This is the primary thing giving me pause about converting. I’m wondering if I’ve just not found the right sources or am misunderstanding something.
Good question brother. What exactly do you mean by "forensic justification," and can you share some scriptures and quotes from the Fathers that you think support it?
Father, Wonderful Skufia but complements aside very nice teaching. I love your videos honestly, but have you considered taking up a role such as Fr Dcn Ananias?
I’ve been wanting to work with Fr Dcn Ananias lately. I have some topics I think he could really contribute on, but I am not sure what you mean by
@@living_orthodox like start doing apologetics such as him David Erhan,Jay Dyer,etc
I came from the Jehovah's Witness, I really love the Orthodox I fell in love with it, I was baptized and had a good church community and then I moved away to a area that doesn't have a church, that I lost all of my supportspell out of i, closest don't have the community support I don't have someone to help guide me and Mentor me and I searched for a long time
Lord have mercy. I will see if I can connect you with someone. What’s your primary language?
@@living_orthodox that would be such a huge blessing! How can I contact you?
@@living_orthodox how do I contact you?
fr.mikhail.baleka@gmail.com
I have a question, YES or NO. Can I practice Wim Hof brathing, it has a lot of health benefits but it is taken from yogic practices, they have almoust identical breathing methods.
Father thank you for your explanation and your calm demeanor. Could you please explain what it says in mathew 7 depart from me I never knew you?
That’s a great idea for a video actually
@ryandunwell7139 well james 2 21 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
We don't do good works to get saved but we do them out of love and respect for what Jesus did for us and because we are saved
Faith Without Works Is Dead
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
God helped me with a lot of things and freed me from many habitual sins like smoking cigs and many other because I also tried to repent without repentance we are living in sin also
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Hey I use my printer as a hat stand too!
What I've really gotten tired of is a Protestant/Evangelical/"Oprah-lite" approach to teaching and Scriptures: "Just love. The rest is doctrine." They do well to point to the Scriptures where Jesus told us to love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. But they make a fatal mistake when they say "There's no place for doctrine." People who say completely ignore the fact that loving God means obeying Him, and the Bible always talks about making sure our lives and doctrine match what the Word says. Not all Protestants do this, but I have certainly seen it. It is very sad. Many people choose to ignore what the Bible says. May we all be wise in this.
If you’re complaining about theologicaly liberal Protestants then I agree. I would encourage to look more at confessional Protestants. Protestants that hold to the reformers confessions (Augsburg confession, scots confession etc). None of the reformers simply thought put your faith in Christ and you can do what you want and your saved. At least in Lutheranism which I am sanctification is highly emphasized. LCMS churches, WELS churches are better examples to look at.
May I ask Forgive my ignorance Do you Speak, biblical greek koine greek if I'm not mistaken
@Desertfox21 thank you God bless you
Father, if I were to have a question for you, what is the best way to reach you? I have questions on baptism.
discord is prob best.
Thank you Father. My friend is a protestant and sometimes he tries to debate with me and i try to avoid that as much as i can but when we do debate i get annoyed and almost mad, any suggestions to avoid get mad and annoyed Father Mikhail?
I have lost many friends and even some family due to my beliefs. However, over time I have learned to treat it as a practice in patience. The more people push me, the more I remain silent. I don't see the point in arguing with those who don't know the whole truth. It won't benefit them to go back and forth, and it may even lead them to say something that will hold them more accountable.
I'm not a priest, but having a better understanding of things and modern-day church history, I feel sorry for them. I also felt sorry for myself when I realized I was lied to my whole life. However, I managed to live off the crumbs of truth for most of my life. Now, I have much to celebrate and learn.
I believe that actions speak louder than words. Trying to win people over with your knowledge can fill your mind with pride and make you stumble and fall. So, I try to win them over with my actions instead.
@@ricardoarchangel28 Great advice Ricardo 🙏🏻☦️
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399
Typical clueless prot… you ve already said it 4 times here 🤦♂️ you prots lack nuance & understanding
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399Just stop.
@@notyourtypicalcomment2399Get lost. Go to your church that was founded last week by pastor Jim and get pizza for praying the sinners prayer.
I’m fifteen and am growing up in a Protestant home, how can I know that I am saved? Can I be saved as a Protestant? Or should I convert to orthodox Christianity?
@Desertfox21 thanks man!
Hello father what is your opinion on father Heirs I think he is too. Strict for me maybe I'm mistaken please help
@Desertfox21 I dont know I didn't feel too welcome to his channel and I don't really trust him or father Savvas agioreitis could be wrong and mistaken though. If I'm wrong then what to do I can't do spiritual work all day everyday or cut entertainment video games music etc. Why must I be condemned or called a troll for something that I can't do I'm honest after a while of spiritual work I feel exhausted. Thanks for your time and IL be very happy if you can answer me again. Also is it wrong if the spiritual father I can get is not very strict but more on the lenient side which I really fell leniency will help me not strictness or atlest too much strictness. Again many thanks
The key in all things with the faith is to understand the ideal and work towards it. As a rector and a ROCOR priest, we’ve always been taught that there needs to be a gradual ease into things.
St. Arsenios the Cappadocian had a gift for increasing the obedience and piety of his people by his example, and by the fact that he was strict with himself and gentle towards others when it was necessary.
This is what I tell my people. To start, work on observing the Wednesday and Friday fast. Prior to receiving communion, be sure to attend vigil on Saturdays, and to abstain from games and movies the evening before liturgy and the day of. Try to set aside time to listen to, or read something spiritual.
@@living_orthodoxthanks for the answer and time father really appreciate it thats a lot more manageable and applicable but also another question the spiritual father I can get in the nearby village in Greece BTW the father there is on the more lenient side which I think leniency will help me not strictness but father Heers called father Savvas agioreitis who I believe is very strict and father Savvas said that those who are lenient spiritual fathers aren't good so I'm very confused and troubled and also atleast some people who like father Peter and father Savvas where very mean to me for saying that I'm distrusting of them and not thinking they can help me and it was a bad experience for me to not be accepted in the Truth and love of Christ througj other Christians. But that is all I can do at the moment any tips Will be greatly appreciated thanks alot
@@arandomdreamer9853 a spiritual father who is too lenient can often hamper progress. For example, my first spiritual father, Fr Vladimir for the first two years of my Orthodox life, gradually increased my fasting and prayer rule. One who is too strict can be like a piece of wood. If the wood cannot bend under the force of the wind, it becomes brittle and snaps. If it’s too soft, it doesn’t hold up and can’t resist even the most mild pressure. A spiritual father must be like a well treated timber. Flexible enough to not break under force, nor so soft that time and light pressure causes him to fold or to be unable to hold weight.
A proper strict spiritual will not compromise on matters of truth or faith. He will however, gradually increase your rule of fasting and prayer. If there is no progress after a year or two, even in something minor, that can be a hinderance. But if he is so strict that consistency becomes impossible or one is incapable of living in the world with a sense of moderation and discipline, then something has gone off. As Elder Ephraim said “watchfulness purifies the heart and mind, but when coupled with even a little asceticism it yields much more fruit.” Whatever you fast or abstain from, start by doing it with prayer. Don’t worry about the video games and entertainment for now. Just be moderate to start. Don’t watch or play games the night before liturgy and after. Treat it like food. If we abstain from food the night before, we should do the same with entertainment. I would recommend reading the life of St John Maximovich.
Stick with who you have for now. Once you’ve been working on yourself for a while, ask him to increase your fasting and prayer rule. Give him time and see what he might be able to do.
@@living_orthodoxI think I kind of understand you need both strictness and leniency whit such matters even though I personally haven't improved in like six years and I wonder if I do something wrong myself so the best spiritual father wouldn't magically make me better or it's because my spiritual vessel can only hold so much effort like not every athlete has the same potential energy etc. Many thanks again for not hurting me with words but being understanding because I felt really awful due to my weakness mistakes whatever it's called don't know sorry and giving me a applicable example that I can at least try it without destroying myself again many thanks God bless
Father, I as an Orthodox christian, do not know what Bible version is approved by the Orthodox church?
There are so many Bible versions out there.
Thank you !
@Desertfox21The Old Testament in the OSB is the St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint. We do not use the OT of the NKJV, or Masoretic Text in general, but instead the Septuagint.
@Desertfox21 I thought you had meant NT but wanted to help. 🤗 God bless.
@Desertfox21 thanks for the reply. I already have an Orthodox Bible (not a study one) and would have liked to know the version.
In another video Father Michael as recommended the Bibles from Holy apostles convent in Colorado. I bought all three books that they offer and I've been very impressed with the translation, commentary, etc.
What happened to the rest of videos on toll houses? It has been 8 months
I moved and have children. That’s what happened. I also want to make sure it’s a solid presentation
@@living_orthodox thank you for responding I was just curious is all I just watched the first one today and was like wait a minute where are the rest lol.
Keep wearing that skufia!
Last night, I was going to watch this video but had to other things, during that time, i was think about how much i liked Christian metal and how if i went monastic, because music is a worldly thing, I'd have to give that up. it's not a hard choice, but it is unfortunate.
@Desertfox21I only know of one. But only his band name, "holyname".
@Desertfox21Thank you, I'll see what I can do.
In Protestantism a person living in the jungle that never meet a Christian or believed in Jesus is basically going to hell. I wonder what the orthodox would say about this situation?
@@andyscheurer6336 I think one dimensional thinking like this is exactly what’s wrong with Protestantism and most modern ideas of Christianity. It certainly denies God’s mercy, but claiming that someone is saved from mere ignorance also makes irrelevant the whole commission and claim of the gospel. Remove emotions from one’s reasoning (which many fail to do in our times) and dig deeper into what the various successors of the apostles have said.
I look forward to studying EO. God bless
Can you please point to us where in the bible fasting is for self-control?
It is always seen as denying oneself and that is how we train for self-control. In the Gospels Jesus doesn’t say “if you fast,” but “when you fast.” Matthew 6:16-18. It’s not like it’s a magical “get whatever you want from prayer” thing. It’s about emptying oneself.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Properly understood, meekness is the exercise of self-restraint.
Is the sex fast before and after receiving holy communion universally enforced? Whats the justification for it? St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 seems to say that this is nobody’s business and to be decided between the husband and wife.
Yes. It is enforced. 1 Corinthians 7 is talking about not allowing others to come between the man and wife and drive divisions between them. Not about teaching what’s expected with regard to fasting and preparation for Holy Communion.
@@living_orthodox it speaks about abstaining from sex for the sake of prayer. That would be fasting. And it’s clear that this is a decision for the husband and wife.
@@living_orthodox I’m open to be proven wrong. But this seems like a western Augustinian accretion.
@@MicahMarshall4Truth complain to the Holy Fathers and the Canons. One cannot engage in sexual intimacy before receiving communion. Food, sex etc. I don’t make the rules. I trust in them.
For how long before?@@living_orthodox
Father, what foods make you angry, or sexually immoral? Lazy, I can certainly see, but not the others. Please elaborate.
Meat can
A lot of times after I indulge too much in fast food or greasy food I find more lustful thoughts and temptations than usual
When you satisfy one longing, another quickly takes it's place.
I pray for the day when Roman Catholic church & orthodox church get together again ✝️+☦=😇❤
Roman Catholics can start the journey to convert to Orthodoxy at any time. The only union we will ever accept is Roman Catholics joining the Orthodox Church. We have nothing to capitulate.
Catholicism is a divergence from Christian Orthodoxy, I was involved in Catholicism for 13 years and I made my way into Orthodoxy through the process of conversion which requires repentance. I encourage all in Catholicism to do the same.
What’s the Spirit do? Cause from my understanding, your view is if we act like Christ we are covered by grace
It’s not about acting. You’re not looking at it deep enough or honestly enough if that’s what you’re taking from this.
@@living_orthodox Acting/Living/Uniting, whatever. I’m just a little confused on what the Spirits doing in EO Soteriology type jazz.
What kind of hat is that?
A skufia. It's something Russian Orthodox priests wear.
If those who have been justified are the same as those who are not justified then the good tree and the evil tree bear the same fruit. That is not Orthodox teaching.
Jesus said that he who sins is the slave of sin and that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. John wrote:
_He that saith he knows him, but who keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him._ (1 John 2:4)
This is how we know we are in Christ, if we keep his commandments, as Jesus also says in Mark 10:19.
The issue, according to scripture, is fidelity to the commandments. If we violate the commandments with impunity, we are not in Christ.
So donatism and novitianism. Think again. Mercy eludes the heterodox.
@@living_orthodoxCertainly God is merciful. But what of people who are continually practicing sin and disobeying God's commands?
See Romans 1:24 and also the hardening of Pharaoh's heart who had already hardened it. At some point doesn't God give people over to their desires?
You lump differing groups too easily into the old category "Protestants..."
It’s not old and it is better than rattling off the 30,000 + sects of the Protestants. They all stem from the same source.
Father, you say ‘about’ funny ;-)
Canadian accent