I made the leap and was baptized into the Orthodox Church. I lost all of my friends, my career, and my safety. I am still trying to figure out what God wishes for me with my new life, and struggle everyday. My conversion was the hardest thing I have ever done, and the most costly. With that said, I now know God more deeply than I thought possible, and am growing in the Church daily. I can't lie it is painful and feels like death to sacrifice all, however it is worth IT. God bless you in your lif
The point he raised at the 1:17:30 mark, about Protestants not wanting to give up their position of power being their own final authority... speaking as someone who grew up as a Protestant, I can attest to the truth of this and ironically, this is the same reason that Simon the Sorcerer in the book of Acts didn't want to give up sorcery and also attempted to bribe the apostles into giving him the powers of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I can relate to your struggle of fear. I was an evangelical pastor, that is all I knew how to be, and it's all I ever wanted to be. I was loved and respected in the church I was a part of. In my studies I realized that I needed to join the true historical Church, however I was terrified. For me becoming Orthodox meant that I would be giving up my life as I knew it, and as I had always wished it to be. It took 3 years of wrestling with myself however it became clear that it was time so
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
It's not about 'need'. We don't need rituals, or need icons. The liturgy, and the icons enrich our faith and our worship of Christ. I was an evangelical pastor before I became Orthodox, and can say first hand, that through the Church you find a deeper faith than could ever think possible. Reducing Christianity to 'need' is an injustice. We should ask what will bring us closer to Christ.Christ is bigger than you make him sound, there is more than "being saved" This is the fullness of the faith.
God bless you, Brother... I have found solace in the bosom of the Orthodox Church that I've never imagined. May our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your walk.
He just "gets" the Orthodox Church. Theology aside, the Orthodox Church was there from the beginning and has not changed to this day. It's really that simple.
Over the last 10 years (at least) it has become very clear that he never "got" the Orthodox Church at all. His apparent embrace of Orthodoxy was motivated by his anger at and hatred of his former Protestant associations , including his own family. Nothing good can come from the motivations of anger and hate. Schaeffer is no longer even pretending to be Orthodox. Early on during his Orthodox phase some perceptive Orthodox writers noted that there was something off about Schaeffer's understanding of Orthodoxy. Search for Vigen Gurioan's 1995 review of Schaeffer's book DANCING ALONE .
Bravo Mikhail for putting this up. I post them on facebook. They are so inspiring and so interesting. God bless you. and all who watch this. God would be proud of you.
Rise up Christians and save foreign religions from their blindenss and lead them to the Lord. The devil hates this, so stick it to him Poor holy water and wash away the evil!!!!! No devil can challenge me for I have Christ!!!!!!!
Go and visit. You will be pleasantly suprised as to how welcoming Orthodox Christians are and how much the priest are willing to share info about African saints and scholars of the church. I am a Baptist pastor who has joined an Antiochian prayer discipline and attend Divine Liturgy at an Antiochian and OCA church. My visits to Greek churches have been amazing as well. Look up the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black and the Modern Monastic Order of St Simon of Cyrene. Great places to start.
s Guinness, wrote. "The real truth is that Franky, as he then called himself, was spoiled. He was more like a poster child for Benjamin Spock than the son of "fundamentalist missionaries." . . . He was rarely challenged, disciplined, or denied. As a result, he grew up a "little Napoleon,". . .In sum, the combination of neglect, guilt, nepotism, and spoiling was a toxic brew."
St John the Baptist often is depicted in iconography with wings. These do not symbolize that he was literally an angel (for he was not, contrary to the error of Origen), but rather call to mind that the Baptist served a quasi-angelic office. For the angels are appointed as the ministers between God and men, and it was St. John who went before our Lord to prepare his way. The very word angel means messenger, and this fits well with St. John's role as the voice crying out in the wilderness.
This man , Frank Schaeffer, has turned away from Orthodoxy and no longer believes the teachings of the Orthodox Church. I suppose it could be said that "yes, he may have lost his way and turned away from the truth of the Orthodox Church, but what he says here is still true and valid , so there is a good reason to keep this video posted on TH-cam " , but there are so many (better) defenses of Orthodoxy agains Protestantism that could be used in place of this video. Candidly , it must be said that Schaeffer was never a theological heavyweight , he was not well-read or deep in the faith, he was at best a popularizer of other people's ideas. Over the years it has become very clear that his motivation for "defending Orthodoxy" was his hatred for his former Protestant associates (including his own family) . His supposed embrace of "orthodoxy" was done in a spirit of rebellion against his former Protestant confession. . Now he has fallen away from Orthodoxy , too. I don't see the value of using a former Orthodox person's testimony about the truth of Orthodoxy when he himself has rejected it . Also, this is not something new, this is not information that is hidden away and not well known. Schaeffer has not been Orthodox for many years .
Dear Achilles,I truly do hope that you, like me, can finally make your conversion to Orthodoxy. To me, being a history major, history does not lie.Evidence is objective. Whatever protestant church you may be going to, you have to ask yourself:"was this church founded by Jesus Christ, upon the apostles?" -and if your date starts from 1517 until today, then you may be in the wrong church.Notice how many Christians of all backgrounds when searching the Original Early Church, end up in the Orthodox.
Even though the Orthodox churches are formed along ethnic lines, they are, or should, be welcoming of all. The church is there to guide all mankind, not just the Greeks or the Serbians. In our Russian church, we have several Indian, Chinese, Anglo-Saxon and Middle Eastern members. Find an Orthodox church near you, call up the priest and have a talk. I'm not a theologian or an expert but I'd be happy to help in any way I can, if you need it! Welcome to the family :)
What does one do as an African American if you're are (like Frank) longing for more and interested in the Orthodox church? All of the Orthodox churches I know of are formed around an ethnic identity. Are they welcoming of other races?
The only reason these churches seem to be ethnic oriented, is because in our countries, we preserved the real, traditional faith, trough the orthodox church. It has nothing to do with race, or nationality, besides this. Orthodox Church even has an ethiopian branch, and black saints, and everybody is welcomed. The only advice i have, is that you should first search for an orthodox church where the preast is conducting the service in english. Good luck ❤
For example the use of incense, or the use of bow/kneeling as a sign of respect and esteem. Apostolic fathers: for example Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna or The Shepherd of Hermas or the Didache. Why don't Protestant read the works of St. Clement,Ignatius, Antioch when these persons spend years and decades together with some of the Apostles.In their works we can find teachings which the Apostles said them verbally, and their works helps us to understand the NT better
I fully agree with RussianMonarchist, go seek out an Orthodox priest or priests. They will guide you to material and answer your questions. Too many African Americans are unaware of the Orthodox presence and history in Northern Africa. Just look at the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches.
No, he did not say that! Farmer THINKS religion is for the weak. Frank is BRILLIANT, STRONG and fascinating man. I am curious about his take on Holy Orthodoxy, and he is hard to argue! He has great answers to everything, it seems.
John the Baptist was chosen to baptize the Chosen One,the Messiah, Christ the Son of God. John the Baptist began a ministry of baptism and preaching repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He did baptize other people.
According to Christian archives, he baptized all people who wanted to be baptized. This was an act of forgiveness, not an act of Christianity. In the early church, baptism was performed for those who wanted to enter into the Faith.
The Baptist fulfills what had been prophesied through Malachi (3:1) regarding the angel of the Lord [the first part of the prophecy is from Malachi, the second from Isaiah]: As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins. (Mark 1:2-4)
From an ignorant outsider, the Orthodox appear segmented. This is not reality. We all practice the same faith, traditions, theology and dogmas. In the West, the Latin church split into the Anglican Movement, the Protestant Reformation, and many Old and Traditional Catholic jurisdictions, not under Rome. Within the Latin Church, you have different Rites, theology, and some recite the Creed without the Filioque. The Orthodox contain a "sameness", a unity in the same Faith.
This is too long for me to watch right now. But, since I research this sort of issue and will try at some point to take it in (certain there must be good points presented). I just want to jump in with this one thing - if we are meant to be one church (and I believe that Orthodox argument-and Catholic for that matter), then why do the mother churches (Orthodox and Catholic) spend so much time with "Defense against Protestantism" and "10 reasons Protestants are the worst" and "We know better than you" rhetoric? Where's the charity? Where's the instruction in mature patience? There must be maturity. There must be faithfulness such that the position isn't just "why won't you say my club's the best?". Where is it? It's difficult to find.
He simply went from the frying pan into the fire. He did not change faiths just a glorified version of Protestantism. Ecumenist “orthodox” or Protestantism; you say tomato, I say tomawto!
It is hard listening to someone who is so agitated and does not understand that the Church is made up of human beings. He is not speaking from the life of "Christ within you, the hope of glory". There are many Spirit-led churches where everything is done decently and in order.
It is unfortunate. I do not know how involved in the church you were, but all the services, the hymnology all directly deal with Scripture and salvation. I get the impression you want things delivered to you on a silver platter. The church services are one major aspect of the faith, it is our responsibility to read the Bible , the church Fathers etc. Did you ever have a serious discussion with your priest?
The Church is like vineyard. It has a lot of vines in it. If a vine is uprooted, then it's not part of the vineyard yet & soon it blights. The Oriental "Churches" are groups of Christians that decided to get away from the One Catholic & Apostolic Church. They are not Orthodox but in name. Name means nothing, faith does; not to mention that westerners call the One Church "Orthodox" to distinct it from Papism whom they call Catholicism, while Orthodox & Catholic are both names of the same Church.
i wish the real issue of the claim of Orthodoxy against Protestantism was dealt with: The historicity of the Orthodox church. I have been looking on the net for some while for hard evidence to back this claim up and apart from simple lists of Bishops of Antioch (which are simple claims) I find an avoidance to hold these claims up to historical scrutiny. In a modern world, major claims need to be tested. I am not saying it isn't a true claim... I just haven't seen the evidence yet.
Watching him on BookTV on CSPAN 2. And just like there are those evangelicals that Love the early work of AW Tozier but don't much care for his later stuff. I a Christian Orthodox will stick to Frank Schaeffers early works and don't much care for his current works.
No, the Orthodox are the true faith, the ancient faith. The Latin church separated themselves from this true church. Any religion outside of the Orthodox Church is a sect.
You are very confused. Monks are followers of the ways and teachings of Christ. They have abandoned the worldly life and practice religious asceticism. There were the original twelve disciples, who also appointed others to carry on their mission. Jesus did pray. Here is a partial list from Scriptures: Luke 3:21, Luke 6:12,Luke 9:18, Luke 9:29, Luke 11:1, Luke 23:46,Luke 23:34. Christ also prayed for Himself at the Garden of Gethsemane, hence the Lord's Prayer.
Wrapping up the posture of body is what the text speaks of & thats what I am concerned about & I think you should be too. It does not talk about John's heart. Your right in saying that an apostolic father namely Ignatius did speak about a hierarchy that was soon to be the norm but was not yet & was not the original intent of the apostles. The NT only knew of bishop/presbyters & deacons & so was the case with Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr & a few others. I know nothing of the mystical stuff.
The existence of the apostles, which you acknowledge, are the basis for hierarchy. Christ wanted the His Church to be under Authority. From the very start. It was not to be an individual quest, but a communal quest. You acknowledge Ignatius as an "apostolic father". Thus, why cannot you see the bishops, which you also acknowledge existing, into the current period? You know when Protestantism began, so you must know that the Orthodox Church predated that by many centuries. How much "historicity" do you require?
Rituals were used by the early Church; in the Old Testament rituals were used and it didn't stop within the Early Church. Have you read th Apostolic fathers already. Most of them were for many years very close disciples of the Apostles and the show us in their writings more specific how the Early Chruch looked like. Church existed before the New Testament.
No there is only The Church. Marcionites, Gnostics, Arians, Calvinists and the rest are not The Church. Christ founded The Church. The Church is One. One Baptism, One Church, One G-d
Os Guinness, who lived with the Francis and Edith Schaeffer and was Frank's best man, wrote in a published review of "Crazy for God", that Frank Schaeffer is a typical example of a spoiled kid who is now dishonoring his parents as revenge for not getting the attention he craved as a child.
The ancients placed more emphasis on practice (Orthopraxy). Somehow it was changed by the preaching of St Paul to right faith or belief (orthodoxy). It was enough to believe for salvation as opposed to right practice for salvation, favoured by St James, Christ's brother and the first Bishop of Jerusalem. The ancients also did not evangelize or proselytize with words or veiled threat, guilt or ridicule. The ancient fathers of the church evangelized by their actions and deeds. Enough of the fluff and empty words. Leave orthodoxy alone, it will heal itself.
The angel said that because Apostle John not only fell before his feet but he worshipped him as well.That's the problematic point I think. Excuse me,but I disagree that we don't need the Apostolic fathers, because the Apostles wrote many times that their people should keep not only their written teaching,but their oral teaching as well. And by the Apostolic fathers we can interpret much better the Epistles of the Apostles, especially these of Paul,which are difficult to understand(2 Peter3:16).
1. The word proskuneese (προσκυνῆσαι, προσκυνέω G4352) translated worship means bowing down towards someone or something. See the word usage in scripture. That was the way middle eastern people worshipped. Just like muslims today. They take off their shoes (like in the OT) & bow down. So lets simply not bow down to others or their images but only to God. 2. Alright then what do the apostolic fathers add that is so important & not in the Bible? Please refresh my memory & maybe you have a point.
The originally based off of the Old Testament the JEWS did deny Idolatry because no one knew what GOD looked like how can you make an image of god without know what he looks like it would be a FALSE image... Makes sense but when GOD came down and became flesh through his Son the people now have an image of him it isn't a FALSE image it is TRUE image of GOD ... You forget GOD creates matter so in essence matter can be holy or do you not believe GOD created everything... ?
@dlsbucur I'd be very much interested in hearing the story of how you ultimately became a Christian. Would you mind sharing it? You could send me a PM if you like.
I know people in the OT people bowed before some in respect and to God in worship, but that does not negate the words of Peter and of the angel to not do it. The apostolic fathers are very good, but all we need is in scripture. Baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21) and the Lord's Supper keeps us in Chirst giving the Lord's body and blood (John 6; 1 Cor. 10:14-19). We also need to live for the Lord. Its been a while since I read the fathers so I cant really say much more unless I pull out my notes.
Oh buddy you don't need rituals or to say to Mary "we magnify thee" or kneel before images, but what you do need is know God in a living relationship . Didnt Joel say that God would pour out His Sprit on all flesh and that they would all have prophetic dreams, visions or prophecies? Didnt Peter say that it was for everyone the Lord calls to Himself (read Acts 2)? Didnt Jesus say that the one who believes in Him will do the works He did and greater/more numberous (John 14:12)?
I found the true church from a burning in my bossom as the Angel Moroni spoke and told me the Mormon Church is the true church and Joseph Smith is a true Prophet, accept him as your personal Prophet.
I object to Schaeffer's characterization of Catholicism. His experience at his local Catholic parish is the exception, not the rule. These abuses have come to pass only over the past 50 years. Would St. Vladimir have ever baptized the Kievan Rus had his emissaries walked into a Byzantine church during the 60-year-long iconoclastic period? The papacy is an "infallible dictatorship"? Is a shepherd an "infallible dictator"?
So, you attended an Orthodox Church and at some time during the Liturgy the Gospel was not read and the priest did not have a sermon? That is nonsense. The Orthodox have kept Biblical Christianity in doctrine. It is all others that have departed from the truth.
I been to the church and friends in orthodox seem more God ways Bible than frank is making it. but may be this is his idea with having his own with out orthodox jumping on him for it. but what do i know. Grace is hope i hope.
No, you are mislead. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, what he is wearing is animal fur, not wings. I do not understand your second question. Per the records he baptized many people.
To me the Orthodox Church is a mixed bag. There is the good and then the bad. The bad being asking saints to pray to God so that He may hear us because "we have no boldness because of our many sins." This attitude is one of a lack of faith. Another would be bowing down and kissing icons when the angel in revelation and Peter did not allow people to bow down to them (proskyneō). Lastly the false beliefs and horrible attitude a lot of them hold about Jews and messianic Jews.
As far as asking saints to intercede for us, Do you ask your friends to pray for you? If so why not ask an actual man/woman that gave their life for Christs sake? Boldness is another word for pride! Why try to be humble! And once again do you kiss photos of your family after being away from them for a long time? Why not kiss the hand or feet of your true family in Christ
The "Orthodox" church broke away from the Apostolic Tradition when, at the second-Seventh Ecumenical Council, it embraced idolatry. The early church condemned the use if icons and so the Orthodox have not preserved the doctrine and practice of the early church. The real "Seventh Ecumenical Council" may have been the Council of Hieria (754) which condemned the veneration of icons, finding that practice to be idol worship in violation of the Second Commandment (Ex. 20:4ff).
I've read them and do not remember reading anything about bowing to anyone other than God. If you would refresh my memory. P.S. The protestant reformers were very well versed in the fathers.
I really get tired pf seeing these "pius" Christians of any denominations bash each other. In religion today it has turned as much about business and wealth just like the rest of the world. Is about hierarchy, and distortion of everything to do with God, just to ensure their belief system is the one and only. I still believe in God, His so Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit within each of us. I have lost faith in organized religion because I have witnessed for far too long how man has also distorted it for his own self interests.
Jacqueline Patterson Don't be too disappointed by the insufficiency of many believers inside Church. This was always a symptom of spiritual life. "But whoever will have led astray one of these little ones, who trust in me, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be submerged in the depths of the sea. Woe to a world that leads people astray! Although it is necessary for temptations to arise, nevertheless: Woe to that man through whom temptation arises!" [Matthew 18:6-7] After all Church was not established by men, but by Jesus Christ; and only through the Church which is the Body of our Lord we may be saved and receive etarnal life. "And so, Jesus said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." [John 6:54-57]
+Jacqueline Patterson Eastern Orthodoxy is not a religion; it is the Church. from the very beginning 2000 years ago, the Church has always employed polemics as an evangelization tool and a buffer against heresies. granted, it is not the most common form of evangelization; but it has always been there. polemics against the heterodox (heresies) are from the very beginning and can be found in the New Testament itself. _'For there _*_must be also heresies_*_ among you, _*_that they which are approved may be made manifest_*_ among you.'_ - 1 Corinthians 11_19
Thanks to you both for commenting and sharing your perspectives on the orthodox church. I subscribed to both of your channels. I am a transgender woman. For over thirty years I was a devout Orthodox Christian but was asked to not attend Sunday liturgy once I transitioned. Then the church recanted and said I could attend but not take communion. I just viewed Orthoglobus Google Page and found a video "Letter from Abba Father. The letter is actually a thread of verses from the psalms and scriptures. I would appreciate your views on the verses selected in this letter and how then the Orthodox Church could justify a stance as they have concerning my future in the Orthodox Church. Since my transition I have led many back to believing in God the Father. Those of us who have been wounded by the alleged protectors of the truth. My point was in making the original statement is. I believe the Orthodox church is the first church, however my perspective is that because of arrogance, ego, and confounding ethnic traditions injected into the church the Orthodox Church today has become no better than other churches. Organized religion has strayed far from the original text and its meaning. Thus others i have encouraged and who have once again became connected to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,, want no part of an organized church body. I could speak volumes about the hypocrisy I have witnessed in the Orthodox Church. Although I do ascribe to the as ethic teachings and pray the the orthodox prayers, by heart has been wounded by the churches perspective and bigotry. Please review the Letter from Abba Father and tell me how this can be.
+Jacqueline Patterson Although I am not the right person to guide others towards the way of God (since I haven't walked that way until now), I will reply to your post. Although it might sound strange to you, everything that is written in the "Letter from Abba Father"; is totally applied to me and you and everyone else. You see, God gifted us ALL with His image and likeness _[Genesis __1:26__]_ and God doesn't regret for His gifts. However the more we were honoured by God, the more responsibility we have to prove ourselves worthy of such anhonour; because only in that way we will granted with the promised True Life, the Eternal one. But what is Eternal Life? Jesus Christ Himself tell us: *"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent"* _[John 17:3]_ . So we need to know God in order to participate in His Eternal Life, but this is not possible unless we are known by God _[Galatians 4:9]_ . And these are the crucial questions that we ALL must address to ourselves every single day of our (temporary) earthly life: *"Will Jesus recognise His image when looking at me? Or He will say: 'Verily I say unto you, I know you not.'"* - _[Matthew __25:12__]_ , *"Have I preserved His image intact of sin? Or do I have transformed it into the image of my sinful passions?"* Every one of us must asnwer these questions for himself/herself, but the truth is that *"if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us"* _[1 John 1:8]_ . And this in were Church cames. Alike the good Samaritan of the parable on _[Luke __10:25__-37]_ brought the wouned man to an inn where they took care of him, Jesus brought us to the Church (=His own Body) so us to be taken care of our wounds of sins. In that perspective, only those who are not wounded from sin don't need to be cared in Church (that is none!). But the care everyone receives is not the same alike the medical care is not the one and the same for all patients. Those who suffer of greater wounds need different (and frequently more strict) care from those with lighter ones... This is also your case; As your wounds are greater than the usual Church has given you a special spiritual care. Alike doctors prohibit some patients (for the patient's benefit) from receiving the normal food of the healthy, the same way Church doesn't allow you for the time being to participate to the Holy Communion of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a way of punishment to you, but only a way to lead you to deeper repentance and sincere return to God. Don't forget that we will not be judged by men but by God and being so the only thing we must have in our minds is whether we do what God wants us to do in present life. And we will not be judged because we have sinned but because we haven't repented... To sum up all the above, here are my practical advices to you: - Seek for an experienced priest-confessor and try to renew through him your relationship with God. It would be preferable to search him in an Orthodox monastery close to you if there is any. - Think of yourself as an image of the Eternal God that has to be kept and returned unharmed back to Him Who created it. - Stay connected to your parish as there is not "personal salvation" for anyone no matter how "good"; or "clever" is. We are saved by and through our brothers! *"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"* _[Matthew __18:20__]_ . - If it comes to face any mocking try to endure it humbly ( *"he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved"* , _[Matthew __24:13__]_ ) remembering that Lord, the True God, was the first One Who endured all these thing for us the unworthy, although He *"did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth"* _[1 Peter __2:22__]_ . May God strengthen your spirit and lead your steps to Him as He wants *"all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"* _[1 Timothy 2:4]_ .
Orthoglobus may the Lord give us all the courage, love, and meekness to turn away from our many sins and seek after Him who dwells in the unapproachable light. thank you for speaking the pure words of truth in love. may they be ever close to my heart that i may repent of my sins and turn again to Him who camest into the world to save sinners of whom i am first. kyrie eleison - gospodi pomilui - Lord, have mercy.
he has some very good points and observations. But his main point that orthodox is somehow the "original" and "true" church is simply false. Why? It is anti-semitic to its core. Both the orthodox and Roman church specifically celebrate Easter so that it does NOT fall on the same date as Passover. Christ was the actual Passover lamb and these supposed Christians spit in the face of that. Have nothing to do with either of these false religious systems. hope he didn't drag the rest of his family to become Atheist like he did only a few years after this video came out
+j parks so what denomination / sect do you belong to? the Orthodox Church is not anti-Semitic. the Church has every right to contrast and protect itself from the tendencies of judaization which was an early heresy. you can read the book of Acts to familiarize yourself if needed with how much of a problem this was even during the time of the Apostles. _'Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.'_ - Revelation 3_9 _'Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.'_ - Matthew 16_6 _'Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.'_ - Matthew 21_43 *The Jewish Roots of Orthodox Christian Worship* - Fr. A.J. Bernstein (a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy) | 2 hour 12 mins youtube (*dot*) com/watch?v=7nd8vC9qdPQ
j parks what facts? slandering the Orthodox Faith while hiding behind the keyboard as to your own religious identification is not a fact but rather subterfuge. are you a Trinitarian Christian? if so, what sect / denomination do you belong to?
j parks how is that anti-semitism? every faith has a right to determine it's calendar. the Israelites were specifically commanded to separate themselves from the other nations in all aspects of life for the sake of the purity of the faith. the Church is the new Israel according to the scriptures. the Church included the Jews who accepted Christ as well as the gentiles who accepted Christ. it does not include those who reject Christ regardless of their ethnicity. you are evading the most obvious and innocent of questions: what sect do you belong to? are you even a Trinitarian Christian?
I made the leap and was baptized into the Orthodox Church. I lost all of my friends, my career, and my safety. I am still trying to figure out what God wishes for me with my new life, and struggle everyday. My conversion was the hardest thing I have ever done, and the most costly. With that said, I now know God more deeply than I thought possible, and am growing in the Church daily. I can't lie it is painful and feels like death to sacrifice all, however it is worth IT. God bless you in your lif
The point he raised at the 1:17:30 mark, about Protestants not wanting to give up their position of power being their own final authority... speaking as someone who grew up as a Protestant, I can attest to the truth of this and ironically, this is the same reason that Simon the Sorcerer in the book of Acts didn't want to give up sorcery and also attempted to bribe the apostles into giving him the powers of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I can relate to your struggle of fear. I was an evangelical pastor, that is all I knew how to be, and it's all I ever wanted to be. I was loved and respected in the church I was a part of. In my studies I realized that I needed to join the true historical Church, however I was terrified. For me becoming Orthodox meant that I would be giving up my life as I knew it, and as I had always wished it to be. It took 3 years of wrestling with myself however it became clear that it was time so
this man is very fun to listen to. Thank you for uploading. Lord have mercy.
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time
The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits
So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply
Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
@@theguyver4934yeah all the lamb and fish they ate was sure vegetarian 🙄
Checked on him lately? He is a deranged leftist now.
@marcuswilliams7448 Yeah just looked him up, very sad.
I feel moved to the Orthodox Church as well and I am afraid!
How did it work out?
It's not about 'need'. We don't need rituals, or need icons. The liturgy, and the icons enrich our faith and our worship of Christ. I was an evangelical pastor before I became Orthodox, and can say first hand, that through the Church you find a deeper faith than could ever think possible. Reducing Christianity to 'need' is an injustice. We should ask what will bring us closer to Christ.Christ is bigger than you make him sound, there is more than "being saved" This is the fullness of the faith.
RIGHT! we Protestants are lazy 🤣
God bless you, Brother... I have found solace in the bosom of the Orthodox Church that I've never imagined. May our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your walk.
He just "gets" the Orthodox Church. Theology aside, the Orthodox Church was there from the beginning and has not changed to this day. It's really that simple.
Over the last 10 years (at least) it has become very clear that he never "got" the Orthodox Church at all. His apparent embrace of Orthodoxy was motivated by his anger at and hatred of his former Protestant associations , including his own family. Nothing good can come from the motivations of anger and hate. Schaeffer is no longer even pretending to be Orthodox. Early on during his Orthodox phase some perceptive Orthodox writers noted that there was something off about Schaeffer's understanding of Orthodoxy. Search for Vigen Gurioan's 1995 review of Schaeffer's book DANCING ALONE .
Fantastic apologetics here. It's too bad Frank has went off the rails since.
Does anyone have a good explanation for what has happened to him?
@@alecfoster448 I have not heard for sure, but I suspect it has something to do with being poorly catechized and attending a liberal Greek parish.
Bravo Mikhail for putting this up. I post them on facebook. They are so inspiring and so interesting. God bless you. and all who watch this. God would be proud of you.
Rise up Christians and save foreign religions from their blindenss and lead them to the Lord. The devil hates this, so stick it to him Poor holy water and wash away the evil!!!!! No devil can challenge me for I have Christ!!!!!!!
Go and visit. You will be pleasantly suprised as to how welcoming Orthodox Christians are and how much the priest are willing to share info about African saints and scholars of the church. I am a Baptist pastor who has joined an Antiochian prayer discipline and attend Divine Liturgy at an Antiochian and OCA church. My visits to Greek churches have been amazing as well. Look up the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black and the Modern Monastic Order of St Simon of Cyrene. Great places to start.
s Guinness, wrote. "The real truth is that Franky, as he then called himself, was spoiled. He was more like a poster child for Benjamin Spock than the son of "fundamentalist missionaries." . . . He was rarely challenged, disciplined, or denied. As a result, he grew up a "little Napoleon,". . .In sum, the combination of neglect, guilt, nepotism, and spoiling was a toxic brew."
St John the Baptist often is depicted in iconography with wings. These do not symbolize that he was literally an angel (for he was not, contrary to the error of Origen), but rather call to mind that the Baptist served a quasi-angelic office. For the angels are appointed as the ministers between God and men, and it was St. John who went before our Lord to prepare his way. The very word angel means messenger, and this fits well with St. John's role as the voice crying out in the wilderness.
This man , Frank Schaeffer, has turned away from Orthodoxy and no longer believes the teachings of the Orthodox Church. I suppose it could be said that "yes, he may have lost his way and turned away from the truth of the Orthodox Church, but what he says here is still true and valid , so there is a good reason to keep this video posted on TH-cam " , but there are so many (better) defenses of Orthodoxy agains Protestantism that could be used in place of this video. Candidly , it must be said that Schaeffer was never a theological heavyweight , he was not well-read or deep in the faith, he was at best a popularizer of other people's ideas. Over the years it has become very clear that his motivation for "defending Orthodoxy" was his hatred for his former Protestant associates (including his own family) . His supposed embrace of "orthodoxy" was done in a spirit of rebellion against his former Protestant confession. . Now he has fallen away from Orthodoxy , too. I don't see the value of using a former Orthodox person's testimony about the truth of Orthodoxy when he himself has rejected it . Also, this is not something new, this is not information that is hidden away and not well known. Schaeffer has not been Orthodox for many years .
I don't see the value of you either.
Its hard to find something authentic and not tainted by man.
He's still orthodox and I've seen people (probably living in the same area as Frank) witnessing that he's going to the orthodox church.
@@magisterUK Yep. God creation won't leave us its impossible i hope.
BTW, I love Hany Mikhail's teachings on Divine Justice - that is how I got interested in the Eastern Church!
Dear Achilles,I truly do hope that you, like me, can finally make your conversion to Orthodoxy. To me, being a history major, history does not lie.Evidence is objective. Whatever protestant church you may be going to, you have to ask yourself:"was this church founded by Jesus Christ, upon the apostles?" -and if your date starts from 1517 until today, then you may be in the wrong church.Notice how many Christians of all backgrounds when searching the Original Early Church, end up in the Orthodox.
Even though the Orthodox churches are formed along ethnic lines, they are, or should, be welcoming of all. The church is there to guide all mankind, not just the Greeks or the Serbians. In our Russian church, we have several Indian, Chinese, Anglo-Saxon and Middle Eastern members. Find an Orthodox church near you, call up the priest and have a talk. I'm not a theologian or an expert but I'd be happy to help in any way I can, if you need it! Welcome to the family :)
What does one do as an African American if you're are (like Frank) longing for more and interested in the Orthodox church? All of the Orthodox churches I know of are formed around an ethnic identity. Are they welcoming of other races?
The only reason these churches seem to be ethnic oriented, is because in our countries, we preserved the real, traditional faith, trough the orthodox church. It has nothing to do with race, or nationality, besides this. Orthodox Church even has an ethiopian branch, and black saints, and everybody is welcomed. The only advice i have, is that you should first search for an orthodox church where the preast is conducting the service in english. Good luck ❤
Serbian Churches serve Liturgy in English and Serbian
For example the use of incense, or the use of bow/kneeling as a sign of respect and esteem.
Apostolic fathers: for example Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna or The Shepherd of Hermas or the Didache.
Why don't Protestant read the works of St. Clement,Ignatius, Antioch when these persons spend years and decades together with some of the Apostles.In their works we can find teachings which the Apostles said them verbally, and their works helps us to understand the NT better
I fully agree with RussianMonarchist, go seek out an Orthodox priest or priests. They will guide you to material and answer your questions. Too many African Americans are unaware of the Orthodox presence and history in Northern Africa. Just look at the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches.
I do not give out my email to anyone. Sorry. If you have much to say or questions just "reply" to me as many times as you want.
No, he did not say that! Farmer THINKS religion is for the weak. Frank is BRILLIANT, STRONG and fascinating man. I am curious about his take on Holy Orthodoxy, and he is hard to argue! He has great answers to everything, it seems.
John the Baptist was chosen to baptize the Chosen One,the Messiah, Christ the Son of God. John the Baptist began a ministry of baptism and preaching repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He did baptize other people.
According to Christian archives, he baptized all people who wanted to be baptized. This was an act of forgiveness, not an act of Christianity. In the early church, baptism was performed for those who wanted to enter into the Faith.
The Baptist fulfills what had been prophesied through Malachi (3:1) regarding the angel of the Lord [the first part of the prophecy is from Malachi, the second from Isaiah]: As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins. (Mark 1:2-4)
From an ignorant outsider, the Orthodox appear segmented. This is not reality. We all practice the same faith, traditions, theology and dogmas. In the West, the Latin church split into the Anglican Movement, the Protestant Reformation, and many Old and Traditional Catholic jurisdictions, not under Rome. Within the Latin Church, you have different Rites, theology, and some recite the Creed without the Filioque. The Orthodox contain a "sameness", a unity in the same Faith.
This is too long for me to watch right now. But, since I research this sort of issue and will try at some point to take it in (certain there must be good points presented). I just want to jump in with this one thing - if we are meant to be one church (and I believe that Orthodox argument-and Catholic for that matter), then why do the mother churches (Orthodox and Catholic) spend so much time with "Defense against Protestantism" and "10 reasons Protestants are the worst" and "We know better than you" rhetoric? Where's the charity? Where's the instruction in mature patience? There must be maturity. There must be faithfulness such that the position isn't just "why won't you say my club's the best?". Where is it? It's difficult to find.
He simply went from the frying pan into the fire. He did not change faiths just a glorified version of Protestantism. Ecumenist “orthodox” or Protestantism; you say tomato, I say tomawto!
The Church is The Church there are no denominations
What do you mean? Which rituals are you refering to? Which Fathers are you refering to?
How does someone like this become a leftist Democrat?
It is hard listening to someone who is so agitated and does not understand that the Church is made up of human beings. He is not speaking from the life of "Christ within you, the hope of glory". There are many Spirit-led churches where everything is done decently and in order.
John the Baptist was a prophet. Nowhere is he mentioned as an angel.
It is unfortunate. I do not know how involved in the church you were, but all the services, the hymnology all directly deal with Scripture and salvation. I get the impression you want things delivered to you on a silver platter. The church services are one major aspect of the faith, it is our responsibility to read the Bible , the church Fathers etc. Did you ever have a serious discussion with your priest?
Is there One Church or is the body of christ divided?
The Church is like vineyard. It has a lot of vines in it. If a vine is uprooted, then it's not part of the vineyard yet & soon it blights. The Oriental "Churches" are groups of Christians that decided to get away from the One Catholic & Apostolic Church. They are not Orthodox but in name. Name means nothing, faith does; not to mention that westerners call the One Church "Orthodox" to distinct it from Papism whom they call Catholicism, while Orthodox & Catholic are both names of the same Church.
i wish the real issue of the claim of Orthodoxy against Protestantism was dealt with: The historicity of the Orthodox church. I have been looking on the net for some while for hard evidence to back this claim up and apart from simple lists of Bishops of Antioch (which are simple claims) I find an avoidance to hold these claims up to historical scrutiny. In a modern world, major claims need to be tested. I am not saying it isn't a true claim... I just haven't seen the evidence yet.
Does anyone know how to spell ferrofsky at 40:43?
Watching him on BookTV on CSPAN 2. And just like there are those evangelicals that Love the early work of AW Tozier but don't much care for his later stuff. I a Christian Orthodox will stick to Frank Schaeffers early works and don't much care for his current works.
No, the Orthodox are the true faith, the ancient faith. The Latin church separated themselves from this true church. Any religion outside of the Orthodox Church is a sect.
You are very confused. Monks are followers of the ways and teachings of Christ. They have abandoned the worldly life and practice religious asceticism. There were the original twelve disciples, who also appointed others to carry on their mission.
Jesus did pray. Here is a partial list from Scriptures:
Luke 3:21, Luke 6:12,Luke 9:18, Luke 9:29, Luke 11:1, Luke 23:46,Luke 23:34.
Christ also prayed for Himself at the Garden of Gethsemane, hence the Lord's Prayer.
Wrapping up the posture of body is what the text speaks of & thats what I am concerned about & I think you should be too. It does not talk about John's heart.
Your right in saying that an apostolic father namely Ignatius did speak about a hierarchy that was soon to be the norm but was not yet & was not the original intent of the apostles. The NT only knew of bishop/presbyters & deacons & so was the case with Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr & a few others. I know nothing of the mystical stuff.
The existence of the apostles, which you acknowledge, are the basis for hierarchy. Christ wanted the His Church to be under Authority. From the very start. It was not to be an individual quest, but a communal quest. You acknowledge Ignatius as an "apostolic father". Thus, why cannot you see the bishops, which you also acknowledge existing, into the current period?
You know when Protestantism began, so you must know that the Orthodox Church predated that by many centuries. How much "historicity" do you require?
Rituals were used by the early Church; in the Old Testament rituals were used and it didn't stop within the Early Church. Have you read th Apostolic fathers already. Most of them were for many years very close disciples of the Apostles and the show us in their writings more specific how the Early Chruch looked like. Church existed before the New Testament.
unfortunately he is not exaggerating at all...
No there is only The Church. Marcionites, Gnostics, Arians, Calvinists and the rest are not The Church. Christ founded The Church. The Church is One. One Baptism, One Church, One G-d
Os Guinness, who lived with the Francis and Edith Schaeffer and was Frank's best man, wrote in a published review of "Crazy for God", that Frank Schaeffer is a typical example of a spoiled kid who is now dishonoring his parents as revenge for not getting the attention he craved as a child.
Why do you make such ignorant comments if you have no understanding of the Christian Faith?
Baloney. You have the Russian, the Antiochian, the Coptic, etc.
The ancients placed more emphasis on practice (Orthopraxy). Somehow it was changed by the preaching of St Paul to right faith or belief (orthodoxy). It was enough to believe for salvation as opposed to right practice for salvation, favoured by St James, Christ's brother and the first Bishop of Jerusalem. The ancients also did not evangelize or proselytize with words or veiled threat, guilt or ridicule. The ancient fathers of the church evangelized by their actions and deeds. Enough of the fluff and empty words. Leave orthodoxy alone, it will heal itself.
The angel said that because Apostle John not only fell before his feet but he worshipped him as well.That's the problematic point I think.
Excuse me,but I disagree that we don't need the Apostolic fathers, because the Apostles wrote many times that their people should keep not only their written teaching,but their oral teaching as well. And by the Apostolic fathers we can interpret much better the Epistles of the Apostles, especially these of Paul,which are difficult to understand(2 Peter3:16).
1. The word proskuneese (προσκυνῆσαι, προσκυνέω G4352) translated worship means bowing down towards someone or something. See the word usage in scripture. That was the way middle eastern people worshipped. Just like muslims today. They take off their shoes (like in the OT) & bow down. So lets simply not bow down to others or their images but only to God.
2. Alright then what do the apostolic fathers add that is so important & not in the Bible? Please refresh my memory & maybe you have a point.
The originally based off of the Old Testament the JEWS did deny Idolatry because no one knew what GOD looked like how can you make an image of god without know what he looks like it would be a FALSE image... Makes sense but when GOD came down and became flesh through his Son the people now have an image of him it isn't a FALSE image it is TRUE image of GOD ... You forget GOD creates matter so in essence matter can be holy or do you not believe GOD created everything... ?
You have no understanding. The Oriental Orthodox split from the Eastern Orthodox. The Easter nOrthodox accepting all 7 Ecumenical Councils.
@dlsbucur I'd be very much interested in hearing the story of how you ultimately became a Christian. Would you mind sharing it? You could send me a PM if you like.
I know people in the OT people bowed before some in respect and to God in worship, but that does not negate the words of Peter and of the angel to not do it.
The apostolic fathers are very good, but all we need is in scripture. Baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21) and the Lord's Supper keeps us in Chirst giving the Lord's body and blood (John 6; 1 Cor. 10:14-19). We also need to live for the Lord. Its been a while since I read the fathers so I cant really say much more unless I pull out my notes.
Oh buddy you don't need rituals or to say to Mary "we magnify thee" or kneel before images, but what you do need is know God in a living relationship . Didnt Joel say that God would pour out His Sprit on all flesh and that they would all have prophetic dreams, visions or prophecies? Didnt Peter say that it was for everyone the Lord calls to Himself (read Acts 2)? Didnt Jesus say that the one who believes in Him will do the works He did and greater/more numberous (John 14:12)?
I found the true church from a burning in my bossom as the Angel Moroni spoke and told me the Mormon Church is the true church and Joseph Smith is a true Prophet, accept him as your personal Prophet.
I object to Schaeffer's characterization of Catholicism. His experience at his local Catholic parish is the exception, not the rule. These abuses have come to pass only over the past 50 years. Would St. Vladimir have ever baptized the Kievan Rus had his emissaries walked into a Byzantine church during the 60-year-long iconoclastic period?
The papacy is an "infallible dictatorship"? Is a shepherd an "infallible dictator"?
TenderTrap715 ... infallible dictatorship. Well, it really hurts to hear the truth.
So, you attended an Orthodox Church and at some time during the Liturgy the Gospel was not read and the priest did not have a sermon? That is nonsense.
The Orthodox have kept Biblical Christianity in doctrine. It is all others that have departed from the truth.
I been to the church and friends in orthodox seem more God ways Bible than frank is making it. but may be this is his idea with having his own with out orthodox jumping on him for it. but what do i know. Grace is hope i hope.
No, you are mislead. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, what he is wearing is animal fur, not wings.
I do not understand your second question. Per the records he baptized many people.
exactly
To me the Orthodox Church is a mixed bag. There is the good and then the bad. The bad being asking saints to pray to God so that He may hear us because "we have no boldness because of our many sins." This attitude is one of a lack of faith. Another would be bowing down and kissing icons when the angel in revelation and Peter did not allow people to bow down to them (proskyneō). Lastly the false beliefs and horrible attitude a lot of them hold about Jews and messianic Jews.
As far as asking saints to intercede for us, Do you ask your friends to pray for you? If so why not ask an actual man/woman that gave their life for Christs sake? Boldness is another word for pride! Why try to be humble! And once again do you kiss photos of your family after being away from them for a long time? Why not kiss the hand or feet of your true family in Christ
His ego is to big for any church
The "Orthodox" church broke away from the Apostolic Tradition when, at the second-Seventh Ecumenical Council, it embraced idolatry. The early church condemned the use if icons and so the Orthodox have not preserved the doctrine and practice of the early church.
The real "Seventh Ecumenical Council" may have been the Council of Hieria (754) which condemned the veneration of icons, finding that practice to be idol worship in violation of the Second Commandment (Ex. 20:4ff).
1:22:20
I've read them and do not remember reading anything about bowing to anyone other than God. If you would refresh my memory.
P.S. The protestant reformers were very well versed in the fathers.
An they are all of the same faith, theology and traditions.
He meant Игнатий Брянчанинов :))
Perhaps you should have your facts straight before you start spewing falsehoods
Florovsky.
I really get tired pf seeing these "pius" Christians of any denominations bash each other. In religion today it has turned as much about business and wealth just like the rest of the world. Is about hierarchy, and distortion of everything to do with God, just to ensure their belief system is the one and only. I still believe in God, His so Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit within each of us. I have lost faith in organized religion because I have witnessed for far too long how man has also distorted it for his own self interests.
Jacqueline Patterson
Don't be too disappointed by the insufficiency of many believers inside Church. This was always a symptom of spiritual life.
"But whoever will have led astray one of these little ones, who trust in me, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be submerged in the depths of the sea. Woe to a world that leads people astray! Although it is necessary for temptations to arise, nevertheless: Woe to that man through whom temptation arises!" [Matthew 18:6-7]
After all Church was not established by men, but by Jesus Christ; and only through the Church which is the Body of our Lord we may be saved and receive etarnal life.
"And so, Jesus said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." [John 6:54-57]
+Jacqueline Patterson
Eastern Orthodoxy is not a religion; it is the Church. from the very beginning 2000 years ago, the Church has always employed polemics as an evangelization tool and a buffer against heresies. granted, it is not the most common form of evangelization; but it has always been there. polemics against the heterodox (heresies) are from the very beginning and can be found in the New Testament itself.
_'For there _*_must be also heresies_*_ among you, _*_that they which are approved may be made manifest_*_ among you.'_ - 1 Corinthians 11_19
Thanks to you both for commenting and sharing your perspectives on the orthodox church. I subscribed to both of your channels. I am a transgender woman. For over thirty years I was a devout Orthodox Christian but was asked to not attend Sunday liturgy once I transitioned. Then the church recanted and said I could attend but not take communion. I just viewed Orthoglobus Google Page and found a video "Letter from Abba Father. The letter is actually a thread of verses from the psalms and scriptures. I would appreciate your views on the verses selected in this letter and how then the Orthodox Church could justify a stance as they have concerning my future in the Orthodox Church. Since my transition I have led many back to believing in God the Father. Those of us who have been wounded by the alleged protectors of the truth. My point was in making the original statement is. I believe the Orthodox church is the first church, however my perspective is that because of arrogance, ego, and confounding ethnic traditions injected into the church the Orthodox Church today has become no better than other churches. Organized religion has strayed far from the original text and its meaning. Thus others i have encouraged and who have once again became connected to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,, want no part of an organized church body. I could speak volumes about the hypocrisy I have witnessed in the Orthodox Church. Although I do ascribe to the as ethic teachings and pray the the orthodox prayers, by heart has been wounded by the churches perspective and bigotry. Please review the Letter from Abba Father and tell me how this can be.
+Jacqueline Patterson
Although I am not the right person to guide others towards the way of God (since I haven't walked that way until now), I will reply to your post.
Although it might sound strange to you, everything that is written in the "Letter from Abba Father"; is totally applied to me and you and everyone else. You see, God gifted us ALL with His image and likeness _[Genesis __1:26__]_ and God doesn't regret for His gifts. However the more we were honoured by God, the more responsibility we have to prove ourselves worthy of such anhonour; because only in that way we will granted with the promised True Life, the Eternal one.
But what is Eternal Life? Jesus Christ Himself tell us: *"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent"* _[John 17:3]_ . So we need to know God in order to participate in His Eternal Life, but this is not possible unless we are known by God _[Galatians 4:9]_ . And these are the crucial questions that we ALL must address to ourselves every single day of our (temporary) earthly life: *"Will Jesus recognise His image when looking at me? Or He will say: 'Verily I say unto you, I know you not.'"* - _[Matthew __25:12__]_ , *"Have I preserved His image intact of sin? Or do I have transformed it into the image of my sinful passions?"* Every one of us must asnwer these questions for himself/herself, but the truth is that *"if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us"* _[1 John 1:8]_ .
And this in were Church cames. Alike the good Samaritan of the parable on _[Luke __10:25__-37]_ brought the wouned man to an inn where they took care of him, Jesus brought us to the Church (=His own Body) so us to be taken care of our wounds of sins. In that perspective, only those who are not wounded from sin don't need to be cared in Church (that is none!). But the care everyone receives is not the same alike the medical care is not the one and the same for all patients. Those who suffer of greater wounds need different (and frequently more strict) care from those with lighter ones...
This is also your case; As your wounds are greater than the usual Church has given you a special spiritual care. Alike doctors prohibit some patients (for the patient's benefit) from receiving the normal food of the healthy, the same way Church doesn't allow you for the time being to participate to the Holy Communion of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a way of punishment to you, but only a way to lead you to deeper repentance and sincere return to God. Don't forget that we will not be judged by men but by God and being so the only thing we must have in our minds is whether we do what God wants us to do in present life. And we will not be judged because we have sinned but because we haven't repented...
To sum up all the above, here are my practical advices to you:
- Seek for an experienced priest-confessor and try to renew through him your relationship with God. It would be preferable to search him in an Orthodox monastery close to you if there is any.
- Think of yourself as an image of the Eternal God that has to be kept and returned unharmed back to Him Who created it.
- Stay connected to your parish as there is not "personal salvation" for anyone no matter how "good"; or "clever" is. We are saved by and through our brothers! *"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"* _[Matthew __18:20__]_ .
- If it comes to face any mocking try to endure it humbly ( *"he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved"* , _[Matthew __24:13__]_ ) remembering that Lord, the True God, was the first One Who endured all these thing for us the unworthy, although He *"did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth"* _[1 Peter __2:22__]_ .
May God strengthen your spirit and lead your steps to Him as He wants *"all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"* _[1 Timothy 2:4]_ .
Orthoglobus
may the Lord give us all the courage, love, and meekness to turn away from our many sins and seek after Him who dwells in the unapproachable light.
thank you for speaking the pure words of truth in love. may they be ever close to my heart that i may repent of my sins and turn again to Him who camest into the world to save sinners of whom i am first.
kyrie eleison - gospodi pomilui - Lord, have mercy.
he has some very good points and observations. But his main point that orthodox is somehow the "original" and "true" church is simply false. Why? It is anti-semitic to its core. Both the orthodox and Roman church specifically celebrate Easter so that it does NOT fall on the same date as Passover. Christ was the actual Passover lamb and these supposed Christians spit in the face of that. Have nothing to do with either of these false religious systems.
hope he didn't drag the rest of his family to become Atheist like he did only a few years after this video came out
+j parks
so what denomination / sect do you belong to?
the Orthodox Church is not anti-Semitic. the Church has every right to contrast and protect itself from the tendencies of judaization which was an early heresy. you can read the book of Acts to familiarize yourself if needed with how much of a problem this was even during the time of the Apostles.
_'Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.'_ - Revelation 3_9
_'Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.'_ - Matthew 16_6
_'Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.'_ - Matthew 21_43
*The Jewish Roots of Orthodox Christian Worship* - Fr. A.J. Bernstein (a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy) | 2 hour 12 mins
youtube (*dot*) com/watch?v=7nd8vC9qdPQ
you didn't refute my facts - likewise i'm not obligated to answer you
j parks
what facts? slandering the Orthodox Faith while hiding behind the keyboard as to your own religious identification is not a fact but rather subterfuge.
are you a Trinitarian Christian? if so, what sect / denomination do you belong to?
slandering? The orthodox celebrate Easter specifically not on the same day as Passover. That's a fact. That's antisemitism. Deal with it.
j parks
how is that anti-semitism? every faith has a right to determine it's calendar. the Israelites were specifically commanded to separate themselves from the other nations in all aspects of life for the sake of the purity of the faith. the Church is the new Israel according to the scriptures. the Church included the Jews who accepted Christ as well as the gentiles who accepted Christ. it does not include those who reject Christ regardless of their ethnicity.
you are evading the most obvious and innocent of questions: what sect do you belong to? are you even a Trinitarian Christian?