I really like that he says he converted in his heart, but then had to intellectually convince himself and others. That can be a big difficulty for converts and inquirers.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. This one was timely - I'm a hair over a year into this process of "inquiry" and trying to work everything out in life until the path to the church is wide open. But I'm definitely experiencing that phenomena of being in my deepest heart converted but still working out the reason of it all to those around me (and occasionally myself). I think this time in the journey is a calling to go deeper into the life, as much as I possibly can.
You're totally right. I recall acutely my very first experience in an Orthodox Church, it was a compline service with his Grace Alexander at a small parish in Virginia, and I think from then on, I could never shake the profundity of that experience. Fast forward, a year, I was enrolled in the RCIA program at my local catholic church which lasted about 4 months, before that desire for that same beauty, the same nearness to God I had experienced a year ago to make me realize I could never become catholic. I became a catechumen, was chrismated at pascha, and here I am almost a year later after having become Orthodox never regretting my choice. It takes time for the intellect to realize what the heart has known all along.
Guys please pray for me. I have to come out to my folks as Orthodox. Right now, I'm cultivating myself before becoming involved in the church, eliminating addictions, fasting etc. It's stressful because I could be ostracized by my extended family back home (I'm in Canada, immigrated from S.Asia), my sweet sweet mother loves the world, she might not understand and it'll be a big adjustment for everyone. However God is good, I've been praying to Jesus and have been experiencing inner calm despite. I just hope this change in my life goes well. I can't lie to my parents and go to the church, everything I do, I want to surround my life completely with the faith and do so HONESTLY. So, even to be baptized and ultimately being involved in the Parish, I need to do it honestly and not hide from the family and others
Good strength, friend (brother? sister?) I will pray for you...may God give you the wisdom you need! Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
This is a very important discussion we need to have in the Orthodox Church, how can we help our converts grow from being just converts to be fully Orthodox, even when the emotions fade and the excitement is gone.
@@ProtectingVeil my wife and I go to a convert parish that was formerly part of the EOC. It is a wonderful parish with great people, but it is sometimes a struggle as they are still learning much themselves. It certainly makes it a challenge when you are trying to find "what is next" after catechism and there are not as clear examples of what the Orthodox life looks like in the modern world. It is something I am hoping we learn how to help converts through their life long journey and aid them in keeping their flames lit. May God guide us in this modern age and help us help those seeking Him!
@@MrWolfman229 Amen! I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in Greece for eight years soon after converting, and I encourage those who can to spend as much time in Orthodox countries as possible. That said, there are more monasteries in America now than there were in recent times, and there is much that Orthodox in America can do to find inspiration and guidance. As Fr. Seraphim Rose responded when asked if he would go to Athos on pilgrimage (paraphrased), "I have everything I need for salvation on this mountain."
Thank you, so much, Dr. Herman for sharing this interview. This put a little more "salt" in my "mouth" and increased my thirst for Christ. I really like this priest.
Books..The Divine Hours by Phyllis tickle have helped give me structure and words, actually scripture you pray, friend was able to borrow one through public library network to understand, blessings!
@@pah9730 Yes. Right now I am living with family who do not believe in Christ much less Orthodoxy. He knows what's going on. I am working on getting my own apartment and going from there.
My wife would love to become orthodox. Her late mother and aunty were from Salonika and orthodox. She has only been able to get to church once, and has since been looking for something holy. Having been around the houses as it were she now feels that orthodoxy is the only way forward, except that we don't live anywhere near an orthodox church and cannot travel, nor can we afford to move (we both would like to be living back in our hometown) so the whole process is like a kind of homecoming, we need a miracle! Thanks for this very helpful video, and God bless all who may be going through similar experience.
I hope God shows you the way. As a born Orthodox, it really melts my heart knowing that the "western" world is finally coming back to its roots (before Schism)
There are a lot of good Churches streaming services. For now, do that. It's not the same; it's not ideal; there is little to no connection; etc. You might be right about some or all such impressions. However, reciting the liturgy, following along, listening to the Gospel readings, etc. is much better than doing nothing. Moreover, watching the liturgy might help to keep that desire in you to connect alive. And, yes, pray... pray without ceasing. Nothing is impossible with God. Just pray. It sounds, perhaps, too easy. Of course it is! After all, His yoke is easy and His burden is light!
As an inquirer consuming church history/theology and wanting to begin catechism I’ve come to the realization that I need to learn about the spiritual life and to live it daily
Great interview. Love Peter Heers. Thanks for all your wonderful work in gather so many good Orthodox perspectives on a variety of topics. I especially appreciate these talks about becoming Orthodox and going deeper.
Catechumen here who has recently bought another stack of books -- will move Fr. Seraphim Rose's to the top 😉. Thanks for this talk, and for all your work in building Christ's Church! 😌
Greek and German like me!. Mom Baptist and dad Greek Orthodox. I decided to be a Methodist at 10 to follow my friends. Back to the church now in my late 40s. Back home...🙏
This is the second time I have watched this video. I just realized our similar religious experience: Episcopalian/Anglican to Roman Catholic to Orthodox inquiry. I agree that discernment of the spirits is important, and I do see it in Orthodoxy. I do not remember mention of it in the other religions, except in a general way. Looking forward to the upcoming Orthodox Survival Course on Patreon. 💒🌹
Προ κείμενον When one comes to know Christ as He Is, he embraces The Church, His Body, without delay. Nothing else matters or even comes close to having the same significance. May God make straight your path and shorten the time.
Συγχαρητήρια για το υπέροχο κανάλι σας! Υπάρχει περίπτωση να βοηθήσετε τα φτωχά αγγλικά μας με υπότιτλους; σε πολλές συνεντεύξεις είναι συχνή η χρήση ειδικών όρων και θα ήταν ασφαλέστερο για μας να καταλαβαίνουμε σωστά! ωστόσο σας ευχαριστούμε έστω και για την εξάσκηση στην αγγλική!!!
Hello ! Thank you for the great work you're doing. It is good such qualitative guests. Pardon my probably foolish question but I would like to know when your youtube channel description was written. Indeed, it mentions several future interviews with some very interesting people. I would like to know if it is for the future for the most part or if most are past as we speak. Thank you very much and be blessed !
In my experience, the Grace of God was changing my whole life! But maybe it is not in every case so drastically, but I think, some change must be there ...
bravebeing I suggest you read book: Monastic Wisdom, the letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Also see the video on TH-cam titled: St. Seraphim of Sarov: A Wonderful Revelation to the World. You won't regret it!
Is the Orthodoz priesthood of Levi? I'm decompressing from Protestantism...we had Melchizedek and Levi, Jesus came in the Melchizedek line as his superior, but by no means did this destroy the Lecitical line, correct? They did serve and still serve for separate functions? Any good articles or talks on this would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!
Is Fr. Heers suggesting that the OCA is not attuned to and practicing the "going deeper"? Honestly, the Greek and Antiochian parishes I've attended seemed to me not as attuned to the "deeper" as the OCA, save for one Antiochian priest (+Fr. Thomas Davis of blessed memory) who confessed with a ROCOR monk.
This is the garb of an Orthodox priest. The Orthodox priest covers his head, as did almost every man (outside of the temple) and woman in antiquity and up until very recently in the Orthodox east.
So Orthodox believes we can achieve actual holiness here? Like, ceasing from sin? I understand temptation remains but is the Orthodox view that we can stop sinning?
@@samantham2204 sure. My understanding of the Messiah leads me to believe jesus can’t be him. He doesn’t fulfill any of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Well ...the orthodox church cares about the parish..not the monastics! I know this from personal experience. Who will support or care about or have the experience spiritually to discern and help the one called by the Spirit to the very heart of prayer in stillness. Very very few in North America..especially if the hesychastic monastic is not from recognised orthodox countries. They tie the Lords hand and deny His Freedom to call whomever He calls. So Father ...really ? This is a vastly complex Problem that the Orthodox church has not addressed . Again all of this is from personal experience and the experience of the few that are called in North America to actually live the solitary life and experience the depths of prayer. Few know that level of prayer and experience of the Lord...but everyone can read a book and chat about it. But still there is No True Aid or Understanding...and that is an extremely painful life ..having no one to aid or speak with! Great Pain. Honestly is needed not intellectual talks! The Lord is calling and present..but who is here in North American to actually aid the few called?? Speak to That tough Truth.
📙 FREE eBOOK on the wisdom of modern Orthodox Christian elders:
social.protectingveil.com/freebook1
I really like that he says he converted in his heart, but then had to intellectually convince himself and others. That can be a big difficulty for converts and inquirers.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. This one was timely - I'm a hair over a year into this process of "inquiry" and trying to work everything out in life until the path to the church is wide open. But I'm definitely experiencing that phenomena of being in my deepest heart converted but still working out the reason of it all to those around me (and occasionally myself). I think this time in the journey is a calling to go deeper into the life, as much as I possibly can.
@@adoseoftheosis Same! Let us pray for each other, one Derek to another! 😉
@@D-A-K you got it brother!
You're totally right. I recall acutely my very first experience in an Orthodox Church, it was a compline service with his Grace Alexander at a small parish in Virginia, and I think from then on, I could never shake the profundity of that experience. Fast forward, a year, I was enrolled in the RCIA program at my local catholic church which lasted about 4 months, before that desire for that same beauty, the same nearness to God I had experienced a year ago to make me realize I could never become catholic. I became a catechumen, was chrismated at pascha, and here I am almost a year later after having become Orthodox never regretting my choice. It takes time for the intellect to realize what the heart has known all along.
Guys please pray for me. I have to come out to my folks as Orthodox. Right now, I'm cultivating myself before becoming involved in the church, eliminating addictions, fasting etc. It's stressful because I could be ostracized by my extended family back home (I'm in Canada, immigrated from S.Asia), my sweet sweet mother loves the world, she might not understand and it'll be a big adjustment for everyone. However God is good, I've been praying to Jesus and have been experiencing inner calm despite. I just hope this change in my life goes well. I can't lie to my parents and go to the church, everything I do, I want to surround my life completely with the faith and do so HONESTLY. So, even to be baptized and ultimately being involved in the Parish, I need to do it honestly and not hide from the family and others
Good strength, friend (brother? sister?) I will pray for you...may God give you the wisdom you need! Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
@@ProtectingVeil Appreciate the response! Thank you so much!!
I am a Man.
Will definitely come back with news, when it takes place
Take care!!!
Also in Canada, praying for you young man ~
God bless you. I had a similar experience in my conversation.
@@superpeaceloveunity how did they take the news?
This is a very important discussion we need to have in the Orthodox Church, how can we help our converts grow from being just converts to be fully Orthodox, even when the emotions fade and the excitement is gone.
It is, indeed! One of the elephants in the room...there is no path but the path of the Cross...and no one likes pain...
@@ProtectingVeil my wife and I go to a convert parish that was formerly part of the EOC. It is a wonderful parish with great people, but it is sometimes a struggle as they are still learning much themselves. It certainly makes it a challenge when you are trying to find "what is next" after catechism and there are not as clear examples of what the Orthodox life looks like in the modern world. It is something I am hoping we learn how to help converts through their life long journey and aid them in keeping their flames lit. May God guide us in this modern age and help us help those seeking Him!
@@MrWolfman229 Amen! I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in Greece for eight years soon after converting, and I encourage those who can to spend as much time in Orthodox countries as possible. That said, there are more monasteries in America now than there were in recent times, and there is much that Orthodox in America can do to find inspiration and guidance. As Fr. Seraphim Rose responded when asked if he would go to Athos on pilgrimage (paraphrased), "I have everything I need for salvation on this mountain."
I fear for the Greek Orthodox in America... the land of corruption. Stay strong brothers!
Thank you, so much, Dr. Herman for sharing this interview. This put a little more "salt" in my "mouth" and increased my thirst for Christ. I really like this priest.
Thanks to God! Always glad to hear from you, brother!
I know what you mean.
Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.🙏
My struggle has been to have a morning prayer routine. I feel once I have that set up it will be even more amazing.
Julia Bartlam Have you asked your spiritual father for this?
Confess it
Books..The Divine Hours by Phyllis tickle have helped give me structure and words, actually scripture you pray, friend was able to borrow one through public library network to understand, blessings!
@@pah9730 Yes. Right now I am living with family who do not believe in Christ much less Orthodoxy. He knows what's going on. I am working on getting my own apartment and going from there.
@@tamarad5042 I have.
My wife would love to become orthodox. Her late mother and aunty were from Salonika and orthodox. She has only been able to get to church once, and has since been looking for something holy. Having been around the houses as it were she now feels that orthodoxy is the only way forward, except that we don't live anywhere near an orthodox church and cannot travel, nor can we afford to move (we both would like to be living back in our hometown) so the whole process is like a kind of homecoming, we need a miracle! Thanks for this very helpful video, and God bless all who may be going through similar experience.
I hope God shows you the way. As a born Orthodox, it really melts my heart knowing that the "western" world is finally coming back to its roots (before Schism)
Make your desire known to the nearest churches and ask the saints to intercede.. God will not abandon you
There are a lot of good Churches streaming services. For now, do that. It's not the same; it's not ideal; there is little to no connection; etc. You might be right about some or all such impressions. However, reciting the liturgy, following along, listening to the Gospel readings, etc. is much better than doing nothing. Moreover, watching the liturgy might help to keep that desire in you to connect alive. And, yes, pray... pray without ceasing. Nothing is impossible with God. Just pray. It sounds, perhaps, too easy. Of course it is! After all, His yoke is easy and His burden is light!
As an inquirer consuming church history/theology and wanting to begin catechism I’ve come to the realization that I need to learn about the spiritual life and to live it daily
Indeed,
“Theology without practice is the theology of demons.”
Saint Maximos the Confessor
Absolutely love what our Lord is doing in and through father Peter Heers! God help us follow in his steps as he follows our Lord!
"[Converts] need to go from thinking about Christ, to encountering him and accepting him and loving him".
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on your world ~
Thank you Fr Peter I wish I could have sat in on your classes in Jordanville.Stay we'll. Fr nikon
Wonderful Christ is Risen!
Thank you for making these videos. The interviews have been a helpful source during my journey into Orthodoxy.
Thanks to God! Glad you found us...Godspeed!
Great interview. Love Peter Heers. Thanks for all your wonderful work in gather so many good Orthodox perspectives on a variety of topics. I especially appreciate these talks about becoming Orthodox and going deeper.
.. and this situation is not only amongst converts. Humility (not stupidity) is very important.
Catechumen here who has recently bought another stack of books -- will move Fr. Seraphim Rose's to the top 😉. Thanks for this talk, and for all your work in building Christ's Church! 😌
@Based Nation Haven't heard of the latter, but sounds interesting....
How exciting ! I finally found an Orthodox Church and hope to become a Catechumen soon. Please let us know of your progress.
Greek and German like me!. Mom Baptist and dad Greek Orthodox. I decided to be a Methodist at 10 to follow my friends. Back to the church now in my late 40s. Back home...🙏
Discerning Spirits is a huge part of it for me, and the Jesus prayer 🙏🏻
Great interview. Exactly where so many of us are currently. Very encouraging.
This is the second time I have watched this video. I just realized our similar religious experience: Episcopalian/Anglican to Roman Catholic to Orthodox inquiry. I agree that discernment of the spirits is important, and I do see it in Orthodoxy. I do not remember mention of it in the other religions, except in a general way. Looking forward to the upcoming Orthodox Survival Course on Patreon. 💒🌹
This was extremely enlightening, thank you Dr. Herman and Father Heers.
My conversion story is very similar even regarding the book(s) of Seraphim Rose. Hopefully I can do the next step of the formal conversion soon.
Προ κείμενον When one comes to know Christ as He Is, he embraces The Church, His Body, without delay. Nothing else matters or even comes close to having the same significance. May God make straight your path and shorten the time.
@@pah9730 Thank you ευχαριστώ πολύ, dear Father! I'm running.
also my first book,book who back me again to Orthodoxy...
Thank you for your work! It's beneficial beyond words, and I need to listen again and again the words of these fathers to understand.
Fantastic.
Greetings from HC HomeStead!
Howdy! Hope to see y'all soon! ;-)
Great interview, thanks.
Why does it seem like you can tell by one’s face that they’ve seen the uncreated light?
Συγχαρητήρια για το υπέροχο κανάλι σας! Υπάρχει περίπτωση να βοηθήσετε τα φτωχά αγγλικά μας με υπότιτλους; σε πολλές συνεντεύξεις είναι συχνή η χρήση ειδικών όρων και θα ήταν ασφαλέστερο για μας να καταλαβαίνουμε σωστά! ωστόσο σας ευχαριστούμε έστω και για την εξάσκηση στην αγγλική!!!
Να είστε καλά...ευχαριστώ πολύ! Έχετε κτυπήσει το "CC" στο κάτω δεξιά του βίδεου? Αυτό θα ανοίξει τους υπότιτλους!
Hello ! Thank you for the great work you're doing. It is good such qualitative guests.
Pardon my probably foolish question but I would like to know when your youtube channel description was written. Indeed, it mentions several future interviews with some very interesting people. I would like to know if it is for the future for the most part or if most are past as we speak.
Thank you very much and be blessed !
Lord have mercy! Apologies for a *very* belated response! Which interviewees in particular? By now most of those interviews should be available!
What does it feel like to experience the Grace of God?
"The grace of the Lord is exceeding sweet, and warms the mind and the heart and the whole feeble body." ~St. Silouan the Athonite
In my experience, the Grace of God was changing my whole life! But maybe it is not in every case so drastically, but I think, some change must be there ...
bravebeing To live in / revel in His presence and to forget about yourself and this world and it’s designs.
bravebeing I suggest you read book: Monastic Wisdom, the letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Also see the video on TH-cam titled: St. Seraphim of Sarov: A Wonderful Revelation to the World. You won't regret it!
What was the name of the Father Seraphim Rose book that Fr. Heers referenced?
Orthodoxy and the religion of the future! It's very affordable on Kindle
@@mrsc6917 Thank you!
Is the Orthodoz priesthood of Levi? I'm decompressing from Protestantism...we had Melchizedek and Levi, Jesus came in the Melchizedek line as his superior, but by no means did this destroy the Lecitical line, correct? They did serve and still serve for separate functions? Any good articles or talks on this would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!
How do you keep secularism out of the Orthodox Church? In a practical way
"discernment of the spirits"? what does he mean by this?
Is Fr. Heers suggesting that the OCA is not attuned to and practicing the "going deeper"? Honestly, the Greek and Antiochian parishes I've attended seemed to me not as attuned to the "deeper" as the OCA, save for one Antiochian priest (+Fr. Thomas Davis of blessed memory) who confessed with a ROCOR monk.
I hope not!
Peter Heers' theocratic attitude towards orthodoxy is totally out of step with Orthodoxy!
Why does he cover his head?
This is the garb of an Orthodox priest. The Orthodox priest covers his head, as did almost every man (outside of the temple) and woman in antiquity and up until very recently in the Orthodox east.
So Orthodox believes we can achieve actual holiness here? Like, ceasing from sin? I understand temptation remains but is the Orthodox view that we can stop sinning?
Absolutely. 100%. . . Read the lives of contemporary saints for proof. Meet one, better, in person. They exist and are proof the Truth of the Gospel.
Look into Theosis & the essence/energy distinction.
@@Lisa1987lisa thanks but I’m no longer christian, thanks though
@@josephpack7315 May I ask why?
@@samantham2204 sure. My understanding of the Messiah leads me to believe jesus can’t be him. He doesn’t fulfill any of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Well ...the orthodox church cares about the parish..not the monastics! I know this from personal experience. Who will support or care about or have the experience spiritually to discern and help the one called by the Spirit to the very heart of prayer in stillness. Very very few in North America..especially if the hesychastic monastic is not from recognised orthodox countries. They tie the Lords hand and deny His Freedom to call whomever He calls. So Father ...really ? This is a vastly complex Problem that the Orthodox church has not addressed . Again all of this is from personal experience and the experience of the few that are called in North America to actually live the solitary life and experience the depths of prayer. Few know that level of prayer and experience of the Lord...but everyone can read a book and chat about it. But still there is No True Aid or Understanding...and that is an extremely painful life ..having no one to aid or speak with! Great Pain. Honestly is needed not intellectual talks! The Lord is calling and present..but who is here in North American to actually aid the few called?? Speak to That tough Truth.
Have you visited the monasteries founded by the ever-memorable and blessed Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona?
Sadly, Father Peter is promoting conspiracy theories regarding COVID19 and vaccines in other interviews.
I hear a lot more people saying that yesterday‘s “conspiracy theories” are today’s headlines.
weak beard
Okay boomer
@@ChiRhoLabarum millennial bruh
Weak observation