@@JRMusic933 Jesus is the Samaritan that saves us from being left for dead on the side of the road, the church is the inn that brings us back to health. Death is a mercy so that we do not live in our sin for eternity just like sleep is a mercy and a reprieve from our much toiling lives. The legal part of salvation has truth to it, but it’s not whole. It’s seriously lacking the whole point of what the church is supposed to be, a hospital. Church isn’t there to save us, only Jesus can do that, but Jesus leaves us in the churches care to heal us from our infirmaries.
I am interested to hear an update from you and if you've converted. As of a few days ago I have been looking deeply into the Orthodox Church and having been raised protestant my entire life and much of the time being deeply reformed.
Hi Matt, My name is Fr. Moses, I am a priest in the Orthodox Church in America. I was raised Protestant(evangelical free) and converted to Orthodoxy in my early 20s. I want you to know that I appreciate your approach and sincerity to all these questions. You are honest and willing to listen, and yet still ask the difficult questions. God bless you and your family, may He grant you many blessed years!
@@letadesanto6825 It might be Fr. Moses Berry - I hope it is! - if you search for him one of the first videos that pops up is called "African American finds the Orthodox Church" and he explains what brought him to the Orthodox Church.
@Bartholomew Roberts throwing a word heretic like you are a theological god that knows the depth of Lutheran doctrine and depth of Orthodox doctrine(speaking as reformed who studied mentioned theological differences). God has His elect within every Trinitarian church that exists that follows the first four ecumenical councils. You are judging a Church by it's members, not by depth of it's teachings. "Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." Epistle to the Smyrnaeans - St. Ignatius of Antioch. It's not the other way around.
As a Protestant I didn’t know how much I was missing in my faith, until I started researching Eastern Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is not easy, but it is true. The fullness of Orthodoxy can only be realized by experiencing it…reading about it and watching TH-cam videos will never compare to living the Orthodox life. God bless y’all!
I tried to go to a Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia for two months. Everyone was very friendly. I only attended the Divine Liturgy. I wanted to attend a different service with my family. I went to a feast day celebration for St. John of Shanghai on a Friday evening. Immediately I got bad stares since it was a small service. I was actually told I could leave anytime I wanted. My daughter and wife where there. It was quite shocking. First church I have ever been asked to leave. The Orthodox can work on being more welcoming to outsiders. My wife and I were very saddened by this event.
I remember the second time going to the Divine Liturgy, thinking to myself “why am I going back? This is so weird” and now the Divine Liturgy gets more and more beautiful every time I go
I'm not Orthodox, but there's something to be said about the traditions and formality they hold to. I was raised in the laid back southern California surfer culture, where even our pastors wore shorts and sandals to church on Sunday. When I was growing up this was "normal", but as an adult it just seems out of place. Why do we take worshiping our Lord and Savior so casually? If I were meeting the President, I would wear my best clothes... why is it different when I go to church and worship the Creator of the universe?
@@nelsonlloydivthe point is by doing those things you show respect which will always be instilled in you… your actions shape ur mind as well brother, even the tiny ones
Do you really think God looks at a dress code or the heart? That’s what I ask myself when I get frustrated about casualness. It’s also the time in which we live.
I am a former Baptist minister, seminary trained and the whole nine yards. I became an Orthodox Christian 17 years ago. The longer I am Orthodox the more I see how beautiful and holy and right is the original, true Church is and how - in spite of my appreciation for my upbringing - the myriad of man-made attempts at re-inventing the church fall short. I don't mean this in any disrespectful way. I say it from a desire to witness to the truth. Thank you for these videos. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. May I recommend to you the Bible Study podcasts "The Whole Council of God" by Father Stephen De Young? He is a former pastor from the Reformed tradition who is now an Orthodox priest and a true biblical scholar, holding a PhD in Biblical Studies. His Bible studies are outstanding and are helpful in understanding many of the differences between Orthodox and western beliefs (although this is not their main purpose).
@@sassy3923 depends on your hermeneutics. Christians and Easter (called pascha or Passover in the Orthodox Church) aren’t pagan copy overs. Infant baptism is a legitimate thing.
@@sassy3923 No one knows when exactly Jesus was born. There's nothing wrong with picking a day to honor His birth. Honestly, we should be honoring it every single day, as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
Thank you for this interview. As a Protestant oriented (American) Christian, who has spent most of the last 30 years in Orthodox Christian Eastern European countries, this was very interesting. One thing I admire about the Orthodox Church in this part of the world: How they helped keep faith alive during persecution and the repressive atheistic regimes for 40 to 70 years of 20th century (depending on the particular country).
I just finished typing a similar response. Part of the tradition of the Orthodox church is the remembrances and recollections of wars fought, both ancient and modern, to preserve the Orthodox faith. As an Orthodox Christian, it seems to me that most protestants think of martyrdom in a purely ancient context; for many Orthodox it is much more personal. Just something to keep in mind.
It's sad that atheism is actually starting to take off again but in the whole west even in America. I saw a statistic that showed that now less than half of the whole US population is religious.
As a Catholic convert from Protestantism, I pray for unity with all our churches because that’s what Jesus wants from us. This is why I appreciate this channel so much. It opens up our minds to understand each other which leads to productive conversations. I have hope!
I respectfully disagree. I think religion, no matter where you stand, is not what it’s about, it’s about a personal relationship. The WORLD wants a one world religion and that will be the end.
I recommend Fr. Josiah Trenhams videos Rock and Sand part 1 and 2 he is former reformed taught in seminary by RC Sproul who became Orthodox Priest so a lot of his answers in that will help you. I also recommend reading really anything by Fr. Seraphim Rose, but a good starting point is "The Soul after death" if you start with those it will help you immensely. . Those helped me immensely when I was inquiring prior to becoming a catechuman.
@Jeremy No idea who told you this but you are wrong. The biggest schism happened between these two churches. Anyway no Pope isnt the figurehead of Orthodoxy.
You don't just believe the tenants of Eastern Orthodoxy you have to live Eastern Orthodoxy. It is a way of life that teaches you how to be a citizen of heaven.
I’m starting my catechism in the Orthodox Church tomorrow, I’m so excited to begin my journey in the one true church! The people of this church are so welcoming and kind, the church was there when I was at a very low point in my life and I will forever be grateful ❤️☦️
@@synthesaurus you have to understand that no one is venerating ikons just for the sake of doing it. Is not a necessary thing, but is there to help. A lot of miracles can happen when you interact with an ikon of a saint when you really believe that his spirit can intervene in your life to help you. Just a note: all the help that you'll receive will be for your salvation because that's the ultimate goal. Just get one, saint Mina for example, or Jesus and put it in your car, or house. You'll understand quite quickly what is all about.
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
One thing that is difficult for some because of their blessed level of intelligence, is to just be. Just be orthodox. Pray the prayers, attend the services and be humble. While I struggle with the latter I’m not afflicted by the former!
@@Orthoindian Exactly. Separating the mystical from Orthodoxy (theory) to try to explain it to other Christians is a big mistake. Orthodoxy without the mystical... isn't.
"Too often modern Christians forget that the Church is not just an institution, but the Kingdom of God that is here but is still to come. The Church is described as the Bride of Christ. We are betrothed to Christ. The second coming is the wedding day and the final consummation. Therefore, we live this present life in two dimensions: as saved and yet hoping for salvation; as betrothed to Christ and yet in anticipation and anxiety for the consummation of the marriage; as joyful and yet penitent; as having everything and yet possessing nothing; as living in this world and yet “having here no continuing city”; as in the world yet not of the world; as being members of Christ’s Church, receiving the new life of baptism and eternal life in the Eucharist; and yet as striving to be made worthy of the Kingdom to come. This double character of Christian life is absolutely essential to the Church’s spirituality and role within society. " - Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou
@@theuncomfortabletruthpodca5177 Thank you for your comment. After being on the fence about Orthodoxy for a long time (Formerly Protestant), after reading that quote, it was game over for me. It was literally a turning point in my life a few years ago. I could no longer "put things off". Please share it when you can as well!
This is a beautiful quote and indeed conveys something that feels right to me. However, it must be noted that this is not a universally held Orthodox position. The switch from "His kingdom is" to "His kingdom will be" is one that, among other attempts to synchronise with the Constantinopolian position by the Russian Orthodox church, caused a great schism. Many of the Russian Orthodox Old Believers hold to the former view and even those that do not (for complicated reasons) acknowledge it to be church tradition, and reject the change as a fit of prideful theological inventionism. I think the reason the quote *feels* right, despite the position being ahistoric, is that it conveys the essence of the experience of striving and yearning for theosis.
@@paulie-g I am not sure I understand what it is you are communicating. Can you clarify what the issue is you have with the quote. You noted a difference (or change?) between "His Kingdom is" and "His Kingdom will be" in the quote, but, when I re-read it, it is clear that the Kingdom is both now and is to come. This point is not new in Orthodoxy.
Hi, as a Protestant considering Orthodoxy, both of you did an amazing job at explaining all of this stuff, and having honest conversation. Thank you both!
You should become a orthodox if thats what you feel, but do not believe they’re doctrine. and that is Faith+Works. and that is just absolutely not true we are always saved with true pure faith alone. Not of works lest any man should boast. All the glory of salvation goes to God.
@@xHollow. That’s actually not what the Orthodox Church teaches! We don’t earn out salvation, and it’s not some magic formula of faith+works. Only God grant’s salvation, but since we have free will he only saves those who cooperate!
0:35 Heterodox 2:13 The Tragedy of Christianity: Core Agreement, Disagreements in Profession 4:01 Salvation 7:31 God and Man, Divine and Human 9:14 Sin and Healing 24:07 11:16 Repentance, Grace, Faith 13:00 Scripture 17:44 Trust 21:04 St Maximus The Confessor 22:32 Can The Church Be Wrong? No, can members be wrong, yes. 24:58 Prophecies and errors 26:20 Inquirers 28:00 Catechuman (commitment) 28:4729:31 Baptism 31:40 Working through Ideas 33:10 It was not a debate, it was a learning session 37:55 Tension and Release
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
@@hamzawassim-wr6we you want us to leave the word of God (jesus Christ) and believe words of satanic prophet (peace be upon him)😂😂 who came after jesus' disciples by 6 or 7 centuries. And you want us to leave the testimony of eyewitnesses and believe an illiterate person who did not even see Christ.
@@eng.menareda2108It is well known that the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) chose the four Gospels approved today by Christians from among more than seventy Gospels. In that is the non-opposition of those Gospels to what they adopted to say that Christ, peace be upon him, is the divinity of Christ and that he is the Son of God. Of course, this saying did not gain the approval of the majority of the conferees, for it was opposed by a great number of them, except that the power of the Roman sword settled the dispute in favor of those who went to say the divinity of Jesus, peace be upon him, and made the opponents heretics and innovators, knowing that they are the majority, and among them are a number of monotheists who called for the oneness of God, not His partner, and that Jesus, peace be upon him, is the servant of God and His Messenger. Thus, the power of the Romans eliminated these opponents, especially the monotheists among them, with persecution and displacement, so their doctrine did not spread, but with the passage of time it waned until it became today - as it appears - without followers. We will try here to convey some of the positions of the ancient Christians who judged these Gospels or some of them to be distorted and forged so that the fair-minded person will see that Muslims are not the only ones who took the position of the skeptic and the accused regarding these Gospels.
This has been a great series. As an Orthodox Christian I'm always looking for good accessible resources that explain what we believe, and the overall quality of this one, and the great questions you've brought, has made it my new favorite. Keep it up! Here's an idea: visit an Orthodox monastery! You'd be surprised how many there are in the US. St. Anthony's in Arizona and Holy Cross in West Virginia would be great places to visit.
@@someman7 christianity started in Jerusalem, as a sect of Judaism(i think). But orthodoxy was in the Eastern Roman Empire. Mainly Greece today. Don't think there r ppl more orthodox than orthodox greeks these days.
I converted to Orthodoxy a few years ago from the Protestant faith of my youth. I am grateful for the many wonderful Protestant people and all that they gave me, but I am now home.
I’m not Orthodox but this is one of my favorite videos of yours. The father here is really intelligent and well educated. I bet it was hard to end the convo and not go on forever. Thanks for the video.
Intelligent and well educated?? Really?? He can’t even say that salvation is by faith alone literally the Paul’s gospel. And he’s talking about there are some things we consider. Wait what??
@@Watermelon-dj8be OK there are only 4 gospels and as you know, Paul's writings aren't them. Paul's writings and the other books aren't on the same level as the 4 gospels. We don't view the gospels through the lens of Paul but the other way around. Also please show where "faith alone" is in the bible, and in what context this would mean? Lastly what is your idea of salvation? And just because you have a different opinion doesn't make you correct. I would challenge you on where you got your interpretations of tour points from?
@@frankherbert6476God revealed the gospel to Paul cuz Jesus was the Passover land according to Jewish feasts.Ephesians 2:8-9 and youtuber mentioned it and the priest said we have blah blah
As an Orthodox Christian who used to be Protestant, I get the best and the worst of it from both sides. Thank you for being fair, for being charitable, for treating us as real people and fellow Christians rather than... some of the rest of what I see both online and irl... it’s refreshing, so thank you. Another really good place to learn about Orthodoxy and especially the way we interpret and read scripture, would be the Orthodox Study Bible, tons of notes and cross references and articles in there that gives you basically a crash course of how we comprehend the same scripture we all read and love. Thank you again for this, this interview helped me learn maybe how to articulate my own faith better and again I really appreciate the fair approach. You’re awesome, God bless.
@Stone Roses has your life been planned out? Or were we created by a God who gave us free will? The Satan made his choice and will continue to do so till he enters the lake of fire at the end of this age. Satan doesn’t make people do evil things, he turns them from God
People try to put God in a box. He uses people who do not even know him. I follow the scriptures how I read them. I follow the commandments and have faith in the Messiah. It’s what scriptures say too me so I am obedient to Gods Word, not what man made religion wants to interpret it as in its various doctrines into the thousands now of differing interpretations. It’s my responsibility to hear and obey God, not man made interpretations. I also do not see Jesus (Yeshua) as God but as a Prince of the Kingdom, a Prophet like unto Moses. There are too many scriptures, prophecies and Yeshua’s own Words that the Father is his God and our God and he did not claim to being God. Power and authority was given to him. God does not need power and authority given too him.
@@NovelistVampireGirl Jesus also said he came to speak the Words of the Father and not of his own. So he was Gods representative. When you speak to and hear from the Representative of an authority you speak and hear directly as if it was that authority. He said there was one greater than him “The father who was in Heaven”. The Doctrine of the Trinity is 3 parts equal God which counters Jesus own words. Also when he asked the Apostles who people say he is and who they believe he is; Peter said he was the Son of the living God. Jesus did not correct him and tell him he was actually God. He said the Holy Spirit had revealed that too him. If God is 3 then why don’t we know the name of the Holy Spirit? We know the name of God, we even know the name of the Son. We also know that when Heaven and Earth are destroyed we go to be with the father and the lamb forever. Why no mention of the Holy Spirit? Seems there is a problem with the concept of the Trinity. Also it’s been found that the Catholic Church added verses to the book of John to forward the Doctrine of the Trinity.
I’m a cradle Orthodox Christian and this is AMAZING. It’s so difficult to “translate” our position to a western minded Christian and he did a great job! This is now on my permanent playlist in order to spread the depth of the Faith. Thanks for doing this video!
Matt, I am very interested to hear your thoughts on the Eucharist. I used to believe it was only a symbol, but after reading John 6 in light of the early church fathers I am now convinced there is a real change and it is not just a symbol.
Yes. He said "And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying "This is my body, given for you, do this in memory of me" and God doesn't lie.
Truth Unites did a video on that which is called something like Francis Chan on the Eucharist or something like that... Truth Unites overall is a great channel
@@Fiona2254 my issue with that mindset is that it ignores other places in the Bible where God or Christ used turns of phrase and metaphor etc. See God talking to Job's comforters and Jesus calling herod "that old fox" did that mean from that point on that King Herod was a literal fox?
@@paulhenderson5399 That's why early interpreters of the Bible are so important for Orthodox tradition. St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of John, the writer of the gospel, the epistles, Revelation, etc. You can read Ignatius' epistles and see him clearly call the Eucharist "the medicine of immortality" and believing in the real presence of Christ within it. All early Christians believed the Eucharist to be the real deal. Our entire liturgy is centered around it and has been for 2000 years.
@@paulhenderson5399 Consider this. Our Lord says "this *is* my body" that is an affirmation and a confirmation within the statement. Whereas "that old fox" is not in the same manner.
As an Orthodox Christian who converted from Protestantism about nine years ago, I want to just say thank you for putting so much time and energy into honestly trying to make sense out of the Orthodox faith. I’ve been watching your videos since before you began doing anything about Orthodoxy, and have always appreciated how you always try to do justice to everyone’s beliefs. May God bless your efforts, and thanks for all your hard work on these videos!
@Starlight Mckennah I became interested in Church history, and began to research the early Church (it’s worship, beliefs, and practices). This led me to explore various Christian bodies, including Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Ultimately, the Orthodox worship and life drew me in. I wasn’t upset about anything in my Protestant upbringing. I was just looking for deep roots and continuity with the early Church, and I believe I’ve found those things in the Orthodox Church.
I grew up Jehovah's Witness and after leaving that found my way to Orthodoxy. One thing I appreciated coming into the Orthodox church was it's emphasis on We don't do this to get to heaven, to get something for me out of it. We do this to attain theosis or to become like Christ, spiritual healing, to imitate Him (love in all we think and do) and to become one with Him. As such the result will be going to heaven but it's not THE point. One awesome book I love that deeply explains the way Orthodox think and how it's unique (and some the same) than the rest of Christianity is Thinking Orthodox by Dr Constantiniou. Mind blowing. BTW LOVE your series. SO interesting and enlightening to see how other branches of Christianity and other religions think and believe. Keep up the awesome work you do! Thank you!!
I was raised as a JW as well, but I never officially became one. In my early twenties I became SDA and remained one for five years. I'm currently Protestant(Reformed Baptist), but I'm looking into Orthodoxy. In my country there's only Ethiopian and Russian Orthodox Churches. I'm trying to understand the Oriental/Eastern divide. I'm thinking about converting, but I want to take my time to understand the faith. Pray for me.
Denominations aren't biblical we are one body of Christ everyone all believers,❤🎉 Jesus didn't found Orthodox, or Catholic or Protestant churches theres none that have all the truth and others that have little, the truth is not found in Thw Church its found through Jesus and God's word and the only thing that the word states that Jesus said is that he formed ONE CHURCH ONE BODY of Christ. With all his believers all who believe in Jesus Christ Denominations are put forth to separate you and to draw you away from God DO NOT BE DECEIVED!❤ My brothers and sisters let me share the word of the Lord; The Lord has said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25). In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' ” Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18; [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [ONE SINGULAR] the church of Christ! Which is; Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:24: “[H]e has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought. before He was crucified, Jesus prayed “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, …that they may be one, even as We are one” (John 17:11). Do not be led astray ask the Holy Spirit to convict you where necessary and or to guide you on how to read this but know that denominations aren't in the bible and are a creation of Man one that's caused war, death, division just like it did to the pharisees and the saducees the Jews and gentiles they all thought the other was wrong or right but Jesus our Lord addressed them all the same cause like his word says rain pours on the good and evil on the jew and the gentile don't follow denomination follow Jesus follow his word He is the truth and the enemy will set you astray coming from a former denominationee? Lol Idk if thats a word but God bless you❤😊
@@wanitalll thank you for your thoughts! I would just add Christ also said Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood there is no life in you (John 6:53). Remember how offended the people were at these words? But he was referring to Communion. Communion is vital for Christians. From the beginning of Christianity Christ has used the Church to celebrate Communion (remember he said Keep doing this in remembrance of me). So the entire point of Church is to become one with Christ, take communion (his body and blood) in order to receive Life. That’s what Christ said. The Bible is important but the Church does play an important role too in helping us become closer to Him.
@lyats9905 I completely agree! I have no problem with the church, but rather a huge problem with the pride that comes about from Religion. Thank u for your insight as well!
This was THE best interview. As a Roman Catholic, we are sitting on the fence for each tradition. If anyone did not have a open mind to this, They should question their own faith. God bless you and Fr. Paul.
I am a Byzantine Catholic and my church looks just like this.there are 23 other Catholic Churches that comprise the Catholic Church besides the Roman Rite
Thanks for this. I've recently become Orthodox from being a Baptist, and I never looked back. It's so fulfilling. It's such a rich Tradition and it's so in depth. Something lacked in Protestantism is how shallow it is (no offense, I respect you a lot, just speaking from personal experience.) But there's just so much wisdom and depth.. it just makes so much sense. God bless you
I'm a Baptist because I wholly reject certain traditionalist doctrines of Presbyterianism, but agree that as far as Baptist churches go, they're generally very shallow. They reject too much tradition in a sense where they neglect the study of creeds and confessions. There's no catechism for Baptists. If I wasn't in a church with as strong teaching I'm in now, I'd go searching for a Doug Wilson Presbyterian pastor.
The absolutely most succinct and comprehensive delineation of Orthodoxy I’ve ever heard. Also, the civility and mutual respect of each speaker is refreshing.
I don't normally write comments on the Internet and usually avoid reading them because they are nearly always a sinkhole of complaint and accusation; however, I feel compelled to leave a comment for you Matt. Your gracious attitude and that of so many of the people you've interviewed, including Father Paul, have filled me with hope for for the Church in America. What you are doing is healing for all of us. It is so rare to listen to understand, to not feel the need to push one's own opinions and disagreements. What you display in your videos and particularly in this series is beautiful. It shows us how we ought to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as with the world at large. Thank you for bringing light into the darkness of our polarized world, for engaging with humility and gentleness where these values seem to have been lost in our society, and for being real and at times vulnerable about your own perspective and feelings. You are accomplishing exactly what you set out to do and I for one am thankful for it. Keep up the great work Matt! Also, I appreciate you going into depth on some of these interviews, as a superficial overview isn't nearly as helpful as indepth discussions on issues of importance, though you may need to change the title of your podcast. :D
Hey Matt! I'm another Orthodox Priest, and I just wanted to say that I really appreciated this series of videos you did with Father Paul, and also your videos in general. It's really refreshing to see someone like you interested in exploring how other Churches teach the faith and worship God and approaching everything from an honest and friendly angle.
I was considering joining the Orthodox Church. If I only speak English and Icelandic, will i be able to understand your masses? I am just worried that if they are in Old Slavic I will not understand what is going on
@@surzhyk1392many Orthodox churches do services in English. The tradition of the Orthodox Church is to worship in the language of the people. If you live in Iceland, the services at local churches might even be in Icelandic!
Thank you for these videos. My journey in Christ began in Lutheranism, and with my mom teaching me to pray each night as a child. I honor that beginning. We all gotta start somewhere. I'm Orthodox 3 years now, and my elderly mom (my first teacher in the faith) joined me last August. Life in the world is tough, but life in Christ and in His Church is awesome. Best wishes to you and all people who seek to love and follow the Lord.
It's really cool seeing other people take an interest in Orthodoxy, was an incredibly respectful and peaceful talk and it's wonderful hearing such respect for other Christian beliefs, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ and we all have much to learn, God bless you!
Christ is Risen! I've watched several episodes of your show and truly enjoyed them all. I am another convert to EO from Protestantism and I so appreciate what I term "The Margaret Mead" approach to each different tradition. You are not trying to debate or change (ie evangelize) them, but learn from each one. I wish more people were as respectful.
I've contributed more than enough mess between my fellow Catholics, of different political persuasions. I appreciate your efforts to breed understanding between Christians. This channel is severely underrated, and I hope you get hundreds of thousands of more of viewers.
This is one of the most eye opening discussions I’ve ever seen, this and part 1. I’m from a non-denominational church and I’ve been feeling as though (for me) it’s not enough. It is good. And the people are good. They do have the Holy Spirit with them. But some of us need more theology, hierarchy, very specific agreed upon truth and deeper knowledge. So far it sounds like Orthodoxy could be for me. I must learn more.
Thanks a million!! I’ve chosen Orthodoxy a short while ago but learning more of it through your videos just helps to cement my choice even more!! I’m attending the Greek Orthodox Church in Singapore. Thanks for sharing!!
Many who marry into the Greek Orthodox church drop out part way through the catechism. They get sick of jumping through hoops to be a (barely tolerated) honorary Greek who will never be a 'real' Greek. The same with Russian Orthodox. The Catholic church means just that Catholic=universal. The devil knows the real church he is attacking it from all sides and within these days.
Denominations aren't biblical we are one body of Christ everyone all believers,❤🎉 Jesus didn't found Orthodox, or Catholic or Protestant churches theres none that have all the truth and others that have little, the truth is not found in Thw Church its found through Jesus and God's word and the only thing that the word states that Jesus said is that he formed ONE CHURCH ONE BODY of Christ. With all his believers all who believe in Jesus Christ Denominations are put forth to separate you and to draw you away from God DO NOT BE DECEIVED!❤ My brothers and sisters let me share the word of the Lord; The Lord has said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25). In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' ” Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18; [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [ONE SINGULAR] the church of Christ! Which is; Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:24: “[H]e has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought. before He was crucified, Jesus prayed “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, …that they may be one, even as We are one” (John 17:11). Do not be led astray ask the Holy Spirit to convict you where necessary and or to guide you on how to read this but know that denominations aren't in the bible and are a creation of Man one that's caused war, death, division just like it did to the pharisees and the saducees the Jews and gentiles they all thought the other was wrong or right but Jesus our Lord addressed them all the same cause like his word says rain pours on the good and evil on the jew and the gentile don't follow denomination follow Jesus follow his word He is the truth and the enemy will set you astray coming from a former denominationee? Lol Idk if thats a word but God bless you❤😊
I see people are recommending you visit an Orthodox monastery, I cannot agree more! The monastery is where Holy Tradition is given life in its purest form, a well of living water for the faithful.
It is so nice to see a Protestant having an open discussion about the Orthodox Church instead of attacking it like so many Protestants do. Thanks for these videos. I was Roman Catholic and converted to the Orthodox faith. The church started with Jesus and not Martin Luther. Even if you don't agree with Orthodox theology at least try and understand it as you do. It is the history of the Christian faith.
I don't think the claim from Lutherans is that the church started with Luther. All Luther did was call out the Catholics for corrupting the word. He just brought the focus back to Christ and salvation by grace alone not good works.
@@bigniftydude This is correct. I'm not even Lutheran and I know this. I also think it necessary to point out that saying teachings are wrong is not attacking.
Orthodox Christians even most catholics attack Protestantism. Not the other way around, “those” who do do that are not really a protestant. we are all about having a relationship with god you guys follow religion we tend to follow God more often then not
No one says Christianity or "the church" started with Martin Luther. I have been in a few different Protestant denominations, and never heard anyone talk about Orthodoxy except when I brought it up. Most people have no idea. There may be some talk online though.
Hi Matt. There's so much good to say about this video...too much for this space, but what I will say is that I really appreciate this work you are doing. This is just the kind of channel i have wanted for many years...to learn about different denominations and Christian churches. I recently became aware of Orthodoxy and I'm falling in love with it. I have been Protestant for 24 years and never knew a thing about Orthodoxy. These videos have been SO helpful and enjoyable in so many ways. You are a natural and a pro at this. Obviously I am a subscriber now and I want to thank you for this work. God bless you and us all.
Father Paul is absolutely correct in that Orthodoxy does not (and cannot) narrow the work of Christ in our salvation down to a single, simple paradigm as is too often tried in the West. One paradigm simply cannot account for it all. That said, it should be clear the Orthodoxy does have _a_ view of "substitutionary atonement" that sits comfortably among all the rest. It is far from representative of that view which was later formulated by Anselm and adopted and changed by yet later Reformed theologians, but it is there nevertheless. But Father Paul is absolutely right in pointing out that it is only one facet of God's salvific work among a whole host of others, and no one facet outshines all the rest in brilliance and beauty. Here is an Orthodox view of "substitutionary atonement" as presented by St. Athanasius of Alexandria: "But beyond all this, there was a debt owing which must needs be paid; for, as I said before, all men were due to die. Here, then, is the second reason why the Word dwelt among us, namely that having proved His Godhead by His works, He might offer the sacrifice on behalf of all, surrendering His own temple to death in place of all, to settle man’s account with death and free him from the primal transgression. In the same act also He showed Himself mightier than death, displaying His own body incorruptible as the first-fruits of the resurrection." ( _On the Incarnation_ 4.20) The Orthodox understanding is different in that it is not so much a "penal" or "judicial" substitution, but simply a substitution. No adjectives necessary, except perhaps for the word "willing," as Christ did this gladly of his own will for our sakes. "Thus it happened that two opposite marvels took place at once: the death of all was consummated in the Lord’s body; yet, because the Word was in it, death and corruption were in the same act utterly abolished. Death there had to be, and death for all, so that the due of all might be paid. Wherefore, the Word, as I said, being Himself incapable of death, assumed a mortal body, that He might offer it as His own in place of all, and suffering for the sake of all through His union with it 'might bring to nought Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver them who all their lifetime were enslaved by the fear of death' (Heb. 2:14-15)." ( _ibid._ )
Thanks for your comment and the quote from St Athanasius. It seems one key difference between Athanasius version of "substitutionary atonement" and Anselm's is that for the early Church tradition, the main enemy was sin/death (and the Devil) that needed to be defeated. Whereas with Anselm's version of SA, it seems God the Father (inadvertently) becomes the main problem. Under the Anselm version, in order to keep your faith, you have to figure out why God the Father was both willing to send His Son to die, and unwilling to simply forgive our sin. You can say "the Father's divine honor needed satisfaction," but that still makes God the main problem, not sin and death itself. And in order for Christ to solve this problem, you either have to split the Trinity while Christ hung on the cross, or think of Christ as a human person who suffered (Nestorianism). Once I learned that the Anselm version of SA, if carried to it's natural conclusions, is in conflict with the most foundational doctrines of Trinity and Christology, it was obvious that EO is the only option.
@@nathanhornok astute observation..what is also usually missed is that Anselm came up with this in what, the 12th century? That means that for the first 1100 years Christians had it wrong...hmmm. What folks in the West also forget is that people like Anselm and Augustine didn't have access to most I'd not all of the early Church fathers in the East due to the Islamic occupation so their base of information from which to pull was very narrow.
@@racingace9959 the Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1054. 😝 I say this in jest by the way. I think the we can both agree that to become one church again both sides need to repent and both sides will need to set aside some of their hard held beliefs.
I think their is an essential difference in just eastern and western thinking,I want a western thinker to engineer my house,and house plans,I would never turn that job over to a rabbinical counsel or the holy monks on athos,my soul is a different matter!
@@englishlearningcenter1470 If you mean to New Rome (Constantinople), the East, which persisted for a thousand more years after Old Rome and the West collapsed, then yes. Eastern Orthodoxy is the true expression of the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church. Roman Catholicism (caesaro-papism) is schismatic, rejecting the truth and practice of the first thousand years of the pre-schism Church. When the schism happened, it was the singular patriarch in the West drowning in pride and thinking (because of his position of power in the West, again, being its sole patriarch) that he necessarily had universal power over the whole Church (even over the four other patriarchs, all of whom were in the East [Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem]). The bishop of Rome does not now and never has had such plenary, universal jurisdiction; all the other patriarchs did then and still do now check his pride and condemn him as a schismatic. All the patriarchs have appellate universal jurisdiction, and Rome was equal to all the other four in this regard, but no single patriarch had plenary, universal jurisdiction ever. So, aside from handling appeals (in which, for example, the Pope of Alexandria could overturn a judgment from the West under the Pope of Rome), they all were and still are expected to tend to their own affairs and not meddle in the jurisdictions of others. If there is ever to be union between the caesaro-papists and the Orthodox, then the bishop of Rome _must_ humble himself, divest himself of all his self-given, self-glorifying titles, and reacquire the spirit of the Church Fathers and their genuine, Orthodox phronema, which he long, long ago rejected for vain and worldly glory.
As a Protestant, I was thoroughly captivated by this Interview from beginning to end. I am learning as much as I can about Orthodoxy and Catholicism because I want to understand my brothers and sisters in Christ and just love on them. Father Paul was just amazing! Matt, you did pretty well too! 😊
@@jemthomas7915 I understand your concern, coming from a Protestant background myself, but there is a difference between an idol and an icon, especially in the pre-Christian world (the world where the 10 commandments were written) where idols were thought to literally contain the god inside of them, and were thus worshipped by giving sacrifices to, performing (sometimes violent) orgies in front of, and other terrible things. This is what happened with the Golden Calf. An icon on the other hand, is a picture of a loved one such as Jesus (or Mary, or some other saint/hero of the faith that is worth learning from). These we honor because we believe that by honoring the icon, we honor who the icon represents. This is similar to how we might treat a photo of a dear family member with respect and might even kiss if we miss the person depicted. Here, it is important to differentiate worship and veneration (honor). Worship is an act of sacrifice (like the Eucharist) that we do to devote ourselves to God. Veneration is honor given to someone who deserves honor. God deserves more honor than anyone, but it also is fair to say that there are people that deserve honor as well because of what they have done for Christianity. Mary is a good example because she submitted to God, carried Jesus in her womb for 9 months, and raised him to maturity (and considering Jesus is perfect, it's fair to say she did a decent job). She is the person who knew Jesus best in the world, and an excellent example of how we can submit ourselves to Christ and serve him. The other thing that you probably disagree with is prayers to Mary and the Saints. We need to clarify that we don't pray to them like they are another god, but rather we ask them to pray for us in the same way I can ask you to pray for me. The reasoning behind this is that Christ has destroyed death, and we are not separated from the body of Christ by death. Because those who die in Christ are still alive and with him now, and we are also with Christ here on earth, we have a connection to them. We are also encouraged to pray for each other, and that the prayers of righteous people are very effective (see the book of James). For this reason, why wouldn't we want to have prayers from the people who are heroes and geniuses of Christianity? It is a wonderful gift of God's grace. If you want to go more in-depth, the Lord of Spirits podcast has some very good episodes on icons, Mary, the roles of saints, and other things you might have questions about. May God bless you, friend!
As an Antiochian Orthodox lady from a Protestant background, I've found these videos quite delightful. I appreciate your respectful approach and thoughtful questions. On behalf of whomever commented caustically on the previous videos, I extend an apology for their words and pray that you might forgive them. May God bless you.
Hi Matt. Orthodox Christian here. I was going to tell you how wonderful you are and how much I appreciate your kindness and inquisitiveness in your videos, but I see a zillion people already have. God bless you.
I am a devoted, baptized by immersion Christian who is totally over the politics and bickering of my church where I was a member. I have been searching for another church denomination and your videos are really helping me to get a better understanding of them. This Orthodox series has been great! My son became an Antiochian Orthodox member as an adult. This series is also giving me a better understanding of him as well. Thank you!
Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox: three siblings pitted against each other in the past by Satan, united only by Christ. May His Bride march on towards Christ. Perhaps the Bride may never see complete unity on this Earth, but videos and efforts like this can certainly make unity in our HEARTS possible. That is to say, practically, the three of us may never see eye to eye and resolve our differences, but the more we love Christ, and love each other in our hearts, that is unity in the heart. Where Satan would rather sew seeds of hatred, and even war between Christians in the past, we can instead say, "this is my brother. This is my sister. We may never agree completely, but we are one in Christ, and I will love them as my brother, as my sister." Blessings to you folks, I can't wait for the day when we no longer see through the glass darkly, but see Him and worship Him face to face, and welcome each other face to face.
as an Orthodox, I share the notion. We are not in agreement, but we are brothers in Christ, and I love you christian brothers, may the God guide and save you.
It would be useful for you to look at history . In particular the genocide of Serbian people including children who were tortured and killed in Jasenovac ( Croatia) by the RCC clergy . The history repeated itself in the 90’s when 400 000 Orthodox Serbs were extradited from Croatia a land where they lived for thousands of years. The Orthodox are not in communion with Protestants or Roman Catholics and never will be
As an Ethiopian Orthodox I listen Fr. Paul as I am listening to one of the best preachers in my language Thank you for showing what we have in the language many can understand. God blessings to you and your family!
It was lovely to see a rigorous discussion of Orthodoxy in these five parts from an outside perspective, as someone who had grown up in it and only really knows about it from an inside perspective
Enjoying the frequency of these uploads! Father Paul has blown me away, what a great representative of the orthodox church. I would honestly listen to a regular podcast with you two haha
Your videos on Orthodoxy have been so helpful for me as my husband and I prepare to become catechumens this Sunday. I've been a protestant for 15 years and don't think this journey will be easy but I think it is the path forward to understand God and the church more. Thank you so much for the work you put into these videos!
This is the best video series on TH-cam, I'm just so incredibly touched by the presentation. So much grace and patience and open-heartedness from Matt, I will beg in prayer that he joins the Church, I am so blessed by his grace. Spiritual journey in a nutshell: Raised by holy Catholic women, but my Mom herself wasn't religious. So I wasn't religious growing up. Got to know demons first with some really serious Ouija board experiences. Realized if demons are real, then for sure God is real. Lived on the dark side for years, got into Eastern traditions and philosophies. Became a Master of a Lodge and resigned halfway through my second year of serving as Master when I realized Jesus was who said He was. But I still had this New Age idea of Christ. Ended up leaving Paleo Hebrew and became a Messianic Jew. That was a beautiful couple of years. Never learned about the Gospel there though, it was more about Ha'Shem (His Name) and the Torah. So I left that eventually. Through an amazing story, I ended up hearing the Gospel of a Jesus Christ, and that day my wife and I, and our two kids all accepted Jesus. That very Sunday we were all baptized as Southern Baptists. I played guitar and was super Protestant man. Lol Eventually my wife had bad experiences there and found a non denominational church down the road. After a few months I followed her there but didn't really like it. Did lazy protestant church for awhile, went to Cowboy churches where you can wear your Cowboy hats the whole service. Lol Went to all these churches. My wife and daughter started going to this STRANGE church that was Orthodox. I was so against it at first. But their baptisms were so amazing, I couldn't believe how beautiful they were. I love the reverence that the Orthodox church allows for. I was cathecised and then baptized about a year after they were. Now I've been Orthodox for a year and a few months. I was baptized on Pascha. I am so blessed to be home after such a long journey. Being protestant always assured that I had one foot in the world and one foot in the church. But the orthodox life so quickly eroded away any desires for worldly things. I learned to love Church so much that all I want is Church. Learn more Greek, learn more prayers. Learn the Psalms we pray everyday. If we are to be careful of what comes out of our mouths, then at least pray so much everyday that you've definitely said more words in prayer than you did in idle talk. If the Kingdom is upon you, why are you not bowing and in prayer? It's here. "For we have the mind of Christ." Blessings to you Matt. I've never been more touched by any videos than these Orthodox videos you made. I learned SO MUCH about my own faith by watching this, it's such a gem to me. Thank you, thank you. God grant you many years my brother, I'm truly in tears right now.
As an orthodox christian, I appreciate your open-mindedness as well as the hard questions you ask. I hope you re-visit orthodoxy again and I will be looking forward to take part of your future content!
As a convert to Orthodoxy of some 23 years, I feel compelled to say thank you for making such a fine video. I love the questions, and the answers, all so clear and honest, unafraid to broach things that might be sensitive, and handled with gentleness but also with probing. I am refreshed, encouraged, and joyous in my heart from having viewed it. But your last 10-minute soliloquy so impresses me also! Your heartfelt expression of the anguish of these past couple of years and desire to make a constructive response, your struggle with the temptations to argue and win points over others, and your struggle to find a better understanding in a deep and meaningful way win me over in themselves. To me you are describing the Christian life, that effort to remain true to Christ and be unwavering and forthright, while holding on to His grace, kindness, and lovingkindness. The failures. The corrections. The journey through discovery. The drawing closer to Christ-likeness. This is repentance. And I recognize it clearly because I recognize myself in so much of what you say. I think you have a very Orthodox approach to Orthodoxy, and likewise to living as a Christian. May God bless you on your life journey and grant you His grace to find the place where He would lead you. Let not only your mind direct you, for there is much truth in your heart and soul already. When we are saved, we are saved in all our faculties and all our being and all our humanity, even our bodies. God wants the "all" of us - all our heart, and all our mind, and all our soul - and our understanding needs therefore to be in "all".
Thank you so much for doing this Matt. It feels like I've picked up a bachelor's degree worth of theology just passively observing these episodes and then doing my own research/going down rabbit holes but all the while feeling like we're somehow on a mutual journey. Your channel has tremendously enriched my Christian faith and understanding.
I remember the first time my family and i attended the liturgy for a "visit". It was our first and last visit. A year later me my wife and our 7 children were all received into the Holy Orthodox Church. It is the best move weve ever made. Glory to Jesus Christ!
My priest says that Orthodoxy is like the sun. If you fly too close to it, you will be consumed before you realize what's happened. God bless you on your journey, Matt!
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
@@hamzawassim-wr6weYou believe in a illiterate man who came 600 years after jesus and his teachings, after churches and monasteries were being built, and most importantly came after eye witness testimony of people hearing Jesus proclaimed to be God and proved it. Galatians say the devil can transform himself into an angel of Light. In Ephesians it says those(even angels) who preach a different gospel other then this one let him be a-cursed. You are quite literally believing an illiterate man who got “divine” revelations from Satan. The way the quran describes how liars will die and how muhammad die was extremely similar. Muhammad was at one point petrified about “Allah” because of how much it seemed he was messing with him. You are believing and worshipping Satan or his angels lol repent and believe in the gospel.
@@hamzawassim-wr6weYou’re god is wrathful, unjust(forgives randomly) and despises people in general who dont worship him. My God the one true God is Just, Absolutely Merciful, and most importantly doesnt hate you but hates Sin. Repent and believe in Jesus before it’s to late.
@@hamzawassim-wr6we You are mistaken. Iesous is the one true God, not yhwh or jehovah, yahuah, or even allah. Seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him. The Gentle Shepherd. Lord of Lords. King of Kings. The religious texts keep us in bondage. Free yourself, brother, through Christ the Messiah.
Thank you for another fascinating video, it's wonderful to see Christians from different traditions discussing their faith with such courtesy and openness. For those wanting to learn more about the Orthodox Church there are two excellent books by Bishop Kallistos Ware, the first, 'The Orthodox Church' has been for fifty years the best introduction to the history and practice of the Orthodox Church. His other book is 'The Orthodox Way' looks at the spirituality of the Orthodox Church.
i was raised as a non denominational christian and i love this conversation! my husband's family came out of orthodoxy in eastern europe, and i think it's so interesting to learn about!
Really enjoyed this series. I am gradually approaching Orthodoxy myself. You seem to be a genuine truth seeker. It's so refreshing to see two very intelligent men discussing Christian faith!
I've really been struggling with the issue of sin and how it came to be. The was this Fr. explained it really makes it clear to me. Sin was not created by God as a punishment for us turning our backs on him, sin is a natural occurrence that happens when we "unplug" ourselves from God, our life source. He made it so very clear. I'm going to have to try out an Orthodox Church.
John 13:34-35, but yes also Matthew 12:33. I would say that the connection here is that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love- compare 1 Cor 13 and Gal 5
I recently found orthodoxy and have been attending our local parish for about a month and even now this video has been so eye opening and absolutely informative! Thank you so much for delving into the different branches of Christianity and really getting the hard answers on hot topics from these different denominations. I can’t tell you how helpful these two videos were! Especially for someone who is so convicted to orthodoxy but struggling to understand it all, this was beyond anything I have found thus far and I feel like I have such a better understanding of it as someone who was raised southern Baptist. A LOT of my questions were answered and this just pushed me full throttle into it! Seriously God bless, this was an absolutely amazing video!
I also want to further say A) I know this video is 2 years old but it’s still such an important video with so much amazing information especially now that we’re into 2023 and moving past a lot of the things we experienced over the past 2 years, but also B) I am so amazingly impressed and influence by Protestants to listen with such open mindedness to other Christian beliefs and traditions. That is one thing I continue to hold onto and hold dear and in high regard is protestant openness to other ideology and opinion within Christianity.
This video series is amazing. Lifelong Catholic who loves learning about the first schism in the church and of course the reformation. As Christians we all hunger for the love of Christ in this life. We come from so many backgrounds - but are united in Him!
Fascinating videos, Matt. All 5 of them! I've never heard the Orthodox perspective so clearly taught with regards to tradition/scripture, salvation, icons (the kids kissing the window, but really kissing their papa - wow), and even history. This was so good. I'm literally moved spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually by all of this.
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thess. 2, 15), "There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." (John, 21, 25). There are numerous teachings that the Bible couldn't possibly contain. The Church holds this tradition. So the Bible is sacred but not self-reliant for us Orthodox Christians. I've really enjoyed these interviews. Father Paul is a respectable and well educated Orthodox Priest and Matt is an open-minded, well-informed and very respectful truth-seeker. Greetings from a Greek Orthodox Priest, who learned a lot from this series and is thankful to all the participants! Christ is Risen!
Both RC and EO claim to be the original church (which was true for the first 1,000 years of Christianity when they were together), and therefore are without error. Oddly, they do not have the same teachings, so one (or both) of them deviated from the original Church. They both claim teachings that are not in the Bible, so they rely on different Church Fathers and different Ecumenical Councils to support their claims. The reality is that it seems both the RC and EO churches likely deviated from the original Church. For all these Protestants considering or already actively involved in a RC or EO church, I highly recommend you read the Augsburg Confession. It is a masterful articulation and defense of Biblical principles using the Bible and the very early Church Fathers as references. After reading it, I am confident you will want to remain in your Protestant church.
A great and edifying video, as always! I have some suggestions for future videos: - An Assyrian Church of the East - An Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church - An Armenian Apostolic Church - An Orthodox monastery - A Catholic monastery But I am Orthodox myself and I learned the most from your tours of Protestant churches. So in spite of what I just said, I would especially love to see more Protestant churches of various kinds.
I consider myself blessed for I was born in Russia where Orthodox Christianity is the main religion. Being a part of the Church founded by apostles themselves is so righteous and good.. You should come to Russian monasteries like Optina or Valaam and there you will feel it.
@@mustang8206 Orthodox Church, as its (Greek) name says it, it THE Church, the original and only Church. That guy in Rome and the organization he controls separated from us in 1054 AD.
@@mustang8206 We can trace every Patriarch back to the apostles.For example we can count all bishops of Antioch from Todays bishop back to the Apostle Peter.
Thank you! This series on Orthodox Christianity was so well done and helped me immensely in my recent inquiry into the faith. Keep doing what you're doing just the way you're doing it, through respect and seeking to understand. This is how we heal, not through tribalism and hurling stones at each other.
Thank you so much for these videos, Matt. The genuine goodness of your intentions and fellowship shine through your presentation. I appreciate all of your videos and always look forward to them. As we Greeks always say to those who have attended church, βοηθεια σου! (May it help you)
These videos have been a pure joy. Before your series, I knew next to nothing about Eastern Orthodox beliefs. I tend more and more towards a progressive-reformed viewpoint, and that has helped me to appreciate how much our interpretation of faith expression differs based on cultural and personal experiences. Give me the Nicene Creed and lets build from there.
This video is truly special - it has been rare to find videos online of various Christian faiths interacting in a way that isn’t denigrating towards each other. Much love and respect to both parties, and Fr. Paul did such an amazing job answering the questions compassionately and taking his time to explain in detail. To me this is a living example of brotherly Christian love in action.
These have been excellent videos and I really do hope to see this priest back on this channel again. I’m agnostic and in search of “is there a God?” I really do wish I could see God in my life if he does exist.
As a former atheist who was knocked to the ground (figuratively) by horrible personal tragedies and awful consequences of living a life ruled by forever chasing my passions, I finally thought, "I might as well try going to church. What do I have to lose?" I had been introduced in name only to Orthodoxy by Jonathan Pageau's videos, and his grasp of symbolism, and his ability to make sense of what's going on around us in our current culture wars as a result, really intrigued me. I headed to a local Orthodox church. I was confused and overwhelmed, but I felt an unfamiliar sense of calm at the same time, and when it was Sunday again, I headed back. I began talking with the priest, who lovingly made so much time for me and helped me through a difficult personal struggle. I began reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each day, and the priest taught me how to pray. I continued slowly, and my former materialist worldview started melting away rapidly. It was very overwhelming, but the entire time I felt a quietness and a calming in my heart that I had never experienced before. My heart is being healed. My relationships are being healed. My life is filled with peace, where once, it was chaos. May God bless you on your path. He hasn't forgotten you, and is whispering to your heart.
Again, a great video and the best video of "protestant visits an Orthodox Church" No need to debate but learn, I appreciate your approach on others with different views. I would echo another's comment in that the Orthodox Church saved my faith. I came in during Lent and went to as many services as I could. After Lent, I was ready to become a catechumen. It took some time to go through the journey to become Orthodox but so glad I have. I would recommend attending the Church during Lent to experience it. It is something experienced as well and intellectualized.
I was raised a secular Godless home in the UK. I encountered scripture and became a christian in the evangelical church in my early 20s. I thought I was ‘born again’. Having studied religion and philosophy at university I became less convinced of the evangelical claims and their attempt to return to the apostolic church. By the grace of God I was baptised into the Holy Orthodox Church, the apostolic Church when I was 37. That is when I became a Christian, when I received baptism into the true Church of Christ. That is when I was indeed born again. I am now 62 and thank God daily for his mercy and for leading me to the truth. I pray daily for His mercy and that one day I will actually live as a Christian. ☦️☦️☦️
Matt, I just want to say how much I appreciate your approach! Debates are for making feel good about how right I am and how the other side is so dumb, or misunderstands. But this approach shows how the other side, whether or not we identify with them, is full of people who love Jesus and are not dumb but have a different set of beliefs. We need more people like you to approach different traditions with open minds. Thank you!
I love this! Great job Matt and Fr. Paul. Very satisfying to this former Evangelical (for decades) now sixteen years in the Orthodox Church (with no regrets). I have great appreciation for all I learned and received among sincere believers in Protestant churches I attended. What I learned of the Scriptures as an Evangelical prepared me wonderfully to receive the full heritage of Apostolic Christian faith within Orthodoxy. I know I am finally truly home. Thank you both very much!
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
The Orthodox emphasis of sin as sickness and Christ as healer has always held great appeal for me.
"The Church is a hospital and not a courtroom" is a popular quote of the Orthodox
Thats probably the least appealing aspect to me, since scripture is so filled with emphasis on the guilt and judgment which results from sin.
@@JRMusic933 scripture is also full of mercy, Healing and being saved.
@@JRMusic933 Jesus is the Samaritan that saves us from being left for dead on the side of the road, the church is the inn that brings us back to health. Death is a mercy so that we do not live in our sin for eternity just like sleep is a mercy and a reprieve from our much toiling lives. The legal part of salvation has truth to it, but it’s not whole. It’s seriously lacking the whole point of what the church is supposed to be, a hospital. Church isn’t there to save us, only Jesus can do that, but Jesus leaves us in the churches care to heal us from our infirmaries.
@@popepiusix7444 yes, both not one or the other
“It’s not my place to judge where you are in your relationship with Christ.”
What a breath of fresh air to hear such humility!
That's Orthodoxy.
@@brotherbrovet1881 nah mate orthodox will always be better ☦️
@TVOG BACKUP God likes hip hop
Each Christian should be honest enough to assess their relationship with our heavenly father. From bad to great.
@@bubbabubbie1 maybe. But dont u think that we have some godamn obligations or at least to give some respect. Not hip hop. Byzantine music
I was brought up protestant and have been researching the Orthodox Church and I am thinking of converting. Please keep me in your prayers.
Visit Mt.Athos
Welcome
We are waiting for you my friend. We need more fighters for Christ God who will witness to our brothers and sisters. God with us, God with you.
I am interested to hear an update from you and if you've converted. As of a few days ago I have been looking deeply into the Orthodox Church and having been raised protestant my entire life and much of the time being deeply reformed.
May God bring you to our Church. sending prayers
Hi Matt, My name is Fr. Moses, I am a priest in the Orthodox Church in America. I was raised Protestant(evangelical free) and converted to Orthodoxy in my early 20s. I want you to know that I appreciate your approach and sincerity to all these questions. You are honest and willing to listen, and yet still ask the difficult questions. God bless you and your family, may He grant you many blessed years!
Hello Fr. Moses,
I am an EFCA Protestant, and I was wondering, what brought you to the Orthodox Church?
@@letadesanto6825 It might be Fr. Moses Berry - I hope it is! - if you search for him one of the first videos that pops up is called "African American finds the Orthodox Church" and he explains what brought him to the Orthodox Church.
@Bartholomew Roberts throwing a word heretic like you are a theological god that knows the depth of Lutheran doctrine and depth of Orthodox doctrine(speaking as reformed who studied mentioned theological differences). God has His elect within every Trinitarian church that exists that follows the first four ecumenical councils. You are judging a Church by it's members, not by depth of it's teachings. "Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
Epistle to the Smyrnaeans - St. Ignatius of Antioch.
It's not the other way around.
There is a strong link between Evangelical protestants, and the Orthodox faith. Evangelicals are 'true believers' and earnestly are searching.
@@ViolenceGrants aj ne seri!
As a Protestant I didn’t know how much I was missing in my faith, until I started researching Eastern Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is not easy, but it is true. The fullness of Orthodoxy can only be realized by experiencing it…reading about it and watching TH-cam videos will never compare to living the Orthodox life. God bless y’all!
True my friend ☦️
You're not protestant
@@Kabodtubeofficial why?
@@Kabodtubeofficial why? because you left orthodoxy for Protestantism? And look protestants are interested in orthodox church.
I tried to go to a Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia for two months. Everyone was very friendly. I only attended the Divine Liturgy. I wanted to attend a different service with my family. I went to a feast day celebration for St. John of Shanghai on a Friday evening. Immediately I got bad stares since it was a small service. I was actually told I could leave anytime I wanted. My daughter and wife where there. It was quite shocking. First church I have ever been asked to leave. The Orthodox can work on being more welcoming to outsiders. My wife and I were very saddened by this event.
I’m Ethiopian Orthodox living in the United States. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Americans come to Orthodoxy!
Maybe they will save their country, their nation that way.
Ethiopian Orthodoxy is a whole different chicken. They're related in name alone.
@@MiaogisTeasin what way? Bc it has The Book of Enoch?
@@MiaogisTeas not true. Theologically there's like one thing they disagree on.
“Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved” - St. Seraphim of Sarov.
And bears will be your friends 😂
@@devonjosiah7308 hahaha what a based Chad
@@devonjosiah7308 we can only hope! 🤗☦️
@@ThomasG_Nikolaj he is indeed
@@RachelLovelace amen 😂
I remember the second time going to the Divine Liturgy, thinking to myself “why am I going back? This is so weird” and now the Divine Liturgy gets more and more beautiful every time I go
I've been having that same thought for thirteen years! The beauty doesn't fade. The depths of the Orthodox faith in Christ is unlimited.
@@noahjohnson2611 that’s good to hear! Many years to you and your family!
17 years for me and "the taste goes deeper and deeper every time"..
There is absolutely no experience on earth that can compare to the moment the Eucharist hits your tongue. Sublime, transcendent, humbling.
Been to two Liturgies so far! One in a Russian parish and one in a serbian parish (service was in English at the serbian parish). It was so good
I'm not Orthodox, but there's something to be said about the traditions and formality they hold to. I was raised in the laid back southern California surfer culture, where even our pastors wore shorts and sandals to church on Sunday. When I was growing up this was "normal", but as an adult it just seems out of place. Why do we take worshiping our Lord and Savior so casually? If I were meeting the President, I would wear my best clothes... why is it different when I go to church and worship the Creator of the universe?
Great point!
Worship is a way of living, come as you are but expect to be changed by the renewing of your mind
@@nelsonlloydivthe point is by doing those things you show respect which will always be instilled in you… your actions shape ur mind as well brother, even the tiny ones
Do you really think God looks at a dress code or the heart? That’s what I ask myself when I get frustrated about casualness. It’s also the time in which we live.
I am a former Baptist minister, seminary trained and the whole nine yards. I became an Orthodox Christian 17 years ago. The longer I am Orthodox the more I see how beautiful and holy and right is the original, true Church is and how - in spite of my appreciation for my upbringing - the myriad of man-made attempts at re-inventing the church fall short. I don't mean this in any disrespectful way. I say it from a desire to witness to the truth. Thank you for these videos. I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
May I recommend to you the Bible Study podcasts "The Whole Council of God" by Father Stephen De Young? He is a former pastor from the Reformed tradition who is now an Orthodox priest and a true biblical scholar, holding a PhD in Biblical Studies. His Bible studies are outstanding and are helpful in understanding many of the differences between Orthodox and western beliefs (although this is not their main purpose).
How can the Orthodox be teaching the truth when they promote Christmas, Sunday worship and infant baptism? None of these are scriptural......
@@sassy3923 depends on your hermeneutics. Christians and Easter (called pascha or Passover in the Orthodox Church) aren’t pagan copy overs. Infant baptism is a legitimate thing.
@@DF-ei9kc Can a baby repent of sin?
@SpongeTom Trianglepants Repent from what? Show me from Scripture where Christ was born on December 25th?
@@sassy3923 No one knows when exactly Jesus was born. There's nothing wrong with picking a day to honor His birth. Honestly, we should be honoring it every single day, as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
Thank you for this interview. As a Protestant oriented (American) Christian, who has spent most of the last 30 years in Orthodox Christian Eastern European countries, this was very interesting. One thing I admire about the Orthodox Church in this part of the world: How they helped keep faith alive during persecution and the repressive atheistic regimes for 40 to 70 years of 20th century (depending on the particular country).
Atheism grows but declines. Its really strange.
I also am thankful for their perseverance throughout history
Thanks for bringing this up
I just finished typing a similar response. Part of the tradition of the Orthodox church is the remembrances and recollections of wars fought, both ancient and modern, to preserve the Orthodox faith. As an Orthodox Christian, it seems to me that most protestants think of martyrdom in a purely ancient context; for many Orthodox it is much more personal. Just something to keep in mind.
It's sad that atheism is actually starting to take off again but in the whole west even in America. I saw a statistic that showed that now less than half of the whole US population is religious.
@@Kevin-lw2gl people wanna become there own God but when Jesus comes we will be free from sin
As a Catholic convert from Protestantism, I pray for unity with all our churches because that’s what Jesus wants from us. This is why I appreciate this channel so much. It opens up our minds to understand each other which leads to productive conversations. I have hope!
You leveled up once, now level up again by going to orthodoxy 😊
Being Catholic is close to jesus than protestant. I believe that Protestantism is heresy.
Come back home.
I respectfully disagree. I think religion, no matter where you stand, is not what it’s about, it’s about a personal relationship. The WORLD wants a one world religion and that will be the end.
@@sprc155wow, that awful presumptive that you are right and everyone else is wrong. 🤦♀️
I’m actually inquiring into the Orthodox Church currently! I feel so welcome there that I’ve never felt in a Catholic or Protestant church!
I recommend Fr. Josiah Trenhams videos Rock and Sand part 1 and 2 he is former reformed taught in seminary by RC Sproul who became Orthodox Priest so a lot of his answers in that will help you. I also recommend reading really anything by Fr. Seraphim Rose, but a good starting point is "The Soul after death" if you start with those it will help you immensely.
.
Those helped me immensely when I was inquiring prior to becoming a catechuman.
Welcome to the Orthodoxy!
@Jeremy wtf kkkkkkkk i dont know how you learned this kkkkkkk
@Jeremy No idea who told you this but you are wrong. The biggest schism happened between these two churches. Anyway no Pope isnt the figurehead of Orthodoxy.
Same thing happened to me but I went to a Protestant church and felt more welcome than the cold Orthodox Church
You don't just believe the tenants of Eastern Orthodoxy you have to live Eastern Orthodoxy. It is a way of life that teaches you how to be a citizen of heaven.
Yes. Orthodoxy is not a body of knowledge, but a way of life.
@@Marsalis_CW Perfectly stated, Brother.
Tenets
Yes, experience is the word …
Christianity itself is a way of life. It can’t be reduced to a few tenets that you just mentally ascent to.
I’m starting my catechism in the Orthodox Church tomorrow, I’m so excited to begin my journey in the one true church! The people of this church are so welcoming and kind, the church was there when I was at a very low point in my life and I will forever be grateful ❤️☦️
Is it true that without venerating ikons there is no salvation?
It's interesting that everyone say they are part of the one true church ..😂
@@synthesaurus you have to understand that no one is venerating ikons just for the sake of doing it. Is not a necessary thing, but is there to help. A lot of miracles can happen when you interact with an ikon of a saint when you really believe that his spirit can intervene in your life to help you. Just a note: all the help that you'll receive will be for your salvation because that's the ultimate goal. Just get one, saint Mina for example, or Jesus and put it in your car, or house. You'll understand quite quickly what is all about.
"welcoming and kind" LOL
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
You should visit an Orthodox monastery. 👍☦️
I second this. Orthodoxy is not just a bunch of rational arguments/beliefs you need to experience the fruit of it too.
One thing that is difficult for some because of their blessed level of intelligence, is to just be. Just be orthodox. Pray the prayers, attend the services and be humble. While I struggle with the latter I’m not afflicted by the former!
👍👍👍
@@Orthoindian Exactly. Separating the mystical from Orthodoxy (theory) to try to explain it to other Christians is a big mistake. Orthodoxy without the mystical... isn't.
this! Monastery is the backbone of Orthodoxy
"Too often modern Christians forget that the Church is not just an institution, but the Kingdom of God that is here but is still to come. The Church is described as the Bride of Christ. We are betrothed to Christ. The second coming is the wedding day and the final consummation. Therefore, we live this present life in two dimensions: as saved and yet hoping for salvation; as betrothed to Christ and yet in anticipation and anxiety for the consummation of the marriage; as joyful and yet penitent; as having everything and yet possessing nothing; as living in this world and yet “having here no continuing city”; as in the world yet not of the world; as being members of Christ’s Church, receiving the new life of baptism and eternal life in the Eucharist; and yet as striving to be made worthy of the Kingdom to come. This double character of Christian life is absolutely essential to the Church’s spirituality and role within society. "
- Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou
Wow, I have become a fan of Father's but hadn't heard/seen this quote. So powerful speaking to truth.
Probably the best thing I’ve read this year.
Bless you for sharing this 🙏🏽
@@theuncomfortabletruthpodca5177 Thank you for your comment. After being on the fence about Orthodoxy for a long time (Formerly Protestant), after reading that quote, it was game over for me. It was literally a turning point in my life a few years ago. I could no longer "put things off".
Please share it when you can as well!
This is a beautiful quote and indeed conveys something that feels right to me. However, it must be noted that this is not a universally held Orthodox position. The switch from "His kingdom is" to "His kingdom will be" is one that, among other attempts to synchronise with the Constantinopolian position by the Russian Orthodox church, caused a great schism. Many of the Russian Orthodox Old Believers hold to the former view and even those that do not (for complicated reasons) acknowledge it to be church tradition, and reject the change as a fit of prideful theological inventionism. I think the reason the quote *feels* right, despite the position being ahistoric, is that it conveys the essence of the experience of striving and yearning for theosis.
@@paulie-g I am not sure I understand what it is you are communicating. Can you clarify what the issue is you have with the quote. You noted a difference (or change?) between "His Kingdom is" and "His Kingdom will be" in the quote, but, when I re-read it, it is clear that the Kingdom is both now and is to come. This point is not new in Orthodoxy.
Hi, as a Protestant considering Orthodoxy, both of you did an amazing job at explaining all of this stuff, and having honest conversation. Thank you both!
Welcome brother, whenever you feel is the right time.
@@altab3dstudio53 It’s been a year, and I’m happy to state, I’m a catechumen!
@@ryrocks9487congratulations 🎉
You should become a orthodox if thats what you feel, but do not believe they’re doctrine. and that is Faith+Works.
and that is just absolutely not true we are always saved with true pure faith alone. Not of works lest any man should boast. All the glory of salvation goes to God.
@@xHollow. That’s actually not what the Orthodox Church teaches! We don’t earn out salvation, and it’s not some magic formula of faith+works.
Only God grant’s salvation, but since we have free will he only saves those who cooperate!
0:35 Heterodox 2:13 The Tragedy of Christianity: Core Agreement, Disagreements in Profession
4:01 Salvation 7:31 God and Man, Divine and Human 9:14 Sin and Healing 24:07
11:16 Repentance, Grace, Faith 13:00 Scripture
17:44 Trust
21:04 St Maximus The Confessor
22:32 Can The Church Be Wrong? No, can members be wrong, yes.
24:58 Prophecies and errors
26:20 Inquirers
28:00 Catechuman (commitment) 28:47 29:31 Baptism
31:40 Working through Ideas 33:10 It was not a debate, it was a learning session
37:55 Tension and Release
Username checks out
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
@@hamzawassim-wr6we you want us to leave the word of God (jesus Christ) and believe words of satanic prophet (peace be upon him)😂😂 who came after jesus' disciples by 6 or 7 centuries. And you want us to leave the testimony of eyewitnesses and believe an illiterate person who did not even see Christ.
@@eng.menareda2108I wonder who relied on his salvation from distorted books
@@eng.menareda2108It is well known that the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) chose the four Gospels approved today by Christians from among more than seventy Gospels. In that is the non-opposition of those Gospels to what they adopted to say that Christ, peace be upon him, is the divinity of Christ and that he is the Son of God.
Of course, this saying did not gain the approval of the majority of the conferees, for it was opposed by a great number of them, except that the power of the Roman sword settled the dispute in favor of those who went to say the divinity of Jesus, peace be upon him, and made the opponents heretics and innovators, knowing that they are the majority, and among them are a number of monotheists who called for the oneness of God, not His partner, and that Jesus, peace be upon him, is the servant of God and His Messenger.
Thus, the power of the Romans eliminated these opponents, especially the monotheists among them, with persecution and displacement, so their doctrine did not spread, but with the passage of time it waned until it became today - as it appears - without followers. We will try here to convey some of the positions of the ancient Christians who judged these Gospels or some of them to be distorted and forged so that the fair-minded person will see that Muslims are not the only ones who took the position of the skeptic and the accused regarding these Gospels.
This has been a great series. As an Orthodox Christian I'm always looking for good accessible resources that explain what we believe, and the overall quality of this one, and the great questions you've brought, has made it my new favorite. Keep it up!
Here's an idea: visit an Orthodox monastery! You'd be surprised how many there are in the US. St. Anthony's in Arizona and Holy Cross in West Virginia would be great places to visit.
Or visit an orthodox monastery where it all began 😉
@@ragael1024 In Egypt?
@@Thicknchunky I thought Orthodox began in Byzantine? Or Roman with the Catholics
@@racingace9959 Catholicism started in Jerusalem :) As did Orthodoxy considering we were the same Church that Jesus founded once
@@someman7 christianity started in Jerusalem, as a sect of Judaism(i think). But orthodoxy was in the Eastern Roman Empire. Mainly Greece today. Don't think there r ppl more orthodox than orthodox greeks these days.
I converted to Orthodoxy a few years ago from the Protestant faith of my youth. I am grateful for the many wonderful Protestant people and all that they gave me, but I am now home.
Amen
How can someone be come a Orthodox priest 🙏🏻
@@ChuxMedias Go to Church, Seminary, Ordination
I’m not Orthodox but this is one of my favorite videos of yours. The father here is really intelligent and well educated. I bet it was hard to end the convo and not go on forever. Thanks for the video.
Please become orthodox christian
Cmon home! Standing room only since 33ad!
Intelligent and well educated?? Really?? He can’t even say that salvation is by faith alone literally the Paul’s gospel. And he’s talking about there are some things we consider. Wait what??
@@Watermelon-dj8be OK there are only 4 gospels and as you know, Paul's writings aren't them. Paul's writings and the other books aren't on the same level as the 4 gospels. We don't view the gospels through the lens of Paul but the other way around. Also please show where "faith alone" is in the bible, and in what context this would mean? Lastly what is your idea of salvation? And just because you have a different opinion doesn't make you correct. I would challenge you on where you got your interpretations of tour points from?
@@frankherbert6476God revealed the gospel to Paul cuz Jesus was the Passover land according to Jewish feasts.Ephesians 2:8-9 and youtuber mentioned it and the priest said we have blah blah
As an Orthodox Christian who used to be Protestant, I get the best and the worst of it from both sides. Thank you for being fair, for being charitable, for treating us as real people and fellow Christians rather than... some of the rest of what I see both online and irl... it’s refreshing, so thank you. Another really good place to learn about Orthodoxy and especially the way we interpret and read scripture, would be the Orthodox Study Bible, tons of notes and cross references and articles in there that gives you basically a crash course of how we comprehend the same scripture we all read and love. Thank you again for this, this interview helped me learn maybe how to articulate my own faith better and again I really appreciate the fair approach. You’re awesome, God bless.
@Stone Roses has your life been planned out? Or were we created by a God who gave us free will? The Satan made his choice and will continue to do so till he enters the lake of fire at the end of this age. Satan doesn’t make people do evil things, he turns them from God
@@Rand_War
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:33 ESV
People try to put God in a box. He uses people who do not even know him. I follow the scriptures how I read them. I follow the commandments and have faith in the Messiah. It’s what scriptures say too me so I am obedient to Gods Word, not what man made religion wants to interpret it as in its various doctrines into the thousands now of differing interpretations. It’s my responsibility to hear and obey God, not man made interpretations.
I also do not see Jesus (Yeshua) as God but as a Prince of the Kingdom, a Prophet like unto Moses. There are too many scriptures, prophecies and Yeshua’s own Words that the Father is his God and our God and he did not claim to being God. Power and authority was given to him. God does not need power and authority given too him.
@@mik3ymomo Jesus said that those who had seen Him had seen the Father.
@@NovelistVampireGirl Jesus also said he came to speak the Words of the Father and not of his own. So he was Gods representative. When you speak to and hear from the Representative of an authority you speak and hear directly as if it was that authority. He said there was one greater than him “The father who was in Heaven”. The Doctrine of the Trinity is 3 parts equal God which counters Jesus own words. Also when he asked the Apostles who people say he is and who they believe he is; Peter said he was the Son of the living God. Jesus did not correct him and tell him he was actually God. He said the Holy Spirit had revealed that too him. If God is 3 then why don’t we know the name of the Holy Spirit? We know the name of God, we even know the name of the Son. We also know that when Heaven and Earth are destroyed we go to be with the father and the lamb forever. Why no mention of the Holy Spirit? Seems there is a problem with the concept of the Trinity. Also it’s been found that the Catholic Church added verses to the book of John to forward the Doctrine of the Trinity.
I’m a cradle Orthodox Christian and this is AMAZING. It’s so difficult to “translate” our position to a western minded Christian and he did a great job! This is now on my permanent playlist in order to spread the depth of the Faith. Thanks for doing this video!
Hi, I would be very interested in this playlist! Im an inquirer.
Exactly. It’s it’s hard to explain protestants why orthodox different
Matt, I am very interested to hear your thoughts on the Eucharist. I used to believe it was only a symbol, but after reading John 6 in light of the early church fathers I am now convinced there is a real change and it is not just a symbol.
Yes. He said "And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying "This is my body, given for you, do this in memory of me" and God doesn't lie.
Truth Unites did a video on that which is called something like Francis Chan on the Eucharist or something like that...
Truth Unites overall is a great channel
@@Fiona2254 my issue with that mindset is that it ignores other places in the Bible where God or Christ used turns of phrase and metaphor etc. See God talking to Job's comforters and Jesus calling herod "that old fox" did that mean from that point on that King Herod was a literal fox?
@@paulhenderson5399 That's why early interpreters of the Bible are so important for Orthodox tradition. St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of John, the writer of the gospel, the epistles, Revelation, etc. You can read Ignatius' epistles and see him clearly call the Eucharist "the medicine of immortality" and believing in the real presence of Christ within it. All early Christians believed the Eucharist to be the real deal. Our entire liturgy is centered around it and has been for 2000 years.
@@paulhenderson5399 Consider this. Our Lord says "this *is* my body" that is an affirmation and a confirmation within the statement. Whereas "that old fox" is not in the same manner.
As an Orthodox Christian who converted from Protestantism about nine years ago, I want to just say thank you for putting so much time and energy into honestly trying to make sense out of the Orthodox faith. I’ve been watching your videos since before you began doing anything about Orthodoxy, and have always appreciated how you always try to do justice to everyone’s beliefs. May God bless your efforts, and thanks for all your hard work on these videos!
@Starlight Mckennah I became interested in Church history, and began to research the early Church (it’s worship, beliefs, and practices). This led me to explore various Christian bodies, including Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Ultimately, the Orthodox worship and life drew me in. I wasn’t upset about anything in my Protestant upbringing. I was just looking for deep roots and continuity with the early Church, and I believe I’ve found those things in the Orthodox Church.
@Starlight Mckennah God bless you in your journey!
@@brentjones6113 You're correct, cause Orthodoxy was the first. Welcome to Orthodox community brother, even if I am a bit late LOL.
@Starlight Mckennah једина права Истина
I grew up Jehovah's Witness and after leaving that found my way to Orthodoxy. One thing I appreciated coming into the Orthodox church was it's emphasis on We don't do this to get to heaven, to get something for me out of it. We do this to attain theosis or to become like Christ, spiritual healing, to imitate Him (love in all we think and do) and to become one with Him. As such the result will be going to heaven but it's not THE point. One awesome book I love that deeply explains the way Orthodox think and how it's unique (and some the same) than the rest of Christianity is Thinking Orthodox by Dr Constantiniou. Mind blowing. BTW LOVE your series. SO interesting and enlightening to see how other branches of Christianity and other religions think and believe. Keep up the awesome work you do! Thank you!!
I was raised as a JW as well, but I never officially became one. In my early twenties I became SDA and remained one for five years. I'm currently Protestant(Reformed Baptist), but I'm looking into Orthodoxy. In my country there's only Ethiopian and Russian Orthodox Churches. I'm trying to understand the Oriental/Eastern divide. I'm thinking about converting, but I want to take my time to understand the faith. Pray for me.
Denominations aren't biblical we are one body of Christ everyone all believers,❤🎉 Jesus didn't found Orthodox, or Catholic or Protestant churches theres none that have all the truth and others that have little, the truth is not found in Thw Church its found through Jesus and God's word and the only thing that the word states that Jesus said is that he formed ONE CHURCH ONE BODY of Christ. With all his believers all who believe in Jesus Christ Denominations are put forth to separate you and to draw you away from God DO NOT BE DECEIVED!❤ My brothers and sisters let me share the word of the Lord;
The Lord has said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25).
In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
” Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved
Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18; [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [ONE SINGULAR] the church of Christ! Which is;
Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:24: “[H]e has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.
before He was crucified, Jesus prayed “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, …that they may be one, even as We are one” (John 17:11).
Do not be led astray ask the Holy Spirit to convict you where necessary and or to guide you on how to read this but know that denominations aren't in the bible and are a creation of Man one that's caused war, death, division just like it did to the pharisees and the saducees the Jews and gentiles they all thought the other was wrong or right but Jesus our Lord addressed them all the same cause like his word says rain pours on the good and evil on the jew and the gentile don't follow denomination follow Jesus follow his word He is the truth and the enemy will set you astray coming from a former denominationee? Lol Idk if thats a word but God bless you❤😊
@@wanitalll thank you for your thoughts! I would just add Christ also said Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood there is no life in you (John 6:53). Remember how offended the people were at these words? But he was referring to Communion. Communion is vital for Christians. From the beginning of Christianity Christ has used the Church to celebrate Communion (remember he said Keep doing this in remembrance of me). So the entire point of Church is to become one with Christ, take communion (his body and blood) in order to receive Life. That’s what Christ said. The Bible is important but the Church does play an important role too in helping us become closer to Him.
@lyats9905 I completely agree! I have no problem with the church, but rather a huge problem with the pride that comes about from Religion. Thank u for your insight as well!
This was THE best interview. As a Roman Catholic, we are sitting on the fence for each tradition. If anyone did not have a open mind to this, They should question their own faith. God bless you and Fr. Paul.
I am a Byzantine Catholic and my church looks just like this.there are 23 other Catholic Churches that comprise the Catholic Church besides the Roman Rite
Stop respecting orthodox christians they literally mock you all the time they clown on you and act like you arent human
Thanks for this. I've recently become Orthodox from being a Baptist, and I never looked back. It's so fulfilling. It's such a rich Tradition and it's so in depth. Something lacked in Protestantism is how shallow it is (no offense, I respect you a lot, just speaking from personal experience.) But there's just so much wisdom and depth.. it just makes so much sense. God bless you
I feel the same where I am at church. I don't know why I feel I can't connect fully. I love the people but I am feeling stifled.
But I have a problem I am in La Paz Baja California Mexico I don't know how to find Eastern Orthodox church only Catholic and protestant. I look
@@cloverbird5785 There is a Orthodox Church in Tijuas. I know it's a little far but it's there. They also have some in Guadalajara and DF.
I'm a Baptist because I wholly reject certain traditionalist doctrines of Presbyterianism, but agree that as far as Baptist churches go, they're generally very shallow. They reject too much tradition in a sense where they neglect the study of creeds and confessions. There's no catechism for Baptists. If I wasn't in a church with as strong teaching I'm in now, I'd go searching for a Doug Wilson Presbyterian pastor.
Just because it's tradition doesn't mean it's true
The absolutely most succinct and comprehensive delineation of Orthodoxy I’ve ever heard. Also, the civility and mutual respect of each speaker is refreshing.
I don't normally write comments on the Internet and usually avoid reading them because they are nearly always a sinkhole of complaint and accusation; however, I feel compelled to leave a comment for you Matt. Your gracious attitude and that of so many of the people you've interviewed, including Father Paul, have filled me with hope for for the Church in America. What you are doing is healing for all of us. It is so rare to listen to understand, to not feel the need to push one's own opinions and disagreements. What you display in your videos and particularly in this series is beautiful. It shows us how we ought to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as with the world at large. Thank you for bringing light into the darkness of our polarized world, for engaging with humility and gentleness where these values seem to have been lost in our society, and for being real and at times vulnerable about your own perspective and feelings. You are accomplishing exactly what you set out to do and I for one am thankful for it. Keep up the great work Matt!
Also, I appreciate you going into depth on some of these interviews, as a superficial overview isn't nearly as helpful as indepth discussions on issues of importance, though you may need to change the title of your podcast. :D
He's utterly amazing. The sincerity is fantastic. I really appreciate him.
Hey Matt! I'm another Orthodox Priest, and I just wanted to say that I really appreciated this series of videos you did with Father Paul, and also your videos in general. It's really refreshing to see someone like you interested in exploring how other Churches teach the faith and worship God and approaching everything from an honest and friendly angle.
I was considering joining the Orthodox Church. If I only speak English and Icelandic, will i be able to understand your masses? I am just worried that if they are in Old Slavic I will not understand what is going on
What do u call these men of God instead of father? Jesus Christ said call no one your father. U hav a father in Heaven
@@surzhyk1392many Orthodox churches do services in English. The tradition of the Orthodox Church is to worship in the language of the people. If you live in Iceland, the services at local churches might even be in Icelandic!
Thank you for these videos. My journey in Christ began in Lutheranism, and with my mom teaching me to pray each night as a child. I honor that beginning. We all gotta start somewhere. I'm Orthodox 3 years now, and my elderly mom (my first teacher in the faith) joined me last August. Life in the world is tough, but life in Christ and in His Church is awesome. Best wishes to you and all people who seek to love and follow the Lord.
It's really cool seeing other people take an interest in Orthodoxy, was an incredibly respectful and peaceful talk and it's wonderful hearing such respect for other Christian beliefs, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ and we all have much to learn, God bless you!
Christ is Risen! I've watched several episodes of your show and truly enjoyed them all. I am another convert to EO from Protestantism and I so appreciate what I term "The Margaret Mead" approach to each different tradition. You are not trying to debate or change (ie evangelize) them, but learn from each one. I wish more people were as respectful.
The "Margaret Mead approach" is an outstanding analogy. I never thought of it that way, but that is a perfect way to articulate it. Thank you!
@@simontemplar3359 Based Jean Moulin pfp
Christos Anesti !
@@Mark-yb1sp S'praznikom!
As a Pentecostal who continues to learn about the various facets of faith, this interview was amazing. So much to grapple with.
I've contributed more than enough mess between my fellow Catholics, of different political persuasions. I appreciate your efforts to breed understanding between Christians. This channel is severely underrated, and I hope you get hundreds of thousands of more of viewers.
So nice to hear mention of the great St Maximus the Confessor, my patron Saint.
This is one of the most eye opening discussions I’ve ever seen, this and part 1. I’m from a non-denominational church and I’ve been feeling as though (for me) it’s not enough. It is good. And the people are good. They do have the Holy Spirit with them. But some of us need more theology, hierarchy, very specific agreed upon truth and deeper knowledge. So far it sounds like Orthodoxy could be for me. I must learn more.
Orthodox Christian here your energy and openness to seek out our faith in depth is a beautiful thing. Definitely will be subscribing
Matt, I love the whole 'Protestant learns about...' series, but this is the best one so far. Thanks for bringing us with you
Thanks a million!! I’ve chosen Orthodoxy a short while ago but learning more of it through your videos just helps to cement my choice even more!! I’m attending the Greek Orthodox Church in Singapore. Thanks for sharing!!
interesting.
Many who marry into the Greek Orthodox church drop out part way through the catechism.
They get sick of jumping through hoops to be a (barely tolerated) honorary Greek who will never be a 'real' Greek. The same with Russian Orthodox. The Catholic church means just that Catholic=universal. The devil knows the real church he is attacking it from all sides and within these days.
Denominations aren't biblical we are one body of Christ everyone all believers,❤🎉 Jesus didn't found Orthodox, or Catholic or Protestant churches theres none that have all the truth and others that have little, the truth is not found in Thw Church its found through Jesus and God's word and the only thing that the word states that Jesus said is that he formed ONE CHURCH ONE BODY of Christ. With all his believers all who believe in Jesus Christ Denominations are put forth to separate you and to draw you away from God DO NOT BE DECEIVED!❤ My brothers and sisters let me share the word of the Lord;
The Lord has said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25).
In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
” Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved
Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18; [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [ONE SINGULAR] the church of Christ! Which is;
Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:24: “[H]e has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.
before He was crucified, Jesus prayed “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, …that they may be one, even as We are one” (John 17:11).
Do not be led astray ask the Holy Spirit to convict you where necessary and or to guide you on how to read this but know that denominations aren't in the bible and are a creation of Man one that's caused war, death, division just like it did to the pharisees and the saducees the Jews and gentiles they all thought the other was wrong or right but Jesus our Lord addressed them all the same cause like his word says rain pours on the good and evil on the jew and the gentile don't follow denomination follow Jesus follow his word He is the truth and the enemy will set you astray coming from a former denominationee? Lol Idk if thats a word but God bless you❤😊
I see people are recommending you visit an Orthodox monastery, I cannot agree more! The monastery is where Holy Tradition is given life in its purest form, a well of living water for the faithful.
It is so nice to see a Protestant having an open discussion about the Orthodox Church instead of attacking it like so many Protestants do. Thanks for these videos. I was Roman Catholic and converted to the Orthodox faith.
The church started with Jesus and not Martin Luther. Even if you don't agree with Orthodox theology at least try and understand it as you do. It is the history of the Christian faith.
most Protestants I know don't even know the Orthodox church exists
I don't think the claim from Lutherans is that the church started with Luther. All Luther did was call out the Catholics for corrupting the word. He just brought the focus back to Christ and salvation by grace alone not good works.
@@bigniftydude This is correct. I'm not even Lutheran and I know this. I also think it necessary to point out that saying teachings are wrong is not attacking.
Orthodox Christians even most catholics attack Protestantism. Not the other way around, “those” who do do that are not really a protestant. we are all about having a relationship with god you guys follow religion we tend to follow God more often then not
No one says Christianity or "the church" started with Martin Luther. I have been in a few different Protestant denominations, and never heard anyone talk about Orthodoxy except when I brought it up. Most people have no idea. There may be some talk online though.
Hi Matt. There's so much good to say about this video...too much for this space, but what I will say is that I really appreciate this work you are doing. This is just the kind of channel i have wanted for many years...to learn about different denominations and Christian churches. I recently became aware of Orthodoxy and I'm falling in love with it. I have been Protestant for 24 years and never knew a thing about Orthodoxy.
These videos have been SO helpful and enjoyable in so many ways. You are a natural and a pro at this. Obviously I am a subscriber now and I want to thank you for this work. God bless you and us all.
Father Paul is absolutely correct in that Orthodoxy does not (and cannot) narrow the work of Christ in our salvation down to a single, simple paradigm as is too often tried in the West. One paradigm simply cannot account for it all.
That said, it should be clear the Orthodoxy does have _a_ view of "substitutionary atonement" that sits comfortably among all the rest. It is far from representative of that view which was later formulated by Anselm and adopted and changed by yet later Reformed theologians, but it is there nevertheless. But Father Paul is absolutely right in pointing out that it is only one facet of God's salvific work among a whole host of others, and no one facet outshines all the rest in brilliance and beauty.
Here is an Orthodox view of "substitutionary atonement" as presented by St. Athanasius of Alexandria:
"But beyond all this, there was a debt owing which must needs be paid; for, as I said before, all men were due to die. Here, then, is the second reason why the Word dwelt among us, namely that having proved His Godhead by His works, He might offer the sacrifice on behalf of all, surrendering His own temple to death in place of all, to settle man’s account with death and free him from the primal transgression. In the same act also He showed Himself mightier than death, displaying His own body incorruptible as the first-fruits of the resurrection." ( _On the Incarnation_ 4.20)
The Orthodox understanding is different in that it is not so much a "penal" or "judicial" substitution, but simply a substitution. No adjectives necessary, except perhaps for the word "willing," as Christ did this gladly of his own will for our sakes.
"Thus it happened that two opposite marvels took place at once: the death of all was consummated in the Lord’s body; yet, because the Word was in it, death and corruption were in the same act utterly abolished. Death there had to be, and death for all, so that the due of all might be paid. Wherefore, the Word, as I said, being Himself incapable of death, assumed a mortal body, that He might offer it as His own in place of all, and suffering for the sake of all through His union with it 'might bring to nought Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver them who all their lifetime were enslaved by the fear of death' (Heb. 2:14-15)." ( _ibid._ )
Thanks for your comment and the quote from St Athanasius. It seems one key difference between Athanasius version of "substitutionary atonement" and Anselm's is that for the early Church tradition, the main enemy was sin/death (and the Devil) that needed to be defeated. Whereas with Anselm's version of SA, it seems God the Father (inadvertently) becomes the main problem. Under the Anselm version, in order to keep your faith, you have to figure out why God the Father was both willing to send His Son to die, and unwilling to simply forgive our sin. You can say "the Father's divine honor needed satisfaction," but that still makes God the main problem, not sin and death itself. And in order for Christ to solve this problem, you either have to split the Trinity while Christ hung on the cross, or think of Christ as a human person who suffered (Nestorianism). Once I learned that the Anselm version of SA, if carried to it's natural conclusions, is in conflict with the most foundational doctrines of Trinity and Christology, it was obvious that EO is the only option.
@@nathanhornok astute observation..what is also usually missed is that Anselm came up with this in what, the 12th century? That means that for the first 1100 years Christians had it wrong...hmmm. What folks in the West also forget is that people like Anselm and Augustine didn't have access to most I'd not all of the early Church fathers in the East due to the Islamic occupation so their base of information from which to pull was very narrow.
@@nathanhornok that is exactly the biggest problem with the view of a penal or judicial substitution in my view. well put
Bojan on Bible Illustrated has two short podcasts which are very informative. Love!
@@noway165 yea he's pretty good!
Circumventing rome,I think protestant and evangelicals, should talk with eastern orthodoxy more often!wow!
Protostant and Orthdox have something in common the separation of Catholic church
@@racingace9959 the Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1054. 😝 I say this in jest by the way. I think the we can both agree that to become one church again both sides need to repent and both sides will need to set aside some of their hard held beliefs.
You will see that all roads lead to Rome.
I think their is an essential difference in just eastern and western thinking,I want a western thinker to engineer my house,and house plans,I would never turn that job over to a rabbinical counsel or the holy monks on athos,my soul is a different matter!
@@englishlearningcenter1470 If you mean to New Rome (Constantinople), the East, which persisted for a thousand more years after Old Rome and the West collapsed, then yes.
Eastern Orthodoxy is the true expression of the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church. Roman Catholicism (caesaro-papism) is schismatic, rejecting the truth and practice of the first thousand years of the pre-schism Church. When the schism happened, it was the singular patriarch in the West drowning in pride and thinking (because of his position of power in the West, again, being its sole patriarch) that he necessarily had universal power over the whole Church (even over the four other patriarchs, all of whom were in the East [Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem]). The bishop of Rome does not now and never has had such plenary, universal jurisdiction; all the other patriarchs did then and still do now check his pride and condemn him as a schismatic. All the patriarchs have appellate universal jurisdiction, and Rome was equal to all the other four in this regard, but no single patriarch had plenary, universal jurisdiction ever. So, aside from handling appeals (in which, for example, the Pope of Alexandria could overturn a judgment from the West under the Pope of Rome), they all were and still are expected to tend to their own affairs and not meddle in the jurisdictions of others.
If there is ever to be union between the caesaro-papists and the Orthodox, then the bishop of Rome _must_ humble himself, divest himself of all his self-given, self-glorifying titles, and reacquire the spirit of the Church Fathers and their genuine, Orthodox phronema, which he long, long ago rejected for vain and worldly glory.
As a Protestant, I was thoroughly captivated by this Interview from beginning to end. I am learning as much as I can about Orthodoxy and Catholicism because I want to understand my brothers and sisters in Christ and just love on them. Father Paul was just amazing! Matt, you did pretty well too! 😊
Are you prepared to worship Mary? Are you prepared to break one of the commandments & worship icons?
You don't worship the icons, you admire them and their work. Significantly different.@@jemthomas7915
@@jemthomas7915
I understand your concern, coming from a Protestant background myself, but there is a difference between an idol and an icon, especially in the pre-Christian world (the world where the 10 commandments were written) where idols were thought to literally contain the god inside of them, and were thus worshipped by giving sacrifices to, performing (sometimes violent) orgies in front of, and other terrible things. This is what happened with the Golden Calf. An icon on the other hand, is a picture of a loved one such as Jesus (or Mary, or some other saint/hero of the faith that is worth learning from). These we honor because we believe that by honoring the icon, we honor who the icon represents. This is similar to how we might treat a photo of a dear family member with respect and might even kiss if we miss the person depicted.
Here, it is important to differentiate worship and veneration (honor). Worship is an act of sacrifice (like the Eucharist) that we do to devote ourselves to God. Veneration is honor given to someone who deserves honor. God deserves more honor than anyone, but it also is fair to say that there are people that deserve honor as well because of what they have done for Christianity. Mary is a good example because she submitted to God, carried Jesus in her womb for 9 months, and raised him to maturity (and considering Jesus is perfect, it's fair to say she did a decent job). She is the person who knew Jesus best in the world, and an excellent example of how we can submit ourselves to Christ and serve him.
The other thing that you probably disagree with is prayers to Mary and the Saints. We need to clarify that we don't pray to them like they are another god, but rather we ask them to pray for us in the same way I can ask you to pray for me. The reasoning behind this is that Christ has destroyed death, and we are not separated from the body of Christ by death. Because those who die in Christ are still alive and with him now, and we are also with Christ here on earth, we have a connection to them. We are also encouraged to pray for each other, and that the prayers of righteous people are very effective (see the book of James). For this reason, why wouldn't we want to have prayers from the people who are heroes and geniuses of Christianity? It is a wonderful gift of God's grace.
If you want to go more in-depth, the Lord of Spirits podcast has some very good episodes on icons, Mary, the roles of saints, and other things you might have questions about. May God bless you, friend!
As an Antiochian Orthodox lady from a Protestant background, I've found these videos quite delightful. I appreciate your respectful approach and thoughtful questions. On behalf of whomever commented caustically on the previous videos, I extend an apology for their words and pray that you might forgive them. May God bless you.
Hi Matt. Orthodox Christian here. I was going to tell you how wonderful you are and how much I appreciate your kindness and inquisitiveness in your videos, but I see a zillion people already have. God bless you.
I am a devoted, baptized by immersion Christian who is totally over the politics and bickering of my church where I was a member. I have been searching for another church denomination and your videos are really helping me to get a better understanding of them. This Orthodox series has been great! My son became an Antiochian Orthodox member as an adult. This series is also giving me a better understanding of him as well. Thank you!
Have you found a better church yet?
Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox: three siblings pitted against each other in the past by Satan, united only by Christ. May His Bride march on towards Christ. Perhaps the Bride may never see complete unity on this Earth, but videos and efforts like this can certainly make unity in our HEARTS possible. That is to say, practically, the three of us may never see eye to eye and resolve our differences, but the more we love Christ, and love each other in our hearts, that is unity in the heart. Where Satan would rather sew seeds of hatred, and even war between Christians in the past, we can instead say, "this is my brother. This is my sister. We may never agree completely, but we are one in Christ, and I will love them as my brother, as my sister." Blessings to you folks, I can't wait for the day when we no longer see through the glass darkly, but see Him and worship Him face to face, and welcome each other face to face.
Or as another commenter succinctly put, "...they will know we are Christians by our love."
as an Orthodox, I share the notion. We are not in agreement, but we are brothers in Christ, and I love you christian brothers, may the God guide and save you.
It would be useful for you to look at history . In particular the genocide of Serbian people including children who were tortured and killed in Jasenovac ( Croatia) by the RCC clergy . The history repeated itself in the 90’s when 400 000 Orthodox Serbs were extradited from Croatia a land where they lived for thousands of years. The Orthodox are not in communion with Protestants or Roman Catholics and never will be
I was looking for a comment like this!! I wish more understood divisions are real. Unity in Christ Jesus.
As an Orthodox Christian, I appreciate your honest approach to understanding.
you have no evidence for your beliefs
I’m an Orthodox Christian, and I absolutely LOVE your channel! God bless you!
Thank you Anya.
As an Ethiopian Orthodox I listen Fr. Paul as I am listening to one of the best preachers in my language
Thank you for showing what we have in the language many can understand. God blessings to you and your family!
Thank you, Father Paul, very natural and pure speech. From Russia with love.
Thank you for this video. It was because of this video video. I got Lead to Orthodoxy and become orthodox praise God.
It was lovely to see a rigorous discussion of Orthodoxy in these five parts from an outside perspective, as someone who had grown up in it and only really knows about it from an inside perspective
Enjoying the frequency of these uploads! Father Paul has blown me away, what a great representative of the orthodox church. I would honestly listen to a regular podcast with you two haha
And the last episode is Matt getting baptized!
@@frankherbert6476 🙂
Your videos on Orthodoxy have been so helpful for me as my husband and I prepare to become catechumens this Sunday. I've been a protestant for 15 years and don't think this journey will be easy but I think it is the path forward to understand God and the church more. Thank you so much for the work you put into these videos!
This is the best video series on TH-cam, I'm just so incredibly touched by the presentation. So much grace and patience and open-heartedness from Matt, I will beg in prayer that he joins the Church, I am so blessed by his grace.
Spiritual journey in a nutshell: Raised by holy Catholic women, but my Mom herself wasn't religious. So I wasn't religious growing up. Got to know demons first with some really serious Ouija board experiences. Realized if demons are real, then for sure God is real.
Lived on the dark side for years, got into Eastern traditions and philosophies. Became a Master of a Lodge and resigned halfway through my second year of serving as Master when I realized Jesus was who said He was.
But I still had this New Age idea of Christ. Ended up leaving Paleo Hebrew and became a Messianic Jew. That was a beautiful couple of years. Never learned about the Gospel there though, it was more about Ha'Shem (His Name) and the Torah. So I left that eventually.
Through an amazing story, I ended up hearing the Gospel of a Jesus Christ, and that day my wife and I, and our two kids all accepted Jesus.
That very Sunday we were all baptized as Southern Baptists. I played guitar and was super Protestant man. Lol
Eventually my wife had bad experiences there and found a non denominational church down the road. After a few months I followed her there but didn't really like it.
Did lazy protestant church for awhile, went to Cowboy churches where you can wear your Cowboy hats the whole service. Lol Went to all these churches.
My wife and daughter started going to this STRANGE church that was Orthodox. I was so against it at first. But their baptisms were so amazing, I couldn't believe how beautiful they were. I love the reverence that the Orthodox church allows for. I was cathecised and then baptized about a year after they were. Now I've been Orthodox for a year and a few months. I was baptized on Pascha.
I am so blessed to be home after such a long journey. Being protestant always assured that I had one foot in the world and one foot in the church. But the orthodox life so quickly eroded away any desires for worldly things. I learned to love Church so much that all I want is Church. Learn more Greek, learn more prayers. Learn the Psalms we pray everyday.
If we are to be careful of what comes out of our mouths, then at least pray so much everyday that you've definitely said more words in prayer than you did in idle talk. If the Kingdom is upon you, why are you not bowing and in prayer? It's here. "For we have the mind of Christ."
Blessings to you Matt. I've never been more touched by any videos than these Orthodox videos you made. I learned SO MUCH about my own faith by watching this, it's such a gem to me. Thank you, thank you. God grant you many years my brother, I'm truly in tears right now.
As an orthodox christian, I appreciate your open-mindedness as well as the hard questions you ask. I hope you re-visit orthodoxy again and I will be looking forward to take part of your future content!
Orthodoxy is the true church and only church with theology that genuinely makes sense
As a convert to Orthodoxy of some 23 years, I feel compelled to say thank you for making such a fine video. I love the questions, and the answers, all so clear and honest, unafraid to broach things that might be sensitive, and handled with gentleness but also with probing. I am refreshed, encouraged, and joyous in my heart from having viewed it.
But your last 10-minute soliloquy so impresses me also! Your heartfelt expression of the anguish of these past couple of years and desire to make a constructive response, your struggle with the temptations to argue and win points over others, and your struggle to find a better understanding in a deep and meaningful way win me over in themselves. To me you are describing the Christian life, that effort to remain true to Christ and be unwavering and forthright, while holding on to His grace, kindness, and lovingkindness. The failures. The corrections. The journey through discovery. The drawing closer to Christ-likeness. This is repentance. And I recognize it clearly because I recognize myself in so much of what you say. I think you have a very Orthodox approach to Orthodoxy, and likewise to living as a Christian.
May God bless you on your life journey and grant you His grace to find the place where He would lead you. Let not only your mind direct you, for there is much truth in your heart and soul already. When we are saved, we are saved in all our faculties and all our being and all our humanity, even our bodies. God wants the "all" of us - all our heart, and all our mind, and all our soul - and our understanding needs therefore to be in "all".
Thank you so much for doing this Matt. It feels like I've picked up a bachelor's degree worth of theology just passively observing these episodes and then doing my own research/going down rabbit holes but all the while feeling like we're somehow on a mutual journey. Your channel has tremendously enriched my Christian faith and understanding.
I remember the first time my family and i attended the liturgy for a "visit". It was our first and last visit. A year later me my wife and our 7 children were all received into the Holy Orthodox Church. It is the best move weve ever made. Glory to Jesus Christ!
My priest says that Orthodoxy is like the sun. If you fly too close to it, you will be consumed before you realize what's happened. God bless you on your journey, Matt!
lol
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
@@hamzawassim-wr6weYou believe in a illiterate man who came 600 years after jesus and his teachings, after churches and monasteries were being built, and most importantly came after eye witness testimony of people hearing Jesus proclaimed to be God and proved it.
Galatians say the devil can transform himself into an angel of Light. In Ephesians it says those(even angels) who preach a different gospel other then this one let him be a-cursed.
You are quite literally believing an illiterate man who got “divine” revelations from Satan. The way the quran describes how liars will die and how muhammad die was extremely similar. Muhammad was at one point petrified about “Allah” because of how much it seemed he was messing with him.
You are believing and worshipping Satan or his angels lol repent and believe in the gospel.
@@hamzawassim-wr6weYou’re god is wrathful, unjust(forgives randomly) and despises people in general who dont worship him.
My God the one true God is Just, Absolutely Merciful, and most importantly doesnt hate you but hates Sin.
Repent and believe in Jesus before it’s to late.
@@hamzawassim-wr6we You are mistaken. Iesous is the one true God, not yhwh or jehovah, yahuah, or even allah. Seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him. The Gentle Shepherd. Lord of Lords. King of Kings. The religious texts keep us in bondage. Free yourself, brother, through Christ the Messiah.
Thank you for another fascinating video, it's wonderful to see Christians from different traditions discussing their faith with such courtesy and openness. For those wanting to learn more about the Orthodox Church there are two excellent books by Bishop Kallistos Ware, the first, 'The Orthodox Church' has been for fifty years the best introduction to the history and practice of the Orthodox Church. His other book is 'The Orthodox Way' looks at the spirituality of the Orthodox Church.
i was raised as a non denominational christian and i love this conversation! my husband's family came out of orthodoxy in eastern europe, and i think it's so interesting to learn about!
I am an atheist. I love this channel and these discussions. Keep it up!
You can see in youtube:
Athos the Holy Mountain (Greece) - CBS Documentary
We welcome you !
Any News
Really enjoyed this series. I am gradually approaching Orthodoxy myself. You seem to be a genuine truth seeker. It's so refreshing to see two very intelligent men discussing Christian faith!
I've really been struggling with the issue of sin and how it came to be. The was this Fr. explained it really makes it clear to me. Sin was not created by God as a punishment for us turning our backs on him, sin is a natural occurrence that happens when we "unplug" ourselves from God, our life source. He made it so very clear. I'm going to have to try out an Orthodox Church.
Thank you 🙏 I love to learn more about Orthodoxy! It is really awesome.
... And they'll know we are Christians by our love.
You just said in 9 words what I said in a whole paragraph haha. Blessings to you!
Where does it say that? I thought it was by our fruit?
John 13:34-35, but yes also Matthew 12:33. I would say that the connection here is that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love- compare 1 Cor 13 and Gal 5
I love that song.
@sovereigng 42:06 race9723
That was a Christian song in the 70s
I recently found orthodoxy and have been attending our local parish for about a month and even now this video has been so eye opening and absolutely informative! Thank you so much for delving into the different branches of Christianity and really getting the hard answers on hot topics from these different denominations. I can’t tell you how helpful these two videos were! Especially for someone who is so convicted to orthodoxy but struggling to understand it all, this was beyond anything I have found thus far and I feel like I have such a better understanding of it as someone who was raised southern Baptist. A LOT of my questions were answered and this just pushed me full throttle into it! Seriously God bless, this was an absolutely amazing video!
I also want to further say A) I know this video is 2 years old but it’s still such an important video with so much amazing information especially now that we’re into 2023 and moving past a lot of the things we experienced over the past 2 years, but also B) I am so amazingly impressed and influence by Protestants to listen with such open mindedness to other Christian beliefs and traditions. That is one thing I continue to hold onto and hold dear and in high regard is protestant openness to other ideology and opinion within Christianity.
This video series is amazing. Lifelong Catholic who loves learning about the first schism in the church and of course the reformation. As Christians we all hunger for the love of Christ in this life. We come from so many backgrounds - but are united in Him!
Wow. Fantastic answer. Much respect, father.
Fascinating videos, Matt. All 5 of them! I've never heard the Orthodox perspective so clearly taught with regards to tradition/scripture, salvation, icons (the kids kissing the window, but really kissing their papa - wow), and even history. This was so good. I'm literally moved spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually by all of this.
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thess. 2, 15), "There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." (John, 21, 25). There are numerous teachings that the Bible couldn't possibly contain. The Church holds this tradition. So the Bible is sacred but not self-reliant for us Orthodox Christians. I've really enjoyed these interviews. Father Paul is a respectable and well educated Orthodox Priest and Matt is an open-minded, well-informed and very respectful truth-seeker. Greetings from a Greek Orthodox Priest, who learned a lot from this series and is thankful to all the participants! Christ is Risen!
Indeed He is risen!
@@warden451 you mean "Truly He is Risen" ;)
@@frankherbert6476 don't go blessing the Maker on us
@@warden451 What are you saying?
@@warden451 bahahaha
These discussions are soooo helpful. I like the way BOTH of you think. I'm a new Orthodox convert and truly appreciate your efforts!
This is so good!
I'm a committed LCMS Lutheran, but investigating the Orthodox Church.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Both RC and EO claim to be the original church (which was true for the first 1,000 years of Christianity when they were together), and therefore are without error. Oddly, they do not have the same teachings, so one (or both) of them deviated from the original Church. They both claim teachings that are not in the Bible, so they rely on different Church Fathers and different Ecumenical Councils to support their claims. The reality is that it seems both the RC and EO churches likely deviated from the original Church. For all these Protestants considering or already actively involved in a RC or EO church, I highly recommend you read the Augsburg Confession. It is a masterful articulation and defense of Biblical principles using the Bible and the very early Church Fathers as references. After reading it, I am confident you will want to remain in your Protestant church.
A great and edifying video, as always!
I have some suggestions for future videos:
- An Assyrian Church of the East
- An Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church
- An Armenian Apostolic Church
- An Orthodox monastery
- A Catholic monastery
But I am Orthodox myself and I learned the most from your tours of Protestant churches. So in spite of what I just said, I would especially love to see more Protestant churches of various kinds.
Catholic here. Enjoy these videos very much. That was a great interview.
Amen! Your ending comments are strong and unifying... truly edifying the body of Christ. I love your work and appreciate what you do. Thank you. 🙏
I consider myself blessed for I was born in Russia where Orthodox Christianity is the main religion. Being a part of the Church founded by apostles themselves is so righteous and good.. You should come to Russian monasteries like Optina or Valaam and there you will feel it.
Serbia, too. And Athos monasteries in Greece.
How do know it was founded by the apostles
@@mustang8206 Orthodox Church, as its (Greek) name says it, it THE Church, the original and only Church. That guy in Rome and the organization he controls separated from us in 1054 AD.
@@megamillionfreak Important to note: Athos is for men visitors only. Some monasteries allow both genders as visitors.
@@mustang8206 We can trace every Patriarch back to the apostles.For example we can count all bishops of Antioch from Todays bishop back to the Apostle Peter.
More orthodox content!! Love to see it!
Thank you! This series on Orthodox Christianity was so well done and helped me immensely in my recent inquiry into the faith. Keep doing what you're doing just the way you're doing it, through respect and seeking to understand. This is how we heal, not through tribalism and hurling stones at each other.
Thank you so much for these videos, Matt. The genuine goodness of your intentions and fellowship shine through your presentation. I appreciate all of your videos and always look forward to them. As we Greeks always say to those who have attended church, βοηθεια σου! (May it help you)
These videos have been a pure joy. Before your series, I knew next to nothing about Eastern Orthodox beliefs. I tend more and more towards a progressive-reformed viewpoint, and that has helped me to appreciate how much our interpretation of faith expression differs based on cultural and personal experiences. Give me the Nicene Creed and lets build from there.
This video is truly special - it has been rare to find videos online of various Christian faiths interacting in a way that isn’t denigrating towards each other. Much love and respect to both parties, and Fr. Paul did such an amazing job answering the questions compassionately and taking his time to explain in detail. To me this is a living example of brotherly Christian love in action.
These have been excellent videos and I really do hope to see this priest back on this channel again. I’m agnostic and in search of “is there a God?” I really do wish I could see God in my life if he does exist.
I humbly suggest that you talk to Him. "If You exist, please enlighten me..."
As a former atheist who was knocked to the ground (figuratively) by horrible personal tragedies and awful consequences of living a life ruled by forever chasing my passions, I finally thought, "I might as well try going to church. What do I have to lose?" I had been introduced in name only to Orthodoxy by Jonathan Pageau's videos, and his grasp of symbolism, and his ability to make sense of what's going on around us in our current culture wars as a result, really intrigued me.
I headed to a local Orthodox church. I was confused and overwhelmed, but I felt an unfamiliar sense of calm at the same time, and when it was Sunday again, I headed back. I began talking with the priest, who lovingly made so much time for me and helped me through a difficult personal struggle. I began reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each day, and the priest taught me how to pray.
I continued slowly, and my former materialist worldview started melting away rapidly. It was very overwhelming, but the entire time I felt a quietness and a calming in my heart that I had never experienced before.
My heart is being healed. My relationships are being healed. My life is filled with peace, where once, it was chaos. May God bless you on your path. He hasn't forgotten you, and is whispering to your heart.
He exists and it's in your life as well , just don't stop looking for Him.
I wish you all the best my friend.
Again, a great video and the best video of "protestant visits an Orthodox Church" No need to debate but learn, I appreciate your approach on others with different views. I would echo another's comment in that the Orthodox Church saved my faith. I came in during Lent and went to as many services as I could. After Lent, I was ready to become a catechumen. It took some time to go through the journey to become Orthodox but so glad I have. I would recommend attending the Church during Lent to experience it. It is something experienced as well and intellectualized.
I was raised a secular Godless home in the UK. I encountered scripture and became a christian in the evangelical church in my early 20s. I thought I was ‘born again’. Having studied religion and philosophy at university I became less convinced of the evangelical claims and their attempt to return to the apostolic church. By the grace of God I was baptised into the Holy Orthodox Church, the apostolic Church when I was 37. That is when I became a Christian, when I received baptism into the true Church of Christ. That is when I was indeed born again. I am now 62 and thank God daily for his mercy and for leading me to the truth. I pray daily for His mercy and that one day I will actually live as a Christian. ☦️☦️☦️
Love you videos of Orthodoxy. Reminds me a lot of myself when I first started learning about it. 👌☦
Matt, I just want to say how much I appreciate your approach! Debates are for making feel good about how right I am and how the other side is so dumb, or misunderstands. But this approach shows how the other side, whether or not we identify with them, is full of people who love Jesus and are not dumb but have a different set of beliefs. We need more people like you to approach different traditions with open minds. Thank you!
I love this! Great job Matt and Fr. Paul. Very satisfying to this former Evangelical (for decades) now sixteen years in the Orthodox Church (with no regrets). I have great appreciation for all I learned and received among sincere believers in Protestant churches I attended. What I learned of the Scriptures as an Evangelical prepared me wonderfully to receive the full heritage of Apostolic Christian faith within Orthodoxy. I know I am finally truly home. Thank you both very much!
Matt you should really look into the Mirracle of Holy Light at every Easter in Jerusalem.
Thanks for the interview...I continue to marvel at your good faith dialogues while respectfully retaining your own faith tradition. A gem on YT.
Matt thank you for sharing. This was a very well done polite disscusion. More peoople need to learn more about the Eastern Orthodox Church.
I've been curious about Orthodoxy for a while, and I've found this series of videos fascinating. Thank you for doing them.