TBH, as a lapsed Lutheran, I felt very out of place at my first Divine Liturgy a month ago. It was coffee hour that did it for me. The people were so warm and welcoming and the priest introduced himself and sat down and chatted with me, gave me his phone number and invited me to meet with him later in the week. We ended up having a wonderful 2-hour conversation and I left knowing that this church is where I belong. So if you don't immediately feel at home spiritually, give the people a chance to show you how loving the Orthodox Church really is.
Don’t waist your time, please just stick to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, orthodoxy is a mess, although very nice from the outside their doctrine is scary and not really biblical they add so much stuff into the form their culture and traditions that’s why there’s so many different types of orthodoxy! They all can’t agree w one another because they’re not solely based on biblical principles! And I know you can say this for the other sects of Christianity but we’re talking about orthodoxy right now! Moral of the story is don’t go trying to find a religion you will end up disappointed because they’re all flawed because they’re are man made organized systems, that’s why I’m emphasizing that you just stick to the Bible only! I say this because I was born into a strict orthodox family and raised as an orthodox! My whole life and identity was orthodox, when I used to introduce myself I’d mention that I was orthodox I was very proud of it and loved it, but then God revealed the truth to me when I was 19 not too long ago and it was so hard for me to leave my church and the identity that I had built my whole life, but when truth is revealed there’s no looking back or you might just turn into salt!
True, you don't have to be overly militant about your faith. But you DO need to adhere to the fundamental doctrines and canons of the church. Unfortunately in America, there is a large sect of highly liberal evangelicals and mainline protestants who seem to lose faith in their denominations and end up in the Orthodox Church. American neo liberalism has NO place in holy Orthodoxy. The Holy Orthodox Faith has remained true for 2,000 years. If you can't live with what the chuch has always taught, then pray for repentance and guidance from God.
@@thistagworked I am trying to be gentle, forgive me it is not my strong suit. The thing about Orthodoxy and what the creator of this video was trying to get at is, there isn’t really and “Orthodox view” on most things. This is because we live in a fallen world. The path to repentance can be messy. Now the Orthodox Church is not fond of divorce and I believe (not 💯 sure) that priests are never able to remarry. But they do allow for remarriage in grave circumstances and I believe there is an arbitrary cap on the amount of remarriage the church would allow a person before cutting them off from communion. This idea that Holy worship will somehow be unholy amongst sinner is a little silly, we are all sinners, we all need repentance, everyday, even when we feel like “we’re good”. The big difference between a lot of Christian church in the US and Orthodoxy is that the focus of sin must be on yourself. This is what St Paul meant when he wrote “Of Whom I am Chief”. We are to focus on our own sins above others so that we may repent. Living an Orthodox life means living a life of repentance.
@@thistagworked to assume that the Orthodox Church is somehow disregarding scripture because they allow for second marriages is wrong. In the Orthodox Church we alas Orthodox Christians are required to confess our sins to our spiritual father which is typically the priest of the church you attend. They absolutely have the power to cut off a person from communion or disbar them from church if they feel the need to do so. But in the Orthodox Church we recognize we are all sinners. We are all working on our path to salvation. “Following the rules” does not simply get you there it is a constant struggle and it is different for every person. I’m not sure why you would feel that it is more important what other people are doing on their spiritual journey than what is your own path. As far as worshiping with sinners- the priest who is ordained by the Church and has a chain of command he must answer to will largely shoulder that responsibility of keeping the worship holy in the way that you are concerned. It’s is simply not something that Lay people really need to worry over. Another interesting side note is that Paul’s letters to the Corinthians was dealing largely with a problem of mixed religion. In which the church’s there were mixing peganism with Christianity, which is a very serious matter. Largely what he was condemning was a person trying to keep themselves in good standing with the pagan temples and with Christianity trying to “cover their bases”. Also as a very last side note a 4th marriage is never considered in Orthodoxy. A third marriage is incredibly rare. A second marriage will be tolerated and a first marriage is ideal. All marital relationships beginning and ending will typically involve the priest and counsel among the priest to weed out problems that may lead to divorce. Thats why many will be required premarital counseling with the priest before he will agree to preform the ceremony. It’s very complex and there is a lot of work between a spiritual father and their spiritual children.
@@thistagworked also if this is what is holding you back from exploring Orthodoxy, I would encourage you to go to a service (try an evening one) and talk with an orthodox priest about this. Oh if that is too intimidating or you feel like you may be worshiping inappropriately, send an email to your local parish to set up a meeting with priest, so that you can address these things before possibly attending.
Your points about music, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox, were solid. I love good Valaam, Byzantine, and Georgian chant. I'm also a fan of bluegrass, folk, blues, maybe some jazz, etc. Music is a conversation. There's a time and place for spiritual conversation, and a time to shoot the breeze. Also, Orthodox chant as background *is* degradation, as you pointed out. The ending was fun, too. Personalities help make up who we are. If we stifle it to live up to someone else's ideal, we might be burying the gifts and uniqueness that God gave us to bless the world.
@@aleisterbroley900Why would like to listen anti-christian music? It's not even regular metal, but Black metal of all? I mean one can listened to the most fantasy focused ones or Dungeon synth, but that pagan or Just straight satanic it's completly out of the window
I was a Russophile before being orthodox then I found out holy moly orthodoxy is the truth now I happen to just admire Russian culture and happen to be orthodox.
Of course it isn't music that is satanic or inappropriate (music about drugs, alcohol, s*x, and etc)... however normal music where it doesn't include all that nonsense can be enjoyed too!
There's a Orthodox metal group called "GosPod" It's Monastic chant with metal. I really enjoy it and I feel still close to the father. He is Risen!!! GodBless.
I'm not even Greek or Slavic in any way, yet I attend a Greek Orthodox church. We're all alike in God's mind. Any of us can follow His truth! God bless you for making these vides, as you are supporting Christ above all. Love you!
As Orthodox Christian from Georgia (EU) much respect for pointing out many great points, there is no Greek Orthodox or Russian there is Orthodox Christianity which includes many countries Including USA who I love and respect who had great Saints as other countries did Russia Greece Georgia Romania Serbia, we are all under same love of Christ which matters the most!
Me and my girlfriend of Serbian descent currently living in the US are just recently wanting to convert to Orthodox Christianity. I’ve always loved the Russian/Serbian cultures and am learning to speak Russian, and I obviously love their Orthodox traditions and lifestyles much more than American “traditions” or “lifestyles”. I say all this because I just wanna ask an outsider, especially a Georgian, when would it be considered taking it too far with the culture? The US doesn’t exactly have culture, and a big reason for us leaning towards Russian/Serbian cultures is because it has healthier traditional family values. And currently in America those are pretty much getting looked down upon very heavily. There’s a beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral and a beautiful Serbian Orthodox Cathedral we’re considering going to in our state, but obviously there’s always a worry that we’ll just be mocked like the typical Americans trying to be something they’re not. Any input means a lot!
@@dylan_2559 true Orthodox Church will and should welcome you with open arms with love and care at least that’s what our Georgian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia does, we never look down on any culture Americans are loved same way this country gave us a lot not just financially, obviously there is woke leftist side of America that is extremely disliked for the reason of being against family values and our faith and religion but conservative minded Americans still live by God even if they are not Orthodox we still love them just like we do none Christians it doesn’t matter if you are Muslim,Jewish or Buddhist we should care even more to show them way to true God our Lord Jesus Christ with only Love, God is Love and Love is God! ❤️☦️🇬🇪🇺🇸
Im looking to convert myself. The hardest part to understand for me is going to be everything because I was born into and raised as a Jehvoahs Witness. Been without a religion for 12 years after leaving the JWs and something about Orthodox Christianity is calling out to me. Update: I'm now a Catechumen.
Be blessed, my brother. Come simply as a child to the Lord, and you will learn. Remember the Lord's Prayer, every day. You will be alright. Welcome, brother.
Finally.. someone with a healthy view of the faith. Thank you for bringing the focus of this all to what is truly important: CHRIST! It is so easy to get caught up on the external parts of the faith where we lose focus on what truly is important.
I dont know about fundamentalism. The monastery i usually like going to has a old monk who is honestly on his way to sainthood if people are to be believed. He has no hair on his tongue. He preaches militancy of the faith and is absolutely stern towards heresies. Hell he nearly broke off a wedding i was a godfather in because i have a catholic name and he had to check me if i am Orthodox and not a papal heretic as a papist cant be a godfather to a Christian marriage. Honestly i love that man.
It is only natural for more experienced people to be more zealous in a healthy way. But for unexperienced laymen it's really dangerous, Hieromonk Seraphim Rose Said something about this kind of thing. It is good that we have zealous priests and elders, in that way, we laymen can focus on our own sins
So I dont need to wear russian hats to be orthodox? But seriously thanks as someone who is just joining the church it can be hard to find the line between religion and culture
I am an Orthodox Christian from Cyprus and I agree with all of your points, especially the one about science, even people from Cyprus get that one wrong and its a predominately Orthodox country.
I’m orthodox and the biggest scandals that happen to the church are from some of the priests themselves …. These are the true matters that are important - cleaning the church from within
@Eternal Atake The reality is that even before the Bible was written or even canonised- the church existed(from the Greek word ekklesia - means gathering / assembly). As time grew - that very first community of believers grew and wrote the Bible….. so whilst the Bible might not contain every description of what a church should be - that first church exists today and it’s the Orthodox Church. Uninterrupted from the time of Jesus.
@Eternal Atake it does but your requirement is selfish. How can it include everything ? Do you want 1,000 pages of detailed instructions ? Everything that is needed is in the Orthodox Church. In the Bible and Tradition of the Apostles and saints.
The second comment on sex is true, it's not black and white, far from it, but that does not go to say that sex does not have to be procreative every time, it has to.
I’m thinking of converting but I’ve seen a lot of bold claims coming from within the Orthodox Church that’s kind of slowing me down from joining them. Such as, non orthodox people are heretics and aren’t truly “saved”. I just can’t see how all these people who love Jesus and strive to be holy aren’t saved simply for “not being part of the Orthodox Church”. This bugs me because I’ve seen the love of Jesus inside non orthodox people.
Salvation is understood differently. Only God is the judge, and each individual will be judged according to the light they've been given. This is the standard Orthodox perspective. Those outside the Church, including non-Christians, may have aspects of truth, but lack the fullness. The Orthodox Church offers the fullness of truth so that we can escape the muck of our ignorance. Quotes like, "One cannot have God as their father if they do not have the Church as their mother" serve to point out the importance of being inside the care and protection of the Church. Those outside the Church may very well find the Kingdom of Heaven, and they certainly love Christ as they envision Him to be... But the Orthodox Church eliminates all idolatry and imagination that we might have about Christ, so that we are not worshipping the idols formed by our mind. Having a relationship with Christ without the Church is like having sex outside of marriage... the Church provides the proper context and framework to have a proper relationship with Christ - which is ultimately the meaning of "salvation" as Orthodox understand it ... union with Christ. Hope that makes a little bit of sense.
Hi brother, why did you stop posting on the channel? I’m a Catholic but I have learned a lot about Eastern practices from you. Keep up the good work btw 🙏
This is very true. Unfortunately, many people focus too much on the form, not on the essence of faith. I'm a Serbian Orthodox Christian. I've been one ever since I was baptized when I was like, a few months old. I've been going to church since I was very little, and basically all people I know are Orthodox. I've seen and heard so much stuff that's not in line with the Orthodox faith that it's unbelievable. Many people (not all ofc, but unfortunately the majority) here believe in so many crazy superstitions and customs. The ignorance of the ordinary people about faith is unfortunately at a very high level. I'm not there to judge, everyone's faith and the relationship with Jesus Christ is a personal matter, but people here haven't even heard of some crucial things. For example, some know nothing about the second coming of Christ and the end times, they don't understand why Jesus died for us and why he resurrected, they don't believe in Heaven and Hell. They don't know about the Church history, why we do what we do at the Holy Liturgy and other services, the true meaning of the Eucharist etc etc. This is very sad. That's why I was very attracted to the Evangelical Christianity at one point in my life, because of their knowledge of the most basic things. I hope and pray all this changes soon and that people will abandon superstitions and find the true Christ.
Be steadfast, brother. This is the way, and we must attempt to make them understand, if we can. Christ is among us. Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 🙏☦️
I was raised Lutheran but I feel such a strong pull to Orthodoxy. My issue with protestantism has always been historical issues, and it seems like the Lord is pushing me towards the historical Church. Can anyone offer me insights into what I need to read, what I need to learn before converting? I don't want to do this lightly.
No unfortunately, you can't listen to music. I was baptized as a baby but when I went to preschool we sang a secular song in my class so I've been excommunicated for 40 years. I'm over halfway through though so things are looking up /s.
I was afraid I was excommunicated for taking Catholic Communion as a child, so I asked my priest and he clarified that I wasn’t excommunicated because I was still a child when I received the Catholic Sacraments.
These topics are very dangerous. Balance is always the best, we should not be fundamentalists, neither Orthodox Just in name. You can listen to secular music, but you should not listen to something that sugests fornication, for example. A thing many people Said to me, is that when start to dwell into the Faith and learn and experience more of It, some things just simply stop being interesting and you start to naturally prefer more edyfing things
When I was pentecostal, secular music was completely sin. You were actually going to hell if you listened to any of it at all lol this was probably in the 2000s. It was very strict. And I think SDAs aren't allowed to watch secular movies or wear unsanctified shoes.
This is a very difficult situation. But we can draw strength from saints in the wilderness like St Mary of Egypt who had communion once in forty years but achieved theosis by struggle and prayer
@@Theoria Thank you very much for your response 🙏 This is a big obstacle for me, and I've heard people say that you could in principle receive some of the sacraments in a Catholic church, but I find it difficult to see how that would work. Since I dont believe a lot of the Catholic doctrine especially the issue of the filioque, I would feel very wrong receiving communion at such a church, also out of respect to the Catholics..
Seriously! As funny as this is I have been working through these things for the past 6 years that I have been Orthodox! I have been quite disturbed by some of the Orthodox material I have encountered on TH-cam especially. This short and very creative video was thoroughly liberating and deeply appreciated! Thanks for producing this!
Tsk tsk. Does the author not know that the only acceptable form of Orthodox TH-cam Content is the text of supposed prophecies and stories of divine wrath scrolling Star Wars-style over still images (not excluding icons) with chant as the backing track? Putting actual effort into a video is Protestant (have we not all heard of the "Protestant Work Ethic?") Whoops, my sarcasm meter broke.
I believe any music with true talent and focus on vocal power is more than fine to listen to, we ourselves are an instrument, to truly master that is true devotion. That being said, some of my favorite music is truly metal music. Shadow of Intent on Fridays and Yazbeck on the weekends 😤☦️
You mention the boundaries as being "the things like the Trinity, the Divinity of Christ, the Ecumenical councils, the issues that they dealt with." Is that an exhaustive list? Wouldn’t Scripture and the Holy Tradition be included? I ask because I have seen some advocate for immoral behavior and justify it by saying “The issue is not addressed in an ecumenical council so the question is still open.” This in face of the Scriptures and Fathers clearly teaching against this position.
Well there is some question as to what is included in Holy Tradition as there are at times counter opinions of the fathers. If it is codified by the church as those things discussed at the Ecumenical Councils then of course it is part of the boundary. But would Christ have become incarnate had man not fallen? Some say yes. What constitutes the image of God in man? (Variety of opinions on this matter)
@@RussellTisdale Of course it is, it's in scripture. The Councils are not the ONLY source for guidance, what the Saints agree upon is the safest route for us to follow.
I thought the icons were there so when you could have things around to trigger you as a reminder that Christ is always watching and to pray more? In terms of having them around your house or your workplace.
Icons at times may not only be present for formal prayer setting but as you mentioned a reminder even in the little moments. It helps in re aligning us and remembering Gods mercy and grace.
I have a Greek heritage but my family didn't really care about where we came from. That's just kind of a me thing. But I am a quarter Greek. Should I still avoid assuming the Greek culture and be within the church as a Greek? Since I was raised distinctly American?
Does believing in science violate orthodoxy? Depends, do you mean simply believing in the process for learning knowledge via the scientific method? No. Do you mean dead material is Darwinism? Yes because that completely denies Genesis
Great video. I have trouble looking at things in a Black and white sort of way sometimes so thank you! To further elaborate, my biggest conviction was a radical change in music. Especially after digging into HOW music works on the mind. Even subtle artists and songs I loved because i thought they weren't mainstream had dark influences. ... I couldn't keep listening to most of those things I had previously loved. Jamming out to. Just can't. And I've seen way too many of these mentions about cultural appropriation especially online. I attend a Orthodox church in Argentina so you'd stick out plenty and probably seem a little silly especially here where it isn't so. Culturally diverse in my neck of the woods anyways.😅
Don't listen to these idiots about Cultural Appropriation its all bullshit, listen to whatever you feel like listening to, most people from other countries will praise you if you know their culture, so again don't listen to them!
Ask yourself whether you’re making any of these decisions for yourself or for the LORD, and you’ll have your answer. This life requires the fullness of you, there is no other way according to Jesus.
Thanks so much! My wife and I are tip toeing into Orthodoxy as a theological/historical/spiritual conviction. I was a protestant pastor. I love the theology and spirituality. The main difficulty is the only types of churches we have in our small city are 100% cultural (Greek/Russian/Serbian) - and we are white caucasian. We find it is somewhat awkward post divine service (they are friendly mind you - but naturally gravitate to their 'own' and speak their 'own' language of course which is fully expected). Generally we go alone to the cafe up the street afterward as no one really gravitates toward us. Some have been very friendly with a smile and hello etc so I dont wish to sound a snob! (But it is hard work). Also, apart from the once a month all English service (which is heavily accented and hard to understand even in English) the services are all (ancient) Greek. The announcements are also in Greek and the service is extra long sometimes because everything is doubled (sermon/illustrations/prayers). Also, our teenage kids think we are weird and can't understand why we are going! So a bit hard to explain. We are going through catechumen and because I was baptised full immersion in a 'non-Orthodox' Pentecostal church (in the name of the Trinity) we have to re-do baptism and can't have communion for many months as it's not recognised. I guess that's normal - but, if they dont believe the Catholic Church is correct or the Lutheran - and they accept their baptisms - why not Pentecostal? I can see that the Lord didn't ignore me for 40 years and was at work in my life throughout. Apart from that...🙂. Any tips?
Now that's a pickle, make the American Ortodox Chirch. Or learn some of the languages. I think you can buy book on your langugage for starters...i hope! Best of luck! Christ is between us!
I would start by: not calling yourselves Caucasians for one, 2 try to learn Greek(its not as hard as people make it out to be), 3 You do not have to go to church to every Sunday to worship the Lord(that is why we have Icons to pray just like we pray at them at the temples). About the Baptism, You should explain that a Trinitarian formula was used to baptize you and not Oneness Pentecostal type which is non-Trinitarian. I hope this helped, I will pray for you.
*THIS* is what I come to the channel for. Not some lady leftist loon who misinterprets evangelical practices. Anyways, hope y'all reading this tripe have a great day. Peace & love.
@Theoria: I've been OCA, Antiochian, Bulgarian and Russian over the last 20yrs. This presenter is OCA, Antiochian or in GOARCH. He's not yet fully cathecized. If you think you can vote for pro-abortion politicians, support the party of Abortion (Democrats or any) and still be Orthodox Christian; you're horribly mistaken; haven't read the Didache, and trust your soul to wolves in shepherd's robes if your priest participates in the sin of Abortion as your vote Absolutely is participation in it. Sorry, artificial birth control isn't Orthodox. Again, your priest has lied to you if he says it is. The presenter here, He might make a great theologian or bishop one day at this rate, to "know" so much about Orthodox Christianity at his young age...is he even a father yet with other souls entrusted to him? May God bless him+
Listened to this again. Last time, during the premier, was listening at work. Now, at home in my room, yeah I miss the orthodox community I mingled amidst last time I visited. Sadly, it's more than a month since I ventured out that way. I'm thinking of going over for Christmas to celebrate with y'all. Might bring a gal I like from work. Still testing the waters with her, don't wanna muck it up & have such sour grapes with my job... Maybe I should ask the saints to help out with this... VALENTINE!---wait, do you guys venerate said Saint? 🤔
I will say I don’t disagree with you about the “orthobros” a lot of what the Orthodox Church is about is looking at yourself first so no truly orthodox lay person is going to berate another over any sin, or at least they should not because it defeats the purpose. This is what “of whom I am Chief” means. I would say it is dangerous to boil the faith down to the Nicene Creed. While that is the most dogmatic thing about Orthodoxy it is not the only firm thing we believe. The thing is there are big T traditions and the are little t traditions. I think that’s what you are observing as some things not being as important as others. When it comes to amount of children in a marriage…. No there is no set number but the reason it is common to have many children in Orthodoxy is that it is very looked down upon to use contraception. I will say that a priest once told me that it is not right to waste a drop, and leave it at that.
To the thumbnail: "Can I be american?" Yes "listen to music?" Depends on what kind of music it is "Yes" "Enjoy the little things in life" if those little things arent sinful, sure "Have gay friends" You can have friends and not support their life choices. Say you have a friend who is an alcoholic; you can be friends with them but you shouldnt support the sins they commit.
@Theoria So, I noticed that you didn't actually address the whole contraception issue. If the Orthodox don't believe in contraception, then doesn't the end result of that mean that women do have to have as many children as their womb can give?
Contraception is not as black and white as many make it out to be. But the answer to your question is no simply because one could abstain from marital relations and not have children.
I don't want to answer for him, but I'd point out that there are methods of working around women's natural cycles of fertility. The Latins have their NFP system, for which they teach classes. That coupled with the normal cycle of fasting (assuming the couple is attempting to keep the fasts with strictness) can allow for effective family planning without the use of artificial contraception, while still leaving an opening for the Spirit to work if it is God's will that the couple have another child.
@@fr.georgegoodge979 Well, yes, this is what I used to say to some of my friends: fasting can be considered also as a form of contraception. Not that I am against "normal" contraception when used during the "allowed" days and circumstances, but still, fasting is a way to save money and save your body from using excessive pills & stuff. During fasting, if one plans for a child, one can also take necessary supplements and vitamins (if their fasting isn't enough from a nutritional point of view- which isn't surprising in some parts of the world and/or in certain circumstances). Generally speaking, fasting is an effort from all points of view, but is a blessing in disguise. The West is just discovering it, not only directly trough Orthodoxy, but also indirectly, trough a combination of keto, veganism, Mediterranean diet, meditation, self-help, positive thinking, etc. In short, the West feels that it needs something, and slowly-slowly rediscovers the wheel. A wheel which the Eastern Europe has been using since millennia...
@Fr. George Goodge Thank you for your thoughtful reply! It is good to know the Orthodox are on board with some natural methods. The idea of fasting as a natural form of BC is new to me!
@@Theoria “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”1 Corinthians 7:5 Constantly abstaining from marital relations goes against scripture. Paul says to only do so for a limited time and for purposes of devoting oneself to prayer. The idea that a married couple constantly abstains with the end result of not having more children, goes against scripture.
No mather what you believe (eastern orthodox or oriental), Orthodox still be the number 1 for your christian spirituality. I know its a lot and confusing for the first time, the tradition more likely monastic life for your regular daily basis but you will know later why we must do that such a outdated tradition
The essence of OC might be true but there are far too many non-sensical rules, regulations, processes, procedures, instructions, restrictions rituals, ceremonies that i suspect have been added by man?
Instead of listening to these guys opinions on TH-cam that and not entirely accurate. Read the book The Field Cultivating Salvation by Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov Saint Ignatius discusses all these topics in a clear easy to understand way. These videos are not the way to become Orthodox. Look up your nearest Orthodox Church and contact the Priest tell them your intentions. Meet with him in person. Attend services regularly with an open heart. Pray the Jesus Prayer get an Orthodox Study Bible. Read the New Testament slowly.
Here is one for you, growing up story. Both my Father and our priest where trying to convince me that water does not exist any ware other than earth! Can you believe this?
Im not even Orthodox, but I think you are kinda dilluting the thing. Either it is awesome or isnt. You are a point for me NOT to become orthodox if anything.
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I believe anyone who steps into an Orthodox Church will feel at home spiritually.
I do I have been going to a Greek Church for two months
TBH, as a lapsed Lutheran, I felt very out of place at my first Divine Liturgy a month ago. It was coffee hour that did it for me. The people were so warm and welcoming and the priest introduced himself and sat down and chatted with me, gave me his phone number and invited me to meet with him later in the week. We ended up having a wonderful 2-hour conversation and I left knowing that this church is where I belong.
So if you don't immediately feel at home spiritually, give the people a chance to show you how loving the Orthodox Church really is.
Amen
Finally converting this week. ☦️
Don’t waist your time, please just stick to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, orthodoxy is a mess, although very nice from the outside their doctrine is scary and not really biblical they add so much stuff into the form their culture and traditions that’s why there’s so many different types of orthodoxy! They all can’t agree w one another because they’re not solely based on biblical principles! And I know you can say this for the other sects of Christianity but we’re talking about orthodoxy right now! Moral of the story is don’t go trying to find a religion you will end up disappointed because they’re all flawed because they’re are man made organized systems, that’s why I’m emphasizing that you just stick to the Bible only! I say this because I was born into a strict orthodox family and raised as an orthodox! My whole life and identity was orthodox, when I used to introduce myself I’d mention that I was orthodox I was very proud of it and loved it, but then God revealed the truth to me when I was 19 not too long ago and it was so hard for me to leave my church and the identity that I had built my whole life, but when truth is revealed there’s no looking back or you might just turn into salt!
@@Christian_princess29 the Orthodox is the only one that has history on its side. If Orthodoxy is not valid, Christianity isn't.
Glory to God May God be with you
Your not “converting”... your “coming home”. ❤️
@@broimsuperman who told you that?
True, you don't have to be overly militant about your faith. But you DO need to adhere to the fundamental doctrines and canons of the church. Unfortunately in America, there is a large sect of highly liberal evangelicals and mainline protestants who seem to lose faith in their denominations and end up in the Orthodox Church.
American neo liberalism has NO place in holy Orthodoxy. The Holy Orthodox Faith has remained true for 2,000 years. If you can't live with what the chuch has always taught, then pray for repentance and guidance from God.
@@thistagworked I am trying to be gentle, forgive me it is not my strong suit. The thing about Orthodoxy and what the creator of this video was trying to get at is, there isn’t really and “Orthodox view” on most things. This is because we live in a fallen world. The path to repentance can be messy. Now the Orthodox Church is not fond of divorce and I believe (not 💯 sure) that priests are never able to remarry. But they do allow for remarriage in grave circumstances and I believe there is an arbitrary cap on the amount of remarriage the church would allow a person before cutting them off from communion. This idea that Holy worship will somehow be unholy amongst sinner is a little silly, we are all sinners, we all need repentance, everyday, even when we feel like “we’re good”. The big difference between a lot of Christian church in the US and Orthodoxy is that the focus of sin must be on yourself. This is what St Paul meant when he wrote “Of Whom I am Chief”. We are to focus on our own sins above others so that we may repent. Living an Orthodox life means living a life of repentance.
@@thistagworked to assume that the Orthodox Church is somehow disregarding scripture because they allow for second marriages is wrong. In the Orthodox Church we alas Orthodox Christians are required to confess our sins to our spiritual father which is typically the priest of the church you attend. They absolutely have the power to cut off a person from communion or disbar them from church if they feel the need to do so. But in the Orthodox Church we recognize we are all sinners. We are all working on our path to salvation. “Following the rules” does not simply get you there it is a constant struggle and it is different for every person. I’m not sure why you would feel that it is more important what other people are doing on their spiritual journey than what is your own path.
As far as worshiping with sinners- the priest who is ordained by the Church and has a chain of command he must answer to will largely shoulder that responsibility of keeping the worship holy in the way that you are concerned. It’s is simply not something that Lay people really need to worry over.
Another interesting side note is that Paul’s letters to the Corinthians was dealing largely with a problem of mixed religion. In which the church’s there were mixing peganism with Christianity, which is a very serious matter. Largely what he was condemning was a person trying to keep themselves in good standing with the pagan temples and with Christianity trying to “cover their bases”.
Also as a very last side note a 4th marriage is never considered in Orthodoxy. A third marriage is incredibly rare. A second marriage will be tolerated and a first marriage is ideal. All marital relationships beginning and ending will typically involve the priest and counsel among the priest to weed out problems that may lead to divorce. Thats why many will be required premarital counseling with the priest before he will agree to preform the ceremony.
It’s very complex and there is a lot of work between a spiritual father and their spiritual children.
@@thistagworked also if this is what is holding you back from exploring Orthodoxy, I would encourage you to go to a service (try an evening one) and talk with an orthodox priest about this. Oh if that is too intimidating or you feel like you may be worshiping inappropriately, send an email to your local parish to set up a meeting with priest, so that you can address these things before possibly attending.
My wife and kids now are coming with me to liturgy after 3 visits, on my early stages of my walk into Orthodox. This channel is a great source.
Beautiful! And thank you!
Those poor kids…
@@Xanthos307poor kids?
@@ChristianEphraimson Yup. Getting brainwashed and indoctrinated through no fault of their own.
@@Xanthos307 instilling values is brainwashing?
Your points about music, both Orthodox and non-Orthodox, were solid. I love good Valaam, Byzantine, and Georgian chant. I'm also a fan of bluegrass, folk, blues, maybe some jazz, etc. Music is a conversation. There's a time and place for spiritual conversation, and a time to shoot the breeze. Also, Orthodox chant as background *is* degradation, as you pointed out.
The ending was fun, too. Personalities help make up who we are. If we stifle it to live up to someone else's ideal, we might be burying the gifts and uniqueness that God gave us to bless the world.
I know one priest who absolutely loves black metal.
I guess it takes all kinds, eh? LOL
I think the _content_ of the music you listen to matters way more than the form.
@@aleisterbroley900Why would like to listen anti-christian music? It's not even regular metal, but Black metal of all? I mean one can listened to the most fantasy focused ones or Dungeon synth, but that pagan or Just straight satanic it's completly out of the window
@@M3124-t5f I can give you 3 black metal bands who are fully Christian and preach Jesus, they aren’t orthodoxy but still Christian
@@cookedsantaname them
As a convert to EO who has gone down the rabbit hole… thank you SO MUChH for this! A moderate and healthy view of faith. Thank you
Can I be Orthodox and like pineapple on pizza?
No. You can't. Anathema.
Pineapple pizza is based and redpilled simply because it makes people seethe.
Yes you can because we can’t eat meat on Wednesday or Fridays
@@Cesarhiguera664 Well, yes, but still, pineapple with bread? It's a strange combination.
@@COUNTERCOM agreed, based
@@orthodoxyissigma1734 fellow Giga Chad.
I was a Russophile before being orthodox then I found out holy moly orthodoxy is the truth now I happen to just admire Russian culture and happen to be orthodox.
That's great!
Jesus went to a wedding that had music playing with wine flowing freely …. No rule came into force against listening to music …..
Of course it isn't music that is satanic or inappropriate (music about drugs, alcohol, s*x, and etc)... however normal music where it doesn't include all that nonsense can be enjoyed too!
My friend likes classical music , and yes he is an orthodox Christian ( he is from Greece and I am too )
Can we listen to metal? Or play video games?
@@tailsprowerfan2729 you can but you have to put a limit to it and not surround yourself with bad influence
There's a Orthodox metal group called "GosPod" It's Monastic chant with metal.
I really enjoy it and I feel still close to the father.
He is Risen!!!
GodBless.
I'm not even Greek or Slavic in any way, yet I attend a Greek Orthodox church. We're all alike in God's mind. Any of us can follow His truth! God bless you for making these vides, as you are supporting Christ above all. Love you!
W
As Orthodox Christian from Georgia (EU) much respect for pointing out many great points, there is no Greek Orthodox or Russian there is Orthodox Christianity which includes many countries Including USA who I love and respect who had great Saints as other countries did Russia Greece Georgia Romania Serbia, we are all under same love of Christ which matters the most!
Me and my girlfriend of Serbian descent currently living in the US are just recently wanting to convert to Orthodox Christianity. I’ve always loved the Russian/Serbian cultures and am learning to speak Russian, and I obviously love their Orthodox traditions and lifestyles much more than American “traditions” or “lifestyles”. I say all this because I just wanna ask an outsider, especially a Georgian, when would it be considered taking it too far with the culture? The US doesn’t exactly have culture, and a big reason for us leaning towards Russian/Serbian cultures is because it has healthier traditional family values. And currently in America those are pretty much getting looked down upon very heavily. There’s a beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral and a beautiful Serbian Orthodox Cathedral we’re considering going to in our state, but obviously there’s always a worry that we’ll just be mocked like the typical Americans trying to be something they’re not. Any input means a lot!
@@dylan_2559 true Orthodox Church will and should welcome you with open arms with love and care at least that’s what our Georgian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia does, we never look down on any culture Americans are loved same way this country gave us a lot not just financially, obviously there is woke leftist side of America that is extremely disliked for the reason of being against family values and our faith and religion but conservative minded Americans still live by God even if they are not Orthodox we still love them just like we do none Christians it doesn’t matter if you are Muslim,Jewish or Buddhist we should care even more to show them way to true God our Lord Jesus Christ with only Love, God is Love and Love is God! ❤️☦️🇬🇪🇺🇸
Im looking to convert myself. The hardest part to understand for me is going to be everything because I was born into and raised as a Jehvoahs Witness. Been without a religion for 12 years after leaving the JWs and something about Orthodox Christianity is calling out to me.
Update: I'm now a Catechumen.
Be blessed, my brother. Come simply as a child to the Lord, and you will learn.
Remember the Lord's Prayer, every day.
You will be alright. Welcome, brother.
I’m considering orthodoxy my wife was a jw so idk how she’ll like it.
Finally.. someone with a healthy view of the faith. Thank you for bringing the focus of this all to what is truly important: CHRIST! It is so easy to get caught up on the external parts of the faith where we lose focus on what truly is important.
True
As an Orthodox Christian mother
/wife with one child who has worked outside the home, thank you.
I dont know about fundamentalism.
The monastery i usually like going to has a old monk who is honestly on his way to sainthood if people are to be believed.
He has no hair on his tongue.
He preaches militancy of the faith and is absolutely stern towards heresies.
Hell he nearly broke off a wedding i was a godfather in because i have a catholic name and he had to check me if i am Orthodox and not a papal heretic as a papist cant be a godfather to a Christian marriage.
Honestly i love that man.
It is only natural for more experienced people to be more zealous in a healthy way. But for unexperienced laymen it's really dangerous, Hieromonk Seraphim Rose Said something about this kind of thing. It is good that we have zealous priests and elders, in that way, we laymen can focus on our own sins
@@M3124-t5f Can you remember where he said this please?
He has no hair on his tongue?!
@@loridepenau1129 Its a Serbian saying meaning he will not hold back on his opinion.
@@VojislavMoranic Thank you!
Had fun producing this like old school TH-cam
So I dont need to wear russian hats to be orthodox?
But seriously thanks as someone who is just joining the church it can be hard to find the line between religion and culture
Hats are optional, beards are traditional.
@@Saint_nobody so, you can’t shave if you’re orthodox?
I am an Orthodox Christian from Cyprus and I agree with all of your points, especially the one about science, even people from Cyprus get that one wrong and its a predominately Orthodox country.
Meeting with a Priest this week to learn more about Orthodoxy. Wish me luck!
I’m orthodox and the biggest scandals that happen to the church are from some of the priests themselves …. These are the true matters that are important - cleaning the church from within
@Eternal Atake The reality is that even before the Bible was written or even canonised- the church existed(from the Greek word ekklesia - means gathering / assembly). As time grew - that very first community of believers grew and wrote the Bible….. so whilst the Bible might not contain every description of what a church should be - that first church exists today and it’s the Orthodox Church. Uninterrupted from the time of Jesus.
@Eternal Atake it does but your requirement is selfish. How can it include everything ? Do you want 1,000 pages of detailed instructions ?
Everything that is needed is in the Orthodox Church. In the Bible and Tradition of the Apostles and saints.
Praise Jesus brother your channel has grown so much! God bless 🙏
I appreciate your mentioning that the dichotomy between religion and science is a false one.
The second comment on sex is true, it's not black and white, far from it, but that does not go to say that sex does not have to be procreative every time, it has to.
I’m thinking of converting but I’ve seen a lot of bold claims coming from within the Orthodox Church that’s kind of slowing me down from joining them. Such as, non orthodox people are heretics and aren’t truly “saved”. I just can’t see how all these people who love Jesus and strive to be holy aren’t saved simply for “not being part of the Orthodox Church”. This bugs me because I’ve seen the love of Jesus inside non orthodox people.
You will find this in the Church but it doesn’t mean it’s “the” Orthodox way. These sort of comments bug me too. I find it heartbreaking.
Salvation is understood differently. Only God is the judge, and each individual will be judged according to the light they've been given. This is the standard Orthodox perspective. Those outside the Church, including non-Christians, may have aspects of truth, but lack the fullness. The Orthodox Church offers the fullness of truth so that we can escape the muck of our ignorance. Quotes like, "One cannot have God as their father if they do not have the Church as their mother" serve to point out the importance of being inside the care and protection of the Church. Those outside the Church may very well find the Kingdom of Heaven, and they certainly love Christ as they envision Him to be... But the Orthodox Church eliminates all idolatry and imagination that we might have about Christ, so that we are not worshipping the idols formed by our mind. Having a relationship with Christ without the Church is like having sex outside of marriage... the Church provides the proper context and framework to have a proper relationship with Christ - which is ultimately the meaning of "salvation" as Orthodox understand it ... union with Christ. Hope that makes a little bit of sense.
Would you like to do like q/a with Orthodox monk so we can get closer. I'm Eastern Orthodox BTW
Hi brother, why did you stop posting on the channel? I’m a Catholic but I have learned a lot about Eastern practices from you. Keep up the good work btw 🙏
Hoping to post again soon 🙏
@@Theoria awesome brother🙏
This is very true. Unfortunately, many people focus too much on the form, not on the essence of faith.
I'm a Serbian Orthodox Christian. I've been one ever since I was baptized when I was like, a few months old.
I've been going to church since I was very little, and basically all people I know are Orthodox.
I've seen and heard so much stuff that's not in line with the Orthodox faith that it's unbelievable.
Many people (not all ofc, but unfortunately the majority) here believe in so many crazy superstitions and customs.
The ignorance of the ordinary people about faith is unfortunately at a very high level.
I'm not there to judge, everyone's faith and the relationship with Jesus Christ is a personal matter, but people here haven't even heard of some crucial things. For example, some know nothing about the second coming of Christ and the end times, they don't understand why Jesus died for us and why he resurrected, they don't believe in Heaven and Hell. They don't know about the Church history, why we do what we do at the Holy Liturgy and other services, the true meaning of the Eucharist etc etc.
This is very sad.
That's why I was very attracted to the Evangelical Christianity at one point in my life, because of their knowledge of the most basic things.
I hope and pray all this changes soon and that people will abandon superstitions and find the true Christ.
Be steadfast, brother. This is the way, and we must attempt to make them understand, if we can.
Christ is among us. Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 🙏☦️
I was raised Lutheran but I feel such a strong pull to Orthodoxy. My issue with protestantism has always been historical issues, and it seems like the Lord is pushing me towards the historical Church. Can anyone offer me insights into what I need to read, what I need to learn before converting? I don't want to do this lightly.
No unfortunately, you can't listen to music. I was baptized as a baby but when I went to preschool we sang a secular song in my class so I've been excommunicated for 40 years. I'm over halfway through though so things are looking up /s.
Wow. That's terrible. No canon prohibits listening to secular music, just as no Church does it today as far as I know. That doesn't make sense.
What church?
I was afraid I was excommunicated for taking Catholic Communion as a child, so I asked my priest and he clarified that I wasn’t excommunicated because I was still a child when I received the Catholic Sacraments.
Guys, this person is being sarcastic.
I will be starting the catechumenate on Oct 12th
LOVE this! Spasibo! God bless!
ты говоришь на русском?
@@avaccian629 ну да : )
Я убеждён, что русский язык прекрасен.
@@avaccian629 а вы откуда знаете русский язык?
As an Orthodox house husband because of a disability I appreciate this
LOVE OF GOD IN YOUR HEART AND DO WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE GOD IS WITH YOU.
These topics are very dangerous. Balance is always the best, we should not be fundamentalists, neither Orthodox Just in name. You can listen to secular music, but you should not listen to something that sugests fornication, for example. A thing many people Said to me, is that when start to dwell into the Faith and learn and experience more of It, some things just simply stop being interesting and you start to naturally prefer more edyfing things
When I was pentecostal, secular music was completely sin. You were actually going to hell if you listened to any of it at all lol this was probably in the 2000s. It was very strict. And I think SDAs aren't allowed to watch secular movies or wear unsanctified shoes.
I feel like these misconceptions come from those who don’t know or understand the theology of Orthodoxy.
More prevalent than you may think
What can you do as an Orthodox Christian if you dont have a church in your area. Or if there is no Orthodox church in the entire country..
This is a very difficult situation. But we can draw strength from saints in the wilderness like St Mary of Egypt who had communion once in forty years but achieved theosis by struggle and prayer
@@Theoria Thank you very much for your response 🙏 This is a big obstacle for me, and I've heard people say that you could in principle receive some of the sacraments in a Catholic church, but I find it difficult to see how that would work. Since I dont believe a lot of the Catholic doctrine especially the issue of the filioque, I would feel very wrong receiving communion at such a church, also out of respect to the Catholics..
Seriously! As funny as this is I have been working through these things for the past 6 years that I have been Orthodox! I have been quite disturbed by some of the Orthodox material I have encountered on TH-cam especially. This short and very creative video was thoroughly liberating and deeply appreciated! Thanks for producing this!
Thank you 🙏
Would you mind sharing some of that disturbing material? Thanks
Tsk tsk. Does the author not know that the only acceptable form of Orthodox TH-cam Content is the text of supposed prophecies and stories of divine wrath scrolling Star Wars-style over still images (not excluding icons) with chant as the backing track? Putting actual effort into a video is Protestant (have we not all heard of the "Protestant Work Ethic?")
Whoops, my sarcasm meter broke.
😂
🤣🤣🤣 I know what channel you are talking about.
I believe any music with true talent and focus on vocal power is more than fine to listen to, we ourselves are an instrument, to truly master that is true devotion. That being said, some of my favorite music is truly metal music. Shadow of Intent on Fridays and Yazbeck on the weekends 😤☦️
You mention the boundaries as being "the things like the Trinity, the Divinity of Christ, the Ecumenical councils, the issues that they dealt with." Is that an exhaustive list? Wouldn’t Scripture and the Holy Tradition be included? I ask because I have seen some advocate for immoral behavior and justify it by saying “The issue is not addressed in an ecumenical council so the question is still open.” This in face of the Scriptures and Fathers clearly teaching against this position.
Well there is some question as to what is included in Holy Tradition as there are at times counter opinions of the fathers. If it is codified by the church as those things discussed at the Ecumenical Councils then of course it is part of the boundary. But would Christ have become incarnate had man not fallen? Some say yes. What constitutes the image of God in man? (Variety of opinions on this matter)
@@Theoria let me be direct. Is homosexual marriage immoral?
@@RussellTisdale Of course it is, it's in scripture. The Councils are not the ONLY source for guidance, what the Saints agree upon is the safest route for us to follow.
@@RussellTisdaleObviously.
I thought the icons were there so when you could have things around to trigger you as a reminder that Christ is always watching and to pray more? In terms of having them around your house or your workplace.
This could also be a fair use, yes
Icons at times may not only be present for formal prayer setting but as you mentioned a reminder even in the little moments. It helps in re aligning us and remembering Gods mercy and grace.
I will be converting when I am an adult (No church close enough) so until then I practice it
I have a Greek heritage but my family didn't really care about where we came from. That's just kind of a me thing. But I am a quarter Greek. Should I still avoid assuming the Greek culture and be within the church as a Greek? Since I was raised distinctly American?
You can be orthodox and American! Yes our culture is not 100% pure, but no culture is. The church is more than just culture, or at least it should be
Does believing in science violate orthodoxy?
Depends, do you mean simply believing in the process for learning knowledge via the scientific method? No.
Do you mean dead material is Darwinism? Yes because that completely denies Genesis
I'm grateful for this!
That is a beautiful stencil behind you of the Cross.👍
Question: Do you believe in Aerial Tollhouses?
Thank you for this video
This was fun and I hasn't even begun....I check in later, I'm on the other side of the world- time? Lol, Maggie
:D
Half of the questions in the thumbnail were not addressed.
Maybe the next video
@@Theoria I realized that came off kind of accusatory, sorry! God bless you and yours, brother! 🙏☦🙏
@@JasonCodreanu you’re good!
I can still listen to Keith Green
For people tend to have diabetes, telling them the good side of eating sugar is killing them. I red this from a book.
Great video. I have trouble looking at things in a Black and white sort of way sometimes so thank you!
To further elaborate, my biggest conviction was a radical change in music. Especially after digging into HOW music works on the mind. Even subtle artists and songs I loved because i thought they weren't mainstream had dark influences. ... I couldn't keep listening to most of those things I had previously loved. Jamming out to. Just can't.
And I've seen way too many of these mentions about cultural appropriation especially online.
I attend a Orthodox church in Argentina so you'd stick out plenty and probably seem a little silly especially here where it isn't so. Culturally diverse in my neck of the woods anyways.😅
Don't listen to these idiots about Cultural Appropriation its all bullshit, listen to whatever you feel like listening to, most people from other countries will praise you if you know their culture, so again don't listen to them!
This is one of the greatest videos I've ever seen. :D Thank you Ben!!
Ask yourself whether you’re making any of these decisions for yourself or for the LORD, and you’ll have your answer. This life requires the fullness of you, there is no other way according to Jesus.
Thanks so much! My wife and I are tip toeing into Orthodoxy as a theological/historical/spiritual conviction. I was a protestant pastor. I love the theology and spirituality. The main difficulty is the only types of churches we have in our small city are 100% cultural (Greek/Russian/Serbian) - and we are white caucasian. We find it is somewhat awkward post divine service (they are friendly mind you - but naturally gravitate to their 'own' and speak their 'own' language of course which is fully expected). Generally we go alone to the cafe up the street afterward as no one really gravitates toward us. Some have been very friendly with a smile and hello etc so I dont wish to sound a snob! (But it is hard work). Also, apart from the once a month all English service (which is heavily accented and hard to understand even in English) the services are all (ancient) Greek. The announcements are also in Greek and the service is extra long sometimes because everything is doubled (sermon/illustrations/prayers). Also, our teenage kids think we are weird and can't understand why we are going! So a bit hard to explain. We are going through catechumen and because I was baptised full immersion in a 'non-Orthodox' Pentecostal church (in the name of the Trinity) we have to re-do baptism and can't have communion for many months as it's not recognised. I guess that's normal - but, if they dont believe the Catholic Church is correct or the Lutheran - and they accept their baptisms - why not Pentecostal? I can see that the Lord didn't ignore me for 40 years and was at work in my life throughout. Apart from that...🙂. Any tips?
Now that's a pickle, make the American Ortodox Chirch.
Or learn some of the languages.
I think you can buy book on your langugage for starters...i hope!
Best of luck!
Christ is between us!
Learn Greek my friend. Not easy I'm sure!
I would start by: not calling yourselves Caucasians for one, 2 try to learn Greek(its not as hard as people make it out to be), 3 You do not have to go to church to every Sunday to worship the Lord(that is why we have Icons to pray just like we pray at them at the temples). About the Baptism, You should explain that a Trinitarian formula was used to baptize you and not Oneness Pentecostal type which is non-Trinitarian. I hope this helped, I will pray for you.
Lol... you didn't burn the beer. 🤣🤣🤣🤣ded.
You have peaked my interest sir.
How far away are we having an American orthodox identity?
Former Roman Catholic becoming Orthodox
*THIS* is what I come to the channel for. Not some lady leftist loon who misinterprets evangelical practices.
Anyways, hope y'all reading this tripe have a great day. Peace & love.
BEARD!!!!
ALL Orthodox........ REAL Orthodox men have big long beards.
Same as I thought. I think he himself is not very Orthodox. And Im not even orthodox...
@Theoria: I've been OCA, Antiochian, Bulgarian and Russian over the last 20yrs. This presenter is OCA, Antiochian or in GOARCH. He's not yet fully cathecized. If you think you can vote for pro-abortion politicians, support the party of Abortion (Democrats or any) and still be Orthodox Christian; you're horribly mistaken; haven't read the Didache, and trust your soul to wolves in shepherd's robes if your priest participates in the sin of Abortion as your vote Absolutely is participation in it. Sorry, artificial birth control isn't Orthodox. Again, your priest has lied to you if he says it is. The presenter here, He might make a great theologian or bishop one day at this rate, to "know" so much about Orthodox Christianity at his young age...is he even a father yet with other souls entrusted to him? May God bless him+
Listened to this again. Last time, during the premier, was listening at work. Now, at home in my room, yeah I miss the orthodox community I mingled amidst last time I visited. Sadly, it's more than a month since I ventured out that way. I'm thinking of going over for Christmas to celebrate with y'all. Might bring a gal I like from work. Still testing the waters with her, don't wanna muck it up & have such sour grapes with my job... Maybe I should ask the saints to help out with this... VALENTINE!---wait, do you guys venerate said Saint? 🤔
WONDERFUL !!!!!!
What do you believe the Trinity to be and why?
Subbed and liked I hope that’s orthodoxy enough and acceptable 😉😍
Beard and long hair.
That's why I am becoming Orthodox, I can be silly 😂. Appreciate the video was roman Catholic and becoming Orthodox
Dic 2nd is to far from now 😂 oh well, it will be worth the wait
I will say I don’t disagree with you about the “orthobros” a lot of what the Orthodox Church is about is looking at yourself first so no truly orthodox lay person is going to berate another over any sin, or at least they should not because it defeats the purpose. This is what “of whom I am Chief” means. I would say it is dangerous to boil the faith down to the Nicene Creed. While that is the most dogmatic thing about Orthodoxy it is not the only firm thing we believe. The thing is there are big T traditions and the are little t traditions. I think that’s what you are observing as some things not being as important as others.
When it comes to amount of children in a marriage…. No there is no set number but the reason it is common to have many children in Orthodoxy is that it is very looked down upon to use contraception. I will say that a priest once told me that it is not right to waste a drop, and leave it at that.
Would love to convert but I’m a proud homosexual woman! I’m trying to find some resources on what orthodox Christianity says about that
Read what St. John Chrysostom says about that.
You should only be Proud of the fact we have a perfect God . Heres what the bible says about it
Wheres your beard.
Interesting video but dangerous topics. Beware not to become lukewarm or dilute Bible teachings
Nice work! God bless you Ben.
Of course you can do it.
To the thumbnail:
"Can I be american?" Yes
"listen to music?" Depends on what kind of music it is
"Yes"
"Enjoy the little things in life" if those little things arent sinful, sure
"Have gay friends" You can have friends and not support their life choices. Say you have a friend who is an alcoholic; you can be friends with them but you shouldnt support the sins they commit.
The ending was great hahaha...
Loved this video hope to see more like this
Will do. Topic ideas?
@Theoria
So, I noticed that you didn't actually address the whole contraception issue. If the Orthodox don't believe in contraception, then doesn't the end result of that mean that women do have to have as many children as their womb can give?
Contraception is not as black and white as many make it out to be. But the answer to your question is no simply because one could abstain from marital relations and not have children.
I don't want to answer for him, but I'd point out that there are methods of working around women's natural cycles of fertility. The Latins have their NFP system, for which they teach classes. That coupled with the normal cycle of fasting (assuming the couple is attempting to keep the fasts with strictness) can allow for effective family planning without the use of artificial contraception, while still leaving an opening for the Spirit to work if it is God's will that the couple have another child.
@@fr.georgegoodge979 Well, yes, this is what I used to say to some of my friends: fasting can be considered also as a form of contraception. Not that I am against "normal" contraception when used during the "allowed" days and circumstances, but still, fasting is a way to save money and save your body from using excessive pills & stuff. During fasting, if one plans for a child, one can also take necessary supplements and vitamins (if their fasting isn't enough from a nutritional point of view- which isn't surprising in some parts of the world and/or in certain circumstances).
Generally speaking, fasting is an effort from all points of view, but is a blessing in disguise. The West is just discovering it, not only directly trough Orthodoxy, but also indirectly, trough a combination of keto, veganism, Mediterranean diet, meditation, self-help, positive thinking, etc. In short, the West feels that it needs something, and slowly-slowly rediscovers the wheel. A wheel which the Eastern Europe has been using since millennia...
@Fr. George Goodge
Thank you for your thoughtful reply! It is good to know the Orthodox are on board with some natural methods. The idea of fasting as a natural form of BC is new to me!
@@Theoria
“Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”1 Corinthians 7:5
Constantly abstaining from marital relations goes against scripture. Paul says to only do so for a limited time and for purposes of devoting oneself to prayer. The idea that a married couple constantly abstains with the end result of not having more children, goes against scripture.
No mather what you believe (eastern orthodox or oriental), Orthodox still be the number 1 for your christian spirituality. I know its a lot and confusing for the first time, the tradition more likely monastic life for your regular daily basis but you will know later why we must do that such a outdated tradition
I am waiting for the orthodox version of Lord of the rings lol
One can tell that this man has not been Orthodox very long, his manner is too offhand and casual when speaking of the faith. Merely my opinion...
amen!
The essence of OC might be true but there are far too many non-sensical rules, regulations, processes, procedures, instructions, restrictions rituals, ceremonies that i suspect have been added by man?
It's obvious that most of these points are ridiculous but it's also quite obvious that you're pushing for a watering down of Orthodoxy...
Instead of listening to these guys opinions on TH-cam that and not entirely accurate.
Read the book
The Field Cultivating Salvation
by Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov
Saint Ignatius discusses all these topics
in a clear easy to understand way. These videos are not the way to become Orthodox. Look up your nearest Orthodox Church and contact the Priest tell them your intentions. Meet with him in person. Attend services regularly with an open heart. Pray the Jesus Prayer get an Orthodox Study Bible. Read the New Testament slowly.
Here is one for you, growing up story. Both my Father and our priest where trying to convince me that water does not exist any ware other than earth! Can you believe this?
Thank you so much for this video, but can’t help but notice you sound like big bird
Omg lol now I can't unhear it
Im not even Orthodox, but I think you are kinda dilluting the thing. Either it is awesome or isnt. You are a point for me NOT to become orthodox if anything.
Fauter Moses would not like this video 😂
Have gay friends and convert them✝️✝️✝️
There's a difference between being orthodox and aiming for theosis, let`s not forget that
Ah gay friends, just what I’ve always wanted XD