I just became a catechumen and I can testify to what Fr. Tom is saying. I'm being attacked at every turn and the adversary is definitely trying to dissuade me from this path. Nothing about this is comfortable or pleasant
The most frustrating thing about this journey I’ve started is that I keep getting ahead of myself, thinking I’m doing things “the right way” and then realizing that my own pride and selfishness are holding me back.
Also, keep Looking forward to the prize - forgetting those things that are past and reaching toward the goal see Philippians. Christ loves you so much❤
I’m considering converting and this has blown me away. The wisdom, the openness and grace. I have issues, but I wish to endure to know Christ intimately and lovingly as his bride. Lord make me humble and wise to guide my neighbors one day. Give me piety and meekness. Give me communion with the Church, The Holy Spirit, the body and blood of the Christ, and with the Father. Sober my mind and heart. Draw me near, open my eyes and ears. Convict my heart and turn me to repentance. Take me by the hand and lead me through your will. I love you. Amen
New to Orthodoxy. When I first heard Father Thomas Hopko speak I thought he was young. I had imagined him as someone in their late 40's. Had no idea that he was an elder and I also had no idea that he passed away. I love his work deeply and it has helped me develop a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. RIP!
I so look forward to our Friday chats with Fr. Tom. He always boils things down to a level everyone can comprehend. Surely he is missed, but what a blessing to be able to revisit him often. Thank you Protecting Veil!
I loved (and I love) listening to dearly-beloved Fr Thomas. I never saw him in person but after listening to so many brilliant, wisdom-filled lectures and having learned so much from them I consider him to be my father. May my Father Tom rest in peace and rise in glory!
What an absolutely beautiful wealth of knowledge and advice. These videos are such a blessing to my early stages of orthodoxy. Jesus son of God have mercy on me. 🙏🏽🤍☦️
Would attending a vespers service be a better option for someone seeking after Orthodoxy rather than a full on Divine Liturgy? Small bites rather than large to begin with?
I think Vespers is a good way to get acquainted. There's usually not a lot of people, it's shorter (I wish it were longer), and it's generally more serene. After 10 years in the Church, Vespers is still my favorite. I walk into the parish and just feel the world slip off my shoulders.
Have you been to a service yet? I tried a Divine Liturgy first, and then a Vespers. I'm not Orthodox yet, but go to a Divine Liturgy about every month. I personally had to fight this peculiar tension/fear/nervousness as I went. I would get in the car to go and be nervous. Then I would approach the parking lot and have to fight against this fear that was trying to get me to chicken out. This still happens, but I am always so glad that I follow through.
Not sure if anybody has any insight, but when he said the part of sitting quietly for 15 minutes and relaying all intruding to God, That definitely thinking about dreams, So that they might have had I held was always under the impression That The Bible and the spiritual fathers always said to reject dreams and don't think that home wherever source they may come from. Because they are normally from the Devil. Why was wondering why he mentioned or that we should definitely look into dreams, RI didn't like my dream I had just last night even if it was for 1 second. Thank you if anybody has insight!
I understood the same as you. In that light, my dreams sometimes give me an inkling of where the enemy may be attacking, and/or an area of my weakness.
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I just became a catechumen and I can testify to what Fr. Tom is saying. I'm being attacked at every turn and the adversary is definitely trying to dissuade me from this path. Nothing about this is comfortable or pleasant
Good strength, brother...hang in there...it's worth the struggle!
@@ProtectingVeil Thanks. May God bless you!
i told a man that was going to the orthodox church when I said it had chanting through the whole service he said I THOUGHT YOU KNEW BETTER THAN THAT
@@EricBryant how are you doing?
The most frustrating thing about this journey I’ve started is that I keep getting ahead of myself, thinking I’m doing things “the right way” and then realizing that my own pride and selfishness are holding me back.
"Fall and get up," brother..."to see one's own sin is a greater miracle than to raise the dead."
Also, keep
Looking forward to the prize - forgetting those things that are past and reaching toward the goal see Philippians. Christ loves you so much❤
Story of my life.
I feel derailed about every couple of weeks
Only because it’s myself pushing me off my own tracks.
@TheFeralcatz how are you getting on with your journey?
Such is, as being human. We need to remember at times to "lighten up" too. ☺
"Read thru the Gospels, again, even if you think you know it." THAT is a priest.
I’m considering converting and this has blown me away. The wisdom, the openness and grace. I have issues, but I wish to endure to know Christ intimately and lovingly as his bride. Lord make me humble and wise to guide my neighbors one day. Give me piety and meekness. Give me communion with the Church, The Holy Spirit, the body and blood of the Christ, and with the Father. Sober my mind and heart. Draw me near, open my eyes and ears. Convict my heart and turn me to repentance. Take me by the hand and lead me through your will. I love you. Amen
Beautiful comment, beatiful prayer. God bless you!
I love his smiling face! 😃
Thank you for posting this. Both of these videos are gems, this one is by far the better of the two.
What a wonderful video, I know it’s 4 years old, thanks for this post!😊
New to Orthodoxy. When I first heard Father Thomas Hopko speak I thought he was young. I had imagined him as someone in their late 40's. Had no idea that he was an elder and I also had no idea that he passed away. I love his work deeply and it has helped me develop a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. RIP!
I so look forward to our Friday chats with Fr. Tom. He always boils things down to a level everyone can comprehend. Surely he is missed, but what a blessing to be able to revisit him often. Thank you Protecting Veil!
I loved (and I love) listening to dearly-beloved Fr Thomas. I never saw him in person but after listening to so many brilliant, wisdom-filled lectures and having learned so much from them I consider him to be my father. May my Father Tom rest in peace and rise in glory!
Thank you Father Thomas! I am Orthodox but I've been going through the worst period of religious doubt I've ever had in my life. Great advice!
Thinking about joining. These words are wise
What beautiful commentary. Thank you, Dr. Herman, for providing Fr. Thomas's wisdom for us.
this is very helpful, may his memory will be eternal. Father Thomas Hopko is very blessed
This was excellent for me to listen to. I am sad to learn he passed away, but now I am gifted to have been introduced to him. Thank you, for sharing.
What an absolutely beautiful wealth of knowledge and advice. These videos are such a blessing to my early stages of orthodoxy. Jesus son of God have mercy on me. 🙏🏽🤍☦️
Glory to God! Blessed Pascha! 🙏🏻
Excellent. He is with God now for sure.
What Father Thomas said about being right with your childhood is so true.
Dear Dr. Herman, This is such a blessing. Fr. Thomas makes everything so clear, so honest. His simplicity shines through his brilliance. Thank you.
🙏
It sounds like most of these made it into his 55 maxims. Thanks for this video!
Wow! So much truth in this. i could listen over and over
Thank you for still having this available
Some great points and great reminders for those of us who are new to the Orthodox Church 🙏
Where's the love button? Everything he says is truth!
Thank you ❤🙏
Lately, I come back to my old videos. Lovely advice, from a lovely parted brother, and advice for anyone contemplating any tradition.
Brilliant advice, very helpful
invaluable teachings
What a blessing.
Thank you that is very helpful
Thank you so much for the advice, Father Thomas.
2:04 Fr Thomas
Amazing advices, very useful either. Thanks a lot.
Would attending a vespers service be a better option for someone seeking after Orthodoxy rather than a full on Divine Liturgy? Small bites rather than large to begin with?
It took me over 20 years , a simple thought is a start just be sure to add to it daily and begin again and again , we fall and rise , over and over .
I think Vespers is a good way to get acquainted. There's usually not a lot of people, it's shorter (I wish it were longer), and it's generally more serene. After 10 years in the Church, Vespers is still my favorite. I walk into the parish and just feel the world slip off my shoulders.
Have you been to a service yet? I tried a Divine Liturgy first, and then a Vespers. I'm not Orthodox yet, but go to a Divine Liturgy about every month. I personally had to fight this peculiar tension/fear/nervousness as I went. I would get in the car to go and be nervous. Then I would approach the parking lot and have to fight against this fear that was trying to get me to chicken out. This still happens, but I am always so glad that I follow through.
Not sure if anybody has any insight, but when he said the part of sitting quietly for 15 minutes and relaying all intruding to God, That definitely thinking about dreams, So that they might have had I held was always under the impression That The Bible and the spiritual fathers always said to reject dreams and don't think that home wherever source they may come from. Because they are normally from the Devil. Why was wondering why he mentioned or that we should definitely look into dreams, RI didn't like my dream I had just last night even if it was for 1 second. Thank you if anybody has insight!
I understood the same as you. In that light, my dreams sometimes give me an inkling of where the enemy may be attacking, and/or an area of my weakness.
Who is the saint his talking about?
St theophan the recluse