Exactly what I’m going through. Born and baptised in Serbian Orthodoxy, but lived like a prodigal son. When finally picked up the Bible and surrendered to Christ, I ended up in Protestantism, getting baptized again, where I am now. But recently started understanding Orthodoxy better and got stuck between the 2 and don’t know what to do. The fear is real. Glory to God for inspiring you Fr Josiah to make this video. It is so comforting.
This is exactly what I needed for the past couple months. My husband and I are converting from Baptist to Orthodox while all friends and family are baptist. It is very lonely and can be confusing, so thank you for making this video
Me 33 .still waiting to be baptized i found orthodoxy after 14 years of conspiracies and 7 years of those i was a "christian" I believed in Jesus but it was my own perception and evangelical influence mostly from conspiracy theorists and some people i first found on youtube but I never stoped looking for truth what started this whole journey and finally found orthodoxy at 33 around 6 months ago.Glory to God for not abandoning me even tho I was as a wild beast really.
Same brother! I found Orthodoxy at 40 years old. I so wish I would have known when I was younger I had searched for the original faith 20 years. Glad I found it though and overjoyed its still here
Same, 7 years in Hebrew roots, although many like me claim, "I don't call myself Hebrew roots" but that's what it is whether admitted or not. Now after reading the apostolic and early church fathers.. Orthodox makes so much sense. Iv been to one Vespers that was held in a Methodist hall as their are no orthodox churches near me but with the orthodox bishop and everything surrounding it. It seemed like home and I seen the ancient church in this one visit. Hoping I can attend a church often enough to become a catechumen
@@VladBuciu a cathechumen is someone who will be taught the beliefs and habits of the church, like prayer, fasting, dogma's etc. Through cathechism the cathechumen is preparing to get baptized and welcomed into the church and become an active member who can partake in the Holy Sacraments, confession, communion, marriage etc. Baptism itself is also a sacrament, in which we get born again with Christ and be forgiven all our sins. Please ask an orthodox priest (old calendar) for more info because I don't know enough and will have made some mistakes or left things out
I am now entering no man's land. Born and raised in a very conservative non-denominational protestant church, I am now trying to break loose from the false teachings that have shaped my life. It is very hard, emotionally and mentally tiring.
I converted in my 40s after being a faithful engaged Evangelical Protestant for over 2 decades. I alone in my family (husband, kids) converted. My first Orthodox parish was a nightmare due to poor leadership decisions. Nevertheless, nearly 18 years later, it is completely worth it! It was the hardest transition of my Christian life, but I have NO regrets. Come and see….
@@Kit-kk9cb I was raised believing - once saved, always saved - even if you turn away from the faith; there is no real presence in the eucharist - it is just symbolic; baptism is also just symbolic - nothing more; tradition is frowned upon - we only need the bible; all denominations, especially pentecostals, catholics and orthodox, got the faith wrong; worship is supposed to be 'open' - non liturgical - so that we can be lead by the holy spirit - this ended leading worship to be a rebuttal between elders in the congregation on different faith topics; bishops are made-up - we only had elders, there was no higher authority than the elders in the local church;
@@DsBoyan Thanks for elaborating. I'd like to address your points: Pretty obvious that saying "thanks Jesus" once doesn't save you from everything always - that one should be easy to get over. Seeing the eucharist with more meaning won't be hard either. Baptism already happened to you anyway, and if not you can just have it done. Tradition you gotta learn, that can take a while but it's also not super urgent. Protip: be critical and double-check when you hear something, sometimes tradition is also just opinions of some people of which the merit can vary. All denominations indeed got the faith wrong - as we're all falling from perfection. You should not stray from that view in my opinion. But go with that which brings you spiritual growth and be open for other views. That will certainly benefit you. You can do both open and liturgical worship. It's just different styles. Of course the more traditional and meaningful one will be liturgical. But non liturgical can be valuable as well. Last point is more about who you will listen to. I'd say always be open. An Orthodox church isn't immune to human failings or being closed off from the congregation. Though of course it has a more direct line to tradition, which is usually good.
@@Kit-kk9cb Thanks, I already switched a lot of these beliefs, especially about the eucharist. And this is why I say that I am in no mans land - I know that I can't stay where I am, but I am not ready to go where I am called.
I moved from agnosticism to protestantism at age 43. By the grace of God I discovered Orthodoxy 8 years later. I was baptized in the spring of 2024, just days before my 52nd birthday. I wish I hadn't spent so much time wandering, but I am so grateful to have found the church at all. Glory to God for all things! And for any other middle-aged protestants or agnostics out there; don't say, "If only I were younger." Just come home. Better late than never!
Thank you Father. Greetings from Finland! I'm in the no-mans land right now and just two weeks ago started attending liturgies. Jesus is Lord. Lord have mercy on me a sinner.
Finland has a glorious history of Orthodoxy and their church is slowly but surely healing from a rough spot. Amazing churches and what a blessed nation.
@XiHamORTHOCN The churches are very beautiful and I love the orthodox community here, they welcomed me so warmly. Yeah the Orthodox Church is growing here, especially young men and Ukrainian migrants are joining the Church! Christianity is on the rise here, especially among the young people, both men and women. Tomorrow I'll attend a liturgy again. I'm so grateful. All glory to God. God bless!
I needed this father. I became a catechumen about three weeks ago, from Lutheranism, and it’s very hard for me to leave my previous church. I readily threw off their false teachings, but the familiarity of being brought up in it and the sadness of disappointing my family is really keeping me to a crawl right now. Pray for me 🙏🏻☦️
I understand your pull to one side and being tugged back . Family of six and my wife is a baptist and I’m more on the orthodox side . I don’t think she could ever change her life because of the church.
@@kylegoff9612 I have a coffee meeting with my priest to discuss joining the catechumenate tomorrow. My wife doesn't know about it - we're Catholic and she's not interested in Orthodoxy in the slightest. I'm wrestling over and over with how to discuss this with her tonight, because I know things are going to get cold immediately afterwards. Pray for me, and I will pray for you as well.
God be with you brother. Though I am not a catechumen yet, I understand to some extent your pain. I was brought up in a traditionally Sikh family and have since abandoned that faith to join myself with The Lord our God. It is hard to shed your previous false teaching but it is well worth it. My family will also be heavily disappointed in me but we must push through as did the Israelites in the wilderness. God bless you!☦
@@anonosaurus4517 Hi, I'm neither Catholic nor Orthodox, but I will pray for your joint way, as for your personal walk of Faith. May Jesus lead you on your path of discipleship. Lord, grant your love and truth to this couple. Let them be united with you. Give them a joint vision. Give them their daily bread and the words from your mouth. Give patience and kindness to the wife of our Brother. Let her love you and let her cooperate with her husband to bring you alone glory. Holy Spirit, you see this Brother in Christ. You see is struggles and you see the way for him. Lead him in your light and cast out all shadows. In the name of the living God, in Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. I hope god's blessing reach you. Best regards
@kylegoff9612 how have you been managing the divide? I'm at a point where I'm ready to catechize but my spouse is not interested. So for now I'm waiting and praying that we both may enter
Spent a decade in no man's land and it was...painful to put it mildly. In retrospect, now having been in the Church over a decade, I don't think it needed to take so long. I prolonged it in the unrealistic expectation that I would reach intellectual certainty first, resolving all doubts, and *then* I would become Orthodox. It was a pipe dream. I eventual recognized that I couldn't go anywhere else, so I planted my flag, still full of uncertainty. As an old professor said to me once, 'the knowing is in the doing'. You have to put your hand to the plow and start tilling to begin to understand as you should, not on the level of mere intellection, but a deeper heart knowing. Since that decision, I've struggled and fallen more times than I can count, but I've never regretted the choice to become Orthodox. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
I’ll pray for you brother. Go to the nearest Orthodox Church. In my experience, they will greet you like family and while nothing may perfectly fill the gap, the community in Christ will become your family.
If you let people at Orthodox Church know this, you will be invited to their gatherings. Alternately look for an opportunity to volunteer to serve at holidays meals in your community. The Lord bless you, friend, many of us have no family at holidays for many different reasons.
When I became a catechumen, I had just moved to a new town and I knew nobody. I thought I was going to spend the holidays alone, but I received a text message from one of the parishioners on the day of Thanksgiving. I ended up spending both Thanksgiving and Christmas with his beautiful family. God loves you, He sees you, and He will help you. You do have a family, brother. The help doesn't always show up the way we wish it would, but God never fails to provide the help we need.
I’ve been in no man’s land for a while now. Going through hardships and struggles like I’ve never faced before. I needed this message of encouragement. Thank you!
Brothers, sisters, i’m going to my first divine liturgy this sunday. I’m still a baptized catholic, but my consciousness is leading me to convert to holy orthodoxy. Please pray for me as i am praying for all of you, that God might lead me to his holy catholic and apostolic church and that I might find peace in my soul. Amen
Please would you tell me why should I convert from Roman catholicism to Ortodoxy? I dont know much, and catholics say it’s almost the same and recognize baptism in Ortodox church. I thought it was mostly just the way of liturgy and organisatons, no important differencies in faith?
@Tomi12123 I would look up the Ready to Harvest youtube channel, specifically the series on the differences between the two churches. The channel objectively reports on all Christian groups and the videos are about as unbiased as they can be.
Father, I've been wanting to attend your church, but my work will not allow me to have the days off during your services. I have a 14 month old son and a beautiful wife. I would love all of us to be baptized and enter into your beautiful church one day.
Just in case this is helpful... In the weeks before Easter/Pascha, Orthodox churches are having services just about every evening and closest to Pascha daytime services, too. Maybe you can find something that fits your schedule by considering these other services. It's sometimes lots of evening services before Christmas too. I'm praying for your family and know God will find a way for you.
@@KealaniAlexandraat St. Andrew we have daily orthros and vespers and liturgy on Saturday and Sunday. No need to wait until great lent to attend services during the week.
your story is very touching. I have very high respect for every convert because I do not know, whether I, who was born as an Orthodox, would have the courage and strength to make this decision if I had not been Orthodox
I was in this state for almost 2 years and I was always angry at myself for not committing but now I realize that at the beginning of this year after basically 2 years of bothering my mom with orthodox videos and information, she went to church with me and was the support I needed and vise versa to pursue the true church. We’ve been catechumen for almost a year and I’m so grateful to the Lord and His providence that we can take this journey together. If you’re considering making the leap, please do it.
Glory to God brother! I urge you to treasure it dearly 🙏 Lord knows how many people would love to be able to share this journey with their families (myself included 😅).
This is a very true and helpful reflection father. In 2018 I became Orthodox and I had been in no man's land all my life up until then. I had embraced several Christian traditions, and finally as a Catholic, disillusioned and confused, caught between thr trad catholics and modernist, I sought peace. What I knew about Orthodoxy was very little beyond the historical fact of the schism. So I sought our local small Orthodox priest, and he invited me to church. My first experience of the Divine Liturgy was that it seemed very foreign. I honestly did not think I would return. But, there was something that even now I can't fully express. It was as though the Liturgy took me right back to the beginning, it's very ancientness touched something in me. So, I did go back and kept going and learning over 2 years until my Chrismation. I am still learning, not book theology, though that has its place, but I am learning how to be. How to walk with Him daily, how to be close, how to be open to Him, and who He is. It's a lifelong journey, thanks be to God he is patient and loving, and he hands us our cross in love, and I am grateful for it although am sometimes rebellious and difficult. But, He is my home, the Orthodox Church has shown me who He is through worship, and the experience goes beyond words. All glory to God.
My exact situation is adressed in this video. Thank you, Fr. Josiah! Your words always convey the hope of Christ and God the Almighty. Greetings and prayers from Germany.
Moin! I feel you. I’m heavily pulled towards Orthodoxy, yet can’t still completely reconcile myself with some dogmas. On the other hand, my local Russian Baptist church wants me to firmly renounce Orthodoxy and not just stay indecisive, yet I can’t in good conscience do so, less so accept Baptist teachings without a doubt. I’m risking excommunication, the loss of a lot of dear friends and good people and full or at least partial shunning, an extremely painful experience, over something I’m not even entirely sure about. May God show us His mercy. Herr Jesu Christe, Du Sohn Gottes, erbarme Dich meiner, des Sünders. Gott befohlen, Bruder.
@@SimonPertusGermanic Brother, attend both services, back and forth, until God grants you discernment. If you spend/devote your time and energy to Christ earnestly, He will not leave you in confusion. God bless you!
I'm glad I listened to the end. I was received almost two years ago, but lately I feel like I'm in a kind of 'no man's land'. It's easy to forget that difficulty is Providential. These reminders are helpful. Thank you, Father.
Good morning Fr. It’s 1:28am in England at the moment. Tonight I accidentally missed the weekly session for my conversion course. I feel awful, I never want this to happen again. I do love God, I really do, sometimes it’s hard to feel, but I do. Thank you for your words always, my future brother.
This video was in perfect God timing. I’ve been learning and studying Orthodox for about a year now. As a Protestant there are things I’m struggling with and just can’t turn lose. 1)Icons and 2)praying to the Saints and 3)are these biblical. I’ve watched many, many videos on these things and have learned a great deal but can’t get past the Protestant drilling of “It’s wrong!!” I’m about 95% on board but those things and also the closest church is an hour from me (silly reason, I know) are giving me pause. Prayers for guidance, understanding, and peace are greatly appreciated.
As a Protestant in conversion, I can say this about the problems you are having. They’re a real struggle. I will say this, Protestants venerate nothing but their own version of doctrine-the veneration of saints and the images is much more respectful of the person of God and His work of holiness in us. Take the time to let the Holy Spirit guide you during prayer. When I was released of this complaint, the holy solemnity of the time in prayer made me so wonderfully submissive to my Savior. The same Protestants who would complain of it have no problem with pictures or movies depicting Christ and the saints in a less respectful way. I am converting to Catholic and I am struggling with Purgatory and the subsequent focus on just one’s own holiness instead of a trust in the Blood of Jesus for the power over sin while focusing on obedience and the work for His Glory. No one knows what happens after death except the promise that we’ll be with Him in His joy.
I have a lot of Orthodox influences in my life and they can be very convincing at times, but Iconography is also something that has held me back. Icon veneration is completely absent for the first 500 years of Christian tradition and all commentaries on Icons from Christians during that time period regard them negatively. The Orthodox church has a lot of appeals, but much of my research makes me question if it is actually the unchanging faith of the Apostles. Especially due to a lot of the weird political influences in doctrine, like in the Synodikon where Emperor Constantine is referred to as "Equal with the Apostles"
@@loveyourenemy7796 Cannot wrap my head around purgatory but I saw a video the other day about toll houses. First time I had heard them mentioned. I just don't know about that. It goes against everything I've ever been taught about sin and repentance and being forgiven. I'm going to have to read a lot more about it.
@GiWolf6060 In fairness to Emperor Constantine, his edict of tolerance for Christians probably caused the biggest wave of conversions the Church had ever before seen, and in that he was certainly equal to the apostles, as he became a fisher of men by his decree. In character, perhaps not so much.
Fr Josiah I am an Orthodox inquirer from Syd Aus under the Antiochian archdiocese. Thank you for sharing your videos and I just finished Rock and Sand, currently reading Becoming Orthodox. Please keep me in my prayers along with my family I am working on bringing them all to the church. Thank you for this content it helps more of us than you realize. God bless you and your efforts. God bless your family as well.
I’m in this stage right now just beginning my journey to Orthodoxy. I’ve struggled in my mind thinking it’d be easier to just go back to my Protestant denomination but I know that’s not what I need to do. This cognitive dissonance is challenging. I haven’t told any of my extended family about joining the Orthodox Church. And I’m not sure when it’ll feel right to tell them. Thank you for making this video, I think so many people need to hear that they aren’t alone in feeling somewhat lost and uncomfortable.
You don't have to tell anything to any worldly person. The path of a true Christian is a very lonely one. As Christ have said, being his follower - if discovered - opens you to abuse and ridicule and even danger. So better just keep it to yourself. Unless you are ok with being attacked.
being from the west we want to bring everything to a close as fast as possible. Nice 'n tidy. Just keep going Christ will get you where you need to go. Just obediently follow no need to hurry to tell anyone or to do anything rash. He will get you there in good time. And the perfect time to talk to them will come. May it be blessed.
Active duty Army, converted and chrismated to Orthodoxy along with my wife and kids from Lutheranism. (Raised Pentecostal). I have since moved states 2 times and am moving again soon, glad to have found a beautiful church home each location. God bless you Fr. And may God continue using you for many more years.
Wow that sucks, I’m in New Zealand too but in my area there is a teeny tiny Romanian Orthodox Church with a lovely priest. Move! Go and find a church it’s worth it x
I would look up the Orthodox Christian priest nearest you and contact him by any means you can about your desire to convert. If he's doing his job right, he'll find a way to get you catechized and baptized. Of course, you have to be willing to follow along with his plan of action and commit to it sincerely. Plenty of people call showing interest, but never show up to liturgy, or even an online digital catechism. Beating the demon of slothfulness by God's help is one of the first obstacles in situations like yours. God bless you, and Happy Thanksgiving from America (I know you don't celebrate it in New Zealand, but still)
I can relate to this pretty much, for half a year I was in that no mans land, where I didn't know what I was, I wasn't reformed anymore, but wasn't Orthodox either. Yesterday tho, I was finally baptized into the True Church, Glory to God, and I pray for every struggling catechuman🙏
Your mentor's reaction is so similar to what my pastor said when I told him. He said "Ah, the True Church. If I didn't have my flock and my family, I would consider it too."
I was raised Catholic, fell away in college and was an outspoken opinionated atheist for many years before converting. It has been my observation that people converting from another type of Christianity really suffer particularly if their families are committed to a particular denomination. Much more than I did.
That's the best quote, "don't give up the ground you've already obtained". I have been a catechumen for a few years. One of the reasons it's taking so long is that I keep going back to the Roman Catholic church, the church I grew up in.
Thank you Father Josiah. I have been in no man’s land for the past 4 years, and am doing my best to lead my family to Orthodoxy. Difficult when you attend an Independent Baptist Church haha, please pray for us!
Father, as someone who came from Presbyterianism. I found pieces of your discussion mirroring my journey. The disassociation from my Presbyterian past wasn’t easy due to the friendships I had established. Many called me an apostate and ceased contact with me upon my departure to the EOC. The truth I’ve found and new relationships I’ve made in the church have made it worth anguish. After 3 years of inquiry and a catechumenate period I’m thankful to say I’ll be baptized into Holy Orthodoxy in the next week and a half (Dec 8). It’s encouraging to know great men of our church today such as yourself have been in my shoes before, God bless.
Father, that imagery you used at the end was excellent. It helps us develop patience, too, and trust in God. I heard someone speaking with an ex-Catholic catechumen last night after seekers class, and this guy is really intensely fired up and buying all the Orthodox books he takes an interest in. It's good, but the person advised him to be cautious about his zeal because it could be a trap of the evil one and told him always to seek guidance from the priest. Then he was told, where else is there for you to go? This is heaven, and you've made it here. The Lord will answer all of your questions in His good time, when He feels you're ready to accept the answer. Just relax and thank God. He will show you what to do and where to go. God bless our catechumens, and us beginners in the faith who have been baptized, and not least our ministers and shepherds. By your prayers, Father.
Thank you and everyone here on TH-cam who are are strong in the faith and called to disperse wisdom and compassion through it. I’m a recovering New Age egotist essentially and the last couple of years in my life have been instrumental in bringing me to what I perceive to be a precipice. I don’t know what to do and I fully admit my own recognition of my sin and failures keeps me from making any leaps currently. I do not know what to do but I give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, our triune God that has kept me in spite of my undeserving nature. A small confession and a large gratitude. Best to all.
40 years ago I was in this no-man’s-land! By Gods grace I was brought thru it and was received into the Holy Orthodox Church. Glory to God for all things!
I am in no man's land now.. I have grown up Lutheran but always kinda knew that it wasn't complete. I have often told my wife that there is no way this Christianity would covert anyone. I had no idea Orthodox church existed and I am excited to have recently found it.
Thanks for this video, PN team. I know Father Josiah doesn't read comments, but I appreciate that he addresses these common issues. I've spent 14 at my evangelical denomination and am an elder at my church, but have come through prayer and study to the reality that the truth lies in Holy Orthodoxy. He mentions sacred oaths in this video, and this is my problem. I took such a statement of allegiance in joining my church as a member and it vexes my soul to think about casting it aside to join the Orthodox Church. I feel like if I leave my denomination and local church that I am a traitor and a liar. And yet, if I stay with it given my acknowledgement of the truth of Orthodoxy, I am also a liar and a traitor. Christ have mercy on me.
I mean, if you think about it also...there are people who have taken oaths to the devil, but have converted and renounced those oaths. Those are good oaths to break in order to form oaths that are rightful and good. Taking oaths to join your church as a member may not be as bad as taking oaths to the devil, but I guess it shows that some oaths (when we now know are not good) can be broken in good faith, once you are willing to make allegiance to what you believe is the right one. Similarly, obtaining consent from someone requires that one would know all things well, but given that you didn't know about Orthodoxy at the time of your swearing an oath to your church, it could also be said that you did not have full knowledge at the time. In other words, if you knew what Orthodoxy taught before you swore an oath to your church, would you have done so? Idk...just some thoughts. Hope that somehow helps.
Remember that we cannot serve two masters. Think of it this way: which is more important, devoting yourself to what you know is true Christianity, or serving under an oath to what you know is not true Christianity? Breaking oaths is not something I would ever tell someone to do, but it's an oath to a protestant church, not to the people in it, not to God.
The only problem now, in my own No Man's Land, is discerning which church is the Church: Rome or the East. And I fear for the consequences of such a discernment: will I embrace the Truth or heresy, and how will I know?
One thing that helps me, as I discern between staying in an excellent, nourishing community as a roman Catholic, which I have never desired to leave, and becoming Orthodox, having a marriage united in faith, and going where there is peace is this thought: God is not looking for reasons to damn me! He is doing everything possible for my salvation, up to and including His crucifixion. There are good, holy, God loving people on both sides of the Catholic Orthodox broken brotherhood! We do the best we can, and we trust God to draw us to Himself. God never wants us in a place of constant anxiety about our salvation. That is what the devil wants - to keep us prisoner to fear. It also helps me to attend actual services and liturgies (of both for a while, now just Orthodox) and see it lived vs on paper
This is how I've been the passed few months. I just started my conversion journey and being an "denominational orphan" has been rough. Luckily, my new congregation has been extremely supportive, and to my surprise, my family for the most part has been supportive even though they are staunch Bible-belt Protestants. Thank you so much for this video.
This has been wonderfully encouraging and spoke deeply into my heart. It's something God has providentially provided through you. Thank you for your timely words of encouragement and truth.
Thank you so much Father for this timely wisdom. I am very much in this position but will keep faith and trust that the Lord is guiding me and with me.
I was cradle Catholic turned Evangelical turned revert to Catholicism. I would go Orthodox if it was morally permissible. The leadership in the Church especially in America sickens me to the point of sinfulness. However as I was going up to Communion I received a word. “This is where the battle is.” I had been contemplating the role of soldiers of Christ recently and the need to be more bold in proclaiming my faith. Then I got the word and realized soldiers don’t flee they stand and fight.
I converted in my 40s after being a faithful engaged Evangelical Protestant for over 2 decades. I alone in my family (husband, kids) converted. My first Orthodox parish was a nightmare due to poor leadership decisions. Nevertheless, nearly 18 years later, it is completely worth it! It was the hardest transition of my Christian life, but I have NO regrets. Come and see….
💕GOD hear my prayers. At times I feel alone as a single mother yet I’m not because I have you. Give me strength I’ve been struggling to support my children for the last four years. My sons have special needs. Jesus help me as I struggle to support my children’s basic necessities like groceries and clothing. Give me strength.Amen
Who's your saint? Your birthday. Pray to them and to the blessed virgin. I swear to God when I don't feel like cleaning the house I say two Our Fathers and three Hail Mary's and my mood just changes.
I'm in this stage. I've been inquiring into Orthodoxy for nearly two years, though I've been to only a handful of services. My biggest hurdle is that my wife is quite set against it. She grew up Church of Christ and is now very resistant to any "one true Church" talk. She has had some issues with our non-denominational church lole I have, so she is willing to consider other Protestant denominations, but... we'll see. As a family, we have been to a Lutheran church a couple of times and once to Vespers at the Orthodox church nearby. I think we will go to the Sunday Divine Liturgy soon, though. I have my own hurdles left with Orthodoxy, but it is sometimes difficult to talk to my wife about things, because she has an idea of what Orthodoxy is and believes, but she doesn't have the time or energy to listen to and read all the things I have. A further complication is that we have been training to work with a Protestant Bible translation organization. A conversion to Orthodoxy would mean dropping what we had been planning to do with the rest of our lives (and that many of our friends and family are expecting us to do).
I'm in the same situation, I've been inquiring for 2 years, but even though I keep bothering my pentecostal family with orthodoxy nobody thinks this is a good idea. It's hard for those of us having to go against our families. They think that I'm going on a wrong path. I'm breaking my parents heart.
Thank you for this. I've come to see the Orthodox Church as the true Apostolic Faith. I have been to Liturgies. I'm ready to catechize. My spouse shares a very opposite conviction about Orthodoxy. It's a strange place to be. One step at a time.
The majority of people in my church are converts like myself. Moving from Atheism to 'I'm not an atheist' is the easier part, which I did in isolation. I didn't do even this until my late 30s. After that it is a process that requires patience with oneself. It was very much 'OK, I'm not an atheist anymore, but NOW what?' I was a perennialist for several years before becoming Orthodox. Many perennialist writers spoke well of Orthodoxy, and oddly, that was useful for me at that time. I think being in a community with many converts is helpful.
People who are not sure yet if the holy catholic and apostolic church is not the ONLY church need to read the church fathers and that will clear up any doubts. My priest said going to church puts you in the presence of Jesus Christ and even if you feel nothing, you feel nothing in his presence. He says routine is key, reading, praying and going to church. It's not about feeling good, it's about loving Christ, giving yourself to him, and walking the talk. Catholicism is intellectual as well as emotional. Learning about the history of the church is just as important as going to church. Catholic means universal by the way! Greetings to my Orthodox brothers and sisters from Roman Catholic Spain.
Rest assured the Catholic faith is rich with the Lord’s truth so much authentic personal journeys to show us and help us walk the difficult road to God’s eternal heaven. Don’t let anyone question your faith in the Catholic faith. I never could have imagined I’d ever be totally transformed and closer to the triune God than I ever imagined.
@@Val.Kyrie. spend your energy trying to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This will keep you busy until you take your last breath.
@@koolertrek I was RC for 62 years & a nun. The Catholic church has become corrupt & perverted, filthy & misled. Listen to God & seek truth. Attend catechism in the Orthodox church.
It is funny to me to hear wilderness described as a place of spiritual dryness, though i fully understand the concept. I was an only child and my parents were either working or asleep, so i spent alot of time with my negligent grandparents. Thank god for their neglect because i had freedom and peace in the woods around their houses. I never feel more safe or at home than when im in the forest. But wilderness here meaning a spiritual desert or between place, not my beloved forest.
Father, great show and honest love to us wanders... I want to bring to you a issue about this subject that is never talked about in Orthodoxy - the person whose JOB it is to wander. Many people have jobs that keep them moving all or much of the time or live no place near a Orthodox Church. The way the Church is set up is still for the year 1280 )). The Church desperately needs a standard course, that is connected to a on line course - the two are a set - so that people who are not tied to the "traditional peasant home based life" can gain a chance to enter the church. Most people that are coming to our church are Prodys and have zero idea about anything from the Orthodox tradition or world view. I have been to many different Orthodox Churches in the US - we also have a huge dis-organizational problem on how to bring new people in to the church; as I have never seen a "professional or assigned greeter" in our churches. Our Orthodox model is still based on the idea that you live in a nation that is everything Orthodox. That, as you know is not America, nor does it fit our normal social norms... I have been to my friends old school R Catholic church and its like a 'German ministry of organization'. )) They have a set process to bring in and support the new person through their whole process. They are never left to feel alone and or less than. At the Orthodox Church that I am at - we have many people come in and leave and never come back... All because we don't have a process to give them this support they need to make that HUGE jump to Orthodoxy. Its no wonder we have so many "in the wilderness"... I fear that God will judge us for this.
I was cradle Catholic turned Evangelical turned revert to Catholicism. I would go Orthodox if it was morally permissible. The leadership in the Church especially in America sickens me to the point of sinfulness. However as I was going up to Communion I received a word. “This is where the battle is.”
Baptised in the Roman Catholic church but parents divorced and we left Paris with my mother for the new age hell of 1970s bourgeois London. My sister is a yoga teacher and Buddhist. I never felt at ease around New Agers and recently finally settled down in Spain and am now a Catechumen in the paroquia of Santa Ana, Ondara, so I can take first communion and the holy sacrament of the eucharist. Sunday mass is challenging as I have none of the cultural knowledge and am partaking in Spanish. I have bought the 2025 Missal but am really struggling with the responses still. I will learn them by going twice a week or more as well as classes and homework. My advice for fellow catechumens is to realise that it's normal to feel discouraged when you see others crossing themselves and doing everything perfectly and you feel like a total fool. For example, when the reader ends with "palabra de Dios" the congregation does the sign of the cross on their mouth with the right thumb. I feel like a buffoon at that point as I don't know the drill yet... I think Father Chimo feels a bit sorry for me. He comes over before the service and tells me which page etc lol. Don't be discouraged! You'll get there! I love this priest because he runs up to the choir to give them the holy sacrament while they are singing. God bless the holy Catholic and Apostolic church. Lots of love to our Orthodox brothers and sisters. We are the same church. Happy Jubilee year to us all!
What is difficult is not having transportation to this church...even by bus. Everywhere i move to it is out of reach for me, as i do not have a car, and i have wanted to study with you for many years.
Here is a question: if the children of Israel had a physical manifestation of the Lord's presence with them in the "no man's land," then what physical manifestation of the Lord can one look to as they journey through their own "no man's land"? Just what is it one should be following other than one's own thoughts and feelings in this journey?
หลายเดือนก่อน
Look to Jesus Himself. Read the Word and pray. Do what the Holy Spirit says. ❤️
Just as I would have guessed, I do not hear much of people who are Reformed converting to Orthodoxy. It sounds like it is all people who are not saved in the first place. People who have accepted Christ are not being drawn to the Orthodoxy. It is non-practicing, extra-biblical groups/ restorationist groups, atheists, liberal/non-denominational, etc. I do find comfort in hearing this, as it affirms that believers are not leaving the faith to join these non-scriptural practices.
I’m still on the fence. I’ve been attending an Orthodox Church on and off for a year now. I recently been meeting with a priest to have some questions answered. I’m looking for the true faith to help me, and my marriage. The marriage is very toxic, and harmful to our 3 kids. The kids really suffer because of my spouse. It breaks my heart. I have a divorce lawyer but I haven’t filed yet. I’m met with hostility and anger when I try to live out some form of orthodox faith in my home. Saying orthodox prayers with my kids before bed turns into a very hostile nightmare with this person. I just don’t know what to do with this marriage, or orthodoxy.
I'm surprised you didn't mention any ppl from Jewish or eastern faith backgrounds in your catechumen class. My background is both. I came to orthodoxy with an open heart and seeking mind, but the local orthodox church alienated me. I settled on an eastern rite catholic church that took me in and it is where I baptized. the liturgy and rites are very similar to orthodox. so for now that is where I am at, but I am still in a sort of limbo. I like my church but I do not agree to some things, like I do not recognize the pope in rome unquestioningly.
Hoping this answered many of your questions!
Have you made any videos addressing the western rite?
Exactly what I’m going through. Born and baptised in Serbian Orthodoxy, but lived like a prodigal son. When finally picked up the Bible and surrendered to Christ, I ended up in Protestantism, getting baptized again, where I am now. But recently started understanding Orthodoxy better and got stuck between the 2 and don’t know what to do. The fear is real.
Glory to God for inspiring you Fr Josiah to make this video. It is so comforting.
This is exactly what I needed for the past couple months. My husband and I are converting from Baptist to Orthodox while all friends and family are baptist. It is very lonely and can be confusing, so thank you for making this video
This is so helpful, thank you very much!
I was baptized two and half years ago at the age of 40. I spent 40 years in that wilderness of nothingness. Glory to God for all things!☦️
Me 33 .still waiting to be baptized i found orthodoxy after 14 years of conspiracies and 7 years of those i was a "christian" I believed in Jesus but it was my own perception and evangelical influence mostly from conspiracy theorists and some people i first found on youtube but I never stoped looking for truth what started this whole journey and finally found orthodoxy at 33 around 6 months ago.Glory to God for not abandoning me even tho I was as a wild beast really.
Like Moses from childhood in Egypt until he escaped.
Same brother! I found Orthodoxy at 40 years old. I so wish I would have known when I was younger I had searched for the original faith 20 years. Glad I found it though and overjoyed its still here
Same, 7 years in Hebrew roots, although many like me claim, "I don't call myself Hebrew roots" but that's what it is whether admitted or not. Now after reading the apostolic and early church fathers.. Orthodox makes so much sense. Iv been to one Vespers that was held in a Methodist hall as their are no orthodox churches near me but with the orthodox bishop and everything surrounding it. It seemed like home and I seen the ancient church in this one visit. Hoping I can attend a church often enough to become a catechumen
@paddydobbs2318 Good luck and Godspeed ☦️
As a recently converted catholic I pray every day for the whole of the Church of Christ to come together to worship our God, Lord and Savior.
On Sunday the 24th of November, I became a Cathecumen!
My Name is Climacus! Pray for me! ☦️
What means cathecumen brother?
Thank you for sharing. I pray for you Climacus. I started attending liturgies two weeks ago. Could you pray for me? My name is Aappo. God bless! ❤️✝️
@@VladBuciuI have the same question.
Someone may tell us.
@@VladBuciu a cathechumen is someone who will be taught the beliefs and habits of the church, like prayer, fasting, dogma's etc. Through cathechism the cathechumen is preparing to get baptized and welcomed into the church and become an active member who can partake in the Holy Sacraments, confession, communion, marriage etc. Baptism itself is also a sacrament, in which we get born again with Christ and be forgiven all our sins. Please ask an orthodox priest (old calendar) for more info because I don't know enough and will have made some mistakes or left things out
Congratulations! I will start 6th December, may God guide us towards salvation
I am now entering no man's land. Born and raised in a very conservative non-denominational protestant church, I am now trying to break loose from the false teachings that have shaped my life. It is very hard, emotionally and mentally tiring.
doesn't sound so bad. what are these "false teachings"?
I converted in my 40s after being a faithful engaged Evangelical Protestant for over 2 decades. I alone in my family (husband, kids) converted. My first Orthodox parish was a nightmare due to poor leadership decisions. Nevertheless, nearly 18 years later, it is completely worth it! It was the hardest transition of my Christian life, but I have NO regrets. Come and see….
@@Kit-kk9cb I was raised believing -
once saved, always saved - even if you turn away from the faith;
there is no real presence in the eucharist - it is just symbolic;
baptism is also just symbolic - nothing more;
tradition is frowned upon - we only need the bible;
all denominations, especially pentecostals, catholics and orthodox, got the faith wrong;
worship is supposed to be 'open' - non liturgical - so that we can be lead by the holy spirit - this ended leading worship to be a rebuttal between elders in the congregation on different faith topics;
bishops are made-up - we only had elders, there was no higher authority than the elders in the local church;
@@DsBoyan Thanks for elaborating. I'd like to address your points:
Pretty obvious that saying "thanks Jesus" once doesn't save you from everything always - that one should be easy to get over.
Seeing the eucharist with more meaning won't be hard either.
Baptism already happened to you anyway, and if not you can just have it done.
Tradition you gotta learn, that can take a while but it's also not super urgent. Protip: be critical and double-check when you hear something, sometimes tradition is also just opinions of some people of which the merit can vary.
All denominations indeed got the faith wrong - as we're all falling from perfection. You should not stray from that view in my opinion. But go with that which brings you spiritual growth and be open for other views. That will certainly benefit you.
You can do both open and liturgical worship. It's just different styles. Of course the more traditional and meaningful one will be liturgical. But non liturgical can be valuable as well.
Last point is more about who you will listen to. I'd say always be open. An Orthodox church isn't immune to human failings or being closed off from the congregation. Though of course it has a more direct line to tradition, which is usually good.
@@Kit-kk9cb Thanks, I already switched a lot of these beliefs, especially about the eucharist. And this is why I say that I am in no mans land - I know that I can't stay where I am, but I am not ready to go where I am called.
I moved from agnosticism to protestantism at age 43. By the grace of God I discovered Orthodoxy 8 years later. I was baptized in the spring of 2024, just days before my 52nd birthday. I wish I hadn't spent so much time wandering, but I am so grateful to have found the church at all. Glory to God for all things! And for any other middle-aged protestants or agnostics out there; don't say, "If only I were younger." Just come home. Better late than never!
I want to but there is no orthodox church where I live 😔the nearest one is about 27 miles away and I don't have my own transport .
Thank you Father. Greetings from Finland! I'm in the no-mans land right now and just two weeks ago started attending liturgies. Jesus is Lord. Lord have mercy on me a sinner.
Finland has a glorious history of Orthodoxy and their church is slowly but surely healing from a rough spot. Amazing churches and what a blessed nation.
@XiHamORTHOCN The churches are very beautiful and I love the orthodox community here, they welcomed me so warmly. Yeah the Orthodox Church is growing here, especially young men and Ukrainian migrants are joining the Church! Christianity is on the rise here, especially among the young people, both men and women. Tomorrow I'll attend a liturgy again. I'm so grateful. All glory to God. God bless!
Welcome to Uspenski anytime! - Fellow Finn
@@observaabeliP.S. Tsekkaa Lauri Saksan haastattelu mun kanavalta :)
I needed this father. I became a catechumen about three weeks ago, from Lutheranism, and it’s very hard for me to leave my previous church. I readily threw off their false teachings, but the familiarity of being brought up in it and the sadness of disappointing my family is really keeping me to a crawl right now. Pray for me 🙏🏻☦️
I understand your pull to one side and being tugged back . Family of six and my wife is a baptist and I’m more on the orthodox side . I don’t think she could ever change her life because of the church.
@@kylegoff9612 I have a coffee meeting with my priest to discuss joining the catechumenate tomorrow. My wife doesn't know about it - we're Catholic and she's not interested in Orthodoxy in the slightest. I'm wrestling over and over with how to discuss this with her tonight, because I know things are going to get cold immediately afterwards.
Pray for me, and I will pray for you as well.
God be with you brother. Though I am not a catechumen yet, I understand to some extent your pain. I was brought up in a traditionally Sikh family and have since abandoned that faith to join myself with The Lord our God. It is hard to shed your previous false teaching but it is well worth it. My family will also be heavily disappointed in me but we must push through as did the Israelites in the wilderness. God bless you!☦
@@anonosaurus4517 Hi, I'm neither Catholic nor Orthodox, but I will pray for your joint way, as for your personal walk of Faith.
May Jesus lead you on your path of discipleship. Lord, grant your love and truth to this couple. Let them be united with you. Give them a joint vision. Give them their daily bread and the words from your mouth. Give patience and kindness to the wife of our Brother. Let her love you and let her cooperate with her husband to bring you alone glory. Holy Spirit, you see this Brother in Christ. You see is struggles and you see the way for him. Lead him in your light and cast out all shadows. In the name of the living God, in Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
I hope god's blessing reach you. Best regards
@kylegoff9612 how have you been managing the divide? I'm at a point where I'm ready to catechize but my spouse is not interested. So for now I'm waiting and praying that we both may enter
Spent a decade in no man's land and it was...painful to put it mildly. In retrospect, now having been in the Church over a decade, I don't think it needed to take so long. I prolonged it in the unrealistic expectation that I would reach intellectual certainty first, resolving all doubts, and *then* I would become Orthodox. It was a pipe dream. I eventual recognized that I couldn't go anywhere else, so I planted my flag, still full of uncertainty. As an old professor said to me once, 'the knowing is in the doing'. You have to put your hand to the plow and start tilling to begin to understand as you should, not on the level of mere intellection, but a deeper heart knowing. Since that decision, I've struggled and fallen more times than I can count, but I've never regretted the choice to become Orthodox. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
That was really beautiful. I could relate. Thank you, for sharing.
I see a lot of myself in your words. Thank you for sharing your experience
I have no family and the holidays are a terrible time for me because I can't celebrate with anyone. I wish God would help me.
Try a 12 step meeting we have marathon meetings on holidays to get thru it
I’ll pray for you brother. Go to the nearest Orthodox Church. In my experience, they will greet you like family and while nothing may perfectly fill the gap, the community in Christ will become your family.
Take this coming holiday as a chance to be charitable
If you let people at Orthodox Church know this, you will be invited to their gatherings. Alternately look for an opportunity to volunteer to serve at holidays meals in your community. The Lord bless you, friend, many of us have no family at holidays for many different reasons.
When I became a catechumen, I had just moved to a new town and I knew nobody. I thought I was going to spend the holidays alone, but I received a text message from one of the parishioners on the day of Thanksgiving. I ended up spending both Thanksgiving and Christmas with his beautiful family. God loves you, He sees you, and He will help you. You do have a family, brother. The help doesn't always show up the way we wish it would, but God never fails to provide the help we need.
I’ve been in no man’s land for a while now. Going through hardships and struggles like I’ve never faced before. I needed this message of encouragement. Thank you!
Brothers, sisters, i’m going to my first divine liturgy this sunday. I’m still a baptized catholic, but my consciousness is leading me to convert to holy orthodoxy. Please pray for me as i am praying for all of you, that God might lead me to his holy catholic and apostolic church and that I might find peace in my soul. Amen
Please would you tell me why should I convert from Roman catholicism to Ortodoxy? I dont know much, and catholics say it’s almost the same and recognize baptism in Ortodox church. I thought it was mostly just the way of liturgy and organisatons, no important differencies in faith?
@Tomi12123
I would look up the Ready to Harvest youtube channel, specifically the series on the differences between the two churches. The channel objectively reports on all Christian groups and the videos are about as unbiased as they can be.
@@Tomi12123if youre thinking of converting due to the liturgy, theres always Eastern rites and theyre in communion with Rome
@@Gianandrea.bei2004 I recommend avoiding this stupid religion.
You may be interested in the Byzantine Catholic Rite. It’s very similar to Orthodox but it’s in communion with Rome.
Father, I've been wanting to attend your church, but my work will not allow me to have the days off during your services. I have a 14 month old son and a beautiful wife. I would love all of us to be baptized and enter into your beautiful church one day.
Just in case this is helpful... In the weeks before Easter/Pascha, Orthodox churches are having services just about every evening and closest to Pascha daytime services, too. Maybe you can find something that fits your schedule by considering these other services. It's sometimes lots of evening services before Christmas too. I'm praying for your family and know God will find a way for you.
@@KealaniAlexandraat St. Andrew we have daily orthros and vespers and liturgy on Saturday and Sunday. No need to wait until great lent to attend services during the week.
God bless you on your journey, may heaven consume you. IC XC NI KA 🙏🏻☦️❤️
See if you can just get Sunday off.
@@KealaniAlexandrawhat about during ADVENT 🎄
your story is very touching. I have very high respect for every convert because I do not know, whether I, who was born as an Orthodox, would have the courage and strength to make this decision if I had not been Orthodox
I was in this state for almost 2 years and I was always angry at myself for not committing but now I realize that at the beginning of this year after basically 2 years of bothering my mom with orthodox videos and information, she went to church with me and was the support I needed and vise versa to pursue the true church. We’ve been catechumen for almost a year and I’m so grateful to the Lord and His providence that we can take this journey together. If you’re considering making the leap, please do it.
Glory to God brother! I urge you to treasure it dearly 🙏
Lord knows how many people would love to be able to share this journey with their families (myself included 😅).
This is a very true and helpful reflection father. In 2018 I became Orthodox and I had been in no man's land all my life up until then. I had embraced several Christian traditions, and finally as a Catholic, disillusioned and confused, caught between thr trad catholics and modernist, I sought peace. What I knew about Orthodoxy was very little beyond the historical fact of the schism. So I sought our local small Orthodox priest, and he invited me to church. My first experience of the Divine Liturgy was that it seemed very foreign. I honestly did not think I would return. But, there was something that even now I can't fully express. It was as though the Liturgy took me right back to the beginning, it's very ancientness touched something in me. So, I did go back and kept going and learning over 2 years until my Chrismation. I am still learning, not book theology, though that has its place, but I am learning how to be. How to walk with Him daily, how to be close, how to be open to Him, and who He is. It's a lifelong journey, thanks be to God he is patient and loving, and he hands us our cross in love, and I am grateful for it although am sometimes rebellious and difficult. But, He is my home, the Orthodox Church has shown me who He is through worship, and the experience goes beyond words. All glory to God.
I trust Christ and his holy church 🙏🏼☦️
My exact situation is adressed in this video. Thank you, Fr. Josiah! Your words always convey the hope of Christ and God the Almighty.
Greetings and prayers from Germany.
Alle Heiligen der deutschen Lande betet für uns!
2024 A.D. for A.I. ! , what year is it in Heaven? 5785! Father Time original first love, Creator!
Moin!
I feel you. I’m heavily pulled towards Orthodoxy, yet can’t still completely reconcile myself with some dogmas. On the other hand, my local Russian Baptist church wants me to firmly renounce Orthodoxy and not just stay indecisive, yet I can’t in good conscience do so, less so accept Baptist teachings without a doubt. I’m risking excommunication, the loss of a lot of dear friends and good people and full or at least partial shunning, an extremely painful experience, over something I’m not even entirely sure about.
May God show us His mercy.
Herr Jesu Christe, Du Sohn Gottes, erbarme Dich meiner, des Sünders.
Gott befohlen, Bruder.
@@SimonPertusGermanic Brother, attend both services, back and forth, until God grants you discernment. If you spend/devote your time and energy to Christ earnestly, He will not leave you in confusion. God bless you!
Glory to God ☦️
I'm glad I listened to the end. I was received almost two years ago, but lately I feel like I'm in a kind of 'no man's land'. It's easy to forget that difficulty is Providential. These reminders are helpful. Thank you, Father.
Good morning Fr.
It’s 1:28am in England at the moment.
Tonight I accidentally missed the weekly session for my conversion course. I feel awful, I never want this to happen again.
I do love God, I really do, sometimes it’s hard to feel, but I do.
Thank you for your words always, my future brother.
Forgive me brother for asking, are you doing Father Nephon Tsimalis’ catechism course?
@ yeah👍🏻
This video was in perfect God timing. I’ve been learning and studying Orthodox for about a year now. As a Protestant there are things I’m struggling with and just can’t turn lose. 1)Icons and 2)praying to the Saints and 3)are these biblical. I’ve watched many, many videos on these things and have learned a great deal but can’t get past the Protestant drilling of “It’s wrong!!” I’m about 95% on board but those things and also the closest church is an hour from me (silly reason, I know) are giving me pause. Prayers for guidance, understanding, and peace are greatly appreciated.
As a Protestant in conversion, I can say this about the problems you are having. They’re a real struggle. I will say this, Protestants venerate nothing but their own version of doctrine-the veneration of saints and the images is much more respectful of the person of God and His work of holiness in us. Take the time to let the Holy Spirit guide you during prayer. When I was released of this complaint, the holy solemnity of the time in prayer made me so wonderfully submissive to my Savior.
The same Protestants who would complain of it have no problem with pictures or movies depicting Christ and the saints in a less respectful way.
I am converting to Catholic and I am struggling with Purgatory and the subsequent focus on just one’s own holiness instead of a trust in the Blood of Jesus for the power over sin while focusing on obedience and the work for His Glory.
No one knows what happens after death except the promise that we’ll be with Him in His joy.
I have a lot of Orthodox influences in my life and they can be very convincing at times, but Iconography is also something that has held me back. Icon veneration is completely absent for the first 500 years of Christian tradition and all commentaries on Icons from Christians during that time period regard them negatively. The Orthodox church has a lot of appeals, but much of my research makes me question if it is actually the unchanging faith of the Apostles. Especially due to a lot of the weird political influences in doctrine, like in the Synodikon where Emperor Constantine is referred to as "Equal with the Apostles"
@@loveyourenemy7796 Cannot wrap my head around purgatory but I saw a video the other day about toll houses. First time I had heard them mentioned. I just don't know about that. It goes against everything I've ever been taught about sin and repentance and being forgiven. I'm going to have to read a lot more about it.
Saint John the Evangelist has many resources to provide clarity
@GiWolf6060
In fairness to Emperor Constantine, his edict of tolerance for Christians probably caused the biggest wave of conversions the Church had ever before seen, and in that he was certainly equal to the apostles, as he became a fisher of men by his decree. In character, perhaps not so much.
Thank you, Holy Father. Jesus is faithful to lead me well in all realms. I look forward to partaking of the Eucharist in the coming year.
Slava Domnului pentru toate ! ❤ Dear Father, Happy St Andrew Day to everyone celebrating and also Happy and blessed Name day ❤ La Multi Ani !
God bless you, I am in this no mans land.
Fr Josiah I am an Orthodox inquirer from Syd Aus under the Antiochian archdiocese. Thank you for sharing your videos and I just finished Rock and Sand, currently reading Becoming Orthodox. Please keep me in my prayers along with my family I am working on bringing them all to the church. Thank you for this content it helps more of us than you realize. God bless you and your efforts. God bless your family as well.
Sydney Aus here too, which parish do you attend? What’s ur former religious background ? Will keep you in my prayers.
@ORTHODOXWOMENMINISTRY protestant background. Thanks for your prayers.
I’m in this stage right now just beginning my journey to Orthodoxy. I’ve struggled in my mind thinking it’d be easier to just go back to my Protestant denomination but I know that’s not what I need to do. This cognitive dissonance is challenging. I haven’t told any of my extended family about joining the Orthodox Church. And I’m not sure when it’ll feel right to tell them. Thank you for making this video, I think so many people need to hear that they aren’t alone in feeling somewhat lost and uncomfortable.
You don't have to tell anything to any worldly person. The path of a true Christian is a very lonely one. As Christ have said, being his follower - if discovered - opens you to abuse and ridicule and even danger. So better just keep it to yourself. Unless you are ok with being attacked.
being from the west we want to bring everything to a close as fast as possible. Nice 'n tidy. Just keep going Christ will get you where you need to go. Just obediently follow no need to hurry to tell anyone or to do anything rash. He will get you there in good time. And the perfect time to talk to them will come. May it be blessed.
@ thank you for this comment. God bless you 🙏
Active duty Army, converted and chrismated to Orthodoxy along with my wife and kids from Lutheranism. (Raised Pentecostal).
I have since moved states 2 times and am moving again soon, glad to have found a beautiful church home each location. God bless you Fr. And may God continue using you for many more years.
Rural Minnesotan I needed this thanks
As a very disillusioned Protestant Christian I would love to join the Orthodox Church but where I live in rural New Zealand there is nowhere to go. 😢
Wow that sucks, I’m in New Zealand too but in my area there is a teeny tiny Romanian Orthodox Church with a lovely priest. Move! Go and find a church it’s worth it x
you might want to make a long drive but less often than every week if its quite far to the nearest one
Can you move?
I would look up the Orthodox Christian priest nearest you and contact him by any means you can about your desire to convert. If he's doing his job right, he'll find a way to get you catechized and baptized.
Of course, you have to be willing to follow along with his plan of action and commit to it sincerely. Plenty of people call showing interest, but never show up to liturgy, or even an online digital catechism. Beating the demon of slothfulness by God's help is one of the first obstacles in situations like yours. God bless you, and Happy Thanksgiving from America (I know you don't celebrate it in New Zealand, but still)
Email some dioceses (Greek, Russian, Antiochian, etc) and ask if they have the ability to send a priest out near you on occasion.
I can relate to this pretty much, for half a year I was in that no mans land, where I didn't know what I was, I wasn't reformed anymore, but wasn't Orthodox either. Yesterday tho, I was finally baptized into the True Church, Glory to God, and I pray for every struggling catechuman🙏
Your mentor's reaction is so similar to what my pastor said when I told him. He said "Ah, the True Church. If I didn't have my flock and my family, I would consider it too."
I was raised Catholic, fell away in college and was an outspoken opinionated atheist for many years before converting. It has been my observation that people converting from another type of Christianity really suffer particularly if their families are committed to a particular denomination. Much more than I did.
That's the best quote, "don't give up the ground you've already obtained". I have been a catechumen for a few years. One of the reasons it's taking so long is that I keep going back to the Roman Catholic church, the church I grew up in.
Thank you.
Thank you Father Josiah. I have been in no man’s land for the past 4 years, and am doing my best to lead my family to Orthodoxy. Difficult when you attend an Independent Baptist Church haha, please pray for us!
I’m right there. Evangelical Protestant in no man’s land. Please pray for me and my family. We are inquirers into Orthodoxy
Great message. It applies to many, many folks.
I was received into the Church in 2010; I still very much feel I am in “no man’s land.” It is no joke being Orthodox, after all.
Thank you, thank you, Father Trenham.
Father, as someone who came from Presbyterianism. I found pieces of your discussion mirroring my journey. The disassociation from my Presbyterian past wasn’t easy due to the friendships I had established. Many called me an apostate and ceased contact with me upon my departure to the EOC. The truth I’ve found and new relationships I’ve made in the church have made it worth anguish. After 3 years of inquiry and a catechumenate period I’m thankful to say I’ll be baptized into Holy Orthodoxy in the next week and a half (Dec 8). It’s encouraging to know great men of our church today such as yourself have been in my shoes before, God bless.
God is so good I need to see this. Currently, this has been me it's been rough please pray for me.
Father, that imagery you used at the end was excellent. It helps us develop patience, too, and trust in God.
I heard someone speaking with an ex-Catholic catechumen last night after seekers class, and this guy is really intensely fired up and buying all the Orthodox books he takes an interest in. It's good, but the person advised him to be cautious about his zeal because it could be a trap of the evil one and told him always to seek guidance from the priest. Then he was told, where else is there for you to go? This is heaven, and you've made it here. The Lord will answer all of your questions in His good time, when He feels you're ready to accept the answer. Just relax and thank God. He will show you what to do and where to go.
God bless our catechumens, and us beginners in the faith who have been baptized, and not least our ministers and shepherds. By your prayers, Father.
Thank you and everyone here on TH-cam who are are strong in the faith and called to disperse wisdom and compassion through it. I’m a recovering New Age egotist essentially and the last couple of years in my life have been instrumental in bringing me to what I perceive to be a precipice. I don’t know what to do and I fully admit my own recognition of my sin and failures keeps me from making any leaps currently. I do not know what to do but I give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, our triune God that has kept me in spite of my undeserving nature. A small confession and a large gratitude. Best to all.
Thank you Father for your honest and wise words. I am indeed in the desert and I know that Jesus is present with me.
Fr. Josiah thanks for sharing this teachings with us, may the Lord bless you
40 years ago I was in this no-man’s-land! By Gods grace I was brought thru it and was received into the Holy Orthodox Church. Glory to God for all things!
I am in no man's land now.. I have grown up Lutheran but always kinda knew that it wasn't complete. I have often told my wife that there is no way this Christianity would covert anyone. I had no idea Orthodox church existed and I am excited to have recently found it.
I really needed this, thank you Father
Thank you, Father, for this encouragement!
Thanks for this video, PN team.
I know Father Josiah doesn't read comments, but I appreciate that he addresses these common issues.
I've spent 14 at my evangelical denomination and am an elder at my church, but have come through prayer and study to the reality that the truth lies in Holy Orthodoxy.
He mentions sacred oaths in this video, and this is my problem. I took such a statement of allegiance in joining my church as a member and it vexes my soul to think about casting it aside to join the Orthodox Church.
I feel like if I leave my denomination and local church that I am a traitor and a liar.
And yet, if I stay with it given my acknowledgement of the truth of Orthodoxy, I am also a liar and a traitor.
Christ have mercy on me.
If you truly believe Orthodoxy to be the True Faith then your "oath of allegiance" to your local sect is already broken, at least in your heart.
I mean, if you think about it also...there are people who have taken oaths to the devil, but have converted and renounced those oaths. Those are good oaths to break in order to form oaths that are rightful and good.
Taking oaths to join your church as a member may not be as bad as taking oaths to the devil, but I guess it shows that some oaths (when we now know are not good) can be broken in good faith, once you are willing to make allegiance to what you believe is the right one.
Similarly, obtaining consent from someone requires that one would know all things well, but given that you didn't know about Orthodoxy at the time of your swearing an oath to your church, it could also be said that you did not have full knowledge at the time. In other words, if you knew what Orthodoxy taught before you swore an oath to your church, would you have done so?
Idk...just some thoughts. Hope that somehow helps.
Remember that we cannot serve two masters. Think of it this way: which is more important, devoting yourself to what you know is true Christianity, or serving under an oath to what you know is not true Christianity? Breaking oaths is not something I would ever tell someone to do, but it's an oath to a protestant church, not to the people in it, not to God.
The only problem now, in my own No Man's Land, is discerning which church is the Church: Rome or the East. And I fear for the consequences of such a discernment: will I embrace the Truth or heresy, and how will I know?
Down the Rabbit Hole has a video on that exact topic. Then there’s prayer and fasting
Greek orthodox
One thing that helps me, as I discern between staying in an excellent, nourishing community as a roman Catholic, which I have never desired to leave, and becoming Orthodox, having a marriage united in faith, and going where there is peace is this thought: God is not looking for reasons to damn me! He is doing everything possible for my salvation, up to and including His crucifixion. There are good, holy, God loving people on both sides of the Catholic Orthodox broken brotherhood! We do the best we can, and we trust God to draw us to Himself. God never wants us in a place of constant anxiety about our salvation. That is what the devil wants - to keep us prisoner to fear. It also helps me to attend actual services and liturgies (of both for a while, now just Orthodox) and see it lived vs on paper
You should read Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr. Damick. It might help you decide. He also has a podcast series on the book.
@@annalynn9325
Seek guidance from an Orthodox Church priest.
This is how I've been the passed few months. I just started my conversion journey and being an "denominational orphan" has been rough. Luckily, my new congregation has been extremely supportive, and to my surprise, my family for the most part has been supportive even though they are staunch Bible-belt Protestants. Thank you so much for this video.
This has been wonderfully encouraging and spoke deeply into my heart. It's something God has providentially provided through you. Thank you for your timely words of encouragement and truth.
Thank you father! I really needed this today.
God bless you, and thank you, Holy Father of God Most High 😇🙏🏽
💙🩸☦️🩸💙
Thanks you father
As someone in that position right now, this was incredibly helpful. Thank, Fr. Josiah ❤
Thank you so much Father for this timely wisdom. I am very much in this position but will keep faith and trust that the Lord is guiding me and with me.
I was cradle Catholic turned Evangelical turned revert to Catholicism.
I would go Orthodox if it was morally permissible. The leadership in the Church especially in America sickens me to the point of sinfulness. However as I was going up to Communion I received a word. “This is where the battle is.” I had been contemplating the role of soldiers of Christ recently and the need to be more bold in proclaiming my faith. Then I got the word and realized soldiers don’t flee they stand and fight.
Come to Lutheranism.
what a beautiful word!! ❤ 🙏🏻
Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you
Thank you so much for this video
I converted in my 40s after being a faithful engaged Evangelical Protestant for over 2 decades. I alone in my family (husband, kids) converted. My first Orthodox parish was a nightmare due to poor leadership decisions. Nevertheless, nearly 18 years later, it is completely worth it! It was the hardest transition of my Christian life, but I have NO regrets. Come and see….
I really needed this. Thank you.
So very beautiful and perfect medicine for me personally....a fairly newly baptized one
💕GOD hear my prayers. At times I feel alone as a single mother yet I’m not because I have you. Give me strength I’ve been struggling to support my children for the last four years. My sons have special needs. Jesus help me as I struggle to support my children’s basic necessities like groceries and clothing. Give me strength.Amen
Who's your saint? Your birthday. Pray to them and to the blessed virgin. I swear to God when I don't feel like cleaning the house I say two Our Fathers and three Hail Mary's and my mood just changes.
Thank you Father
I'm in this stage. I've been inquiring into Orthodoxy for nearly two years, though I've been to only a handful of services.
My biggest hurdle is that my wife is quite set against it. She grew up Church of Christ and is now very resistant to any "one true Church" talk. She has had some issues with our non-denominational church lole I have, so she is willing to consider other Protestant denominations, but... we'll see.
As a family, we have been to a Lutheran church a couple of times and once to Vespers at the Orthodox church nearby. I think we will go to the Sunday Divine Liturgy soon, though.
I have my own hurdles left with Orthodoxy, but it is sometimes difficult to talk to my wife about things, because she has an idea of what Orthodoxy is and believes, but she doesn't have the time or energy to listen to and read all the things I have.
A further complication is that we have been training to work with a Protestant Bible translation organization. A conversion to Orthodoxy would mean dropping what we had been planning to do with the rest of our lives (and that many of our friends and family are expecting us to do).
I went from atheistic Jewish background to Evangelical Protestantism to Roman Catholicism. Now considering Eastern Orthodoxy
Thank you, Father
Thank you, Father, this is exactly where I find myself and this video was very encouraging
Awesome word God bless !
I'm in the same situation, I've been inquiring for 2 years, but even though I keep bothering my pentecostal family with orthodoxy nobody thinks this is a good idea. It's hard for those of us having to go against our families. They think that I'm going on a wrong path. I'm breaking my parents heart.
I’m not the person who submitted that request, but this video was made for me. I know that. ☦️
Thank you for this. I've come to see the Orthodox Church as the true Apostolic Faith. I have been to Liturgies. I'm ready to catechize. My spouse shares a very opposite conviction about Orthodoxy. It's a strange place to be. One step at a time.
The majority of people in my church are converts like myself. Moving from Atheism to 'I'm not an atheist' is the easier part, which I did in isolation. I didn't do even this until my late 30s. After that it is a process that requires patience with oneself. It was very much 'OK, I'm not an atheist anymore, but NOW what?' I was a perennialist for several years before becoming Orthodox. Many perennialist writers spoke well of Orthodoxy, and oddly, that was useful for me at that time. I think being in a community with many converts is helpful.
People who are not sure yet if the holy catholic and apostolic church is not the ONLY church need to read the church fathers and that will clear up any doubts. My priest said going to church puts you in the presence of Jesus Christ and even if you feel nothing, you feel nothing in his presence. He says routine is key, reading, praying and going to church. It's not about feeling good, it's about loving Christ, giving yourself to him, and walking the talk. Catholicism is intellectual as well as emotional. Learning about the history of the church is just as important as going to church. Catholic means universal by the way! Greetings to my Orthodox brothers and sisters from Roman Catholic Spain.
Don’t cut out the parts where you take a sip of coffee. It adds to our vicarious enjoyment.
Beautifully spoken love. God bless you Fr Josiah ☦️🙏
I’m Catholic and you referred me to the Unseen Warrior. Anyone who isn’t against you is for you. All can be our brothers in Christ.
Rest assured the Catholic faith is rich with the Lord’s truth so much authentic personal journeys to show us and help us walk the difficult road to God’s eternal heaven. Don’t let anyone question your faith in the Catholic faith. I never could have imagined I’d ever be totally transformed and closer to the triune God than I ever imagined.
We have completely different theology and understandings of the nature of God. That’s important.
@@Val.Kyrie. spend your energy trying to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This will keep you busy until you take your last breath.
@@koolertrek
I was RC for 62 years & a nun. The Catholic church has become corrupt & perverted, filthy & misled. Listen to God & seek truth. Attend catechism in the Orthodox church.
@@nuns8126 The church is the spotless bride of Christ. People are corrupt not the church.
I’ve downloaded the app!
I'd like a Patristic Nectar travel mug.
It took me 5 years to finally become Orthodox.
It is funny to me to hear wilderness described as a place of spiritual dryness, though i fully understand the concept. I was an only child and my parents were either working or asleep, so i spent alot of time with my negligent grandparents. Thank god for their neglect because i had freedom and peace in the woods around their houses. I never feel more safe or at home than when im in the forest. But wilderness here meaning a spiritual desert or between place, not my beloved forest.
Doamne ajuta amin
Also, this was a freakin’ sermon; the end felt like a battle charge. 👊🏼
A very good word. Thanks Father. Looking forward to the patronal banquet and the conference next year
Do you think that every soul can REMEMBER? Those who are born again have been to the depths and back, and it is part of the journey to the soul.
Father, great show and honest love to us wanders...
I want to bring to you a issue about this subject that is never talked about in Orthodoxy - the person whose JOB it is to wander. Many people have jobs that keep them moving all or much of the time or live no place near a Orthodox Church. The way the Church is set up is still for the year 1280 )). The Church desperately needs a standard course, that is connected to a on line course - the two are a set - so that people who are not tied to the "traditional peasant home based life" can gain a chance to enter the church. Most people that are coming to our church are Prodys and have zero idea about anything from the Orthodox tradition or world view. I have been to many different Orthodox Churches in the US - we also have a huge dis-organizational problem on how to bring new people in to the church; as I have never seen a "professional or assigned greeter" in our churches. Our Orthodox model is still based on the idea that you live in a nation that is everything Orthodox. That, as you know is not America, nor does it fit our normal social norms...
I have been to my friends old school R Catholic church and its like a 'German ministry of organization'. ))
They have a set process to bring in and support the new person through their whole process. They are never left to feel alone and or less than. At the Orthodox Church that I am at - we have many people come in and leave and never come back...
All because we don't have a process to give them this support they need to make that HUGE jump to Orthodoxy. Its no wonder we have so many "in the wilderness"... I fear that God will judge us for this.
Wow, I am just in this position
I was cradle Catholic turned Evangelical turned revert to Catholicism.
I would go Orthodox if it was morally permissible. The leadership in the Church especially in America sickens me to the point of sinfulness. However as I was going up to Communion I received a word. “This is where the battle is.”
Baptised in the Roman Catholic church but parents divorced and we left Paris with my mother for the new age hell of 1970s bourgeois London. My sister is a yoga teacher and Buddhist. I never felt at ease around New Agers and recently finally settled down in Spain and am now a Catechumen in the paroquia of Santa Ana, Ondara, so I can take first communion and the holy sacrament of the eucharist.
Sunday mass is challenging as I have none of the cultural knowledge and am partaking in Spanish. I have bought the 2025 Missal but am really struggling with the responses still. I will learn them by going twice a week or more as well as classes and homework. My advice for fellow catechumens is to realise that it's normal to feel discouraged when you see others crossing themselves and doing everything perfectly and you feel like a total fool. For example, when the reader ends with "palabra de Dios" the congregation does the sign of the cross on their mouth with the right thumb. I feel like a buffoon at that point as I don't know the drill yet... I think Father Chimo feels a bit sorry for me. He comes over before the service and tells me which page etc lol. Don't be discouraged! You'll get there! I love this priest because he runs up to the choir to give them the holy sacrament while they are singing.
God bless the holy Catholic and Apostolic church. Lots of love to our Orthodox brothers and sisters. We are the same church. Happy Jubilee year to us all!
St. Katherine is my patron saint ❤🙏🏼🥹☦️
What is difficult is not having transportation to this church...even by bus. Everywhere i move to it is out of reach for me, as i do not have a car, and i have wanted to study with you for many years.
Here is a question: if the children of Israel had a physical manifestation of the Lord's presence with them in the "no man's land," then what physical manifestation of the Lord can one look to as they journey through their own "no man's land"? Just what is it one should be following other than one's own thoughts and feelings in this journey?
Look to Jesus Himself. Read the Word and pray. Do what the Holy Spirit says. ❤️
Just as I would have guessed, I do not hear much of people who are Reformed converting to Orthodoxy. It sounds like it is all people who are not saved in the first place. People who have accepted Christ are not being drawn to the Orthodoxy. It is non-practicing, extra-biblical groups/ restorationist groups, atheists, liberal/non-denominational, etc. I do find comfort in hearing this, as it affirms that believers are not leaving the faith to join these non-scriptural practices.
I’m still on the fence. I’ve been attending an Orthodox Church on and off for a year now. I recently been meeting with a priest to have some questions answered.
I’m looking for the true faith to help me, and my marriage. The marriage is very toxic, and harmful to our 3 kids. The kids really suffer because of my spouse. It breaks my heart. I have a divorce lawyer but I haven’t filed yet.
I’m met with hostility and anger when I try to live out some form of orthodox faith in my home. Saying orthodox prayers with my kids before bed turns into a very hostile nightmare with this person.
I just don’t know what to do with this marriage, or orthodoxy.
I'm surprised you didn't mention any ppl from Jewish or eastern faith backgrounds in your catechumen class. My background is both. I came to orthodoxy with an open heart and seeking mind, but the local orthodox church alienated me. I settled on an eastern rite catholic church that took me in and it is where I baptized. the liturgy and rites are very similar to orthodox. so for now that is where I am at, but I am still in a sort of limbo. I like my church but I do not agree to some things, like I do not recognize the pope in rome unquestioningly.
What's the purpose of creation?