My suggestion to Matthew and the many matthews I see, with much joy, in the comment section considering Orthodoxy. Your good intentions and honest search for the True Church, by God's Grace has lead you to the doorstep of Orthodoxy. This is as far as your brain can bring you. To actually make the last (and hardest) step and get in you need to use your heart. Do not make the mistake of approaching Orthodoxy as a dry intellectual study of Church History and study of arguments using "intellectual theology", of which St Paisios used to call "demonology" (more on that in the end). Theology is a very deep subject, and Orthodoxy has a very clear description of what theology is (I will add some comments in the end, but this is besides the main point). To be more practical. I suggest instead you do the one tested and reliable "experiment" to convince yourself this is the true Church and join: A) Read a book from one of the modern Orthodox Saints. I have a strong preference towards St. Paisios, and I am in good company when I say that. He is an "applied mathematician" at core. If he doesn't convince your heart, no intellectual arguments will convince your brain. There are many books written about him. Use the most reliable ones, which is a series of 6 books published by the Monastery of Souroti in Greece. Series is called "Saint Paisios the Athonite - Spiritual Counsels Series", you can get just the first one for start (those books were proof read by St. Paisios while he was still alive). B) If you are in the US, if possible, visit one of Geronda Efraim's Monasteries. Call them and ask for a blessing to stay there for a few days. E.g. visit homepage of St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence Arizona, see the "Affiliated Monasteries" section in the website, that lists all 20 monasteries from Geronda Efraim. If you cannot visit, call one of the monasteries and ask the monks/nuns if they know a priest near where you live, so that you can go visit them, talk to them, and most importantly attend our Liturgy. C) Go to an Orthodox Liturgy. And don't judge, focus on praying. We Orthodox are just as bad and sinful as everyone else, if not worse. But at least we know we are ill, and we are in the right hospital with working medicine. Pro tip: We don't get well cause we don't take our medicine. But the ones that do (i.e. the Saints), are living proof that this is THE HOSPITAL. My main point is, if you are well intended, God will reveal to your heart, not your brain, all the proof you need that this is the true Church. Be open to that. Rejoice! . . . . . . . ==== SOME NOTES ON ORTHODOX THEOLOGY === True Theology is revelation from God, not a byproduct of academic, intellectual reasoning. Reasoning on the other hand is the mother of all heresies. Every single accepted Theologian in the Orthodox Church was a Saint. Every single one. We will see why this is extremely important. We do not accept anything that comes out of intellect or human theories. If something does not have approval from God, it is rejected from the Church. We actually go even further. We cross-check what saints say. Accepted Theology is "Symphony of the Saints" (symphony here in the original meaning of its Greek origin, "συμφωνία", which means agreement, alignment). In Theology, instead of reasoning about pseudo-truth, rather Truth is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. So think of it this way. A good mathematician has to have excellent intellect. Cause he uses reason, his brain, to create his theories. We already said only true Theologians are the Saints. So where does a Saint rely for Theology? Instead of using their intellect, a very poor and niggling instrument, true Theologians (i.e. Saints) use another instrument that God has equipped every soul with, called the "nous" (from the Greek word "νους"). The Holy fathers talk about this extensively. Illumination of the nous is the foundation of theology. This is not our brain, the nous is part of our soul. Here is another interesting distinction. The mathematician's brain is going to leave him as he departs this world. So will his mathematics and intellect. So what is he left with when he is going to present before God? Btw the same applies to us and our intellectual/historical theology and knowledge alltogether. In contrast the nous of any human is part of his soul, and never leaves him. What is this nous then? The Holy fathers talk about this extensively. Just to get a brief idea, sin beclouds the nous, just like alcohol beclouds our brain function. You get an idea of where that leads the discussion to. Now I am going to get to my main point about Theology (most common misconception outside Orthodoxy). As we said before, to understand God, and for God to be revealed to you through the Holy Spirit, you need to clean your God-given instruments, receptors if you may, of Grace. How do you beome a true Theologian then? Clean your receptors of Grace. Nous being one of the main receptors. But here is the trick. Orthodox theology is NOT about just cleaning the nous and becoming a Theologian. No, the goal is far bigger. The goal is to cleanse all 5 senses of the human soul (nous being just 1 of the 5) and BECOME A SAINT. While in this life. Just for reference, quoting St John of Damascus, the 5 senses of the soul are νους, διάνοια, γνώμη, φαντασία, and αίσθηση. So if you open any book from the Saints (and that is what true Theology is), you will see them focusing on attending the movements of your soul, and how to identify and cut sins at their roots, and how to guard against logismous, and tips and tricks on guarding against every specific passion of the soul, etc, etc. You will see those sparse mentions about 3 Substances (Hypostases) of God and all the deep theological matters. Yes, they are part of Orthodox Theology, but its not the focus of the Orthodox Theology. Orthodox Theology is like "Applied Mathematics". It has a goal, and the goal is bringing the human back to their original, God-created state, the state of Grace before the fall of Adam, becoming a Saint. That is the focus. So how do you clean those 5 senses of the soul? It is a 3-stage, and lifelong cycle of cleansing ourselves from sin: Repentance -> Confession to an Orthodox Priest -> Holy Communion under the Blessing of your Spiritual Father (an Orthodox Priest) Sure enough you can achieve partial repentance outside the Orthodox Church, but to finish the latter 2 stages (Confession and Holy Communion) you need to enter the Liturgical part of the Church, by becoming an Orthodox Christian. We do not recognize priesthood outside the Orthodox Church, nor are there Saints outside the Orthodox Church. And here you could argue. Doesn't every Christian Homology make the same claim? That they have the Truth, that their liturgies and mysteries are legit, etc? How do you prove Orthodoxy is the true Church? Well our living proof is that Orthodoxy, to this day, produces Saints. That is, produces people that followed the teachings of our theology, cleansed their 5 senses, reached the level of Theosis, and became Saints. And in the process, they verified our Theology and through it, our Saints. That closes the cycle. Theology produces Saints, Saints in turn verify our Theology. In contrast, the collective sum of all Saints outside the Orthodox church is 0. For any proclaimed "church" to be the One True Church of Christ, it has to have apostolic succession and uninterrupted continuation (from the days of Chirst to today, uninterupted and in union). That in and of itself, drastically limits your search for truth. A quick historical review would limit your search to the 3 candidates for the throne of the 1 and only legit Church of Christ, i.e Orthodoxy, Catholisism, and one could also make an argument for the Monophysites or Coptics. No other homology can seriously claim continuous lineage tracing back to the days of Christ. Now you want to be practical and quickly get to the bottom of it? Just take those 3 homologies, and study what "saints" they have to offer you after they departed from one another. Read their lives, and then check how consistent the lives of those "saints" are with the true Saints all 3 churches recognize (that is, the ones that were recognized as Saints while all three homologies used to be under the same church). What did those Saints talk about? What was their Theology about? How consistent is that with the teachings of the modern theology of each of those 3 homologies? So study the saints!
Ok but.. Why confession. And why go to a church. Since you like mathematics: From your arguments it doesnt follow that we should do that. Explain further.
I really appreciate you taking the time to put this together. Outside of reading the apostolic fathers, Admittedly, studying the lives of the saints is something I haven’t done too much of. I will definitely be doing more of that in the near future ❤️
@@zephyrr108 Hi there! Just to be clear, the 3 stages I mention are not my personal thoughts and opinions, it is the core teaching of Orthodox Theology. So the justification is already included in what I wrote above. That is, assuming you accept Orthodox Theology as true (axiomatic assumption), then it tells you that this is the only way to achieve cleansing of your 5 senses, and progress spiritually reaching Sainthood. It works. Since you mention I like mathematics (correction: I used to, I now only put up with it by necessity, I work as a Research Scientist for a living), we can make an other mathematical argument, given you want justification. So lets use proof by contradiction. You start by assuming the opposite of what you want to prove, and show it leads to contradiction. So lets assume Confession and participation in the Liturgical part of the Church (in particular Holy Communion), are NOT necessary to cleanse your 5 senses and reach Theosis and Sainthood. Then you would only need Repentance, and as such you don't need Orthodoxy or any other christian homology for that matter. Problem is, you would have to produce one example of a person outside the Orthodox Church that managed to cleanse their 5 senses and has reached Theosis and Sainthood. Of which, you will find none. Out of economy, although I hate doing that, I will produce some biblical references that clearly refer to the mystery of Confession, both in the New Testament, but surprisingly, also in the Old Testament. I will also add some references to 1st and 2nd century early Church Fathers (all 3 homologies that could claim to be the One True Church recognize those fathers as Saints). I will quote the original Ancient Greek text and translate verbatim (to the extend possible), as most English translations have many inaccuracies. Here it goes. Non-exhaustive, whatever I could quickly put together. ==== NEW TESTAMENT ==== (Mark 1, 4-5) GREEK TEXT «ἐγένετο ᾿Ιωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ ᾿Ιουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ ῾Ιεροσολυμῖται, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο πάντες ἐν τῷ ᾿Ιορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν.» TRANSLATION John was baptizing in the desert, preaching baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And the whole land of Judea and the people of Jerusalem went out to him, and were all getting baptized from him in the Jordan river, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. NOTE The above is a clear example of people confessing their sins to another person. And why? To get, as clearly mentioned, remission of sins. You cannot put it more clearly. And not just another person, a specially appointed person for that, in that case a Saint of the highest caliber. Note that this is exactly why many of the Gospels mention explicitly that when John the Forerunner baptized Christ, the Lord immediately rose from the water (meaning, he had NO SINS TO CONFESS). Here you have a clear coupling of repentance and subsequent remission of sins, with confession to another specially appointed person. And most importantly, you see the Lord himself giving the example, by going through this. Suggesting this way you should do it too. (John 20, 22-23) GREEK TEXT «καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· λάβετε Πνεῦμα ῞Αγιον· 23 ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.» TRANSLATION And having said that (i.e. Christ), he breathed out on them saying "Receive the Holy Spirit". For whoever you remit their sins, they are remitted. And for whoever you happen to retain, they are retained. NOTE So here we see Christ himself, in the Holy Spirit, gives the authority to Apostles to both forgive and retain sins. Also note that the Apostles in turn left Bishops in their place (documented in the New Testament), and gave them as well the authority to forgive and retain sins. Christ did not give that right to ALL AND ANY CHRISTIAN, only to the apostles, and the apostles in turn, to their successors, that is Bishops and Priests. Also note that Christ only gave that right to the apostles after first giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit (unsurprisingly, Priesthood is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and only acted through the Holy Spirit). (James 5, 16) GREEK TEXT «ἐξομολογεῖσθε ἀλλήλοις τὰ παραπτώματα, καὶ εὔχεσθε ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων, ὅπως ἰαθῆτε· πολὺ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη.» TRANSLATION Confess to one another your transgressions, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. For the enacted prayer of a righteous person is very effectual. NOTE Here we witness 2 things. Saint James (a Bishop, and more than that, an Apostle), promotes and strongly encourages the act of confession, not directly to God, but to other humans. This shows this was common practice in the Church. Not just that, but he binds the act of confession and the prayer of righteous other people after the confession, as a means to HEALING. Remember what I was talking about, cleansing of the 5 senses through Confession. And guess what an Orthodox Priest does while you confess: he prays for you. See the connections by now? (Acts 19, 18) GREEK TEXT «πολλοί τε τῶν πεπιστευκότων ἤρχοντο ἐξομολογούμενοι καὶ ἀναγγέλλοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν.» TRANSLATION And many of those who had come to believe would come confessing and openly saying their deeds. NOTE Again, a clear depiction of the practice of confessing their sins to other people in the early church. In fact, in front of the whole church. That would include the Bishops and the Priests, who would then give the remission of sins to those who confessed. As appointed by the apostles. Hope it all comes together by now. ==== EARLY CHURCH FATHERS ==== Lets also quote an early Church Father, around 107-117AD. (Saint Ignatios, Epistle to Philadelphians 8, 1) GREEK TEXT «... πᾶσιν οὖν μετανοοῦσιν ἀφίει ὁ κύριος, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν εἰς ἑνότητα θεοῦ καὶ συνέδριον τοῦ ἐπισκόπου.» TRANSLATION The Lord grants forgiveness to all those who repent, if they repent in God's unity and in the presence of the Bishop. ΝΟΤΕ Again, reiterates on the right given to the Bishop, through the Apostles, to remit sins a christian has repented for. ==== OLD TESTAMENT ==== And as a bonus, an Old Testament reference. (2 Samuel, 12, 13) GREEK TEXT «καὶ εἶπε Δαυὶδ τῷ Νάθαν· ἡμάρτηκα τῷ Κυρίῳ. καὶ εἶπε Νάθαν πρὸς Δαυίδ· καὶ Κύριος παρεβίβασε τὸ ἁμάρτημά σου, οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃς·» TRANSLATION Then David said to Nathan. "I have sinned against the Lord". And Nathan replied to David. "And the Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die". NOTE Here we see Prophet King David, known for the magnitude of his repentance, receive fogiveness for his double-sin (that of adultery and murder). Not by talking directly to God (although the entire book of Psalms is devoted to exactly that), but rather through another person, Prophet Nathan. So again we see another example of people confessing their sins to specially appointed members of the church (Saints, Prohets, Bishops, Priests), and the latter granting remission of sins.
Let the fact you were brought to Orthodoxy be a testament to your faith in God being realized and fulfilled. This is the one holy catholic and apostolic church. God bless you
Thanks for sharing your story Matt, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video on my home page. I'm also 19, a student at Liberty, have been inquiring into Orthodoxy for around 5 or 6 months, and will soon be a catechumen God willing. I've had a lot happen throughout my journey of faith, but as for what made me curious about Orthodoxy, it was a combination of a few things. Some major reasons were that I simply didn't feel like I was "worshiping" in a way that felt right no matter what Protestant service I attended, what the early Christians believed and practiced lined up closely with Orthodoxy, and my growing feeling of the necessity of the Holy Spirit acting through a real Church preserved throughout history and dynamically connected to its holy roots, not just a fractured body of those who accept Trinitarianism. My reasons for loving and growing in the Faith have multiplied since then. It's a great privilege that so many young people like us have been joining the Church. I will be praying for you, let's share the amazing gift we have received with everyone we can!
Will be praying for you as well man! Your kind words mean so very much. It’s probably not a coincidence that you came across this, and let me know if I can do anything to help you get plugged in to some churches and people around here.
As a current Roman Catholic (Have been for almost 35 years) I'm heading to Orthodoxy. To me it feels like Catholicism is almost 🤏 the true church, but it just misses the mark on a few things. Now I've been reading Orthodox books non-stop and i know now that the Orthodox Church is the true Church.
Basically where my heads at right now as well. A part of me wants to become Roman Catholic again, as that’s what I was baptized into as an infant. However, orthodoxy just seems to make more sense when compared side by side. If Rome is wrong, it seems to truly be by only a few degrees of separation.
If I may kindly ask. In addition to any orthodox books that you may be reading, please watch/read books of those who chose Catholicism over Orthodoxy. Yes their mass may look cooler with all the art, chants, and beauty, but they still reject the papacy which is Biblical. If you want the one punch proof that orthodoxy does not come from the apostles and early church, look at ecumenical councils. The Orthodox Church has no authority to call them, so how then did the church do so in the early days? Further, the Orthodox Church is split by ethnicity. You will be looked at weirdly if you don’t attend the church of your ethnicity even if you like their doctrine (yes they hold different doctrines) over your ethnicities. There are also not churches for many ethnicities.
“Why I became catholic instead of Eastern Orthodoxy” Scott Hahn and Pints with Aquinas. I considered converting to orthodoxy too, but soon realize the true church is Catholicism, even if they have more incenses…
@@jackhermes9086 Also, I do not think the church should be changing with the times. If we're basing our beliefs of apostolic succession then so should our stances be on subjects of faith unwavering. Orthodoxy hasn't changed much of anything in the last 700 years, but there's Catholic churches with pride flags and embracing a particular sin to bring in members. I know we are all sinners and no one sin is greater than another, but to cater to one particular sin seems blasphemous. If they do it for one it should be done for all with signs of welcoming murders and thief's.
I am a former Roman Catholic. My first time in a Greek Orthodox Church I was fifteen or sixteen. I was absolutely blown away by this experience. I started to take fairh seriously at thwenty two. After much studying and prayers, I converted at twenty two. Mathew, you will ABSOLUTELY be tested and attacked for your faith. Stay trong!
I appreciate your comment, unfortunately I’ve already felt a little bit of pushback from people in my life. I assume it comes from a place of love, and I’ll be keeping them all in my prayers. ☦️❤️
I go to a Orthodox Church up in Northern Virginia and it’s been great! I can’t even consider going back to Protestantism tbh. Glad to see your growth and honesty as a Christian God bless man ☦️
I’m in nova too and this is speaking to me I go to “bible” based non denomination but it just feels off. Which Orthodox Church do recommend around here?
It’s never too late to change faiths in life. Though I’d argue against it for many reasons being ex Ortho. But to each his own. Hope your journey is fulfilling
Your story touched my heart Matthew because I converted to the Orthodox church in 1995 as a 17 year old. The parish I converted in had many small children but literally no one between 11 and 30. As a new Christian it was very difficult for me to not have any Orthodox friends my age. I ended up moving across the country to a parish that had a thriving young adult ministry where I met my husband. My advice would be to find a local Orthodox Christian Fellowship at a local college to try to connect with more Orthodox young people. I would also recommend visiting Orthodox monasteries. There you can see our faith lived out in a more intense way, meet spiritual Fathers who can help you in your journey, and you may also meet other young people who have a similar interest in living a serious Christian life. Thanks for sharing your story, Panagia be with you!
I started looking for Christ since i was 18 y.o (i'm 22 y.o now), my background was protestanism and i found Orthodoxy as i go deeper and deeper to have a deeper relation with Christ. I never looking for Orthodox but Christ then Christ lead me to Orthodoxy to have a full and whole communion with Him. I recommend you to visit Orthodox Church more frequently. Trust me, He will lead you to Himself ☦️
I am convert as well, was baptized this past April on Holy Saturday. Came from Calvinism background of things. Was a street preacher and a youth leader, etc. looked for holiness and the true church and found orthodoxy. Glory be to God! He is bringing many young people into the church! My church and my close sister churches around us is growing tremendously with young new converts here in Arizona!☦️
i was born and raised as a catholic (and a bad catholic at that), so i became a born again Christian at 37 years old. fast foreword to 2023 at 51 years old I start learning about the great schism and about the orthodox church. so I started going to an orthodox church because the protestant churches all felt wrong. you have come to the same conclusion I have but at a much younger age which makes you wiser than me. keep doing what you are doing, you are on the right path. my prayers are with you.
Protestantism IS Certainly very wrong. I’m a retired ex pastor, bishop and missionary to the nations. I became orthodox too for many years. It certainly is a deep beautiful and ancient church as well, but I later discovered more and deeper truths and became Catholic and made the full complete journey into Rome. I’d advise you to look deeper beyond what the priests and certain leaders tell you. They will sell it as this beautiful original church but there is a lot of misinformation.
I will be 20 soon, and I feel similarly. I am yet to go to a Liturgy, but I will soon. I am eager to learn more about Orthodoxy and start going to services.
Dear-in-Christ Matthew, first of all, I just want to say that seeing someone your age being committed to the life in Christ and struggling to walk the talk is very encouraging and moving. May God continue to bless you on your path and bring you ever closer to Him. As someone who became Orthodox in my early 30s, a long time ago, I also want to say that you are absolutely right about the necessity of approaching things with humility--and along with humility, simplicity. Your heart knows what is right, but it's often a battle between our hearts and our heads. When in doubt, choose the heart, because that is where we encounter Christ and the place where He speaks to us. Have no doubt about it--the Orthodox Church contains the fullness of the Faith. Not to put anyone else down, because only Christ-God is the knower of hearts; but since you have heard His call and Orthodoxy resonates with you (as He says, His sheep know His voice), pursue it wholeheartedly and don't let anything stand in your way. Cherish your relationship with God above all else (as you seem to do) and ask him sincerely and prayerfully to show you the right path...and He will. God bless you and keep you and shine His countenance upon you! Peace in Christ.
I've always been Christian my mom is evangelist but i was raised to "explore" different things and find a "path" for myself which obviously led to lots of wrong decisions but now since last year I've been really focusing on God again and growing stronger in my faith and since then I've also heard about orthodoxy. My. Christian friend says it's not biblical etc but I kept researching and actually find so much peace here. I will continue to pray God will lead me 🙏 God bless you☺️
Hey Matt, I’m 18 years old, and I wanted to say that you are absolutely on the right path. You are asking the right questions. I’ve been born an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and unfortunately now I started ever so slowly understanding the depths of my faith 😭. It’s something that takes time but the Eastern Orthodox Church has remained the same since the beginning of time, and the dogma was protected and sealed by martyrdom to make sure salvation for the world was intact.
Not entirely true. While yes, it has kept many things intact and has maybe changed less than most churches, it has still many changes since then. In fact each orthodox church is even slightly different and disagree with each other. Some use different style liturgy. They use different language and different style of music and singing etc. Any orthodox priest, that is honest enough, will even tell you that there has been changes. Yes, there’s been many changes. It’s just much less than most other Churches. But most of that is Bcz the Catholic and orthodox have opposite concepts. That’s why the Catholic Church believes that the church is ALIVE organism not just a dead organization. so it must continue to grow /change certain things to stay relevant. God is living in the church and in the pope as his emissary on earth to help carry on and stay relevant/updated with modern times. The problem with orthodoxy they can be too archaic for the modern world, and they haven’t updated to take stances on certain issues which is why they have many problems in their church. They have no method or way forward because they don’t have a LEADER that will take charge and fix the issues. They don’t have a magersterium like the Catholic Church and they don’t have a Pope like the Catholic Church! Even Metropolitan Kallistos Ware said that they need to pope back! Lol. And every Orthodox person I know complains about all the issues in the church and how there’s no way to fix them! They can’t even call the council, so that should tell you something. 🤷🏽♂️ of course they can’t and is why they haven’t since the split!! Lol 😆. Meanwhile Catholics do and continue to.
@@zealousideal the Orthodox Church does not have rampant disunity. Liturgy’s of different languages and with slight stylistic differences have always been present in the church, pre schism ecspecially. The Orthodox Church experiences issues to the extent that man is sinful and acts selfishly. However, This is not unique to the Orthodox Church. You do not need a pope to maintain doctrinal unity. the 7 ecumenical councils were not called by a pope, and the pope was arguably absent from the 2nd and the 5th. The see of Rome clearly held a position of honor, but did not hold a supremacy by any stretch of the word. Papal supremacy is alien to the church of the first millennium. What stances does the Orthodox Church need to update? Why would it change with the times, isn’t Gods church supposed to be timeless as he is? Thanks for your comment, God bless
God bless you mate, im 17 from the Uk looking into Orthodoxy (unfortunately i live to far away to attend a liturgy atm), i Hope you find salvation and i will subscribe. Have mercy on us Lord Jesus. ✝☦
i grew up in an evangelical church and actually play the keys for my church. My friend showed me orthodoxy and i was heretical to me at first, but after doing my research i feel like it really is the true church. though some things like icons and praying to the saints sound apostate to my protestant way of thinking, I think with more time and answers to my questions i’ll be more accepting of it. I went to my first literally a few weeks ago and i was confused, but i truly felt peace at that church. I think i’m going to make the leap of faith into Orthodoxy very soon. it’s comforting to see so many people going through a similar situation on youtube and in the comments❤
I’ve felt that same peace your describing. at first orthodoxy was kind of a leap of faith for me as well, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I will be praying that the Lord gives you wisdom and discretion. ❤️
Stay the course my friend and brother. I was born into the Greek Orthodox Church and as a young man, I guess I took it for granted and never really knew the Lord Jesus Christ as my saviour nor did I really understand or theology. The Lord in his mercy moved my family from big city Montreal to a little town called Brantford in 1998. The life in Brantford was at a slower pace and as an 18year old at the time, I was in a rush to do things and have fun. The Lords plan for me was hard Labour within the confines of our new family restaurant. Hard work humbled me with hours ranging about 80/week for years. One day, after a long days work, my brother and I were in the habit of smoking weed and chatting it up for a couple hours before we would do it all over again the next day. One of our dishwashers explained to me about him going to seminary as a Protestant and that he would be studying the Bible. I thought that was interesting so the next day I purchased a Bible and started reading. I couldn’t put it down and studied like crazy. I was 20 at the time and full of new found passion for God and I felt His Holy Spirit coming over me. I’m now 43 years old with a lovely wife and 5 children. You will struggle in life with your faith in Orthodoxy as I did because it is foreign to the western world and the people don’t understand it and evangelicals say it borders on idol worship. But when you humble yourself, you realise that the fathers of the orthodox church all pointed to Christ and where obedient till the end like Christ. Stay humble brother and as I will pray for you, pray for me as well. My name is John. Love in Christ and May God bless you on your journey to salvation through faith, humility and obedience to Christ our Lord. Amen
Keep ready and filling yourself with scripture, be discerning and ask our Lord Jesus Christ to always help you along the way. Never stop trusting the Lord.
Fine video. 😊 Good luck on your road to the Ancient Faith. I became formally Orthodox at about the same age as you. It's an eternal story repeated so many times. May the Lord be by your side.
Watched the video and read some comments and it was a joy to listen and read how so many are coming to holy Orthodoxy. I'm a convert myself by way of Pentecostalism to Calvinism to Orthodoxy. A long windy road but boy am I glad I am home! Best decision I've ever made. God be with you on your journey ☦️
Glory to God! I've been an inquirer into the Orthodox faith for about 8 months now. Hoping to attend my first Divine Liturgy soon. God bless you and yours.
recently turned 22, raised up as a seventh day adventist. trying to stay christian in today's world has brought me nothing but humiliation. never had a gf, don't have friends, etc, still live with my parents. the one thing that is giving me peace of mind are the gospels and learning more and more about the orthodox church. I've let my parents know I am interested in orthodoxy but they told me the usual, misguided polemics against it. bless their hearts. I pray that one day I will be able to become a catechumen and eventually join a ROCOR church that's pretty far but in my area.
I don't want to come off as a Russian shill but ROCOR in particular because they just seem more conservative and I like their form of Orthodoxy. I recently found that there is an Antiochian church closer to me, and I have no problem of joining them instead (Antioch and ROCOR are both in communion)@@zealousideal
As someone who has been a Christian for a year and officially started my journey with orthodoxy 3-4 months ago I am glad you had made this video to know what might happen when I eventually am able to attend Divine Liturgy, God Bless❤️☦️
Just been scrolling through podcasts and came across yours and I was very interested in what you have to say I was raised a Lutheran and had family members who are Catholic but I have been on a journey for a long time and my journey led me to the Orthodox Church. I was Chrismated in 2016 and even though I loved my Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church it actually feels like I have come home and I found answers to questions that I never found anywhere else. A wonderful thing that's happening in our small church is that we're growing ..we had 20 new members this year ..one of them my husband...We have many young men who are coming to orthodoxy also and many young families. So I will pray for you and your journey and celebrate you're becoming orthodox. You will be a bright light shining to others of your generation.
Great video man. I’m in a similar situation but I havent been to an orthodox church and I cant due to traveling reasons. I’ve found myself agreeing with Orthodox view on all doctrine and I follow them but I cant go to an Orthodox church right now sadly
This is so beautiful and awesome my friend and brother Christ’s abundant blessings upon you to hear this from a young man response joy, all of heaven is rejoicing with you, my friend and brother in our precious Lord ✝️🌷
There is one church under Christ. I'm glad your faith and understanding is strengthened through training! Remember to hold fast to the word of God. While the traditions of men can be at times helpful (or harmless), make sure they are in submission to the Lord's word. The western church could do well to study up on the history of our faith. May we hold fast to the confession of our faith and bear with one another in love over smaller differences. Don't forget to be patient with your evangelical brothers and sisters and do not scorn the work of the Spirit, despite humanity's weakness. The Lord bless you in your studies and may you grow ever deeper in love of him, living in the forgiveness and grace of Christ and walking in the path of righteousness and life.
God bless you! Keep going. Prepare your heart to struggle in your love for God. It's the most important struggle. Life will present you with problems. Just keep going. He is worthy!
God Bless you. Fantastic that you are starting this walk at such a young age. My advice to you would be to watch out for the influence of the world. 1 John 2:15 'Do not love the World or anything in the world'. James 4:4 'whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God'. As you are at college (university), watch out for ungodly lifestyles and stay pure. University with it's drinking, drugs and promiscuity can have deleterious effects on a person's spiritual life. Know that you have found something of much greater value in your faith. May you keep strong in this faith. May the Holy Spirit guide and protect you. God Bless from the U.K. Good lad.
Glory to God my young brother, I'm glad you found the Way! As far as advice goes, I have little, for you've already recognized that humility is the currency you will need to amass spiritual wealth. I would only warn you to be on your guard--whenever we find the path towards the One, True Church, certain obstacles tend to manifest in various forms (both physical and spiritual) to prevent us from making progress and discourage/dissuade us from pursuing Orthodoxy any further. Persistence is essential, which may require some measure of patience, by extension. And along with a good spiritual father, it'd help to have a small circle of dependable Orthodox friends who you can fellowship with and lean on for support. Keep praying for discernment and definitely keep reading the saints. You're in my prayers. -Macarius
Well, my story is similar, I was born into a Catholic family in the south of Brazil. I was introduced from an early age, becoming an altar boy and then an acolyte in the parish I attended. In my adolescence I abandoned the faith, becoming an atheist (I think between the ages of 13 and 17), converting back to Catholicism after having demonic experiences involving depression and Satanism. I entered into a relationship based on the Catholic faith, but it was terrible, I left worse than when I entered. At that time, I attended a Byzantine rite church (Ukrainian Catholic), and I began to study things, theology and history, and I was entering the seminary. After 1 year of going to the Uniate parish, I realized that I no longer had the same beliefs as Rome, it was not merely a theological aspect, a disappointment with the Second Vatican Council or an attachment to the Byzantine liturgy, but my experience and personal experience were different from what Rome preaches. So I decided to convert, I was received at Easter that year with the Onomastic Nicodemus (The Pharisee/Apostle of the Night)
I can relate to being satanic and going to the Byzantine Catholic Church and realizing the Church Fathers do not agree with the Catholic Church. You and I are very blessed ☦️
I like the simplicity of your testimony, it's genuine. I wasn't raised in any church tradition, and alot of the denominational affiliation never made and still doesn't make much sense to me. Had an experience when I was in HS, gave my life to Jesus and started going to an Evangelical church myself after graduating. As a young adult myself, for years I can tell you, I've tried finding the 'ideal' church or expression of Christianity - the one that closely meets what we see in Scripture in teaching, model, and practice. I've been in Charismatic circles, Baptist,, Lutheran,, Methodist, and have benefited greatly from all of them. Even Orthodoxy I've explored a bit. I've kinda come to this place you could say in my 'ecclesiology', still as an Evangelical (or just Christian), that there cant be one. If we say there is an 'ideal' form (not saying there isn't fuller, broader or balanced), then we are looking for something in our faith that will be pitted against others, and could even be cultic or give us a prideful sense of group mentality. If we say there is a 'one true organizational church'. I think the broader ecclesiological view of the visible church is that Jesus is working and has his blessing on all those who profess him as Lord & Savior and who hold to at the minimum the essentials of The Historic Christian Faith summarized in The Apostles and Nicene Creeds. Look at the missionaries and movements from them all, including the oldest and ancient churches, down to Wesley, The American Awakenings, The Methodist Movement, The Pentecostal Movement, and so on. Ppl have been used by God and The Gospel has gone from these places globally. I think from God's larger perspective, he's more interested in treating the visible church the same way as the spiritual 'invisible church' (the Saved), that it too is a Body or parts/members of a greater whole. He's not limited. I love history and church history too. For whatever reason, Christianity was Western Catholic & Eastern Orthodox in expression for 1500 years, rising from persecution to triumph to imperialism. And for the last 500 years it has declined culturally, but has advanced the most influentially globally, greater than at any time in church history. Yes, we have had the most schism too in those 500 PostReformatiom. But, I think God as the author of history is up to something much more 'broader' and less limited to one expression. I'm not saying there isn't truth, but within the 'core essentials' there is enough flexibility to allow for theological persuasion on secondary issues like style of worship. Could we as Christians do more to stop dividing over petty issues and thus creating whole new institutions and organizations from a few distinctive points?? Absolutely! And so I think that is the next big test in the next phase of church history if I had to give it a guess, PostReformation. Instead of just coexisting abs dividing, I think we need to do more listening, find ways to unite on those essentials and work with each other in the cause of Jesus. If you look at the bigger picture there are contributions from all major traditions that the rest can benefit from. Orthodoxy has some ancient pieces of wisdom not touched on in alot of Protestant camps. It's reverence and sense of 'sacred' can teach us much about worship that you don't get in a loud boisterous setting. Evangelicals are good at spreading The Gospel, Orthodox have a hard time with that because ppl don't right off the bat understand it's ancientness and mysticalness. Can I be Orthodox theologically though? If I'm going by Scripture, there are things we can agree on in our common faith in the fact we worship Jesus as Lord & Savior, but on lack of assurance of salvation and trying so much to attain theosis, takes away the simple message of God's grace that we can only be justified by faith alone. Sanctification is indeed a 'process' but I'm not trying to attain salvation when the promise is still there. Eastern Orthodoxy in its richnessof wisdom, forgot this as the centuries passed. I know I'm sounding preachy here, but what I am saying is there are things all Historically affirming Christians can agree on and benefit from each other on, like a collective Body. And I think that is the dynamical view of the visible Historical Church.
@@TEWMUCH amongst the 'unchurched' or those like me who have been 'inter-denominational' questioning the way of things, there does seem to be a category of people. Some do go the 'other branch and ancient' route via Catholicism or Orthodoxy thinking the 3rd branch of Protestantism is useless. Then you get folks that swing between Charismatic (which is heavily influential and growing in South America and Africa) and Baptist or w/e denomination. Like I said, I used to think Nondenominational was the way to go, but am seeing that only adds to the issue . No, we need to work with what we have and improve upon it that benefits all. So I'm not just an Evangelical, but I too do believe in the power, the gifts and the presence of The Holy Spirit. I can be both contemporary and borrow elements of liturgical. I can still appreciate and admire the contributions of Christian discipline from the monastic to Wesley to John Piper and Francis Chan (to name a few).
Make sure you study well and learn everything correctly before converting. Don’t make the mistakes many make. Don’t rush it anyway. Because they will tell you you need to get the Economia or the mind of the church ..which is true! It’s certainly beautiful and alluring, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most correct. In fact, they can’t even get basics and major points solidified! As some parishes, and some priests will tell you you have to get rebaptized and chrismated sone will tell you that you don’t have to get rebaptized you just have to be re-chrismated. There’s a big division in the church right now with that, so if that’s not a major red flag 🚩 to you, I don’t know what is.
@@zealousideal it's not a "major" division. And what our priest/ bishops say we do. If they say re-baptize or just Chrismated we obey. Everyone is different as well as the background. Not sure what you mean by "can't even get the basics/major points solidified"....
The book "Becoming Orthodox" by Fr. Peter Gillquist is a good book from Ancient Faith Publishing. He was one of 5 leaders of the Evangelical Protestant faith who studied church history and found the early church without any break to be the Orthodox Christian faith in the East. That is what they were looking for. Along with Gordon Walker, etc. 2,000 Protestants became Orthodox Christian under the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese in 1987 which is a good jurisdiction to be in right now, too. Different from Armenian or Coptic Orthodox who have a different dogma about God's incarnation and are not in Communion with the other Orthodox. What gives me continued faith is that in Jerusalem out of the 4 faiths (Catholics, Armenians, Orthodox and Lutheran (I think that's it)) that are allowed there, the miracle of the Holy Fire comes only to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem during the Orthodox Easter for over 1,000 years. Research that. Also, having taken Confession to a very holy elder who just died in 2019 and was the abbot of St. Anthony's monastery is undescribable and cannot be understood by some, but thinking of him and my small interactions with him and from other people, thinking of him gives me continued faith in the church and of how I should be seeing new things pop up because as St. Paul said wolves will come one day, not only from outside the church, but also within. God give you discernment to find a good Orthodox Christian guide which as you said humility helps to follow God.
I read it about 6 months ago, absolutely loved it and was rly my first theological intro to orthodoxy. Thank you for the comment, advice, and kind words! God bless
Good for you Matthew. Happy to see so many people waking up and realizing that this church has never changed. If the great schism never happened every Christian would essentially be orthodox right now.
Very interesting video. Thanks for being open about your beliefs and what you have experienced recently in your faith. I'll definitely be praying for you as you continue your relationship with the Lord and continue digging deeper into the Word.
I think that you are off to a great start. Our Orthodox Church has become one of converts and there are more coming in each week just starting off and asking questions like you. What I love about Orthodoxy is that it teaches to be humble and having a repentant heart. You are on the right path and I convert this year after two years of exploring it. Your life will be enriched and also there is a book called The Path to salvation by St Theocluse the Recluse. It talks about the path we should all partake in our walk with God.
I'm so glad to hear that you're joining the Orthodox Church! God bless you. I hope to hear more about your journey. Since you asked for advice, the only advice I can give is, stay faithful, stay humble, attend all the services you can, especially the liturgy. And find as many Orthodox books, podcasts, etc as you can, and absorb as much Orthodox theology as you can. Especially through the formation of the liturgy
Hey Matthew.. don’t freak out but I was an Evangelical 46 years which led me to become Orthodox 29 years ago. I’m old! My Parish is full of younger converts and lots of young men. I advise them to relax and take their time. Orthodoxy isn’t like a book you read and understand everything intellectually. The liturgy and living the liturgical year (calendar) are primary teachers. Humans are not just big brains. I say sincerely, avoid anyone pushing conspiracy theories, talking politics (clergy isn’t supposed to do that), or talking negatively about persons. Christ is our model of behaviour. Look at everything through the lens of Christ. The early Christians were martyrs who died for Christ without fighting back. Our type of Christianity is foolishness in this World… AMEN! I have so much joy, and I’m still learning as I race towards the end of this life towards real life with Christ. ☦️ All my fellow Orthodox, don’t be so insulting to Catholics!
When I told my Catholic friends about my decision to turn Orthodox, after years of being evangelical, they actually blessed me. I don't exactly agree with Catholicism as an institution, but I have immense respect for Catholics.
As an ex orthodox who went back to Catholicism and have absolutely LOVED it even more , you make some good points! I personally think Catholicism to me is far more beautiful and relevant and makes sense. But Ortho also definitely has lots of beauty and benefits and lots more mysticism. I agree with most of your statements here especially the last sentence! Lol. Catholics love and respect 🫡 and support orthodox. We even call them our brothers and sisters of the other lung 🫁. But orthodox don’t see it that way and they constantly badmouth and call us heretics and or demonic etc. I get so sick of it. My wife stayed catholic during my many years as orthodox. When she would come to visit they would attack her and her faith and even the priest would give sermons condemning them as demonic etc. And it got so old and toxic! This was another key issue for me in leaving as well as the racism, bigotry, ethnocentrism, and treatment of fellow Orthodox! There were countless countless examples and issues and toxicity that led to me leaving and why I could never go back. But all that u said is true! And there is some neat things to experience and learn there too for sure. Blessings.
@@kevinjanghj exactly!! it’s too bad you don’t see that on the other side. In EO it’s the total opposite! If you tell them, you’re going to go to Catholic they will condemn you and call you a heretic and say they are demonic going to hell and all types of bad things… which to me I don’t see how that is indicative of the church. but orthodox has its own beauty and benefits and interesting experiences. To each his own.. but many come right back home to Catholicism though.
Your story is encouraging. My only advice would be to stay faithful, stay humble, and keep striving to learn more. Watch good Orthodox content on youtube, listen to Orthodox podcasts, read Orthodox books, and most of all, attend the liturgy as often as you can!
Orthodox here (former RC, recently chrismated). I just stumbled upon your video. I hope that you have persevered in your path towards Christ. That being said, I congratulate you for your humility in this whole process, it's never easy to be like that especially if you are dealing with acquaintances that are not Orthodox. Whatever the outcome, keep them in your prayers always. God bless! ☦️
God bless you my brother in Christ. Its beautiful so see many young people turning to Christ! I really wish the best on your journey. Were all gonna make it❤❤
Im 32, an ex drunk. Accepted Christ as my Lord. Im in an evangelical church and as I study Ive realized catholic doctrine is far closer to the truth and my church is very bland, surface level, and in many ways heretical. In comparing catholicism to orthodoxy I too feel that the orthodox are closer to the truth. God bless you.
I hope and pray that you have remained steadfast on your journey. I would wholeheartedly recommend watching anything by patristic nectar or Orthodox Ethos, both are truly wonderful channels. If you have theological questions, feel free to reach out. I've been Orthodox for quite a few years, and most recently have been attending an Orthodox seminary. Having converted to Orthodoxy at the age 14 I may be able to help if anything isn't making sense. I pray that God will continue to guide you towards His Holy Church! +
Hey, I live in Brazil and I’m a Pentecostal from a Assembly of God church. I studied in a catholic school, so although my church always said that Catholicism is wrong, I’ve always had a soft spot for it. Last year I started listening to a lot of Calvinist preachers and really liked those ideas. This year I made my peace with Catholicism and was considering it very seriously. But then I met the orthodox teachings and I’m in love with it. I don’t I’ll ever leave my pentecostal church, but now my faith is much more mature and I now accept that God’s church is much more complex than what gave it credit for and I’m unable to say “this is right and this is wrong”. I’ll keep studying, trying to be holy and see what other change the Holy Spirit will bring to my mind. God bless you and I’ll be praying for you. I ask you to pray for me too!
Hey Matthew, I am an Orthodox Christian who goes to the same Parish as you! I would love to hear you discuss what you found in Orthodoxy that was different and appealing. God bless you!
Even the great Fathers of the Church didn't know everything, and life in the faith is a constant learning curve. True humility is found in the wisest elderly monks, who say they know nothing. Many think they know, but few do - as St Paul said when he was talking of the difference between this life and the next life... "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." So, just stay focused on Christ and attend the Liturgy as much as possible. That is where you will learn most.
First of all you are super young still. I wish that I had found Orthodoxy when I was 19. My experiance with proestantism was like spiritual torture. I spent 8 years as a protestant attending Catholic Mass because eventhough I was rabidly anti-catholic I knew that what they had was a lot closer to the gospels than anything I had done as a protestant. I finally found the church when I was 28. It still took me a lot of time to understand orthodoxy but somehow even after only a handful of liturgies I knew that that was the way. The way that Christians were meant to worship and behave and the way to salvation. Not that God doesn't save people outside of the church that is his will, but that the church is the path that has been laid out for us. To stray from that path is a risk My advice is to continue with your studies and always follow the advice of your spiritual father. If you don't have one yet you will before you are baptised. It doesn't matter how long you have to inquire or be a catechumen. Take your time and learn. May God Bless you and enlighten your journey!
You were"tortured" by protestantism for 8 years but you attended a Catholic church the whole time because you felt like Catholicism was true even though you are "Anti-Catholic"???? So now you are Orthodox ??? Everything you said is twisted and confusing... Have you been BORN AGAIN ?
been wanting to start going to church with my mom since we were both in agreement about Jesus and the importance of church. I would like to go to an orthodox church at least once to see what its like I dont know if my mom would be into that though lol. she was raised methodist and we've only ever really gone to those modern concert churches on easter. I feel somewhat attracted to orthodoxy though so hopefully i could start going.
Very impressed by your maturity. I won't tell you what I was doing at 13, 21, or even 30 for that matter. You give me hope for society. I'm currently on a similar path after being raised in devout catholic household. I disavowed the autonomous state of the Vatican about 7 years ago and have been wandering in evangelicalism since.
Meet with the Orthodox priest. Let him guide your inquiry. Read a few catechism books that are foundation. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for prayers, morning & evening. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for Bible reading, get a Bible guide. Then set aside time for reading Orthodox books under the direction of the Orthodox priest. Take notes about questions you have. Make an effort to attend Divine liturgy every Sunday & more often if you can, include Vespers.
I'm glad to see that you've found Orthodoxy, Matthew. Read the Lives of the Saints, they will be your guide as you enter Orthodoxy. God bless you and may he keep you always, my brother.
Cool video and good food for thought. Your current emphasis on humility is absolutely key. It took many years for me to go Orthodox, but I’m thankful to have found it!
I was born in a Mormon/atheist family, and I want to join the Orthodox Church. My father is very hostile towards Christianity so I have to wait till I’m 18 to join the church.
I will be praying for you and your family. I too have a father who is pretty hostile towards the faith, and at times it can be really hard. Don’t ever stop praying for him and loving him. God can soften anyone’s heart, and the Lord can use you as a witness to your father. I’m always available over dm if you need someone to talk too ❤️
It's all too common to be attacked by demons when you are so sincerely trying to do good. Many years ago my spiritual father, who was raised in the Orthodox Faith, decided that he wanted to become an Orthodox Priest. His parents tried their best to discourage him. He told me that the devil uses those who are closest to us and who we love the most to try to manipulate us. So, knowing that it is not them, and what is really happening, we must stay the course and keep our eyes focused on God.I was in the same situation, but later on, I forgot this and let a girl (who I later broke up with)take me down. I never went to Seminary and have regretted it ever since. SO BE CAREFUL! The devil is a real sneak.
I hope you'll travel someday to the Athos Mountain, and to Egypt, Armenia and Ethiopia (where the Ark of the Covenant is preserved) for the experience and to explore the oldest Orthodox Churches. In Egypt, the Orthodox Church was founded in 42 A.D. and because Orthodoxy is so conservative, the Church in these countries didn't change much if anything at all.
like the moses the black (a saint)said it was not easyit was the hardest he had to do in his life. good luck brother. I was a RK but i can't deal with the pope from this time. great schism made me change my mind too. the orthodox theology is the truth. it's not curiosity it's following your heart. and let us pray for 1 holy catholic apostolic church.
Pray to our Lord to help you find a good spiritual father. In the Church knowledge comes through experience. And this is missing in all other so called “churches”. True actual experience of our Lord within your life. Holy Orthodoxy is the Church of Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. May you guide us and protect us in doing your will, Oh Lord. I am an enquirer myself. My heart yearns for Christ; although, I am weak in heeding His call. What really struck me was the Jesus Prayer making me cry over my sins and learning about the lives of the saints and their miracles. In my opinion, you're so young to be this serious about the faith. I'm ashamed I wasn't more like you then. I'm 28, and my life is not so great even by secular standards because of the way I've lived it until recently. It could be much worse if not for the Grace of God. I will pray for you and beg that you pray for me.
I pray God will guide you. May God bless you. I was a somewhat devoted Roman Catholic raised person, but I became disillusioned learning more about papacy, church history, and Theology. When I learned about Essence Energy Distinction, it was a very pivotal turning point for me. Without it, there's no real participation with God, only created effects... what's the real focus on Eucharist if it's merely a creative effect and not a true connection with the Glory of real Divinity? It really was my major dilemma. Without the essence energy distinction, there's no true bridge to the Divine. It can't be that we only have access to created effects and no real connection to God. It's the whole reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world. It's the Gospel good news message that God came and raised human nature to destroy death. It actually made much more sense for me.
If you want to start reading Lives of Saints, pick up a book called “Early Christian Lives” from Penguin Classics, that’s an excellent start as it includes a few notable Saints within the Church like Saint Antony of Egypt and St. Martin of Tours and St. Benedict of Nursia. Also invest in getting the Synaxarion which includes readings on the Saints for each day of the year. There’s also the Butler’s Lives of Saints and there’s the Prolouge from Ohrid. But the most comprehensive set on the Saints is the Great Synaxaristies.
My suggestion to Matthew and the many matthews I see, with much joy, in the comment section considering Orthodoxy.
Your good intentions and honest search for the True Church, by God's Grace has lead you to the doorstep of Orthodoxy.
This is as far as your brain can bring you. To actually make the last (and hardest) step and get in you need to use your heart.
Do not make the mistake of approaching Orthodoxy as a dry intellectual study of Church History and study of arguments using "intellectual theology", of which St Paisios used to call "demonology" (more on that in the end). Theology is a very deep subject, and Orthodoxy has a very clear description of what theology is (I will add some comments in the end, but this is besides the main point).
To be more practical. I suggest instead you do the one tested and reliable "experiment" to convince yourself this is the true Church and join:
A) Read a book from one of the modern Orthodox Saints. I have a strong preference towards St. Paisios, and I am in good company when I say that. He is an "applied mathematician" at core. If he doesn't convince your heart, no intellectual arguments will convince your brain. There are many books written about him. Use the most reliable ones, which is a series of 6 books published by the Monastery of Souroti in Greece. Series is called "Saint Paisios the Athonite - Spiritual Counsels Series", you can get just the first one for start (those books were proof read by St. Paisios while he was still alive).
B) If you are in the US, if possible, visit one of Geronda Efraim's Monasteries. Call them and ask for a blessing to stay there for a few days. E.g. visit homepage of St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence Arizona, see the "Affiliated Monasteries" section in the website, that lists all 20 monasteries from Geronda Efraim. If you cannot visit, call one of the monasteries and ask the monks/nuns if they know a priest near where you live, so that you can go visit them, talk to them, and most importantly attend our Liturgy.
C) Go to an Orthodox Liturgy. And don't judge, focus on praying. We Orthodox are just as bad and sinful as everyone else, if not worse. But at least we know we are ill, and we are in the right hospital with working medicine. Pro tip: We don't get well cause we don't take our medicine. But the ones that do (i.e. the Saints), are living proof that this is THE HOSPITAL.
My main point is, if you are well intended, God will reveal to your heart, not your brain, all the proof you need that this is the true Church. Be open to that.
Rejoice!
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==== SOME NOTES ON ORTHODOX THEOLOGY ===
True Theology is revelation from God, not a byproduct of academic, intellectual reasoning. Reasoning on the other hand is the mother of all heresies.
Every single accepted Theologian in the Orthodox Church was a Saint. Every single one. We will see why this is extremely important.
We do not accept anything that comes out of intellect or human theories. If something does not have approval from God, it is rejected from the Church.
We actually go even further. We cross-check what saints say. Accepted Theology is "Symphony of the Saints" (symphony here in the original meaning of its Greek origin, "συμφωνία", which means agreement, alignment).
In Theology, instead of reasoning about pseudo-truth, rather Truth is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit.
So think of it this way.
A good mathematician has to have excellent intellect. Cause he uses reason, his brain, to create his theories.
We already said only true Theologians are the Saints. So where does a Saint rely for Theology?
Instead of using their intellect, a very poor and niggling instrument, true Theologians (i.e. Saints) use another instrument that God has equipped every soul with, called the "nous" (from the Greek word "νους"). The Holy fathers talk about this extensively. Illumination of the nous is the foundation of theology.
This is not our brain, the nous is part of our soul.
Here is another interesting distinction.
The mathematician's brain is going to leave him as he departs this world. So will his mathematics and intellect. So what is he left with when he is going to present before God? Btw the same applies to us and our intellectual/historical theology and knowledge alltogether.
In contrast the nous of any human is part of his soul, and never leaves him.
What is this nous then? The Holy fathers talk about this extensively. Just to get a brief idea, sin beclouds the nous, just like alcohol beclouds our brain function. You get an idea of where that leads the discussion to.
Now I am going to get to my main point about Theology (most common misconception outside Orthodoxy).
As we said before, to understand God, and for God to be revealed to you through the Holy Spirit, you need to clean your God-given instruments, receptors if you may, of Grace.
How do you beome a true Theologian then?
Clean your receptors of Grace. Nous being one of the main receptors.
But here is the trick. Orthodox theology is NOT about just cleaning the nous and becoming a Theologian.
No, the goal is far bigger. The goal is to cleanse all 5 senses of the human soul (nous being just 1 of the 5) and BECOME A SAINT. While in this life.
Just for reference, quoting St John of Damascus, the 5 senses of the soul are νους, διάνοια, γνώμη, φαντασία, and αίσθηση.
So if you open any book from the Saints (and that is what true Theology is), you will see them focusing on attending the movements of your soul, and how to identify and cut sins at their roots, and how to guard against logismous, and tips and tricks on guarding against every specific passion of the soul, etc, etc.
You will see those sparse mentions about 3 Substances (Hypostases) of God and all the deep theological matters. Yes, they are part of Orthodox Theology, but its not the focus of the Orthodox Theology.
Orthodox Theology is like "Applied Mathematics". It has a goal, and the goal is bringing the human back to their original, God-created state, the state of Grace before the fall of Adam, becoming a Saint. That is the focus.
So how do you clean those 5 senses of the soul?
It is a 3-stage, and lifelong cycle of cleansing ourselves from sin:
Repentance -> Confession to an Orthodox Priest -> Holy Communion under the Blessing of your Spiritual Father (an Orthodox Priest)
Sure enough you can achieve partial repentance outside the Orthodox Church, but to finish the latter 2 stages (Confession and Holy Communion) you need to enter the Liturgical part of the Church, by becoming an Orthodox Christian.
We do not recognize priesthood outside the Orthodox Church, nor are there Saints outside the Orthodox Church.
And here you could argue. Doesn't every Christian Homology make the same claim? That they have the Truth, that their liturgies and mysteries are legit, etc? How do you prove Orthodoxy is the true Church?
Well our living proof is that Orthodoxy, to this day, produces Saints.
That is, produces people that followed the teachings of our theology, cleansed their 5 senses, reached the level of Theosis, and became Saints.
And in the process, they verified our Theology and through it, our Saints. That closes the cycle. Theology produces Saints, Saints in turn verify our Theology.
In contrast, the collective sum of all Saints outside the Orthodox church is 0.
For any proclaimed "church" to be the One True Church of Christ, it has to have apostolic succession and uninterrupted continuation (from the days of Chirst to today, uninterupted and in union). That in and of itself, drastically limits your search for truth. A quick historical review would limit your search to the 3 candidates for the throne of the 1 and only legit Church of Christ, i.e Orthodoxy, Catholisism, and one could also make an argument for the Monophysites or Coptics. No other homology can seriously claim continuous lineage tracing back to the days of Christ.
Now you want to be practical and quickly get to the bottom of it? Just take those 3 homologies, and study what "saints" they have to offer you after they departed from one another. Read their lives, and then check how consistent the lives of those "saints" are with the true Saints all 3 churches recognize (that is, the ones that were recognized as Saints while all three homologies used to be under the same church). What did those Saints talk about? What was their Theology about? How consistent is that with the teachings of the modern theology of each of those 3 homologies?
So study the saints!
Ok but..
Why confession. And why go to a church.
Since you like mathematics:
From your arguments it doesnt follow that we should do that. Explain further.
I really appreciate you taking the time to put this together. Outside of reading the apostolic fathers, Admittedly, studying the lives of the saints is something I haven’t done too much of. I will definitely be doing more of that in the near future ❤️
@@zephyrr108
Hi there!
Just to be clear, the 3 stages I mention are not my personal thoughts and opinions, it is the core teaching of Orthodox Theology.
So the justification is already included in what I wrote above. That is, assuming you accept Orthodox Theology as true (axiomatic assumption), then it tells you that this is the only way to achieve cleansing of your 5 senses, and progress spiritually reaching Sainthood. It works.
Since you mention I like mathematics (correction: I used to, I now only put up with it by necessity, I work as a Research Scientist for a living), we can make an other mathematical argument, given you want justification.
So lets use proof by contradiction. You start by assuming the opposite of what you want to prove, and show it leads to contradiction. So lets assume Confession and participation in the Liturgical part of the Church (in particular Holy Communion), are NOT necessary to cleanse your 5 senses and reach Theosis and Sainthood. Then you would only need Repentance, and as such you don't need Orthodoxy or any other christian homology for that matter. Problem is, you would have to produce one example of a person outside the Orthodox Church that managed to cleanse their 5 senses and has reached Theosis and Sainthood. Of which, you will find none.
Out of economy, although I hate doing that, I will produce some biblical references that clearly refer to the mystery of Confession, both in the New Testament, but surprisingly, also in the Old Testament. I will also add some references to 1st and 2nd century early Church Fathers (all 3 homologies that could claim to be the One True Church recognize those fathers as Saints).
I will quote the original Ancient Greek text and translate verbatim (to the extend possible), as most English translations have many inaccuracies.
Here it goes. Non-exhaustive, whatever I could quickly put together.
==== NEW TESTAMENT ====
(Mark 1, 4-5)
GREEK TEXT
«ἐγένετο ᾿Ιωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ ᾿Ιουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ ῾Ιεροσολυμῖται, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο πάντες ἐν τῷ ᾿Ιορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν.»
TRANSLATION
John was baptizing in the desert, preaching baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And the whole land of Judea and the people of Jerusalem went out to him, and were all getting baptized from him in the Jordan river, CONFESSING THEIR SINS.
NOTE
The above is a clear example of people confessing their sins to another person. And why? To get, as clearly mentioned, remission of sins. You cannot put it more clearly. And not just another person, a specially appointed person for that, in that case a Saint of the highest caliber. Note that this is exactly why many of the Gospels mention explicitly that when John the Forerunner baptized Christ, the Lord immediately rose from the water (meaning, he had NO SINS TO CONFESS). Here you have a clear coupling of repentance and subsequent remission of sins, with confession to another specially appointed person. And most importantly, you see the Lord himself giving the example, by going through this. Suggesting this way you should do it too.
(John 20, 22-23)
GREEK TEXT
«καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· λάβετε Πνεῦμα ῞Αγιον· 23 ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.»
TRANSLATION
And having said that (i.e. Christ), he breathed out on them saying "Receive the Holy Spirit". For whoever you remit their sins, they are remitted. And for whoever you happen to retain, they are retained.
NOTE
So here we see Christ himself, in the Holy Spirit, gives the authority to Apostles to both forgive and retain sins. Also note that the Apostles in turn left Bishops in their place (documented in the New Testament), and gave them as well the authority to forgive and retain sins. Christ did not give that right to ALL AND ANY CHRISTIAN, only to the apostles, and the apostles in turn, to their successors, that is Bishops and Priests. Also note that Christ only gave that right to the apostles after first giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit (unsurprisingly, Priesthood is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and only acted through the Holy Spirit).
(James 5, 16)
GREEK TEXT
«ἐξομολογεῖσθε ἀλλήλοις τὰ παραπτώματα, καὶ εὔχεσθε ὑπὲρ ἀλλήλων, ὅπως ἰαθῆτε· πολὺ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη.»
TRANSLATION
Confess to one another your transgressions, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. For the enacted prayer of a righteous person is very effectual.
NOTE
Here we witness 2 things. Saint James (a Bishop, and more than that, an Apostle), promotes and strongly encourages the act of confession, not directly to God, but to other humans. This shows this was common practice in the Church. Not just that, but he binds the act of confession and the prayer of righteous other people after the confession, as a means to HEALING. Remember what I was talking about, cleansing of the 5 senses through Confession. And guess what an Orthodox Priest does while you confess: he prays for you. See the connections by now?
(Acts 19, 18)
GREEK TEXT
«πολλοί τε τῶν πεπιστευκότων ἤρχοντο ἐξομολογούμενοι καὶ ἀναγγέλλοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν.»
TRANSLATION
And many of those who had come to believe would come confessing and openly saying their deeds.
NOTE
Again, a clear depiction of the practice of confessing their sins to other people in the early church. In fact, in front of the whole church. That would include the Bishops and the Priests, who would then give the remission of sins to those who confessed. As appointed by the apostles.
Hope it all comes together by now.
==== EARLY CHURCH FATHERS ====
Lets also quote an early Church Father, around 107-117AD.
(Saint Ignatios, Epistle to Philadelphians 8, 1)
GREEK TEXT
«... πᾶσιν οὖν μετανοοῦσιν ἀφίει ὁ κύριος, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν εἰς ἑνότητα θεοῦ καὶ συνέδριον τοῦ ἐπισκόπου.»
TRANSLATION
The Lord grants forgiveness to all those who repent, if they repent in God's unity and in the presence of the Bishop.
ΝΟΤΕ
Again, reiterates on the right given to the Bishop, through the Apostles, to remit sins a christian has repented for.
==== OLD TESTAMENT ====
And as a bonus, an Old Testament reference.
(2 Samuel, 12, 13)
GREEK TEXT
«καὶ εἶπε Δαυὶδ τῷ Νάθαν· ἡμάρτηκα τῷ Κυρίῳ. καὶ εἶπε Νάθαν πρὸς Δαυίδ· καὶ Κύριος παρεβίβασε τὸ ἁμάρτημά σου, οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃς·»
TRANSLATION
Then David said to Nathan. "I have sinned against the Lord". And Nathan replied to David. "And the Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die".
NOTE
Here we see Prophet King David, known for the magnitude of his repentance, receive fogiveness for his double-sin (that of adultery and murder). Not by talking directly to God (although the entire book of Psalms is devoted to exactly that), but rather through another person, Prophet Nathan. So again we see another example of people confessing their sins to specially appointed members of the church (Saints, Prohets, Bishops, Priests), and the latter granting remission of sins.
@MatthewBitty you are very young. Try go step by step . Think what you want in life . Don't force yourself.
This is the stuff I like to see
Let the fact you were brought to Orthodoxy be a testament to your faith in God being realized and fulfilled.
This is the one holy catholic and apostolic church. God bless you
The true Church of Christ ☦️ God bless you all and your loved ones 🙏❤️
Thanks for sharing your story Matt, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video on my home page. I'm also 19, a student at Liberty, have been inquiring into Orthodoxy for around 5 or 6 months, and will soon be a catechumen God willing. I've had a lot happen throughout my journey of faith, but as for what made me curious about Orthodoxy, it was a combination of a few things. Some major reasons were that I simply didn't feel like I was "worshiping" in a way that felt right no matter what Protestant service I attended, what the early Christians believed and practiced lined up closely with Orthodoxy, and my growing feeling of the necessity of the Holy Spirit acting through a real Church preserved throughout history and dynamically connected to its holy roots, not just a fractured body of those who accept Trinitarianism. My reasons for loving and growing in the Faith have multiplied since then. It's a great privilege that so many young people like us have been joining the Church. I will be praying for you, let's share the amazing gift we have received with everyone we can!
Will be praying for you as well man! Your kind words mean so very much. It’s probably not a coincidence that you came across this, and let me know if I can do anything to help you get plugged in to some churches and people around here.
Feel free to hmu on Instagram if you want to try get involved in the parish near liberty, Instagram is in about section on channel.
Humility goes a long way. Good on you my friend. May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to have mercy on you.
As a current Roman Catholic (Have been for almost 35 years) I'm heading to Orthodoxy. To me it feels like Catholicism is almost 🤏 the true church, but it just misses the mark on a few things. Now I've been reading Orthodox books non-stop and i know now that the Orthodox Church is the true Church.
Basically where my heads at right now as well. A part of me wants to become Roman Catholic again, as that’s what I was baptized into as an infant. However, orthodoxy just seems to make more sense when compared side by side. If Rome is wrong, it seems to truly be by only a few degrees of separation.
If I may kindly ask. In addition to any orthodox books that you may be reading, please watch/read books of those who chose Catholicism over Orthodoxy.
Yes their mass may look cooler with all the art, chants, and beauty, but they still reject the papacy which is Biblical.
If you want the one punch proof that orthodoxy does not come from the apostles and early church, look at ecumenical councils. The Orthodox Church has no authority to call them, so how then did the church do so in the early days?
Further, the Orthodox Church is split by ethnicity. You will be looked at weirdly if you don’t attend the church of your ethnicity even if you like their doctrine (yes they hold different doctrines) over your ethnicities. There are also not churches for many ethnicities.
“Why I became catholic instead of Eastern Orthodoxy” Scott Hahn and Pints with Aquinas.
I considered converting to orthodoxy too, but soon realize the true church is Catholicism, even if they have more incenses…
@@jackhermes9086 For me the struggle is I can not give up my rosary.
@@jackhermes9086 Also, I do not think the church should be changing with the times. If we're basing our beliefs of apostolic succession then so should our stances be on subjects of faith unwavering. Orthodoxy hasn't changed much of anything in the last 700 years, but there's Catholic churches with pride flags and embracing a particular sin to bring in members. I know we are all sinners and no one sin is greater than another, but to cater to one particular sin seems blasphemous. If they do it for one it should be done for all with signs of welcoming murders and thief's.
I am a former Roman Catholic. My first time in a Greek Orthodox Church I was fifteen or sixteen. I was absolutely blown away by this experience. I started to take fairh seriously at thwenty two. After much studying and prayers, I converted at twenty two. Mathew, you will ABSOLUTELY be tested and attacked for your faith. Stay trong!
I appreciate your comment, unfortunately I’ve already felt a little bit of pushback from people in my life. I assume it comes from a place of love, and I’ll be keeping them all in my prayers. ☦️❤️
@@MatthewBitty
Well , its demons pushbacks.Go on brother.
I go to a Orthodox Church up in Northern Virginia and it’s been great! I can’t even consider going back to Protestantism tbh. Glad to see your growth and honesty as a Christian
God bless man ☦️
I’m in nova too and this is speaking to me I go to “bible” based non denomination but it just feels off. Which Orthodox Church do recommend around here?
@@wattsobx
St. Herman's Russian Orthodox is a good Parish.
Wonderful seeing more and more young men realizing that orthodoxy is the true faith. God bless you Matthew!
I wish I have turned to Orthodoxy when I were young! It took me years. I admire you for figuring it out so early in your life!
It’s never too late to change faiths in life.
Though I’d argue against it for many reasons being ex Ortho. But to each his own. Hope your journey is fulfilling
Your story touched my heart Matthew because I converted to the Orthodox church in 1995 as a 17 year old. The parish I converted in had many small children but literally no one between 11 and 30. As a new Christian it was very difficult for me to not have any Orthodox friends my age. I ended up moving across the country to a parish that had a thriving young adult ministry where I met my husband. My advice would be to find a local Orthodox Christian Fellowship at a local college to try to connect with more Orthodox young people. I would also recommend visiting Orthodox monasteries. There you can see our faith lived out in a more intense way, meet spiritual Fathers who can help you in your journey, and you may also meet other young people who have a similar interest in living a serious Christian life. Thanks for sharing your story, Panagia be with you!
Thank you for your comment! Thankfully I have a close group of friends at my church, and am involved in campus ocf. Very grateful for them ❤️
Thanks for sharing bro! I am working on becoming Orthodox as well! Pray for me! I will pray for you!
I started looking for Christ since i was 18 y.o (i'm 22 y.o now), my background was protestanism and i found Orthodoxy as i go deeper and deeper to have a deeper relation with Christ. I never looking for Orthodox but Christ then Christ lead me to Orthodoxy to have a full and whole communion with Him.
I recommend you to visit Orthodox Church more frequently. Trust me, He will lead you to Himself ☦️
I am convert as well, was baptized this past April on Holy Saturday. Came from Calvinism background of things. Was a street preacher and a youth leader, etc. looked for holiness and the true church and found orthodoxy. Glory be to God! He is bringing many young people into the church! My church and my close sister churches around us is growing tremendously with young new converts here in Arizona!☦️
Glad u left Calvinism! That is DEFINITELY fake news!
i was born and raised as a catholic (and a bad catholic at that), so i became a born again Christian at 37 years old. fast foreword to 2023 at 51 years old I start learning about the great schism and about the orthodox church. so I started going to an orthodox church because the protestant churches all felt wrong. you have come to the same conclusion I have but at a much younger age which makes you wiser than me. keep doing what you are doing, you are on the right path. my prayers are with you.
Protestantism IS Certainly very wrong. I’m a retired ex pastor, bishop and missionary to the nations. I became orthodox too for many years. It certainly is a deep beautiful and ancient church as well, but I later discovered more and deeper truths and became Catholic and made the full complete journey into Rome.
I’d advise you to look deeper beyond what the priests and certain leaders tell you. They will sell it as this beautiful original church but there is a lot of misinformation.
I will be 20 soon, and I feel similarly. I am yet to go to a Liturgy, but I will soon. I am eager to learn more about Orthodoxy and start going to services.
This is heartwarming. God be with you always, Matthew.
Dear-in-Christ Matthew, first of all, I just want to say that seeing someone your age being committed to the life in Christ and struggling to walk the talk is very encouraging and moving. May God continue to bless you on your path and bring you ever closer to Him. As someone who became Orthodox in my early 30s, a long time ago, I also want to say that you are absolutely right about the necessity of approaching things with humility--and along with humility, simplicity. Your heart knows what is right, but it's often a battle between our hearts and our heads. When in doubt, choose the heart, because that is where we encounter Christ and the place where He speaks to us. Have no doubt about it--the Orthodox Church contains the fullness of the Faith. Not to put anyone else down, because only Christ-God is the knower of hearts; but since you have heard His call and Orthodoxy resonates with you (as He says, His sheep know His voice), pursue it wholeheartedly and don't let anything stand in your way. Cherish your relationship with God above all else (as you seem to do) and ask him sincerely and prayerfully to show you the right path...and He will. God bless you and keep you and shine His countenance upon you! Peace in Christ.
I've always been Christian my mom is evangelist but i was raised to "explore" different things and find a "path" for myself which obviously led to lots of wrong decisions but now since last year I've been really focusing on God again and growing stronger in my faith and since then I've also heard about orthodoxy. My. Christian friend says it's not biblical etc but I kept researching and actually find so much peace here. I will continue to pray God will lead me 🙏 God bless you☺️
Amen! A beautiful testimony
Thank you, all glory to Christ Jesus!
Hey Matt, I’m 18 years old, and I wanted to say that you are absolutely on the right path. You are asking the right questions. I’ve been born an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and unfortunately now I started ever so slowly understanding the depths of my faith 😭. It’s something that takes time but the Eastern Orthodox Church has remained the same since the beginning of time, and the dogma was protected and sealed by martyrdom to make sure salvation for the world was intact.
Thank you for your kind words!
Not entirely true. While yes, it has kept many things intact and has maybe changed less than most churches, it has still many changes since then. In fact each orthodox church is even slightly different and disagree with each other. Some use different style liturgy. They use different language and different style of music and singing etc. Any orthodox priest, that is honest enough, will even tell you that there has been changes. Yes, there’s been many changes. It’s just much less than most other Churches.
But most of that is Bcz the Catholic and orthodox have opposite concepts. That’s why the Catholic Church believes that the church is ALIVE organism not just a dead organization. so it must continue to grow /change certain things to stay relevant. God is living in the church and in the pope as his emissary on earth to help carry on and stay relevant/updated with modern times. The problem with orthodoxy they can be too archaic for the modern world, and they haven’t updated to take stances on certain issues which is why they have many problems in their church. They have no method or way forward because they don’t have a LEADER that will take charge and fix the issues. They don’t have a magersterium like the Catholic Church and they don’t have a Pope like the Catholic Church! Even Metropolitan Kallistos Ware said that they need to pope back! Lol. And every Orthodox person I know complains about all the issues in the church and how there’s no way to fix them! They can’t even call the council, so that should tell you something. 🤷🏽♂️ of course they can’t and is why they haven’t since the split!! Lol 😆. Meanwhile Catholics do and continue to.
@@zealousideal the Orthodox Church does not have rampant disunity. Liturgy’s of different languages and with slight stylistic differences have always been present in the church, pre schism ecspecially. The Orthodox Church experiences issues to the extent that man is sinful and acts selfishly. However, This is not unique to the Orthodox Church.
You do not need a pope to maintain doctrinal unity. the 7 ecumenical councils were not called by a pope, and the pope was arguably absent from the 2nd and the 5th. The see of Rome clearly held a position of honor, but did not hold a supremacy by any stretch of the word. Papal supremacy is alien to the church of the first millennium.
What stances does the Orthodox Church need to update? Why would it change with the times, isn’t Gods church supposed to be timeless as he is?
Thanks for your comment, God bless
I just started catechism last Sunday; 'Praying for you my man ❤️🔥☦️❤️🔥
God bless you mate, im 17 from the Uk looking into Orthodoxy (unfortunately i live to far away to attend a liturgy atm), i Hope you find salvation and i will subscribe.
Have mercy on us Lord Jesus. ✝☦
Will be praying for you dude, much love!
Bless you Brother!
Are you in London by any chance?
i grew up in an evangelical church and actually play the keys for my church. My friend showed me orthodoxy and i was heretical to me at first, but after doing my research i feel like it really is the true church. though some things like icons and praying to the saints sound apostate to my protestant way of thinking, I think with more time and answers to my questions i’ll be more accepting of it. I went to my first literally a few weeks ago and i was confused, but i truly felt peace at that church. I think i’m going to make the leap of faith into Orthodoxy very soon. it’s comforting to see so many people going through a similar situation on youtube and in the comments❤
I’ve felt that same peace your describing. at first orthodoxy was kind of a leap of faith for me as well, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I will be praying that the Lord gives you wisdom and discretion. ❤️
Stay the course my friend and brother. I was born into the Greek Orthodox Church and as a young man, I guess I took it for granted and never really knew the Lord Jesus Christ as my saviour nor did I really understand or theology. The Lord in his mercy moved my family from big city Montreal to a little town called Brantford in 1998. The life in Brantford was at a slower pace and as an 18year old at the time, I was in a rush to do things and have fun. The Lords plan for me was hard Labour within the confines of our new family restaurant. Hard work humbled me with hours ranging about 80/week for years. One day, after a long days work, my brother and I were in the habit of smoking weed and chatting it up for a couple hours before we would do it all over again the next day. One of our dishwashers explained to me about him going to seminary as a Protestant and that he would be studying the Bible. I thought that was interesting so the next day I purchased a Bible and started reading. I couldn’t put it down and studied like crazy. I was 20 at the time and full of new found passion for God and I felt His Holy Spirit coming over me. I’m now 43 years old with a lovely wife and 5 children. You will struggle in life with your faith in Orthodoxy as I did because it is foreign to the western world and the people don’t understand it and evangelicals say it borders on idol worship. But when you humble yourself, you realise that the fathers of the orthodox church all pointed to Christ and where obedient till the end like Christ. Stay humble brother and as I will pray for you, pray for me as well. My name is John.
Love in Christ and May God bless you on your journey to salvation through faith, humility and obedience to Christ our Lord. Amen
Keep ready and filling yourself with scripture, be discerning and ask our Lord Jesus Christ to always help you along the way. Never stop trusting the Lord.
Thank you for your kind words, your prayers mean alot! I will 100% pray for you as well
Fine video. 😊 Good luck on your road to the Ancient Faith. I became formally Orthodox at about the same age as you. It's an eternal story repeated so many times. May the Lord be by your side.
Watched the video and read some comments and it was a joy to listen and read how so many are coming to holy Orthodoxy. I'm a convert myself by way of Pentecostalism to Calvinism to Orthodoxy. A long windy road but boy am I glad I am home! Best decision I've ever made.
God be with you on your journey ☦️
You as well, God bless
Glory to God! I've been an inquirer into the Orthodox faith for about 8 months now. Hoping to attend my first Divine Liturgy soon. God bless you and yours.
You will love it the minute you arrive to attend liturgy.🙏🏻☦️
Glory to God ☦️
I’m Greek Orthodox myself and am training in the Byzantine Hymnology. Welcome to Orthodoxy!
recently turned 22, raised up as a seventh day adventist. trying to stay christian in today's world has brought me nothing but humiliation. never had a gf, don't have friends, etc, still live with my parents. the one thing that is giving me peace of mind are the gospels and learning more and more about the orthodox church. I've let my parents know I am interested in orthodoxy but they told me the usual, misguided polemics against it. bless their hearts. I pray that one day I will be able to become a catechumen and eventually join a ROCOR church that's pretty far but in my area.
Will be praying for you and your family!
Praying for you on your journey to orthodoxy, and that you find your future orthodox girlfriend/wife.Glory to God🙏🏻☦️
Why ROCOR?
I don't want to come off as a Russian shill but ROCOR in particular because they just seem more conservative and I like their form of Orthodoxy. I recently found that there is an Antiochian church closer to me, and I have no problem of joining them instead (Antioch and ROCOR are both in communion)@@zealousideal
Glory to God! ☦
I am Praying for You, Pray for Me. I have the same struggles. Leaning from Catholic, to Orthodox.
As someone who has been a Christian for a year and officially started my journey with orthodoxy 3-4 months ago I am glad you had made this video to know what might happen when I eventually am able to attend Divine Liturgy, God Bless❤️☦️
Of course, will be praying for you!
God is great ☦
Real
Just been scrolling through podcasts and came across yours and I was very interested in what you have to say I was raised a Lutheran and had family members who are Catholic but I have been on a journey for a long time and my journey led me to the Orthodox Church. I was Chrismated in 2016 and even though I loved my Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church it actually feels like I have come home and I found answers to questions that I never found anywhere else. A wonderful thing that's happening in our small church is that we're growing ..we had 20 new members this year ..one of them my husband...We have many young men who are coming to orthodoxy also and many young families. So I will pray for you and your journey and celebrate you're becoming orthodox. You will be a bright light shining to others of your generation.
God bless you, young man! There is nothing more precious in this life than seeking God, following His path! My heart rejoices for you!
Great video man. I’m in a similar situation but I havent been to an orthodox church and I cant due to traveling reasons. I’ve found myself agreeing with Orthodox view on all doctrine and I follow them but I cant go to an Orthodox church right now sadly
I will absolutely be praying for you man, sorry to hear about your situation.
Good strength young man. Remember you don’t stumble when you don’t hurry. God bless.
This is so beautiful and awesome my friend and brother Christ’s abundant blessings upon you to hear this from a young man response joy, all of heaven is rejoicing with you, my friend and brother in our precious Lord ✝️🌷
There is one church under Christ. I'm glad your faith and understanding is strengthened through training! Remember to hold fast to the word of God. While the traditions of men can be at times helpful (or harmless), make sure they are in submission to the Lord's word. The western church could do well to study up on the history of our faith. May we hold fast to the confession of our faith and bear with one another in love over smaller differences. Don't forget to be patient with your evangelical brothers and sisters and do not scorn the work of the Spirit, despite humanity's weakness. The Lord bless you in your studies and may you grow ever deeper in love of him, living in the forgiveness and grace of Christ and walking in the path of righteousness and life.
Blessings from Fredericksburg!
Im happy you're following your path.
Always seek Christ in prayer.
God bless you! Keep going. Prepare your heart to struggle in your love for God. It's the most important struggle. Life will present you with problems. Just keep going. He is worthy!
God Bless you. Fantastic that you are starting this walk at such a young age. My advice to you would be to watch out for the influence of the world. 1 John 2:15 'Do not love the World or anything in the world'. James 4:4 'whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God'. As you are at college (university), watch out for ungodly lifestyles and stay pure. University with it's drinking, drugs and promiscuity can have deleterious effects on a person's spiritual life. Know that you have found something of much greater value in your faith. May you keep strong in this faith. May the Holy Spirit guide and protect you. God Bless from the U.K. Good lad.
You're on the right path and just continue walking on it. It's narrow, but safe and blessed. May Lord Jesus be with you always.
Ive been attending orthodox church for about 5 months now…left pentecostalism
Glory to God my young brother, I'm glad you found the Way!
As far as advice goes, I have little, for you've already recognized that humility is the currency you will need to amass spiritual wealth.
I would only warn you to be on your guard--whenever we find the path towards the One, True Church, certain obstacles tend to manifest in various forms (both physical and spiritual) to prevent us from making progress and discourage/dissuade us from pursuing Orthodoxy any further. Persistence is essential, which may require some measure of patience, by extension.
And along with a good spiritual father, it'd help to have a small circle of dependable Orthodox friends who you can fellowship with and lean on for support.
Keep praying for discernment and definitely keep reading the saints.
You're in my prayers.
-Macarius
Thank you Matt for your time and purpose.
I’m 21 I had my first liturgy yesterday
Cool bro, what did you think?
Bless you ☦️
Well, my story is similar, I was born into a Catholic family in the south of Brazil. I was introduced from an early age, becoming an altar boy and then an acolyte in the parish I attended. In my adolescence I abandoned the faith, becoming an atheist (I think between the ages of 13 and 17), converting back to Catholicism after having demonic experiences involving depression and Satanism. I entered into a relationship based on the Catholic faith, but it was terrible, I left worse than when I entered. At that time, I attended a Byzantine rite church (Ukrainian Catholic), and I began to study things, theology and history, and I was entering the seminary. After 1 year of going to the Uniate parish, I realized that I no longer had the same beliefs as Rome, it was not merely a theological aspect, a disappointment with the Second Vatican Council or an attachment to the Byzantine liturgy, but my experience and personal experience were different from what Rome preaches. So I decided to convert, I was received at Easter that year with the Onomastic Nicodemus (The Pharisee/Apostle of the Night)
I can relate to being satanic and going to the Byzantine Catholic Church and realizing the Church Fathers do not agree with the Catholic Church. You and I are very blessed ☦️
☦️☦️☦️ God bless you on your journey.
I like the simplicity of your testimony, it's genuine. I wasn't raised in any church tradition, and alot of the denominational affiliation never made and still doesn't make much sense to me. Had an experience when I was in HS, gave my life to Jesus and started going to an Evangelical church myself after graduating. As a young adult myself, for years I can tell you, I've tried finding the 'ideal' church or expression of Christianity - the one that closely meets what we see in Scripture in teaching, model, and practice. I've been in Charismatic circles, Baptist,, Lutheran,, Methodist, and have benefited greatly from all of them. Even Orthodoxy I've explored a bit. I've kinda come to this place you could say in my 'ecclesiology', still as an Evangelical (or just Christian), that there cant be one. If we say there is an 'ideal' form (not saying there isn't fuller, broader or balanced), then we are looking for something in our faith that will be pitted against others, and could even be cultic or give us a prideful sense of group mentality. If we say there is a 'one true organizational church'.
I think the broader ecclesiological view of the visible church is that Jesus is working and has his blessing on all those who profess him as Lord & Savior and who hold to at the minimum the essentials of The Historic Christian Faith summarized in The Apostles and Nicene Creeds. Look at the missionaries and movements from them all, including the oldest and ancient churches, down to Wesley, The American Awakenings, The Methodist Movement, The Pentecostal Movement, and so on. Ppl have been used by God and The Gospel has gone from these places globally.
I think from God's larger perspective, he's more interested in treating the visible church the same way as the spiritual 'invisible church' (the Saved), that it too is a Body or parts/members of a greater whole. He's not limited.
I love history and church history too. For whatever reason, Christianity was Western Catholic & Eastern Orthodox in expression for 1500 years, rising from persecution to triumph to imperialism. And for the last 500 years it has declined culturally, but has advanced the most influentially globally, greater than at any time in church history. Yes, we have had the most schism too in those 500 PostReformatiom. But, I think God as the author of history is up to something much more 'broader' and less limited to one expression. I'm not saying there isn't truth, but within the 'core essentials' there is enough flexibility to allow for theological persuasion on secondary issues like style of worship. Could we as Christians do more to stop dividing over petty issues and thus creating whole new institutions and organizations from a few distinctive points?? Absolutely!
And so I think that is the next big test in the next phase of church history if I had to give it a guess, PostReformation. Instead of just coexisting abs dividing, I think we need to do more listening, find ways to unite on those essentials and work with each other in the cause of Jesus.
If you look at the bigger picture there are contributions from all major traditions that the rest can benefit from. Orthodoxy has some ancient pieces of wisdom not touched on in alot of Protestant camps. It's reverence and sense of 'sacred' can teach us much about worship that you don't get in a loud boisterous setting. Evangelicals are good at spreading The Gospel, Orthodox have a hard time with that because ppl don't right off the bat understand it's ancientness and mysticalness.
Can I be Orthodox theologically though? If I'm going by Scripture, there are things we can agree on in our common faith in the fact we worship Jesus as Lord & Savior, but on lack of assurance of salvation and trying so much to attain theosis, takes away the simple message of God's grace that we can only be justified by faith alone. Sanctification is indeed a 'process' but I'm not trying to attain salvation when the promise is still there. Eastern Orthodoxy in its richnessof wisdom, forgot this as the centuries passed.
I know I'm sounding preachy here, but what I am saying is there are things all Historically affirming Christians can agree on and benefit from each other on, like a collective Body. And I think that is the dynamical view of the visible Historical Church.
exactly how I feel!
@@TEWMUCH amongst the 'unchurched' or those like me who have been 'inter-denominational' questioning the way of things, there does seem to be a category of people. Some do go the 'other branch and ancient' route via Catholicism or Orthodoxy thinking the 3rd branch of Protestantism is useless. Then you get folks that swing between Charismatic (which is heavily influential and growing in South America and Africa) and Baptist or w/e denomination. Like I said, I used to think Nondenominational was the way to go, but am seeing that only adds to the issue . No, we need to work with what we have and improve upon it that benefits all. So I'm not just an Evangelical, but I too do believe in the power, the gifts and the presence of The Holy Spirit. I can be both contemporary and borrow elements of liturgical. I can still appreciate and admire the contributions of Christian discipline from the monastic to Wesley to John Piper and Francis Chan (to name a few).
I am considering Leaving The Catholic Church for the Orthodox Church. I am taking Catecumen Classes.
At our parish (and previous one) we've had several RC members shift over. C'mon over, we'll leave the light-errr, candle-on for ya!
Make sure you study well and learn everything correctly before converting. Don’t make the mistakes many make. Don’t rush it anyway. Because they will tell you you need to get the Economia or the mind of the church ..which is true!
It’s certainly beautiful and alluring, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most correct. In fact, they can’t even get basics and major points solidified! As some parishes, and some priests will tell you you have to get rebaptized and chrismated sone will tell you that you don’t have to get rebaptized you just have to be re-chrismated. There’s a big division in the church right now with that, so if that’s not a major red flag 🚩 to you, I don’t know what is.
@@zealousideal it's not a "major" division. And what our priest/ bishops say we do. If they say re-baptize or just Chrismated we obey. Everyone is different as well as the background. Not sure what you mean by "can't even get the basics/major points solidified"....
Meanwhile Im becoming catholic
@@TheBabyDerp from which faith group and rationale of Catholic specifically?
Welcome to this wonderful family. If I may recommend two channels: Father Barnabas Powel and Father Spyridon
The book "Becoming Orthodox" by Fr. Peter Gillquist is a good book from Ancient Faith Publishing. He was one of 5 leaders of the Evangelical Protestant faith who studied church history and found the early church without any break to be the Orthodox Christian faith in the East. That is what they were looking for. Along with Gordon Walker, etc. 2,000 Protestants became Orthodox Christian under the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese in 1987 which is a good jurisdiction to be in right now, too. Different from Armenian or Coptic Orthodox who have a different dogma about God's incarnation and are not in Communion with the other Orthodox. What gives me continued faith is that in Jerusalem out of the 4 faiths (Catholics, Armenians, Orthodox and Lutheran (I think that's it)) that are allowed there, the miracle of the Holy Fire comes only to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem during the Orthodox Easter for over 1,000 years. Research that.
Also, having taken Confession to a very holy elder who just died in 2019 and was the abbot of St. Anthony's monastery is undescribable and cannot be understood by some, but thinking of him and my small interactions with him and from other people, thinking of him gives me continued faith in the church and of how I should be seeing new things pop up because as St. Paul said wolves will come one day, not only from outside the church, but also within. God give you discernment to find a good Orthodox Christian guide which as you said humility helps to follow God.
I read it about 6 months ago, absolutely loved it and was rly my first theological intro to orthodoxy. Thank you for the comment, advice, and kind words!
God bless
You're taking the narrow gate and road, good luck young man👍
Thank you for your comment, God bless
Good for you Matthew. Happy to see so many people waking up and realizing that this church has never changed. If the great schism never happened every Christian would essentially be orthodox right now.
Very interesting video. Thanks for being open about your beliefs and what you have experienced recently in your faith. I'll definitely be praying for you as you continue your relationship with the Lord and continue digging deeper into the Word.
I think that you are off to a great start. Our Orthodox Church has become one of converts and there are more coming in each week just starting off and asking questions like you. What I love about Orthodoxy is that it teaches to be humble and having a repentant heart. You are on the right path and I convert this year after two years of exploring it. Your life will be enriched and also there is a book called The Path to salvation by St Theocluse the Recluse. It talks about the path we should all partake in our walk with God.
I'm so glad to hear that you're joining the Orthodox Church! God bless you. I hope to hear more about your journey. Since you asked for advice, the only advice I can give is, stay faithful, stay humble, attend all the services you can, especially the liturgy. And find as many Orthodox books, podcasts, etc as you can, and absorb as much Orthodox theology as you can. Especially through the formation of the liturgy
Hey Matthew.. don’t freak out but I was an Evangelical 46 years which led me to become Orthodox 29 years ago.
I’m old!
My Parish is full of younger converts and lots of young men.
I advise them to relax and take their time.
Orthodoxy isn’t like a book you read and understand everything intellectually.
The liturgy and living the liturgical year (calendar) are primary teachers.
Humans are not just big brains.
I say sincerely, avoid anyone pushing conspiracy theories, talking politics (clergy isn’t supposed to do that), or talking negatively about persons.
Christ is our model of behaviour.
Look at everything through the lens of Christ.
The early Christians were martyrs who died for Christ without fighting back.
Our type of Christianity is foolishness in this World… AMEN!
I have so much joy, and I’m still learning as I race towards the end of this life towards real life with Christ. ☦️
All my fellow Orthodox, don’t be so insulting to Catholics!
When I told my Catholic friends about my decision to turn Orthodox, after years of being evangelical, they actually blessed me. I don't exactly agree with Catholicism as an institution, but I have immense respect for Catholics.
As an ex orthodox who went back to Catholicism and have absolutely LOVED it even more , you make some good points! I personally think Catholicism to me is far more beautiful and relevant and makes sense. But Ortho also definitely has lots of beauty and benefits and lots more mysticism.
I agree with most of your statements here especially the last sentence! Lol. Catholics love and respect 🫡 and support orthodox. We even call them our brothers and sisters of the other lung 🫁.
But orthodox don’t see it that way and they constantly badmouth and call us heretics and or demonic etc. I get so sick of it. My wife stayed catholic during my many years as orthodox. When she would come to visit they would attack her and her faith and even the priest would give sermons condemning them as demonic etc. And it got so old and toxic! This was another key issue for me in leaving as well as the racism, bigotry, ethnocentrism, and treatment of fellow Orthodox! There were countless countless examples and issues and toxicity that led to me leaving and why I could never go back. But all that u said is true! And there is some neat things to experience and learn there too for sure.
Blessings.
@@kevinjanghj exactly!! it’s too bad you don’t see that on the other side. In EO it’s the total opposite! If you tell them, you’re going to go to Catholic they will condemn you and call you a heretic and say they are demonic going to hell and all types of bad things… which to me I don’t see how that is indicative of the church.
but orthodox has its own beauty and benefits and interesting experiences.
To each his own.. but many come right back home to Catholicism though.
Your story is encouraging. My only advice would be to stay faithful, stay humble, and keep striving to learn more. Watch good Orthodox content on youtube, listen to Orthodox podcasts, read Orthodox books, and most of all, attend the liturgy as often as you can!
Great video dude! May the Lord guide you to where he wants you to be! Glory to Jesus Christ!
Pametan dečko poštovanje.Pozdrav iz Srbije ❤☦☦☦.Ekumenizma se gnušaj.)
Orthodox here (former RC, recently chrismated). I just stumbled upon your video. I hope that you have persevered in your path towards Christ. That being said, I congratulate you for your humility in this whole process, it's never easy to be like that especially if you are dealing with acquaintances that are not Orthodox. Whatever the outcome, keep them in your prayers always. God bless! ☦️
God bless you my brother in Christ. Its beautiful so see many young people turning to Christ! I really wish the best on your journey. Were all gonna make it❤❤
Im 32, an ex drunk. Accepted Christ as my Lord. Im in an evangelical church and as I study Ive realized catholic doctrine is far closer to the truth and my church is very bland, surface level, and in many ways heretical. In comparing catholicism to orthodoxy I too feel that the orthodox are closer to the truth. God bless you.
Humility is a Virtue and when combined with Curiosity it becomes a path towards Wisdom.
God Bless You.
I love my Eastern Orthodox faith.
Welcome to the ways brother, I’m still an Evangelical but you are on the right path
The kingdom of heaven is near! Hold fast brother
My tears are with you. Praise God!
I hope and pray that you have remained steadfast on your journey. I would wholeheartedly recommend watching anything by patristic nectar or Orthodox Ethos, both are truly wonderful channels. If you have theological questions, feel free to reach out. I've been Orthodox for quite a few years, and most recently have been attending an Orthodox seminary. Having converted to Orthodoxy at the age 14 I may be able to help if anything isn't making sense. I pray that God will continue to guide you towards His Holy Church! +
Hey, I live in Brazil and I’m a Pentecostal from a Assembly of God church. I studied in a catholic school, so although my church always said that Catholicism is wrong, I’ve always had a soft spot for it. Last year I started listening to a lot of Calvinist preachers and really liked those ideas. This year I made my peace with Catholicism and was considering it very seriously. But then I met the orthodox teachings and I’m in love with it. I don’t I’ll ever leave my pentecostal church, but now my faith is much more mature and I now accept that God’s church is much more complex than what gave it credit for and I’m unable to say “this is right and this is wrong”. I’ll keep studying, trying to be holy and see what other change the Holy Spirit will bring to my mind.
God bless you and I’ll be praying for you. I ask you to pray for me too!
I will absolutely be praying for you! May the spirit guide you to truth and peace ❤️
I left the pentecostal church (cog) for the Orthodox Church
Hey Matthew, I am an Orthodox Christian who goes to the same Parish as you! I would love to hear you discuss what you found in Orthodoxy that was different and appealing. God bless you!
For sure!
God bless you on your journey, I am on the same kind of journey currently. God is good †
Even the great Fathers of the Church didn't know everything, and life in the faith is a constant learning curve.
True humility is found in the wisest elderly monks, who say they know nothing.
Many think they know, but few do - as St Paul said when he was talking of the difference between this life and the next life...
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."
So, just stay focused on Christ and attend the Liturgy as much as possible. That is where you will learn most.
First of all you are super young still. I wish that I had found Orthodoxy when I was 19. My experiance with proestantism was like spiritual torture. I spent 8 years as a protestant attending Catholic Mass because eventhough I was rabidly anti-catholic I knew that what they had was a lot closer to the gospels than anything I had done as a protestant. I finally found the church when I was 28. It still took me a lot of time to understand orthodoxy but somehow even after only a handful of liturgies I knew that that was the way. The way that Christians were meant to worship and behave and the way to salvation. Not that God doesn't save people outside of the church that is his will, but that the church is the path that has been laid out for us. To stray from that path is a risk
My advice is to continue with your studies and always follow the advice of your spiritual father. If you don't have one yet you will before you are baptised. It doesn't matter how long you have to inquire or be a catechumen. Take your time and learn. May God Bless you and enlighten your journey!
You were"tortured" by protestantism for 8 years but you attended a Catholic church the whole time because you felt like Catholicism was true even though you are "Anti-Catholic"???? So now you are Orthodox ??? Everything you said is twisted and confusing...
Have you been BORN AGAIN ?
@@c.k.2405
Protestant worship is a circus. Muslims laugh their butts off when they see protestant "worship" and mock Christianity.
been wanting to start going to church with my mom since we were both in agreement about Jesus and the importance of church. I would like to go to an orthodox church at least once to see what its like I dont know if my mom would be into that though lol. she was raised methodist and we've only ever really gone to those modern concert churches on easter. I feel somewhat attracted to orthodoxy though so hopefully i could start going.
Will be praying for you and your mother! May the Lord guide you to the rock and pillar of his truth 💜
Very impressed by your maturity. I won't tell you what I was doing at 13, 21, or even 30 for that matter. You give me hope for society. I'm currently on a similar path after being raised in devout catholic household. I disavowed the autonomous state of the Vatican about 7 years ago and have been wandering in evangelicalism since.
Meet with the Orthodox priest. Let him guide your inquiry. Read a few catechism books that are foundation. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for prayers, morning & evening. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for Bible reading, get a Bible guide. Then set aside time for reading Orthodox books under the direction of the Orthodox priest. Take notes about questions you have. Make an effort to attend Divine liturgy every Sunday & more often if you can, include Vespers.
I agree. Include Vespers and Orthros. That is where you learn much about what the Orthodox Church teaches.
God bless you on your journey. May the Holy Spirit lead you on the right path for your life.
I'm glad to see that you've found Orthodoxy, Matthew. Read the Lives of the Saints, they will be your guide as you enter Orthodoxy. God bless you and may he keep you always, my brother.
Prayers to you Matthew!
im rewatching this and im glad i am, mann the comments, Bless💙☦️
God bless you, Matthew! Hang in there. You’re making a good choice.
Cool video and good food for thought.
Your current emphasis on humility is absolutely key.
It took many years for me to go Orthodox, but I’m thankful to have found it!
This is the Way
I was born in a Mormon/atheist family, and I want to join the Orthodox Church. My father is very hostile towards Christianity so I have to wait till I’m 18 to join the church.
I will be praying for you and your family. I too have a father who is pretty hostile towards the faith, and at times it can be really hard.
Don’t ever stop praying for him and loving him. God can soften anyone’s heart, and the Lord can use you as a witness to your father. I’m always available over dm if you need someone to talk too ❤️
Yes join Orthodox. And breaking the ancestral curses will be hellish. But if you find a good spouse should be better
It's all too common to be attacked by demons when you are so sincerely trying to do good. Many years ago my spiritual father, who was raised in the Orthodox Faith, decided that he wanted to become an Orthodox Priest. His parents tried their best to discourage him. He told me that the devil uses those who are closest to us and who we love the most to try to manipulate us. So, knowing that it is not them, and what is really happening, we must stay the course and keep our eyes focused on God.I was in the same situation, but later on, I forgot this and let a girl (who I later broke up with)take me down. I never went to Seminary and have regretted it ever since. SO BE CAREFUL! The devil is a real sneak.
Welcome home brother, to the only true Church our Lord Himself laid the first stone to.
I started around the time you began going. I have never felt so lonely yet so surrounded; however, I am only there out of reverence ultimately.
Hello from Romania! ❤
No one wants to hear about your shit hole "european" country.
Very blessed brother☦️☦️☦️♥️🙏
I hope you'll travel someday to the Athos Mountain, and to Egypt, Armenia and Ethiopia (where the Ark of the Covenant is preserved) for the experience and to explore the oldest Orthodox Churches. In Egypt, the Orthodox Church was founded in 42 A.D. and because Orthodoxy is so conservative, the Church in these countries didn't change much if anything at all.
like the moses the black (a saint)said it was not easyit was the hardest he had to do in his life. good luck brother. I was a RK but i can't deal with the pope from this time. great schism made me change my mind too. the orthodox theology is the truth. it's not curiosity it's following your heart. and let us pray for 1 holy catholic apostolic church.
Glory to God ❤
Pray to our Lord to help you find a good spiritual father. In the Church knowledge comes through experience. And this is missing in all other so called “churches”. True actual experience of our Lord within your life. Holy Orthodoxy is the Church of Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. May you guide us and protect us in doing your will, Oh Lord.
I am an enquirer myself. My heart yearns for Christ; although, I am weak in heeding His call. What really struck me was the Jesus Prayer making me cry over my sins and learning about the lives of the saints and their miracles. In my opinion, you're so young to be this serious about the faith. I'm ashamed I wasn't more like you then. I'm 28, and my life is not so great even by secular standards because of the way I've lived it until recently. It could be much worse if not for the Grace of God. I will pray for you and beg that you pray for me.
I will absolutely be praying for you ❤️
@@Gigi-id7pm I have been. They are rich with Orthodox Christian edification.
I pray God will guide you. May God bless you. I was a somewhat devoted Roman Catholic raised person, but I became disillusioned learning more about papacy, church history, and Theology. When I learned about Essence Energy Distinction, it was a very pivotal turning point for me. Without it, there's no real participation with God, only created effects... what's the real focus on Eucharist if it's merely a creative effect and not a true connection with the Glory of real Divinity? It really was my major dilemma. Without the essence energy distinction, there's no true bridge to the Divine. It can't be that we only have access to created effects and no real connection to God. It's the whole reason for Jesus Christ coming into the world. It's the Gospel good news message that God came and raised human nature to destroy death. It actually made much more sense for me.
If you want to start reading Lives of Saints, pick up a book called “Early Christian Lives” from Penguin Classics, that’s an excellent start as it includes a few notable Saints within the Church like Saint Antony of Egypt and St. Martin of Tours and St. Benedict of Nursia. Also invest in getting the Synaxarion which includes readings on the Saints for each day of the year. There’s also the Butler’s Lives of Saints and there’s the Prolouge from Ohrid. But the most comprehensive set on the Saints is the Great Synaxaristies.