Difficulties With Becoming An Orthodox Christian in America - Fr. Michael Oleksa
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- Опубликовано: 4 апр 2019
- In this episode, Father Michael Oleksa of blessed memory discusses some of the difficulties that Americans interested in Orthodox Christianity encounter as they first come to the Church.
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This is the fifth episode from my interview with Orthodox writer, speaker, #storyteller, and Archpriest, Father Michael Oleksa.
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Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.
Amen...on all of us!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
@@fnd111 Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner and save me.
Jesus, save me. Mary, help.[short, sweet, seven syllables]
Focus on a relationship with Jesus Christ
As a member of an Antiochian Orthodox church, I get services in English and Arabic. When I attend Vespers at a Romanian Orthodox church near my house, I get services in mostly Romanian with a little English. On rare occasions, I will attend services at the Greek Orthodox church in my city, so I get services in mostly Greek with a little English. When I visited the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, I got services in mostly Russian with a little English.Every moment is church is a blessing, regardless of the language.
I only wish my husband would agree as he dd at first that it would not matter the language as we felt the Lord in our midst. He has trouble with that. The language difference. I can only pray. Our spiritual director just said for him to come *both of us* He may well come around better with time? But he is giving me trouble. Makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes knowing how he feels. Prayers will go up and hopefully things new will change. The COVID lockdown did not help.
Is the Antiochian church part of the Coptic church or part of Eastern Orthodox church?
@@voievod9260 The Antiochian church is part of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The five ancient patriarchates are Rome, Constantinople, Alexandra, Antioch, and Jerusalem. I now currently attend a Serbian Orthodox Church in which we have almost no Serbs and our priest speaks Greek and English.
@@Saint_Ann I am happy for you my friend
When I converted, there was precious little available in English. A priest told me "first one must learn the language of love, and all other languages are secondary." When the local parish saw I was sincere, and not going anywhere, they adopted and loved me.
Thanks to God! It's an important lesson to learn...God blesses our obedience, humility, and love for others...
That is great, and God bless! :)
Wise words!
“The Church isn’t here to meet your needs. You’re here to meet the Church’s needs.” I just discovered this channel today and it is a great idea! Thank you for capturing pearls of wisdom and making them so accessible.
I wrote down that quote in my notes. That attitude is one of the reasons I'm converting to Orthodoxy.
Thanks to God! Glad you found us, Maria!
mariatanzania I agree. That caught my attention too.
@shadow, exactly...we’ll said. Of the Church is a spiritual Hospital, it is here to meet our needs (but not necessarily our tastes). We have free will to choose which Orthodox Churches do that best.
@@ron_grimes I agree. I have no problem with sacrificing and I understand theres no perfect parish, priest or christian . My problem is when a parish gives you most of the liturgy in a language you cant understand, when cofessing with the parrish priest its like confessing to a wall which nevers asks you to do anything about your repeated sins and when during covid they stop all contact with the laity and then they expect you to nake a reservation to be able to get confession and another to be able to attend the divine liturgy. Then you have this ecclessiological schism between russia and constantinople and the EP saying he is first without equals and you say to yourself that is why you left Rome and you want to go to a greek church cause you liked the priest but you are afraid that if you go you are breaking church canons that anathemize schismatics
I am home in Orthodoxy I love it and I am at peace but the question is, is Orthodoxy at home with itself? Is it at home with me and converts like me?
"its not what you get from it, its what you put into it" sacrifice my friends,
Absolutely! Totally agree with you :) sacrifice..which is SO difficult!
"sacrafice my friends." Or "sacrafice, my friends."?
@@Lucid_Waking Sacrifice, my friends!
Outstanding!!! Well said 😃
I was born and raised Greek Orthodox. I will die a Greek Orthodox Christian with faith and love in my beloved King and God. I love that the Orthodox faith has molded to a specific people and their culture. I love my Orthodox brothers and sisters from around the world. As a head alter boy I had the great honor to witness Romanian, and Coptic weddings and baptisms that needed to use our church. Even though I could not understand the language of the services it was a moving and beautiful experience. God bless us. God have mercy on us.
I attend a Greek Orthodox church in upstate New York. I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season. God bless you all.☦️☦️☦️
Great reminder of the 12 Christ chose and their shortcomings. The Holy Apostles. That is what the Lord started with but after Pentecost, these men gave all. God can transform a person. It is the hope I cling to: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Yes, indeed...it puts things in perspective...Amen...on all of us!
*I find that the Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S. to be very welcoming to Americans as they generally translate their services in English in order to accommodate your average American.*
Yes, indeed! I think all the jurisdictions are moving that way, each at its own pace!
Agreed! My home parish is OCA, and the few times I've visited Serbian parishes, I still felt at home.
Ljubavi moja. Żiva istina
@Joshua Wherley *That’s awesome....Serbs embrace newcomers in Fellowship and Prayer.....but also in their various cultural celebrations....Good People, Rustic Food, Music & Dancing..and the next thing you know, you’re at the Altar wearing your Wedding Crowns and then before you know it...you find yourself planning a Christening..😉*
@SLVBULL
*☦️KOSOVO🇷🇸JE🇷🇸SRBIJA☦️*
*.....Nema Predaje!❤️*
I had never thought about the imperfections of the early church, but it totally makes sense. We are all sinful humans, and God helps us grow as individuals in His holy church. Thank you Father
Спасибо большое! С праздником братья и сестры! С Рождеством Христовым!
Eloquent words by my old friend, Father Michael.
Abbot Tryphon
Love you both! Have both of your books 📚 what a blessing 💕Thank you
You know what I hate the most? My sinfulness and when I’m so focused and enjoying every word from the father and here pops a RUclips ad.
One of the best & most re-assuring theological talks I have ever heard. Thank you.
Thanks to God! Glad you enjoyed it, Joan!
The Fr. was so humble yet so wise. I wish i lived near him to seek spiritual advice and just talk to him about life in general. God bless that wise priest
All right - I am moving to his parish and converting to Orthodoxy! :-) One of the most inspiring and loving priests I have heard
I love being Greek Orthodox
RADICAL GREEK.....so do I.........PATRIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are Greek. You would not love it if you are not.
@@fnd111 I attended a Great church where the priest speaks English and Greek does both Services for the people who don't speak Greek as well. I am 100% Greek both my parents are Greek and I lived in Greece for 17 years and now I live in the United States. It's not really hard to find an Orthodox church that teaches in English language.
@@rodouladoulos1548 ella
@@fnd111 I've done all right, and I'm not Greek. Although I did come through the OCA to GOA, so I had a little bit of a head start. I imagine if I'd gone straight to GOA I'd have been very lost, confused, and left out.
I am proud of being Great Ethiopian Orthodox. Thanks father for nice interview
@Shadow Most likely not talking about the same kind of "pride".
Converted in 74. This good servant of the lord speaks the truth
My hugs for all orthodox!
Wow. The last 4 minutes is amazing.
I’ve seen some Orthodox Churches meet the people “where they are at” like Jesus did and some who don’t care but are interested in the ethnic and language of the “old country “ and focus on these things like the Pharisees . You just have to look a bit and possibly make the sacrifices of time and distance. Yes...if the Church is truly a Hospital, it IS here to meet our needs.
Great video with important points regarding the Church. We live in a society filled with consumerism, and it's easy to apply these principles when we go out "church shopping"...having been raised in a Protestant church, I spent years doing this. People spend a lot of time picking out a church, much like they would when picking out a restaurant for a night out....I'm looking at coming into the Orthodox Church, but it's hard to convey to family members why I would do such a thing when they are still stuck in the "church shopping" phase, which comes as a combo with "the only thing important is my personal relationship with Jesus". Orthodoxy in the USA seems difficult because of the consumerism and individualistic culture we live in....but I pray more people give it a chance!
Christ is Risen! Indeed...Amen to that!
I m catholic from India There are so many Catholics in India and so many Spiritual Charismatic Retreat Centers in many parts of India and in other countries as well
Listening to Father Oleksa has been a blessing. God knows how much I needed to hear it.
Orthodoxy is true the one and only way to OUR GOD AND SAVIOUR WHO HAVE CREATED THIS WORLD JESUS CHRIST THE BEGGINING AND THE END THE ALPHA AND OMEGA THE FIRST AND LAST OUR GOD JESUS CHRISTUS. PROUD TO BE ORTHODOX IN THE BEGGINING WHEN I WAS BORN THANKS JESUS CHRIST AMEN.
I heard this in a RUclips Video “ We Need God No God Needs us to make a difference in the World and in the Church that’s why God created us in his image for a purpose ! I agree 100 percent the Church Needs you thank you so much for this Video God bless you !
The amazing thing about icons Father Michael is that the mistakes we see through the painting remind us of the humanity of the saints.
This is probably the best explanation of my hidden questions. I now understand. Always a pleasure listening to these videos.
Glory to God!
My wife is from Bulgaria. Her father is from Bulgaria. They came to Fairlawn Ohio. Saint Thomas eastern orthodox church in Fairlawn Ohio. Her father is the parish priest. Im a convert.English is our language.
Subdeacon Chris😇
Very enjoyable. As an.Ortodox convert, it is reassuring to hear a very down to earth priest talk about the Church as full of dinners trying to do better but stumbling but getting up again to start over. Thesis as process not event.
So much truth here
Such wisdom
Most impressive. I myself, am a credentialed Baptist pastor. I am retired now, but worship and serve in an Evengelical Presbyterian Church. I identified with this fellow follower of Jesus Christ because what I witnessed was a man who spoke from his heart. He seemed to me to be the man who truly is a man who is marked with goodness and faith. My aim and prayer is for me to be as such also. Honestly, I don't know much about the Orthodox doctrines, but I do know how we are love, encourage and assist all who follow Jesus Christ. I look forwad to more insightful videos.
Kelly Dunn one orthodox priest described orthodoxy like this. Only the Orthodox Church has a full set of keys on the piano, which allows the fullness of the music to be experienced. All other denomination have less or no keys at all ie. wealth gospel teaching, etc.
I am so lucky. The only accessible church in our area is an OCA (Orthodox Church of America), so ethnically it is actually American with a Russian heritage. Love my church!
Absolutely wonderful
Beautiful message, Father.
You broke it down so perfectly. Thank you.
What a beautiful lesson!
Well-said... Thank you, Fr. Michael... 🙏
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Loved this . Thank you
Beautifully said. Glory Be To God!
Wow!!! Really blew my mind at the end there. What an amazing person.
Thank you for your insight Father! Wishing you many years
Very wise words
Brilliant. God bless him...
Thank you Father excellent.
That was awesome! I love the father’s wisdom. Orthodoxy has a more human character not found in Traditional Roman Catholicism (Sedevacantism). This is one of many reasons why I’m pursuing Orthodoxy.
There are Traditional Roman Catholics who are not by any means sedevacantists. Actually the only group i know that would match what you say is the FSSPV.
I really needed this today. Thank you.
Glory to God!
Such a wise minister.
Man that was great!
What a great perspective and message for all of us.
Wonderful thank you I needed that
This is the best I’ve heard
Well said . God bless
Thanks to God!
Well done father.
You my Lamp. You light my way. You highlighting things I rather you didn't!
My church now uses more Romanian than English, it is not a concern for me particularly as, although I do not speak Romanian, the liturgy speaks to the soul in any human language, however, and I have noticed a decline in Non-Romanian converts and catechumens. It is a shame as my church has definitely become less ‘accessible’.
Memory Eternal, Fr. Michael.
Very powerful message. Thanks so much for sharing this video.
What a terrific homily! All future and recent converts need to see and hear this!
There's a TON of wisdom in this video
Very wise and comforting talk. Very true and so needed for those who g he scent grown up in orthodoxy.
What an excellent video! Thank you Fr. Oleksa!
Such wisdom... thank you.
Wow, awesome video!
Thank you Thank you, beautifully said..great teachings for His Orthodox Church..Thank you Father Alexa
I'm Byzantine Catholic (Rusyn). This is 500% relevant to my existence and participation. Excellent, excellent insights. Thank you, Father Michael.
Great wisdom and clarity from Fr. Michael. I appreciate his words.
A delightful, insightful commentary. Thank you.
Very helpful.
Wonderful video.
EXCELLENT!
I would say a major difficulty of becoming Orthodox in America and most of the West is that most Orthodox parishes are in big cities with very few Orthodox parishes in rural areas.
Love the light-lense analogy
Thank you, thank you,!!!
wow- love what he says starting at 7:25 ! and especially 7:36 !
Best interview I can recall. The ju
Praise God!!! Lord Son of God have mercy on all of us we all are sinners.
In glory He is risen!!! So very thankful for any father that is willing to share what Christ has blessed him with for my thirst for the true faith, true church, and sacred mysteries handed down to one humble servant pleading to our lord for wisdom and how to live out my life in the way He left for us to do so. Praise God CHRIST IS RISEN
Very wise
Father Oleksa is down to earth. It is refreshing to hear an Orthodox priest discuss these issues with common sense that everyone can understand
This is wonderful. Thank you!
9:00+ this all sounds perfect for me
Fr Michael is right on! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks to God! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a good and wise priest who has given a perfect presentation of what Church is about and replete with holy wisdom. And I say this as a Roman Catholic!
This video was excellent! I have a whole new perspwective on things. Thank you Father Michael!
Glory to God!
I love Fr. Michael. What an excellent commentary. He is spot on. We have great freedom as Orthodox believers to worship where we feel at home.
Lots of churches have the liturgy in a book in the pews that is translated into English -- this very much helps and with time you learn. The "red book" in the Greek Churches has a column with the Greek "Romanized" into Roman letters so you can follow along phonetically while reading the English -- works very well -- I can tell you as a "Polish Orthodox" who goes to a "Greek" church.
Yes, indeed...thanks for stopping by, Ekaterini!
Polish-American lapsed Catholic here. Just found this channel, checking things out!
Really enjoyed it. The father is a very grounded man in faith, practicality and the human condition. Most excellent, in every way. 💣💥👻
Merry Christmas and happy New year farter! I need your teachings
Excellent interview, he sure makes sense and many need to hear his message and take his advice, I know I will. Thanks so much, subscribed and hit the alarm.
Glory to God!
Father! I follow you from st Peter and Paul in Rwanda I'm an Orthodox parish priest. I'm so happy to see your videos. You are my teacher.
Nailed it! Thank you very much for producing these interviews!
Thanks to God! Glad you're enjoying them, brother!
Very interesting subject.👍
As a lifelong protestant investigating orthodoxy more and more I’m liking what I hear I will just listen to this guy and I love his description of the original 12 and I just forgot how messed up they really were until the Holy Spirit came
And then I man who was so full of fear he denied the Lord 3×50 days later is preaching before a large amount of people in 5000 people get saved. It will never be a perfect church as long as in perfect people are involved and have to walk in please at our pastors know what they’re doing that they are following God and we have to follow God it’s all a matter of faith and trust
Thank you, this helped....I....have read the Orthodox Way, it made me laugh that you mentioned it, and I don't feel as confused and alone. The local church is Serbian, and I am wayward and fearful, I should just give them a call....when there were only 12 members, wow that really helps. Thank you Father Oleksa.
I follow you from st Peter and Paul in Rwanda
This is, by far, the very best description of "Christian church" (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) that I have ever heard! God Bless this pastor!