I'm coming to orthodoxy through many years of eastern influenced but also non denominative spiritual practice - meditation , self inquiry, prayer etc. Devotional non duality I suppose. Equally, an Anglican upbringing. I love catholic mass and orthodox liturgy. Im pulled to Christs teachings and the Bible at this time. I find orthodox theology more digestible, relatable and palatable than other denominations it seems. Really appreciating it
A wonderful topic, Fr. Do you have an opinion on Bible translations? Which to use, and ones best avoided? Currently using the Orthodox Study Bible, though there seems to be some criticism of its Old Testament translation.
Thank you! Personally, I use different translations. It “all depends” as they say 🙂 For daily reading of the Scripture the Orthodox Study Bible is quite suitable. If you want to go deep into studying then you might want to read KJV (I know, the old English language there might be difficult to get used to) but still these are the steps I follow. And in case I need to be sure about some specific verses, I open Greek text. I’m not fluent in Greek but I find my seminarian course very helpful.
I didn't even think about it like that. were in it right now, its just that the world doesn't seem to want to follow/understand Gods will and forces everyone to live in a sinful way. thank you father for teaching me this lesson as a new child of Christ Jesus
I remember Saint Fr. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia saying about the Heaven he experienced that it can't be expressed in words. He was saying something like that if he would try to explain, people would create a wrong image of how Heaven is. It can't be expressed in words.
Revelation 21 1-4 comes to mind when I think of Heaven. I think many look at it as if it’s a place to go, but it will be here. Please correct me if I am wrong. There will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. The new Jerusalem will come down, and become God’s dwelling place. I’m not quite sure if I’m correct. As you said, we don’t really know, but I love the perspective of the Orthodox Church. And the reverence I feel every Liturgy. It’s beautiful, and makes it not so out of touch that we can’t even imagine what Heaven will look like. I think Earth, but healed to it’s original state in Genesis. Thank you For your lessons. ❤
The book of Revelation is filled with images representing future reality but they can’t be taken literally (not all of them anyway). I guess we need to humbly wait and see ) Thank you for sharing your interesting and empowering thoughts!
What is Heaven? Well, the video is all about it! One thing I wanted to emphasize here - Heaven is where God is.
I'm coming to orthodoxy through many years of eastern influenced but also non denominative spiritual practice - meditation , self inquiry, prayer etc. Devotional non duality I suppose. Equally, an Anglican upbringing. I love catholic mass and orthodox liturgy. Im pulled to Christs teachings and the Bible at this time. I find orthodox theology more digestible, relatable and palatable than other denominations it seems. Really appreciating it
Thank you for sharing with us your ❤️
🙏❤️☦️
Thank you Father Ivan. Peace be with you
God bless you!
A wonderful topic, Fr. Do you have an opinion on Bible translations? Which to use, and ones best avoided? Currently using the Orthodox Study Bible, though there seems to be some criticism of its Old Testament translation.
Thank you! Personally, I use different translations. It “all depends” as they say 🙂 For daily reading of the Scripture the Orthodox Study Bible is quite suitable. If you want to go deep into studying then you might want to read KJV (I know, the old English language there might be difficult to get used to) but still these are the steps I follow. And in case I need to be sure about some specific verses, I open Greek text. I’m not fluent in Greek but I find my seminarian course very helpful.
Beautiful message. Thank you Father Ivan!
I didn't even think about it like that. were in it right now, its just that the world doesn't seem to want to follow/understand Gods will and forces everyone to live in a sinful way. thank you father for teaching me this lesson as a new child of Christ Jesus
Hello Father, great video. I'm so grateful God led me to your channel. Bless me Father.
May the Lord bless you! Thank you for your comment!
I remember Saint Fr. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia saying about the Heaven he experienced that it can't be expressed in words. He was saying something like that if he would try to explain, people would create a wrong image of how Heaven is. It can't be expressed in words.
Revelation 21 1-4 comes to mind when I think of Heaven. I think many look at it as if it’s a place to go, but it will be here. Please correct me if I am wrong. There will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. The new Jerusalem will come down, and become God’s dwelling place. I’m not quite sure if I’m correct. As you said, we don’t really know, but I love the perspective of the Orthodox Church. And the reverence I feel every Liturgy. It’s beautiful, and makes it not so out of touch that we can’t even imagine what Heaven will look like. I think Earth, but healed to it’s original state in Genesis. Thank you For your lessons. ❤
The book of Revelation is filled with images representing future reality but they can’t be taken literally (not all of them anyway). I guess we need to humbly wait and see )
Thank you for sharing your interesting and empowering thoughts!
Very beautiful