@Catherine de Avis Likewise-I'm of the Orthodox church myself, and I don't see Roman Catholics as heretics to any extent. Our schism is rooted in doctrinal heterodoxy, and however significant it might be, our faith is virtually identical.
Um. We generally do. We even recognize Protestant martyrs. We may not formally canonize them, but we definitely recognize them as martyrs (and thereby recognize that they are in heaven).
@@monkeymode7529 No worries. We essentially take Jesus' words to heart: If anyone loses their life for His sake will find it. The Catholic Church usually doesn't care what denomination the person is from if they die for Christ. There are obvious exceptions like suicidal death cults but you get the picture. As an aside, welcome to the Catholic Church!
Re: the St. Francis/St. Seraphim story. It's almost as if saints love us and point us down pathways they know to be most beneficial to us. Catholics and Orthodox are brothers. We may be estranged in the Church Militant, but two saints recognizing each other proves we will be united again in the Church Triumphant.
This kind of reminds me of a quote from, I believe, Justin Martyr: "There is within all things a seed of Christ." That is, to some degree, there is a little bit of Orthodoxy in everything; if we were to focus on those parts, we have much to gain. God bless you.
"I remember a conversation between [Silouan] and a certain hermit who declared with evident satisfaction, ‘God will punish all atheists. They will burn in everlasting fire.’ Obviously upset, [Silouan] said, ‘Tell me, supposing you went to paradise, and there you looked down and saw someone burning in hell-fire - would you feel happy?’ ‘It can’t be helped. It would be their own fault,’ said the hermit. [Silouan] answered him in a sorrowful countenance: ‘Love could not bear that,’ he said. ‘We must pray for all.’" - Saint Silouan the athonite; by Saint Sophrony Sakharov
PS, I have a photograph of the 12 martyred Catholic nuns of Novogrodek, Belarus who offered God their lives if it would make the Nazis leave. They were executed and their prayers answered sparing the mostly Orthodox and Jewish inhabitants.
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. For sure, I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you belong to Christ will not lose his reward from God."-Mark 9:38-41 I really don't think Christ cares that much about difference in denomination.
After a fashion, yes. So I am naturally split down the middle when an otherwise decent Protestant, speaking well of Our Lord, then badmouths the saints or the sacraments. Or denies that they can be of any use.
@@badgerlordpatrick6493 I think it depends on the context. If he is just sharing his opinion. "I'm uncomfortable with praying to the saints, I think it dangerously close to idolatry" Proper Response "its not idolatry, because we are just asking them to pray as well" Improper Response "That's because you belong to an unholy gnostic heresy." just because he doesn't agree on doctrine doesn't make him less of a Christian.
@@JP-rf8rr He's not less of a Christian, in the strict sense of loving and following Christ per se. But there is a fundamental difference between the Christian who sees God working in all things, and the Christian who, as far as possible, tries to exclude everything so he can focus on God. I think Protestantism, in general, wants God to the exclusion of anything else. Whereas we Catholics and Orthodox must find God in things and find ways to worship God by respect, not rejection, of the world. And I don't think that's a doctrinal difference. That changes how you live. That changes how you see God and nature and human behaviour. At least, it seems so to me.
@@badgerlordpatrick6493 I honestly disagree with your characterization of protestants. They by in large don't disagree with god working in all things nor do they try to exclude him. Unless you mean they think this because they don't believe in the saints (at least not in the way Orthodox and Catholics typically do). And I would say that is quite the leap. Especially since Calvinist believe God works through everything and everything that ever happens is directly because of God. (BTW I'm not a Calvinist, I'm non-denominational. I'm just speaking my mind a little).
我喜欢耶稣InfinityTemplar I recognise that Protestants generally believe God works in everything. The creationist vs. evolutionist debate seems to prove that well enough, whatever side of it you may be on. What I mean by "sees God working in all things", though, is that the things themselves have significance. When I say "tries to exclude everything to focus on God", I mean that things are primarily seen as a way to come to know God, so we might forget the things. For instance, to use a non-sacrament example, the cross. The image of Christ crucified is embraced in the Catholic and Orthodox faiths because that suffering of Christ was itself holy. The moment itself was godly, and not just because He saved us from that sort of pain. But there's something divine even about pain, even about suffering in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. And so we fast, we engage in penances, and we endure pain so we can "make up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ", namely, our own participation. In Protestantism, the crucifix is not typically used; the bloody, suffering element of the crucifixion is remembered perhaps before Easter, but if I understand most modern Protestantism correctly, suffering and pain are to be avoided. Pain is, I understand, not good in any way in Protestantism and is not an opportunity to increase in holiness, except perhaps as an opportunity to beg Jesus for relief and as a reminder of what He suffered for us. Is this is making any sense? Have I understood y'all correctly?
Agreed, some Roman Catholics are just as judgmental in this way, Even towards fellow Christians. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18
I will be brought into the Orthodox Church and baptized this Saturday morning. And although completely unintentional on his part, bishop Robert Barron of the Catholic Church and his RUclips had a direct impact on me honestly looking outside of the protestant norms I was raised with.
@Willis Talks 337 Wow!! God bless you Willis!! Axios! Meanwhile my cradle father couldn't have been bothered yesterday to attend Easter Liturgy :( but I'm so happy to read this! Thank you and bless you for the hope and being new disciples of Our Lord! I am considering perhaps attending a seminary, I will be 21 in 2 days so pray for me haha
THANK YOU! Well said. A hard and wise teaching Bojan. I have often said that if only having our doctrines correct got us into right relationship with our Creator God there'd be no one going to heaven. Audacity speaks when it claims to know someone's heart. Only God sees into the ❤️. God's Word teaches us that we will be known by our fruit and our love.
Very good response. I am coming into the Catholic Church as a former Protestant and it upsets me so much when the traditional Catholics bash Protestants because they gave me my formation, prayed for me, taught me and loved me to no end.
Why are you becoming Catholic and not Orthodox? Isn't it clear from historical evidence and fruits of belief that Roman supremacy is a myth? St. Pope Gregory the Great literally said "whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is precursor to the antichrist". His own words. The Orthodox church is the true church. Become Orthodox! Rome is only lies and pedo scandals and corrupt politics and social justice crap!
I realy like the message of your video. Christians who beliefe in the Mostholy Trinity and die for their faith are Martyrs. I come from a Lutheran family, will be baptized orthodox next Saturday and have catholic friends as guests from the roman church and the united Greek-catholic church of Ukrain. We will all celebrate together because there is far more that we have in common than that devides us.
TBF, there are many prideful Catholics, too, particularly in the traditionalist wing. I think Orthodoxy has a traditionalist streak in it, in that there is some joy in Orthodoxy because it has remained constant in liturgy for 1700 years. That is a good thing; the Orthodox liturgy is beautiful. Outdo your brethren, Catholic and Orthodox, by humility. Just do what God wants you to do. Overcoming the bitter pill of living with prideful people is hard. Focus on loving God, and on being as Christ. It's not your job to convert them and make them softer. Follow Christ, and disregard their prejudices.
Mark 9:38-42 "38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
As one raised in a military community, seeing many people laying down their lives for others -- even outside of the call to faith in Christ -- drives home the point that there are often things to admire in those outside of our own confession.... 😔🙏🕯
The Catholic Church has produced some holy people: Jean Vianney, Blessed Solanus Casey, and Mother Angelica who founded EWTN. They believed some wrong things, but they loved God. They are with Christ. So are my Calvinist grandmother, and my Baptist aunts. Christ reads our hearts, and if you die Orthodox but with a soiled heart, you are worse off than the Sri Lankan martyrs.
Well, thanks for making a response to what I commented, now I see your perspective better... although I cannot agree with much of it at all, and I do not find it less worrying than what I interpreted from your other video. That aside, that Facebook comment really was stupid and plain malicious, and even opposed to holy tradition. I mean, as early as the New Testament, we find that not only the Old Testament, but also Zoroastrianism and Greek pagan philosophy can pave the way to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a complete absurdity to say that a non-Orthodox religion cannot be credited with anything at all.
First of all, thank you for the nice comment, and I am so happy that we can disagree and still be civil about it. :-) ... ok, that is all I have to say, I agree with the second part of the comment, re other relgions leading us to Christ. :-D
10:10 i think this is a great step on unifications. I love St. Seraphon and his guidelines/suggestions on praying without ceasing. Ik my Spiritual director (its like a spirtual father) told me to recite the Jesus prayer as much as I can. We (catholics) and EOs are very close, I dont think the sin of schism can be applied to ALL EOs but rather the higher ups. I would't doubt if Seraphon of Sarov might have a higher place in heaven then the catholic layman. As we both view the Virgin Mary as our mother, am sure it pains her to see her children be flung to hell for something. like you said, very powerful 1000 years ago caused (the great schism). And she interceds on our behalf And the Euchrist is also our life line. But am no priest but even talking to some of the more trad catholics in my parish/community they would seem to agree. East and West are the two lungs ofthe church. The west can be a bit to legalistic and the east a bit to mystical. We need eachother.
Thank you, this simple day to day work means so much. I don’t have a way to walk around asking many orthodox what they are like, and even if you’re internet persona is curated some it’s nice to get to know the face at least one Orthodox person is wanting to put out to the world l. It’s nice on just a human level too seeing someone taking serious an attempt to do good for good sake
I can relate to thinking we are more right because we are seen as odd because of our ancientness. And it is hard being different. I really like Your affecting of other god people and if they knew they would be Orthodox answer. My father I have come to see as much smarter as I got older , would say every group has a little bit right and people are different so if that brings them to God, we needed not worry in the details. Thanks for being pissy. It's good to be taken down a k notch when we get too snottyy.
I DO ask the Saints to pray for my family and I --Saints from BOTH the East and West----Catholic AND Orthodox. NOT PC---learned much from the insight and wisdom of the Fathers and Mothers of the East! Much Love to Catholic AND Orthodox lovers of Christ! :)
"People like to find their identity in opposing something or someone." YES thank you, this is exactly what's been driving me crazy about Protestant Evangelicals (I am one so I can complain about them lol). Our identity is to be found in Christ. The differences between us *are* important, but what is even more important is what we have in common--our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity, crucified, buried, risen and seated at the right hand of God, coming again to judge the living and the dead, King of Kings and worthy of all worship. And His second greatest commandment? "Love your neighbor as yourself." I would never convert to Catholicism or Orthodoxy, but I want you all to know that I love you dearly as my brothers and sisters in Christ, and if one of us suffers we all suffer as His Body. And your martyrs are my martyrs, your saints my saints, because your God is my God.
I wish all Protestants think the way you do. God bless you, dear sister, may Our Lord guides us to His truth. I have found Christ in one of the two apostolic churches, in my case due to geographical reasons it was Catholic Church. I hope one day all Christians around the globe be united under one Christ's flock.
@@arom219Amen. I believe one day we will have true unity when Christ comes and reigns forever. In the meantime I'll pray for Christian love between the divided Church, if not total harmony--the anger I see breaks my heart. God bless you as well, and all my Catholic brethren!
@@arom219 This conversation caused this Catholic hymn to get stuck in my head. What makes it even more perfect is that this version is sung by Protestants: ruclips.net/video/2lSgVgKtHyA/видео.html
We say in the Orthodox Church in the Creed we belong to one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Now we know that we don't mean Roman Catholic but we all say Catholic.
I get email from st Vladimir’s seminary and an orthodox monastery both in New York. You can buy all these books on lives of Orthodox saints and spiritual writings from holy men and women . These are mostly Russian orthodox from 19th century. Do a video on some of these guys writings. To me, they all look a little spooky and creepy (joke). If I may ask like an American, which writings are the best?
It seems to me that God presents himself to us through whatever means, particularly the scriptures. God gives us the opportunity to choose to love him and those with a heart of love and truth will do so. Then it is Gods right to judge the genuineness of this love to open the door of relationship with him. When we place sectarian conditions on who is acceptable to God, we are playing god ourselves. Telling God who is acceptable or not. This is obviously a sin. An idolatry of the self or a particular sect. No church is above God.
Good observations, Bojan! The last comment was your best. We are charged to "speak the truth in love." That is two requirements, not one. (Ephesians chapter four.)
Wow, I had never heard of that story of St. Faustina that you just told! I'm a Catholic who is leaning more and more to Eastern Orthodoxy and she's still one of my favourite Saints. Do you have a link to that story?
What is your opinion about churches, which mix Judaism and christianity. I recently met a guy who celebrated Purim, Pessach etc. And also Easter. And I as an orthodox dont know how to think about this topic. Like yes Christianity developt from judaism, but I dont know. I need your advice please :)
A believer is free to do those things, but there is no obligation, if he is proportioning that he is required to do those things he is in error. Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Most Orthodox and Catholic people don't really know or care for the differences, they're just there because of historic development of Christianity. Is there even an Orthodox church in Sri-Lanka?
Not only all the dogs go to heaven not only orthodox are Christians not only orthodox are seen as special by God. Everyone with a belief in Christ as their lord and savior all be long at the same table. I may have my conversion stocks for saying that but it's true. Not only the Orthodox are Christian. There are great and wonderful Christians who are not orthodox. I chose Orthodoxy after feeling a bit empty everywhere else. How does anyone dare to say someone else isn't holy or isn't this or isn't that? That is up to God to decide.
As far as schismatics go, you're one of the good ones. I may have my misgivings with the Catholic Church but I pray for her and stand by her even when I know in my hear she's in error. And regarding other churches, I don't presume that I know better than the Lord Our God. I may have great sympathy for the schismatics, but the Good Lord knows how much the protestants trigger me. Having said that, I understand that His will shall be done and that He has a plan for us all so even the protestants are capable of sanctity. To presume otherwise is just complete nonsense, you don't even have to argue the legitimacy of Catholic dogma. Thank you for the video, Hendz, I completely subscribe to your feelings on this.
True schism comes from someone who harbors hate in their heart for the Church and the Pope. It has to be a conscious, voluntary decision. I'm sure God will forgive those who were mislead by false shepherds, like those in the Protestant churches. As long as their love for Christ is true, I pray that they will find ultimate salvation. The apostolic churches (Eastern Orthdox, Oriental Orthdox, some Anglicans, etc.) are very close to the truth, and the Church recognizes the legitimacy of their sacraments. They are just a little astray I'd say. Heck, I'm a little astray. I hope you'll say prayers for me in purgatory when my time comes, just as we should pray for them, that even outside Mother Church they can find some measure of the Truth.
To label others a schismatics or heretics regardless of what side of the Church your in presumes superiority on your part dear friend. Like Bojan said, on the day of judgement, the Lord will not go around to ask what specific doctrine you believe. The priest in my parish also went further, on the day of Judgement, the Lord will expose what is truly in your heart, and not question about the scruples of doctrine. Rather, he will question you on wether or not you have lived up to his message, and you have lived out to your best ability, in being Christ on this earth, dying to your own self and putting on Christ.
@@MrFairbanksak1 So what would you say to all those hateful Evangelicals who think the Whore of Babylon in Revelation is the Vatican/Pope. I'm Orthodox and most of the time all I hear from them is hate. There are some decent Evangelical Christians out there who I follow on RUclips, but many of them are more interested in slandering the historic Apostolic churches than they are in preaching Christ. They always target Roman Catholicism, mainly because many of them have never even heard of Eastern Orthodoxy, which shows their ignorance of church history. I don't agree with purgatory, the immaculate conception, or papal infallibility, which were all added after the schism, but unlike the Evangelicals, the Orthodox are more tolerant when it comes to differences in doctrine. Evangelicals have reduced Christianity to the veneration of the King James Version, despite its many translation errors. They seem to think this particular translation fell out of heaven. 😀😀 PS: the Whore of Babylon in Revelation was really apostate Jerusalem, destroyed in 70 AD.
@@the.nerd.within I get what you're saying but I don't equate the term "schismatic" (or "protestant" for that matter) to "heretic", I just think it's a neutral and descriptive term and I mean no offence by it. It is, however, somewhat defensive language on my part since as a Catholic it is extremely disconcerting to me the ease with which other fellow (?) Christians dismiss my faith or attack my Church with incredible misinformation and even with malice. Naturally I don't wish this kind of harm upon my fellow Orthodox brothers but I just find it intriguing how these insults are almost solely focused on Catholicism and despite our doctrinal affinity with Orthodoxy this same criticism eludes them. I wonder why. I just don't get why mocking the Catholic Church is fair game and that it is okay for self-proclaimed Christians to resist correction with sheer mockery. Hence why I use the term schismatic, despite me not being particularly antagonistic towards any flavour of Christianity that isn't irredeemably heretical, I feel the need of asserting my cultural heritage and affirming the teaching of the Church that has given me the Word of Our Lord in such a reverent and substantial way.
We all worship Christ it shouldn’t matter what religion we come from. I am catholic who thinks practicing orthodox prayers and habits is soul cleansing
Jason McGhoulie although the doctrinal differences are important, it should not keep us apart. Rather, we should continue to talk about them, in a after almost manner. I am Roman Catholic who attends an Eastern Rite or “Uniate” Church. I’ve grown to recognize that Christ is not only contained in the Catholic or Orthodox churches exclusively. He is present in the Mysteries/Sacraments fully present in both churches, and in the Saints of Both churches. These folks who died in Sri Lanka should be recognized as saints, along with others who died for the faith, like the 21 Coptic martyrs.
I was once tempted to be Catholic but after much studying it's clear Papal claims make no sense and are the result of centuries of revisionism and forgeries like Donation of Constantine. Just become orthodox you won't regret it!
I had never heard of "Bro. Nathaniel." The first thing I read was enough for me. Here it is if you'd like to read it. rationalwiki.org/wiki/Nathanael_Kapner
Rest in peace "Doctor" Arius. You made 14 year old me feel so godly and vain, thinking I was the sole person to stick to your holy agenda. Embarassed a year later, being a seeker to Orthodoxy, to have listened to his ramblings. Arius is like a Lazar Puhalo withought the funny beard and OCA retirement steryotype.
Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants are all Christians. God loves and cherish us all and all considers us his children. We are called to love, not uphold the law, this is what the pharisees did.
@Jayden Eisenbeis Protestantism came from the catholic church, most big name early protestant leaders held some position in the church, like being a doctor of church theology in Luther's case. Each left for their own reasons, but the common one was corruption and papal abuse. That's not far off from the orthodox reason. Besides, qualifying a denomination because they can trace their roots to a theological bureaucracy is kinda ridiculous. I'm sure you'd call the hidden Christians of Japan catholic, despite the fact that they weren't any more connected to the church than Luther, Hus, or Wycliffe.
Nathaniel speaks and behaves like a venomous snake. I don't think he is capable of praying and I'd be surprised if he even tried. I think he is simply a political agitator dressed as a priest.
@@matfejpatrusin4550 That's quite a statement you wrote. "I don't think he is capable of praying..." is quite possibly the most judgemental part of your comment. Please repent of this.
@@CzarLazar1389 I'm not seeing my original comment for some reason and I can't recall what I might have written, so I can't reflect on it. Maybe it's been deleted?
@@matfejpatrusin4550 When I replied to you, it was there. Idk what happened to it. You wrote (from what I remember) that Brother Nathaniel was a political activist and not a proper monk, that "I don't think he is capable of praying" no matter what he tried and I think you wrote that he is a self-hating Jew. The point is, it was a very judgemental and hypocritical comment. How could you know how he prays? But that comment was from 4 years ago, idk what you believe now. Just repent of it and don't make similar comments in the future. Sorry for the paragraph and God bless.
@@CzarLazar1389Okay, thanks. Well, I think that Br. Nathanael has also changed. His style is less sensational now, although I still don’t have good vibes from him. Ofc I cannot know how he prays, that’s a stupid thing to write, even if I can see why I had that impression.
Bojan, if it were definitely determined by your own Church that the Catholic Church is not in error, would you become Catholic? I honestly think things like the fact that we're free to pray to the saints of other apostolic churches, while those churches are not free to call to truly holy men and women, is a sort of evidence (I know not what) that... how do I say this? I think God is - and I think this is sort of a pun - more Catholic than Orthodox. And if you saw no contradiction, or at least room for speculation, between us and you, you would see nothing holding yourself from us. Nothing, not even the Saints, but only bitter altercators.
Showing true love to those in heresy and Schism is the way. Pride is the most common sin I see my fellow Orthodox falling into, including myself.
Pride is the most common sin in mankind
@Catherine de Avis Likewise-I'm of the Orthodox church myself, and I don't see Roman Catholics as heretics to any extent. Our schism is rooted in doctrinal heterodoxy, and however significant it might be, our faith is virtually identical.
@@peepoclown1 if more people thought like you and me, brother, this awful Schism would be over already
@@danielrestrepo1119 if there ware more "people" like you we would be kissing pope's a$$ rn
@Catherine de Avis I'm orthodox and I can see that you obviously don't know anything about theology
Thank you, Bojan. You answered these negative comments much more gracefully than I could have.
Wishing all a Blessed and Holy Pascha. ☦️❤️🙏🏻
I agree completely, same goes for Catholics, if some of our Orthodox brothers die for their faith, we should acknowledge them as martyrs as well
Um. We generally do. We even recognize Protestant martyrs. We may not formally canonize them, but we definitely recognize them as martyrs (and thereby recognize that they are in heaven).
Yueran Zanathos oh seriously? I’m a bit new to the faith so please forgive my ignorance on the subject
@@monkeymode7529 No worries. We essentially take Jesus' words to heart: If anyone loses their life for His sake will find it. The Catholic Church usually doesn't care what denomination the person is from if they die for Christ. There are obvious exceptions like suicidal death cults but you get the picture. As an aside, welcome to the Catholic Church!
venerate Saint Peter the Aleut or Saint Athanasius of Brest-litovsk, they were martyred for not converting to Roman catholicism
Re: the St. Francis/St. Seraphim story. It's almost as if saints love us and point us down pathways they know to be most beneficial to us.
Catholics and Orthodox are brothers. We may be estranged in the Church Militant, but two saints recognizing each other proves we will be united again in the Church Triumphant.
❤
We are pilgrims
This kind of reminds me of a quote from, I believe, Justin Martyr: "There is within all things a seed of Christ." That is, to some degree, there is a little bit of Orthodoxy in everything; if we were to focus on those parts, we have much to gain.
God bless you.
Don’t forget that St. Maximus the Greek was also became a Dominican friar while he was studying in Italy.
"I remember a conversation between [Silouan] and a certain hermit who declared with evident satisfaction,
‘God will punish all atheists. They will burn in everlasting fire.’
Obviously upset, [Silouan] said,
‘Tell me, supposing you went to paradise, and there you looked down and saw someone burning in hell-fire - would you feel happy?’
‘It can’t be helped. It would be their own fault,’ said the hermit.
[Silouan] answered him in a sorrowful countenance:
‘Love could not bear that,’ he said. ‘We must pray for all.’"
- Saint Silouan the athonite; by Saint Sophrony Sakharov
PS, I have a photograph of the 12 martyred Catholic nuns of Novogrodek, Belarus who offered God their lives if it would make the Nazis leave. They were executed and their prayers answered sparing the mostly Orthodox and Jewish inhabitants.
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. For sure, I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you belong to Christ will not lose his reward from God."-Mark 9:38-41
I really don't think Christ cares that much about difference in denomination.
After a fashion, yes.
So I am naturally split down the middle when an otherwise decent Protestant, speaking well of Our Lord, then badmouths the saints or the sacraments. Or denies that they can be of any use.
@@badgerlordpatrick6493
I think it depends on the context.
If he is just sharing his opinion.
"I'm uncomfortable with praying to the saints, I think it dangerously close to idolatry" Proper Response "its not idolatry, because we are just asking them to pray as well" Improper Response "That's because you belong to an unholy gnostic heresy."
just because he doesn't agree on doctrine doesn't make him less of a Christian.
@@JP-rf8rr He's not less of a Christian, in the strict sense of loving and following Christ per se.
But there is a fundamental difference between the Christian who sees God working in all things, and the Christian who, as far as possible, tries to exclude everything so he can focus on God. I think Protestantism, in general, wants God to the exclusion of anything else. Whereas we Catholics and Orthodox must find God in things and find ways to worship God by respect, not rejection, of the world.
And I don't think that's a doctrinal difference. That changes how you live. That changes how you see God and nature and human behaviour. At least, it seems so to me.
@@badgerlordpatrick6493 I honestly disagree with your characterization of protestants. They by in large don't disagree with god working in all things nor do they try to exclude him. Unless you mean they think this because they don't believe in the saints (at least not in the way Orthodox and Catholics typically do). And I would say that is quite the leap. Especially since Calvinist believe God works through everything and everything that ever happens is directly because of God. (BTW I'm not a Calvinist, I'm non-denominational. I'm just speaking my mind a little).
我喜欢耶稣InfinityTemplar I recognise that Protestants generally believe God works in everything. The creationist vs. evolutionist debate seems to prove that well enough, whatever side of it you may be on.
What I mean by "sees God working in all things", though, is that the things themselves have significance. When I say "tries to exclude everything to focus on God", I mean that things are primarily seen as a way to come to know God, so we might forget the things.
For instance, to use a non-sacrament example, the cross. The image of Christ crucified is embraced in the Catholic and Orthodox faiths because that suffering of Christ was itself holy. The moment itself was godly, and not just because He saved us from that sort of pain. But there's something divine even about pain, even about suffering in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. And so we fast, we engage in penances, and we endure pain so we can "make up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ", namely, our own participation.
In Protestantism, the crucifix is not typically used; the bloody, suffering element of the crucifixion is remembered perhaps before Easter, but if I understand most modern Protestantism correctly, suffering and pain are to be avoided. Pain is, I understand, not good in any way in Protestantism and is not an opportunity to increase in holiness, except perhaps as an opportunity to beg Jesus for relief and as a reminder of what He suffered for us.
Is this is making any sense? Have I understood y'all correctly?
Agreed, some Roman Catholics are just as judgmental in this way, Even towards fellow Christians.
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
- Proverbs 16:18
I will be brought into the Orthodox Church and baptized this Saturday morning.
And although completely unintentional on his part, bishop Robert Barron of the Catholic Church and his RUclips had a direct impact on me honestly looking outside of the protestant norms I was raised with.
Axios! God bless you I pray you stay in the truth of Orthodoxy all your life :)
seronymus Thank you! May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you!
I, my wife, and teenage daughter were baptized Holy Saturday morning!!!!
Glad to be part of the Orthodox family!
@Willis Talks 337 Wow!! God bless you Willis!! Axios! Meanwhile my cradle father couldn't have been bothered yesterday to attend Easter Liturgy :( but I'm so happy to read this! Thank you and bless you for the hope and being new disciples of Our Lord! I am considering perhaps attending a seminary, I will be 21 in 2 days so pray for me haha
seronymus I will pray for you. I will also pray for your father. God bless you in your endeavors.
THANK YOU! Well said. A hard and wise teaching Bojan. I have often said that if only having our doctrines correct got us into right relationship with our Creator God there'd be no one going to heaven. Audacity speaks when it claims to know someone's heart. Only God sees into the ❤️. God's Word teaches us that we will be known by our fruit and our love.
Thank you Bojan for this follow up video. Christians who sneer at each other has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Im a fairly recent convert. I completely agree with you.
Could you share your thought about the Brown Scapular?
Very good response. I am coming into the Catholic Church as a former Protestant and it upsets me so much when the traditional Catholics bash Protestants because they gave me my formation, prayed for me, taught me and loved me to no end.
Why are you becoming Catholic and not Orthodox? Isn't it clear from historical evidence and fruits of belief that Roman supremacy is a myth? St. Pope Gregory the Great literally said "whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is precursor to the antichrist". His own words. The Orthodox church is the true church. Become Orthodox! Rome is only lies and pedo scandals and corrupt politics and social justice crap!
I realy like the message of your video. Christians who beliefe in the Mostholy Trinity and die for their faith are Martyrs. I come from a Lutheran family, will be baptized orthodox next Saturday and have catholic friends as guests from the roman church and the united Greek-catholic church of Ukrain. We will all celebrate together because there is far more that we have in common than that devides us.
As a Protestant who has considered Orthodoxy, one of my major stumbling blocks is the excessive pride among many of the Orthodox I have encountered.
TBF, there are many prideful Catholics, too, particularly in the traditionalist wing. I think Orthodoxy has a traditionalist streak in it, in that there is some joy in Orthodoxy because it has remained constant in liturgy for 1700 years. That is a good thing; the Orthodox liturgy is beautiful.
Outdo your brethren, Catholic and Orthodox, by humility. Just do what God wants you to do. Overcoming the bitter pill of living with prideful people is hard. Focus on loving God, and on being as Christ. It's not your job to convert them and make them softer. Follow Christ, and disregard their prejudices.
Don't worry, I love you my sibling in Christ and welcome you to our fold :)
do it
Completely agree, excellent video!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I couldn't have said it better myself. And wow, I am blown away by your account of the Orthodox monastery.
Mark 9:38-42 "38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
As one raised in a military community, seeing many people laying down their lives for others -- even outside of the call to faith in Christ -- drives home the point that there are often things to admire in those outside of our own confession.... 😔🙏🕯
Wow, this made me tear up. Thank you for sharing the story of catholic saints calling people to the Orthodox Church.
The Catholic Church has produced some holy people: Jean Vianney, Blessed Solanus Casey, and Mother Angelica who founded EWTN. They believed some wrong things, but they loved God. They are with Christ. So are my Calvinist grandmother, and my Baptist aunts. Christ reads our hearts, and if you die Orthodox but with a soiled heart, you are worse off than the Sri Lankan martyrs.
Well, thanks for making a response to what I commented, now I see your perspective better... although I cannot agree with much of it at all, and I do not find it less worrying than what I interpreted from your other video. That aside, that Facebook comment really was stupid and plain malicious, and even opposed to holy tradition. I mean, as early as the New Testament, we find that not only the Old Testament, but also Zoroastrianism and Greek pagan philosophy can pave the way to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a complete absurdity to say that a non-Orthodox religion cannot be credited with anything at all.
First of all, thank you for the nice comment, and I am so happy that we can disagree and still be civil about it. :-)
... ok, that is all I have to say, I agree with the second part of the comment, re other relgions leading us to Christ. :-D
10:10
i think this is a great step on unifications. I love St. Seraphon and his guidelines/suggestions on praying without ceasing. Ik my Spiritual director (its like a spirtual father) told me to recite the Jesus prayer as much as I can.
We (catholics) and EOs are very close, I dont think the sin of schism can be applied to ALL EOs but rather the higher ups. I would't doubt if Seraphon of Sarov might have a higher place in heaven then the catholic layman.
As we both view the Virgin Mary as our mother, am sure it pains her to see her children be flung to hell for something. like you said, very powerful 1000 years ago caused (the great schism). And she interceds on our behalf
And the Euchrist is also our life line. But am no priest but even talking to some of the more trad catholics in my parish/community they would seem to agree. East and West are the two lungs ofthe church. The west can be a bit to legalistic and the east a bit to mystical. We need eachother.
Thank you, this simple day to day work means so much. I don’t have a way to walk around asking many orthodox what they are like, and even if you’re internet persona is curated some it’s nice to get to know the face at least one Orthodox person is wanting to put out to the world l. It’s nice on just a human level too seeing someone taking serious an attempt to do good for good sake
Glad you liked the video, WWM! Nice to have you on here! Some quality people around, too! :-)
Leviticus says "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
I can relate to thinking we are more right because we are seen as odd because of our ancientness. And it is hard being different.
I really like Your affecting of other god people and if they knew they would be Orthodox answer. My father I have come to see as much smarter as I got older , would say every group has a little bit right and people are different so if that brings them to God, we needed not worry in the details. Thanks for being pissy. It's good to be taken down a k notch when we get too snottyy.
i cant say i like this video too much because through it i had the displeasure of learning about the existence of brother nathanael...
I DO ask the Saints to pray for my family and I --Saints from BOTH the East and West----Catholic AND Orthodox. NOT PC---learned much from the insight and wisdom of the Fathers and Mothers of the East! Much Love to Catholic AND Orthodox lovers of Christ! :)
"People like to find their identity in opposing something or someone." YES thank you, this is exactly what's been driving me crazy about Protestant Evangelicals (I am one so I can complain about them lol). Our identity is to be found in Christ. The differences between us *are* important, but what is even more important is what we have in common--our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity, crucified, buried, risen and seated at the right hand of God, coming again to judge the living and the dead, King of Kings and worthy of all worship. And His second greatest commandment? "Love your neighbor as yourself."
I would never convert to Catholicism or Orthodoxy, but I want you all to know that I love you dearly as my brothers and sisters in Christ, and if one of us suffers we all suffer as His Body. And your martyrs are my martyrs, your saints my saints, because your God is my God.
I wish all Protestants think the way you do. God bless you, dear sister, may Our Lord guides us to His truth. I have found Christ in one of the two apostolic churches, in my case due to geographical reasons it was Catholic Church. I hope one day all Christians around the globe be united under one Christ's flock.
@@arom219Amen. I believe one day we will have true unity when Christ comes and reigns forever. In the meantime I'll pray for Christian love between the divided Church, if not total harmony--the anger I see breaks my heart. God bless you as well, and all my Catholic brethren!
@@ponypublications I agree. Thank you, Donna. May The Lord be with you and your family.
@@arom219 This conversation caused this Catholic hymn to get stuck in my head. What makes it even more perfect is that this version is sung by Protestants: ruclips.net/video/2lSgVgKtHyA/видео.html
Can I get a source on the apparition with St francis de assisi and Seraphim of Sarov? I dont doubt it happend but I cant find it on the internet
Thanks Bojan for adressing this!!
We say in the Orthodox Church in the Creed we belong to one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Now we know that we don't mean Roman Catholic but we all say Catholic.
May Jesus lead me where he wants me to be.
I get email from st Vladimir’s seminary and an orthodox monastery both in New York. You can buy all these books on lives of Orthodox saints and spiritual writings from holy men and women . These are mostly Russian orthodox from 19th century. Do a video on some of these guys writings. To me, they all look a little spooky and creepy (joke). If I may ask like an American, which writings are the best?
It seems to me that God presents himself to us through whatever means, particularly the scriptures.
God gives us the opportunity to choose to love him and those with a heart of love and truth will do so.
Then it is Gods right to judge the genuineness of this love to open the door of relationship with him.
When we place sectarian conditions on who is acceptable to God, we are playing god ourselves. Telling God who is acceptable or not. This is obviously a sin. An idolatry of the self or a particular sect. No church is above God.
Good observations, Bojan! The last comment was your best. We are charged to "speak the truth in love." That is two requirements, not one. (Ephesians chapter four.)
Amen
Wow, I had never heard of that story of St. Faustina that you just told! I'm a Catholic who is leaning more and more to Eastern Orthodoxy and she's still one of my favourite Saints.
Do you have a link to that story?
What is your opinion about churches, which mix Judaism and christianity. I recently met a guy who celebrated Purim, Pessach etc. And also Easter. And I as an orthodox dont know how to think about this topic. Like yes Christianity developt from judaism, but I dont know. I need your advice please :)
A believer is free to do those things, but there is no obligation, if he is proportioning that he is required to do those things he is in error.
Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Is anyone thinking that people with a devout believe in Jesus going to go to hell if they are not orthodox?
Most Orthodox and Catholic people don't really know or care for the differences, they're just there because of historic development of Christianity. Is there even an Orthodox church in Sri-Lanka?
9:26 😨 Can we please get a source for that? That’s terrible if it’s true!
Not only all the dogs go to heaven not only orthodox are Christians not only orthodox are seen as special by God. Everyone with a belief in Christ as their lord and savior all be long at the same table. I may have my conversion stocks for saying that but it's true. Not only the Orthodox are Christian. There are great and wonderful Christians who are not orthodox. I chose Orthodoxy after feeling a bit empty everywhere else. How does anyone dare to say someone else isn't holy or isn't this or isn't that? That is up to God to decide.
Well done!
As far as schismatics go, you're one of the good ones.
I may have my misgivings with the Catholic Church but I pray for her and stand by her even when I know in my hear she's in error. And regarding other churches, I don't presume that I know better than the Lord Our God. I may have great sympathy for the schismatics, but the Good Lord knows how much the protestants trigger me. Having said that, I understand that His will shall be done and that He has a plan for us all so even the protestants are capable of sanctity. To presume otherwise is just complete nonsense, you don't even have to argue the legitimacy of Catholic dogma.
Thank you for the video, Hendz, I completely subscribe to your feelings on this.
True schism comes from someone who harbors hate in their heart for the Church and the Pope. It has to be a conscious, voluntary decision. I'm sure God will forgive those who were mislead by false shepherds, like those in the Protestant churches. As long as their love for Christ is true, I pray that they will find ultimate salvation. The apostolic churches (Eastern Orthdox, Oriental Orthdox, some Anglicans, etc.) are very close to the truth, and the Church recognizes the legitimacy of their sacraments. They are just a little astray I'd say. Heck, I'm a little astray. I hope you'll say prayers for me in purgatory when my time comes, just as we should pray for them, that even outside Mother Church they can find some measure of the Truth.
To label others a schismatics or heretics regardless of what side of the Church your in presumes superiority on your part dear friend. Like Bojan said, on the day of judgement, the Lord will not go around to ask what specific doctrine you believe. The priest in my parish also went further, on the day of Judgement, the Lord will expose what is truly in your heart, and not question about the scruples of doctrine. Rather, he will question you on wether or not you have lived up to his message, and you have lived out to your best ability, in being Christ on this earth, dying to your own self and putting on Christ.
@@MrFairbanksak1
So what would you say to all those hateful Evangelicals who think the Whore of Babylon in Revelation is the Vatican/Pope. I'm Orthodox and most of the time all I hear from them is hate. There are some decent Evangelical Christians out there who I follow on RUclips, but many of them are more interested in slandering the historic Apostolic churches than they are in preaching Christ. They always target Roman Catholicism, mainly because many of them have never even heard of Eastern Orthodoxy, which shows their ignorance of church history.
I don't agree with purgatory, the immaculate conception, or papal infallibility, which were all added after the schism, but unlike the Evangelicals, the Orthodox are more tolerant when it comes to differences in doctrine. Evangelicals have reduced Christianity to the veneration of the King James Version, despite its many translation errors. They seem to think this particular translation fell out of heaven. 😀😀
PS: the Whore of Babylon in Revelation was really apostate Jerusalem, destroyed in 70 AD.
@@the.nerd.within I get what you're saying but I don't equate the term "schismatic" (or "protestant" for that matter) to "heretic", I just think it's a neutral and descriptive term and I mean no offence by it. It is, however, somewhat defensive language on my part since as a Catholic it is extremely disconcerting to me the ease with which other fellow (?) Christians dismiss my faith or attack my Church with incredible misinformation and even with malice. Naturally I don't wish this kind of harm upon my fellow Orthodox brothers but I just find it intriguing how these insults are almost solely focused on Catholicism and despite our doctrinal affinity with Orthodoxy this same criticism eludes them. I wonder why. I just don't get why mocking the Catholic Church is fair game and that it is okay for self-proclaimed Christians to resist correction with sheer mockery. Hence why I use the term schismatic, despite me not being particularly antagonistic towards any flavour of Christianity that isn't irredeemably heretical, I feel the need of asserting my cultural heritage and affirming the teaching of the Church that has given me the Word of Our Lord in such a reverent and substantial way.
We all worship Christ it shouldn’t matter what religion we come from. I am catholic who thinks practicing orthodox prayers and habits is soul cleansing
Jason McGhoulie although the doctrinal differences are important, it should not keep us apart. Rather, we should continue to talk about them, in a after almost manner. I am Roman Catholic who attends an Eastern Rite or “Uniate” Church. I’ve grown to recognize that Christ is not only contained in the Catholic or Orthodox churches exclusively. He is present in the Mysteries/Sacraments fully present in both churches, and in the Saints of Both churches. These folks who died in Sri Lanka should be recognized as saints, along with others who died for the faith, like the 21 Coptic martyrs.
I was once tempted to be Catholic but after much studying it's clear Papal claims make no sense and are the result of centuries of revisionism and forgeries like Donation of Constantine. Just become orthodox you won't regret it!
@@seronymus Catholic: *exists*
seronymous: THAT'S GOOD AND ALL BUT...
@Monk Fan this but unironically
Why do you dislike brother Nathaniel????
I had never heard of "Bro. Nathaniel." The first thing I read was enough for me. Here it is if you'd like to read it. rationalwiki.org/wiki/Nathanael_Kapner
rationalwiki.org/wiki/Nathanael_Kapner
@@galadrielsylvania4807 RationalWiki is an atheist website that hates Christ and His Servants
Rest in peace "Doctor" Arius. You made 14 year old me feel so godly and vain, thinking I was the sole person to stick to your holy agenda.
Embarassed a year later, being a seeker to Orthodoxy, to have listened to his ramblings. Arius is like a Lazar Puhalo withought the funny beard and OCA retirement steryotype.
I wonder what 16 year old you will think.
Luke 9:50
Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants are all Christians. God loves and cherish us all and all considers us his children. We are called to love, not uphold the law, this is what the pharisees did.
@Jayden Eisenbeis
Protestantism came from the catholic church, most big name early protestant leaders held some position in the church, like being a doctor of church theology in Luther's case. Each left for their own reasons, but the common one was corruption and papal abuse. That's not far off from the orthodox reason. Besides, qualifying a denomination because they can trace their roots to a theological bureaucracy is kinda ridiculous. I'm sure you'd call the hidden Christians of Japan catholic, despite the fact that they weren't any more connected to the church than Luther, Hus, or Wycliffe.
@Jayden Eisenbeis if Jesus is at the centre then yes, they are Christian. Clue's literally in the name
Why do you hate Brother Nathaniel?
Nathaniel speaks and behaves like a venomous snake. I don't think he is capable of praying and I'd be surprised if he even tried.
I think he is simply a political agitator dressed as a priest.
@@matfejpatrusin4550 That's quite a statement you wrote. "I don't think he is capable of praying..." is quite possibly the most judgemental part of your comment. Please repent of this.
@@CzarLazar1389 I'm not seeing my original comment for some reason and I can't recall what I might have written, so I can't reflect on it. Maybe it's been deleted?
@@matfejpatrusin4550 When I replied to you, it was there. Idk what happened to it. You wrote (from what I remember) that Brother Nathaniel was a political activist and not a proper monk, that "I don't think he is capable of praying" no matter what he tried and I think you wrote that he is a self-hating Jew. The point is, it was a very judgemental and hypocritical comment. How could you know how he prays? But that comment was from 4 years ago, idk what you believe now. Just repent of it and don't make similar comments in the future. Sorry for the paragraph and God bless.
@@CzarLazar1389Okay, thanks. Well, I think that Br. Nathanael has also changed. His style is less sensational now, although I still don’t have good vibes from him. Ofc I cannot know how he prays, that’s a stupid thing to write, even if I can see why I had that impression.
I simply have problems respecting those who are divisive for seemingly unnecessary reasons.
Likewise.
good video, something that needed to be said
The same pride is also amongst Catholics. I grew up catholic and people can be very judgemental and inconsiderate towards you.
Bojan, if it were definitely determined by your own Church that the Catholic Church is not in error, would you become Catholic?
I honestly think things like the fact that we're free to pray to the saints of other apostolic churches, while those churches are not free to call to truly holy men and women, is a sort of evidence (I know not what) that... how do I say this?
I think God is - and I think this is sort of a pun - more Catholic than Orthodox. And if you saw no contradiction, or at least room for speculation, between us and you, you would see nothing holding yourself from us. Nothing, not even the Saints, but only bitter altercators.
If more Orthodox spoke about non-Orthodox as you do, i might become Orthodox.
do it ,you will be glad.