Right? I can't stop.

absolutely

Xxxxxxx

Let us not finger pointing on other religion, just let us learn and be a true Christian.It is really a good preaching.

Thank you

m filmtrip “The screen is called the iconostasis ( icon stand ) and bears an array of holy images that are arranged in a fairly consistent order. Three doors penetrate the typical iconostasis: small doors at the north and south ends and a larger, usually double door in the center. In churches with an iconostasis with an open center area there are still generally two small doors on either side. These are called respectively the north door, the south door, and the royal doors. During services, they are open in order that events taking place at the altar may be seen clearly by the congregation. At other times they are closed, protecting the inner sanctuary-the place of the Kingdom-from disturbance. Certain of the icons on the icon stand occupy the same positions in every parish. As one faces the stand, looking east toward the altar, an icon of the Lord Jesus Christ stands to the right of the royal doors. To the right again stands the icon of St. John the Baptist-the Holy Forerunner-who prepared the way of the Lord. On the south door is an icon of Archangel Michael, and to the right again is at least one other icon of a saint. To the left of the royal doors is an icon of Mary, the Mother of God, with her Divine Child, and to the left again the saint to whom the church is dedicated. On the north door is an icon of the Archangel Gabriel, and one or more variable icons are found to its left. Above the royal doors is generally an icon of the Last Supper-depicting the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The various doors in the icon stand give access to and from the sanctuary or altar area. The royal doors are reserved for the passage of the bishop, priests, and deacons. Other assistants such as subdeacons and acolytes pass through the north and south doors. As one looks through the royal doors into the holy sanctuary, the altar table on which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated stands centrally. To the side is a small table covered by a white cloth, upon which the Holy Gifts-the bread and wine to be used in the Eucharist-will be prepared by the priest and deacon. This preparation table is called the prothesis. Behind the altar in most Orthodox churches stands the bishop's throne, occupied by the bishop during his pastoral visitations to the parish. In Greek and Antiochian Orthodox churches, however, this throne is frequently located in front of the icon screen to the right of the royal doors, in the wide area before the screen known as the solea. The presence of a bishop’s throne in a parish church, rather than only in a cathedral as in the West, emphasizes the central role of the bishop as the ruling figure of Christ in his diocese and the subordinate role of the presbyter or priest as his delegated deputy. The continuing core of apostolicity resides in the bishop, who was ordained via the laying on of hands by a bishop, who in turn was ordained by a bishop whose ordination goes back in an unbroken line to the apostles. Where the bishop is enthroned, surrounded by his presbyters, deacons, and people-there is the fullness, the catholicity of the Church. The presence of the throne makes this visually clear... ....The presence of the Gospel book on the altar throughout the Divine Liturgy is of great significance. During the celebration of the Eucharist, the altar actualizes the Throne of God in the Kingdom; that is, it shows forth the Holy of Holies. And it is here, directly adjacent to the very Body and Blood of Christ, that the written record of the words spoken by the Incarnate God will be revered and exalted.”-Orthodox Worship: A Living Continuity with the Synagogue, the Temple, and the Early Church, Benjamin D Williams & Harold B Anstall

The icon of the Theotokos you see behind the altar is called ‘The Platytera (Πλατυτέρα)’ which means wider. The icon is usually larger and shows The Theotokos with her hands in the ‘Oran’ position (open and presenting) and presents Christ. She is facing the worshipers directly with the image of Christ at her chest also facing worshipers directly. This is a stunning icon with a huge meaning. In some churches, this icon takes up almost the entire back wall, although it’s meaning isn’t greater just because the congregation had more $$$ for grandness. Watching this video, Fr. O’Grady is explaining confession beautifully and stressing the importance. Well done. I wish more priests did this.

Confession is usually in a private and quiet place, usually in the front of the church before the iconostasis. There should be no one else in proximity. At that point the priest begins with a prayer, and then just take your cues from the priest. It concludes when the Priest lays his Epitrachelion stole over you while reciting a prayer of absolution.

All believers are priests and your sins can be confessed to any believer.

Offcourse.

NICE!!!

No, you need a priest. Jesus Christ said to His Apostles, our priests today, whose sins you forgive, will be forgiven...Therefore without the priest special prayer, sins cannot be forgiven.

Another question. When I hear about some of the visions the Saints had on hell its sound pretty harsh. The fire, the worm that doesn't die forever and ever. Stalin in whom I hate for what he did to my Russian family is supposedly deep in the fire. If God gave me the authority to judge my judgment would be a lot less harsh. So Im a little bothered by His harsh judgement. Not only that Im filled with sin and Ive lived in TJ with my wife and son no Orthodox Church. Lucky were going to Colorado in a week but cant convince my wife that Orthodox is a good Church. Just a little overwhelmed. Im not really sure what my question is.

I know how can anybody respond to that sorry.