God bless you, dear friend, from my heart!

Ex muslim here too and looking into converting! 🙌❤

Congratulations, you've chosen the right path

The problem is I don't have any around my house ( orthodox churches) .

God bless you, welcome home! Where you live from?

😂

🤣🤣🤣 turn off immediately

haha, that's true. And it happens anyways

Yep. That eye. lol

Your lucky when I was a kid I remember getting whacked with a walking stick! (Not hard but it was a shock nonetheless!)

Yes, I'm not Orthodox either, but I always remove my hat and dress modestly when visiting the church

​@Understanding Russian Christianity , what's your religion, if any?

As in Greece

Lol, that’s so Russian!..❤

Not just Russian. The general rule in the Catholic and Anglican churches is that women always cover their head but men never do. This varies of course for clergy and others taking a more formal part in the service. Look at what others are doing and copy them is the easiest way to behave safely. And always remember that you are a guest in their place of worship, being as respectful as you can be of their customs and rules..Be respectful at all times.@@Alpheccca

You're a practicing Christian? Would you like to add anything? Have I missed any important points?

@@russianchristianity I like the modest way ladies dress in Russian churches: headscarves, long sleeves, Skirts rather than trousers. St Paisios of Mt Athos says internal disorder can be revealed by external appearance. Some people are just not educated about a spiritual/godly approach to modest clothing. Kyrie Iesu Christe Eleison Me.

Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me the sinner.

​@@russianchristianityI really appreciated that you addressed cameras and how they should not be used during the service. I am struggling so much with this because it is done at the church I attend and feel it is wrong during worship. There is plenty of opportunity outside of worship. I also have had a phobia of camers since childhood and it really has a detrimental effect on my experience and can cause me to not participate as I should or would otherwise. I do not think "facebook culture" should be forced on anyone and permission should be granted before taking someone's picture and posting it.

@@tlcetc4506 Thank you for sharing

I love you! God bless you.

God bless!

Вы хороший христианин! Спаси вас Христос!

Wow. This is something you don’t read everyday! Thank you

Christ is Risen! Welcome brother! I hope your path to faith is as easy as can be. ☦️

Can you share why you converted please? Is the baptism by immersion?

@@_J4CK4L_ Orthodox do baptism by immersion to my knowledge

There are traditions that receive baptisms outside themselves. And I believe even (at least some) Orthodox churches receive confessing Christians of these other traditions (without ‘conversion’) where theirs of membership are not in the locale.

Catholic baptism is acknowledged by Orthodox Church. Converting from Catholic to Orthodox doesn't invoke a second baptism, as the Nicean Creed, in both churches acknowledges ONE baptism: Ὁμολογῶ ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. So... The only "typical ceremony" you will receive for entering Orthodox Church, is Chrismation. That is the application on your body of Holly Myron.

~ God❤ ✝ 🕊🌿Bless ~

Also, the #PalmarianCatholicChurch

I’m a Traditional Catholic :)

Do you have Octavist bassos? I absolutely adore them

Thanks!

Thanks for your interest

Мир всем (Peace to all)

This should never happen and can not ever happen until the Vatican gets rid of all their heresy and downright paganism. novus ordo with its insane vile liturgical abuse, clown masses, disco masses, priests in rainbow lgbtq alfabet maffia clothes, women desecrating the sanctuary, barefooted pagan dance rituals around the Altar.

Not possible. You Catholics strayed away too much.

not until Catholics give up their Satan worshiping papacy

​@@zoejay I agree, and I am Catholic.

Not possible, our priest don’t rape boys, our church didn’t help the Nazis escape to Argentina, and our church doesn’t own stocks in Bretta firearms company.. proud Assyrian Orthodox!

Thank you for sharing

Thank you, that's an important addition

I'm an Anglican but attend Catholic masses from time to time - very few Orthodox churches around here, but if we're travelling in Europe adopt the same practice. I go forward with others as if to accept communion. As I draw near the priest dispensing communion, I bow my head down and cross my arms across my chest, so that left hand touches right shoulder, right hand touches left. That gives good indications that I respect and reverence the taking of communion but acknowledge that I do not wish to take the elements. That seems to be understood pretty well and the priest gives a blessing instead. If the priest later asks me why, I explain. Most are very accepting of the practice and are grateful that I've been respectful of their rules. Sometimes a priest says thanks while I'm in front of him but insists that I take the bread.

God bless you dear CMcK. Am praying for you 🙏

@@mrsnkg7904 Thank you!

The brace has already been granted. If you believe on the Lord Jesus, you are saved!🩵

Rosaries are Roman

Why do you think so?

@@russianchristianityit remains un corrupted

@@smelltheglove2038, Yes, and it has stood the test of time and persecution!

Agree. Most people dress terribly these days, be it their work, study, or church

In an Orthodox church in eastern England, a woman came to the service clad in beach attire, with bare arms and legs etc. Another kept talking loudly throughout about her house party. When I protested later to the priest, he first tried to defend them for various reasons. But when pinned down, he confessed, "England is no longer a Christian country."

What’s wrong with pikachu :c

Honestly people are just too polite to say anything now q day's. While it's good for the worry about yourself and faith, if no one tells them how would they know it's importance?

Interesting. Do they belong to the same or different Patriarchates?

@@russianchristianity I believe they may have different Patriarchates since they are Greek, Russian, Ukraine.

Fascinating, thanks. Do you know if they have any fellowship with each other, either formal or informal?

@@russianchristianity I don’t know

Sure, no problems. It's great that you have such a great diversity of Christian churches in your home town

Thank you for your support!

You should definitely try and visit one

Thank you for sharing

There are to many differences. The most obvious is one Pope but there are many more. Catholics have gone full woke.

@@johnsambo9379 Nothing is impossible to The Lord, and we know this is going to take place because it is His Will to unite.

Unity in truth and rejecting heresies such as papacy and purgatory

@@hautecouture2228Your statement is from distorted teachings… We know suffering is the atonement for sin. Death came to us because of “sin” therefore sin can never enter Heaven or suffering would also be present … As very few die in the state of perfect contrition, those unfortunate to die in a state of sin must be “purified” in order to see the beatific vision… Hence the reason for purgatory. All must be clean in order to be present at the eternal banquet.. Read the parable by Jesus regarding those who try enter unprepared… If one fails to avail of the sacrament of reconciliation before death, Purgatory gives us a second chance, depending of course on the gravity of sin! If one does not expiate here on earth, he/she will have to do so in purgatory!! If this was not the case, no one could possibly share in the Beatific Vision… In regards to the papacy, ALL Christians believed and accepted the papacy continued by Peter up until the separation… Or would you believe The Holy Spirit who guides and protects His Church allow 1,000 years of deception?… No, this breakaway came through demonic influence as indeed all separation from God comes!… God desires “UNITY” Satan sets out to DIVIDE! Hence his title “DEVIL” means “”DIVIDE” But he will not succeed! There will be UNITY in The Church as it exists in Heaven.

@@johnsambo9379 as opposed to Russian orthodox who have gone full condone Russia's murder of civilians. I'll take the woke side.

Thank you

@@russianchristianity I will never forget my first trip to Russia. it was a life changing event, and I was captivated by the country, the friendly people, and the culture. I had been studying Russian Christianity for almost two years, and on a subsequent trip I joined the Russian Orthodox Church.

@@wdb3110 Thank you for sharing. I totally agree. Whatever times and political troubles there are, Russia is majestic and most Russians are awesome

@@russianchristianity, Yes indeed!!!

It's more than that Anna. The Orthodox faith is the Church given to the apostles from Jesus Christ. Together our church spread far and wide and the Western church (Roman See) was also a part of it. They left the rest of the Church body around 1054 over heresies regarding adding the filioque ("and the son") to the Nicene Creed. I encourage you to find a local Orthodox Church and attend a Divine Liturgy!

Yes, this happens in some places even in Catholic churches

@@russianchristianity oh, cool! :)) going to my first orthodox church after over 2 years. Needed some refreshing tips, thank for the cool video. God bless you

@@imcoolyeahhaha thank you for your support

Well, depending on the flow of people, the churches are usually welcoming. If you dress and act modest and ask for help if you need some, everything is gonna be alright

And how it was?

I know some, for sure. I wish I knew how to transfer them to Korea

@@russianchristianity this is my other account. I think the best way for anyone to come would be to reach out to our Bishop Metropolitan Theophan. Currently we are probably 2 Priests less than what we could reasonably need. We dont have fulltime priest in Busan parish.

I hope you were not too offended. Most of them are very lonely and the Church gives them some fulfillment, hence it is a very big deal for them.

@@russianchristianity Not at all. It was gentle and not mean-spirited. I love the babushki and welcome any correction. I miss my " adopted " babushka, an American immigrant, deeply.

Thank you, sir

Thanks for sharing. It's interesting how different churches enforce these customs differently

😀

Thank you

Thank you, friend. Merry Christmas

Thanks for the suggestion. The thing is, I play the guitar but I don't chant

The wooden ones are just cheap, and in Norwegian Lutheranism modesty and sustainability, I believe, is one of the important values

These are good questions. I'm only wondering, why a non-Orthodox person would want to do all that? Out of aesthetic reasons?

@russianchristianity An odd question - nothing to do with aesthetics. Simply as a christian from a non-orthodox background who finds themselves in an orthodox church in an orthodox country who seeks to worship God and share in the traditions of their orthodox sisters and brothers in respectful manner. Obviously, a non-orthodox christian cannot recieve the body and blood of Christ, but what is permitted?

@@aussiebloke51 That may vary from one church to another. Obviously you can be present at any liturgy and nobody is going to check your baptismal status when you light a candle. I would ask someone from the church staff, which is usually around, or even clergy if they are present

@russianchristianity I thought you might have a KZfaq video with some general guidelines. Let me give you an example. When visiting one of the churches in the place where the Royal Passion Bearers were buried, a person in our small group wanted to light a candle to remember his departed mother. The tour leader and our local guide (both Russians) disagreed with each other. One said it had to be on the left side of the nave - the other said it had to be on a square candle stand. It's these traditions that need explaining. Another example would not kissing the face of the Saviour or the saint, etc, when venerating icons.

@@aussiebloke51 That's exactly the point. There are no general guidelines. It depends on the particular Church, congregation, parish, and the people that serve and work there. The safest would be to ask

Good question, thank you. I actually have a video about that: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hqd8hdR8zdKzdZs.html

Fair question...Orthodoxy is "giving our ancestors a vote"...If someone says that Christianity is the "one true religion" I ask "Why?" If one responds regarding the Bible, then I respond along the lines of understanding the beliefs, practies, the life of those who assembled the Bible. After all, if my beliefs differ from theirs, and I say the Bible is correct, then, who's interpretation is better-theirs or mine? Also I refer to the earliest Christians and how they worshipped, why they believed what they did, how they lived Christianity. Thanks to the internet we can read the earliest writings. We are "the faith, once delivered to the Saints." Finally, we must realize, especially in the Western View of Christianity, that this is not a faith that we can "think" ourselves into using our intellect alone. We participate in relationship. The Orthodox faith is experiential. We see this in the Parables in Matthew. Look at how the Russians evangelized Alaska, in comparison to the Catholics in North and Central America. The Russians first learned the Native languages, customs, and Religion. Understanding that in each of us is "Spermaticos Logos" or "God in Seed Form" as Justin Martyr, a Disciple of John the Apostle put it, slowly teased out Christ in their search and hunger in their own faith, much like Cornelius in Acts. Because of this, the Native Inuit and Eskimo consider Orthodoxy to be their native religion. Hope this helps!

@@russianchristianity thx I'm gonna check it out

@@user-ik5on5hl4o do you think Speaking Russian isnecessary for practicing it in America? For example if I attended an Orthodox church would the preists (not sure if there called preists in Orthodox) Speak Russian?

@@Deltasquadformingup It depends. Canon Law states that the Liturgy must be in the language of the people. Here, there are many churches that have Russian, Greek, Arabic people, so the priest and choir are in the native language. In others, there are many English only speakers, or many converts so the language must be in English for them.

Formally, you’re right. But in more than one thousand years of the Russian Orthodox Church, there’s a rich tradition and plenty of specificities. Though, obviously, all ethnicities are welcome

I’m not unfortunately an expert on Orthodox liturgy

The Vigil, or All-Night Vigil, is a Service performed on Saturday evening as a preparation for Divine Liturgy the following morning. It consists of Great Vespers, Matins, and the First Hour Services. Some Parishes may perform only the Service of Great Vespers. Great Vespers was the first Service I attended. I liked it very much, but my first Divine Liturgy was my most moving experience. That was when I truly felt like I had found 'Home'.

Thank you for this! You're filling the gaps I have in my knowledge about the Orthodox Church

It's pretty similar, but even more strict

I have. You're welcome: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fa6gfNWCydXOfp8.html

I think it depends on the particular church. In big touristy places, Russian Orthodox churches are also quite lax.

@lilliedoubleyou3856, maybe it’s because the Greeks have been at it longer.

The easiest way would be to ask the local priest. Just come to the Church when there is no service and ask for the priest

Neither they are in Russian ones, at least for visitors. It's more of good manners than a mandate.

Not required or even suggested for Greek churches in America (ones I visited anyway), but the Russian one I visited once did strongly suggest to wear proper attire.

Thanks for the comment

I believe so, yes

I'm from St Petersburg but now I live in Finland

I guess, it's fair. Given that it's not just singing but a liturgy

Well, they can play instruments outside of the church. There are lots of Orthodox composers, even ordained priests of bishops. Just not in the liturgy

You mean, how should she behave in Church? Well, if you're just a visitor ask her to be quiet, show her and maybe whisper how interesting and magnificent everything around is. The when she's tired or bored, head to the exit. If you want her to participate in a service as a Christian child, however, I guess you're gonna need more patience and prepare for more distractions to keep her interested and maybe even involved. Maybe stand close to the exit and when she's tired make breaks and go outside for a while. Anyways, I believe, as long as she's not interfering and distracting the worshippers, you're both are very welcome

I don't think it matters much. As long as you look tidy, clean, and relatively modest, you're good to go

@@russianchristianity so i could wear a cap, a hat!? i just never take off my hat n hate it lol. Thank you for responding anyways!

@@yourneighbour3309 you should take your cap off though. I meant, there’s no problem with long hair

The answer is in your Bible. 1 Corinthians 11:14.

yes. It's quite common in Orthodox churches. They sell candles, icons, crosses, books, and many other things

You're probably raised right

Interesting. The Russian Orthodox Church never allows musical instruments in Church.

@@russianchristianity, is that just a Russian thing? Also, Where I Go, Saint Nicholas's Greek Orthodox Church, there's seating, families sit together, men aren't on one side and women on the other. Here's another one that puzzles me: I know in one of your videos, The Russian Church believes salvation is Faith+works. That's a little different, because Other Orthodox Churches DON'T believe that. Andrew Dammick, he's Antiochian Orthodox, he doesn't believe Faith+works, he Believes Grace Through Faith, so does John Vass, so does John Whiteford.

@@OrthodoxChristianBeliever It's a good question. As I've said, the concept of works is much deeper than just doing good things. It's mostly about partaking of sacraments in a Church with an apostolic succession and only then come good deeds

​@@OrthodoxChristianBelieverno instruments in any Orthodox church, its not just Russian. Depends on church will man and woman be seperated. Scarf is also free will. Most monestaries demand long skirt and scarf for womans(they offer it). And Orthodoxy DOESNT belive in "FAITH ALONE" protestant way. You missunderstood something. Faith withouth work is dead(thats Orthodox belive). So to say " I belive in Jesus, he is my Lord and im saved already" is not Orthodoxy.

@@moranaokeoke990, well, r u going to cut The Greek Orthodox Church I Attend off from Orthodoxy because we use an organ? Also, have u heard Andrew Stephen Dammick speak? Because he's Orthodox, and he clearly doesn't believe faith+works.

I don’t think so. The two churches are not in communion

No you cant. illegitemately partaking in Orthodox Sacraments will only results in your own eternal damnation.

@J Because one cannot serve God AND satan at the same time.

@J the papist "church" .

It is an old tradition with several non-exclusive explanations. This could be due to a household tradition in Byzantium, where the Orthodox faith came from. Due to an interpretation of decency (so that men and women don't distract each other from prayer). Due to Eve's punishment for original sin. Or due to the order by which congregants partake of communion

Orthodox Churches around the globe is a fascinating study subject. I focus on the Russian Church simply because that's what I'm competent in.

@@russianchristianity St John Maxomovitch knows the Orthodox Church is Katholic with Christ in the center. St Xenia of St Petersburg Russia my patron Saint knew it too. Again not a anti Russian deal, just Orthodox

Though I am Byzantine Catholic, Rusyn, the principles of conduct presented here are no different for us (though Rome is there, our praxis and tradition is wholly tied to the East). To your question, such a connection is easily achieved as the environment is far from rigid and sterile. True, Orthodox/Byzantine Catholic worship is highly stylized, however, all of one's senses are engaged during worship. The beauty of the icons, the veneration they inspire, the flickering candles, the sweet aroma of incense floating upward, the chant, the bowing, crossing yourself, you are engaged with all your being. In the U.S. we do have pews upon which to sit, however, we mostly stand for Divine Liturgy and I prefer doing so in the front where my movements are both appropriate, and not impeded by pews. Like many, Divine Liturgy becomes part of your soul, your being, much of it pours forth from memory and I recite much in my head and chant all the responses. Trust me you are busy in a very spiritual way. One who chooses to be a passive observer will get from Liturgy what such a person puts into it. Last, our worship is Christ centered, wholly based on scripture and we beg the angels and saints to hear our prayers and intercede on our behalf. In sum, I can only urge you to "Come and See" where Heaven and Earth, Nebo i Zemlja, touch.

I agree with our friend here. It's only rigid and sterile if you interpret it in this way. Some are more used to blue jeans pastors and modern worship teams, some are more reserved, some deeply involved in a thousand-year-old tradition and mysticism. I obviously don't know the truth but my guess would be that there could be different ways to worship God, as soon as they are really focused on God, not on being nice, social justice, or something of that kind

Maybe you already have trouble connecting with God because of your aggressive judgemental nature blocking the way?

@@bc6144 Very interesting. I´m a Roman Catholic and I never heard of the Byzantine Catholic and its principles. I will definitely inform myself better about you. God bless you!

yes, I believe it's a universal trend around the world

@@russianchristianityhuh, American Orthodox priests always talk about how that only happens in Catholic/Protestant churches because, and I quote "Orthodox Christians respect men"

@@Fakeslimshadyit varies from church to church and from country to country, but the general trend in all Christianity is that it has a female face. When it comes to Russia, there has been and still is a stereotype that most people in church are "babushki" - old ladies. The gap shortened significantly but it's still a female majority church

@@russianchristianity hmm... and why is that so? Some people will say "oh because women are more holy!" but I don't buy that

@@FakeslimshadyThat's one of the biggest challenges for the researchers of religion. Most likely, it's a combination of psychological, sociological, and cultural traits that make women more susceptible to faith

Yes and no. They don’t have “adult Sunday school” like you describe, but there is a catechizing process for people that are interested in becoming Orthodox. The student is called the catechumen, and is catechized (taught) by a priest or bishop. This process can take 1 year (if you already come from a Christian background) up to three years (if you come from a different faith or atheism). The specific requirements and process of catechism can vary depending on the priest/bishop and parish. Typically, you will meet regularly with whoever is catechizing you. Going through books recommended by the priest, renouncing aspects of your previous faith, confession, prayer, and other related activities are part of the catechumen process. The process ends with the catechumen’s baptism (if not previously baptized) and/or chrismation (pretty much everyone new to orthodoxy will need to get chrismated). Sorry for the long-winded answer but I just found it interesting that you ask. If you were looking for a more casual and lowkey way to learn about Orthodox belief and practices, the book “An Introduction to Basic Eastern Orthodox Beliefs” by Dr. Eve Tibbs is a phenomenal and very easy to read book. It’s short but well-written and includes many important and interesting ideas. And of course visiting an Eastern Orthodox Church and chatting with the priest there will also blow your mind.

They absolutely have. It's just not as popular because most of the Church members see their Orthodox identity as a cultural tradition. Just like in any other majority Christian country

​@@McGheeBentle thank you. Being catechized is a one-on-one process, then? Are there female instructors for women converts?

@@thekingsdaughter4233 Yes, it’s one-on-one, unless you are married. Then it’s you and your spouse. For the most part, a priest (all Orthodox priests are men) is catechizing a catechumen. That being said, they may give you instructions to also meet with another couple from the church. The deacon and his wife, for example, or another couple that is experienced in the church. I’m not quite sure of the procedure for an unmarried female catechumen, but I’m almost certain that the priest would meet with her and also instruct her to meet with another woman in the church as well. All of this is very dependent on the catechizing priest though, since there is relative freedom from parish to parish on how the catechumen process goes. So basically: ask the priest of your nearest orthodox parish.

Hats. 🙂 That's my Russian accent for you

Well, that’s probably more for a career in Church

There should be. Maybe not in your region or close proximity.

Why? What happened?

Then you need some help from The God.

What do you mean?

Although I see your point, I wouldn't equate Orthodox Christianity with the Russian war. Sadly, there are many believers who either support the war or comply with the state regime, but I personally know many genuine Orthodox Christians who condemn this war, some even actively.

Okay, check out the history of Catholicism and Protestantism, plenty of wars pushed by them

@@user-od5fh3gn4d Sure...since Catholics and pritestants went to war in 19th and 20th century, let us attack Ukraine in the 21st century😒

Did you know that far right batallions have been killing Orthodox priests in Ukraine since 2014? Donbass is Russia, Ukraine is Russia in fact. It was conquered from the Ottomans in the C18th. Did you know that Odessa was an Ottoman port before Potemkin conquered it for Catherine the Great? Crimea was conquered for Catherine the Great too. The Zaporyghe cossacks defended Russia and the borderlands Ukraine from the Ottomans and from the Tatars and from the Poles. That is a LOT of work. Have some respect. Ukraine means "borderlands". The borderlands of Russia. America and USA engineered the Maidan Coup. Did you know Orthodox priests have been evicted from the Kiev Lavra? Have some respect! First gather enough data before talking rubbish...

@@francefradet2116get some help

They don't believe icons are idols but graphic representations of God and saints

You're confusing pleasing Christ and being polite and respectful to the customs of the house you're visiting. Christ probably wouldn't care much if I say hello and thank you when visiting you for a cup of coffee but you would.

Maybe so. My point simply is: when you visit their house, it's nice to respect their traditions

Why is that?

@@russianchristianity Because Knucklehead Kappellos says so.

Because they do everything Jesus warned us about. Worship idols, lay heavy burdens on you , curse new born babies , demand to be called father when the bible says call no man father except your father in heaven, the church answers to the pope who is a false prophet (antichrist) , the church is fall of freemasonic symbols like the double cross which is also the same symbol as a grand master of freemasonry and the double headed phoenix which means 1 version for the initiated and one version for the unitiated.

So basically, they interpret the Bible differently than you

@@russianchristianity kindly remove Kapellos his heretical comment.