Glory to God!

I mean for all you know they WERE correct. Who is to say which interpretation is valid, which branch of Christainity knows the truth? Why do you arbitrarily believe one over the other? The solution is: Throw all of Christianity away. Throw all religions away. Join the atheists in a rational and humane understanding of the world :). And if you're curious about spiritual matters, you can test it with new age ideas! Lets all abandon orthodox Christianity together :D

@@radscorpion8 I agree that most of todays atheism is good in so far as it represents the rejection of a clearly evil demiurge. I don't agree with the glib abandonment of one vision of absolute truth for another. Atheism is as philosophically and metaphysically absurd as any fundamentalist christianity. The only good points atheism has to make is how the traditional metaphysical arguments for the reality of God fail.

​@@radscorpion8All is Vanity in the end but Faith in our Lord leads to salvation. Something lead you here in the first place brother. Let our Lord in.

For me it was the opposite, I didn't realize how unhappy my sins were making me because I didn't know there was another path

Supposed to turn the suffering over to God . Not continue carrying them just because.

@@travelchannel304 We first repent. We Orthodox understand the concept of joyful sorrow which in a nutshell means that we feel sorrow for our sins but we also see the light at the end of the tunnel which means the joy of God's forgiveness and His grace which comes with it.

Ha! I was by no means genuinely happy as an atheist! Happiness was so ephemeral that I often preferred to stay depressed! I thought I just happened to have a “mental illness” but all along it was a spiritual one. New Age “spiritualism” at least got me to accept 1)that there is a God & 2) he is good & loves us. I finally started to experience a more consistent sense of happiness & joy & contentment like I had never known before. But it also played into my pride & vanity & I kept refusing to even consider Christ as my Lord & Savior. Now that I am a very very new enquirer, I’m realizing just how prideful & vane I was in my own way. How much I have failed to become more holy & more wise on my own because of my often subtle rebellion. The Orthodox Church brings me instantly into a state of sublime submission to god’s mercy & will, something I could not experience in Catholic mass. At times, the gravity of the consequences of my sins sometimes hits me so hard I want to crawl out of my own skin!! It can be heavy, but I know now that the experience is fleeting & serves me well in the long-run. This can be very acutely painful, but it is nothing compared to spending nearly half my life in with the hollow, soul-sucking ache of chronic depression & anxiety.

​@@VidBint Its interesting how you believers never talk about any rational proof for your religion. Its always just psychological arguments about how you used to be so prideful but now you feel some sublime happiness supposedly brought on by the orthodox faith, but why the faith is true is never brought up which you'd think was critical. If psychological arguments were sufficient, then new age meditators also feel sublime peace. There are new age mediums who can communicate with spirit and learn about the various ways they can improve on their personal flaws. But at least when it comes to new age, they have some concrete proof that their ideas work, that you can manifest things. They have forums where they share their successes and techniques and people can try those things themselves. And because they often have a direct connection to spirit, they can test the validity of that connection in various ways. With most religious faiths, I don't even know if you guys have that. Instead its just this extremely shaky and frankly shallow belief in God which only manifests in your life as "joyful sorrow" as Tysikos put it. No offense but that sounds like a truly miserable existance, because you have no connection to God except a made up one in your head that you never have any true faith in precisely because you're making it up. That's why your religion is dying. I thank God I'm not orthodox or any other religion. If it wasn't for new age ideas, and the fact that they are testable and provable, I'd be way more depressed. But even without new age, I'd be happier as an atheist, because at least you know the things you're believing are true and not just constructed in your head to make you feel better. For the same reason I can't believe in Zeus lol. Every single philosophical or pseudo-naturalistic argument for God fails miserably, and I've seen hundreds of debates and scholarly arguments by now to know they really don't have anything. I guess in a way I answered my own question. Maybe you can't bring up any rational proof so you resort to psychological tricks instead. But you're really only tricking yourself

That is why our path is narrow. One needs to be very watchful when it comes to the subtle deceits like "prelest". Podvig is what is missing in Protestantism and what we Orthodox can not understand - how come our fellow Prots are not putting up the fight against evil.? That is where podvig comes into play.

Thanks to God! Glad you found it edifying Pastor Scott!

Pastor Scott, as a Baptist, what do you believe about Orthodoxy?

Your words were a balm to my soul tonight - simple, yet profound - thank you so much.

Amen!

Keep walking... There's no rush!

@@brettscotland889 👍Thank you, Brett. God with us

May I ask how your journey is going?

@@jeromestafford3089 😊Thanks for asking. Wow, I'm surprised to see that 2 years gone by since my post... I have not yet officially converted, and the reasons are a bit complicated. Covid time of course slowed everything down, but the biggest issue is that I live far up North and the priests visit only once or twice/month... Thankfully there are lot of resources online that I use frequently. So right now, in my mind I'm no longer a Protestant. I visit Catholic Mass once a month and Orthodox Vigilia twice/month. (These are held in the same orthodox chapel. And there's about 10-15 persons in each parish). I have my daily prayer rule and I daily read spiritual books by Church Fathers, Saints or monastics. Both the prayers and the books are a mix of Catholic and Orthodox... often pre-schism... In a way my spiritual life is quite eremitical...ascetic. I'm clearly influenced by the Carthusians and Russian Orthodox hermits. But I absolutely feel a need to choose what Church to belong to. Mainly to be able to fully take part in the Eucharist and other sacraments. The journey continues. God have Mercy, all Glory to Him.

@@mikkis668may I ask, when it comes to embracing the more sacramental theology of EO or RC, what was most compelling for you in leaving Baptist theology?

May the Lord be with you! We are so blessed To believe God!! May God hear your prayer

Thanks to God...thanks for sharing your story, Mary...glad you found this video edifying!

Thanks to God...may God encourage you in your patience!

Everything in the spiritual life takes years...and requires great patience! This is particularly difficult for us because we've become so accustomed to getting everything quickly(!) May God give us strength to learn patience!

@@ProtectingVeil Indeed. I am thankful for this slow journey into greater humility and repentance as I have lived much of my life getting what I want very quickly. Glory to God.

Same here.. plus covid circumstances

How has life changed for you?

I had a long standing addiction to porn. May not be everyone's experience, but the spritual practices and attending perspective of Orthodoxy freed me. Orthodoxy "feels right', but in the opposite way from substance abuse. It is the antithesis of substance abuse.

Thanks to God!

Godspeed!

Thanks to God...glad you found us!

Thanks to God! And thanks for your encouragement, Brigid...I'm glad you found it edifying!

Thanks to God...thanks for stopping by, Brett!

Christ is Risen! Thanks to God!

Thanks to God...glad you found us and that you're finding them edifying!

Thanks to God...glad you found it helpful, Michael!

Priests are men and they have different levels of talents.

There is only one Home and it is patiently waiting and praying that people like you would hear the tiny voice in your heart...

Have you ever attended an Orthodox Liturgy?

Did you end up becoming Orthodox?

@@consciousstream5036 Yes! Thanks for asking. I'll be baptised in August, God willing. :)

Ditto

Thanks for the comment, Kyle! Faith is a continuous journey...not a one moment affair...our relationship with God is like that of Bridegroom and Bride (a biblical image) that is, a relationship of love. We were created to love God, and He comes to us to begin our journey of faith. If we don't respond, He respects our free will and will not force us. When we respond, He responds, and the journey continues...it is, in fact, an eternal journey into deeper love and understanding...as they say in Greece, "slowly, slowly!" Here's a short, but wonderful, book that you might find encouraging: www.sainthermanmonastery.com/God-s-Revelation-to-the-Human-Heart-p/grhh.htm

We would love to hear about your experience this weekend.

Yes...for many it takes a long time to internalize the reality that the spirit of God is one of peace, unity, gentleness, love (etc.) and that arguing is (usually) counterproductive(!) I guess this is a lesson that we can always learn better (and hopefully do!)

@@ProtectingVeil - Wanting to shout Orthodoxy from the rooftops is a constant struggle. I'm weak.

Love is a beautiful thing...I sympathize brother!

Derek A. Kamal Yeah, being super zealous in the wrong way is a real problem among converts. The struggle is real. 🙄😆

Blessed brother, they do not have to know you are right, since God is right. Everything we do not do or are, God will fix, not we. Wejust try, by His grace, to fix our will towards becoming what He wants. God bless. Kali Anastasi!

One of the prayers in Orthodox Holy Liturgy is for the people who enter the church building with fear. You shouldn't be scared...

I had a long standing addiction to porn. May not be everyone's experience, but the spritual practices and attending perspective of Orthodoxy freed me. Orthodoxy "feels right', but in the opposite way from substance abuse. It is the antithesis of substance abuse.

Matthew- Can you get to an Orthodox Church? Attending Divine Liturgy is truly the best medicine. Although I became clean and sober a year before becoming an Orthodox Christian, I have no doubt it was my being an Orthodox Christian that kept me healthy for 26 years! Obtained university degrees and have helped the struggling addict ever since. I owe my solid and unshakable faith (& sobriety) to opening my heart to the Orthodox Christian Church ☦️❤️ Praying for you Matthew 🙏🏼💟

Don't worry, my friend...if you see them, God sees them too, and loves them more than you do! The question for you is: where is God leading you? And where will you find the fullness of truth that will provide you with the best tools to become who God created you to be? God doesn't call us to solve all the problems in the world (that's His job), but to be faithful to Him in the time and space He gives to us...

?

Likewise, brother! Sounds like you've already taken the best first step...and you're blessed to be close enough to attend Fr. Josiah's parish! I would encourage you to spend as much time as you can in church and ask Fr. Josiah what kinds of things you should be doing. I would caution you against spending much time with online Orthodoxy (I think Fr. Josiah would agree!) Online Orthodoxy can be fine as a way to discover Orthodoxy initially (and, if your local priest thinks it's appropriate, perhaps he'll point you towards some online material), but beyond that, it's a mixed bag and can often cause more confusion than is beneficial.

@@ProtectingVeil I appreciate the response and suggestions! With online videos and readings, that is what I was running into. I did find some pages associated with Fr. Josiah, including your page, which I have found very helpful so thank you for your content. I will take the suggestion and introduce myself next time I'm there. Still a step I haven't done yet as well. Thank you for your advice!

Godspeed, brother! Learning patience is one of the greatest of life's lessons...good strength...and may God continue to guide your steps!

@@ProtectingVeil Thank you

English oak *is* lovely...

I believe that he is saying that God is the one who is converting us and that we do not need to worry about our salvation. Essentially time is not an issue.

Yep, some may feel a great urgency. But i suppose we all don't have to.

@@jeffreyhoward6319 True, but we never know how many days we have. I'm sure Kobe didn't expect not to make it home.

@@graceoverall I suppose we Orthodox Christians would see the whole process as being Salvific.

@@graceoverall Kobe? You lost me

@@jeffreyhoward6319 Sorry, Kobe Bryant (world famous basketball player) died suddenly in a helicopter crash just last week.

Hey Sirius...yes, indeed, most parishes conduct their services in English. Most (perhaps all?) OCA and Antiochian parishes do. In the other jurisdictions, if the services are not 100% in English, they're usually at least 50% in English...come and see!

Very much interested in learning more. I have several Orthodox Parishes near me in New Jersey: Russian, Ukraine, Greek.. The Liturgy I have attended was in that language. Gorgeous and romantic, but I need to understand what I'm participating in

I certainly understand...happily, Orthodox parishes in the US are increasingly moving towards English. In some older parishes (especially in the Northeast and Midwest), there is an attachment to the old languages...this will change, however. Here's a tool for finding local Orthodox parishes...as I mentioned, most OCA and Antiochian parishes are going to be in English: orthodoxyinamerica.org/

@@siriusalien2977 The majority of the Greek Orthodox Churches have Services in English.

@@ProtectingVeil Hello from the Coptic Orthodox Church :) in the last 5to 7 years the Coptic church has now about 4 English churches only (well 90% English) in Southern CA. thank you for the beautiful video. God Bless.

You have to take into account that in Koine (Biblical Greek) 'justification' and 'righteousness' are virtually the same word: 'dikaios'

@@jeffreyhoward6319 So what's the conclusion?

its a continual process

@@jeffreyhoward6319 yes sanctification is a continual process but not justification. Just like the theif on the cross!! The penalty of sin is paid for. This I find is a weakness in the Theosis concept.

@@supersmart671 John Wesley phrased it by saying that faith and repentance are the mere gateway.

How do you know that you are really fully understanding Orthodoxy? By criticizing Orthodoxy you have actually revealed that you are already half way there. I suggest you do more research. And by the way he is in the hands of a loving, merciful God. You are right, its not just about feelings, Orthodoxy engages the whole person. Seems you had already made up your mind that you were not going to agree with any of it before you even heard it.

We are talking to all Heterodox.... to repent and come home.

What do you base this on?

I suggest you look up Father Stephen De Young's "Religion of the Apostles". It is Orthodox Biblical theology par excellance.

God cannot save us unless we are willing to be habitable for his grace. He does not impose his grace on us, we have to be willing to accept him.

That's true, but if you are working to be " habitable" for His grace, then it's not grace. " Willing to accept Him"...by all means,but if you are working to be worthy of the free gift, it's no longer a gift. Read the book of Galatians and Romans chapters 3 to 7 ....God''s Word condemns all that man adds to the gospel regarding our salvation.

@@matthiasbrandt1252 Our will cooperates w/ his grace. "Faith without works in dead"

Also accepting his grace is work / action on our part: as well" "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" I suggest you read some of the works of St. John Cassian. He shows us a truthful balance between the extremes of St Augustine and Pelagius

No my friend. You misinterpret the scriptures along with the " Orthodox" and Roman religious systems. James 2 .. Faith without works is dead...yes....the works show your faith is REAL....but you are justified BY FAITH Romans 5:1 and HAVE peace with God. Yes...you work out your salvation with fear and trembling...a salvation you HAVE...by Grace alone through faith alone. Romans 4:5..." But to the one who DOES NOT WORK, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his FAITH is credited as righteousness". Abraham was declared righteousness through His FAITH... which was proved real by his obedience...though imperfect. The Orthodox Church boasts about never having a reformation...well, it needs one. The only infallible rule for life and practice is the Word of God....inspired by the Holy Spirit and carefully interpreted with His help. Traditions of man are not worthy of being placed on the same level.

Well, perhaps you don't have a good reason for becoming Orthodox ;)

I suggest you look up Father Stephen De Young's "Religion of the Apostles".