My wife would like to be orthodox, but has no one to pray for her. She has contacted. A church and asked them to pray to the Theotokos for her and is trying to the prayers at home as there is no church where we live. She feels very sad that she is not able to be a proper Christian because there is no church. She is also in a wheelchair and has kidney failure. She lives your videos and finds them very uplifting and helpful. Thank you for this lifeline. God bless.

I am one of those “inquirers” into the Orthodox Faith and am very thankful for these videos. May GOD bless you all.

That's a decent explanation of why Orthodox (and Catholic) Christians pray to the saints. Your analogy was beautiful, good job!

Just notice the radical thread of comments going on here. Just a reminder: let's be kind :)

This was really helpful. I have no intention of becoming Orthodox but I love you all, sincerely an anabaptist raised in the black church.

frederica is a saintly woman who loves her faith the ancient faith which has taken terrible sufferings from persecutions bless our orthodox brothers and sisters for ever amen

That was so beautifully said. It moves my heart. I’ve spent over 20 years of my life serving in Protestant churches, and this is the first time i felt the urge to ask the saints in glory to pray for me. I feel a sense of relief and a burden lifted even before I say a word. I’m so grateful for this video, this channel, and this sister who shared this insight. God bless you.

May the Lord Jesus Christ be with us always.. very well explained.

1:57 That makes PERFECT sense! This lady really does a great job explaining "deep" concepts in a way that I can get my pea little brain around them!

Great explanation. I learned to ignore those who leave negative remarks on such a Godly site. We/ I pray to the saints for intercession. We cannot forget who went before us so very long ago. They are here with us and are willing to interceed.

This video is intended for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers to the faith I don't understand why Protestants or Evangelicals would view this ...to begin with? that's great that you're proud of your faith...Why do you need to troll. ..on other clips? No 1 goes to troll on Evangelical Christian sites ( except maybe Atheists --they won't win Them over) Why don't the Evangelicals try and convert the non-christians of the world and Stop harassing Other Christian peoples! "It's not biblical or God like!" neither is blind hatred and prejudice!! Heaven Forbid it should be said of Evangelicals that they Hated Catholics More than they Loved Jesus!!

Yes, praying to is not the same as worshipping..We are planning to convert from Roman Catholicism..same saints intercession tradition

Thank you sister and those that run this channel, I’m a Protestant but I completely agree with your explanation of prayer. The only thing that holds me back is the command given not to communicate with the dead, am I misunderstanding this in some way? Again thank you I learn so much here.

As a baptist protestant who's really looking into Eastern Orthodoxy, this explanation is great. I've always held the saints much higher than my other baptist brothers. If we ask our loved ones to pray for us, why shouldn't we ask those who are in the presence of the lord?

The Orthodox church recently canonized two saints who passed away in the early 90s, St Paisios the Athonite, and St Porfirios. There are literally thousands of living testimonies of the divine grace that God bestowed upon them. They both said clearly and humbly that they did not perform these miracles. It was God who did so. What is not talk about is that saints also serve other roles apart from interceding with God for us. Firstly, it is through their divine grace that Jesus Christ communicates with us to say to us He is indeed real. Secondly, they also act as our heroes, our mentors. They guide us on how to calm our souls in order to accept Jesus Christ. It is not enough to just obey the ten commandments. They tell us how things like ego, humbleness, conquering your passions, proper thoughts, etc are important if you want to put Jesus Christ in your heart.

May the God bless you mum! I am super thankful for this video!

So beautiful God bless you. Praying to our Saints is one of the most beautiful gifts of the orthodox church

Beautiful! Sharing this.

I've seen a lot of videos abot this topic and this is by far the most insightful and civilized anwser, genuinely I thank you very much

What a beautiful explanation. If only my local priest when I was growing up could have answered my questions in such a manner as this site has through it's videos, I'd most likely consider myself still a Christian.

A great explanation. Thank you!

Thank you for this kind and thoughtful video.

I revisit this often 🕊

For those who don't understand, listen to every word she speaks, pay close attention to everything, in other words actually watch the video, more than once if you have to. A lot of comments I see here demonstrates a lack of attention to detail. Don't take only her word for it, listen to multiple sources, which include other Orthodox videos (beware of Coptic Orthodox), writings/teachings of the Church Fathers, etc., visit Divine Liturgies whenever possible.

Pray for me to be blessed as a catechumen soon

Beautiful explanation and I love the encouragement to expand our Christian community to include those who are in the presence and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. I've never heard the phrase "pray to the saints" explained in this way. However, I do believe that church triumphant is standing in the presence of Christ and are also praying for us to Christ thus I know that the "great cloud of witnesses" is loving me and praying for me to Christ hence why I see no need to pray that they intercede on my behalf because they are already interceding on my behalf to Christ our Lord. Regardless, thank you for the beautiful explanation I really enjoyed it.

Well that sums it up pretty darn good

Someone please, please, send me the the YT link (or a download link) of this music

Great explanation. As a Protestant I had no idea and had thought it was idolatry. But one question: are we not forbidden to contact dead people in the Old Testament? Is this any different to necromancy? How?

Well said

I’m considering converting to Orthodoxy, but I’m really struggling with this concept of praying to departed Saints or Mary for intercession on my behalf. I can’t find anywhere in canonized scripture where Jesus himself or the Apostles recommend and participate in this type of prayer. The scriptural examples often provided are usually a pretty large stretch and a bending of context in order to suit the practice. This type of prayer means that departed Christians (especially “Saints”) are somehow able to still hear thousands of prayers a minute in their name from all across the globe, 24/7, then somehow relay that information to God who will somehow take those requests more seriously now? So far, I can’t find any scriptural basis or early documented “Tradition” that backs this idea up. If it were common practice at the time, surely the Apostles would have participated in it and clearly documented the practice, but I’m not seeing that. All I’m seeing is documentation from “desert fathers” hundreds of years later. Just because I’m unfamiliar or haven’t been exposed to this way of thinking doesn’t make it untrue - I just haven’t found a very convincing argument yet for how all this is supposed to work.

Genuine question: If the saints aren't omnipresent, how can they hear our prayers?

I understand the Orthodox view on prayer to the saints. But my concern is this: Why wouldn't God mention saint intercession at least once in scripture? Especially when He says that the Holy Spirit is our only mediator. Wouldn't this just cause confusion to not address both if they were both expected? Just because God Has the capability to do something, doesn't mean He has done it. Also, do the Orthodox believe that saints are actually around us in the spiritual realm as the angels are? Or just looking down from heaven? I'm not trying to argue, I'm just genuinely curious. (And yes, I am evangelical)

Why are here so many heretics from all possible sects giving advice to the Orthodox on how we should pray ? Just mind your heretic business and go on your way. When we'll come to you and ask for your advice then you should give it, not before. Orthodox people don't come to you and tell you how to pray without you asking them​. So why do you feel the need to give advice to someone who is asking​ for it. Even God respects the free will and He doesn't interfere if He's not wanted. Are you better than God ?

Thank you for these videos! My question is how do they hear us? Saints are not omniscient or omnipresent, so how do those who are not near me hear my requests?

So do the departed actually hear the prayer request? Can they see us here on earth? Please help.

I used to think that when we die we go off on tours of the universe to take in all of God's creation. While that may be true, the Book of Revelation shows us that the saints are indeed concerned with the affairs of God's people on earth (6:10, 8:4, etc.). While terms such as "church militant" and "church triumphant" are used to show the perspective of those that are living on earth and those that continue on in heaven, there is nonetheless only one church that prays together and for one another. If James 5:16 is true ("The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.") for those preoccupied with earthly worries, how much more for those in the heavenly branch of the ONE church?

Orthodoxy should defend their catholic brothers all these protestants are attacking catholics about saints and kissing icons hopefully we reunite one day

Hello I’m so happy to learn more about orthodox Christianity, I have 2 question that I do not have answer, How do we know that the saints can hear us as God because no where in the Bible is written that saints could hear us. And even we do not know exactly if we will be judged after we die directly or in the last judgment and then we will be in the paradise with God. Please if you have answers from Bible please tell me thanks.

Dang it. You make a good point. Well said, sister. I've been a nay-sayer, but you may have me reconsidering.

I've been learning about Orthodoxy and I will honestly say that many things about it is beautiful, no doubt, but this is unfortunately one thing I really have a problem with. "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:13‭-‬15 ESV The Scriptures say that those who have died don't precede us because they're sleeping until the Resurrection and neither do we precede them. Acts 2:34, "For David did not ascend into the heavens," If they did precede us, and skipped over the Resurrection and Final Judgement, then I will Gladly accept this teaching of praying to the saints that have died. But that's not the case. And of course we ask others to pray for us, the saints that are alive here on earth that worship and serve Yah, but praying to the brothers and sisters that have died is praying to thin air. Don't mean any disrespect, but I'll trust the Lord before anything or anyone else. I just encourage you all to pray and read for yourselves and above all, ask the Father for His Holy Spirit for understanding in Jesus' name.

I just want to know how do we know we are commmunicating with them? And if so how does Jesus feel about us asking them that are right there with him??? Since we have one mediator like the bible says. Aren't we the saints???

If you ask your grandfather to pray for you, are you "worshipping" him? ...certainly not you're asking him to pray For you To God

Catholic and Orthodox people ask the saints to pray for us. The saints are our models and idols of a christian life.

Here's what I still don't understand. If I ask a neighbor to pray with me or for me, I can see my neighbor and she's there with me. But she can't listen to whole neighborhood at one time asking her for prayer. She's not omniscient nor omnipresent. Since only God is both omniscient and omnipresent then it seems it stand to reason to me that only God can hear all prayers and/or requests being made of Him everywhere at once. I don't think the departed saints have those abilities to hear all prayers being made of them from everywhere at once. How could they?

What's wrong with praying to Saints? I don't see anything wrong to Saints. I have my top favorite Saints that I rely on. 1. Saint Michael the archangel. 2. Saint Nectarios of Aegina. 3. Saint Pope John Paul II. 4. Saint Therese of Lisieux aka The Little flower of Jesus. 5. Saint Patrick of Ireland. And back in 2018, I asked these Saints for their Divine intervention on behalf of my girlfriend when she was a dialysis patient. And after fervently praying to them. They brought the prayer request to God and his answer was yes that she would receive a kidney transplant. After she received the kidney transplant, I gave thanks and praise to the Saints and God.

The Bible doesn't mention that we need deads prayers to be heard. I can pray for others alive but we are not taught that deads pray for me.

My Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ, Have you any of you been tested for the COVID-19? Well my girlfriend went to a place to be tested for the pandemic. And now she's waiting for the results to be negative. So I'm asking to pray to any of the Saints on behalf of my girlfriend. Hopefully the results will be negative. She's been emotionally upset and filled with anxiety. I'm hoping and praying that it's negative too.

in the bible, pray has always addressed to God, pray is a communication to God, not to human. but still, believe in Jesus is a way of salvation. God bless us all.. :)

Serious question from someone investigating orthodoxy: aren't we assigning attributes (or at least one) of deity to departed saints if we all pray to them and expect them to hear those prayers? Hope that makes sense...

I almost converted from Lutheranism to Orthodoxy because of its emphasis on mysticism. I was questioning so much about Christianity. I referred to these videos a lot when I made my decision to leave Christianity as a whole. All the divides and disagreements about sacraments, saints, baptism and everything else between sects of Christianity ultimately convinced me that Christianity isn't true. I'm an atheist now, but I still have very warm feelings towards the Orthodox church. The Catholics and Fundamental Evangelical Protestants definitely need to take a leaf from Orthodoxy's book.

But how to know if the saints are really in heaven or not

🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥

Problem that I have is that saints would have to have omnipresence to be able to hear you and be with everyone that is praying

you say you don't pray to the saints, but you go and ask them to pray for you . do you not see something wrong with what you said theoria? saints are not to be praised as the orthodox church does. all Glory goes to God

1 Tim 2:5

(Isa 8:19) ... should not a people seek to their God, than for the living to the dead?

I've heard non-Orthodox say the saints and Mary can't hear us because they're dead. No...no, they're not.

this is actually misunderstood by protestant denom, they believe soul is not perished because of Christ but still they call em "dead". Apostle Paul clearly said that in Timothy 2 but still they are just being ignorant

"The dead know nothing." ----- Ecclesiastes 9:5.

To people who come on here to start trouble, especially prideful protestants who just have to get their zinger in, be like this guy kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r7WciMJl1eDKpGg.html

When did Christians forget that God had already sent the Holy Spirit to do blessings, rescues, and healings? We don't need to keep asking a saint to ask Jesus to do X. Jesus already filled the saint with the Holy Spirit who has the power to do those things. That's why relics work.

Protestants (and secular pagans) lack the fullness of the faith, the Eucharist, for without it, on this journey in this body, there is no physical communion with Jesus (the Trinity) physically. Thus we are not with His heavenly kingdom either, so concept, so deeply present to us, to outsiders, is strange because it isn’t possible. Of course, any and all people in this world have access to God in essence since we can’t fully be separated from His love!

I'm assuming that this video was put up for the benefit of Christians who aren't part of the Orthodox faith. Why do I assume this? Because throughout the video the speaker appears to be addressing objections and questions that Protestant Christians would pose. I agree that prayer is equivalent to "making a request (pray pass me the broccoli)". I agree that we are "surrounded by a cloud of witnesses" that "they are before God praising and glorifying him". I agree that when we face issues we ask friends to remember us in prayer. I agree that adoration and veneration are different. But where is the Scriptural evidence that those Saints who've gone to glory can hear our requests for them to request on our behalf? Did Jesus when he taught the disciples to pray recommend that they should make requests to the departed such as Moses, Eljah, or Elisha to likewise pray on our behalf?

I find interest in orthodoxy because protestant lacks tradition, look at the agv church these days, it all over the show. Orthodox seems to stick to the traditional "repentance" line, protestant turned to feel good religion.

Why would I need Mary , Peter or Paul when I can go directly to Jesus? 1 Tim 2:5.

Noone goes to Mashiaħ YaHSHWaH but by the TheoTokos

This is a pretty preposterous concept. It commits a false equivalence fallacy. I mean, I get the comparison of asking a friend to pray for me. That makes sense. But I don't put an icon of that friend in my house and in my church. And I certainly don't put it up next to an icon of Jesus and then kiss it and bow to it. I'm sorry, but this practice isn't even remotely the same thing as merely asking a friend for prayer. It's just not.

Read deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 9-15 (please repent

But they can not hear you

Been doing a lot of research into orthodox Christianity and I have a big problem with this. Communicating with the dead is forbidden, flat out.

Iam not for sure but the cloud of witnesses are not expressly revealed as to who or what they are. SO to say that they are the saints is interpretation. As for the book of revelation it is a book of the future and the Kingdom to COME which is not yet present physically on earth. The orthodox Church is beautiful and Ive meet some of the best of people. Orthodox Christians believe that their Church is the original Church of Jesus. This is confusing to me because Jesus (Yeshua) was a Jew and was Torah observant. He was a rabbi of the Torah and taught to keep all the commandemnts of Torah. He would have never changed the shabbat to Sunday which is the day pagans venerated the Sun. He would have NEVER changed Passover to pagan Easter nor would he NEVER observe Christmas, the day pagan venerated the death and rebirth of the Sun god which Christians later changed to the birth of Christ. Jews of Jesus day did not observe birthdays. He woudl have NEVER kissed an image or icon. The Orthodox Church is in many ways a mirror image of the Sun worship of the Byzantine Empire from which is was born. It has always amazed me that Christian ignor the pagan adaptations of the Church and that the Church violently rejected all biblical observances in favor of pagan customs and culture. So back to praying to saints and Mary. Instead of praying to the pagan goddess Queen of Heaven pray to Mary (Mary is now also called Queen of Heaven). Instead of praying to multiple gods for this or for that pray to the saints instead. That is the REAL reason Orthodox Christians pray to saints.

Deuteronomy 18:10-13 says to never speak to the dead

Aren’t saints dead people? They aren’t alive like Jesus due to resurrection. The difference between having a dead sanctified person and a living sanctified/non-sanctified person is that the latter is part of the Christian community and their prayer can be verified as actually happening.

cacca pucca

Show me one scripture where is says to pray to any saint or Mary.. ill wait... "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"

All saints lived sinful lives.

It says in the word We have a great cloud of witnesses It doesn’t say to ask them to pray for us It does say for us to pray for each and to call for the elders to anoint and lay hands on the sick …. your comment that you won’t be praying for your friend anymore is contrary to scriptures and makes me sad 😞 I can’t imagine our Peter dressed in those robes ….

I will pray to the Trinity. If I want extra I will ask for prayers from the living for me. No statues, no momma's, no saints or idols.

Praying to Mary & the Saints is unbiblical! There's a difference between asking family or friends to pray For you, to praying To dead people! Jesus is both Mediator & Intercessor. If Jesus is sufficient for both those roles then why do we need to pray to Mary or one of the saints, who by the way, are dead and departed? Yes, they are alive in heaven, however, there is no scriptural basis for praying to them, rather the opposite is true! Intercession is biblical for you and I who are living, to pray FOR one another, but not to pray to departed people. The saints in heaven may be privy to the prayers of the saints on earth. However, nowhere in scripture are we instructed to pray To Them! The Bible actually instructs us to call on God not the Dead! Isaiah 8:19-20 Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the Dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the Dead? Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. By praying To them, we are taking the attributes of God and placing them on mere humans! Only God is Omnipresent(everywhere at once), Omniscient(knowing everything at all times), Omnipotent(all powerful) & Omnibenevolent(supremely Holy & Good). If the word of God tells us to come to Him directly, then why do we need to pray to anyone else??? Take a look at the following scriptural references: Romans 8:34 [34]Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes INTERCESSION for us. Hebrews 4:14-16 [14]Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15]For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16]Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:23-27 [23]Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. [24]But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. [25]Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make Intercession for them. [26]For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; [27]who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 1 Timothy 2:5 [5]For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Acts 4:12 [12]Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Philippians 4:6-7 [6]Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7]and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Romans 8:26-27 [26]Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27]Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Matthew 6:6,9-15 [6]But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [9]In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10]Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11]Give us this day our daily bread. [12]And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13]And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. [14]“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15]But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 1 John 5:14-15 [14]Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [15]And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14 [14]if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Psalms 17:6 [6]I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Psalms 102:17 [17]He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer. Psalms 145:18-19 [18]The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. [19]He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. Proverbs 15:29 [29]The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Romans 10:13 [13]For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 [9]If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10]For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11]As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [12]For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13]for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

sorry, unbiblical.. Prayer is a form of worship, so to pray to saints is worshipping them. Asking a live person to pray for you is not the same thing.

The holy of holies was torn, so we can pray directly to God. So why pray to saints and make them gods . Jesus Christ is are meditator we do not need Mary or any other Saints.

it’s not an issue of who you pray for, or who you ask to pray, it’s who you pray to! you twist the truth.

But the bibble prohibits praying to saints

Isn't it a bible teaching that women should cover their hair in church?

Dead people, even if they are saints are not gods. They can't hear you.

Praying to the dead is unsupported by scripture . that is all

None of the Apostles prayed to the "saints", Jesus never taught us to pray to Abraham, Elijah or Moses. True christians don't pray to saints. It's sickening to even think of praying to anyone other than God/Jesus.

PRAY TO JESUS CHRIST, He is the only mediator. Not Mary, not John not Peter, etc. The orthodox tradtitions are nice, but be careful christians, especially new christians and born again christians (like myself) that we are going directly to JESUS CHRIST Himself with all our prayers and concerns, & especially when we repent. when we repent, who do we repent to? Jesus Christ. That's who. So we should be praying to Him as well. Do not be distracted by the relics or icons, they are nice to look at and should be greatly appreciated. But make no mistake. The purpose of going to church is glorifying God and if you have accepted Christ into your heart, in turn the spirit of truth will reside in you. Donnot be distracted. :) God bless us all.

I like her voice, but i can't believe that she is also feminist. How the hell an orthodox chirstian woman can be a feminist at the same time?

This woman is absolutely crazy. She will meet her maker like everybody else. Shame on her and others for deceiving the people. There is no room for women to open their mouths in the church or are we to chose which scripture to accept????

Aren’t saints dead? They aren’t alive like Jesus is due to resurrection. The difference between having a dead sanctified person and a living sanctified/non-sanctified person is that the latter is part of the Christian community and their being alive means that the prayer can be verified that it actually happens.