10 Things I Do Differently as an Orthodox Christian PART I | Orthodox Christianity Explained

[@ethansevilla1395]

Orthodox Christianity was the first time I saw people not treat Jesus like a beer buddy or a boyfriend, but someone to fear, respect, and worship.

[@dustinsmith4068]

I came here to make a similar comment. Well put.

[@lindaphillips4646]

And deep, deep ,quiet, Love

[@Maniflore]

i'm interested in Orthodox Christianity but i can't see the Jesus of the bible wanting to be feared by anyone. he's deserving of all the respect, worship, and praise in the world ofc but building a relationship with him plays a huge part for a more sustainable faith in the long run, i my opinion

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

@@Maniflore Good opinion to have.

[@ethansevilla1395]

​@@Maniflore fear not in a way someone fears a robber or darkness, but fearing the consequences of losing communion with God. fear of the consequences of our sins, fearing him like we fear a king, a dad, a president, or someone with authority.

[@TheMhouk2]

Left presbyterian protestantism for Holy Orthodoxy in 2016, best decision I've made, Glory to God.

[@aliyamathiesen7290]

Saaaameeee 🎉

[@accuminate3802]

I am presbyterian but recently ive been thinking of converting

[@biagiolobianco325]

This is a great introduction for my wife who is wondering why I am following the Orthodox faith. Please continue this series...

[@briankristensen349]

Please pray for me and wife, that we both must be open, I hope she will listen.

[@emmac329]

I pray that your hearts are continually humbled as humility ultimately leads us to Christ and his church 🩷 Remember that God reveals himself to those who seek him. Peace be with you. God be with you. ☦️

[@holasona]

Thank you for your support! I will!

[@av-ji9qy]

Excellent video MRS…….please continue with the information

[@christyannie83]

Orthodoxy doesn’t water anything down, it keeps it’s beauty and depth. It keeps its mysteries and doesn’t make Jesus pop culture. Orthodoxy keeps ancient tradition-passed down from those that were THERE. Much has been lost to history, orthodoxy tries not to lose anything, while others throw it away. It’s deep and satisfying. The icons HELP us remember. Nobody is worshipping the wood itself. Mainstream Christianity haas turned Jesus into a new age prosperity joke. It’s all about what Jesus can do for them. Orthodoxy pushes you daily to become like Christ -it points you always towards Him-even giving you a plan to follow! It’s the only thing that makes sense.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing!

[@bartbannister394]

The world would be a much better place without the tradition of Orthodoxy. My goodness, just look at it's utterly depraved history. Time to give up our monkey traditions.

[@Bubba.mitchell4603]

They actually didn’t become corrupt either my understanding

[@kimberlyenriquez7144]

Very well said!

[@vesnastankovski3680]

Well said,my sister in Christ ☦️ Greetings from Serbia 🇷🇸 and God bless you and all our brothers and sisters! We are living in the very strange world and,as you said, Orthodoxy is the one and only LOGICAL way of living to follow!

[@martinthelayman]

As a Roman Catholic, thank you for a clear and precise introduction - that is so respectful of other Christians, including us "Romans".

[@holasona]

@@martinthelayman thank you for watching! I did get one thing incorrectly about the Catholic Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, and I explain it in the second part: “More things I do differently as an Orthodox Christian”.

[@cristinacompton1900]

The best presentation of the Orthodoxy which I ever had. Cler and concise. Well done 👏

[@holasona]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@ViewerAnna]

I agree!

[@derekatkins4800]

Thank you for making this video. As a Southern Baptist who’s also a seminary professor, I appreciate learning more about my brothers and sisters in other Christian traditions.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@itsmeAshley84]

I agree this is fascinating ❤❤❤❤

[@holasona]

@@itsmeAshley84 thank you!

[@bartbannister394]

Yeah, pathetic morons need to stick together.

[@cactusblob1688]

No wonder our seminaries are cranking out heretics with folks like you on staff.

[@chryssanthistell]

Ι am an Orthodox woman from Greece. I confirm your presentation of this holy church. This video comes to me at a moment that I am trying to rekindle my faith after a long period of surrender to mundane life.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! I pray to God that He helps you to rekindle your faith!

[@denverrandy7143]

Thank you for your words and teachings...I'm starting my journey in the beautiful Orthodox faith and am hungry for knowledge...I'm loving learning about the Desert fathers and mothers.Thank again.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! I am learning new things myself every day about our faith!

[@cyprianbaruffi812]

Welcome to the truth! Слава Богу! Glory to God! I love you Brother and Sister! I believe and hope I will stand with you on the right side of our Holy Christ at the resurrection !

[@cyprianbaruffi812]

Study more and Christ bless you to become Orthodox before the second coming. I love you as our Christ loves you! The time is short;

[@denverrandy7143]

@@cyprianbaruffi812 Thank you so much.I can't remember a time of having such a hunger to learn of our faith...I thank God for bestowing this yearning upon me.Thank you My Brother in Christ.God Bless!

[@denverrandy7143]

@@cyprianbaruffi812 Amen

[@Squirtle.turtle]

This video is amazing! I am a catechumen and will get baptised on the 8th of July in Belgrade Serbia. I love this video and you got a new sub☦️

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! Congratulations with the upcoming baptism!

[@eugeniav2314]

As a Greek Orthodox in the US, I congratulate you on making this beautiful, accurate and concise video on our faith!!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for watching!

[@coiasirathebard7774]

Thank you Sona. Our family has become Orthodox in the past year and I am interested in watching any videos you share on aspects of being an Orthodox mother. Christ is Risen.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing and thank you for supporting the channel!

[@TheLikesofMeh]

Truly, He is risen!

[@artura9712]

Great to see a knowledgable sister from our Armenian Church! God bless you Sona and your family! Keep up the great work!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! God bless you too! 🙏

[@jimibel]

I'm interested in Orthodoxy. Thank you for this information.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your support! I hope the video was helpful!

[@gregorylatta8159]

Don't do it!!!

[@Davi.Abraham.Millman]

​@@gregorylatta8159lmao heretic

[@lindaphillips4646]

​@@gregorylatta8159 Oh, gregory, how sad to read such words

[@lindaphillips4646]

Jim, God, bless. You are on your way to learning wonderful things.. which have always existed in the Church but was not known to many of us for a long time. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@karenzeilinger1911]

Thank you. That was really informative.

[@holasona]

@@karenzeilinger1911 thank you for watching!

[@zyaicob]

I saw the Armenian cross in the thumbnail and it's so exciting to see! Of all the sister churches I see so little of you guys online so this is lovely. Christ is risen!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your feedback! I’ll do my best to fix this:)

[@krismays8152]

Thank you for the informative video. A note on the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception - The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was conceived through natural marital relations between St. Joachim and St. Anne. The Immaculate Conception refers to her being preserved from the stain of original sin. The only virgin birth was that of Jesus.

[@st.michaelthearchangelorth1055]

marital, not martial

[@Rose-rr9xq]

Wow thats crazy and she had other children...people should read their Bibles more

[@waterotter3625]

​@@Rose-rr9xqExcept Mary didn't have other children. If she had, Jesus wouldn't have given her care over to St. John when He was on the Cross.

[@Rose-rr9xq]

@waterotter3625 Joseph of arimeathea was his great uncle and he was the head of the family otherwise he wouldn't have been able to collect his body and I'm sorry Mary did have other children. Jesus's also spent alot of time between the ages of 12 and 30 with his uncle in England as Joseph was a wealthy tin merchant n had mines in england

[@st.michaelthearchangelorth1055]

@@Rose-rr9xq Sorry, you cannot maintain your Catholic Faith and say that the Virgin Mary had children besides our Lord Jesus Christ! Further the legend that Joseph of Arimethea bringing the Christ Child to England is merely a legend and has no historical value. Think seriously about your accusation of our Blessed Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary before you fall deeper into heresy!

[@countrychic719]

As a fellow Orthodox Christian, I thought this was an excellent introduction to our faith! Thanks!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@bunnygrant4919]

Absolutely beautiful. TLM Catholic here, but I am so attracted to Orthodox Christianity

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! 🙏

[@patwinkeller9254]

Enjoyed your video, very informative! Orthodox Christianity appeals to my heart. I live in a small Texas town where there are no Orthodox churches anywhere near by.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! I really hope one will be built very soon in your neighborhood!

[@garychristison763]

Author Jaroslav Pelikan got me interested in learning a little more about Orthodox Christianity. I found your discussion interesting and educational.

[@ekoe5484]

thank you for the effort your putting into expalining the Orthodox Faith for the common person. It's really helpful.

[@holasona]

Thank you! I am so glad it was helpful!

[@PolymorphicPenguin]

Thank you so much for sharing your faith with us. I know very little about Orthodox Christianity, so it's nice to learn a little about your faith.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! I am glad it was informative!

[@plateaujourneys]

Thank you for your instruction. I pray we will all find the way to restore unity for all the church. God Bless you.

[@holasona]

Thank you! I pray for that too!

[@5quareson]

Very Well Spoken. GOD Bless Everyone. See Y’all in HEAVEN

[@holasona]

Thank you! That’s the hope:)

[@ViewerAnna]

Excellent! Concise and rich in meaty information and clear and respectful of differences with other churches.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@belleramaisa6568]

As an adult catholic convert, I have always wondered about these differences. Thank you for the video and for, speaking respectfully about the other faiths. I love watching orthodox content because there are so many 'modern catholics' and it's wonderful to see others living out thier faith in a traditional way. God bless. Christ has risen.

[@ingoelds]

Christ has truly Risen from the grave!

[@KayElGee_]

Truly He is Risen!

[@holasona]

Indeed He is Risen! Thank you for sharing!

[@lornadoone8887]

Great summary! I’d like to add one clarification for Western Christians: While OO and EO don’t believe in the doctrine of “Original Sin” as formulated in the Roman Catholic faith based on certain theological speculations of St. Augustine, we do believe the consequences of Adam’s sin (namely death-spiritual & physical-as estrangement from God with the resulting tendency to sin and to undergo all manner of sufferings related to our mortality) are born by the entire human race and are removed only through our union with Christ.

[@DontHateGod]

What is OO

[@DontHateGod]

Is it oriental orthodox

[@parsaeye]

What you wrote is just a rephrasing of Original Sin!

[@kentwood9821]

@@parsaeye We suffer the consequences by being born into a fallen world, but we do not adopt Adam's sin per se.

[@alabamamotionpictureproduc6626]

Also, we Orthodox believe the Theotokos died (dormition) but her remains were assumed into heaven whereas the Romans believe she was just assumed.

[@thecookiemomma]

This is fascinating. I have had a weird journey of faith, and am still traveling in it. Thank you for the clear concise comparisons. Without throwing any shade. Great video.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for watching!

[@a.k.9120]

Спасибо Вам большое за видео! Я долгое время была в протестантской церкви и сейчас возвращаюсь назад в православную и Ваше видео помогло понять многое. Спаси Вас Господь!

[@holasona]

Спасибо за добрые слова! Я очень рада, что видео помогло!

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I really liked how you compared and contrasted the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox practices and beliefs. This really helped me form a deeper understanding.

[@holasona]

@@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm Thank you for your kind words!

[@warrenpeterson6065]

Thank-you for this post. You have taken a complex issue and presently it very well using terms and references everyone should be able to understand. Congratulations.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@amandacelaric5855]

This is a great video. I am converting to Serbian Orthodoxy and this is a really nice and easy to understand video. Thanks for posting it for us all.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@tytoalba3333]

Great video! I am from India which has a small Armenian community in Kolkata, and they have a big old Armenian Apostolic Church here. I've always wanted to learn more about them. It was interesting to learn about their beliefs!

[@holasona]

So interesting! I didn't know about that! Thank you for sharing!

[@auk7447]

The immaculate conception happened naturally by physical love. This is often misunderstood. You were correct about conceived without original sin though. I’m a Catholic. Enjoyed your video ❤

[@ingoelds]

What???

[@auk7447]

​​​​@@ingoelds yes - she was conceived naturally by St Anne and Joachim, but at conception ( and conception is the creation of life from ovum and sperm that happens after sexual union) she was and from here I quote: '.... enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role. In fact in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary for her to be fully borne by God's grace' (catechism of Catholic Church, 490). Here the word 'borne' is the same as 'carried'. It's not 'born' as in 'given birth to', or 'conception'. There are more paragraphs that I won't quote here (492-493). None of them state that Mary was conceived supernaturally, that is, not a virgin birth. This is only Jesus. I also don't see any reference to original sin in these paragraphs but my theology doesn't extend far enough to speak about this. The Fathers of the Eastern tradition are referred to in para 493, ending with 'by the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long'. From what I have read (I wanted to double check I wasn't misleading) it seems that Catholics and Orthodox are at least very closely aligned. Again, I write this only to bring to light a common misunderstanding of my faith, and with full respect of Orthodox Christianity and the riches it bears in our world. I also see that this richness is rooted in the church fathers. Catholicism is too. Again, Sona I see the differences you have spoken about and do not intend offence or pushing a Catholic doctrine into your space. I particularly love the Orthodox position on marriage continuing after death and it feels intuitively more true to me than 'til death do us part' as you point out is our Catholic teaching. I wondered if orthodox people can remarry after the death of a spouse? My intuition is that this would be ok but maybe I'm wrong ....

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! I will definitely read more Catholic sources on this subject.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

⁠@@auk7447 Then Orthodox and Catholic view are very similar. Orthodoxy just doesn’t take the Augustinian view of original sin and transmission of sin so there is no need for there to be something special about the conception preventing that transmission of original sin. You will sometimes hear Orthodox saying that that intervention at conception in the Catholic view diminishes her sharing in humanity, but really it’s just not a required part of the theology because either have a different take on original sin in general. And then they both fully agree on the grace of god helping the blessed virgin refrain from sin throughout her life.

[@MatthewMcknight]

Thank you for sharing your faith perspective!

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@veronicab15]

Great video :) I'm a fellow orthodox woman from Romania, hello! I've seen a beautiful video (in English) of Fr Spyridon Bailey explaining how the Orthodox Church is the only one with uninterrupted link to the times of the Apostles (I think that was what convinced him too). I mention it as a recommendation for those interested in more in depth exploration, though you made the point :) PS. I had LOTS of help from Saints! They are wonderful! People I love received health on numerous occasions. They care deeply for us and have the power to help us so much if we treasure, love and respect them; and seek them ofc!

[@holasona]

Thank you! And thank you for sharing!

[@sherryedwards695]

Great video. Very interesting and educational. I am 2nd generation Canadian who is Ukrainian Orthodox. I grew up in a very religious home but your video has also taught me things. Much thanks again.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! I am glad it was helpful!

[@anneramirez9577]

Also, thank you so much for such a clear understanding of Orthodoxy!

[@munderpool]

I've never understood the diverse beliefs of the Christian faith. Thank you for pointing out what is what to the various groups.

[@kimstruck910]

As a new family in Orthodoxy, I would appreciate a video on how you do things differently at home. Thank you for this content!

[@holasona]

I appreciate your feedback!

[@dianeroy1378]

I am Roman Catholic and find your video very interesting. I would love to learn more about your faith.

[@John-fn2ln]

Stay Catholic

[@kirstycat]

This video is super helpful, thank you for explaining.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching!

[@SSLFamilyMom]

Very informative! Thank you! Infant baptism and Icons raise some flags, as well as no original sin. Open and willing to continue asking questions and learning! Thank you!

[@SSLFamilyMom]

I have a question for you and it’s very personal and real…..any areas or doctrine within orthodox that you still are not 100% settled with?

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@cynthia57169]

Please do some research into the earliest centuries of the church and infant baptism. You will find that infants were baptized from earliest times and that refusing to baptize infants is a departure from the tradition of the apostles.

[@m.a.9263]

Well explained. Thank you and God bless.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! God bless you too!

[@morafremurfakilisesi5435]

Thank you very much for your excellent presentation.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@barbarasunday3514]

I follow a "solo scriptora" faith, but as a religious studies student I did a brief survey, where I got to observe an Orthodox worship service . I was impressed by the beauty of it. And the welcoming attitude of the priest and the congregation.

[@scottbrinks9248]

Thank you for your list of 10 Things You do Differently. It was encouraging.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! I am glad it was helpful!

[@SarahHarris-hx6ec]

This is very helpful and so interesting. Thank you.

[@WilliamStrawnJoe]

Yes make another video. You are quite the orthodox spokesperson. I’m convinced.

[@jinnymccormick9851]

I am a seminary student and I am very interested in hearing more about your faith and the culture of Armenian Orthodoxy.

[@bethlewis9981]

Very clear and informative video. Thank you.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful! You can check out the second part, if you’d like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmogY1jpNpojtUsi=2q9LDBzAYxEKQRpv

[@ebbaglasell1822]

Thank You kindly for this wonderful video explaining our Faith! I am a recent convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism as of July 16th of last year! Personally I feel like I FINALLY have found my TRUE home spiritually as there were many and still are many questions that has been answered! Belong to the Greek Orthodox Church & am Anthiochian! Love the richness and mysticism that our Faith holds! Am highly appreciative that the Church does not sugarcoat ANYTHING, but keep a solid foundation throughout history and still to this very day! ☦️🕊

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! And thank you for your kind words!

[@aleciapacheco5338]

I am a catachumen currently to Orthodox from southern Baptist. Can you do a video of the day in the life of an Orthodox; Christian? When arnd how to pray, days of going to church and so on. Thank you for this video and the others. ♥️

[@holasona]

Thank you so much for your feedback! Have you seen my videos “Morning Prayer Routine” and “Evening Prayer Routine”? Would you like to see more videos like that? Just in case, here are the links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXuvlp9ticSpg9Usi=NheBbBC_rjcUqS9C kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnumf4Cpnr6ljLssi=diLKF034kcTcxukB

[@Leftrightnow1530]

Thanks for presenting this info. I appreciate it.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@mantisshadow8990]

Hello, this was an excellent video. Please do more on Orthodox Christianity, especially since you are Oriental Orthodox (as so often the Eastern Orthodox position is the one that is heard alone). I am considering different denominations right now and learning more about OO would be great. Thanks in advance and have a great day. All the best and god bless!

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! I will do so!

[@EdimentalGardens]

Fascinating, thank you. I especially like the lack of original sin. That has never made sense to me

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@hoolydooly5799]

Thank you. I found this very informative.

[@holasona]

Thank you! I am glad it was helpful!

[@crivera2025]

Excellent video! Very educational and to the point!

[@holasona]

Thank you! I am glad it was helpful!

[@toby-jeanne_almy]

Finally!!!!!!! Ive been wanting this content because i like to clean to it and dont want general protestant videos!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your support!

[@iddodomingo6118]

i just love the armenian apostolic church. love it and always will. well explained as well. i can see how much you love God by how well you communicate christianity

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@jacindaflowers2040]

I currently identify as a Catholic however I’m seriously considering converting to Orthodox Christianity. I’ve been researching and learning about it these past few day’s and it’s so beautiful.

[@John-fn2ln]

You need to stay Catholic

[@marycayburkindine1003]

Thank you for an excellent explanation and introduction of our faith. ( I forgot about the "till death do us part" thing). It was difficult growing up Orthodox mostly because there was a big attachment with our ethnic culture mixed in. Today I add all the customs, traditions and cookies lol from all of the beautiful ethnic groups that make us special. , I experience. I love our longevity, no matter what WE were there from the beginning. We don't need to look for new answers God gave us all we need to lead us to him. Christ is risen ! Indeed he is risen!

[@holasona]

Indeed He is risen! Thank you for sharing!

[@conniekoumjian8933]

Thank you Sona for this video. Please do more about the differences and similarities between Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! New video is coming next week on this subject.

[@danielgaley9676]

Wonderful explanation. Looking forward to more! Please pray for us. My wife Cathy wants nothing to do with Orthodoxy.

[@holasona]

@@danielgaley9676 thank you for your kind words! I will pray for Cathy!

[@danielgaley9676]

@holasona I have been to three Liturgies. " I once was blind, but now I see..."

[@holasona]

@ That is so nice to hear! God bless you on your journey!

[@theweebandrea6008]

I love being an Orthodox Christian. Personally I am a Macedonian so I am a part of the Ohrid archbishoprid. My favorite thing about my religion is the churches. Truly some of the most beautiful churches out there. I love how they have paintings from the ceilings to the floors and the icons and wood carvings are truly so beautiful. I love my religion so much and I want to learn more about it.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! You described it so beautifully! God bless you!

[@theweebandrea6008]

@holasona Thank you very much! May God bless you too! ❤️☦️

[@sallycoop935]

If you are a Macedonian you are a part of the Greek Orthodox Church. FYI Macedonia is a northern region of Greece. All macedonians are greeks.

[@vazken9178]

5:37 Bishop Hovnan baptized me when I was a little baby in Canada. Good to see him doing well

[@holasona]

Wonderful! He is the Archbishop now:)

[@vazken9178]

@ May God strengthen him

[@robertagordon3077]

Thank you for your information and i sights.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@danielgaley9676]

Yes! More please!

[@holasona]

Thank you! Will do!

[@mcvalko]

Дякую! I’m a Ukrainian Greek Catholic and your presentation was wonderful!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! Sending you lots of love! Be safe and victorious!

[@michaelbilodeau6470]

Very helpful! Thank you!! 😊

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful!

[@dacm4317]

excellent job I am an eastern orthodox catholic… There’s hardly any between us. Praise God. I respect you very much.

[@helenmaereed338]

Very well done!! Glory to God!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

@8:45 The Roman Church teaches that St Mary was conceived the normal way. The doctrine of the immaculate conception says that, by a unique grace of God, she was always free from the stain of original sin. That stain is what gives mankind a predisposition towards sin. Yet as St Mary is the new Eve (so the teaching goes) she was, like the first Eve, without the inclination towards sin. Our Lady of Fatima said, "I am THE immaculate conception." The use of the definitive article "the" shows that there was no other. For Christ was conceived by incarnation, not conception. Therefore, although Christ is immaculate, he never had a conception. Similarly, Adam was uniquely created. For had he been conceived by some non-human, that conception would have been immaculate.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your reply! Wasn't that a part of the debate between Dominicans and Franciscans back in the days? There are even iconic paintings in late Medieval Art that depict Mary's conception as a miracle that happened through the chaste kiss of her parents at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. How else would it be possible for the Holy Virgin to be free from the stain of the original sin if it is inevitably passing through generation to generation, as RCC believes? If you have Catholic sources that talk about this matter, I would appreciate it if you send me links. Thank you!

[@ccapoccia]

@@holasona There is no record of anyone stating the belief that Mary’s parents did not produce her in the natural way. Giotto’s image of Joachim and Anna kissing depicts the reunited moment after they both separately learn from an angel that Anna would conceive. There is no evidence that anyone believed this kiss produced a child in Anna’s womb. No one who argued for the Immaculate Conception at that time, before that time, or since that time ever intimated that there was no natural relation. Conception does not just refer to the beginning of human life but refers specifically to the union of sperm and ovum. The use of the word conception to describe Mary’s natural origin is deliberate to designate that she is the product of normal sexual relations. That is why Jesus is not a Virgin Conception but a Virgin Birth. Unlike Mary, he was not conceived with the help of a man but his body was formed entirely from the material of his mother. As to how the transmission of Original Sin could be prevented in a natural conception, the Catholic answer is that it is a miracle performed by God. Pope Pius IX wrote in 1854: “the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

[@st.michaelthearchangelorth1055]

@@holasona Ggdivhjkjl is correct! There are as well Orthodox icons of Joachim and Anna kissing at the gate. this comes from the Protoevangelium of James which has the stories of the Theotokos' conception and early life. The Roman Church never espoused that Mary was conceived in any other way than sexually. The Immaculate Conception was a special grace from God keeping Mary free from sin that was bestowed upon her not by natural means, but by Divine gift. There were many arguments for and against this doctrine in both Dominican and Franciscan camps, but the evidence that anyone took seriously the conception of Mary in any other way but sexually is spurious.

[@st.michaelthearchangelorth1055]

Know also that St.Augustine when questioned as to how Original Sin was passed down conjectured that is was through sexual intercourse, though he wasn't completely satisfied with that answer. He pointed to Sacred Scripture Psalm 50/51 "Et in peccatis concepit me mater mea", "And in sin did my mother conceive me."

[@lauraaustin1998]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@aspenenglish4976]

Your babies are adorable. Very well done video. My best friend is Orthodox so I’m very familiar with its beliefs,practices and traditions. I’m a Christian of a different denomination. Beautiful video.

[@holasona]

Thank you so much for your kind words! And thank you for sharing!

[@nomadic_orthodox]

Just found your channel. I've never felt more home and more at peace than in an Armenian church. Loved Armenia!

[@zemariamephrem810]

Very informative video. God bless and keep it up. I would be glad to know more about the Armenian history and the condition of the Church now. You may know that St. Arsema (Hripsime) is the most famous Armenian saint in Ethiopia. Many girls are named after her and especially in recent times multitudes of Churches are consecrated in her honor. Many people are healed because of her intercession and her fame is growing by the day. God bless you

[@holasona]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I had no idea that St. Arsema is St. Hripsime! I am so happy to hear that she is famous in Ethiopia! St. Hripsime is one of my favorite saints! You just made my day:)

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Very interesting. Thank you I enjoyed learning ❣️

[@dawittadesse1226]

Ethiopian Orthodox here, thank you for the great sharing !

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! 🙏

[@selambirhanu7875]

I am Ethiopian Orthodox I really appreciate you. Keep it up!

[@holasona]

Thank you so much! I will do my best!

[@Thunderstruck5150]

✝️God Bless☦️

[@laurenmay2098]

Excellent video, please. If you can share more, it will be nice.

[@holasona]

Thank you! I will!

[@CherryDreamer96]

Yay 🤍 I get so excited when I see Orthodox women making content ! But please clarify in the title that you are Oriental Orthodox, so not to confuse people. Also, i think specificying Oriental could help your channel as it is more niche topic of interest 😇

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! In this video, I tried to talk about the things that unite all Orthodox churches. At some point, I will make another one about the differences between Eastern and Oriental churches.

[@CherryDreamer96]

@@holasona Great ! That will be really interesting 🤍

[@macjeffff]

Wonderful video. Thank you. As you may know by now, Roman Catholics also believe in the real presence. Thanks again. Your video was very inspiring.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! Of course! Our Eucharist theology might be a bit different, but we all believe that Holy Communion is the real Body and Blood of Christ!

[@gerigowers8318]

I know Catholics pray to Mary and other Christians say to only pray to God. I try to argue that we ask Mary to pray for us just as we would a friend (which you mentioned in #6). Thank you for confirming my thoughts on that. Like politics, people get testy about these things. Same thing about icons. I had an aunt that was a nun and my parents had many icons that I know have, but other Christians feel that we worship them.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! Stay strong in your beliefs and look for answers in the works of the Holy Fathers. Icons are mirrors that reflect the Heavenly world. We do not worship the mirror but the One God who is reflected in it. And we venerate saints who acquired God-like state after devoting their entire lives to Jesus.

[@ዳዊትዶልሶ]

Hi I'm Solomon from Ethiopian Orthodox 83,000,000M believers. I love your podcast

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate that!

[@lhu6971]

Solomon, hard to find African Americans in Orthodox church in upstate New York😢❤

[@user-zs1fr7im6l]

The word baptizo in Greek, translated “baptize” It is sometimes argued that in Mark 7:4 and Luke 11:38 the word means “immerse”; but in those texts the actual meaning (as historical information substantiates) is to “ immersing in water.”

[@tbnrcreator.official]

Just a note for those in the west: The Oriental Church and the Eastern Orthodox church are similar, yet different. I speak as an Eastern Orthodox myself and I believe we share more in common than we do with any other denomination.

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing!

[@PMD631]

Great cite about Orthodoxy!

[@PMD631]

In our Parish in Clarksvill Tennessee, we have a pan ethnic pairish,and it's wonde.

[@PMD631]

☦️❤☦️

[@Damascene749]

Unfortunately they’re still heretical. Only Eastern Orthodox churches have the True Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

[@AzureSymbiote]

I've learned a few things. Thank you.

[@holasona]

Glad to hear it! Thank your for watching!

[@costernocht]

Armenian churches are so beautiful. I'm fortunate to live in an area with lots of them, including a Catholic Armenian church. Astvats ohrni kez!

[@holasona]

Shat shnorhakalem! Thank you very much!

[@danielgaley9676]

I want Orthodoxy, but my wife not so. Please pray for us. Thank you all.

[@DannyG-v1k]

Took 24 years for my wife to want to attend Orthodox Church. She said no when I ask her to go. I never ask again although I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Just before Covid we had enough of our life long Protestant church. It was always looking for the next new thing. I told her I was done. We tried 2 mainstream liturgical churches; one preached about lgbt w no other spiritual comments. That night my wife came and said we were going to the local Orthodox Church. When we walked into the Nave the following Sunday; I told her I was home & she agreed. IT WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT & she loved it!

[@Immortal4everable]

Keep in prayer. When my husband approached me about converting to Orthodoxy, I was very upset and refused. I was Protestant and did not wish to change. I am now devoted to my Orthodox faith and are raising our children as such. Jesus may soften your wife’s heart as He did mine.

[@holasona]

@@DannyG-v1k Thank you for sharing!

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing! I will!

[@holasona]

@@Immortal4everable Thank you for sharing!

[@BramptonAnglican]

Thank you for sharing.

[@holasona]

Thank you for watching!

[@nakdag1617]

An excellent overview! Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching!

[@tonyalmhanna123]

i hope you will talk more about christianity in the future .. i love how you represent christian moms

[@holasona]

Thank you for your kind words! I will do my best:)

[@yekaterinahawkins-vf7lf]

Thank you so much for your video. It was very informative. I am very interested in the Georgian Orthodox Church and find it a bit difficult to receive credible information on Orthodox faith. I would love to see more of your videos please

[@BeALearnerAlways]

Hello sister in Christ. Great job with the video! I'd like to clarify, however, that we Orthodox do believe in original sin. It is not a transfer of guilt of ancestors but rather an inheritance of their fallenness. Also another important distinction regarding the Virgin is that we believe she underwent death before being assumed into heaven (as she too was a daughter of Adam). Anyways great job and God bless! Prayers from a member of the Indian Orthodox Church.

[@amirakhoshaba6345]

I belong to Coptic Orthodox Church so we have same faith I converted 11 years ago i was re-baptized I love my Coptic church best thing ever happened to me I attend Wednesday and Sunday the holy Littrgy, Wednesday bible study and I am still hungry for more I love my church it’s the oldest faith Saint Anthony father of the mong and saint athanasus

[@holasona]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Damascene749]

We are not the same. You are heterodox and reject 4 of the 7 ecumenical councils. Ecumenism is a heresy in both our churches.

[@gkiouzelis]

God bless you! :)

[@phaulsgawds9945]

how can a myth 'bless'?

[@holasona]

Thank you! God bless you too!

[@susanvanek7265]

Please make more!

[@holasona]

Thank you for your support! I will:)