Ask An Orthodox Priest #16 - Toll Houses and Women Deaconesses In The Church

[@George_033]

I've met Fr. Seraphim a few times. He's a wonderful priest. Glory to God for him!

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

What a great interview. Being a mother of a young son, I've been studying the Holy Theotokos. Before I started researching more, I always explained motherhood as a unique spiritual refinement process. Every aspect of being a mother brings me closer to Christ, and begs me to humility, repentance, and holiness. It's absolutely so beautiful, and so difficult as we wrestle against our sin.

[@MsRachelleDA]

Amen… I’m a mother of an autistic 5 year old boy and a 3month old girl. I thank God for them every day…I don’t deserve the blessing of having children, but I’m grateful. It is a great struggle for me to mother…I need Gods help and strength every moment. I wish more mothers talked about the spiritual struggle of raising kids…sometimes I feel alone in the fight. …although I could just be saying this out of exhaustion at the moment. Lol

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

@@MsRachelleDA Thank you for sharing your experience - it really is so hard and there are days I am seeking help and strength from God every second it feels like. For patience, for forgiveness. You are doing a great and wonderful thing; raising children shapes the future of mankind. You are certainly not alone. Keep your head up, the Lord is always with you.

[@allisona6482]

I agree 100%. I truly believe that my children were given to me for my salvation. To help me learn to put my own wants aside and focus on others, to love unconditionally, to forgive, to ask for forgiveness, etc. I don’t think I would have learned these things as deeply without my children. I still have a long way to go and must work hard every day to be better for myself and my children. I thank God every day for my children and truly feel unworthy to have them in my life. All praise and Glory be to God!🙏🏻☦️

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

@@allisona6482 A really great way to put that - kids really do magnify in us the areas which we need to work on. I had many past hurts/wounds come up I never realized needed healing. I thank God daily for my son and for how He has changed me through motherhood. How He continues to change/heal me, because Lord knows, I need that and always will. All praise and Glory be to God! Amen.

[@mafiw]

Father you're a great priest! We love you from Ethiopian Orthodox Church❤

[@IsraelCountryCube]

Oh do you ? Then you must start now reuniting.

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

@@IsraelCountryCube Calm down there brother.

[@fanispatsalides1810]

God bless you Father and God bless you Roots of Orthodoxy! 🌹🌿❤

[@tomjull1106]

"Just look at the people who are supporting it. Period." TRUTH 👍

[@rosalina528]

this is not" truth", it s just poor reasoning, pride and righteousness.

[@NFS0038]

@@rosalina528 All actions have consequences. The most insidious evils are those whose catastrophies are clothed in virtue, and whose long term destructions are offset by short term benefits. Don't ignore trends, pattern recognition.

[@ReneeDeane]

@@NFS0038 There were deaconesses in the early church, he doesn't have the right to say there should be no more, and neither does the church.

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

@@ReneeDeaneexactly. The simpletons who write here can’t understand that the church has the power to bind and lose. The church has not ‘fallen’ to some lower condition contemporarily that it can’t revisit past decisions. African deaconesses are the business of the church in Africa, not keyboard canon lawyers in America.

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

@@rosalina528 Here comes the contentious woman to tell us how it really is. Sit down sister.

[@Diff_angle]

Even as a Ukrainian I appreciate his Texan unapologetic bluntness 😂🙏🏻

[@НаталіяБілоус-в3о]

Ліл

[@fmayer1507]

This is a great video that clearly outlines the root problem without getting into Toll House analogy details. It is great presentation on correct Orthodox thinking versus legalism found in the Western Churches. It is also very good in outlining how we really need to avoid putting ourselves in situations that put our souls at risk. Humility is key to avoiding temptations.

[@miketacos9034]

Very helpful and straightforward answers!

[@JudithSchmailzl]

God bless you, Father Seraphim Holland and many thanks, for these true, wise words. I came from the roman catholic Church too and I am about to build a new, good realationship to the holy Theotokos....❤.

[@msmara554]

In the Serbian language we have a word "страхопоштовање" which literally means "fear out of respect". So fear of God is as if you have a just and strict teacher that you really love, but the more you love them, the more you actually fear them (fear offending them, or fear not being good in their classes). The translation in English would be "awe" but I don't think it portrays it very well.

[@reverendcoffinsotherson5807]

5:05 smart priest. That is very smart.

[@JesusSavesForReal]

Thank you Father

[@Adam_Wilde]

I think his insight is correct that it would be very difficult to separate having deaconesses from the cultural movement to equate male and female. He expands on this by discussing the theological reason, the Biblical worldview, God's blueprint for us. As someone who is still a Protestant but is learning about Orthodoxy, I am very appreciative of the Orthodox being the rational voice of tradition and sanity in the room. Also, as a Protestant, I would have the desire to institute deaconesses in the correct way and reclaim the tradition rather than surrender it to the oblivion of the cultural zeitgeist. But I'm not in authority, just sharing my thought. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Fr. Seraphim Holland, and thank you to the curators of this channel for sharing as well.

[@DysmasTheGoodThief]

They would serve no purpose anymore

[@h1mynameisdav3]

In past deaconesses were nuns or celibate women who would only perform duties for women

[@Adam_Wilde]

@@h1mynameisdav3 Thank you for sharing the additional historical context.

[@KnoxEmDown]

@@DysmasTheGoodThief They would if we baptized adult converts butt nekkid again like the good ol' days lol

[@alexschexnayder8624]

The ancient practice of the Church was to baptize people nude. Deaconesses existed so that a priest, either a married man or a man dedicated to God in celibacy, would not be placed in the compromising and scandalous position of interacting with a naked woman. No one is arguing for a return to this practice of baptizing adult concerts in the nude, not even the proponents of so called deaconesses. They're pulling a linguistic bait and switch relying on people's ignorance.

[@LivingWaterEternal]

Excellent points and explanations. Thank you and May Peace Be With You, and May God's Blessing be with You.

[@ginamagoulias6432]

We have the account of the toll houses by Saint Theodora which is very insightful. There’s a channel called orthodox talks where father kosmas goes into this deeper. Your blessings father and thank you for this video.

[@60Singing]

This is so beautiful. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@timothysmith6577]

Fr Seraphim Rose wrote an interesting, if somewhat controversial book called, “The Soul After Death, “ which is a discussion of the Toll Houses. On the subject of women in the priesthood: I was estranged from my elder brother when he died in 2012. I was invited to his burial service. When I arrived, I discovered it was being presided over by a female Episcopalian “priest.” She was fully decked out in Roman style Mass vestments , wearing make up and ear rings. I introduced myself as “the last one standing.” We were standing by the graves of my parents and both of my elder brothers, all of whom were cremated. She said, “Oh! Then you will soon be here as well.” “No,” I answered. “I’m Orthodox, we don’t cremate.” Her reaction was like a scene from the “Exorcist” when the priest sprinkled holy water on the possessed kid. I learned she had been an RC nun in her former life. I’m a convert to the Russian Orthodox Church from the RC

[@KillerofGods]

Why did she have such a strong reaction?

[@watchaddicts1213]

I know ONE prayer that St John Chrysostom advocated: “Our Virgin, at the hour of my death, rescue me….” The “bitter tollhouses” are cited. And “the fierce prince,” He writes after this prayer, likening the travel after death, through the tollhouses. as a journey through a foreign land. That one needs a guide, a person who knows how to navigate the land-to be a guide and escort.

[@theonlylolking]

What a piculiar prayer. Mary cannot rescue from sin. Only The Christ.

[@bevybanks]

"We really don't understand what happens after death." So true .... yet the temptation to speculate continues ...

[@deekay2680]

Re orphanages, in the US a GOA women’s lay ministry established an orphanage decades ago - St Basil’s Orphanage. When AB Michael was looking for deaconesses to minister in post war America- he got instead this ministry which now has 40,000 members doing all the work where women are needed- caring for the sick, the poor, widows, and orphans. The Ladies’ Philoptochos. 40,000 is the church doing what it is supposed to do. No deaconesses needed.

[@acekoala457]

I'm sure the Deaconess there would have been more similar to the Alexandrian ones of History than what they are now pushing for.

[@jfkmuldermedia]

So much wisdom in the priest's words. True we are not saved by our suffering, but neither are we saved by our own efforts - Christ is our Saviour. I am saddened everytime prayers to the Theotokos are mentioned, because it detracts from the glory of Christ. We have no mandate in Holy Scripture to direct requests, prayers or praise to any of the departed, except to Christ our King. Best wishes from South Africa.

[@mrmj2397]

I needed to hear that first 2 min today. I need to hear that EVERY day. Just need to allow my inner voice to be a bit louder perhaps?

[@badnewsbruner]

Amen. Lord please handle this heresy swiftly 🙏☦

[@BrotherMoses95]

it's sad there trying to push women clergy clergy like deacon or priest

[@LS-wd1jh]

Its not coming from the clergy or most hierarchs fortunately, but from worldly academics and “theologians” who are not ordained in the church trying to push outside influence.

[@acekoala457]

​@@LS-wd1jh Except in Africa where it seems the Greek Clergy have been swayed. Oddly the native Clergy are speaking against it.

[@bolshoefeodor6536]

Female priesthood always eventually devolves into a sex/fertility cult. The male priesthood was revolutionary at the time of Chrost: in virtually all pagan religions at the time, female clergy were the norm, and sex and sexuality, and fertility, were the front and center of the pagan faiths.

[@KnoxEmDown]

@Orthodoxprince4ever No, it is not okay, not the way it is being pushed now.

[@Antreus]

Women never priests, deacons assisting the priest, under authority, yes

[@Orthodoxi]

So perfect! Thank you God! ☺️

[@forehead949]

I think that is a prudent take on toll houses. I also think it can be reconciled with the sanctification process of purgation (which the specifics of isn’t attempted to be specified legalistically like Fr implies)

[@johnnyd2383]

Nuh.... Doctrine of purgatory is heretical and can not be reconciled to the Toll Houses. It is abomination to the Lord statement in heretical Purgatory that souls have to undergo punishment even for the sins that were already forgiven. Latins are outright sadists.

[@yalechuk6714]

So in essence its similar to Roman Catholic concept of Purgatory.

[@forehead949]

@@yalechuk6714 yes in my opinion. The commonly held belief pre schism is that there is some form of post mortem purification. No one knows exactly how this happens but the point is that unless we die in a completely sinless state, we still have some attachment to sin which we are cleansed of on our way into the presence of our Lord in heaven.

[@avriel6903]

Its different, however, because the Particular Judgment is the moment that God either accepts or rejects someone as his own. Those in purgatory are already saved, they’re just purified so that they may be so. The Toll Houses is just an analogous representation of whether God will allow the “terrible angels” to take one down to hell (said in the Canon Of Repentence to The Lord Jesus Christ; mentioned in Matthew 13) after he makes the judgment. Fr. Seraphim Rose even acknowledges that it may just be a moment where your “reaction” in the tollhouses is actually a reenactment of what you did or your heart’s disposition toward God by the end of your life. Its actually super similar to something C.S. Lewis posits in The Great Divorce, and I think that’s neat. The Toll Houses are not Purgatory, they are merely how God has represented to limited, finite beings the coming Particular Judgment that happens when the soul is severed from its body.

[@MarmotCanales]

7:58 "Look at the Episcopalians" I would add: look also at the Roman Catholic church (from which Anglo-Episcopalians came from). Not even the Roman Catholics have ordained (at least yet) "female deacons". If "female deacons" (with a liturgical role) was an ancient practice, it would have survived in Rome or other non-Chalcedonian apostolic churches.

[@ljss6805]

It survived until Catholics got rid of it in the East Roman Empire and non-Chalcedonians still have deaconesses (Armenians and West Syrians).

[@Hail_Full_of_Grace]

The Pope gave a categorical no to female deacons in an interview recently. As a Roman Catholic i was very surprised that this happened within the orthodox Church.

[@ljss6805]

@@Hail_Full_of_Grace Why? It has existed in Orthodoxy for longer than it hasn't existed...

[@Hail_Full_of_Grace]

@@ljss6805 deaconess role in the early church was to help baptising women as baptism was done in a pool in the nude. Nobody does this anymore. Deaconess role was never analogous to the role of a male deacon. The women who were called “deaconesses” were not ordained in any sacramental sense of the word, but received a kind of blessing for certain ecclesiastical service. These “deaconesses” were primarily consecrated women whose work was highly restricted - usually limited assistance to other females. This included assisting women at baptisms and other services where the presence of men would have offended modesty.

[@Hail_Full_of_Grace]

@@ljss6805 - The ordination rites were different. - Deaconesses did not serve in the liturgy as deacons did. - Deaconesses did not exercise the same sacramental roles. - Deaconesses did not minister in the community in the same way. - Deaconesses did not relate to the bishop in the same manner. - Deaconesses were never given grounds to aspire to the priesthood. These differences underscore that the roles of deaconesses and deacons were distinct and not interchangeable. Therefore, the historical presence of deaconesses does not support the ordination of women to the diaconate. The issue is not about having an issue with the historic deaconesses which was needed back then but women being ordained as deaconesses and then performing the duties of a deacon as if they were the same thing historically which they were not..

[@ირაკლიმაისურაძე-ნ8დ]

God bless orthodoxy ❤

[@lowellnorristhecatholiccou8322]

I think he side stepped the toll house question . It’s funny how his expression changes ever so subtly when he mentions Catholics,

[@Bramabull201]

Real talk! Wonderful

[@nektariosandmagdalena4985]

Wonderful description of toll houses

[@lokdog257]

Not in my opinion. "We don't know, but it's in our prayers" that's the kind of spoon fed rationale that originally drove me away from the Church.

[@nektariosandmagdalena4985]

​@@lokdog257 I appreciate his description, not merely of climbing a physical ladder, which seemed mythological to me, but instead, of seeing toll houses as, from what I understand, almost like a weight on our attachment to sin. This attachment to our sins is essentially what renders us unable to ascend the spiritual ladder to God, and as he said, that wouldn't be a good thing. I perceive this as more of a reality regarding the concept of toll houses. It seems to me that attachment to sin can keep us away from God after we depart from this life. This understanding also resonates with me due to prior experiences with the spiritual realm. I may encounter some negative thoughts regarding my opinion on this, but in the past, I was heavily involved in the occult, and during that time, I encountered 'spirits'. They seemed to be trapped. Some would say that these spirits were probably demonic deceptions, masquerading as human spirits, and in some cases, this may be true. However, I always believed that some of us, upon departing from this life, are so attached to the world and our sins that we become stuck, separated from God. In my experiences, these spirits craved worldly things like alcohol and food, although they couldn't actually consume them. Nonetheless, I would leave offerings for them when I was engaged in occult practices; it's as if they were attached to certain things. Also, they were attached to certain people. When he says, "we don't know, but it's in our prayers," he's speaking truthfully...nobody knows for sure what follows after death. However, based on my experiences, I have observed that spirits are attached to earthly things, even to people who have sinful habits similar to theirs in their lives. Therefore, based on my experiences with the spiritual realm, his perspective on toll houses makes the most sense to me. I feel that our attachment to sin can essentially blind us, and it's such a profound attachment. In some cases, we cannot ascend the ladder to meet Christ; our darkness refuses to enter the light because our attachment to sin is so great.

[@colinlonsdale1505]

I am a recent convert to Orthodoxy,2 years ago and was very bewildered and confused when I started to come across “ Toll house theory “ online, not in my local church. It is not an Orthodox teaching at all . Certain people from certain backgrounds believe in it. Lazar Puhalo does some good KZbin videos about it and talks about it in his book “ The soul, the body and death “ I have a book called “ Doctrine and teaching of the Orthodox Church “ by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev and this does not mention it at all. Hope that this is helpful.

[@nikoladjurica8914]

@@colinlonsdale1505 Because "Toll houses" are ranked among Theologumena, or non binding doctrines of The Church. You can believe in them or not, however you wish

[@Orthodoxy33-wo7rt]

Thank you for speaking out against the uncanonical deaconess innovation that, if we understand clergy as being uniquely icons of Christ (especially in the context of the Divine Liturgy), is actually a heretical and blasphemous innovation. Let us pray for the church, and for our hierarchs, that they sort out this mess and clearly show the Orthodox way, and who is outside of Orthodoxy.

[@acekoala457]

The Deacons are Images of the Apostles, but yes.

[@Osafune2]

The gates of hell will not prevail, truth will be sustained no matter how hard modernisers attack the Faith

[@lokdog257]

Did you miss the part where there used to be female deacons in the early church?

[@Orthodoxy33-wo7rt]

@@lokdog257 No, but apparently you missed the part where there wasn't! That is, there was no such thing as a "female deacon", but a "deaconess", which was completely different and performed different functions. The fourth ecumenical council also ruled that they had to be at least 40 years old and either a virgin or a widow who has taken a vow of celibacy, which is why even if they were trying to restore the historical deaconess, it would have been uncanonical at best. But they're not, they are trying to implement something new, as Fr. Seraphim makes clear in the interview. Look up Protodeacon Fr. Brian Patrick Mitchell, on his blog under the downloads section he has a presentation summarizing his "Disappearing Deaconess" book which I think might be very helpful for you. Or if you're looking for more direct clerical responses to what happened in Zimbabwe, Metropolitan Saba (Esper) of the Antiochian Archdiocese already gave a reply on May 17th that is worth reading, and I can copy and paste an extensive response post from Fr. George Maximov here as well. Finally, speaking about the deaconess issue in general, there have been good responses on Archpriest John Whitford's and Fr. Lawrence Farley's blogs that I encourage everyone to look up (or Fr. Alister Anderson from "Good Guys Wear Black" on priests being uniquely icons of Christ, which is where this deacon innovation is heading). All of that should be much more edifying and educational than a random commenter on KZbin that you have no reason to listen to. But multiple clergy of varying ranks across several jurisdictions who express grave concern is something we certainly should be listening to.

[@georgiatsak75]

It is heretical to deny the ancient institution of women deacons, may God help you

[@frankrosenbloom]

I am a Catholic, Roman Catholic as you would say, having converted from Judaism 45 years ago after four years of studying Catholicism and Orthodoxy. This is a wonderfully holy priest. He has been completely honest about the fact that toll houses are part of Orthodox Theology. In the more mystical Orthodox understanding they do not name this as a process or as a state of being. The Catholic Church does call this purgatory. It seems that whenever the Catholic Church tries to define something like Purgatory or transubstantiation we are accused of heresy. However, it's just putting a definition to a process that both churches believe occurs. I still do not understand why orthodoxy is so hung up on that and I am not believe me being disrespectful I just don't understand it. I don't necessarily think that anything that is seen a bit differently is heresy . Yes I agree the West is more scholastic and the East is more Mystical but it doesn't make either of them wrong. Purgatory, toll houses, but purgatory is wrong because it doesn't say people go to a place in hell but purgatory can just as easily mean a place in hell and many Catholic theologians have called purgatory a level of hell. I know the sentence ran on a bit but that is just part of my confusion. From the confession of Dositheos: "And the souls of those involved in mortal sins, who have not departed in despair but while still living in the body, though without bringing forth any fruits of repentance, have repented - by pouring forth tears, by kneeling while watching in prayers, by afflicting themselves, by relieving the poor, and finally by showing forth by their works their love towards God and their neighbor, and which the Catholic Church has from the beginning rightly called satisfaction - [their souls] depart into Hades, and there endure the punishment due to the sins they have committed. But they are aware of their future release from there, and are delivered by the Supreme Goodness, through the prayers of the Priests." My confusion has increased. Transubstantiation is one of the terms used by the Orthodox Church to describe the Eucharist at the above Jerusalem Synod of 1672 in the confession of Dosítheos. "But because the bread of the Prothesis* set forth in all the several Churches, being changed and transubstantiated, becomes, and is, after consecration, one and the same with That in the Heavens." Yet many Orthodox have told me the term is heretical. I am gravely confused but I must say that I enjoy listening to Holy Orthodox priests. Please understand I'm not trying to be contentious but I truly am confused. I would appreciate anyone being able to enlighten me. God knows the problems that are having in the Roman Catholic Church not limited to the push for female clergy. I am thankful that Francis has resoundingly put that to rest recently. I truly do love this priest. I have attended Holy Orthodox liturgies in the past, of course not taking communion, and when I am next in Texas I hope to attend liturgy with Father Seraphim. Thank you father for standing up for truth and calling out the Fordham people. Fordham University long since ceased to be Catholic and the Orthodox Institute there is no longer Orthodox. The Episcopal Church has gone completely to the devil. The Methodists soon followed. Our churches are under grave attack. Yes, we must pick up our crosses. God Bless.

[@jfiglioli]

God bless you brother, I very much appreciate your accurate detailed response.

[@frankrosenbloom]

@@jfiglioli Thank you brother and God Bless.

[@michaelwachira8484]

How is the teaching on purgatory wrong in the RC lol???Plus orthodoxy is a false religion plus you do know it's a mortal sin against the first commandment to participate in false religions?? Plus Christ said the gates of hell won't prevail against His church which is the Catholic church not the schismatic heretical orthodox church. That's why the Catholic church is the ONLY church that has a stand against contraception unlike the other Christian sects even the EO. So why are you equating a false church to a true church

[@jamesaidan4839]

Were you a secular or religious Jew? If religious, what type?

[@frankrosenbloom]

@@jamesaidan4839 Raised secular, then more religious.

[@josephjude1290]

Great commentary

[@patrickwallace8242]

I agree completely on Fr. Seraphim's conviction on women deaconessess. But what interests me is the approach used by what seems to be converted protestant priest vs cradle orthodox fathers in discussing TRUTH. I once heard a cradle Orthodox priest tell me right before my baptism to not become like those he witnessed functioning as 'Nazis'. I did not understand until I realized there is very little difference between the approach of pastors in my protestant upbringing and some of the priests I've heard lately who seem compassionless, unable to season their words with grace. All of which were converts. Speak the truth in love.

[@KnoxEmDown]

Point taken! The "compassionless" ones are probably so stern because they've personally witnessed how being soft on truth destroyed their former churches. Still, as you said, it is necessary to be firm on truth AND selflessly loving at the same time. 1 Corinthians 13 comes to mind.

[@Im_No_Expert_72]

Very good, thanks 🙏☦️🏅

[@LolaLux-t8d]

Wonderful!

[@EOShorts]

Beautiful 🌹

[@justadog-headedman6727]

Even not going into the discussion about if the ancient deaconess functioned as a female deacon (which of everything that I read and heard it seems they were not in fact female deacons), we can simply judge by the fruits what may happen if this becomes accepted by looking in protestant denominations that followed this path. I think the slippery slope idea has ground in reality, it is something that happens in the world. Some of them which in the past still carried a certain dignity, got into a downwards spiral that seems has no end (for example I have read that the Anglican church in the beginning of the 20th century was like a Catholicism "frozen" from the 16th century, now see how they are).

[@warrensykes7710]

Anyone read the Bible, Jesus Christ has taken care of our sins “if” you truly repent and follow His commandments.

[@SuperGogetem]

Bizarre? Father Seraphim Rose and other elders have said that without suffering, there can be no salvation.

[@Marija-lo2bo]

Mostly spiritual and often physical suffering but in this life; not suffering by the hand of God in "purgatory".

[@rynophobia331]

I have never seen a true representation of Catholic theology on purgatory by any orthodox commenter and that is rather unfortunate.

[@madcyborg1822]

The official position of the Orthodox Church, and the teachings of our saints for 2000 years, say that toll-houses are real, that they do exist, and that we will go through them. I understand the difficulty in giving such a blunt answer to such a "scary" topic, but many people are not aware that a lot of saints talked about the Toll-houses, and all agree that they are real, this includes Holy spiritual teachers like Saint Paisios the Athonite and St. Nektarios of Aegina. Furthermore, in the Ecumenical Councils of the Orthodox church, it is clearly stated that whoever does not follow the teachings of the Holy Fathers is anathemized.

[@garrettfricke4076]

This is false, we do not dogmatize visions or ideas from church fathers even if multiple espoused it, no council has affirmed toll houses and many saints never brought it up or say its misunderstood and weakens the sacrifice and gift of God. What ecumenical council says we have to affirm every belief espoused by the holy fathers? Toll houses are a theologoumenon

[@garrettfricke4076]

St. Ignatius Brianchaninov is often cited for expressing skepticism about the toll house theory. While he acknowledged that it was part of certain traditions, he also emphasized that these depictions should not be taken in a literal, juridical sense. He argued that such beliefs could detract from the centrality of Christ's redemptive work. St. John Maximovitch is another saint who did not explicitly affirm the toll house teaching. While he did teach about the soul’s journey after death, he placed great emphasis on God's mercy and the salvific power of Christ’s sacrifice, rather than a legalistic view of judgment through toll houses. Fr. Seraphim Rose, while promoting a nuanced understanding of the toll house teaching in his works, also noted that some elements of the teaching are metaphorical and should not overshadow Christ’s victory over death. He believed that toll houses should not be seen as diminishing Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross. Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos, though not a saint, is a significant Orthodox theologian who expressed concerns about the literal understanding of toll houses. He warns that an overly literal interpretation of the toll houses risks reducing the Christian understanding of salvation to a system of rewards and punishments, neglecting the grace of God and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.

[@madcyborg1822]

@@garrettfricke40767th Ecumenical Councils: "To those who spurn the teachings of the holy fathers and the Tradition of the Catholic Church, taking as a pretext and making their own the arguments … that we should not follow the teachings of the holy fathers and of the holy Ecumenical Synods, and the tradition of the Catholic Church-anathema!” You're completely misrepresenting the saints, which is shameful, go read the actual quotes from hundreds of saints who say toll-houses are real instead of taking random out of context words and interpreting them according to your foul fallen perspective. Looks like the Ecumenical councils already anathemized your wicked view.

[@madcyborg1822]

@@garrettfricke4076 7th Ecumenical Councils: "To those who spurn the teachings of the holy fathers and the Tradition of the Catholic Church, taking as a pretext and making their own the arguments … that we should not follow the teachings of the holy fathers and of the holy Ecumenical Synods, and the tradition of the Catholic Church-anathema!” Nice try.

[@madcyborg1822]

@@garrettfricke4076 Wrong, your view was anathemized at the 6th Ecumenical council. Stop misrepresenting saints.

[@claytonhall989]

Catholic here and Purgatory is NOT about forgiveness of sins. However, it is about perfecting one’s heart prior to entering into heaven.

[@triggered8556]

That’s what our human life is for.

[@auk7447]

Yes Clayton it sounds to me very similar (the same?) to what Father said (I also am Catholic). The catechism says 'all who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified ... Are assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary for the joy of heaven' .....it is 'entirely different from the punishment of the damned'. The purification is (I understand from the mystical tradition of the Catholic church) the removal of attachments to things other than God. I find the mystical tradition aligns closely with the Eastern Orthodox church. As Fr says, I have heard purgatory being spoken about by catholics as a place of suffering, but this doesn't properly communicate the church's teaching as can be found in the catechism. Eastern Catholics would also align more with the spirit of the Orthodox church. I see the treasure that Orthodox Christianity brings and add this in the hope that we can see how much we share in common, whilst acknowledging that there are nevertheless points of division.

[@Ciprian-IonutPanait]

the problem you cannot change yourself once you die. You either go from bad to worst or from good to better. So purgatory makes no sense. Only the prayers of the living can save people from hell. If the person has some small sins ( like those catholcis have purgatory for) the mercy of God generally fills the lack for those.

[@auk7447]

@@Ciprian-IonutPanait we pray for the dead too and for the same reasons. There is no mention in the catechism of souls making their own efforts. The purging begun on earth but imperfectly completed continues, until full union with God in Heaven. We can argue the details, but essentially isn't it the same understanding?

[@Ciprian-IonutPanait]

@@auk7447 no. Purgatory is the idea that souls can escape certain sins by simply suffering in that hell region for a period of time. Orthodoxy says this does not happen. They can either escape through the prayers of the living or by the mercy of God at the personal judgement that happens at 40 days after death. It is very different.

[@Dartholit1]

Where are toll houses mentioned in the Divine Liturgy?

[@inveritategloria]

Amen.

[@legostory33]

We lack masculine father figures. We look towards priests online because we do not have priests to ask these questions in our actual lives. These online teachers are filling roles that they should not be. The truth of the priesthood and therefore liturgical worship is lacking and as a result, people cannot understand why women are not fit for this role.

[@333Paradigm333]

How is it that God almighty hates sin, but does not get offended? The Bible says that sin is an offence multiple times in Romans 5. What is sin according to the Bible, but the transgression of the law? The laws of God are not arbitrarily rules, but an extension of God's character, ergo when we sin we offend God greatly.

[@operatorbubbles3723]

God, in Christian theology, doesn’t get "offended" in the way humans do, with emotional reactions like anger, hurt pride, or resentment. Instead, God's holiness, justice, and love guide His response to sin. Sin violates God’s holiness, and in that sense, it “offends” God’s perfect nature. However, God's mercy and love are paramount, and His desire is always for repentance, reconciliation, and restoration.

[@Trainermelissa]

❤

[@R.leo1110]

why should i fear that? in what why is anxiety supposed to help anyone? because constant fear is anxiety

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

Being totally dense is also anxiety.

[@deedee9495]

Could the priest please show me where it say in the Catholic Church that purgatory is a suffering place?

[@virginlamo8202]

Fr. Seraphim: - Explains Toll Houses - Sounds exactly like Purgatory - Explains Purgatory - Literally not what Purgatory is at all In a world where information is so readily accessible, there’s no excuse for not knowing what Catholics actually believe. And there’s no excuse for Catholics not knowing what Orthodox believe (beautiful thing about this channel)

[@alexschexnayder8624]

The critical difference is that the toll houses are an analogy for the journey of the soul after death and a call for earthly repentance. Purgatory is that plus the idea of a third place with literal cleansing fire. St. Mark of Ephesus denounces this in his homilies on purgatorial fire.

[@virginlamo8202]

@@alexschexnayder8624 Taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a great reference guide for official Catholic Church teaching, but not the most in-depth: III. THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY 1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. 1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.606 The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire: "As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come." (St Gregory the Great, 540AD - 604AD) 1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: "Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them." (St. John Chrysostom, 347AD - 407AD) It doesn't go into whether or not it's a whole third place, and this is still debated among Catholics. Some favor third place with literal fire, some favor more of the Orthodox view, although not using the language of Toll Houses and such. Officially, the Catholic Church doesn't adhere to either one, from what I've read.

[@ChrisofCarthage]

@@alexschexnayder8624 This is wrong, it’s not a literal fire that was a medieval interpretation of it, look at what Pope Benedict XVI has to say about purgatory. Read what the Church actually says about it purgatory

[@alexschexnayder8624]

@@ChrisofCarthage perhaps y'all's understanding has changed, but that means that you're now hinging on the notion of development of doctrine. Which is arguably worse.

[@ChrisofCarthage]

@@alexschexnayder8624 development of Doctrine doesn’t mean what you think it is, development of doctrine means that we grow in understanding of doctrine and better implement it, like for example the trinity, the apostles knew that God was triune but the understanding of it grew and it was fully defined in the Nicene creed. If you want to know what Development of Doctrine actually is, read St. John Henry Neumann’s Essay on the development of Christian doctrine. Development of Doctrine ≠ Contradiction

[@Tybourne1991]

Hi all, the state of purgatory or purgation and the image of toll houses are essentially saying the same thing in different ways. The soul separating itself from sin is dramatized in a third way, which is still orthodox, in the poem 'The Dream of Gerontius' by St John Henry Newman, set to music by Elgar. The Church needs to become more involved in orphanages and similar works again.

[@sweetxjc]

They’re not similar at all. For starters one is dogmatically defined the other is not. Those in purgatory are Catholics who are purified of their sins before they go to Heaven. That’s not Toll Houses. Toll Houses are a final test and if you fail you’ll go to Hell. Also every soul goes through it. So no one enters Heaven or Hell without going through the Toll House. That’s one way to describe them. Toll houses don’t have a concrete narrative and is described in many different ways which is why it’s dubious on what it is, but it’s not purgatory.

[@KnoxEmDown]

There's St. Innocent's Orphanage in Mexico, that's the one that comes to my mind in terms of the New World.

[@virgilcrowe7795]

As a seeking Protestant thank you Father for holding the line what all Christians used to believe. I can’t believe may own church thinks atheist, occultist feminists somehow know and understand gender better than God and are “elevating” women and giving them the best possible outcome. While I’m not ready to convert to Orthodoxy and disagree with many finer points, I know good and beautiful and true beautiful when I see it. Blessings.

[@jovanapleskonjic5726]

There is something behind it Beautiful told .... Agenda is clear In our Church in Serbia and Montenegro Decons dont give communion. Thank u for this video. Hristos Vaskrese Gretings from Serbia

[@ΆγιοςΙερώνυμος-χ2γ]

This was an excellent talk. Is there a way for me to contact Fr.Seraphim? I have some questions for him.

[@lornadoone8887]

Look in the description. It has his parish, which includes his contact info. on their web site.

[@meghalo05]

Anyone know the Canon which permits the full deacon to distribute the blood during the Eucharist? Thank you

[@DysmasTheGoodThief]

St Justin discusses this practice. Canons probably exist but based on this source text

[@acekoala457]

Deacons in the Greek Traditions have been helping, with a blessing from a Bishop to serve the people the Eucharist for a long time. This was even attested in Rome where they wrongly had Deacons serving their Priests Communion, which the controversial part was not the Deacons serving communion.

[@meghalo05]

I understand. I remember a canon maybe Nivea which stated deacons can serve blood during communion? Anyone know of specific canons

[@acekoala457]

@@meghalo05 There is no specific canon. It is up to Local Praxis. But like I and Dysmas said it is attested to by the Early Church.

[@thomasjorge4734]

There were Deaconesses, but they were NEVER Women Deacons!

[@lindaglendenning3896]

IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY GOD PROTECTS US FROM SINNING, IT IS NOT ON US.

[@CeciliaK.Barraza]

🎉❤👏🏼

[@sierrajones6461]

Amazing.

[@angelocastro6394]

toll houses: the personal judgmeant and purgatory.

[@quickbreaks5865]

Remember, when you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and God, the Holy Spirit “seals” you and you become a child of God. Jesus says to Dismis, “today, you will be with me in paradise.”

[@Bodysnatchers-fiends]

Demons racks sins or offenses against other people: fighting, misconduct, crime and violence, so they can use it against them when they die and to sell them to other demons.

[@bcl2681]

Uhm I was baptized naked together with other men. Afterwards women also were baptized naked. But there were some women who helped. So there was no deaconess needed. By the way this monastery is fully canonical under the Bulgarian Patriarchat.

[@ThriceHolyHost]

It seems that the West is considered “bad” in Orthodox circles. He seems to speak the same theology of the West pertaining to being purified from attachment to sin but when asked about the relationship of his belief with that of Catholicism on Purgatory he just dismisses it as an invention of the West. You’ve got to do better than that. Also, you’ve had problems with Marian prayers in the west but doesn’t explain. Sorry, not acceptable.

[@FinskijPravoslavnyj]

The problem is making it dogma, and yes West is commonly used synonomously with heresy.

[@deedee9495]

@@FinskijPravoslavnyjso what? How can we say are Catholic if we do not all know what our church teaches? How can you be an orthodox if you don’t have a defined teaching on certain matters? For example, there are orthodox priests that define toll houses completely different. This priest says he doesn’t have a defined teaching on it how is he even in union with other priests? The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27)

[@deedee9495]

@@FinskijPravoslavnyj we Catholics have a defined teaching on after death so that we don’t have shepherds staring that the church teaches so so and so that it doesn’t. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27)

[@HeartFireSessions]

What is a toll house? I have no idea what he’s talking about with that.

[@joannagrimeki7415]

After death, the demons attempt to find a basis for taking the soul to Hades, while the angels defend the soul. The teaching of Toll-Houses regards the soul's journey after its departure from the body, and is related to the particular judgment. Apostle Paul spoke about toll houses in his epistles (Eph 6:12-13).

[@luminita-ofeliadanila1669]

Se spune că sunt 24 de Vămii ale văzduhului,unde în partea bună sunt îngerii,iar în cealaltă demonii, și după moarte fiecare trece prin aceste vămi, după faptele bune sau rele.

[@mariebo7491]

So is this female deaconesses gonna be a thing or is that parish who did that considered schismatic and no longer part of the church?? What does this mean for the church as a whole???

[@oogaleeboogalee6522]

They're not schismatic but that doesn't mean what they did is canonical or right. An individual church making a mistake doesn't mean the whole church is graceless

[@mariebo7491]

@@georgiatsak75 i don’t see deacons serving the sacraments in scripture. So are they the same kind of deacons? Are female deacons serving the same roles as male deacons? Is there any historical record of that?

[@georgiatsak75]

​@@mariebo7491there is the well known mention of Phoebe by st Paul as 'diakonos', deacon of the Church, thereafter there was not anything canonical until a few centuries later, when in the 4th we have the official texts regarding the ordination of 'diakonisses', deaconesses, women deacons, which precede in rank sub-deacons and readers; one has to be an expert in ecclestiastical history to not get lost in translation. If you understand Greek, there are lots of resources online. Blessings.

[@mariebo7491]

@@georgiatsak75 I have no doubt there were deaconesses (I know about Phoebe) But did they have the same role as deacons? Women’s role/ men’s role. Did they do the same work?

[@quickbreaks5865]

Jesus said to the women crying, as he boldly moved toward our salvation, “don’t cry for me, cry for those whom will never have have children.”

[@famvids9627]

I don't think he truly understands purgatory. It's not about suffering to be forgiven. It's about suffering being purifying. In the same way that depriving the body of food... Also known as fasting, can purify the soul.

[@HomoEucharistica]

From the Orthodox perspective, those two are not mutually exclusive... more like two sides of the same coin. If you are forgiven, you are being cleansed from your infirmities and transgressions and sins, and if you are being purified, you are forgiven. And conversely, if you are not being purified, you are not forgiven. One cannot exist without the other one, though the mode of being of these two differ from each other. Neither suffering or fasting as a diet purify anything in themselves. Abstaining from food is the body's way to partake in (and support) the prayer of the soul, which is reaching out to God. In other words, physical fasting purifies the body and makes it more soul-like (while the soul is becoming more spiritual when it's united with God) instead of causing spiritual benefits by physical ways. Similarly, suffering contains spiritual benefit only when there's a possibility for ascetic struggling and partaking in the suffering of Christ out of one's free will. The problem is there's no spiritual progress (or repentance) after death, for what has been sowed will be risen in the day of resurrection, and thus suffering in purgatory is not voluntary and cause no gain for people. Furthermore, calling purgatory "purifying fire" appears slightly misleading. Though it's true everything was cleansed and tested in fire, the nature of fire is not purifying per se, but consuming. That's why God is "consuming fire" instead of purifying fire. God's mercy consumes sin and everything (and everyone) clung to it. The only way how God's mercy can purify us from our impurities without consuming us too is that sin is not anymore a part of ourselves. That needs repentance and struggling, which does not exist after death. If there's purgatory and its functions are consistent, those who are "pure enough" will suffer there till the Last Judgment while others will be consumed and eternally condemned... which means also all the saints (save Holy Theotokos and few others) would still be in Purgatory. But we know perfectly well they are with the Lord and before His throne in Heaven.

[@Motomack1042]

It is obvious this priest has an axe to grind against the Catholic church, Surprise surprise: He purposely dodges the Toll house question, and then slams purgatory. Well here is what the Patriarch Scholarios of Constantinople said "The tradition of the tollgates was firmly established throughout the east long before the end of late antiquity, although it received typically Byzantine elaboration in the tenth-century Life of Basil the Younger (d. 944)." Gennadios Scholarios, Patriarch of Constantinople from 1454 to 1464, "stated that the trial of the 'tollgates' was, in fact, the Byzantine equivalent of purgatory, minus the fireworks" Trial of the Tollgates indicates a form of torment which would be a form of suffering. Why are some Orthodox so dishonest. Shame. While we should work on building up and restoring unity these Orthodox want to keep promoting division and disunity.

[@sweetxjc]

He slams purgatory because there’s dogmatic writing on it that he can critique. The same cannot be said about toll houses in EO. He is open that he doesn’t know much about it. Since it’s not dogma in our churches like it is for Catholicism. You used the writing of one patriarch not understanding that he isn’t infallible. That is his interpretation that does not mean it’s the interpretation of the Church and it is not. There are many stories on toll houses we don’t have a conclusive idea of what they are. If you study toll houses you would see the diversity and it is not similar to purgatory.

[@dansedevie123]

@@sweetxjc All that Catholics believe about purgatory is that it is for purification after death, those in purgatory have been forgiven but are being purified.

[@sweetxjc]

@@dansedevie123yes, I’m not denying that. What I’m rejecting is that that’s not what toll houses are and they’re not similar

[@deedee9495]

@@sweetxjc The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27)

[@deedee9495]

No disrespect to the priest but I do not respect HIS interpretation of what the Catholic Church actually teaches. He mentions that he doesn’t want to speak on Toll Houses because that’s not his best subject but yet he seems to “know” more about what Catholicism teaches on purgotary than his own religion the “toll house” but The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031).

[@virginiaday2934]

If the truth of the Orthodox Church provides the right healing for mental health, then you will find evidence of insanity when it’s not there or grossly misinterpreted. When it comes to women taking on inappropriate leadership roles, like the priesthood, I think the most dramatic affect can found in the sad story of Andrea Yates. I believe one of the incorrect practices that drove her crazy and caused her to lose her 5 precious children was being taught the “gospel” exclusively by an impersonal female through letters. The entire story is on KZbin. I think her kids would be alive today if Andrea had the Holy Mystery of confession with a traditional male Orthodox priest.

[@rosalina528]

to label people as being "crazy" and then use it as an argument against the ordination of deaconesses, is not only poor reasoning, it is merely sad. Haven't you ever read what the great Fathers (and Mothers ) said about righteousness? Also, you forget that the blessed deaconess was ordained in the Church, by the Church, namely the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa, which obviously knows better that you what their needs are and what is canonical or not!

[@Oksisterlol]

Tell me you don't understand purgatory without telling me you don't understand purgatory. The arrogance is wild here

[@chriswilson203]

2:38 The Catholic Church does not teach that Purgatory requires suffering, only that it is the final purification for those who are assured of eternal salvation. Please reference the Catechism if you are still confused about what the Catholic Church teaches about purgatory rather than continuing to make false claims

[@ndmmt-wu7kz]

You have mischarscterized the concept of Purgatory. Unlike Hell, the suffering comes from one’s own sorrow and regret and repentance at one’s sins. That is the point of the cleansing (purgation).

[@xarisathos]

You cannot repent and get cleansed after death, so the Purgatory is totally wrong as a concept in general. We repent and feel the regret in this earthly life, to avoid getting into Hell forever. This is the Orthodox view.

[@ndmmt-wu7kz]

@@xarisathos I respect your view and your Church but with great respect disagree. At the moment of death one is provided the totality of one’s life and one then chooses to love God and submit to His will, or reject Him, and choose one’s own way. The arrogance to defy God means one voluntarily chooses eternal separation. If one chooses God, but is made aware of one’s sin, one will regret this decisions immensely. Hence the cleansing suffering of Purgatory.

[@xarisathos]

I won't say much, but the Orthodox church is the original ancient Church started in Greece (and then became Byzantium) and after the Schism the Rome's "Catholic" Pope's Church was invented, along with the "Purgatory" and all the other heretic inventions... My point is based on Apostle Paul saying it very simply: (Hebrews 9:27) "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the Judgment". So we FINALIZE it our faith BEFORE the soul separates from the body. After that their is NO turning back (to be "cleansed" or whatever else) and any second chances as the "Catholic" Pope's Church believe in vain.

[@chriswilson203]

@@xarisathosIII. This is the Catholic teach on Purgatory. The Final Purification, or Purgatory 1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. 1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.604 The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. the tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:605 As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.606 1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."607 From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.608 The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.609

[@deedee9495]

@@xarisathos The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27)

[@MrMirrororor]

Don't tell the first Church what to do.

[@derlachendevagabund7942]

What about female abbots?

[@acekoala457]

Abbesses are probably what the ancient Deaconesses became.

[@episcopalpriest97803]

It's really sad how some Orthodox priests view women. If there is no longer a need for women who are called as deacons, why is there a need for men to be deacons? Using his own logic, since men are not baptizing naked people anymore, there is no need for a deacon at all. Just have priests. However, theologically, that is not the exclusive purpose of a deacon. The deacon ontologically has an integral role and identity within the Church, a unique vocation. It is disappointing that this calling is degraded to a mere functional purpose, like baptizing the naked of certain genders, simply to exclude the women whom God has called to serve as deacons. Ironically, the priest says to call him whatever you want because "the Church knows what's true," and it is the Orthodox Church itself which has affirmed both the historic existence of women as deacons and Patriarchates and Synods of the contemporary Orthodox Church have reaffirmed this and even ordained women to the Diaconate. The Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one example and the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has agreed in principle that women could be deacons or "deaconesses."

[@atgred]

As Pope Francis said on 60 minutes; “No!!”

[@kcrooks7]

Why use a black icon?

[@sanyrenita]

Father, why are there so many people leaving Chatolic? 😢

[@DontHateGod]

Hes not a catholic priest hes orthodox

[@pavlos712]

Because they become Orthodox

[@thekatarnalchemist]

I left Protestantism for what I believe are largely the same reasons as people leaving Catholicism - a lack of unity, the implementarion of innovations that are contrary to Holy Tradition and Scripture, and the elevation of unqualified and deceptive people to the priesthood/pastorship.

[@LadyMaria]

The Orthodox Church is Catholic, but not Papal. So they become part of the right believing (orthodox) wholeness (katholikos) of the Church.

[@DontHateGod]

This guys orthodox

[@ALMOSTTHERE413]

Can u find any support from scriptures about toll houses, sounds like a fictional creation by man.

[@tatianak9682]

Strange tho, why woman cant be a deaconess, his arguments are silly.

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

Or you just don't like it because you are a proud contentious woman?

[@lokdog257]

Women can't teach or lead in the Church, but they can serve. Women were serving Jesus in the Gospels. And a deacon is a servant. I dont understand why a woman can't serve in the Church. My priest and bishop have given me material to read about being a deacon, and its all about being a humble servant.

[@jovanapleskonjic5726]

It is clear that something else is behind it.... in this day of age so clear...

[@xarisathos]

Orthodox women cannot serve inside the altar apart from the basics (like cleaning after the end of services) and the only cases they enter are nuns, but not normal daily and married women. For a woman to do so needs a special blessing from the Bishop beforehand and it's extremely rare occasions when there aren't men available in general. The Deacon touches and Body of Christ and unites it with the Blood on the altar (which cannot be done by any woman, even in the first centuries female Deacons) and then the Priest starts communing with the people. It's a man's job from start to end.

[@georgiatsak75]

@xarisathos this is wrong information. Lay people, of both biological sexes, cannot enter the altar without the blessing of a bishop or of the parish priest. That is what is in the canons. The practice of excluding lay women but allowing lay men IS NOT CANONICAL just a cultural practice, which should not be enforced and is not enforced anymore in many parishes. Same with enforced head covering only for women, it is a cultural practice of the Slavic tradition, not canonical.

[@xarisathos]

@@georgiatsak75 We say the same thing, but on my behalf I am speaking ONLY about the normal -baptized- people and not the ones outside of the Orthodox Church or catechumens. In case there aren't baptized men available (not clerics or monks of course), then the lay men can offer help on that day under the blessing of the parish priest who asks for them to help. "Ordained" is not the proper word for un/married men who offer services on occasion, but "blessing" is needed for those wearing cassock (not monks or deacons/priests/bishops who always do, but the ones who chant for instance) on occasion for the church's services few times a week. All these mentioned above are common in Orthodox churches & Monasteries in Greece. Lastly, the women cover their heads to help others avoid looking at them, it's a tradition advice by Saint Paul.

[@NotAffiliated]

Coming from the perspective of a previous Methodist who is now seeking, on the subject of ordaining women in the Church..................DON'T DO IT!!!!! It ruined the Methodist Church and will ruin yours if you let it!

[@chelseacollins3782]

I say with love, but I am saddened by this. I wish Fr. Seraphim explored and practiced meditating on other reasons why women (and some men!) want female leaders in the church. 🥺

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

Nothing loving when you are trying to be subversive and go against the Word of God. And no real man want the leadership of a woman. Humble your self contentious woman!

[@KillerofGods]

Look at all the women in OCMA, look at Jeanie constitineau and all the work she does

[@arnoldvezbon6131]

Seems there are some cowards here deleting comments. The strong independent women leaders need protection lol.

[@Jayee9999]

As an older woman who never got married and didn’t have children, but I wanted to, I don’t think it’s a good idea for women to pursue careers the same way Amanda’s regardless of whether or not she gets married or doesn’t. If too many women do that it The balance of society. Now women are competing with men for jobs and men are the ones that are supposed to be the providers and protectors of their families. It also puts people in a position where they’re tempted to send sexually if they’re not married. Even if, a woman doesn’t have children, you are still a homemaker and a help me to your husband. I don’t think that it’s benefited women at all to be encouraged to have careers outside of the home that are not related to helping your husband or working with him to accomplish a goal in a business or career.

[@wartimemodels]

It blows my mind that people who claim to be academics/scholars, and therefore rigorously and objectively analyze evidence, and also claim to be Orthodox, tell people that the tradition of the Church permits the ordination of deaconesses. It's the height of dishonesty. Deaconesses were not "female deacons", were never ordained, and the circumstances that made deaconesses practical 1,000 years ago have not returned. There is no "problem" that "reinstituting" deaconesses will solve. Carrie Frost, in particular, hides behind the veneer of scholarly authority while willingly misleading people about the history.

[@wartimemodels]

@@georgiatsak75 no they aren’t. Deaconesses are in the Bible, but they are not “female deacons”. They were a different role/office. I realize the terms can be confusing.

[@wartimemodels]

@@georgiatsak75 I assure you I’m orthodox. My daughters are a part of the St Phoebe ministry at our parish. Respectfully you need to read up because the office of deaconess was not the same as deacon. This is an objective fact. The revival of “deaconesses” as they existed in the first millennium would not mean that women do the role that make deacons do. That would be an innovation. O realize this is the internet so you’re going to say whatever but I assure I know what I am talking about and have no agenda.

[@wartimemodels]

@@georgiatsak75 Deaconess, as recounted in the Bible and practice by parts of the church until about a thousand years ago, are not “female deacons”. They’re distinct although peole keep confusing them. There has never been “female deacons” I.e. women serving as DEACONS, and the office of DEACONESS was not done by ordination. I realize we are online but I assure you I know what I’m talking about. Think whatever you want.

[@wartimemodels]

@@georgiatsak75 you don’t even acknowledge that there is a clear and undisputed distinction between a deaconess and a female deacon so there’s no reason to discuss your other points bc none them are relevant to my original comment. You have to grasp this brother.

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

Fr. Seraphim has no business critiquing the choices of the church in Africa. He’s completely out of his depth, as that local church has its own authority to decide what is appropriate in its churches. Gaslighting of absent opponents, heavy polemic and assumption of undue authority beyond competency by Orthodox clergy seems to be a constant on this yt channel.

[@vyvoomvoom9641]

Absolutely Not! I do not agree. I am a Christian in the Orthodox Faith. Deacon is Not nor has it ever been a stepping stone for Priesthood. Do your research. Smh

[@sweetxjc]

He’s an ordained priest. So he had to go to an Orthodox Seminary.

[@thehammared5972]

Deacon, Presbyter/Priest, Bishop. Those are literally the 3 clerical ranks. You can't be ordained a Priest without being first ordained a Deacon. If a church or Bishop wants to ordain someone straight to a Priest without having them serve as a Deacon first, they must still be ordained Deacon first, then they'd be ordained Priest the very next day.

[@vyvoomvoom9641]

@@thehammared5972 not true

[@SoggyMonster]

You literally have to be an ordained deacon before you’re allowed to become an ordained priest.

[@marilynpinto7690]

I am Orthodox as well, and know of many clergy (deacons, priests and bishops) in support of ordaining deaconesses with the full duties of the male deacons. Many lay women need them. The St Phoebe Center for the Deaconess specifically states they are not looking to ordain women to the priesthood. The ministry of the deacon is its own thing. Many male deacons never become priests because that is not their calling/ministry.

[@cent7169]

If we allow women to be priests, then we must also allow men to become nuns🙂 It's just simple as that! The priestlt office is onky for men! Just as being nuns are only for women!

[@KedTaczynski]

As an inquirer, I am strangely uncomfortable hearing women readers and chanters during services. As Eastern Orthodox churches with pews seem out of place, so does also the men and women being intermingled during services.

[@user-yz1zt1nq1p]

This guy has really big issues in his teaching.

[@Silent_Library]

Can you give an example?

[@ndr226]

Elaborate please. Thank you.

[@user-yz1zt1nq1p]

@@ndr226 well, the short where he talks about judas

[@TairyGreen89]

What was wrong with what he said about Judas?

[@user-yz1zt1nq1p]

@@TairyGreen89 in what I saw, he seemed to clearly state that Judas' only sin was being greedy. Then he went on to imply that Judas didnt realize or intend to get Jesus killed, which I find really ridiculous. On top of that, he said that Judas was really sorry, and that he always really loved God, and cited Judas doing works of the holy spirit as an apostle when he mentioned that. But he didnt mention how he never asked forgiveness, or that peter asked forgiveness in contrast. A bit scary to me when ordained clergy who also make online content speak with such imprecision about the most condemned man to ever be born of a woman. I havent heard what he said from any saints or in any church services either. I could be wrong though.

[@miketeacher9016]

"tollhouse" is not used in the Greek Orthodox liturgy. Such a foolish concept.

[@Calciu_83]

I'm Greek Orthodox and yes it does, you are incorrect.

[@miketeacher9016]

@@Calciu_83 Please give a reference and and attribution please.

[@KnoxEmDown]

@@miketeacher9016 Even wikipedia mentions it, it's apparently in the Euchologion

[@xarisathos]

It's not a concept, but a reality that every Orthodox will encounter after the 3rd day of the separation from the body. Saint Theodora describes her experience in detail and names them one by one (23 in total) where you pay the tolls to the demons for your unconfessed sins with the scale of justice, where you Guardian Angel (only Orthodox Christians get one during Baptism) is paying the tolls with your good deeds (places them on the other end of the scale), to be freed up from the demons and move on to the next toll. After passing all 23 successfully, you are considered saved because you can continue your journey to the Throne of Christ (on the 9th day for an initial blessing without Him saying anything), before you travel to Heaven and Hell the other days and everything get revealed and see where you people in you life are placed. Then on 40th day you get the final judgement from Christ for eternity. Those who are saved now, will NOT get judged again during the Second Coming of Christ.

[@benhobbsmi]

Not sensing a lot of joy here.

[@earlyates2350]

Christianity is not about being in a joyous state. Most of the time it's the exact opposite. We are called to pick up our cross and struggle uphill against the passions of our flesh and the offerings of a broken world. The entire concept of positive feelings equating good faith is false teaching.

[@Yuro200808]

Yea truth has that ability. It's bitter , pungent but healing. We can chose.

[@Ciprian-IonutPanait]

12:03 equal pay for equal work, but women do not do equal work because they have less endurance than men. So is really equal pay for the same job but not for equal work

[@vchucho]

Purgatory! 1 Corinthians 3:15 suffer loss.

[@MatthewFloor]

The Bible says it’s appointed for a man once to die and after this comes the judgment.-Hebrews 9:27. So I trust the Bible not some sinful man. The Bible says that if God has saved you your sins are removed as far as the East is from the west! If you are in Christ you are putting to death sin.

[@jasonbryan3135]

The Bible doesn't "say" anything. The person reading has to interpret it.

[@MatthewFloor]

@@jasonbryan3135 so your church can only interpret it? Sound very cultish Roman Catholics have their own interpretation. Who should I believe?

[@MatthewFloor]

@@wrongsuitnotie8427 you’re wrong and you don’t have the authority. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and rebuked them for this exact thing

[@jasonbryan3135]

@@MatthewFloor before we go forward, who is your authority on the scriptures and the Christian life?

[@JohnTheRevelator11]

You have to die in sin and rise in Christ daily. That’s the point. This world is fallen and sinful and constantly tempting therefore we remove ourselves from temptation and we die to sin daily.