BBC: Extreme Pilgrim - Ascetic Christianity

[@jajohnson7809]

I can only imagine how it must feel to leave behind friends, conveniences, entertainment, everything to live this life. I recall from the life of St. Mary of Egypt that for about 20 years, she struggled because she missed her old way of life, its pleasures, and the old friends from her prostitution days. I can't imagine how tough that was. Yet she lived that way for about 50 years if I remember right, and died a sanctified, changed, and holy woman. Her story, the story of St. Anthony the Great, and the story of St. Moses the Ethiopian have long captivated me. Fr. Lazarus is their modern counterpart. To think that we have living saints today in 2018, keeping vigil and praying for the world. And we need it so badly. I am blessed to be Orthodox. Lord have mercy.

[@barbaradumont8672]

As a reply to you believing you are blessed to be Orthodox. We are not to worship any “saints” we are to worship our creator “ONLY”. There is no blessing being in any religion whatsoever as God hates religion period. It’s about a personal relationship with Christ our saviour and our creator. May you find His way 🙏🏻🤍

[@ryanbowditch6444]

@@barbaradumont8672 I fully agree that god Is probably not a fan of religion. And I also deeply agree about a personal relationship with God and Jesus. But I'm curious what was your intention with posting this reply? And how do you know that @jajohson doesn't have a personal relationship with God?

[@grantsmythe8625]

You speak of "a personal relationship with Christ". The word "personal" has important implications. It means that no one can decide for anyone else. The relationship is "personal", not group. Therefore, when you speak of what we are and are not supposed to worship, speak for yourself. When you speak against "any religion whatsoever", speak for yourself because as you noted, the relationship with Christ is a personal matter, not a group matter.

[@luismanuelpotencianonorato9672]

@@barbaradumont8672 Jesucristo es Dios y Salvador, fundó la Iglesia Católica Apostólica con sus doce 12 discípulos a predicar el Evangelio a todo el mundo, la relación con Jesús es cierto que es persona pero también en comunidad la Iglesia, la intersección de los santos es válido y la veneración de la Virgen María. No aceptamos el protestantismo ni si forma fragmentaria en sus postulados.

[@luismanuelpotencianonorato9672]

@@grantsmythe8625 También la relación también es comunitaria la Iglesia.

[@anisb.3336]

''You see this narrow gate? This is the way to heaven. You see this door? It's the way to the other place.'' I love this guy

[@Stupidityindex]

If your God is mocked, maybe He is not really a God. The brain has two hemispheres, we have the saying; sometimes the right hand does not know what the left is doing, people compartmentalize, so secular law & order checks the inquisitions, stoning, & witch-burning. I find that believers strike out with threats, when informed of reasoned denial, of the existence of a God outside of fiction. Atheist literature goes back to 500 BC. I suspect educated men have always known Deity as a tool of fiction, a tool of state. I enjoy the ludicrous notions of faith. Believers begin their crimes like Moses, becoming history's worst navigator, as if travel were best done with one foot in fantasyland. Believers fail to comprehend the saying of Jesus Christ which has lasted to this day. Believers are found among a gathering crowd, when Jesus Christ is alarmed by a wicked generation, those who seek the signs of resurrection. "The only sign given is Jonah" - who was a believer. He was outnumbered & murdered by other believers. Jesus Christ "hangeth on a tree" to celebrate the War of the Jews. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 "Render to Caesar" How can you possibly take faith seriously? How can anyone in their right mind ask others to believe in the existence of a Deity who makes Mormons so Christians will know how Jews feel, having had their literature hijacked. Nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital & indoctrinating children is criminal. The faith vocabulary causes the user to be avoided like the old woman with too many cats. Faith "comes not with peace, but sword." Faith comes with wolves dressed as sheep & preaching to the choir. Faith trades the last cow for a pocketful of magic beans & then expects everyone's appreciation. Jesus said, it is a wicked generations which seeks signs such as resurrection. Faith is as worthless as fantasyland magic, since you can't tell mountains to move. The "only sign given" in reality "is Jonah": A believer murdered by other believers because he is outnumbered. The context is Jesus seeing a gathering crowd. It is up to us, to reject religious nonsense.

[@marlstarl8791]

The fact that nowadays we can meet people through videos like this and experience lives sort of second-hand, which are completely contradicting to our own, is such an incredible gift!

[@barrycartner3855]

Father Lazarus is actually very rich. In simplicity and devotion, he is rich in Spirit and an anchor to others seeking inspiration.

[@LaudeturIesusChristos]

Amen!!! proud 17 y/o Orthodox Christian devoted to cataloging the history of Christianity and I hope to be an ascetic one day, lord bless!

[@ally1816]

God bless you, im 19 and a catechumen in the Orthodox Church. Its good to see other young people in the faith!

[@theguyver4934]

@@ally1816 Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )

[@WHEREYOSAFEAT]

It’s funny tho because these people are Coptic Orthodox, you’re more then likely Eastern Orthodox which means these people are actually heretics to your church.

[@MystikosMinistries]

@@ally1816I’m a 17 y/o Catechumen! Kyrie eleison!

[@qqqwww-dh7dt]

@@theguyver4934 What in the world are you on about? Various verses disproves your claims of vegetarianism, and the trinity, atonement and original sin are not late Christian interpretations, as we have sources as early as during the apostolic age acknowledging them, among others various apostles of the apostles of Christ, not to mention to Chuch Fathers. The early Creeds, like the Nicene Creed, was literally made in order to combat non-trinitarian heresies, so I have no idea where you're getting your stuff from. Anyways, even the Old Testament never outright says it, but alludes to it at various moments throughout the bible. You've got to stop listening to your lying teachers and imams and start reading up on actual historical evidence. Strange to claim the Bible has been corrupted, when if it were to be corrupted it would have had to be Christ's own apostles who corrupted it, which would not only refute Christianity, but the Quran also as you literally have multiple of the same Apostles in your book, most notably John. (Honestly surprised you didn't try to claim Jesus never proclaimed himself as God also xd)

[@meadeadams]

What a beautiful beautiful documentary and a testament to the power of the ancient faith of Orthodoxy, and the Fathers and Mothers who have gone before us.

[@theguyver4934]

Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secret text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim [ line of ismail ]

[@jacobbaradaeus6250]

@theguyver4934 Brother, peace be upon you. Just so that you are clear - your ‘Isa’ is not our Jesus, God incarnate and Al-Lah is not our God. PS - How many hundreds of years after your prophet died, and from among how many tens of thousands of possible variations and discarded claims, and through how many generations of people were your collection of Hadith, which is what your faith and law really rest on and without which your vague, self-contradictory text is utterly incomprehensible, compiled? Asking for a friend.

[@mariorizkallah5383]

@@theguyver4934muslims are not in the line of ishmael lol. Nice joke you made me laugh 😂

[@micoolkidfilms3270]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@theguyver4934to reject the trinity would be to Reject Jesus as God incarnate, to reject Jesus as God incarnate would be to reject Christianity, to reject Christianity would mean your not Christian it’s like saying Mohammed wasn’t the messenger of Allah and was just a wise man in islam. Also atonement for sins has been around since the days of Moses, thousands of years before Christ were the Levitical priest would sacrifice lambs on the Passover festival for the atonement of sins, this is similar in to the Dhul Hijjah. Also Christ and the Apostles were not totally vegetarian but most likely abstained from meat other than fish (the tradition of not eating meat on Fridays in Christianity comes from Good Friday) and then being vegetarian doesn’t make a difference as God declared all food clean after the new covenant was established meaning all messianic laws of Judaism were scraped. Early Christians even before the council of niceae new what Gosples were canonical with the amount of accuracies they shared and how accurate they were as a whole, fabricated gospels were invented after Jesuses death by Jews seeking to tarnish his reputation, nowadays the only Bibles with books removed are Protestant bibles, that’s because Martin Luther’s pride and heresy overcame him and he rebelled against the Church Christ left behind in preparation of the 2nd coming. I shall pray for you that your knowledge may become greater on Christianity ✝️

[@micoolkidfilms3270]

⁠​⁠@@mariorizkallah5383actually modern day Arabs are considered related or related to a common ancestor of Ishmael half son of Abraham

[@ephraimdrakeful]

Father Lazarus pray for me. I was completely spastic the whole episode, giddy. The wisdom of Elder Lazarus was something I thought secular television could never ever give me, a link to the Holy Fathers. I just kept repeating parts over and over, because as a thirsty soul I was drinking deeply of this sweet water; slaking my thirst.

[@athanasiadis24]

Same here, I've found a lot of truly amazing stuff within this very tradition, and a powerful experience with it. I've done a lot of reading on it, but I think that at the end of the day it is about applying your knowledge, however limited. The Fathers' insight on prayer, humility, love etc is a force that, if harnessed, can change everything to the best. But it's still something I'm struggling with, having been a rather strong atheist and all. What about you?

[@maximusconfese5899]

It is fantastic indeed! Be sure to search his name in youtube for other videos. And look for books about Elder Paisios.

[@ephraimdrakeful]

Maximus Confese Geronda Paisios is a wonderful elder and father of the church. God bless you. In Christ - Ephraim.

[@ephraimdrakeful]

George Athanasiadis Dear Brother in Christ George. In Baptism my name is Ephraim. I am an Orthodox Christian. I grew up as a Pentecostal Christian, but found it to be empty and devoid of all truth. I lived my life to the fullest as a heathen and bathed my soul in drugs, especially heroin. Today I am free of this vice, but require methadone to help with daily cravings and protect me from poor decisions, for I am weak. God is good, and the wisdom of the Orthodox Church and her saints is where it is at. A good book to look up is "God's Revelation to the Human Heart' by Father Seraphim Rose. You said that you have done a lot of reading, this is good dear brother, do you partake of the Sacraments- confession, Holy Communion, etc. A life in Christ is a life in prayer and in Church. The Holy Orthodox Church is the Hospital it is here that we get the medicine and receive healing. I lived on Mount Athos for a couple of years. I learned to always just focus on myself. Now when I go to church I don't look around at others, just my feet or the icons. I go there for myself. This has helped me, because I would judge others, or get involved with other peoples problems. Not to say that I'm not friendly, but I wait to do that at the end of service. Say the Jesus Prayer. God bless you I will pray for you, pray for me.

[@milliepoliakoff4104]

George Athanasiadis I think we all struggle. I'm sure you are familiar with the Orthodox icon called the Ladder of Divine Ascent which illustrates the spiritual struggle of an Orthodox Christian life. For those who don't know this icon, It is a picture of a ladder standing on the earth and reaching to Heaven where Christ is emerging. People are climbing the ladder trying to reach Christ , and winged demons are seen pulling them off, but they keeping coming back to the ladder and once again start climbing.

[@trespire]

The elder Bedouin Abu Aíshs' reassuring statement "we will be with you through thick and thin, we are all children of Adam and Eve" demonstrates a sincere spirit of tolerance, acceptance & caring for ones guest, that typical here in the Levant & North Africa. This is the culture of the simple down to earth person, one sometimes experiences when meeting or being catered for, a very pleasant side to middle east culture.

[@ryansilver11]

well said.

[@maximusconfese5899]

Sadly becoming less and less due to Islamic extremism.

[@trespire]

Maximus Confese As a person who lives in a pluralistic multicultural country (Israel), I experience daily interactions with Arabs, both Cristian & Muslim, and also with Druze (who are not Arabs but do speak Arabic), in my personal experience this custom of receiving and taking care of guests is not necessarily an Islamic custom, but rather a custom of the area. Jewish families from other Mediterranean countries such as Morocco Tunisia Yemen etc. also pamper their guests. If it is becoming less it's is probably a younger generation "modernization", with the more traditional people it is still very much the norm.

[@b.j.handcock1308]

This has always been Islam. Saudi greed, Turkish greed, Israeli murder, and colonial hegemony have destroyed the once peaceful land where Islam is mostly centred around. The Christians live in their material desire and their governments will continue to find wealth at any cost. Islam is also a religion of struggle and inner understanding of Allah (swt). You see militant Kaffar groups that fight for the rich people destroy the nations of Iraq and Syria. Israel bombs Gaza and the Christian nations support it because that is their destiny. Islam will never submit to money because it will outlive the western business men and the corrupt leaders in Muslim nations. The west gives them all loads of weaponry to kill for money. Soon they will lose their power and nations like Iran will give the Arabs what they need instead of corrupt western Christians.

[@maximusconfese5899]

What you call "Christian nations" are really western nations that have inherited false/pseudo Christianity of Protestantism and Catholicism. Layer after layer of reformation and change has resulted in them being something completely different from authentic Christianity which is still preserved in the Orthodox Church. This is why the attitude of indigenous Christians such as those in Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Egypt, Syrian-Christians is completely different to the westerners you speak of

[@federicomoisesmaisonet4936]

As a former Anchorite monk now living among others I must say I found this documentary very rich in wisdom as well as a reminder that the Holy church survival has been product of monastic life for century's and its future glory will be manifest in the monastic lifestyle as well. God BLESS

[@samuraichuck87]

Those Bedouin guides seemed like some pretty cool people.

[@chenchi6623]

lol that's the best part imo xD

[@Shannmeister]

chuck kaczmarsky The elderly Bedouin gentleman had more heart and spoke more sense than people in the so called civilised world seem to posses. A true son of the desert.

[@Llangwej]

Being in the desert alone is to be forced to squarely face the condition we will be in when we are about to die. At that time, we will be totally alone just ourselves and God. No distractions, no crutches, no intellectual games and none of the things we've devoted our entire lives to and which gave us meaning and satisfaction - and nourished our sense of who we are - will accompany us in our last hour. It is the human experience pared back to its naked core. How well do we know that deepest part of ourselves when all the noise and layers we add on to it are taken away? As Rev. Owen-Jones found out, it can be a harrowing experience when all the accretions are peeled away. It is daunting that is why so few of us face it, choosing instead to fill our senses with all sorts of things...like uncomfortable silences in a conversation that we feel impelled to fill. We either come to terms with who we truly are and our place in this unfolding eternity or we try to fill it with finite "things" that cannot actually fill that emptiness. We can face that nakedness head-on now or we wait till we are forced to face it as we are about to die. It is that "desert" inside that Fr. Lazarus referred to in his parting words. "I want to bless you, Father, bless you with this thought, to carry with you this...because you will be going back to a place that is full of...full of things, so I want you to carry this emptiness, this full emptiness, the full emptiness of the desert." "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:46 “…She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, …my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself…Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things…and yet few are needed, INDEED ONLY ONE. It is Mary who has chosen the better part….' Luke 10:39-42

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Thank you, mate. Bless..

[@MarkGrago]

Coptic Christianity is so undermined by most Christians...like most eastern Christianity today;a lot of folks are not aware of the theological and textual contributions that were made in the preservation of The Bible and early Christian beliefs engrafted by Coptic Christians...

[@madhuridixit4789]

Mark Grago ❗✔👍🌷⛪💕🌷

[@pintoftitanium7493]

Coptic Christianity also tends to be ignored by the media compared to other religions outside of the U.S.

[@Orthodox-bro]

As a Romanian Orthodox I love Coptic and think that we have alot to share to each other! Athonite monks are having similar ascetic way so we're not that different! The only reason you guys are being isolated is because you turned Orthodoxy into a more like national religion! 🙏

[@ElonMuskrat-my8jy]

​@@Orthodox-broCopts are monophysite heretics. We are not in communion with them.

[@dianadallalnctmrcmc9303]

I'm trying to figure out how to grow spiritually with Breast cancer stage 4 which has disabled me due to mets in the bones. So far, God has healed a lot of spiritual problems, healed me, my marriage and family. But going through is as difficult as living in the desert. You learn to trust God through it all.

[@skull5366]

God bless you, and your family! ❤

[@sofitel7693]

Dear sister in Christ, just pray to the Holy Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ and his Mother the Holy Theotokos. God bless you and reward you.

[@JackJanuary]

I’ll pray for you, sister 🙏

[@lennydale92]

Father Lazarus is such a genuinely lovely man.

[@rx88088]

"If there is a Satan", "why would God send demons", etc. He is questioning basic Christian doctrine. He is definitely in battle against the demons, you can tell by his mood swings, and how he speaks; he seems to be having some rather strange dialogue with God.

[@Rahab111222]

I think he's just being a journalistic "devil's advocate" type for the camera. But if he really does think that way, then he's just another atheist who expects God to be a coddling, enabler of a parent. Rather than a parent who places his children through trials and adversity for our own good and to build strength and well being.

[@solidmood2855]

is god not strange? he said himself that the house Jesus built for us has many rooms, not just the house of the church that makes us comfortable.

[@tryhardf844]

@Defixiones 1 These types of questions are quite as nauseam.

[@jakeh2848]

Satan and the fallen created essentially automated spirits without free will. God has the one good spirit, the holy spirit of Gods will and Gods will is goodness, your own free will is a clear sign of that alongside consciousness

[@jakeh2848]

But yes he seems like almost a confrontation with christ

[@YusefAlTahir]

This is The Beauty Of Orthodoxy

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

Amazing how many people in the west (including myself until 5 years ago) living in America (a "Protestant" nation) who are completely ignorant about Christs Church, the Church of the Apostles, The Christian Church, The original Church after pentacost, The Orthodox Church. Catholic but not roman, pre-denominational waiting for any who search for the truth to find her.

[@YusefAlTahir]

***** it really is. Many mistake us for Jews

[@YusefAlTahir]

I wish the West could see Orthodoxy without the lens of modern sectarianism that is entrenched in the western churches especially in the USA.

[@RestingJudge]

I recently have started the journey of coming into the faith. It was hard because the majority of my friends are Catholic and my mother is strictly evangelical christian. At first I wanted to take the easy route of the Roman Catholic church, but I prayed and I realized that if I did that then I might as well not be a Christian. I would be lying to myself because I know the true church is Orthodoxy. Historically and spiritually they have the true claim.

[@maximusconfese5899]

And to think the American media is currently trying to demonize Russia, an Orthodox Christian country!!!! They should be in alliance (USA, Russia, Europe) to take on the nastiness that is islam, Turkey (the exterminator of the Christians), Saudi Arabia (the financier of extremist islam, murder of the Christians).

[@Flammenhagel]

"I only ask that God gives me good health, because you take nothing to the grave."

[@tommenzie2458]

I think that the Bedouin man was the most enlightened.

[@betrihaki3884]

Dear Fr. Lazarus, I hope u write an autobiography. Your book would open the eyes of millions of people, and most probably would make our world a better place.God Bless u, and thank u for this video clip.

[@krag9083]

I watch this I acknowledge just how far I fall short.

[@MrHow2fail]

"Another beautiful day. Another difficult day." this is what it is to be born again.

[@plumsink]

Look at his face in the beginning of the video and at the end. At the end his face is like an icon, like the icon of a saint. I hope he was able to keep some part of that with him as he returned to cozy England.

[@yourtrappedinmygenjutsu]

No he doesn't lmao, are you high

[@BabyDingo]

I see what you mean, its his eyes, they look oval like the icons

[@JapanJohnny2012]

i wondered why father lazarus was such a good english speaker so did some research. he was born in australia. interesting backstory

[@k0inGamesbro]

It says in the video.Anyways,he's pretty Amazing to live in Isolation,AND know Egyptian,English,and Greek.

[@MoshPitTinc]

Makes sense, a lot of Coptics left Egypt after the Nasser's nationalization policies went into effect. The Copts started leaving and venturing to countries like Australia, North America, or Europe.

[@7thLayer]

he 's not egyptian

[@Ymirson999]

Thank you Johnny. I was wondering myself where he was from given his accent.

[@bellingdog]

He is also from Tasmania, which is quite interesting,as Tasmania itself is an isolated island/state of Australia. Tasmania is not normally renowned for it's religiosity.

[@darrensatoru6634]

Rev Peter Owen - Jones is just fantastic. What an inspiration. And Fr Lazarus' journey from post Marxism and Psychoanalysis to Coptic Christianity is absolutely fascinating. And what a marvellous piece of ecumenism is this documentary.

[@zootsoot2006]

One of the best docu-series ever made. Just brilliant.

[@JuriAmari]

Rev. Jones actually wrote a book based on this experience. I highly recommend checking it out!

[@alexanderhill7958]

Oh God what a tale. I was crying at the dedication and commitment of the ascetics. Amazing

[@cyrusspitama]

This has been one of the most deeply moving and powerful things I have ever watched.

[@crissiannj]

it's interesting to read how different all the comments are. I was really moved by how well I related and understood him, the monk, the Bedouins...Some similar struggles and questions I have had, some similar experiences and thoughts- it was wonderful and fulfilling. I really enjoyed his humor and the wisdom of the Elder. I feel that I can see so clearly what was happening, and how he felt and why he felt it.

[@rdhtlmghfrh]

The man who has the four camels does really have a big heart...

[@danielwright7427]

One word. RESPECT.

[@ofthefather6285]

1:33 One word. DISRESPECT.

[@ofthefather6285]

Why are you watching then?

[@ofthefather6285]

Oh wow that is profound. You must be some kind of philosophical master. Please enlighten me guru Nestor because I can' think for myself.

[@tysongames2750]

You ever notice how people struggle to climb a hill or a mountain, meanwhile, the camera guy videos them coming up to meet them. So in other words, the camera guy got up the hill first while carrying a heavy camera. Props to the camera guy.

[@kurthubbard-beale5003]

Thank you both Peter and Father Lazarus for the spiritually self confrontational journey to be closer to God. From SE Asia 🙏

[@masterchiefjhanverhatake4980]

Father Peter, Father Lazarus, thank you for sharing us this golden lesson. May God bless us all and be with us all. Amen :)

[@booklassygarrahan3929]

When he asks how conscious are you of your sin? I was brought to tears.

[@crissiannj]

Has anyone else ever asked the question "Why Lord?" Why the suffering? It's beautiful when you finally realize the answer. And it's true the story about the seeds that fall on bad/good soil. And it's true- those who have ears but cannot hear...eyes but cannot see...those who said "Lord, Lord..." and the Lord replying "I do not know you." Glory to God for all things, I really appreciated this video.

[@athena2483]

Father Lazarus seems like a amazing and wise man.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Marcus Aurelius He loves the camera, he could be a tele evangelist.

[@guyjin788]

Quite possibly a living saint.

[@ArtyomLensky]

High praise coming from you Mr Aurelius

[@tryhardf844]

@@JavierBonillaC The best televangelist bar none

[@JavierBonillaC]

@Andrew Dogg I had the wrong father. The younger one.

[@richardmeyers5220]

I love the sincerity and heart displayed in this episode. Thank you.

[@devdasrai]

They are Orthodox Christians. The people shown in this video are obviously Coptic Orthodox Christians. The prayers, icons, and tradition shown in this video are ALL prayers, icons, and traditions of Orthodox Christianity.

[@sashajanfirst]

Except Saint Ephrem and Saint Antony were Catholic.

[@jurmcluck4675]

The line between Eastern Orthodox and oriental orthodox is blurred, people shouldn’t treat Copts or Ethiopians like they’re some strange non orthodox sect.

[@Bellg]

@@sashajanfirst Yes, that is right. The orthodox are the catholics...

[@joannacopas2100]

@@sashajanfirst They are pre-Chalcedon saints, Rome has no unique claim to them. All the apostolic churches recognise them as saints.

[@SarahHodgins]

​@@sashajanfirstno, they were Christian. At that time Roman Catholicism was not a thing.

[@cynthiazocca4352]

Just wonderful and inspiring.Thankyou Rev. God Bless and Keep you always.😊 from Tanzania.

[@josephscanaan637]

Very beautiful video. Reminds me a lot of my own experience of the Saharan Desert in Sudan where I was born. Life in the desert is beautiful when you have company and it does bring you closer to God, but to live in total solitude like St Anthony can only be accomplished by holy people of strong faith in God.

[@jacobbaradaeus6250]

Fr. Lazarus is a gem of our Oriental Orthodox Church and a convert at that. We are so blessed.

[@aminahmadi7581]

Praying 6 times a day. A concentrated prayer for 1 hour, is worth more than any benefits that you can attain in material world in your lifetime.

[@nahommulugeta712]

Fr lazarus ’’ The one who stay to the end will be saved so i have to stay here to the end’’

[@bobstumpf5709]

Peter is a good man.....I so enjoy his videos....I so enjoy his struggles to find Understanding....I don't know what he is doing now but I am sure he is still struggling to Understand it all.....Thank you so much for sharing your journeys with so many who are not capable of such arduous expeditions....God Bless....ps....his videos keep me awake at night......sleeplessness has become a joy...

[@ПредседникСРЈСлободанМилошевић]

Orthodox Church which is 2000 years old can be found in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Balkans and Arab world, her bishops are direct successors of Apostles, nothing is changed there for 2000 years. Orthodox Church is present in the west as well. That is enough reason that all Christians convert to original apostolic faith.

[@xmc7189]

Yes but monasticism started in egypt in africa

[@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies]

Ukraine is a fake nation never existed its Russia who are the real orthodox nation keeping it alive while ukro nasi are burning churches and jailing orthodox priests ☦️✝️🙏🏻🇷🇺❤️

[@ElonMuskrat-my8jy]

​@@xmc7189Sts. Anthony the Great and Pachomius the Great are Eastern Orthodox.

[@natalinaconidi6313]

❤️

[@ElonMuskrat-my8jy]

@@xmc7189 Copts are Non-Chalcedonian heretics now. True monasticism is preserved in Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@harrylegthigh]

Wow that was so powerful. I just came up on this 2/19/24. I will look into other post by this person to followup. The end really touched my heart in some way. Blessings

[@MsTee538]

I have been to the Monastery of Saint Antony twice and it s so beautiful there.

[@carmen72consuelogg]

Just wonderful, feel very, very blessed to have watch these videos. Thank you so much, God bless you.

[@flippydawn8D]

I may watch this daily while I’m also getting ready to go in my own facing the demons “cave” .. you can see such a change in this man after he pressed through. I honestly have fought fighting this battle up until now .. I put it off to the last seconds until there’s no more running room . So I’ll stand or fall , it’s up to Christ .. I guess , it’s my extreme pilgrim time. God bless us all in Christ Jesus

[@bforce909]

Father Lazarus just seems like a genuine great guy. You can tell he really is walking the true path.

[@racbirsingh7005]

Nice Series! Great to see how little people have but are willing to help so much )

[@racbirsingh7005]

Racbir Singh Father lazerus should have his own church )

[@racbirsingh7005]

Racbir Singh theres only 1 farther jesus ..lol Timothy For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

[@Jim.and.Milson]

+Racbir Singh there is only one father Jesus? what...

[@Jim.and.Milson]

+Racbir Singh Moses was a mediator for his followers also as was Abraham

[@racbirsingh7005]

yes i agree, ;) Thanks!

[@Celt777]

It took guts for this man to make this journey. He got a taste of the ancient Christian faith.I am glad you got to experience this. God bless from Texas.

[@lisaaustin1042]

Spit my coffee on myself at 40:00 haha. I actually, felt that this was his personal attempt journey to get closer to God because he was still missing something, even with all of his learnings from the church and his way of life. We are not to judge him, our path to God is personal. No wonder people run away from religion, when even the leaders of the Church have commented so harshly. Thank you for sharing this video. I wonder, how many of you, would have the character to actually go as far and deep as this man has in his search.

[@FatherSpyridonROCOR]

A Church of England vicar submitting himself to pagan practices. At least he spent a little time with a Christian monk here and perhaps the prayers of this servant of God will protect him from the consequences of his foolishness. This BBC series is yet another example of the anti-Christ's attempt to tell us all religions are the same and all lead to the same place. Thank God for the holy men of the desert who sustain the world with their prayers.

[@kamwrites]

+Father Spyridon ....all religions DO lead to the same place...as was very evident in this series. Practice your own path and be at peace.

[@liquidthought41086]

+kamwrites Nonsense. Truth is exclusive, by definition. Reality itself exposes your fallacious secular notion. If all religions are true, why don't they share the same moral standard? Is mankind made in the image of God, endowed with infinite intrinsic inalienable value, or not? Truth is either exclusive, or you "choose" to live in a world of chaos, which is antithetical to life. _"Jesus saith to him: _*_I am_*_ the way, and _*_the truth,_*_ and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.”_ ~John 14.6

[@FatherSpyridonROCOR]

+No Dhimmi No, the existence of demons means we can be mislead and submit to evil which presents itself as the good. This is not relativism, simply the fuller understanding that the character in the video is skating across the surface of.

[@liquidthought41086]

Father Spyridon Father, please forgive me. I wasn't commenting to you. I was commenting to "kamwrites" and trying to expose the error in his/her thinking.

[@FatherSpyridonROCOR]

+No Dhimmi I see now, forgive my error - I must admit I found it difficult to link what I thought you were saying to me with your image. My mistake. God bless you.

[@deborahelle4801]

extraordinary! The calming voice of Father Lazarus. The caves, the mountain. I believe that in the end he accepted and purged himself

[@jakehibbard5409]

34 min FR. Lazarus talks about how he prays because it’s for the good of humanity. It creates a “pardon for yourself and for others.” Even though we work out our own salvation, I loved how this man in solitude was praying for all humanity. This includes me, sitting an ocean away in Waxahahcie Texas. 45 min in. Fr. Peter started to go a little crazy. (Which I think we all would if we were in the dessert.) He started to questions if we are to enjoy the flowers and a pint of beer. He then exclaims “does it all have to be about you?” I think that a time of depravity reminds us to thank God for the wonders of life; especially in times of abundance. Towards the end Fr. Peter enters into a place of peace and emptiness. He almost seemed to be hesitant to leave. I wonder if the Monks in solitude have found an emptiness that they are afraid to lose. Christians always talk about how God “fills you up.” But, I like this concept of being empty. I don’t think that I could ever live in a cave. But, even Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. I would love to hear if anyone has had some type of sabbatical experience like this before.

[@corneliuschristian6547]

Coptic Christians: We have preserved the faith from the First Century in the face of violent persecution. We trace our lineage back to the Apostle Mark. This BBC guy: "An alien and extreme theology." Coptic Christians: ...

[@barrycartner3855]

Yes, his comments told me just how distant his own Anglican seminary and experiences are from the early Church. The Coptic or Eastern Orthodox Churches would seem so unfamilar to him or many of the viewers.

[@meereslicht]

One of the best documentaries I have ever seen on this matter. Extraordinary! I absolutely agree with matxjos below. Brave men, Father Jones and Father Lazarus. Thank you very much for posting it up, MrBlessing!

[@mrocean8139]

This series needed waaaaay more than three episodes.

[@Jesper-bl2ns]

It has been 3 years since you commented but I'll answer anyway. I completely agree. I remember when this was on tv not that long after his 8 episode series "Around the world in 80 faiths", and I truly hoped he would spend more time making these types of programs. He's very inspiring - and how I wish all priests were like.

[@paulstrength8574]

Western Christianity as a whole has forgotten the simplicity of the gospel and the walk with Christ is a self denying way.

[@libertyfreak2]

I actually pray for him. I think his will is good, his heart on the right track, if even a bit confused. That is, however, the state of contemporary Western man - crowded, yet isolated from that which truly matters. I hope he finds his way to Holy Orthodoxy!

[@libertyfreak2]

I would also say that, as a former Anglican (Episcopalian in the U.S.), Anglicanism really has nothing to offer the genuine seeker, it is utterly bereft of truth and all divine efficacy. I mean, look at the Church of England, which he even hints at in the beginning of this documentary, which is nothing more than a apparatus for the whims of Parliament. Truth cannot be found in such a hellish place - he must get out!

[@libertyfreak2]

Cory Dupont He reminds me somewhat of Bilbo Baggins, honestly (even kind of looks like him). His love for his Shire-like home and surroundings, yet his yearning for "out there," for an adventure, but for something that will ultimately take him deep inside himself.

[@tommasocianti9308]

blessings Brother!!i was a Catholic now i'm Orthodox!

[@libertyfreak2]

Wonderful news! Western Christianity as a whole has become a train wreck, really. It's chickens are coming home to roost.

[@tommasocianti9308]

Cory Dupont yes brother...me and my family are passing in our entireness from west to east...we are stronger in faith,with the power of the Holy Spirit...

[@iktomi5]

This is an ace! Tomato & basil soup! Why Lord, can’t you be reached through such comfort! no quote... loved that... So middle class. enjoyable viewing 💯

[@ahmedmahon2022]

Repetitious prayer is very beneficial. Thessalonians 5:17 '...pray without ceasing.'

[@lorentzkhan8884]

Andrew Mahon no you should pray a lot but not the same thing over and over matthew 6:7

[@brightbite]

As long as it is not in vain. Can you imagine saying to a loved one "I love you" over and over and not meaning it every time?

[@evang7252]

Lorentz Khan you cant pray ceaselessly if there is not repetition. Just don’t pray vainly

[@euphratesjehan]

Amen

[@euphratesjehan]

@@lorentzkhan8884 I appreciate your comment. Questions: If the Lord's Prayer is repeated is this is wrong? What about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, in Mark 14:32-39? Jesus prayed. Read the Scripture and you find just praying the same words. Was his repetitious praying wrong (Staples, 2014)? Was it in vain? Take a look at the very next verses of Matthew 6:7. Jesus says: "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." "Jesus gave us a prayer to recite! But notice the emphasis on living the words of the prayer! This is a prayer to be recited, but they are neither “empty phrases” nor “vain repetitions" (Staples, 2014). Christians pray to The Most High. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, As Did Jesus. Right? With the text you referenced I really took into account what Jesus meant as it pertained to the Jewish religious hierarchy & orders of his day (Pharisees Saducees etc). I asked myself about what Jesus said about repetitious praying. Does it not say "vain?" Yes, and like the heathens, they pray in vain because they pray to false gods & idols. Referring to the Bible text you gave, Catholic apologist Tim Staples says it much better than I: "Notice the context? Jesus said “do not heap up ‘empty phrases’ (Gr. - battalagesete, which means to stammer, babble, prate, or to repeat the same things over and over mindlessly) as the Gentiles do…” We have to remember that the main idea of prayer and sacrifice among the pagans was to appease the gods so that you could go on with your own life. You had to be careful to “take care of” all of the gods by mentioning them, and saying all the right words, lest you bring a curse upon yourself. And remember as well, the gods themselves were immoral at times! They were selfish, cruel, vengeful etc. The pagans would say their incantations, offer their sacrifice, but there was no real connection between the moral life and the prayer. Jesus is saying that this will not cut it in the New Covenant Kingdom of God! One must pray from a heart of repentance and submission to God’s will." ************ Basically, it really helps to read all Scripture in proper context; such as knowing the time place, and author, audience to whom the author was writing to. Plus, understanding New Testament Greek also helps with proper interpretation. We don't have to be Biblical scholars to access good study tools. Many are online; like "Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words," which was written by a non-Catholic author (I think). Having access to a good English-Greek Lexicon. "Strong's Exhaustive Bible Concordance," authored by another non-Catholic, is also another great resource to have. ---------------- Here's what another Catholic, Karlo Broussard, has to say about repetitious prayers: "Jesus is not condemning repetitious prayer per se. If he were then he would be condemning himself, since he prayed multiple times, “Father . . . remove this cup . . . not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:39). But that’s absurd. Furthermore, right after Jesus condemns the “vain repetitions” of the Gentiles, he commands the apostles, “Pray like this . . . Our Father who art in heaven . . .” Does Jesus intend for us to only say it once? Are we forbidden to repeat the Our Father? Of course not. if we accept the objector’s interpretation of Matthew 6:7, we would have to condemn the four angels of Revelation 4:8 singing day and night without ceasing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.” Of course we don’t want to do that! So what was Jesus condemning? He was condemning "Gentile" prayers, which were meaningless or mindless repetitious prayers, as the Greek word "battalogesete" suggests. The Gentiles recited prayers only to appease their gods. They were, as the Revised Standard Versioh translates it, “empty phrases” having nothing to do with expressing one’s love for and trust in God. They would simply say the words, and that was it-they went their merry way and lived their lives as they wanted. That’s what Jesus is condemning, not repetitious prayer such as we find in the rosary." --------------- References Broussard, K. (n.d.). "Why the Rosary Isn't Vain Repeations." Catholic Answers. Retrieved from www.catholic.com/qa/why-the-rosary-isnt-vain-repetitions Staples, T (2014). "Why the Rosary Isn't Vain Repeations." Catholic Answers. Retrieved from www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/do-catholics-pray-vain-repetitions *********** This really helped me understand what vain repetitious praying means, but even as a Catholic, I find it difficult to pray the Rosary. However, I really resonate with the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer, so I pray it much more.

[@rr7firefly]

This hermetic experience is diametrically opposite what life has become today. Today there is little room for inner quiet, for coming alive to our essential natures. At times I think that we have all been compromised, perhaps even irrevocably, by the devices we have adopted and the desires they bring. Carrying the benefit of emptiness within us has become less and less possible. Sad.

[@celticvisions4]

Sometimes life has to be stripped to the bone, to remind ourselves of what really matters.

[@hike2024]

I absolutely love watching this. I go on long missions trips to the remote villages of Cambodia. The times I get lonely for my family and home in America I will watch this. It’s very peaceful and reassuring.

[@danielwright7427]

I am Hindu, but this man has more balls, than most of our ascetics. And that's saying something.

[@sumeethidden]

I agree. I am impressed so much..

[@sihastria]

There are many hermits like Fr. Lazarus, living deep in the mountains in European Orthodox countries, such as Mount Athos, in the Romanian`s mountains.. there are hundreds... Happened to be blessed to experience a similar life episode like the creator of this tv show.

[@madelena1234]

I was moved by this experience since I follow a somewhat similar path, and it is extreme most people do not understand separation from mainstream civilisation and a deep connection to Christ. Sometimes life works that way.

[@bezagebremedhine9086]

Amazing!!! May the Lord Bless all of us to be one of you one day!!!!

[@sonyaneal6539]

Thank so very much for sharing your inner struggle with finding your path. I would love to one day see the cave of St. Anthony. You, Fr. Peter, are very blessed to have had the experience. Thank you, Fr. Lazarus. Absolutely Beautiful. Peace, Joy and Love in the Most Holy Light of Christ Jesus ❤

[@kristakimbrell7382]

Please Father ElAnthony Lazurus please make more videos with new content. Everyone needs more of your wisdom. Please do this for us.

[@TheCopticdeacon]

Fr. Lazarus is a true image of Christ, remember us in your prayers father.

[@lordraptor8414]

It's just fascinating to see people like Lazarus El Anthony living in this day and age.

[@DarrenCarrie]

Wow Brilliant. Documentary can't believe iam only seeing it now Very brave man I which I was there with you. Thank you very much for sharing this. God bless ❤

[@sdf91dn]

This reminds of my own struggles and joys as a Buddhist ascetic monk. I hope to practice with this dedication soon in the caves and jungles of Sri Lanka. Truth cannot be found in comfort and stability. I feel such brotherhood with father Lazarus, I hope he reaches his goal.

[@76endurathon]

if he seeks the infinite with an empty heart he shall find the oasis. to be full is to be empty, realising the illusions of the world

[@TheChurchofBreadandCheese]

@@76endurathon He seeks the living Jesus, the eternal Jesus. The Jesus who walked the earth 2000 years ago. He seeks nothing of the like of Buddhism or any other eastern religion.

[@factisstrangerthenfiction6787]

Congratulations for a great documentary. Thank you very much father job Well done.

[@bassheadbirdman2236]

He sure likes his coffee :p

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Recently touched the iceberg on saint Antony, desert fathers and so forth. I didn't think I would be interested in this video, but actually stayed for the whole thing and was right there with this man's journey. To each, blessing, in Jesus name

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

Amazing how many people in the west (including myself until 5 years ago) living in America (a "Protestant" nation) who are completely ignorant about Christs Church, the Church of the Apostles, The Christian Church, The original Church after pentacost, The Orthodox Church. Catholic but not roman, pre-denominational waiting for any who search for the truth to find her.

[@MetalRat518]

This video refelcts sometimes the hard lives we live nxt door. I feel better watching this. It was a gift of hope somehow.I am not religious.

[@ABHINAVNR]

The Bedouin are absolutely awesome!

[@ABHINAVNR]

+Jimmy Max Aren't the Egyptians of today the descendants of the Pharaohs?

[@LukeTEvans]

you turning the other cheek?

[@sergipetrov2676]

Dude i am an arab And trust me arabs don't give a crap about your land we just want to live in peace and live a normal life Leave them in peace and they will leave you But unfortunately the arab world will always be a mess until the oil runs out

[@MetalGearTenno]

It is not the oil that is ruining your countries, it is the false Gods you worship.

[@elizadaphne5501]

How very beautiful your journey 🖤Thank you for your courage to share it 🙏🏼 Your face shows the experience Thank you

[@DarrenCarrie]

Very brave man

[@catwmn1]

I wonder how many of us in the world today could do what St Anthony did so many years ago?

[@wmnoffaith1]

I for one would love the chance to do this.

[@catwmn1]

I would be willing to try a week maybe. I don't know.

[@WowFan991]

Not many. Maybe one in a million. But then again, it's not really our strength, it's how much we put our faith in the Lord.

[@SymeonPhronema]

BERTIL SCALI - To be as stupid as St. Anthony was? Can you elaborate please?

[@Subzero-hh8ix]

To each His calling.

[@harrystoddart8650]

Fabulouse, God continue to bless you Fr Lazarus.

[@hiruthayarajramaclus5332]

The Coptic orthodox Christianity is Perfect christian life and the Way to Heaven.

[@horizon-one]

Saint Anthony went to the desert around 270 AD. He left a life of wealth to live his life for God. His way of life spread and was the beginning of Roman Catholic monasticism which caused the growth and spread of Catholic monastries throughout Catholic countries.

[@Trund27]

I love this series. This episode in particular - the desert - so awesome

[@TheMindIlluminated]

I would pay so much money just for this guy to do an episode on all the major practices and religious traditions. Tendai Buddhism, Sugendo, Jainism, Yoga, Sufism, Shamanism, etc.

[@eduardovalentin9416]

Fr. Lazarus may be the most famous monk in the world. Love that guy

[@Love_Hope_Faith]

THANKYOU SO VERY MUCH,Watching this made me cry,smile,laugh, and throughout I made the sign of the CROSS, LORD JESUS CHRIST Beautifully made with nothing more than absolute TRUTH✝️🙏🕯️📿🕊️😭😢💔

[@johnnyjohnny1367]

How does this guy consider himself a priest!!?? He’s struggling to even accept basic demonology. 😢

[@noverdinho]

Believe in faith that God has blessed people with, I am a no worthy man that busying myself for myself, chasing worldly happiness that certainly will last none to eternity. Emptiness, acceptance of all challenges, reflective are what I learned from Ascetic Christianity of Coptic monk Fr. Lazarus and what I have forgotten for decades....

[@ruzickaw]

He had not learned how to meditate really. The solitude and the silence did nit change him. He is much more interested in filming than really withdrawing inside.

[@denisehay8895]

Huge respect for you Father Peter Owen Jones. And for Father Lazarus. Such an inspiring video. Deep gratitude.

[@NikolaiL-vw9xq]

The reason why demons fight those who begin to strive in prayer has been explained by all the Church Fathers. In short, it is because most so-called Christians do not reach the level of fighting cosmic evil, remaining at the level of struggling with other people and themselves (indulging in their sinful desires). The unfortunate situation of the Anglican Church, if its clergy knows almost nothing about the highly developed two-thousand-year-old ascetic tradition of the Christian Church.

[@Yodasstuff]

Thank you for this video. Very thought provoking. It takes guts to do what this man did and face your own demons.

[@mikeaddison-saipe5820]

21:10 "May your journey go well - and you find your God". What an honest statement. Not the bigoted "church" line (any church) but a genuinely spiritual blessing. Truth is indeed universal, only Man's desire to place himself superior to others makes one truth more true than another. If you discard dogma , truth will be found.

[@ATORO26]

Que buen documental, por eso los primeros padres del desierto y muchos Santos Padres se dirigían al silencio del desierto en busca de la intima comunión con Dios, porque ante ese paisaje tan hostil sin ningún tipo de distracciones, solo bien siempre lo mismo solo queda mirar hacia adentro, hacia el corazón del hombre donde reposa el Espíritu Santo.

[@DS-rv2fc]

One of the biggest difference among Orthodoxy Christianity, Protestant and Catholic traditions is that Orthodoxy Christianity is not sentimental as these ones are. Sentimentality has nothing to do with religion, that's why men don't like to attend churches in the West.

[@trollgod4911]

You are correct. But I'm afraid that all Christians today have been deceived. We MUST STOP this evil practice of depicting the holy savior as cesera borigia. Christ strictly forbade us to make images of anything thing that is in heaven. Yet all Christians have been fooled into thing cesera borigia was Jesus Christ. Christ appearance when he walked as a man meant nothing. There must be a new movement to stop this idolatry

[@gregorykennerly2321]

+Troll God Please join the rest of us in the 21st century.

[@CesareAgosto]

+Daniel Narilton Coptics are coptics and not Orthodox. Please learn to distinguish!

[@trollgod4911]

Gregory Kennerly lol but what you dont understand is that while your in 21st century the word of god goes on forever so why dont you come join me in enternity.

[@MrTruth98]

Troll God This is the heresy of the Protestants. This is a relatively new philosophy that sprung in the centuries following the Reformation and is not a doctrine of the original church. Icons of the holy are not idols. We do not worship the icons as deities themselves, rather they reveal the essence of what we are worshiping (Christ) and praising (Holy Virgin and Saints). We worship and pray, not to the icons, but through the icons. 1. God created man in His own likeness and image. This means we all look like God. If revealing His image was not appropriate, God would have never created creatures in His own likeness. 2. God Himself became man. If the things in heaven were not to be revealed, then why would God take human flesh from His mother and become human? Was not Christ born to reveal Himself to us? 3. The Ark of the Covenant was specifically given to the Israelites in the desert because they would not stop worshipping idols. Moses was commanded to inscribe images of cherubim and to then tell the Israelites to worship God not to, but through the holy Ark. It was kept in the holiest of holies in the tabernacle and tents of worship and the Jews would go, prostrate and pray facing the inner sanctuary. It was revered and highly respected throughout Israel's history not because the Ark was God itself, but what it represented - Commandments of God. Exodus 25: 17-25 “You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. You shall make two cherubim of gold, make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you. There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel." 4. Google "Veil of Victoria". It would be impossible to record every single occurrence in the life of Christ and His saints. Because it isn't written in the Bible doesn't make it not true. It's called Sacred Tradition. The very last verse of the Gospels ends as such: John 21:25, "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen." 5. The same Luke that wrote the Gospel of Luke drew the first image of our Beloved Lady with her son Jesus. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Luke_painting_the_Virgin 6. Say you're watching the president give a speech on T.V. Is the television itself the president? Of course not. But it's a visiual window to what is occurring. Icons within the church are a visual manifestation of what we believe to be true.

[@2uconner]

wasn't he wonderful, I loved it when he said I am an Icon of prayer for the world not exactly in those words but u catch my drift In his service of isolation what we might call it. his witness is to pray so we pray and that is greater then any beneficial act of hands on service he might be able to give of himself so beautiful

[@ckbeep1313]

Something about this documentary just speaks to me in ways I have yet to understand. I can't put my finger on it, but I found myself wanting more of whatever it is. Thank you for making this documentary it was amazing. I have been researching for lack of a better word all faiths and I keep coming back to Christianity, but I have been unable to take the full leap of faith into it. Not sure what is stopping me, maybe the intellectual side of me is getting in my way. Any suggestions on taking that step.

[@dimitri6818]

I am in a somewhat similar place, though my problems are more practical instead of intellectual. I do not really know how you can take that step, but I have a few suggestions that might help: - Go for a walk in a place that you are fond of. Could be nature or anything else, but best is to find a place that is relatively silent. Do you feel a call from God when you walk there? Ask yourself if your current life is enough, or whether you need more. - Watch similar documentaries that are about places with a 'desert spirit'. For example a documentary about Carthusians or Mount Athos. - Talk to others who are looking for God. The problem though is that many Christians will be the type that do not understand this type of ascetic Christianity. But I am sure that there are others, as the attention to this video shows. Most important is to keep the spirit of the desert in yourself. It is not necessary to be a monk or nun, I think Fr. Lazarus would say that everyone can get something of the peace of the desert, even if you do not have a religious vocation. I am sure that there are other things you can do, this is just what's in my mind.

[@StimParavane]

You are indeed correct, it is your own desires and discriminating mind that is blocking you. Not just now, but it will continue to try and thwart your progress on the spiritual path repeatedly over the course of your journey. Instead, learn to transcend the world of duality by focusing on the present moment before conceptual thoughts arise, and then resting your mind in non-duality. Physical practices such as prostrations help with purifying the obscurations of the body, prayers - those of the speech, and mediation - those of the mind. Good luck - you must have faith!

[@OrthodoxInquirer]

Try reading the Way of the Pilgrim. Someone even read it aloud on a KZbin video. It's my favorite book now.

[@lukebrasting5108]

Try reading some of these books. They'll definitely help you on your journey, regardless of which path you decide to follow. 1. Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed (explains all the basics of the faith in short bite sized chapters) 2. Introduction to the Spiritual Life by Brant Pitre (explains the basics of how to live as a Christian) 3. Jesus's the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Brant Pitre (explains how God has worked in time and space and with and through people and why Christ came to Earth) 4. The Spiritual Combat by Lorenzo Scupoli (a spiritual classic on asceticism and how to navigate the interior life) 5. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis (another classic ascetical text and the second most popular book in the history of Western civilisation, second only to the Bible) 6. Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales I can give you my kindle copies if you like so you can try before you buy, just let me know.

[@johnrockwell5834]

Read: Cold Case Christianity. The Book proves the resurrection.

[@dragonniz]

This is quite fascinating, even the funny bits here and there, but the presenter recording himself talking - sometimes jokingly, sometimes convinced, sometimes dejected, sometimes reminiscing etc - I think this is exactly what the religious figures of old went through. Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, St. Anthony and more. I think the demons you face will always be yours and yours alone.