Being Orthodox in The Land of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) - Fr. Justin Havens

[@PatronSaintSpyridon]

This priest has a super genuine vibe. Not to say that many of the others don’t here in KZbin land but he just seems like my people.

[@willisiswillis]

I attend his parish. You're 100% correct. Great dude.

[@stefanielynn84]

He's my Priest! He baptized me and my family 3 years ago. He is definitely genuine.

[@st.maximusvstheuglies1309]

@@PatronSaintSpyridon He is!

[@seraphim4088]

Indeed. I only met him once, in 2021. My family visited Sts. Peter and Paul during Lent that year, and then again for Pascha. Fr. Justin really does remind me a lot of Fr. Josiah. He tells it like it is, but does so in love. He and Fr. Paul are both great priests.

[@rarerides]

I'm no longer active but this is one of the most genuine and kind men i've ever met

[@Pan472]

I'm an Orthodox Christian in Greece (the original, you could say) and I'm delighted to see Fathers like Fr. Justin in the US. The parish in which he's in should and deserves to grow ever more. Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, Υιέ και Λόγε του Θεού, ελέησον ημάς τους αμαρτωλούς.

[@kylekelson8533]

Had the pleasure to meet Father Justin and see St. Xenia in Payson this past weekend. What a beautiful church and Fr Justin is such a genuine person. I’m only inquiring orthodoxy but I loved being there for the vespers and litergy. Wonderful church and people

[@aay13]

I am so glad to see so many appreciating Orthodoxy and looking for Jesus Christ in this world. May God bless you, and I pray that you find everything you're looking for.

[@JennaGeorge1010]

I was the 50th catechumin at his church! Its a very beautiful church and parish and even if you aren't interested in the faith still come and visit in Payson, Utah.

[@lenaearl5010]

❤

[@carolflower9672]

Do you have a Link for his online services or church ? ... I would like to hear more from this priest... Fr. Justin Havens Thanks

[@lenaearl5010]

​@@carolflower9672St.Xenia Orthodox Church

[@podzi3217]

Wondering when a good time to visit is, look at the website as I live in Orem, but I don’t understand what they schedule is. When would be a good time to visit to get the feel?

[@darkestbeforedon914]

@@podzi3217 Hello friend, I visited this church in the early afternoon on a weekday and it was closed, but the family of the priest opened it up for me. Vespers on Saturday night seems to be a good time to go as well

[@yoseph8919]

I could really listen to Fr. Justin Havens talk for hours

[@crispyjitsu]

Yay shout out St. George and fr mykel. I’m a catechumen here and it sure is growing. God bless

[@jajohnson7809]

I enjoy listening to Fr. Havens. Please pray for me, a backslidden Orthodox, that I may find the strength to cut ties with sinful behavior and renew my walk.

[@gregisbased5205]

The flesh is never satisfied, pay no heed to things that perish

[@lukenielsen8397]

I loved this interview and the good Father's answers. His respect for the history and culture of my state and heritage is welcoming. I've been looking into the Orthodox Church for a while now. I haven't, I'm sorry to admit, gotten the gumption up to actual visit and "experience" the liturgy yet. I won't make excuses but I hope to break through the inside myself soon. I am looking to check out the Russian Orthodox church in SLC because I understand a little Russian and culture. And since it is pretty much sixes as to which church, currently, is closes to where I live. I do wish there would be one here in the Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi area sooner than later... Pray for me as I struggle to know my path.

[@HolySpiritGuidedChristian]

What a beautiful testimony. FLDS is huge in Utah. Orthodox Christianity much needed there.

[@mirelaalina4050]

Thank you Father! ❤️🫶🏻☦️ love from Romania.

[@Marushkaanee123]

God bless this incredible Orthodox content on KZbin. ❤️ I pray for those creating these channels and videos. 🙏

[@ko9306]

What’s beautiful man

[@SophiaInTheMountains]

Thanks!☦

[@RootsofOrthodoxy]

Thank you! God bless

[@TBird89]

Thanks for sharing Fr JH 💙☦️

[@dawnchattin5935]

Such good counsel, the genuine church.

[@dianeleeder3438]

Thank you, Father Justin. I love your enthusiasm!

[@deeross9720]

I am a grandma and just discovered orthodoxy. I was always attracted but thought it was in russia. No clue it was here in states. The draw is the relationship w Christ. Its a deep relationship not found anywhere else.

[@birdlynn417]

This was such a good talk and subject. I sure wish i lived near this priest, i would come to his church. God willing, help me to live close to an Orthodox church. Thank you, Father, for all your talks here.

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

I highly value your talks . Much appreciated . 🙌🏼

[@samteuscher4799]

This is hilarious I always have used that argument “how can you trust in your heart and the hearts of men” all while watching this I’m getting that warm fuzzy feeling confirming my own thoughts. I’m definitely checking out this church here in Saint George

[@sooperdt]

Great story! Very inspiring.

[@helmuthnaumann8521]

It’s interesting how he tries to reference the King Follett Discourse without truly understanding what Joseph Smith was teaching. This person seems more focused on criticizing LDS theology without conducting thorough research, relying instead on surface-level information he’s Googled. For instance, the idea that members of the LDS Church believe they will inherit their own planets is not grounded in any official doctrine. Rather than attempting to tear down another faith, he should focus on enriching his own beliefs. Additionally, he gets most of LDS theology wrong. For example, the term “Christian” was initially used to mock the early Saints.

[@LadyMaria]

​​@@helmuthnaumann8521To be fair, LDS theology is shaky at best. It's hard to know what they believe at any given time. I've talked with LDS for years, returned Missionaries included and they all have different answers. Yes, we know the origins of the title 'Christian', a slur, which was coined so in Antioch, one of our churches even now. Our forefathers of the Way (Orthodox) took it and made a positive out of it. No problem there.

[@helmuthnaumann8521]

@LadyMaria and I've spoken to Catholics and Protestants, and most don't know their doctrine or what the trinity is about either. So, goes both ways. It takes a lot of studying to understand a fraction, and most don't put the time. I'm still learning, and I won't know much when I die.

[@LadyMaria]

@@helmuthnaumann8521Roman Catholics and Protestants have nothing to do with this. LDS theology isn't all that deep and is rather new, so there's really no reason LDS don't know their theology well, except that it changes rapidly. For us Orthodox Christians, we have 2,000 years.

[@helmuthnaumann8521]

@LadyMaria 2000 years of apostacy. If you have all the answers to all scriptures and theology revealed, good for you and your church. It seems all orthodox can answer all theological questions. Remember, it's theology it's all subjective. We're arguing about subjective thinking. Silly.

[@katerolove]

Wonderful video! May God Bless Us All ☦️🙏🏻🤍

[@intherightlight]

“Don’t get busy…eternity will explode on you at any moment. Are you ready?” 😭😭😭😮‍💨🥰☦️

[@IAreMan]

Thank you for these videos. Keep it up

[@antenehgetnet9991]

I am jealous of having two kids in monastery ... God bless them till the end

[@maxwellhavens425]

Hello Father. I came across another video with you in it a few days ago and sent it to my Dad. Our family name is Havens as well. I suppose then it is no coincidence that we are Orthodox as well. My Dad converted in his young life as well, and I have been raised Orthodox due to this. If you see these comments, please reach out. I have so many questions! God Bless!

[@MediaevalGuitar]

"Love fasting more than eating food. You can."

[@WORKOUTSOLUTIONS]

❤💪☀️🙏✝ GOD BE WITH US AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS ✝🙏⛪️🥰🕊

[@TheFeralMom-Cass]

Id love to check out an Orthodox church...

[@mexicangunslinger915]

is it okay if to ask for prayer here my name is Hector if you guys don't mind praying for me

[@SeraphimDW]

Lord, have mercy. I’ll pray for you, Hector.

[@mexicangunslinger915]

@@SeraphimDW please I need prayer

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

@@mexicangunslinger915 Praying for you right now

[@mexicangunslinger915]

@@ThunderbirdRocket thank you

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

@@mexicangunslinger915 🙌🏼

[@birdlynn417]

This was and is so beautiful. I want to talk with him. ❤

[@amertlich]

12:12 As a practicing Latter-day Saint, his critiques are fair. My faith tradition doesn't have the same cultural cachet and historical richness as the Orthodox tradition. We are less than a 200 year old tradition. Yet this priest pays homage to the LDS culture of sacrifice and I'm trying to reciprocate by understanding Orthodox beliefs. A theologian at the stature of a Palamas (Orthodox 1296) or Maimonides (Jewish 1135) or Aquinas (Catholic 1225) is yet to emerge within the Latter-day Saint tradition. Maybe after a thousand years we'll get there.

[@st.maximusvstheuglies1309]

God bless you! I will answer you in the other thread as soon as I've a little more time. Forgive me if I came across in an overly terse manner. Comment threads aren't my favorite!

[@darthbanana7]

As a LDS I think theologians such as Maimonides and Aquinas would be bad for our faith, and they were bad for their respective faiths. Integrating a strong aristotelean influence into religion I am convinced is bad and is part of the problems of the apostasy

[@amertlich]

@@darthbanana7 I see the concern. When theology relies solely on human philosophy and reason without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, it can lead to speculation that detracts from revealed truth. However, when a theologian speaks with prophetic or apostolic authority-whether Isaiah, Mormon, or St. John-their teachings invite both spiritual and intellectual engagement. I respect Maimonides' and Aquinas' efforts to harmonize faith and reason; these don’t need to be in conflict. Yet, God operates in mystery and isn’t bound to contemporary philosophy. Something most traditions would likely agree on, though we differ in how we define what constitutes manmade philosophy versus divine truth. What ultimately protects an institution from falling into apostacy when many claim divine succession of authority? There's certainly not an answer everyone can agree on. But I'd rather have healthy theological discourse in society rather than disregard God completely.

[@makanaima]

@@amertlich nibley? not really a theologian, but maybe the best the lds have produced this far?

[@SaltShack]

Truth is not a function of time or age. Mormonism, which I was baptized into, will be no less wrong in 10,000 years. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is no more or less true than it was at the Crucifixion. Orthodox Theology is quite different in many respects in that it primarily was deployed as necessity in the face of controversy and heresy. The idea of a developing innovating Church though may be a component of Orthodoxy, again largely by necessity, it is by no means an intentional element that’s embraced in any meaningful respect. Palamas is an interesting example and might seem innovative to some including some of his contemporaries but I think he argued effectively that that was not the case.

[@rustyjohnson8431]

Great video, in my area Jehovah’s Witness is big and they come around a lot, is there a video similar to this on that subject

[@birdlynn417]

Yes, good question and topic.

[@victoria4753]

Does Roots of Orthodoxy have a Spotify channel? Would be great to listen to that while commuting

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

That sounds like a great idea .

[@welcometohudson2828]

❤

[@chrismiller9152]

PEW research did a study on which religion’s members new the Bible the best. The results, the Latter-Day Saints. We know the Bible! Also, I was shocked when other church’s don’t teach to pray to know if the church is true. Pray! Keep praying! Trust God more than a pastor, bishop, book, missionary or preacher! History, texts, teaching can be skewed. God cannot!

[@stephen562]

What’s a good introductory book to learn about the Orthodox Church? What would you point someone to?

[@JennaGeorge1010]

I go to his parish and can tell you some books he's recommended to me. "The Orthodox Church" by Timothy Ware. I believe this book gives you the more foundational details of the church, but if you want to know the heart of it I would read from the saints or fathers of the church, for example: "Father Arseny" from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press which gives insight into the spiritual struggles of Orthodoxy and the churches fortitude through modern persecution, or one I'm currently reading called "Our Thoughts Determine our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica" which is less a narrative and more a compilation of principles to living a good Christian Orthodox life. If you live in Utah visit our parish and we have these and others available!

[@stephen562]

@@JennaGeorge1010Thank you

[@LadyMaria]

"Introducing the Orthodox Church" by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris

[@F-35LightningII-vf9do]

I was actually looking at your church this morning?

[@mcnicholas3]

Come visit us!

[@F-35LightningII-vf9do]

@@mcnicholas3 haha if I ever am in the area!

[@mcnicholas3]

@@F-35LightningII-vf9do Cool man! There are services almost every day, so even on a weekday theres at least an evening vespers service going on

[@kathleenwharton2139]

Religious people are their own reward 😊❤

[@Nobodydd043]

Ive been trying to find a perish near me, but i live in rexburg idaho and to my knowledge there isnt a single perish in state

[@Kilometers707]

There's multiple Orthodox Chruches in Idaho. Even multiple diocese

[@st.maximusvstheuglies1309]

@@Nobodydd043 Pocatello

[@mcnicholas3]

Closest one to you looks like Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pocatello! There's more in Twin Falls, too!

[@aay13]

I'm from Pocatello and our parish has a few people from Rexburg and Idaho falls, you would be most welcome here.

[@Nobodydd043]

@mcnicholas3 hi. Yes I just looked and you are right. I live a little ways away from the majority of them do I gotta figure out how I can attend some day. Thanks and God bless

[@kamartah6887]

Link to full video?

[@dmitrynikiforov1986]

I was born in Russia, got baptised to Orthodox church in infantry without choosing it, later joined The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and I know it is the Church of Christ. One day I would thank all my ancestors (who were Orthodox) for preserving faith in Jesus Christ through centuries of hardships in Tsar times and hell they went through during Soviet times. Their names were written in metric books made by Orthodox priests. I would be forever greatfull for all the faithfull priests in Orthodox church who taught my ancestors to believe in Christ and worship Him. I have travelled Russia and I saw those abandoned old churches. They did what they were planned for- preserve the light in dark times of apostasy. Now is the time to move forward with the restored fullness of the Gospel and a living prophet. Can you imagine an Orthodox priest engaging in an open conversation with one of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints? I doubt it. Why is it so? Instead of fighting, let us be united in the body of Christ and focus on helping poor and the needy. There is so much suffering in the world we need to take care of, there should not be enough time to argue.

[@jacksonnitti3078]

there are living prophets in the orthodox church, Joseph Smith is not one of them, you say you would thank your ancestors for maintaining the faith, but that faith, the faith of the orthodox church , the faith of the apostles , is NOT what the mormons teach, it is a false gospel from a false prophet who openly used pagan witchcraft , and it is a false religion, filled with early heresies especially those of arius and origen , i pray that the Lord lead you back to Holy Orthodoxy and i hope you study more of church history and see how different mormonism is , God bless , i don’t mean to attack you i say this all with love

[@zman42]

Joseph smith wrote himself into the Bible and claimed to be a prophet in his own rewritten Bible, which is incredibly fallacious and not to be credible, the one thing that LDS cannot call themselves is Christian because if you claim that we uphold the faith and you guys use it, then that doesn't make sense because you do not affirm the creed. This is just ground level starters and there are many other flaws within LDS that are historically incorrect and even heretical within the Orthodox Church

[@HighTide843]

Joseph Smith was a charlatan, a pedophile and a liar.

[@EIij4h]

If Joseph smith was the most important figure since Christ, why dictate what was on the kinderhook plates and translate the book of Abraham? There’s a pattern outlining how the Book of Mormon came into existence. It’s fraudulent, unlike the Christian faith.

[@bernieholtman4512]

Who are these living prophets that are in the Orthodox Church that receive revelation in modern times?

[@helmuthnaumann8521]

The concept of apostasy, particularly in early Christianity, often refers to a departure from the original teachings and practices of Jesus Christ and his apostles. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, Christianity began to undergo significant transformations as it moved from a persecuted minority faith to a religion increasingly aligned with political and social structures of the Roman Empire. This shift is deeply intertwined with the history of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. This alignment with imperial power allowed the church to gain unprecedented influence, but it also raised questions about the purity of its motives and teachings. Some movements, such as those led by reformers in later centuries, sought to return to the perceived simplicity and authenticity of early Christianity, challenging the institutional authority of the church. The history of Constantine and the church's evolution during his reign highlights the complex interplay between faith, power, and governance, shaping Christianity in ways that continue to influence its practices and beliefs today.

[@benjamingregersen9777]

Eastern Orthodoxy has so much in common with Latter-day Saints. They should totally team up on shared goals and projects and make the world a better place. There's honestly no church on earth that has more in common with the Eastern Orthodox Church than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. True story!!!

[@makanaima]

yes, former lds, now orthodox, orthodox is a natural choice for LDS - it’s a great fit.

[@billcynic1815]

I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I would proffer that the Coptics, the Catholics, and even (some) Anglicans have more in common with us. This said, we do recognize that there is much common ground, and that the LDS do much good work. This said, we are less Ecumenical than the LDS have become in modern times. We may offer to the world projects and charity in partnership with the LDS, but we also offer to the LDS an open door to the Church Christ founded which kept the Faith and never apostasized.

[@LadyMaria]

We don't have anything in common really. To say so means you do not know the Orthodox Faith. The next to us would be the Coptics, and those of the Oriental Communion.

[@benjamingregersen9777]

@@LadyMaria I actually know an awful lot about Eastern Orthodoxy and Coptic Christians. Both of them are actually a lot like the Latter-Day Saints.

[@LadyMaria]

@benjamingregersen9777 You have never gone to our services for even a year straight. That's how people learn the Faith, the services. Otherwise, it's just your ideas and attempting to take our beliefs and jam them into a Mormon ideology, which doesn't work. Also, coffee and tea is amazing. We'd never give that up.

[@mrsmarple2655]

What's this Orthodox Mormon?!?? Never heard of.

[@imEthanstupidcatfish]

He’s an Orthodox priest who lives in Utah which is predominantly mormon

[@KyrieEleison667]

Someone get this person a pair of glasses please.

[@mrsmarple2655]

@@KyrieEleison667 who is this person???

[@KyrieEleison667]

@ he’s an Orthodox Christian priest, who presides in Utah. Which is a predominantly Mormon area. Watch the video and you shall see.

[@mrsmarple2655]

@@imEthanstupidcatfish thank you 🙏❤️🕊️

[@Lucifersphoton]

The beauty of being an atheist is that. None of it matters 😂. Haven't been stricken with diseases, lost all my material items, or are super natural. I'm still confused about how other people believe it is happening, but just have a dead-end excuse 🤔.

[@djenntt]

It is surprising, though perhaps I should not be, that this man felt confident critiquing the LDS faith based solely on limited interactions with and observations of some believers in his community. He mentioned stepping away from Christianity to explore Buddhism and eventually Orthodoxy, which did not surprise me. What stood out, however, was his inability to understand the subtle difference between denying free will and working with Christ through free will. He called members of the LDS Church carnal and moralistic for embracing the original first temple teachings of bringing Heaven to Earth, a concept Jews also uphold. Our mission is to establish Zion and make the world a place where Heavenly Father can dwell, not to escape from it. Self-loathing is not part of our theology. We do feel a burning in our bosom, but we are also deeply encouraged to study, learn, and grow because the knowledge we gain here carries forward. Desires themselves are not sinful; they become so only when misaligned with their divine purpose. Two hours of strawmanning, yet he did not even take the time to open a book or seek real understanding. Still, I am glad he has Christ in his heart. I hope he pursues truth with the same energy he uses to critique us.

[@cabarete2003]

I thought that was you. I've seen you before. You know what we believe, yet you slander us. I have no respect for you and no one else should either. Please, don't take this man to give any truthful representation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By choice or utter ignorance, he misrepresents our faith. Funny, he just walked in and knew. How did he know? Please ask him. What empirical evidence did he find that made him believe? That is the standard he is holding us to.