I Can't Decide... Orthodoxy or Catholicism?

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Excerpt from "The Mystery of Christ - Lesson 3: The Mystery of Christ: An Athonite Catechism - Theophanies (Manifestations) of the Fleshless Logos (Word): The Son as Creator" by Fr. Peter Heers
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[@dorothylombardi8363]

I had a similar experience, Fr. I converted to RC and was RC for about 30 years. Really knew nothing about Orthodoxy. When I attended Divine Liturgy, I felt the presence of God and knew I was Orthodox at that point. I had not known that in any other denomination I'd experienced.

[@FirstnameLastname-py3bc]

In the old country (aka old world) in Orthodox areas we have this issue that we're so ignorant while being so used to presence of Grace of Holy Spirit that we think "ah all religions are same" (while not being experienced in them, raised in Church and not knowing emptiness outside of it) For most to convert witnessing that presence is enough, for atheist cradle Orthodox - we don't even acknowledge it and think it's normal and it's everywhere

[@metrab8901]

As a cradle Orthodox, I went to a Catholic service for a family event and the word that comes to mind for the feeling it gave me was 'barren'.

[@LadyMaria]

​@@metrab8901Barren and sterile. That's how I felt too at Mass. I just didn't know any better. All the church services I'd ever been to were either the Mass or very close liturgical wise. So I thought that was all church. But always felt empty, lacking, sad for me. Orthodox Divine Liturgy.. WOW!! 💖☦️

[@DinaraDivision]

I am Orthodox from the cradle and after moving to the West i neglected my faith and was not aware of the truth that we possessed. Converts and new comers in the West in who the flame of Orthodoxy burned like no others actually turned me back to The Church of Christ. God bless all those who came into the true faith through whom the Eastern Orthodox faith is reaching all corners of the globe. Glory to God that 1 days the whole America will become Orthodox . Christ is God ☦️

[@truthseeker11-11]

I'm Orthodox as well, are you v@x-d?

[@OrthodoxJourney359]

I remember my first Divine Liturgy after 20+ years as a Baptist. Not even 10 minutes in, I said to myself I’m home.

[@David-rq6ok]

Colossians 1 About Jesus: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS…. 1- THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME 2- THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE 3- THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THY GOD IN VAIN 4- REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY 5- HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER 6- THOU SHALT NOT KILL 7- THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY 8- THOU SHALT NOT STEAL 9- THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOURS 10- THOU SHALT NOT COVET Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. These few verses unmask deception and reveal idolatry: *There are various false teachings Roman Catholicism teaches pertaining to the Mary of the bible. 1. She was immaculately conceived. Mary was not born sinless nor did she live a sinless life. Mary knew she was a sinner needing a Savior. "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."- Luke 1:46-47 KJV **Mary is esteemed as the Mother of God. This is an attempt to deify Mary. God is eternal and cannot have a "mother". Mary was the mother of Jesus' humanity. Jesus deity is eternal. ***The assumption of Mary teaches that Mary ascended to heaven after death and her body did not decay in the grave. Of course there is no biblical support to this. ****The perpetual virginity of Mary is taught by Roman Catholicism. This heresy contradicts scripture which states that Jesus had brothers and sisters. "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?"- Matthew 13:55-56 KJV. *****Many of the Catholic teachings and writings claim that Mary is a co-Savior. Also included in this heresy is that Mary co-suffered with Jesus on the cross and that Mary offered Jesus to God the Father as a sacrificial offering. This is a further attempt to place Mary amongst the Godhead and enhance her role in the redemption plan of God the Father. None of these teachings are biblical. This heresy includes prayers to Mary and placing Mary ahead of Jesus in terms of appeasing the grace and mercy of Jesus towards sinners. Jesus alone paid the price for sinners and Jesus alone makes intercession for sinners. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"- 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them. SO DO ALL WHO TRUST IN THEM. Psalm 135:15-18 Deuteronomy 4:16 that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, Jeremiah 7:18-19 KJV The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the ¨queen of heaven¨, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces? Mary and saint worship, Mary the mediatrix and queen of heaven? God cleary told us Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and mankind. Whoever else you use as mediator or pray to is IDOLATRY. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Saints dont intermediate and dont listen to prayers, they are dead people like you and me, made of flesh and they died, Mary also is one of them, she was a normal woman who gave birth to Jesus and she and other people may not be worshipped. God declared the dead as the following: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. If the dead are alive somewhere... then who are the ones Christ will resurrect at his arrival? *Second commandment (Ex 20:4): Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, ...* this includes rosary necklaces, Mary and saint statues, Jesus, Mary and saint images, crosses, 'holy relics' and many more items used in worship by most denominations. People bow down before these things, kiss them, pray with them and that is wrong. Christ is the mediator we pray towards, close the door and pray to him honestly without any items or images, he is the living God and does not share his glory with manmade things. It is time to return to the old Hebraic faith of Jesus (Yeshua) and do what he did (obey the Fathers commandments and laws). There was no Catholic church or hundreds of denominations each with their own views and opinions back in the days of Jesus and the prophets. Believers had the old testament back then, which is the foundation of all scripture and the key to understand the new testament. Most Cathechism practices like rosary prayers etc are just invented in the 16th century.. first pope existed in 538ad and not in the apostles their days. those things got nothing to do with Jesus, its the traditions and vanities of religious men who went far astray from the Fathers commands. Matt 7:22 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’… Berean Standard Bible Many teachings and videos are available on our fb page lessons from Jesus

[@TranslatedAssumption]

I began flirting with Orthodoxy back in 2006 but ended up going down the path into Catholicism in 2010. After 5 years of emptiness as a lay Latin I was convinced by many that I should pursue the Latin priesthood which thankfully I got out of after I realized how much of a personal disaster that would have been for me. I ended up switching to Uniate Catholicism because many convinced me that it was "Orthodoxy in communion with Rome.". It took me 8 years to fully realize the deception I had been under after 6 years of use and abuse in a pretender monastery. After Pope Francis began blessing same sex unions I just could not take it anymore and finally came into Orthodoxy.

[@artifexdei3671]

So you are ok with divorce then as that's ok in orthodoxy?

[@DubLL]

@@artifexdei3671It's okay in very rare circumstances (i.e. abuse and your partner commits adultery), they don't (or shouldnt) go around blessing all divorces for any reason. I've seen many catholics pay their church for an annulment on their marriage, there's corruption anywhere that man touches. I'm not saying catholicism condones paying for annulments on marriages, but that was just an example. Catholics and Protestants never have a proper understanding of the viewpoint of divorce in the Orthodox Church because they judge it way too quickly.

[@davidefantoni874]

​@@DubLL "man, doesn't divide what God has united" this is the law of God and his desire upon us. But you wrote other men's laws over his true law. I could do other examples both from Orthodox and Catholic church. All men are disobeying and betraying Him all the days. There isnt a "true church" intended as istitution

[@TranslatedAssumption]

​@@artifexdei3671I don't know why you would respond to my post by talking about divorce. I am not married and don't plan on getting married so I have no comment on the subject.

[@jomorod4275]

Where in the fiducia supplicans document does it authorise priest to impart either liturgical or non liturgical blessing on same sex Unions? Ah the minimum you should at least read and understand the document instead of spreading disinformation.

[@billknorr3267]

As a Roman Catholic drawn to Orthodoxy, I am finding the lives of Orthodox saints more and more convincing, especially Saint Porphyrios. Also, Orthodox music has been drawing me in, particularly Byzantine chant. My next step will be to visit an Orthodox church in person, as Father Peter suggests.

[@LadyMaria]

Vespers is great to start with, I've heard. But Divine Liturgy is great too. We loved our first one even though it included kneeling Vespers after the Divine Liturgy. It was amazing!

[@orthodox1717]

The Holy Spirit is guiding you. God bless you on your journey to the true faith.

[@artifexdei3671]

The early saints were catholic as they are claimed by the orthodox too.

[@pero33403]

Please copy paste "Херувимска песма" (Heruvimska pesma). This is an Orthodox Christian hymn from the 6th century. It's so heavenly and so traditional. After attending an Orthodox Church liturgy one Saturday morning and hearing this in person, I had to acknowledge the fact that the so called "Roman Catholic" church has nothing that can even compare to this kind of music.

[@LadyMaria]

@@pero33403 The Cherubic Hymn! Yes, very blessed and lovely! I enjoy chanting it no matter language, Greek, Slavonic, English... Always beautiful, the words, the arrangements..

[@orthodox1717]

THANK GOD for Fr. Peter in these times of much confusion. He teaches what the Saints teach. ☦️

[@pero33403]

I am an ex cradle Roman Catholic, married in the RC church, but after reading more deeply into the Church history, reading books like Fr. Yves Congar's "After 900 years" and bishop Pablo de Ballester's "My exodus from Roman Catholicism" and experiencing racism and bigotry towards me by neo-Nazis within the Catholic SSPX, I decided to convert to the ORTHODOXY. It was a long journey, but I finally feel at home. God bless! ☦♥

[@andys3035]

That was my experience. I went to a Divine Liturgy and knew it was just different. It was heaven on earth. I went and never looked back. Me and my wife were baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church last April 8th. It has been a life changing experience.

[@LadyMaria]

Welcome home! ☦︎ 🤗 My husband and I went to the Pentecost Divine Liturgy with kneeling Vespers, which was Hierarchical and that was it!

[@andys3035]

@LadyMaria Hi Maria! Thank you my sister. May our Lord God Jesus Christ continue to guide you.

[@LadyMaria]

@@andys3035 And you and your wife as well. 🤗

[@Kalumubotia]

Ex cradle Catholic now almost two years baptized in the Orthodox church, thank God

[@spyrosstivactas2300]

I was born in Australia under the Greek Orthodox faith. Western school science brainwashed me into atheism. Post graduation, practicing engineering, this lead me back to God and the Bible. I feel very fortunate that not only was I baptised Christian, heard of Jesus and the Bible, and not of any other faith, but also baptised into the rich, unadulterated, Orthodox faith. 🙏☦️💕 I thank the Lord frequently.

[@FREEMAN....]

Secularism is a plague that hurts Catholics too.

[@philipschaffer9414]

I need to stay Catholic because of my patron Saint.

[@mpkropf5062]

@@philipschaffer9414Orthodox definitely doesn’t have as great music as Catholic music! Who is your patron?

[@ethanmoore8929]

I might have had a more difficult time choosing if i had visited a traditional Latin Mass, but i never had the opportunity. The first Orthodox service I attended was a readers service, but I knew this was It.

[@David-rq6ok]

Colossians 1 About Jesus: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS…. 1- THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME 2- THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE 3- THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THY GOD IN VAIN 4- REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY 5- HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER 6- THOU SHALT NOT KILL 7- THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY 8- THOU SHALT NOT STEAL 9- THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOURS 10- THOU SHALT NOT COVET Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. These few verses unmask deception and reveal idolatry: *There are various false teachings Roman Catholicism teaches pertaining to the Mary of the bible. 1. She was immaculately conceived. Mary was not born sinless nor did she live a sinless life. Mary knew she was a sinner needing a Savior. "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."- Luke 1:46-47 KJV **Mary is esteemed as the Mother of God. This is an attempt to deify Mary. God is eternal and cannot have a "mother". Mary was the mother of Jesus' humanity. Jesus deity is eternal. ***The assumption of Mary teaches that Mary ascended to heaven after death and her body did not decay in the grave. Of course there is no biblical support to this. ****The perpetual virginity of Mary is taught by Roman Catholicism. This heresy contradicts scripture which states that Jesus had brothers and sisters. "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?"- Matthew 13:55-56 KJV. *****Many of the Catholic teachings and writings claim that Mary is a co-Savior. Also included in this heresy is that Mary co-suffered with Jesus on the cross and that Mary offered Jesus to God the Father as a sacrificial offering. This is a further attempt to place Mary amongst the Godhead and enhance her role in the redemption plan of God the Father. None of these teachings are biblical. This heresy includes prayers to Mary and placing Mary ahead of Jesus in terms of appeasing the grace and mercy of Jesus towards sinners. Jesus alone paid the price for sinners and Jesus alone makes intercession for sinners. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"- 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them. SO DO ALL WHO TRUST IN THEM. Psalm 135:15-18 Deuteronomy 4:16 that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, Jeremiah 7:18-19 KJV The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the ¨queen of heaven¨, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces? Mary and saint worship, Mary the mediatrix and queen of heaven? God cleary told us Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and mankind. Whoever else you use as mediator or pray to is IDOLATRY. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Saints dont intermediate and dont listen to prayers, they are dead people like you and me, made of flesh and they died, Mary also is one of them, she was a normal woman who gave birth to Jesus and she and other people may not be worshipped. God declared the dead as the following: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. If the dead are alive somewhere... then who are the ones Christ will resurrect at his arrival? *Second commandment (Ex 20:4): Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, ...* this includes rosary necklaces, Mary and saint statues, Jesus, Mary and saint images, crosses, 'holy relics' and many more items used in worship by most denominations. People bow down before these things, kiss them, pray with them and that is wrong. Christ is the mediator we pray towards, close the door and pray to him honestly without any items or images, he is the living God and does not share his glory with manmade things. It is time to return to the old Hebraic faith of Jesus (Yeshua) and do what he did (obey the Fathers commandments and laws). There was no Catholic church or hundreds of denominations each with their own views and opinions back in the days of Jesus and the prophets. Believers had the old testament back then, which is the foundation of all scripture and the key to understand the new testament. Most Cathechism practices like rosary prayers etc are just invented in the 16th century.. first pope existed in 538ad and not in the apostles their days. those things got nothing to do with Jesus, its the traditions and vanities of religious men who went far astray from the Fathers commands. Matt 7:22 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’… Berean Standard Bible Many teachings and videos are available on our fb page lessons from Jesus

[@kianoghuz1033]

Father, I've been seeing your videos and honestly I don't feel good sometimes when you speak, and I would say I feel arrogance. Maybe I'm not truly opening my heart when I hear you on other topics, but in this video by hearing your testimony this happened exactly two months when visiting a vespers service, so far away from my hometown because the closest orthodox church is 5 hours away from my home. The temple icons were not even finished, and there were planks and building materials on the temple. However the feeling of the presence of God had never been so pure in my life. I felt like you felt, as in another world but a world that has always called me from before. In fact, even a priest I met had clairvoyance and knew my name although he had never seen me before in person. I truly hope one day to become formally orthodox. I already reject papal supremacy and the filioque, although I grew and reconverted into Catholicism all my life. God has spoken me through catholicism, and I've felt god's grace in the roman church, but visiting the Orthodox church was an experience unlike any other. God bless!

[@PaulDo22]

100%. Do not ignore your interior movement regarding this sense.

[@Love_Hope_Faith]

Greek Christian Orthodox for me is beautiful Truth, Way,Life AMIN✝️🙏🕯️

[@George_033]

Glory to God

[@heisenberggamingreligion]

such good video timing, was just facing this issue

[@ChileVerdeDavid]

"It's a different world" is spot on. As an inquirer, I just don't want to leave when the service is over. I wish I could just hang out there and read and cook in the kitchen. It's like coming home from vacation or a holiday. Because walking out and getting in my car is a bit sad. I know ill be back Monday around my God hating coworkers and I know I'll be getting sucked into sin.

[@johnnyd2383]

Thirsting for God is natural state of the soul brother... Perhaps you could consider organizing your home and workplace with details that will resemble church you are attending by forming prayer corner with icons, candles, incense, etc. Just a thought. God bless.!

[@josephjude1290]

Thanks Father I’m on the Fence I feel the same way

[@eens9579]

After years of searching and studying and lately wondering if I should leave my comfort zone and "show up" I come across this wonderful video.

[@Vermor110]

I went to my first Divine Liturgy last week, it was incredible. I am convinced of the truth of Orthodoxy, but I will probably go a few times and talk with people a bit more to see if the parish is the right one for me (I think it is)

[@deusvult9372]

Now that the pope blessed gay marriage orthodoxy is the only church holding to the truth.

[@mpkropf5062]

Pope has never blessed gay marriage and never will! Traditional Catholics have misunderstood him. He only blesses individuals which the Church has always done, but never blessed gay marriage and he spoke often trying to explain it! But the more he explains the more people misunderstand him! When people leave over that it’s because they are not following the Truth.

[@NJ-os3rn]

I'd love if the nearest orthodox church wasn't 2+ hours away. I am on my journey with rediscovering my faith as Lutheran child who turned atheist. I believe in God but getting to an orthodox church isn't realistic due to me working on Sundays currently. I'm sure you are sick of seeing comments like this so I apologize, thanks for the great content!

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Even if you can’t attend services every week, it is essential to be united to the body of Christ, the Church Christ established for our salvation, the Orthodox Church.

[@LeutherGreengager-ip1uw]

Father, your persecution is understood. G☦️D fortify you and grant you the victory.

[@colton-wi1zp]

I had a bit of a similar experience. I was born irreligious but eventually I came to RC. I was planning to be baptized into the RC church but it went nowhere, I feel like this was God stopping me. Later I went down this trad catholic rabbit hole but I still was going nowhere in my faith, this is around when I actually started to consider Orthodoxy. I remember sitting in class debating to myself about Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Eventually one day I accepted and embraced Orthodoxy, but I was still feeling like coming back to the RC Church because my Catholic (now Orthodox friends) were still catholic and were pressuring me to convert back. I eventually attended the Divine Liturgy and the second I walked into the main church I immediately was overwhelmed with the reverence and fear of God, but such an extreme amazement and speechlessness I converted on spot. I had never experienced or felt anything like that in any other church, note this church wasn’t a big beautiful cathedral or anything, but it’s pretty modest for its size. Eventually my friends came and also converted, and we were all baptized together on the 21st of April this year. Thanks be to God

[@exposingtruth600]

Just the question I had actually, but I’ve been studying early church history and councils , but I’m still confused

[@OrthodoxEthos]

We would recommend that you watch this video of ours, it will help make things clear! kzbin.infobTOkG5G9lUY

[@marieegypt7091]

I always wanted to ask Father how it is that he didn't convert to Catholicism?...has he ever mentioned that?

[@WillieUnvlkan]

Hi Marie Good morning. I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@QSD22]

Thank you Father Heers. Thank you Lord Jesus my True Love.

[@spoodermens]

I as a Roman Catholic wish the Church would seek to learn from our Eastern brothers rather than seeking to push the East away in favor of the world.

[@spoodermens]

We as brothers have spent 1,000 years apart a whole day in the eyes of the Lord. It is a true shame how the Vatican and many Bishops do not seek or even care to try and mend the schism

[@theStormaftertheCalm]

As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, my brothers and sisters of humanity include everyone, including Buddhists and Atheists. My brothers and sisters in Christ are strictly other Eastern Orthodox.

[@TranslatedAssumption]

You must first realize that Catholicism is anti-Orthodox and has existed to provide a counterfeit version of Orthodoxy so to lead the faithful astray.

[@spoodermens]

@theStormaftertheCalm we should seek to do what we can to bring the West and East into Communion. The Pope has most definitely been over blown to position it was never meant to be, but the truth of the witness of the Saints and Martyrs of the West cannot be discounted just as the Saints and Martyrs of the East cannot be discounted from their heroic witness of Christ.

[@theStormaftertheCalm]

@@spoodermens - When the Eastern Orthodox monastics, worldwide, embrace a union and announce that those of the West have become added to the Eastern Orthodox prayers OR announce that the Eastern Orthodox prayers have been abolished and will be rewritten, those are the events that I'm waiting for. With that stated, how close are the Eastern Orthodox monastics in doing such things and preparing for such announcements?

[@camelotenglishtuition6394]

Went for my first time this weekend. A very interesting experience. Ill go back for sure

[@milicamilenkovic1856]

Ortodox forever

[@mpkropf5062]

They definitely don’t have as good songs at Catholics do. I love Catholic music it’s hard to beat!

[@RaymondFelixFrancis]

How seriously do you want to be saved, from death and eternal darkness? Cry out to God...He will hear you and bring you to His Church...there you will find rest... Orthodoxy is the way 🙏☦️

[@clivejames5058]

I would like to get in touch with my local Orthodox Church. Does the priest go by his first name (Father....) or do I use his surname? I seem to remember you saying it was different in the Orthodox Church (I'm currently Catholic).

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Please use Fr. (First Name)

[@peterorthodox360]

What's the chant called in the end? Also great video ☦️

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

Axion Estin (It is Truly Meet in Greek)

[@iguessihaveyoutube8911]

music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip2snmmKgK6SeJY&si=KFMbD0T6_gloHgTs

[@hap1678]

I used to be Eastern Orthodox. Now Catholic!

[@LadyMaria]

I did the opposite. Now part of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church. 🙏 Glory to God.

[@hap1678]

@@LadyMaria I hope you come back home. I recommend if you like KZbin videos Dwong. God bless

[@LadyMaria]

@@hap1678 I'm finally home and will never go anywhere else. ☦︎

[@LadyMaria]

@@mpkropf5062 I can say never about this as God brought me to Holy Orthodoxy. The RCC is nothing to me and your idea there is not true. This is an Orthodox channel, so leave it be.

[@STMukr]

Just like it was said before in my youth from my grandma and others: "Run run from catholics..." Just like saint Mark Eugenikos said before...run from them.... From Ukraine with hope an love to all faithful.❤

[@OrthodoxEthos]

We are not saved by running from falsehood unless we also run towards the truth, and by running towards the Orthodox Church we will be running away from all other false paths.

[@JohnSmith-wo2fz]

Orthodoxy is Catholicism. What that guy means is Roman Catholicism, which is pope worship.

[@TranslatedAssumption]

There is a major difference and distinction in being Catholic as in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic and what Catholicism represents. A comparable dichotomy would be femininity versus feminism which cannot be conflated or confused though they often are.

[@rafaellastracom6411]

God or the devil. Simple choice for a good person.

[@GGME7777]

Been to Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and recently Messianic Churches for many many many years only call myself Christian Have so many issues with the Roman Catholic church but at the end of the day, go to any church you want, love your church, give honor, respect and reverent to your church BUT your Faith & Trust in the Lord Jesus alone.

[@AlexanderRMSR]

«Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you» (1Cor. 11:2). «if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!» (Gal.1:9)

[@GGME7777]

@@AlexanderRMSR Amen

[@AlexanderRMSR]

@@GGME7777 if "Amen", you need to agree that there is the only one truth in the only one Church which continues keeping this truth to this day and all other beliefs are false.

[@GGME7777]

@@AlexanderRMSR Can you explain what do you mean ? Because there's no one physical church that's 100% correct in everything, every church got few things wrong here & there. Also, no one can divide the body of Christ.

[@AlexanderRMSR]

@@GGME7777 if there is no faithful church, then Christ lied in the Gospel when he said that “the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” and the apostle that “the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.” This means that either God is not omnipotent (since He is not able to create a physical Church, which is 100% right, or He does not want to create such a Church, allowing us to remain in lies and disagreement with each other, and not giving physical beings physical mercy), or The Gospel and the New Testament and Christianity are false. And since Christianity is better than all other religions and beliefs, it is true that they are all false, and there is no truth, we are wandering in darkness, there is no hope, and there is no God, or He is imperfect. Also, real life is deprived of all meaning, since we do not know anything true, and what will happen beyond the grave and whether it will happen is unknown. In general, just despair (or empty unfounded optimism). But I do not agree with the initial statement that there is no physically faithful Church. It exists - it is the Orthodox Church, and no one can point out that it sins in anything.

[@vickyk1861]

Jesus 🙏 👑

[@jmdsservantofgod8405]

Both are Jesus Sheep! Jesus Gets Them! ❤

[@Paul-uv6mb]

We are all sheep but pope religion is lion right now,they will take human in hel@. We will believe holy spirit and nit hererics. Go in pope church and take holy water test it,you will understand god have left them.

[@Paul-uv6mb]

No all,sheeps are following the jesus, heretic's are not.

[@cincour]

Guys, do you have video on Francis of Assisi? Where can I find it?

[@jimw5142]

So I am one of those flounders . I can say that I'm probably a former Roman Catholic because I don't go to the Roman Catholic church anymore . But there's a lot of similarities now between Roman Catholicism and orthodoxy that I'm struggling with . So who in orthodox should we follow? For instance you have metropolitan Bartholomew a known mason who says Catholics are the brothers of Orthodox the second lung of the same body?. Is he wrong? There are so many scisms its incredible

[@LadyMaria]

There aren't any actual schisms. That would mean the Pat. of Constantinople is completely cut off. Right now the MP has stricken the PoC from the Diptychs to commemorate. That's how the Bishop of Rome was first censured, being stricken from Constantinople's Diptychs to commemorate. It happened in the first millennium. We've had two internal matters that resolved recently, Jerusalem and Antioch, and Macedonia and Serbia. This happens but the Head of our Church, Christ, calls all to repentance. We do not sweep things under the rug as does the RCC with its internal matters. The jurisdiction is not bad because the Patriarch might be. The jurisdiction of Constantinople has had a Patriarch under that worldly system since Pat. Metaxakis. The faithful are innocent. I used to be under the Pat. of Constantinople and left, myself, but do not harbor any ill feelings to those who stay therein as we're all one Church. Now if the Patriarchate of Constantinople were cut off completely, that would be another story.

[@jimw5142]

@@LadyMaria I don't know. I read the rudder and all the cannons say you should not even pray with heretics or you are automatically disqualified from your position according to God. And it also says that the so called innocent you claim who follow a lucifarian/mason is just as guilty. That is of course if the cannons aren't from God but just a guide.

[@LadyMaria]

​@@jimw5142They remain where they are and don't commemorate the Pat. of Constantinople.. Donatism is a thing. You don't want to go down that rabbit hole. Perhaps you should be around Orthodoxy for while and experience it before such judgments. Orthodoxy is an experiential Faith rather than scholarly. Legalism has no place.

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

Don't be afraid of anything. All of this can be figured out. I absolutely disagree with Maria in this issue. The Patriarch of Constantinople and some other Greek Churches entered into communion with the schism from Ukraine - because of this they themselves became schismatics. Both primates and ordinary believers (same with Catholics). This is a great tragedy, the story of 1000 years ago is being repeated. But all the other Churches are still in the truth. Choose a non-Greek Church and everything will be fine. We can't go to Greek Churches all over the world beside Greece.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

In the Orthodox Church we have bishops but we only follow their teachings to the extent to which they follow the saints and Fathers. We do not have infallible bishops.

[@ZZZELCH]

Excellent video

[@isaakchatelet7260]

I have a question, I am really interested in Orthodoxy, but I am a little bit scared to enter an Orthodox Church. Scared to be like an intruder to a closed community. What should I do?

[@isaakchatelet7260]

@@GGhiba611 I mean, I don't know. The closest church is like 2 minutes walking, but still. I have always heard of my catholic friends that the orthodox church is very ethnocentric and vey wary of westerners, that it"s a church by and for easterners,

[@PaulDo22]

@@isaakchatelet7260 You are correct. Eastern Churches are very ethnocentric. That shouldn't stop you from visiting but it should show you their true colors.

[@LadyMaria]

​​​​​​​​@@isaakchatelet7260That's a strawman a lot of those who hate us throw at us, even on our forums. Many Parishes are not ethnocentric. Many are convert, and/or native born cradle heavy. Some, like mine, are mission Parishes. Keep in mind in many places the Roman Catholic Parishes were very ethnocentric, like in the US, for example. Last century you had the Italian, Polish, Irish, etc. Parishes and an Irishman would not go to an Italian or Polish Parish and vice versa. There are still ethnocentric Parishes. And IME very few in general are friendly. The first Roman Catholic church I ever went to was Portuguese in the US. Very ethnic. Another was Hispanic, one had much Filipino culture. I went to my first Orthodox Parish just by jumping right in. It was Greek. The Liturgy was half in Greek and half in English, alternating so I was able to catch on (also had a guide later on). Not hard to. The people were very friendly, many converts. Many of the Greeks actually moved to the Russian Parish, and so we did too. This Parish is very mixed and convert heavy, a mission Parish. And quite a few from the Greek Parish and Romanian Parish and others visit our Parish for Divine Services and trapeza (agape meal after Divine Liturgy). And some from our Parish visit other Parishes too. The Orthodox community in general goes back and forth.

[@isaakchatelet7260]

@@LadyMaria Maybe, but still. You have the Russian orthodox church, finnisch orthodox church, ukraine orthodox church, and they even are in schism with eachother, like the Russian and Constantinople patriarchates. Also, the Orthodox Churches are highly political, like the Russian Church, with a literal billionair and old KGB agent as its patriarch. I mean, not even to begin with the fact that they aren't capable to hold an ecumenical council or synode with all Orthodox Churches together. Sorry, but I stay loyal to Catholocism, even tho it's having hard times, together we will rebuild the Church

[@OrthodoxEthos]

If you hesitate to visit, feel free to call the priest and ask questions ahead of time. It is true that some parishes are rather ethnocentric but there are many parishes that are not. Some parishes are nearly all converts. If you have several Orthodox churches in the area, visit several.

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

Mariolatry keeps me away from both but there are many good people in each.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Have you read “The Orthodox veneration of Mary the birthgiver of God” by St. John of San Francisco? It is very good.

[@protestanttoorthodox3625]

☦️

[@vasiliossmith2616]

If can understand the Ecumenical council's decision and the Holy Fathers you will understand anything outside the one Holy catholic Apostolic Church of the Holy Fathers does not lead to salvation but eternal damnation

[@LadyMaria]

That would be the Orthodox Catholic Church they spoke about.

[@user-jx4pt1ww4c]

It is quite evident that the apostate orthodox are more obsessed with the true Church of Jesus the Catholic Church than Catholics themselves are. Rather than spending the time that has been given to on attacking the Catholic Church focus on on living Christ's word. Every orthodox I ever knew was obsessed with the Catholic Church. Every Catholic I know barely mentions the orthodox and for good reason, we have no need to, the complete truth is with us.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Please see the content on our channel. We are not obsessed with “Catholics” but post many things about dogma and the spiritual life. Dogmatic issues include truth vs heresy. Heresy is an obstacle to salvation, so it is our duty to expose it while also pointing to the truth of Orthodoxy.

[@GuitarTunings33]

🙏

[@macdan22]

As an outsider, a comment you made left me very puzzled. Why would a visitor or new convert have to leave the liturgy after partially completing it? I've resd the bible, and I dont remember Jesus telling people to leave in the middle of his teachings. Like a golf club, "Oh, this is a members only event, and Jesus is an exclusive membership only perk."

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

Read John 6:66-69

[@macdan22]

@Alexandr_Ya-Pravoslavnyj I did. It is about how many disciples found what Jesus had to say was too difficult and turned away. Then he asks the orginal 12 who were to become his apostles if they wanted to leave and Peter replied "To whom shall we go". It's a great lesson but that didn't answer my question. Jesus didn't send those initial disciples away, they chose to leave. So why would Orthodoxy send people away from God.

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

@@macdan22 Orthodoxy doesn't send people away from God. Each visitor can be present during all the liturgy if you about it. Security does not take people out of churches :)

[@macdan22]

@@Александр_Православный_есмь The father at timestamp 5:12-5:17 literally says you are limited and maybe asked to leave after the Gospel in some churches.

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

@@macdan22 in some churches but not in all churches. Orthodoxy in America is young enough, and this is not done in traditional Orthodox countries

[@AAA-tc6li]

Ορθοδοξία ή Θάνατος

[@ngliscsaxon6128]

Does anyone know the name of the song at the end of the video please?

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

Axion Estin (It is Truly Meet in Greek)

[@ngliscsaxon6128]

@@Александр_Православный_есмь Thank you my friend 🙏🏻

[@TruLuan]

It's simple, who has fulfilled the great commission? Definitely not the Orthodox. There is undoubtedly a Catholic church in every nation, land, and tongue. It's clear who has been guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill that very specific command by the infallible Christ.

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

It's not so simple. Why did you decide that the great commission had already been fulfilled? Saint Augustine said that the true faith had not yet been preached in his time. And it isn't possible to say that the Catholic Church has become the church of every nation. What about Russia, the Balkans, Arab countries, China and others? So it isn't a good argument for the truth of your church

[@TruLuan]

@@Александр_Православный_есмь it's not me and my personal opinion, it's an objective fact. No one comes close to the Catholic Church. You will never hear someone say that they have a hard time finding a Catholic church near them. Can't say the same about the Orthodox. And yes there are Catholic churches in Russia, Balkins and even China too. And in the rare instance there is a Catholic who isn't near a Catholic church, they are allowed to attend an Orthodox Church as they do have valid sacraments. The Orthodox are too prideful to say the same vice versa.

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

​​@@TruLuanDon't you understand, being more preached than others does not mean being preached all over the world. And just the presence of churches in a country does not mean that the faith was preached in a particular country. Be honest: we can't say that your faith was preached, for example, in modern Greece, or in modern Saudi Arabia, because most people of these places don't hear enough of it. The fact that there are more Catholics cannot be an argument for their truth. There were also more pagans than monotheists, and 10 fallen tribes of Israel versus 2 not fallen away in the Old Testament. The Orthodox are not prideful, just we love God and we believe that God is One, so there is only one true Church and only one true faith and only one true sacraments. We can't go against God to please people and because we love people we tell them that there are only one sacraments in only one Church

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

​@@TruLuanFor example, my grandfather was Catholic, but I didn't hear anything enough about this faith in a country which has a quite large Catholic community (Ukraine). And I only recently found out that he was a Catholic :-)

[@PaulDo22]

Correct. The true Faith is Universal not ethnocentric. The Eastern Churches are all ethnocentric in practice. Just walk into one and you will see the truth that they are very inward looking.

[@eotpatriarchs]

We pretend to be at the door entering in the Paradise. - Knock, knock! - Who is there? - Is me, the priest so and so. - How can I help you? - I am a Catholic priest and want to enter heaven. - Do you know Jesus - the “door keeper” asked the priest? - Yes, I know Jesus, was the answer. - Ok, take a seat in the waiting room area. In the meanwhile, another one came at the door. - Knock, knock! - Who is there? - Is me, the priest so and so. - How can I help you? - I am an Orthodox priest and want to enter heaven. - Do you know Jesus - the “door keeper” asked the priest? - Yes, I know Jesus, was the answer. - Ok, take a seat in the waiting room area too. This time, a very old woman, barely moving her feet to walk, arrived at the gate. - Knock, knock! - Who is there? - This is a Christian old lady. - How can I help you? - I am a child of God, a born-again Christian, and I just arrived in my Father’s home. - Do you know Jesus - the “door keeper” asked her? The poor old lady, trying her best to straighten up and looking straight into the eyes of the “door keeper” shout out as loud as she could, these words in adoration and worshiping spirit: - O, my Lord, and my Savior, how can I not know you? And then she throws herself down at the feet of the “door keeper” worshiping Him in adoration. ONE, only ONE thing matters: DO I, do you, know Jesus?

[@SUDMONEYBAGS]

Technically I don't have a denomination right now but I'm torn between oriental orthodoxy and Eastern orthodoxy

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

Which questions you make you be torn between oriental orthodoxy and Eastern orthodoxy?

[@GGME7777]

I am bias towards one of them and I hope soon they will be united but all I can tell you now that Antioch and Alexandria are 2 of the original 4 first century apostolic churches

[@SUDMONEYBAGS]

​@@Александр_Православный_есмьI'm not really smart enough to understand the miaphysits and diophysite Controversy I can't figure it out

[@Александр_Православный_есмь]

@@SUDMONEYBAGS The controversy concerns not some minor point, but faith in Christ Himself. Since ancient times, the Orthodox Church has preserved the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ is at the same time true God and true man, which means that after the incarnation He united two natures in His one Person - Divine and human, and thus became one in nature (consubstantial) with the Father in divinity and one-natural to us in humanity, so that with an unfused and inseparable union, the peculiarity of each nature is preserved. That is why in the Gospel Christ Himself calls Himself both “Son of God” (John 10:36) and “Son of Man” (Mark 2:10). As God He heals the sick (Matthew 12:15), raises the dead (John 5:21), and commands the storm (Mark 4:39), and as a man He sleeps (Mark 4:38), eats and drinks (Matthew 11:19), experiences hunger (Matthew 21:18), suffers suffering and death (Mark 15:25-37). However, in the 5th century, those who began to claim that Jesus Christ had only one nature appeared. This teaching was called “monophysitism” (that is, belief in one nature), and its followers, having separated from the Orthodox Church, then began to divide among themselves into different movements. There were "extreme" Monophysites - followers of Eutyches, and there were "moderate" - followers of Sevirus of Antioch and others. But both, differing from each other in particulars, professed the belief that Christ had only one nature. In 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council (Chalcedon) determined that the Church from ancient times believed in «the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [co-essential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin... only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably, the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person (prosopon) and one Subsistence (hypostasis), not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son. In turn, the Monophysites also anathematized the Orthodox at their councils, calling them “dyophysite heretics.” What exactly is the heresy here and why did the Church consider this issue so important? The very doctrine of incarnation means that God the Word, the second from the Trinity, became incarnate, that is, took on human nature. And, if we say that He still has one nature, and not two: divine and human, then we have only three options: 1. This one nature is only divine, and the incarnation was, as it were, illusory, which is the heresy of docetism. 2. Either this one nature is human, and Christ was not God then, which is the heresy of Arianism. 3. Or, as the Monophysites say, in Christ there was one complex, composite nature, consisting of Divinity and humanity. But in this case, this means that Christ is no longer consubstantial, that is, he does not have the same nature with the Father, because the nature of God the Father is a divine nature, and not a complex divine-human one. And Christ is not consubstantial with His Mother, the Mother of God the Virgin Mary, and with us, too, in humanity, because we do not have this complex divine-human nature, but we have simply human nature. Thus, Christ turns out to be equally alien to both the Father and us, people, and therefore cannot be a Mediator or a bridge connecting God and people. This opinion is clearly erroneous, with which the Holy Fathers could not possibly agree. St. John of Damascus, in particular, writes that in this case Christ would have neither Divinity nor humanity and could not be called either God or man, but only Christ. And the name Christ itself in this case would be the name not of a person, but of a special nature, consisting of two natures. This goes against the original faith of the Church and, in particular, with the Creed adopted at the First Ecumenical Council, which states that Christ is consubstantial with the Father (that is, of the same essence/nature). I can write additionally if you want.

[@PentaRaus]

I am vain and Orthodoxy hath the better drip.

[@Cross0987]

☦

[@rossb8073]

Im RC and also attend Eastern Orthodox Church.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

You cannot serve God and mammon/heresy.

[@PaulDo22]

You can't attend a schiasmtic liturgy. It's valid but illicit to attend any Eastern Rite that is not in communion with Rome.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

I tried converting to Orthodoxy twice from RC. After a while I would find myself sneaking into empty, dark, cooling Catholic Churches to pray and meditate. This happened each time. There was something quite and peaceful about these Catholic Churches especially one in Seal Beach, CA near the ocean. I decided to study the Catechism to see what I’d be giving up and I saw the depth and grandeur of the Roman Church. I decided to remain Catholic even though I love Orthodoxy deeply. Now I’m flirting with Anabaptism, and despite its seeming simplicity and their experience of following Jesus and their cloud of martyrs at the hands of the Catholic and Protestant churches is spiritually very powerful.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Please read the lives of the Orthodox saints, especially those of recent times, to understand the fruits of Orthodoxy. According to the Orthodox Faith, Roman Catholicism is outside of the Church and separated from Christ. Several books on this topic are available from Uncut Mountain Press.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

@@California4Christ by empty I meant it was the middle of the day and no was in the church at the time. As I recall it was a hot Southern California day and the church was cool inside. That’s what I meant by empty. The primary reason why I didn’t convert was because I still enjoyed Catholic devotions like the rosary, the Little Office of the BVM, quite and simple weekday Mass. God just had other plans for me within the CC.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

@@California4Christ thank you for your concern. One thing though that I’ve learned from the Anabaptist tradition is to detach from anything that isn’t Jesus. So when some say to go to Mass, or go to a priest, the believer would say we bypass those and ask Jesus personally and just as on the road to Emmaus Jesus opened up the meaning of the scriptures, likewise He will do it for those who trust in Him completely in Faith.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

@@California4Christ yet one can say that those who make the Spirit into images has fallen into prelest. One can even venture as far as saying that the early church fell into apostasy by making images called ikons and were led astray by their own disobedience. Yet the Gates of Hades will never prevail for the Spirit blows where it wills, upon whom it wills to guide into all Truth. Many follow the institution called EO or Rome but few follow Jesus. They follow early church tradition but few follow Jesus the very Word of God. There is a big difference.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

@@California4Christ do you pray to pictures?

[@gregorypizarro9403]

I choose Eastern Catholicism and have the best of both worlds.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

No... no you do not. You are not Orthodox and you do not have what the Orthodox have. Thinking you do... is delusional. ONLY Uniates insist on this even as they want to have or appropriate everything the Orthodox are and have. It just seems ... disingenuous. God help you and save you, enlighten you and strengthen you on the path of salvation and the Truth.

[@universalflamethrower6342]

After spending some time in Orthodx Churches and Catholic Churches I chose Catholic. As I am writing this I am 20 min walk away from a 1000 year old Catholic Church which was built on top of the Oldest Church in my Country. This Church is dedicated to Mary, the one who said Russia needed to be converted at Fatima. Orthodoxy is ok but Catholocism is just better.

[@AlexanderRMSR]

Sodom and Gomorrah, heresy in the doctrine of the Trinity, the Church, lies about the role of the Apostle Peter and the Roman bishop, heresy about the third place between heaven and hell, the lie that it's possible to be saved outside the Church, delusion in ascetic teaching and much more - what good about it? This choice in favor of all this is not from God.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

There is only one Church that is the body of Christ, the Orthodox Church. The Lord did not come to establish a menu of options.

[@universalflamethrower6342]

@@OrthodoxEthos there is not one Orthodox Church, in my city alone there is 3 different etnic ones not counting the schism following the Ukraine war. So claiming the Orthodox Church as the one original is a contradictionin terms.

[@Kalumubotia]

@@universalflamethrower6342How? The Orthodox church unlike the Catholic church is dogmatically united. You ignore ecclesiastical history in which you can see that there always were multiple autocephalous churches.

[@universalflamethrower6342]

@@Kalumubotia the word salads and winding ways to unite what are basically ethnic churches controlled by earthly forces are breathetaking. As a Christian you should really stop and think about what you are saying. Say about the Vatican what you want, it is in Rome on top of where Peter and Paul are in it's own State. Constantinopel is no more. If we want to get Old Testament ome can clearly see who is scattered to the wind and carried off into Slavery.

[@Geego23675]

Not my experience. I was already convinced logically but I did not enjoy my first liturgy experience. I still don't like it but going anyway.

[@OrthodoxEthos]

It is important to persevere, and to attend different Orthodox churches, if possible, if we aren’t at home at the first one we visit. Sometimes our dislikes, though, are superficial temptations. We need to belong to the true Church which will lead to salvation and not just somewhere that we like for superficial reasons.

[@amakrid]

"They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment". This is obvious to anyone reading the comments here.

[@AlexanderRMSR]

the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece Thus, with the mysterious sign of his clothing, the Lord prefigured the unity of the Church. Saint Cyprian.

[@amakrid]

@@AlexanderRMSR If this comment belongs to St. Cyprian, it has been uttered before the schism of the Church...

[@jessejames6072]

I grew up religious. I tried it all. my advice. try religion till you are sick of it. or just leave.( I did.) Either one or both religions. Heck try every religion in the world! ( Only one religion comes close and yet falls short too.) Go on it wont make a difference. Go on try it. they are both wrong. God himself reveals my salvation to me. Seek him by personally and privately reading his Word! Most responders respond this way . 1. fear. causing them to delay an feel guilt.( that is not god) Then number 2. anger. They go on the defensive even defending the dead horse that we call religion. 3. This is the calm. this is where the holy spirit helps us see. Sometimes we put it off. BUT if you can move forward on this. you will avoid the mud I got stuck in called RELIGION!

[@artifexdei3671]

Ex-protestamts make really good orthodox - common thread is rejection of papacy, which goes against the words of Jesus to follow the Fisher of Men and keeper of the keys.

[@artifexdei3671]

@California4Christ The keys were given to Peter alone and not the rest of the apostles. Peter is the ultimate apostle in a sense that Jesus made him the leader to feed the flock, tend to the sheep. Up to Peter how this role is exercised through councils, bishops or individually in some matters. The final word in matters of faith and morals is with Peter just like it was at the first church council in Jerusalem. By the way, how come the orthodox bishops across many countries cannot organize themselves to another council when catholic bishops across the globe can? Hint: pope calling

[@OrthodoxEthos]

The forthcoming book “The Orthodox Patristic Witness Concerning Catholicism” from Uncut Mountain Press expresses what all of the God-inspired saints have said about the heresies of Papism. We hope you will read it to find out what the saints who were not “converts” have said about these things.

[@artifexdei3671]

@OrthodoxEthos sure let's see. You realize that from the very beginning eastern part of the church has been this big brewing cauldron of anti-papal sentiment (Western part of Roman Empire vs. East) that gave rise to dozens of heresies including mixture of many of them in Islam. For some reason eastern Christian communities have never had a close bond with the papacy that left them exposed to errors and over time, reduction to national churches. With no spiritual leader within orthodoxy, who makes the ultimate decisions? Who convenes the orthodox council? Pope can convene one in no time.

[@GN-z11150]

@@artifexdei3671 So you are Antiochian Orthodox since Peter first established that See well before Rome?

[@PaulDo22]

Protestants and Eastern Churches are very similar in their belief system. They both believe in self-interpretation of Church history and of Sacred Scripture. They are spritiually very linked even though they are centuries apart.

[@brianrodriguez5918]

Niether just pick Jesus Christ of Nazareth and read his word n have a personal relationship with him and thats all you need....

[@LadyMaria]

Orthodoxy is the personal and communal relationship. Both of which are important.

[@PaulDo22]

What's interesting is that the Protestants say the exact same thing about Scripture that you say here about history: that the truth is apparent and self-evident. In fact what Protestants will say is that Scripture is "self-interpreting". This video could easily be agreed to by any Protestant because it engages in the same self-deceit that Martin Luther succumbed to in his belief in the heretical doctrine of Sola Scriptura. It seems humanity has learned very little since the introduction by Satan of Protestanism. Humanity is easily deceived. That is why Christ gave us His Church so that we know can know the truth if we are humble enough to accept it and spiritually aware enough to reject the false premises that Satan uses to betray Christians into a distorted understanding of the world.

[@AlexanderRMSR]

Well, the true faith is Orthodox. So, The Church founded by Jesus Christ is the Orthodox Church

[@OrthodoxEthos]

Don’t take our word for it, study the history yourself and the teachings of the saints and Fathers throughout time. We are preparing to publish a 1,000+ page book “The Orthodox Patristic Witness Concerning Catholicism” that shows the 1,000 year witness of our saints and councils regarding the Pope and his teachings. Seek and ye shall find.

[@FREEMAN....]

As a Catholic, I know there are parishes with a poor liturgy. That's in fact a recent phenomenon in regard to history. It started in the 60' after. Vatican II. However, more and more parishes return to traditional liturgy and throw away modernist attempts. Also if you attend masses in monasteries, you will find depth, fear and love of the Lord and sacrality as it has been for 2000 years. The Catholic Church which is the largest deals with dozens of local cultures and languages. Sometimes, it tries to adapt before stepping back.

[@LadyMaria]

All the dozens of RC Parishes here are straight up Novus Ordo. Only one Hispanic Parish (almost exclusively in Spanish and not very open to outsiders, which is usual in my experience with RC Parishes) had a TLM Mass on Sundays but it was in a Novus Ordo chapel and not available on feast days except Christmas day and Easter day. The TLM there is gone now though thanks to your Pope. If I was RC I would have left over that. No Papalist monasteries near here either, not that they'd be any better. The Shrine here is Novus Ordo too.

[@FREEMAN....]

@@LadyMaria You're in the US, right? Do you think the whole world is reduced to what you see around you? What you obviously ignore is how the young generation of Catholic priests, monks and nuns as well as simple believers are a lot more conservatives and work/ask for a more traditional expression, not necessarily in Latin. There are adjustments being done and a process where the generation of those who went too far is being replaced by a new one. Especially in Europe. There is currently a revival in the Catholic Church and renewal as you can tell with the WYD, Taizé etc... PS : Why are you so agressive and using derogatory terms?

[@heartmind4267]

​@@FREEMAN....she doesnt sound aggressive, just disappointed.

[@FREEMAN....]

@@heartmind4267 You say so because you haven't read how she answered my other comments.

[@amaledward2147]

Eastern Orthodox is nowhere near me so it can’t be Catholic

[@OrthodoxEthos]

The Orthodox Church is the body of Christ and the means by which man attains salvation. If we do not have an Orthodox Church nearby we need to do all we can to contact the nearest Orthodox churches and discuss how to become and remain Orthodox. For some, they may only be able to attend services a few times per year, but what is important is to become and remain part of the true Church.

[@LadyMaria]

Catholic (katholikos) means wholeness in Greek. The Orthodox Faith is wholeness in Christ. The Church is whole, the Body of Christ with Christ as Head.

[@Ampwich]

Protestantism

[@istina27852]

Ortdodoxy,I have decided few years ago.I was baptised as catholic,never like it,churches inside are like morgues,so cold and sterile.

[@mpkropf5062]

Your heart wasn’t right if you thought a Catholic Mass was cold and sterile! It’s where Jesus exists! Sadly some Catholics aren’t confirmed correctly because if they are they never will leave Jesus in His Church.