MOUNT ATHOS - AN AMERICAN PROTESTANT PILGRIMAGE

[@aelialicinia]

My husband, while still a protestant, was fortunate enough to stay in Athos for a week. He's now Orthodox Christian, praise be the Lord!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God!

[@jgvtc559]

@@OrthodoxGardener glory to God? They worship just like Catholics for the most part That stuff isnt biblical in the least it is traditions of men and God detests it

[@OrthodoxGardener]

@@jgvtc559 So, I would only caution you against speaking for God, regarding what He detests. It is appropriate to share your thoughts regarding Orthodoxy, but I’m not sure you have enough exposure if you indicate they are the same as Catholics - which they split from in 1054. Be well. Glory to God!

[@billiosi7448]

@@OrthodoxGardener well said it.

[@StamfordBridge]

I thought the visitor visa was for three days. How did he manage to stay a week?

[@mdb60]

I too was Protestant, at the age of 57, on Theophany I was baptized into the Orthodox Faith. After decades of rambling aimlessly I finally decided to open the door. I am truly blessed.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God!

[@tudoramr8432]

Thank God, mister Mike

[@billiosi7448]

Good for you brother, Glory to God!

[@OmicronVolk]

Your video was very inspiring! I grew up as a Protestant / Evangelical my whole life, and I was received into the Orthodox Church in the winter of 2016. Living now as an Orthodox, I show no disrespect to Protestants or Catholics; I browbeat and judge no one. But I'll tell you what I see in many Orthodox, especially in the monks and nuns: an astonishing and beautiful humility that is actually Christlike humility. Once you get a sense of this humility, you start to realize what holiness is like: endlessly gracious, always repenting, judging no one, transforming into the new man. This holiness is the quiet perfection, the hidden-away fullness of Orthodoxy. The worldly man proclaims his virtues and hides his sins; the godly man proclaims his sins and hides his virtues. This is Orthodoxy, and this is Christlikeness. I recommend the book Man and the God-Man by St. Justin Popovich. God bless you on your journey.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Owen Schumacher Thank you for your post, as the humility I have encountered in Orthodoxy is a wonderful example to follow. Have a blessed Lenten.

[@mariamayer5253]

Our son is a monk on Mount Athos and you have summed it up very nicely.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

@@mariamayer5253 Thank you for your wonderful comment. I'm glad you enjoyed my video. What a wonderful blessing to have your son dedicated to a life of prayer on Mount Athos. Have a wonderful Holy Week!

[@palikariatl]

@@mariamayer5253 you have been blessed with a GREAT gift, to have a family member being a monk (or nun). They pray for you and the world continuously! A family is truly blessed when a member becomes a monastic or a priest! Sadly, there are many nominal Orthodox (Orthodox in name only) who wail, moan and cry when a son or daughter becomes a monastic, rather than a doctor or lawyer. Such families are doing the work of the Evil One, trying to selfishly discourage their child from following God as their heart and God direct them.

[@D-A-K]

Thank God for that! I'm heading eastwards and I find I have a very hard time not judging converts who disrespect and browbeat other Christians. God help me.

[@slavdefendov1499]

God bless you my Orthdox Christian brothers and sisters in Christ. Happy Easter to you all Love from Serbia

[@philipc9664]

Happy Easter to you Love from Greece

[@dejanjuhanovski9504]

happy easter ...greece-serbia brother 4 ever

[@zelotis7169]

Christos VoskreseLove from Greece

[@volhakorban9146]

Hristos voskrese, much love from Russia and Belarus and the UAE!

[@tatavictory7720]

Love from Ukraine! Xristos Voskrese!!!

[@damianrobinson4895]

As an American who became Orthodox 23 years ago, and who has been to Mt. Athos several times, I really enjoyed your sharing of your experience and your perspective. I particularly appreciated your garden analogy, and the idea of the garden as being part of our spiritual DNA. May our Lord continue to bless you on your spiritual journey and open many more doors for you and your family!

[@TheRealRealOK]

Amazing. As a convert to Orthodoxy from Protestantism, I love seeing Protestants moving toward Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you. It has been a blessing to experience God directing me to this path. Have a great day!

[@user-pq3nc8zr9g]

There is not Eastern Orthodoxy... Just Orthodoxy ( means Right Dogma)... or Holy Catholical and Apostolical Church...

[@shabrour]

@Tow Laro Orthodoxy is so much more then bow down in front of icons and priests...!!

[@TisDoulos]

Tow Laro This is your interpretation only and you could be wrong as well

[@Ofiouhos]

so sad, you plumed in even deeper shit!

[@john.f8726]

Born and raised Reformed Protestant. Was Baptized and Chrismated into Holy Orthodoxy in April 2014. Thank you for your open minded perspective. God bless.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

May you have a blessed Pascha!

[@_tobiasa.7724]

Welcome home

[@svetisava6278]

I'm happy for you

[@skopjemk]

outward experience is not a replacement for the truth

[@jajohnson7809]

I come from Dutch Reformed and Southern Baptist stock, and have been on this search for truth and the meaning of life since I was a scrawny, awkward preteen. The result, thanks be to God, was me finding the Orthodox Church. I would love to be a monk, but there are immense obstacles in my way. If you feel led, pray for me. May God bless all my Orthodox Christian family throughout the world. We are the richest of all men to have so lovely a faith. Michael ✥ ✥ ✥

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Michael - I will pray that God grants you peace and joy! ~ Scott

[@Gr-pw2lv]

je bent altijd welkom man, veel liefde naar jou

[@nikkarel515]

Welkom broeder in Christus!

[@armeniapower]

Succes bro. Welke kerk ga je heen?

[@elizabethshaw734]

I was baptized and raised Protestant congregationalist which is part of UCC and then in 1994 I converted to Catholicism. Within a year of becoming Catholic I was empty I felt nothing and did not feel like I was in the house of God. Then I discovered Orthodoxy years and years ago I knew about it but I started to study it because we are in the middle of Coronavirus I studied at home I should have a theology degree by now! I need to make contact with my church go to some services become a catechumen and be baptized. I'm not a 20-something so I see great need in getting this done quickly which is why I have studied so much at home. May God bless you on your journey in two different types of theology. The Orthodox Church is the original Church founded in 33 ad by the apostles. It is the oldest church for Christians that we have well.

[@Gamaouat]

so what happened?

[@aborarealty]

I was baptized catholic, but raised atheist. Since my twenties i began to search, I practiced non denominantional protestantism, then did catholicism getting confirmed in the process, then got drawn into spiritism. Desilutioned I reverted to hedonsim and agnosticism, but the demons from spiritism did not let me go in peace. Sensing I needed to come back to Christ I became a Baptist, even baptized into it, but no peace came and I fell into clinical depression, reversing into agnosticism. The Silva Method helped into the healing path, but I realized it was too practical, lacking the sublime. I found Buddhism and it was a step forward, but still not enough. Then, as a student of history, namely studying the history of the Bible and the Septuagint vs the Masoretic Text question, I decided to check out orthodoxy. Within a year I baptized and it has been 20 years already. To my surprise being orthodox has been an incredible journey of spiritual growth and it is probably an unending process, meant to end only when we physically die. You have done the right thing brother, you've come back home. Thank you for this channel. I subscribed.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for reaching out to me and sharing your journey. I believe that for many there is a spiritual yearning that can not be filled by Protestantism and Catholicism, although they are useful in gaining knowledge and experience, and they continue looking at other religions. The world also preaches a message of secularism, materialism, and hedonism, but this is just a distraction and our yearning remains unfulfilled. Orthodoxy has the answer for us seeking to be faithful to our spiritual calling, but it requires stepping towards something that is unfamiliar. I pray our past experiences give hope to others who are looking for spiritual fulfillment. Blessing to you! ~ Jurgis

[@jonathanreeve7823]

Great vid, English recent orthodox convert from Protestantism, who found sheer treasure and came home. This is a place I long to go too, thank you

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God!

[@juliansantiago734]

What a great and beautiful video. Very inspirational. Greetings from an Syrian Orthodox! God bless you brother.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it. Blessings to you. Glory to God! ~ Jurgis

[@Arkoudeides.]

Good for you my brother.All Christians are our brother's.Greetings from Athens.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you!

[@Kristibiti]

Is blessing to be in Mount Athos. Thank you that you shared with us this experience! God bless all Orthodox Christian!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Kristiana Kristi I’m glad you enjoyed following me on my journey. Have a wonderful day.

[@damin888]

Great video. If can add something.... There are 20 monasteries there - 17 of them are Greek, 1 monastery is Russian: Agiou Panteleiminos, 1 is Serbian : Hilandar and 1 is Bulgarian : Zografou. Romanians have skit. Greetings from Bulgaria. Слава Богу за всичко.

[@wartimemodels]

I grew up Protestant (in the US South) and converted to Orthodoxy. May God bless you wherever your journey takes you, and I preemptively welcome you to the Orthodox Church and congratulate you on your chrismation...it's inevitable now! ;)

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you. My Chrismation is scheduled for June 22nd and I'm pretty excited. Blessings to you!

[@Serros13]

Finally, a Protestand who gets it! We Orthodox Christians are not worshiping relics, icons etc, neither we deify Virgin Mary or Saints. We simply showing our respect to the relics, as for Saints, we honor the Holy Spirit who sent by our Lord Jesus Christ to enforce them as He promised.

[@optimisteprime8261]

Exactly like the Catholics Christian do. We venerate the saints like the orthodoxs and pray them.

[@frostbitemn7395]

Catholics seem so obsessed with Mary and call her sinless. Orthodox take a very balanced and fair view and I appreciate that which is why I started attending a parish.

[@Serros13]

@@frostbitemn7395Good for you my brother. If you ever have doubts about Orthodox Christianity then remember what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Himself said in John 12:20-23...

[@convert2islaam500]

Holy Spirit is sent by the father bro you are adhering to the filoque which Orthodox church says is herasy

[@omegathefirst4022]

Filioque is not the belief that the Holy Spirit can be sent by Jesus, but the belief that the Spirit proceeds, i.e., gets His being from Jesus as He does from the Father. The Orthodox condemn that, not the belief that Jesus can send the Spirit.

[@myorth6951]

Great video loved every minute, I am Greek Orthodox and found your video and comment inspiring.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. Have a wonderful Holy Week!

[@bramblecino]

What a waste of time man. Why???

[@GreekOrthodox7]

@@bramblecino what? Get lost.

[@MrTadfortitude]

Orthodox Christianity is amazing and true and is all that God wishes for his people. You have been truly blessed to have been given such a blessing to visit the Holy Mountain.

[@roblesd1]

I am so happy for you. I made a very similar journey in 1996. I was baptized in the Orthodox Church for Pascha 1998. I had been attending reformed denominations before becoming Orthodox. The Lord bless you.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you! I'm happy to hear the Orthodox Church has been a good home. May the Lord bless you too!

[@roblesd1]

@@OrthodoxGardener If you like to talk, [e-mail] Or Facebook at David Robles I'd be very happy to chat with you. Please continue your journey. You won't be sorry. I thank God every day that I found the Orthodox Church.

[@thanasis_k]

god bless you my friend! My house in Crete is always open for you and your family! Thank you for this video. ΚΥΡΙΕ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΕ ΕΛΕΗΣΟΝ ΗΜΑΣ

[@OrthodoxGardener]

How kind of you to offer hospitality. May you have a blessed Holy Week!

[@thanasis_k]

@@OrthodoxGardener You too!!

[@mrlinguini83]

One of my dreams is to visit the Preveli monastery on Crete as there is a town near me named after it for how it helped servicemen during ww2

[@b3blueblue]

It is indeed a blessing to have an open-mind. Thanks to Scott’s journey to Mt. Athos, it wasnt just a simple trip but of a deep spiritual discovery. Continue being a blessing to many.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments. I am blessed to have been able to travel to Mt. Athos, under the circumstances presented to me. It is also a blessing to me that my pilgrimage was meaningful to you as well. Glory to God! ~ Jurgis

[@sloba111]

Today is the biggest and holiest of all Orthodox holidays. CHRIST IS RISEN!!!

[@likepixl6671]

Indeed He is Risen!

[@Renvere]

“They had wine with breakfast, and I was all in for that.” You Sir, are not like any Calvinist I have ever met in my life, and believe me, that is a good thing. God bless you.

[@frostbitemn7395]

Most calvinists are it only cause they grew up. Many are very similar to him believe it or not. Only the dogmatic ones who are close minded are different

[@Rahab111222]

They don't have any meat though. Maybe fish. I can't go a day without at least eating chicken.

[@NorthernMycophile]

This was so lovely to see. Greetings from your brethren in the archdiocese of Canada! May God bless your long journey.

[@Mark-yb1sp]

I watched this several times. It never disappoints as it gives my soul peace.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God!

[@salem8753]

Exploring Orthodox Christianity and the glory of Mount Athos is a great experience for every Christian. I am a Greek Orthodox Christian living in USA and through the years I have developed a nice relationship with the Lutheran and Methodist church. In spite of the fact that we consider those Christian denominations as'heretics' , they do have a tremendous respect for the Greek Orthodox Church and admire every aspect of our faith. Thanks for this wonderful video, and especially for those comments related to the veneration of the holy relics.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments. I also believe God reveals himself to many at various places of Christian worship. I am grateful that God used Mount Athos to reveal Orthodoxy to me, and my hope is that more Americans are able to discover and explore this ancient faith.

[@frostbitemn7395]

I think the official stance is now that protestants are low church and while they can be saved are not in the fullness of the church and christ. Which is balanced and fair minded view.

[@39Thorns]

The Lord Blessed you and guided you. I also am Orthodox from an American Protestant background, and I spent a week on the Holy Mountain in 2016. It takes an investment in time to learn about Orthodoxy, just as it takes a lifetime to move towards God. No instant gratification here, but there are moments of profound grace that keep you on the path moving forward.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for you comments! We are both blessed. as God has led us to the Orthodox faith here in America. I'll be returning to Mount Athos in January as Orthodox and I'm very much looking forward to the experience.

[@palikariatl]

Athos is called the Holy Mountain and the Garden of the Panaghia (Pah-nah-GHEE-ah = the All-Holy One, i.e. the All-Holy Mother of God). Το Περιβόλι της Παναγίας = The Garden of the Panaghia. Καλή Ανάσταση! και Καλό Πασχα! (Wishing you a Blessed Resurrection and a Happy Pascha!)

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Stephen Upton A blessed Pascha to you as well!

[@MrRoxX10]

May God bless you! Stay strong in faith. Greetings from Romania, forever an Orthodox!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you! May God bless you as well.

[@philipjones369]

I can only say thank you to Scot white hoping I have the right spelling to his name? Really enjoying this video of his venture to Mount Athos. Wow, amazing Architecture The Brilliance of the craftsmanship is stunning. Where God is involved we will always be Amazed.

[@Thomas-hh2yu]

Scott, it was great to meet you and Father Timothy at the Liturgy today. It made my first visit truly something special, and provided me some great insight into my path back to the faith. I am also glad you told me about this video, Mount Athos is a beautiful and inspiring place. Thank you!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

It was great to meet you today too! I pray that God will bless you on your faith journey! I'm happy that you and Fr. Tim were able to connect and you scheduled a meeting with him. Since you saw my video, I think you can tell how positive my interaction with him was and how comfortable I felt to be open with him. I'm confident you will have a similar experience. Hope to see you at church.

[@shamirtazhani8164]

God bless you, I was really touched by your video and at some point gave me tears while you were talking about the veneration of relics. Orthodoxy is all one could hope for in life.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I am truly blessed if sharing my pilgrimage to Mount Athos has also been meaningful to others. It was a wonderful experience and I'm glad you were able to experience some of it with me.

[@annaamira3487]

Us you know, women can't go to Holly mountain Athos ,but thanks to you, it was like I was near you and walk by your side!!!God bless you and your family!!Greetings from Athens Greece

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glad you could travel along with me. Glory to God!

[@georgehantzopoulos5062]

Great video! Always cool to see someone from another denomination experience the Orthodox Church. I appreciate that you understand the veneration of relics and you put it perfect we don't worship relics we are showing our reverence to those who teach us how to live a life in christ. Its the same reason we venerate icons or kiss a priests or bishops hand.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you, George. I am now Orthodox and understand even better - Glory to God! ~ Jurgis (George)

[@georgehantzopoulos5062]

@@OrthodoxGardener haha I guess I should have looked at the name of your channel before commenting but even so it was awesome to see the understanding before you converted. God bless you and please say a prayer for me.

[@benjaminmarker]

Great video. It really took me back. I've been there 3 times already, but plan to go again, as I haven't been to the east coast of the peninsula yet.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and it brought back fond memories.

[@adela-adrianamoscu9170]

Thank you so much for your beautiful video! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU!🕊❤️🙏🏻😇

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Thank you for sharing your experience with such honesty, and understanding. You, sir, haved been blessed. Your video has inspired me to return to God. May Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy upon me.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your kind words. May God bless your journey! Glory to God!

[@Orthodoge]

I’m hoping to visit in a few months but I hope I can get permission to stay longer than 4 days as I’m a convert to Orthodoxy and have been faithfully attending my local church for over a year

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Samuel Baldwin I hope you are able to make the trip! Once you are there you can ask permission after your three days are up. I’m going to be returning in January - as Orthodox this time!

[@athener66]

With a normal diamonitirion (like a visa to get in) you can stay up to three nights/four days and you are obliged to go to a different monastery every night. Only with a special diamonitirion (which is like an invitation from a particular monastery) you can stay longer but you should spend the nights at this monastery. However once inside things are not that strict.

[@monscarmeli]

3:27 "...they're worshiping with those who have gone ahead..." - Amen. The Body of Christ present at the Heavenly liturgy for all time.

[@eleftheriosanagnostopoulos7995]

That was a call...make steps to orthodoxy, baptize the proper way, find a father to teach you and you will see things you can't imagine...

[@jgvtc559]

We have but 1 father that is in heaven call no man father or rabbi

[@eleftheriosanagnostopoulos7995]

@@jgvtc559I don't think that an Orthodox said that, we have our Saint and we know exactly how they behave and what they believed so, anyway, away from orthodoxy there is no faith, there is no Church, is something like a human unions with no blessing of God... Not just a man, of course, a spiritual Father it is the relationship that God wants. Everything is icons to what we should do... A Spiritual Father ia just an experience Guide, who is guiding you to the FATHER God...

[@eleftheriosanagnostopoulos7995]

@Granville Friel Come and see if it isn't.. how these bones smell, like a thousand flowers, how this do miracles, how this Saints cure people... their bodies even after their temporary physical death still working for God's grace... No where else, only in the true CHURCH of God, only Orthodoxs have Saints. Come and see and we talk again.

[@eleftheriosanagnostopoulos7995]

@Granville Friel Unfortunately I have right, it is nice to thinking like this but this is not what Gods want. If God hasn't only one Church and the truth is relative then it was unnecessary to come and teach HIS TRUTH. not mine, not yours, HIS. TRUTH can't be relative, GOD personal but not relative. So HIS Church is only One, the only this for you left to do is to seak where is this Church (HIS TRUTH). He have all the proovs that why we speak about so certain, come and see. Some is of the proovs are so obvious that the only thing is left to do is to accept. For example Only Orthodoxs can pray for the Holy Light proven and historical proven for centuries. Catholics and Armenians tried several times. God showed them his Will. I will send you a link to a video to check for your shelf, the only thing to do is go to see for yourself. Another example is that we are the only ones that we "produce" Saints, which is the Grace of God inside a man, a living one ev. Not just a good man. I will send you 2 links to check, try to find anything like that anywhere...

[@eleftheriosanagnostopoulos7995]

@Granville Friel I will send you later the links I have talled you... God, Jesus, has said and done many many things. If you believe, and do to all of that, then you believe in God as He wants, therefore you are an Orthodox. Unfortunately, non Orthodoxs don't accept everything and they have changed to many things and they have add even more and they have remove too many and they have change Holy Bible. So they have altered HIS given truth to theirs acceptable truth (relative truth) and God does not give his blessings for that... Also said my words will remain in eternal, not even o coma or a giota (letter)... so presise his truth is.

[@mv5937]

Your video is very moving ! I almost had tears in my eyes and I was deeply moved when you talked about the relic of the holy cross... No doubt those whose sacrificed themselves for the Truth, Jesus, deserve veneration and respect and are more precious than gold and diamonds... Bless you

[@OrthodoxGardener]

A T Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, as I’m happy to hear my pilgrimage was meaningful to others as well. Glory to God!

[@orthodox1173]

Needed to watch this while in quartine in San Francisco You video took me out of this disarray Thank you

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God-for all things! ~ Jurgis

[@nina793]

Wow i am in awe, your video just makes me feel how stunning all these buildings built on a rock, imagine the people who worked to create all these and they did it out of love and devotion for God

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it. My first look at Simon-Peter Monastery was similar, in that it is an amazing feat of architecture but built to the Glory of God!

[@timfronimos459]

This has to be one of the best video on Mount Athos. Wonderful. You make us feel as if we are on the journey with you. God bless you

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments, Tim. I have been blessed to be able to go to Mt. Athos. I am double-blessed if my pilgrimage has meant something to you as well. Glory to God! ~ Jurgis

[@dion8306]

I am happy that people start realizing what benefits orthodoxy offers to our soul

[@Giannis_Sarafis]

Thank you very much for sharing this beautiful video. Actually, allow me to say something about breakfast you have said: actually it was lunch for the monastery, because in Mount Athos the monks follow the byzantine time. According to byzantine time, the day starts when the sun sets. That's why the monks wake up at 3 in the morning to pray. Thanks again

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Γιάννης Σαράφης Thank you for your kind comments, and for letting me know why I had fish stew for “breakfast” :-)

[@Giannis_Sarafis]

@@OrthodoxGardener i like you enjoyed your trip to Mount Athos. I live and work in Chalkidiki, and i often go to Mount Athos. I also have a relative (my mother's little brother) who is a monk in Grigoriou, so we feel a little blessed. He finished Medicine school and then became a monk. Actually we feel very lucky, being so close to this area. As a holy place, it gives you hope and helps you find your way. As a natural beauty, gives you peace. From a historic point of view, is unique. I hope you would have the time to come again. Next time, you could also visit the hermitages of Katounakia, or Karoulia and Skete Agia Anna. Greetings from Greece

[@Giannis_Sarafis]

And of course i forgot to mention: Happy Easter.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Γιάννης Σαράφης I will be back - for sure! A nice story about your relative. Grigoriou is a beautiful monastery!

[@hristokassovski]

Amazing summary at the end of the video. I am Protestant and am Bulgarian. And plan to visit Mount Athos one day. There is a Bulgarian Monastery on Athos as well - Holy Monastery of Zografos. God Bless You!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

May God bless your pilgrimage. Be well. Glory to God!

[@eurosensazion]

Thank you sir for sharing your journey. I've never been to Mount Athos but it is on my list. I dunno if you've been to Meteora Monasteries. It will blow your mind. The landscape and rock formation and height where the monasteries are truly reach the skies.

[@bonniejohnstone]

You did a really great job with this video. Open and honest. My Parish is primarily Convert (services in English) so I’ll share this with some friends, and with my Priest Fr. Evan Armatas. He has a talk show called Orthodoxy Live on Ancient Faith Radio. Lots of Protestants call in with questions.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Christ is Risen! Thank you for your kind comments and I'm happy that you enjoyed tagging along with me.

[@killbill1175]

Beautiful video of Mount Athos! It's my dream to visit this heaven on earth. Thanks for sharing this beautiful journey to the Holy mountain. If you get the chance visit the beautiful monastery of St-Anthony's greek monastery in Florence, Arizona! It's an oasis in the desert. Elder Ephraim from mount athos built 20 monasteries in the US and Canada and that one in Arizona is a wonderful example of monasticism and Eastern Orthodox tradition.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for joining me on part of my journey to Mount Athos. In my interactions with the many Orthodox I have met since returning from my pilgrimage, I more fully appreciate how truly special it was for God to lead me there. I also thank you for letting me know about St. Anthony's. I will be visiting my first American monastery - Archangel Michael and All Angels Skete in Weatherby, Missouri this week and hope to visit many more across our country.

[@despinasarra3101]

@@OrthodoxGardener hello sir! The reference for Elder Efraim in Arizona is because he is a living saint. I am Greek and i would be thrilled to meet him but it will never happen. May our Lord keep you strong on you journey to orthodoxy!!🙏☺💖

[@asdlb4]

This video just popped up in my feed. So glad I watched it. I someday hope I can make it to Athos. Welcome to orthodoxy my friend.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glad you were able to visit Mt. Athos through my experience. I would definitely encourage you to make your own pligrimage to the Holy Mountain in the near future. Glory to God! Jurgis ~

[@margotlisette3452]

I watched your video today. I was impressed firstly by your open mindedness and belief that God was leading you and you were good to trust and follow. By the time you expressed your comfort with venerating the blessed relics, I knew you would go through the portal. I wasn't surprised when the next video that popped up was your one year anniversary. God bless you and your family. Christ is Risen!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for watching. Yes, God has blessed me richly. May God bless you and your loved ones. Be well. ~ Jurgis

[@Azmodan3000]

In medieval times many orthodox kings, lords would give donations for Mount Athos. I don't know about the catholic leaders. I know only about the kings from Wallachia, Moldova and the orthodox from Transylvania sent this donations.

[@hlapatsas]

It seems like your heart has been "softened" as we say in Greek, which is a great thing! Now, allow God to access it more and more... Your philosophy regarding spiritual "investment" is what I liked the most in this video. You are so right about this brother. Jesus Christ may bless you!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Have a blessed Pascha!

[@maggiemakeupnails1056]

I live in Chalkidiki where plenty of monasteries there are and i feel blessed.Wellcome to Orthodox,wellcome to our country.Happy Easter to you.

[@philipc9664]

Happy Easter to orthodox Christians! !!

[@adela-adrianamoscu9170]

HRISTOS IS RISEN! HRISTOS ANESTI !🕊💛

[@philipc9664]

@@adela-adrianamoscu9170 XRISTOS ANESTI TO YOU !!!

[@volhakorban9146]

Hristos voskrese!

[@maligjokica]

you made very interesting comparison between revering relics as how oridnary people will treat diamonts and gold and the grave of the unknown soldier. Its very simular as one orthodox priest explain to a protestant listeners.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for watching.

[@scottlewis9127]

I Really enjoyed your video. I was raised Baptist but there was always something missing until I found the Orthodox church. I was received into the church in 2015. You will never regret your journey into the Orthodox church. God bless you

[@BX0207]

What a special video.. You're well spoken, articulate your thoughts and have a humbleness in your way. Very nice fo you to share this video. I am so eager to visit this Holy Mountain..

[@OrthodoxGardener]

BX0207 Thanks so much for your kind comments. I am looking forward to returning to Mount Athos in January - as Orthodox. I hope that you are also able to make the trip soon. Glory to God!

[@lauramason8371]

Wonderful presentstion! I am a native Romanian Orthodox living in Nova Scotia. For those interested in Orthodoxy, please check Trinitas-orthodox liturgies from Bucharest on daily basis.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you! Glory to God! Jurgis ~

[@thehammared5972]

21:20 Glory to God, thank you! You are the first I've heard/seen so far, whether Orthodox, protestant or catholic, who has made this point. Many opponents of Orthodoxy cannot or will not distinguish worship from veneration... merely bowing to someone or kissing their hand is equal to thinking and worshipping that person as a god, when in the east and many other parts of the world they were normal signs of showing respect to those with authority/seniority and not indicative of worshipping that person at all. Yet they probably pay their respects to the war dead every Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand), Memorial Day etc. without ever realising they are venerating the dead but by their cultural norms. If it's alright to venerate those who have died in war (or any tragedy), how much greater is it to venerate those who dedicated their entire lives and deaths to the glory of God.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments. Glory to God! ~Jurgis

[@navaxoalaska1022]

My friend you will be always welcome in Greece and if you need help i am here. I live close to athos . I have many relatives in usa . . God bless you and give you health and peace.

[@Chandra_Tambunan]

Are you Greek?

[@navaxoalaska1022]

Chandra Tambunan Yes my friend.

[@HaydenLarsJ]

Πού μένετε αδερφέ;

[@codrincod424]

Hello, can i have your contact info my friend? I am planing to visit Mount Athos for the 3rd time but i would really love to visit Ouranopolis for couple of days but i have no friends over there and i will come alone over there.

[@HaydenLarsJ]

@@codrincod424 I live near ouranopoli. I could help you brother

[@dejanjuhanovski9504]

we fight for jesus hristus !! hristus is our religion .god gave us ortodox people this wonderful place in greece,this holy place..

[@Philokalia12]

An Evangelical for 40 years who came back, not to Orthodoxy but to Catholicism......wonderful video! Thank you for sharing. I considered Orthodoxy and found it too ethnic......I’m Italian by heritage. Yet, I love the Orthodox “vineyard.” My journey back began reading the early Church Fathers with a group of Presbyterian Seminary graduates. Several of went to Rome and several to Constantinople under the tutelage of the Fathers. May God bring us all together to be united in Him. Thank you sharing this journey with us.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Happy Pascha!

[@makedonijaljubovmoja]

The catholic Church is heretic, bowing down to carved statues, which are idols.. The real Christian Church is the Orthodox Church, the First Church, founded by Christ Himself. Return home, and Home is : Orthodoxy.

[@Philokalia12]

Makedonija Ljubovmoja your response is one of the reasons Jesus wept. When we believe that our vineyard alone is God’s vineyard within the Church we hurt the whole Church. Yet, God is faithful. He continues to work his work of redemption and restoration across the whole Church. Hallelujah!

[@lmtt123]

@@makedonijaljubovmoja that kind of unchristian bigotry is not what Orthodoxy is about! You should be ashamed of yourself!

[@s.k.3891]

Hi, I'm sure you have allready seen the documentary "Athos | feature documentary" on this site. Highly recommended . Your journey to this place was touching and personal; thank you. We share many interests (except Protestantism), and its too bad we couldn't be neighbors. :).

[@OrthodoxGardener]

S. K. Thank you for your comments. I’m sure we will be “neighbors” on the internet - as our common interests will prevail. Thanks also for the video recommendation.

[@65vwbug87]

Doxa! Saint Anthony's monastery in arizona is very nice as well.

[@rocoreb]

Some of the Monastery-castle yards have a Lord of the Rings-esque look. Just like Rivendell.

[@guspapadopoulos945]

In terms of suffering for the faith, the Orthodox under the Bolshevics suffered more torture and hardship than Christians in the west can ever imagine. I suggest for those new to the faith to read 6 authors. 1. Kallistos Ware. The Orthodox way 2. St. Prohyrios Wounded by love3. St. Paisios The life and times Russian translation 4.Father Thomas Hopko the Way of a Pilgrim 5. Any translation of The Philokalia Eastern texts. 6. Timothy Ware. The Orthodox Church. In addition youtube Ted Nottingham. Make your path with humility, humbleness and Meekness. God love you all.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments! I am learning that humility, humbleness and meekness are indeed wise traits to pray for and work towards attaining. May God bless your journey as well.

[@justtzortz2010]

orthodox christianity has something magical and mystic that touches the heart even of the wildest beast.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God - for all things! Be well. ~Jurgis

[@paisiossinger5223]

Once you have taste the truth of our Lord Church the Orthodox Church you cant go back, Christ is risen☦

[@Jettguzman]

I was born and raised Catholic, have read and studied the Bible and have had the opportunity to visit many places around the world. Now, I am feeling a calling from Adonai to convert to orthodox and visit this blessed place. My understanding, their are quite a few monasteries. I want to hike and visit many. How do I obtain permission to visit? I do this prior to purchasing my travel ticket? I also want to visit Thessaloniki.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

I pray that God grants you peace and joy on your journey. It's wonderful you desire to visit the Holy Mountain. Once you have an idea of the time you want to visit Mt. Athos you can request permission up to six months in advance by emailing [e-mail]. Remember, as you are not yet Orthodox they allow just ten non-Orthodox a day to visit for three nights total, so you want to reserve well in advance. Once you get permission to visit Mt. Athos you need to decide which three monasteries you want to visit and then contact each one to request permission to stay one night. I also posted a recent update video on my channel about my return to Mt. Athos last month. In it I mentioned I stayed with Fr. Gabriel at a small monastery between Thessaloniki and Mt. Athos. If you desire, you may reach out to him at [e-mail]. He will be happy to communicate with you. Blessings to you on your journey towards Orthodoxy!

[@Jettguzman]

Orthodox Gardener thank you so very much !

[@AnbaKyrillos]

I visited My Athos in October 2015 as a Latin Catholic very conversant and practiced in other apostolic Churches. There is no other place on Earth like Mt Athos. I had no idea that small vans and buses transported many of the pilgrims to various monasteries. I walked everywhere after the initial charter bus from the port to Karyes. Thanks for sharing your pilgrimage to Mt Athos!

[@39Thorns]

The whole veneration of relics and icons is hard to get from a Protestant perspective. But if you think about it, it ties in very closely and logically fits with incarnational theology. The presence of God in the material world, to diffuse the divine through material things, is really the essence of Christianity. Physicality is imbued with God's Spirit in a transformative way. This is why physical objects and representations can become truly venerable. They are conduits of God's Grace.

[@alcibiades5412]

Superb sir. Excellent effort. Peace be with you

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you! It means much to me that you enjoyed it. Peace be with you as well.

[@johnvictorengland7703]

Very interesting trip. I'm not really a religious person but I enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@simeronwordpress]

Please let me put a side note about the relics, if I may. The holly fathers of Orthodox Church say that saints are filled up with the Grace of God. So their relics are also filled up with Grace. So we venerate them to get some Grace. Thank you :) Oh and about the "wine for breakfast...", monks wake up at midnight and pray in their cells for 4 hours and then they go to church and pray for another 4 hours. So it's like us waking up in the morning going to work and then having dinner. So that's why a full meal with wine in the morning. Thanks again :)

[@codrincod424]

in 2013 or 2014 there was a massive earthquake, it was 7. 0 degrees, and you can see Simonospetras monastery no one would give it a chance on a earthquake like this

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Simon Peter was an amazing structure built to the Glory of God!

[@codrincod424]

@@OrthodoxGardener indeed my brother, i was there when that earthquake happened, when you plan to go again?

[@loveshearing8483]

Thank you for sharing brother. I’m looking forward to go there too to explore another brother in my believe and praying for you and your family.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed tagging along with me. I hope you are able to make it there as well. Happy Pascha!

[@bogsir69]

Have you thought about visiting the American Athos? I am referring to Saint Anthony Holy Monastery in Florence, AZ. You will be amazed by the beauty of this place and even more amazed by the spiritual life build in the monastery by Gheronda Ephraim. He came from Philoteu monastery (Mount Athos) in 1979 and founded 17 monasteries in North America. One of those could be close to your location but you should definitely go to Florence, AZ. God bless you!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for watching! Yes, I want to travel to St.Anthony’s in Florence and recently sent a request to receive a blessing. Perhaps this will happen before Christmas? Glory to God! ~Jurgis

[@christosm0510]

it is great man you discovered ' holy mountain " am happy for you... i also discovered at my 21 and after that i started to be a believer (or try to be :) )... you also went to saint Demetrios in thessalonica right? his relics produce myrh ! i hope we see you orthodox one day, because thats the original, the faith of the christians of the 1st millenium, you can see this in church history

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments. I am happy to hear you also discovered Mount Athos, and pray God will bless your pilgrimage as well.

[@christosm0510]

@@OrthodoxGardener Thanks! :)

[@billiosi7448]

Great video, I was there little more than 10 years ago and I will never forget my visit to the monastery of Simonos Petra. Thanks for the video.

[@Luiza-Macrishroshu]

Hristos a înviat.!!! Doamne Iisuse Hristoase al meu, mântuiește țara noastră România de război, pe noi robii tăi și toată lumea ta pentru rugăciunile Sfinților Români din toate timpurile și de pretutindeni.!!!

[@OrthodoxGardener]

May you be blessed in Romania. Glory to God for all things. Be well ~ Jurgis

[@elizabethshaw734]

We have a Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in my town! :-)

[@savarios]

Well done for making the journey, and thanks for sharing. I went to live in Thessaloniki as a Protestant in 2008 and was similarly attracted to Orthodox tradition. I was baptised on the Holy Mountain three years later. It took me another half decade to realise that the historic patriarchates fell into schism and heresy in the 20th century, and that salvation is only to be found in communion with 'zealot' bishops. The true Orthodox Church has displayed renewed strength in recent years with the eucharistic union of the Greek, Bulgarian and Romanian old calendarists. All who are serious about their faith should carefully examine the case of Esphigmenou, the only truly Orthodox monastery of the 20 great monasteries on Mount Athos.

[@ellastrantellenas278]

Amin you are so Right Long live the holy monastery of esphigmenou the only true Christian stronghold on mount Athos and perhaps in the whole world! We Need To defend this monastery with our lives !

[@befl1407]

So glad you followed your Spirit and followed on learning that we need to RESPECT those thoughts teaching and venerating of HOLY ICONS before condemning and criticizing the catholics and Orthodox. We were there long before protestantism

[@perlazywicz4684]

This is Beautiful, Amazing Region. Cute "Country". 🇬🇷

[@Garapetsa]

Best kept secret. There are many cafeteria Christian Churches. You pick and choose what you want from God. People forget...God picks you. He picked you to make this journey. Life is a test.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

God is Sovereign!!!

[@1ironmikeoc]

Thank you for this. I just finished my first pilgrimage to Athos as an Irish Catholic from England - still relatively alien form of worship to me, though perhaps not as much as from an American Calvinist perspective! I was just wondering whether you had the chance to speak to any monks? I had the pleasure to meet a few, one particularly as Simonos Petra who was from Boston, a great man.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

I'm glad to hear that you had an opportunity to experience Mt. Athos for yourself - Glory to God! Yes, I have had opportunities to speak with many monastics during my pilgrimage and have been richly blessed. I have heard of the particular monastic you referenced on Simon Peter, as I wanted to travel to visit with him but the weather was poor and the ferry was not running. I am also from Massachusetts and I was hoping that he could hear my confession but perhaps on another trip - God willing. Be well. Glory to God! ~Jurgis

[@vadermasktruth]

I've been studying Eastern Orthodox Christianity for many years, and Mount Athos for the past several years. I want to visit so bad!

[@orthoglobus]

Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHOtZmOce9-il68

[@parapoliticos52]

Few things one must remember is that Mount Athos may seems small on the map, but it isn't that small. It is 400 square km big, very steep, and its length (the long side) it is around 30 miles but it isn't 30 miles of highway but snake roads going up and down, so it might as well have been 200. In short prepare for quite a walking if you visit by foot. I was supposed to go few years back but unfortunately something came up, but many of the people i know that did go come back transformed. Even if it's just the effect of detoxifying from modern societies lifestyle, anxieties and worries, and diving into a world that time works differently, it is an experience worth having. Language is a minor problem for non orthodox people(as there are not only Greek speaking monasteries but also Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian,Serbian etc) but not that much anymore as most monks can speak English to different degrees and also there are few anglophone monks. You can stay and eat at the monasteries for free( there is though a kind of entrance visa that you must have as it is technically an autonomous state, but it is very cheap).

[@Rose-re3lj]

Christ has risen! HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

[@kirktatusko7835]

Indeed he has risen!

[@Petavius17]

The beauty of the orthodox church is inside not outside.

[@maxmarzipan8977]

Beautiful video my friend. Reminds me of my time there last year. I too went to Dionysiou & St Paul's. Very special time, no place like it. I pray God will grant me to go once more 🙏☦️ blessings to you through Christ the King of all

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you. Glory to God!

[@vasilikiA.B]

Thank you for the video. I read the comments that some of you mentioned, from Protestant church received the Christian Orthodox faith. I grow up in an Orthodox family but the last year's I live in a country that the majority of Christians are Protestant, so I saw the other side of the coin. I am searching to read or to listen similar videos to help me to answer some of the question I have. Please if you have anything post it , I will appreciated a lot.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comment. If you have a particular question let me know. I will be resuming my Carpool Orthodoxy videos with Fr. Tim in the coming week and I would be interested in hearing your question. Glory to God! ~ Jurgis

[@Kitiwake]

Congrats. Your are moving in the right direction.

[@intreuefestundlachen1883]

The Grace of God still dwells in the relics. And the relics will one day be in Heaven after the general resurrection. Of course you can venerate them. By doing so you give honour and worship to God, Who dwells in them.

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

but where did Jesus demonstrate that this is so? Please help me understand where this information is coming from. Thanks in advance.

[@pmparda]

Huh?

[@steven5oclock]

Did you walk all the way from Daphi to Dionysiou Monastery in the same day starting from midday in January? That was a bit too adventurous and risky I dare say. You were lucky enough you arrived before gates getting closed and also to enjoy that marvelous sunny weather. I had planned to go in Mount Athos in the first week of January this year, but unfortunately the weather was awful and I couldn't even land in Thessaloniki. Hopefully I am going again in the first week of June. As concerns the hospitability of the monasteries from Mount Athos, not everywhere one could find the same treatment as a non-Orthodox person. In some monasteries one might be warmly welcomed, but in some other monasteries one might have not such a pleasant (not to say bad) experience, feeling somehow discriminated and isolated. I think it will be very helpful to have an open-minded Orthodox person or friend with you who knows how to explain some things to you while you are there.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Thank you for your comments. Yes, I did walk from Daphni to Dionysiou - but my goal was to make it to St. Paul. I think my iWatch said I walked 15 miles and climbed over 240 flights of stairs - it was a long day. I often prayed Jesus, help me! I meant it ,as I came across many obstacles and needed help at times - but I made it before sunset. I had heard that snow had fallen the week before I went and the weather was very bad so I am fortunate that it had cleared up by the time I went.I hope you have a wonderful trip in June. I also agree with your observation regarding the treatment non-Orthodox receive. At one monastery I felt very badly treated and I did not know whether it was because I was American or Protestant - or both. It was a complete opposite experience than what I received at Dionysiou and very glad that was where I stayed my first night. They treated me wonderfully and with respect. They were extremely hospitable. Nikola, the young American from Wisconsin I met late the first day helped me out very much and looked out for me. Looking back I am grateful for the people God brought during my pilgrimage because it very easily could have turned out very differently for me. I am looking forward to returning again as Orthodox. Have a blessed Pascha!

[@halfthehill4910]

God bless you brother! Happy to see you've converted

[@dimitriosbizopoulos8226]

great context. your video got me emotional even though I consider myself agnostic. thank you for that.

[@OrthodoxGardener]

Glory to God! I pray that you receive many spiritual blessings, especially as you approach Christmas. I would encourage you to be open and authentic in expressing your doubts and questions through prayer, but remember to do so in humility. Thank you for reaching out to me, as God places many circumstances in our lives that help us discover Him, and I am humbled if my journey to Mt Athos played a role in your life as well. Glory to God!

[@Tsumebleraar]

May you find Jesus!