Overcoming Obstacles to Become Orthodox

[@katedevoy]

I am in southern western Australia and there is only one Priest for the whole of western Australia south of Perth. I drive 4+ hrs once a month to go to Vespers, matins and the Holy Liturgy. Im a catechumen and will be Baptised sometime around December or January. The Priest allows me to sleep in a swag on the floor of the adjoining building which is used for gatherings etc. There is no way I will not become a member of the Holy Blessed Orthodox Church, as no matter the obstacles, it is truly God's will which I hear and obey. I am 75 years old and this is the best thing that has ever happened for me. It has given a tremendous meaning to my life, and I no longer have much interest in this world and to find this at my age is a miracle. The obstacles may be there to test you and your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Holy Church. Fight for what you want, because this is what God wants for you.

[@abford03]

God bless you! That's tenacity, glory to God! May the Lord strengthen and guide you! All love to you sister, peace and blessings be yours.

[@DohMkay]

My great grandma would also go with the bus to a different town far away to go to church. They would also stay for the night in some church building. My nearest church is 1 hour away, so I'm blessed.

[@danielgaley9676]

Blessed are you! There are two Orthodox Churches 10-15 minutes from us. My wife wants nothing to do with Orthodoxy. Prayers are welcomed 🙏 Thank you for your post!

[@katedevoy]

You indeed are very fortunate. Be patient. your wife may come around in time but only if you demonstrate absolute commitment to the Orthodox Faith. Even then it may not occur but please don't allow it to deter you from the faith and practice in Orthodoxy. It changes you from the inside, and when altered behaviours are observed, that can have an impact on those around us. Jesus truly did say "Follow me", not our families, not our parents, not our friends etc. Respect and love them but do not follow them. God bless you and keep you in faith, love, and prayer.☦☦ @@danielgaley9676

[@timmiller7338]

Amazing and nice, I really like how well Orthodox Christians maintain the historical accuracy of The Gospels and New Testament. A.D. 2024 A.D. ! The Digital Stump for A.I. ! Father Time and Mother Nature, lots of things making sense and much better life knowing more complete truth about life and spirituality. God can heal so much, and grow his children to unknown limits. It is great to see more of our kingdom grow. It is The Father's kingdom, but shares in it with us all. May God bless you with Agape love, peace and success for your life and future! Amen!

[@SomePeopleCallMeWulfman]

I started attending a Russion Orthodox church here in Norway, and I'm the only one not speaking any Russian. The service is in church Slavonik which I also do not understand. Thankfully, they all have been very welcoming, and the priest has even given me a list of books to read in order to get a better understanding of Orthodoxy.

[@charlesmaximus9161]

Russians are the sweetest people in the world. I was baptised into the church through the Moscow Patriarchate and my experience was very positive.

[@docrofo2573]

Could you share that list of books here for me?

[@SomePeopleCallMeWulfman]

@@docrofo2573 Thomas Hopko: Orthodox Faith (4 volumes); Kallistos Ware: The Orthodox Church; Vladimir Lossky: mystical theology of the eastern church

[@sosukeaizen7028]

Being there, look in St. Olaf Norges, he's great.

[@ivanipatov6559]

God bless Otto and give him grace

[@calb3210]

The Greeks are extremely warm, comforting and welcoming into their church. My personal experience. God bless

[@Arcadian1821]

Same experience here with the Greeks.

[@stingra8]

💯 answer to prayer! I live in Sydney, Australia and Father just spoke exactly to my situation. I started researching Orthodoxy two weeks ago and already it is clear my Protestant spirituality has been 2D. So many Bible verses that were previously illogical suddenly make perfect sense. I visited a Greek Orthodox Church last week and was not welcomed when I arrived. I didn't understand much of the service and felt quite embarrassed. But now, I will go back and I will take my family. God willing, we will follow Christ there.

[@Pumpkinpicker87]

Be encouraged ask for a private sit down with the priest it helps tremendously. That’s what my family and I did.

[@skipgiblets]

I feel the same way about my Protestant life! Saying 2-D is the perfect way to describe it.

[@josephdiab9094]

Hi if you’re interested Sts Michael and Gabriel Antiochian Orthodox Church in Ryde is majority English speaking, has many converts and is multicultural. I’m sure you’d find help there.

[@vasilia3545]

There are many Greek Orthodox churches in Sydney that are very welcoming and mainly English speaking, and which have young priests that have experience with the conversion journey. I can let you know which ones are good and close by to you if you are interested :)

[@ghengiskhan9308]

I've heard this alot that some of the Greeks are not welcoming same with the Serbs. Why is this? Does anyone know? Is there any good reason for it?

[@kiriaioulia]

As a Greek American Child, first born generation in the United States, I will state that our Church is very welcoming to non-Greeks and embrace the struggle of the heart that converts had to go through to come to The Church. Perhaps this is God testing both the Greeks in that church in the UK, and the potential convert - where they both need to walk a path that is somewhat uncomfortable to them so that they may grow in their faith... God's ways are mysterious and wonderous - all glory be to God!

[@jennieschield4133]

❤🙏

[@Octavivs]

I found the Orthodox Church after my 30's. The closest temple is almost 100 miles from my city, I was chrismated and I was about to get married to my Catholic wife and the priest sugested to make an ecumenical marriage in my local Catholic church because she and her family wouldn't accept the marriage to take place in other city and other religion. I know an ecumenical marriage would be against the Church rules, and I ended marrying in Catholic church. After that, I never came back to the Orthodoxy again. But inside I regretted to abandon my faith and every day from the last ten years I am brooding over it. I really want to go back but don't know where to start. Give a light, father. Greetings from Brazil.

[@HomoEucharistica]

Just share your thoughts with one or several Orthodox priests - they can help and guide you. But if you received chrismation and never quit the Orthodox Church (though not actively partaking in Orthodox life either, i.e. not being the living branch in the True Vine), you probably can just start it by going to the confession and participating in the divine liturgy... And though ecumenical marriages would be against the canons of the Orthodox Church, the canons are always enforced under the episcopal judgment and jurisdiction, and because of that they are not always practiced according to the letter. Nothing is as black-and-white as we would probably wish for. The strictest Orthodox would probably say that one shouldn't marry a Catholic in the first place because it is already against the rules of the Church unless the couple was married before one of them converted to Holy Orthodoxy, while some other Orthodox Christians might say that only marrying non-Christians is uncanonical, and some others claims that one is free to marry anyone as long as it is the Christian marriage, between the husband and the wife. And both views are technically correct, they just approach same topic from different perspective, and it's under the judgment of the bishop how parishioners should live these canons out (and the way is usually somewhere in the middle).

[@bhudere]

Come home brother, simple as. The Lord will accept you like a prodigal son.

[@kasiosseijuro8494]

God’s mercy endures forever, brother. He is waiting for you to come home. I will pray for you. ☦️

[@persephonelewis2718]

This was the perfect video for me to hear. The closest Orthodox Church near me is an hour away. Also it’s a Russian Orthodox Church that is also not English speaking… I also have two young children under the age of five to take with me and I have been putting it off because of the language barrier. After listening to this I’m going to go in. I had been planning on going to a Catholic Church that is near me instead until, I don’t know what, until I could find an English speaking one that I could go to once a month or something. The English speaking one is about 3 hours away. I’ve been drawn in to the Orthodox Church from listening to the Pageau brothers and you. I had never heard the Christian faith explained before, honestly I didn’t know anything about the Orthodox faith until a couple months ago. Anyway thank you from Northern California!!

[@_idiot]

Hi, the Russian Orthodox Church uses the Church Slavonic language which can be unintelligible at times for even Russians. The prayers and choir are extremely beautiful in this language, please don't pass up on experiencing this language created specifically for worshiping the Lord. Usually Sunday schools will even teach Church Slavonic lessons. There are many resources online with translations of the liturgy and prayers and the church near you may even provide these in their store or where they sell candles. С БОГОМ!

[@jsjsjsjssjsjsj5913]

Sorry to hear that. I feel the same way too because the church near me is in a foreign language and they are similarily to what you said, and the ones likely in English are more than an hour away. I am a young man wanting to convert to Orthodoxy also currently trying to show my mother the Orthodox faith. It is nice hearing about a mother who cares about their children's salvation. God bless you and I hope people like us are able to feel a sense of belonging and pray for others who face obstacles along the way for patience and trust in the Lord. God is with us.

[@leopistis3560]

Hello, I am an Orthodox Christian from Northern California as well. Where do you live? I’d love to help you find a church that might be closer!

[@FacingTheView]

We worship God in Spirit (the Holy Spirit) and Truth.. Not a language our brains know, but in the love language from God. No worries. Be in His Presence!!! There is where we worship Him

[@FacingTheView]

​@@jsjsjsjssjsjsj5913 We worship God in Spirit (the Holy Spirit) and Truth.. Not a language our brains know, but in the love language from God. No worries. Be in His Presence!!! There is where we worship Him

[@DanicusRex-m1m]

We were so fortunate to find a local orthodox church that does its service in English. They sometimes chant in Slavic, but it's always proceeded by English. I was also fortunate that they called themselves a church of converts. About 70 percent came from outside the church, so many were welcoming to us and could relate to our background (former protestant charismatics). At first, the priest was a bit distant, but as we showed up week after week, he opened up and we have established a great connection with him. My wife and I are now catechumen and are so blessed to have found our church. I pray for all seekers to find a welcoming church like the one we have ❤ ☦

[@rachelsbj1373]

Father, your videos have been one of the greatest blessings in my life and I thank God for them. For the last year I have been studying the Orthodox Church- the beautiful theology, the rich history and the raw truth in the words of the Saints- and with every thing I have found, I have become further convinced that the Orthodox Church is the Church of Christ. The words you spoke about how encountering the Church changes the seeking heart were beautiful. 1:44 As a woman who was raised by two very Protestant parents, learning I know nothing was a somewhat difficult process. As you can imagine. But your videos have always, always spoken to the issues of my life in perfect timing. Just today I was thinking of all the (apparent) obstacles in my life that prevent me from becoming Orthodox, and I open KZbin and see this video first thing, posted 33 seconds ago with no views. Repeatedly, God has proven to me the place to go to seek His face and repeatedly, I remain surprised by the lengths He has gone to get me where I need to be. I have put becoming Orthodox off for a while, I am ashamed to admit I have been afraid to open myself and my life up to more spiritual attacks. I ask simply that you, and anyone else who feels led to do so, would pray for me to surrender that fear to God so that I may take that necessary first step without worry. Have a blessed night, Father.

[@katdroppa4861]

Lord have mercy. May God bless you and help you.❤

[@nickpavlou5023]

Dear Rachel, What you have written is very beautiful. So I am also writing to cheer you on and encourage you to carry on... Please be like the woman who poured her alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus, and do whatever you need to do to join the Orthodox church. I have also spent many years as a Protestant believer, and I can assure you that being Orthodox is SO MUCH better!! You'll LOVE it, as God will grow your love for Him. And please don't worry about spiritual attacks! That's just intimidation from the enemy camp. Instead, as an Orthodox Christian, you will have the Blessed Holy Trinity with you, helping you and giving you strength; just like they have helped all the Saints who have gone before us. And you'll have a Guardian angel fighting for you too! What fun! You were made for this. So please continue in your journey of theosis and becoming a true saint of God, by denying yourself, taking up your cross and joining Christ's Orthodox Church. P.S. I am sure that you're going to do that anyway, whether I left a comment or not, since you watch Father Josiah's sermons and comment on his KZbin videos. :-D

[@AFizz-cw3on]

Don't waste one more second of your life. Save your soul now. Become orthodox!

[@orthodox1717]

God bless you, Rachel!

[@kasiosseijuro8494]

Glory to God! Rachel, as someone who was received this year on the feast of Pentecost, I understand the immense emotional turmoil that one undergoes when one encounters Holy Orthodoxy and is convicted to be united to Christ and His mystical body… I cannot help but emphasize that the immense joy and growth I’ve experienced far outweighs the very real pain I endured within myself to become an Orthodox Christian. It won’t be easy, especially in the last month before reception, but I am without a doubt that it will be worth it. The all-Holy Trinity is with you. ☦️

[@johnstdm1]

To all of you searching, 18 months ago, I could have been William (and had written and called Fr. Josiah with essentially the same question) and did join the Church in June 2022. If your heart is calling you home to the Father, God bless you and give you strength for your journey ahead.

[@winterland3253]

I found a small english-speaking OCA near me and attended it for the first time last sunday. I feel very fortunate

[@GuitarTunings33]

I went to an Orthodox Church last Sunday for the first time. It was a Greek Church. Very beautiful. The first Christian church I've ever been inside. Lovely experience, excited to go back. Excited to see the Monastery in Florence. I'm a mutt, though, not Greek.

[@starrpatrick2905]

The Orthodox Church we found is 100miles away from us. 1hr 30mins. We have two little kids and it is a loooooong drive. Thankfully they have a small playground that our children can get their energy out. It is so worth it. We look forward to service every Saturday and Sunday. They also have a coffee/done hour after service which is a nice, sweet bonus. We have been going for about 2 months.

[@henrybn14ar]

Our local Orthodox parishes in Gothenburg are Serbian and Orthodox, plus a developing Swedish one. They are quite welcoming and use a bit of Swedish and Greek. Newcomers tend to pick up other languages after a while. It is a plus, as are the exotic calorie bombs and other exotic foods served after the litugy. A lot of people commute between Sweden and the home country.

[@IdahoMountainMom]

I love this encouragement and fearless speaking of reality. People need the cold hard truth. It's healing & strengthening.

[@Struggling4JesusChrist]

Hello Father, I was trying to find how to send an email to comment in what I believe could be assistance to this William. There is a young man at my church lives in a city 2 and a half hours away from the one that our church is in. He spent most of his catechism making this commute for every service. But he has since made enough friends in the church that people have opened their homes to him so he could get some good sleep before Liturgy. I asked why didn't he go to the church in his home town and he said "it just doesn't feel like home" but the church looks after him so he can do his commute. Thank you Father Josiah I hope you read this and I hope it helps William.

[@AshOzer]

God is so Good! 🎉 what a beautiful community you have! Stay blessed 🙌

[@mrxmtroom]

thank you for this video. pray for orthodoxy in latin america and brazil🙏

[@birdlynn417]

This was so great! Thank you, Father, for addressing this matter with us which so many of us encounter. Appreciate your humor too. 😀

[@benjaminplackemeier1705]

Hey Father Trenham Ive been reading your book Rock and Sand and its been very insightful and hope to visit your parish as I dont live that far away, I am in process of still reading it so that I may have that insight of discussing becoming orthodox and unlearning the heresies of protestantism.

[@hard.aground]

For any one in the south MS or south AL area, the Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile, AL is very welcoming. Most of the Devine Liturgy is in English, but sometimes it's 50/50. It's beautiful either way. Starting catechism in August.

[@jordanj9564]

I lack the words to truly express what is in my heart right now, but thank you for this video and all of your videos. I find this one in such a relevant time. There is a Greek Orthodox Church near me I have been trying to work up the courage to visit. I have only recently started “looking into” orthodoxy, which is strange because I have long been a “seeker” as you say. Perhaps I am thinking too much into it but it seems the church presented itself to me only when I was “ready”. I’ll end this comment before it becomes s long winding ramble, but I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos, they have been a light and encouragement for me, and I pray I will make the right choice sooner than later.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Wherever you go, ask the Lord to go with you. And He will be there to welcome you.. somehow. It's hard to go alone at first. But you WILL meet people if you give them a chance. Orthodox do let people have their space. No one rushes up to you. They let the Holy Spirit lead you Don't worry that much about language. You won't understand much of what is happening even if you were to first go to an English service. Actually, not knowing the language can be a blessing. You can immerse yourself in the moment.. in the place..in the beauty.. in the holiness.. using your senses more than your mind. All the best..☦📿💝📿☦

[@davefigthe3rd]

I like to say that I didn’t find the Church, the church found me. All I was doing was seeking God with all my heart.

[@NathanSpeir]

Amen! Whatever is available is what God has made available to you in your present moment…don‘t let the circumstances distract your sincere longing for the Truth!

[@joniscoboloski4240]

Amen 🙏!

[@lanestp]

We recently started attending a Greek Orthodox parish that does the liturgy mainly in Greek. It was startling at first but now we have grown to love it

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

I first began attending an Orthodox Church shortly before the pandemic began. I was about the ask the priest to become a catechumen. Before the next service the entire world had shut down. It delayed my coming into the church by many months but it was providential and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@joniscoboloski4240]

🙏 Amen! Thank you for this timely message Father. Love and greetings from Sydney, Australia ☦️

[@JulioJustiniano]

As someone who has been an immigrant all my life, in one country or another, never underestimate the embrace a foreign country or people may have with you. Which is what essentially I see going into a church of roots foreign to my own. Also, to overcome this I look at it from the perspective that I am witnessing something ancient. Little by little with what you read you’ll start to understand what’s going on. And the parish will also help as you go further. Also, from what I’ve talk with the parish, they have a lot of inquirers who show a lot of promise at first and then vanish. So there’s also some let down I can understand they might be a little tired of. However, once they know you are all in there is a noticeable change and a warmer embrace. Also, in my case I’ve even started learning Greek, which is not necessary or mandatory, but I accepted the offer and now I’m finding the beauty in being able to slowly learn to read the icons on the walls, granted they are Byzantine and there’s differences I’m also learning, but it’s been a pleasure.

[@bobjames7479]

This comes at a perfect time for me. Thank you father ❤

[@creedmoor8405]

Me to!

[@subdeaconk]

Very important to hear, thank you. This is a *very* touchy topic for me. The amount of ethnocentric clergy I've met is unreal. I left seminary because I was constantly reminded (*literally,* not in my head) of how Greek I'm not.

[@Mr.Neko1]

I ran into a similar issue as to replies. So I took it upon myself to show up in person. Take the initiative for salvation is not passive act.

[@DAsiebert]

Thank you for this Father I live 3 hours away from the nearest Orthodox Church

[@wardawg6341]

It'll be a honor to meet you one day father.

[@whosestone]

Merch is very nice! Need that black tee. Has the Death To The World vibe that I dig. Father, bless!

[@Smokeoftheirtorment]

I needed this Father. I have put off so much time because of these fears. I will do this tomorrow at liturgy.

[@diananoonen2262]

Father you are too cool for school! Love the merchandise, great fundraiser!

[@DCWoodWorking]

Thank you for this. God bless 🙏

[@thattimestampguy]

1:42 The Human Heart ❤️ opens. 4:42 Everyone faces obstacles in their pursuit of knowing The True God. ☦️ 5:17 God knows. He’s with you, He loves you. ☦️ 10:00 Dying so that you can live. ☦️ 11:06 May God strengthen you. 🙏🏼

[@monvici]

I love Russian Orthodox Church. I'm on my way there. Former Lutheran. Was completly wrong one to me, but my parents were both them.

[@HelensStudio54]

This has also been an issue for me here in Australia. I was Christened in the Church of England and attended Anglican churches in my younger years but in the last 20 years became disillusioned with Anglicanism for all the reasons you mentioned. This had left me without a church. About ten years ago I started seriously looking into converting to Orthodoxy. I had read through dozens of books, bought an Orthodox study bible, but I cannot find a church in Australia with services conducted in English. I attended a Greek Orthodox liturgy one Sunday and was made to feel so uncomfortable by an older lady who glared at me the whole time like I was an invader. It didn't help that I stood out with my fair skin and blonde hair. But I never went back. If I could find a non denominational Orthodox church I would be there every week. It is something that urgently needs addressing. I will never go back to an Anglican church.

[@zoejay]

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel's Church? They have an online channel so you can familiarise yourself and They are based in Australia if you decide to attend a liturgy in English..

[@HelensStudio54]

@@zoejay thank you

[@lindaphillips4646]

I am sorry about that. I had a bit of trouble with the Greek church i started with on visits to my hometown. I was tall, pale, and grey haired. But i met lovely people and felt very connected to many of them. Still do. Here in CA, i started going to a Russian church, and eventually my husband and I became members after we were both received into the Church at another place. My looks blended with the Russians! 😏😏 and i even sang in the choir. Until health issues.. Keep trying. Maybe even go back and give the Greeks another chance. They can be delightful. Find someone at the candle stand to talk to. Ask for their help and guidance. All the best to you wherever you go. Just, i pray, .. go.☦📿💝📿☦

[@HelensStudio54]

@@lindaphillips4646 thank you. I'm glad you found a wonderful church. God bless.

[@zoejay]

​@@HelensStudio54 Hi Helen. I have updated my reply as I have remembered the church name wrong.

[@sincerethunderstorm9317]

I needed to hear this. I am looking to concert to orthodoxy. Have been researching online mainly but have started to look for local churches. The one closest to me is in english and the second which is an hr away is in Greek. I've called and left messages for the Fr closest to me and have been calling for the past 2 weeks with no response. I finally made my way there today in hopes of finding someone. I did just not someone from the church but someone who manages the building hall. I'm a bit discouraged that the church is not open daily nor is there any staff there other than on Sunday from I was told. I too have a Roman catholic church within walking distance and they hold mass daily. I have never gone to the church and not been help. The lack of accessibility makes me feel like I may be making a mistake. I desire a home church in which can be part of my everyday life. I feel sad and heartbroken because the lack of resources is so limited here with the orthodox church. I'll continue to pray over what I should do.

[@dougbell9543]

Your episode on the so-called ‘rapture’ is like a breath of fresh air. ✔️ Thank you ever so much.

[@dustindarabaris48]

I've visited a local Greek Orthodox Church in my city that I plan on attending more and inquiring in. Thankfully the majority of the Liturgy is performed in English but there numerous parts of the service performed in Greek.

[@orthodox1717]

I just love Fr. Josiah!!!!

[@WeakestAvenger]

I have been looking into Orthodoxy this year, and my heart is drawn to it. I am grateful that there is an Antiochian Orthodox parish about an 8-minute drive from my house, and they were highly welcoming at the one liturgy I have been to so far. My problem is that my wife is not on the same track I am. She is quite content in our Protestant faith. Moreover, we have been training to work in Bible translation with a Protestant organization. I'm still working on what exactly I believe, because I do believe God has been present and active in my Protestant brothers and sisters (e.g., I really believed God called us to the work we are training for; also, my translation organization has told us stories of miraculous healings in Jesus' name out in the field). So to become Orthodox would cause a rift in my family, in my church (who has been supporting our training efforts, including grad school), in my Bible translation organization, etc. It would mean walking away from what I believed God called me to do. Of course, I have been contemplating what Fr. Josiah said, that such a decision should not be made on what is "practical." But it is still a hard decision to make.

[@HomoEucharistica]

Well, the best you can do is not to hide your path from your wife, other family and other members of your parish but, rather, to approach the Church openly in peace and to discuss on these topics with your wife and fellow parishioners, and pray for her and them... and pray for that you would become better husband and friend and workmate etc. for them. Perhaps you can make some adjustments so that the rift wouldn't be so wide when the time comes. (I will assume you won't be killed or persecuted if you enter into Holy Orthodoxy, right?) And perhaps your example would help them to take one first step closer to the Orthodox faith, even if they never convert like you... but take it easy, there's no hurry. When it comes to God's presence, it is said that the wind blows where it wishes, and so it is with the Holy Spirit. There's no doubt that God is present and active in the lives of Protestants and Roman Catholics - He can be present even in the lives of Pagans if He wants, guiding them into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And if even those who didn't follow Jesus were able to cast out demons in His name, why wouldn't our brothers and sisters in Heterodoxy perform miracles of God as well. The Protestants and the Orthodox Christians have more in common with each other than with Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, and that's a good start. However, only the Orthodox Church has the fulness of faith, the wholeness of the Holy Spirit; that's where the line goes.

[@WeakestAvenger]

@@HomoEucharistica Good words, thank you. Yes, my wife is aware of what I have been thinking and struggling with. I'm trying to share with her things I have been learning, but she just isn't interested in the way I am. She is still quite content with the path we have been on. Certainly, the rift in my extended family would not be huge, I think, but it would be a strain on my wife. We have been training for the past two years to work with a Protestant Bible translation organization, and for me to become Orthodox would mean our family would have to walk away from all of those plans we have had, all the work we have put into it so far, and the relationships we have there. I just don't see how we could continue working with them if I were to become Orthodox. My wife and I also both have an undergraduate degree from a Protestant Bible college in Deaf Ministry, and we are involved in the Deaf ministry at our current church. So to become Orthodox would mean at least some level of separation from that. I'm not aware of any Deaf Orthodox people in our area. Right now, my heart is with Orthodoxy, as far as I know it. But I don't want to make any rash decisions. I'd like to get my wife to go to the local Orthodox liturgy with me, though. She does enjoy "high-liturgical" services she has been to, such as Lutheran services and the Catholic Mass. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my initial comment. I will continue to pray that God will guide me into truth.

[@WeakestAvenger]

@@conceptobject I'm not quite sure what you mean, but I am sure it isn't helpful.

[@WeakestAvenger]

@@conceptobject I don't recall saying anything about fasting or about the motivation to fast. That has nothing to do with my struggles. I'm not really worried about that. If you have something constructive to say that could help me, I'd be happy to hear it.

[@RodrigoSilva-gg9vl]

I am from Brazil and in my state there are just 3 orthodox churches! And all of Theses do the liturgy in a foreign language - Russian, Ucranian and Greek...

[@sihtnaelkk2187]

This is because in Brazil and South America they tend mainly to people from other orthodox countries.. If Brazilians discover orthodoxy in large numbers then the local language will be used like in America. Or maybe Latin! Which we also recognize. God bless you.

[@garnerb.3321]

This is a timely video for me Father, thank you!

[@meaganelli943]

This video is wow! I felt God lead me to it after finally being honest about how much I long to be Orthodox. Just like this listener I have settled for an Anglo-Catholic church close to my house but am filled with an inner ache knowing not ever need is being filled. Kept justifying it in my head that they are western and more familiar so why not? But still a longing for the depths and missing something I’ve only touched a few times. Crazy how it’s the same situation. I’m going to face my fears and go to the local one (Russian orthodox) on Sunday. The call is rea Thank you!! 🙏

[@doubtingthomas9117]

How are things going with this? I had a different story. I seriously explored Eastern Orthodoxy for several years about 18-20 years ago but for a few reasons I landed in traditional high church Anglicanism about 17 years ago and really haven’t looked back.

[@meaganelli943]

​@@doubtingthomas9117 Believe it or not I am now exploring Catholicism simply due to proximity. The nearest EO churches are an hour away at least. So now I'm exploring RCIA. Not that hung up on the differences b/w Catholicism and Orthodoxy (fairly open-minded in this sense even though I know the differences are stark). Allowing God to lead me as he will before committing. Not getting wrapped up in emotion (maybe where I was at when I wrote this post lol), just taking one class at a time. Traditional high Anglican church is wonderful, and I think its a great way to worship God. I did not stay at mine as it was small and not open to change or growth.

[@doubtingthomas9117]

@@meaganelli943 thanks for sharing

[@jeffrachelburkhalter3783]

My Father is in heaven and my Lord, Mediator and Savior is seated at His right hand making intercession for me. I pray to my Father, through the Holy Spirit, in Christ's name and my Father hears me. This is what Scripture teaches.

[@cigance91]

Thank you for this video! I was raised in the Baptist Church and still go because of the fellowship and excellent preaching and because I haven't felt welcomed at the Serbian Orthodox Church near me... But you're right, one heresy is too many and fully embracing the truth of Christ requires sacrifice

[@felixmuller7551]

Great Video, im from Germany and currently attending a greek church.The people and the priest were very welcoming.I can really recommend orthodox prayer books who translate the liturgy of st.John Crysostomos in your language

[@hattorihanzo2275]

My friend attends a Serbian Orthodox church in Florida. He is a first generation American that has his children active in oplenac. Their church has non-Serb families and they get them involved with the oplenac programs too. I found that to be cool of them.

[@PM4K]

I'm not Greek at all, I was so blessed by Our Father to find a Greek Orthodox Church that uses English and Greek in the liturgy, and they are so welcoming. I just went to an orthodox church 45 minutes away from me last Sunday evening for the vesper for the annunciation of Mary, and that was almost all in Greek. Such a beautiful cathedral, too.

[@douglasmims5090]

This could also be viewed as the best time to learn a new language as well! There is a bright side!

[@garbo_gabo]

Thank you Father Josiah, God bless you and the technology that enable us to listening to you from all corners of the world, I was asking the same question since most orthodox churches here in Brazil are far and speak other languages. Maybe the "pilgrimage" and not understanding all the sacred liturgy is just what I need to be more obedient and humble, so my heart is truly able to receive the words and blessings of Christ. Again, thank you Father!

[@GV_777YT]

The church nearest to me is also Greek and i can SO relate to what this brother is saying. It can definitely be a bit nerve wrecking. especially when going on your own like i do. But the way i see it is there is no way i am not becoming orthodox if i can do something about it. That's why the first thing i did was met with the priest and from there just is a matter of enduring the social challenge. I go there to be with God is what i tell my self and just focus on the GORGEOUS liturgy. Be of good cheer my bro you have been blessed with the ability of realizing the truth, do not look back now lets do this !

[@sihtnaelkk2187]

Bit late but I just wanna say I'm sorry for your experience. If it helps I'm a Greek and learning you've found orthodoxy I'm hugging you through the screen :) Take care! Glory to God.

[@JohnBloggart]

Here in the UK, I’d recommend finding the big man with the big beard sitting in the congregation. That’s what I did, and I was immediately helped through all the language and cultural barriers (my church is Antiochian and in Arabic). Sometimes it is in your own hands to breakthrough and show your true desire to serve.

[@saudevcthaismelo8606]

Just what I needed ❤️🙏

[@mcschneiveoutdoors3681]

Father, bless. Thank you for this message.

[@RetroSammyy]

I needed this video ❤. Thanks father

[@indigoh1262]

If your heart, mind, and ears listen - another language becomes more familiar over time. Having experienced this personally, it is rewarding when you finally connect the language and your journey.

[@zoejay]

There are English translations of divine liturgies. Go to the liturgy with your book and be there at the start of liturgy and follow the service with your translated divine Liturgy book. The only things that won't be in your English translated liturgy book would be the gospel readings of the day. This is not a problem. There are Orthodox apps that tell you what is the gospel reading of the day. Read this before you go. After a while you will pick out some liturgical Greek. You might even find yourself praying in Greek Κύριε ελέησον με (kyrie eleison me) Lord have mercy over time. 😊

[@royalpitamamma]

Thank you so much for your very wise council. I like William have a church that is some distance away. It is the closest church, it is a very small parish of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is lovely and I visited once. I was welcomed. The distance threw me off though. Now I see that is my Father's test. Thank you again.

[@birukhailu7113]

Tgank you father

[@tylerwynn1646]

I’m stuck between Catholicism and Orthodoxy😭 this journey is very hard for me and very confusing.

[@mingus445_gaming]

Pray sincerely for guidance from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

[@arthurhyatt8964]

Jay Dyer has been a good resource for me.

[@sshields2173]

getting warm here ballarat victoria australia

[@pj_ytmt-123]

The Orthodox Church in the west is far more faithful to Scriptures than the Russian or Greek parent. I hope more evangelicals will join you and marry their zeal for Christ with the ancient traditions of the Church. God bless.

[@OrthoBroJoe]

This is kinda what happened to me. I was raised Protestant but once my mother died when I was 16 I am shamed to say I held an anger towards God for taking my mother so soon. Since then I’ve lived secularly and was raising my children secularly. Needless to say, the Holy Spirit started to give me just little reminders here and there that God still was here even though I had abandoned Him. The little reminders happened to be just little hints towards Orthodoxy on KZbin, other places online, and in real life. Eventually I decided to just look into it on KZbin a year ago and it has lit a fire of yearning in my heart so strong I dove headfirst reading books insatiably about the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Life. I started to read scriptures every day and then just a couple months back decided to finally work up the courage to go to a Divine Liturgy service and it was miraculous how much love I felt from God and the people in the church. And it was a Greek church that spoke both English and Greek. The priest welcomed me, my wife, and kids with open arms even though we are not Greek and same goes for the laity. As humbly as I can say, it seemed like they had expected us. As if I had just been apart from home for so long and have finally returned to my family. Sorry for such a long comment but anybody that reads this please please just go. Look up what Orthodox Churches are in your area and just go. Please. It will change your life. I am home. Plain and simple.

[@davidjohnson4298]

I'm not Orthodox but I do listen to the music of the Orthodox chants in my prayers although I'm protestant

[@johnnyd2383]

Add incense (frankincense) and that will elevate your senses even more... you can buy those at any EO parish. Make sure you have cense and charcoal to burn the frankincense within.

[@AshOzer]

​@@johnnyd2383you're a really helpful person! Thank God for you

[@FacingTheView]

We worship God in Spirit (the Holy Spirit) and Truth.. Not a language our brains know, but in the love language from God. No worries. Be in His Presence!!! There is where we worship Him

[@MatrixMultiplication]

That is an awesome shirt!

[@frricklawrenceangaleria7942]

Hello Fr, Christ is our midst. How could I sell that merch next year for here in Australia's winter?

[@antoninospitale4646]

In my case the first obstacle is to follow the liturgy and maybe don't understand almost nothing. The first thing that i must to do is to understand If the liturgy is exactly the saint John Chrysostom or if it has some differences

[@NoName1-o6z]

PR. IUSTIN PÎRVU : "Preotul, care nu vorbește în predică despre ecumenism și cipuri, a pierdut timpul degeaba, iar cei din mânăstiri- aceștia pot să facă toate cele 7 laude, dacă nu mărturisesc adevărul, au pierdut tot."

[@yourneighbour3309]

love this thank you for this video

[@sidpan8218]

I needed this video to kick me in the butt thank you Father Josiah

[@notgoddhoward5972]

How does one dare say "you are not welcome in THE CHURCH because you don't share my ethnicity/language".

[@ArthurYuill]

Yeah that priest sounds like a Pharisee

[@Arcadian1821]

Greek father and Irish mother here. My mother threatened to take me out of her will when I converted.

[@austinfurgason3634]

Wow thank you, I said that to myself. I will go and make it easier for the next family and welcome them. Our church is thankfully starting to do probably 50/50 now when I started is was probably 70/30. I still like other languages. I’m not trying to completely get rid of them. But I’ve brought so many to church who described it as a major hinderance. We have 4 church’s in my city from different ethnicities and none of them do more than 50% English and 2 are completely forgein. The only churches growing are the ones speaking English, whoever speaks the most English (as long as he is a solid priest) will baptize the most converts. I appreciate the chastisement you gave against priests who do this. I worked so hard to bring people who feel quite disenfranchised by something that could be so simply changed, and has nothing to do with altering tradition, teachings, or morality.

[@Elany.lyon1388]

I needed to hear this

[@theherbalsanctuary811]

my obstacle is my very baptist husband. He is very sola scriptura and his faith is very simple and childlike, which is one of the things I love so dearly about him. I was raised RC and up until Oct of 2019 was very faithful. However, the heresy that was so blatant in 2019 and continues to this day, I just can't attend. It breaks my heart, as growing up I remember so many things the sisters taught me that actually were Orthodox in thought, but got so lost after Vatican II. it was my discovery of Orthodoxy in 2020/21 that has opened my heart. I don't know how to explain it to my husband as he had a poor view of the RC church to begin with and NOW with what is going on, he is even more disgusted.

[@kateleurs5012]

Have you considered attending a TLM community instead. Traditional Latin Mass that is. They hold to pre-Vatican 2 Church teaching. Also SSPX or FSSP. Just some options if you want to remain Catholic. Blessings 😊

[@theherbalsanctuary811]

I have, but there isn't one that is close enough to me. There must be something to it as the pope wouldn't be working so hard to abolish it. my guess, is that the TLM being so close to Orhodoxy must be a path back to it, and that is something that is threatening to Rome. just my guess. @@kateleurs5012

[@perrylc8812]

As a Greek person told me once "to be Greek is to be Orthodox and to be Orthodox is to be Greek ".

[@Mirro.555]

I formerly was a Muslim, accepted Christ in a Biblical Protestant church and was there for 10 years. Later I've gone to a Russian Orthodox temple for more than 10 years. But haven't become Orthodox, because some teachings aren't revealed to me. Such as thetokos, mytarstva, etc. I'm sorry to see that some Orthodoxs relate to the word of God without reverence, and I see much conformism without studying. As a matter of fact I continue to attend prayers there but not Eucharist for many years.

[@vsevolodtokarev]

May God, His Most holy Mother, and all the saints help you. Mytarstva (tall houses) is not a universally accepted concept in Orthodoxy; I think it's an excellent approximation (because it's hard for our mind to grasp the exact thing) of a very important aspect of the afterlife, and teaches one not to neglect such matters, but it's not uncommon to be an Orthodox in good standing and disagree with the idea of tall houses. Church is a spiritual hospital, most people there have spiritual ailments; it's sad, of course, when they neglect treatment of those ailments. Russians in particular (I am Russian myself) are prone to certain familial spiritual disorders, so to speak. There is more to Orthodoxy than Russian Orthodox Church; have you checked there?

[@Mirro.555]

@@vsevolodtokarev actually I didn't want to stress that it's namely a Russian Othodox temple that I go to. I live in a former Soviet state. I think there's a power within Orthodoxy which fears to feed the faithful with the word of God, lest they become mental rebels, or something like that. And as a result they like more folklore proverbs, sayings etc. But I find that in Orthodoxy there's something great which Protestantism lacks: teaching about humility, repentance, salvation of soul, Prelest, and so on. But there's also neglect of the word of God as if it was a word of man, sadly.

[@LadyMaria]

​​​@@Mirro.555There is no neglect of the Holy Scriptures.. It's in everything we do, every Divine Service, daily prayers, other prayers, daily Readings we're supposed to read, in the Saints' writings, etc. I'm surprised that in 10 years you don't know that. I mean we have the Psalter divided carefully into kathismata so that all 151 Psalms will be read in a week. Sola Scriptura is not part of our Faith. It led to much division in the West. There is thinking in Orthodoxy with Holy Scripture but we have a holy framework guided by the Holy Spirit instead of every man for himself, which leads people into heresy. So, we have a greater reverence and respect for the Holy Scriptures than Protestantism as we are extremely careful in interpretation.

[@Mirro.555]

@@LadyMaria I mean the Orthodoxs love and esteem their folklore proverbs and sayings above the words of God. And if I want to reason based on the Bible, some of them consider me a sectarian and reject. And as in any church today, there's much of conformism. I also I regret to hear how many Orthodoxs leave their church with it's great legacy of saints, and become Protestants, I dont want the problems to be solved that way. Maybe it's so not so in your country.

[@MartinShorthose]

An excellent response to a common issue here in the UK. For myself, I am a Reader in my old parish, some 125 miles from where I now live. I live in North Wales where the only 'local' church serves in predominantly Welsh, and is 'Old Calendar'. I am married to an Anglican, and while we've coped with different Pascha and Easter dates, I would not ask her to change Christmas. For the 15 years or so that I lived in my old parish, I attended every service there was. I was 'on call' if ever there was a non-parish funeral and the Priest needed a chanter. Moving away was difficult, and I tried attending the Welsh church, but really felt that I could not participate as I could in English. Yes, I knew the form of the services and what was going on, but it was not the same. Ultimately, I decided that I would commute back to my old parish. I leave at about 7:30am and get home at about 4pm. I do this every two weeks - I cannot manage the commitment or fuel cost to do more. The big problem with this is being unable to attend evening services such as those in Great and Holy Week or Great Lent - there is just not the time to finish work and get there. May I ask where your enquirer lives? On my first internet search for an Orthodox Church in the area, I found none. Then a later search brought up two - one of which I then attended and stayed at.

[@AshOzer]

I am going through this exact thing right now. I live in Turkey with my husband for the last 6 years. In the last year I've heard God's call for me to come back to Him, and I've discovered orthodoxy. I was going to a protestant church starting in December of last year, but it never sat right with my spirit no matter who kind the people seemed, they didn't fear God. Plainly, because there is a woman at the head of the church. I stopped attending and started orthodox zoom meetings every other Tuesday. Through Father Andrew Jarmus out of Indiana. Love the meetings but it's no liturgy or nor am I able to train as a catechumen so no sacraments either. I found 3 churches here (orthodox about an hour away) one is not actually in operation anymore. One is impossible to contact via telephone or Google questions. And the Google reviews were very discouraging. Fancy that it's a Greek orthodox church. I didn't know Greeks were like this. Then I prayed to God to open doors if this is his will for me. This is when I found the 3rd church...and in the comments someone said "the doors are always open" it broke my heart with hope. 😊 praise the Lord for showing me the way! I will be going there the first chance I get. Of course it will be in a foreign language but I think, we all speak the same language in our love for our triune God! I pray he blesses all who have this struggle 🙏 your drive for God is most important, don't let anyone get in the way of that! We were all created for Him!

[@johnlarue697]

Considering the differences between Anglo-Catholicism and typical protestantism, what are the main heresies within Anglicanism and particularly high church Anglo-Catholicism? Are they fewer than those of typical protestantism, different, or the same? - A friendly Anglican

[@JUVA-r2h]

What to do if an Orthodox Church commemorates a Patriarc or bishop that has hérétique ideas or participates in the WCC. Shall we attend ? Does it has repercussions for lay people ?

[@ValidityJ]

YES. Thank you so much for calling out both sides and the work we all have to do. And 100% agree, there's nothing practical about being Orthodox 🤣

[@USABeauboy]

The catholoc church everywhere has been very welcoming.

[@LadyMaria]

Not in my experience.

[@Emerald_City_]

Cathoholic :))

[@Paddle-N-Fish]

If you have a driver's license, go go go to a Parish that will welcome you!!! That is what I did, and soon I ended up moving a few blocks from Church because I wanted to be there whenever the doors were open! 😊

[@Jeremytorgersonofficial]

Father, I’m a Protestant who has also been awakened to the Orthodox Church but with a different challenge: overcoming the Protestant dogma regarding the veneration of saints. Have you ever addressed the Protestant objection to the use of icons and statues because it is viewed as idolatry? I’d love to hear how the Church addresses what must be a very common objection from Protestants. Thank you and God bless your ministry.

[@nickpavlou5023]

Hi brother Jeremy, Congratulations on finding Orthodoxy. I also was a Protestant, so I understand your position. Perhaps these videos will help, while you wait for a reply? What Do You Mean, 'Pray to the Saints?' by Frederica Mathewes-Green kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6SzqK2aet57oLMsi=iX1huXxydK0xtN1T How the Mother of God Saves Us by Father Trenham kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYDXe61rga99e7Msi=4Nv3LJfq5tFevVVG Can the Saints Hear Us? By Father Trenham kzbin.info/www/bejne/noC2gnR-iZ5pebssi=WcQyORuii-SNMrt9 Is Veneration of Saints Worship: Serious Answers to Protestant Questions by Seraphim Hamilton kzbin.info/www/bejne/h37ZaIVjfduqgpYsi=SnsrHmTit1ks_gXl Saints in the Orthodox Church by Dr. James Skedros kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXOmhoqdaMR0oZosi=Pzb27dHkKYObFWkw You can also read this: The triumph of Orthodoxy: why we kiss pictures ttps://pravoslavie.ru/69057.html and: Kiss, kiss, kiss orthodoxfieldguide.com/2014/10/18/kiss-kiss-kiss/ Also, Father Trenham has a global catechism on Zoom every month. You can ask him there if you don't get a response here. 😀 patristicnectar.org/globalcatechism FYI, it can take a while for all of this to feel normal since we live in a Western non-Byzantine culture. Enjoy your quest for truth! May God bless you.

[@dave1370]

It's not so much the use of icons, but the mandatory nature of the icons which poses a problem, since there is nothing in Scripture promoting icons. Interestingly, Justin Martyr talks about how the earliest Church needed no images to worship rightly.

[@jeffrachelburkhalter3783]

It's not biblical, isn't that enough?

[@mingus445_gaming]

@@dave1370 i'm not sure what you mean by mandatory, I've never seen a church get angry at someone or kick them out for not venerating an icon.

[@kasiosseijuro8494]

Hello Jeremy. I am not Father Josiah, but a young Orthodox convert from Protestantism. This dogma was deeply ingrained into me when I left Roman Catholicism as an adolescent and spent a decade as a Baptist. I would greatly recommend Seraphim Hamilton’s KZbin channel. He is an Orthodox Christian who is incredibly well rooted and versed in the scriptures. He will be a great resource for you when approaching these topics. I will link below his hour long video seriously addressing the very question you asked about veneration of the saints. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h37ZaIVjfduqgpYsi=aOWw0zkMJS41OpU- Apart from this video, Seraphim has a 5 part series answering Protestant objections to the use of icons in depth. (statues are not used very frequently in the Orthodox Church) May the all-Holy Trinity continue to guide you into the Truth. This is truly where the living water is to be found.. ☦️

[@achrafzakaria6715]

Try the coptic (Egyptian) orthodox church, most of them have the liturgy in English

[@Kinotaurus]

Ask your UK caller where he lives and I could recommend a multi-language church near by. From personal experience Russian Orthodox churches in London and Oxford use both Church Slavonic and English (and a bit of Greek) in its services, all priests are bilingual (well, trilingual if you consider Church Slavonic and Russian separately) and confession can be made in either English or Russian.

[@michaelsurber2923]

Father bless. I recently went to Holy Trinity monastery up in Jordanville, New York with my Parrish. 95% of the liturgy was in Russian (although the seminary there now uses English as it’s language of instruction for the very reasons you mentioned) but I will say that going to a Rocor Parrish here in Tennessee, I was actually able to basically recognize where we were in the liturgy and the other services, not just from reading it in the prayer book but also my home Parrish is 95% English 5% Russian during the liturgy. There are some non English speaking Slavs there so father does this on certain prayers for their benefit. It would be hard at first, but I think if I was in this young man’s situation I might just look for a translation of the liturgy they do, and familiarize myself with it, (if there is one, surely there is) even if I don’t or can’t learn the language. That way he can at least feel a little more engaged maybe. As always, thankful for all of your videos, a great blessing to me and my family. God bless!

[@lordplebius483]

I was baptized into Orthodoxy some 5, maybe more, months ago. Before our parishes only priest left. We've had 2 fill ins from near by parishes come to help. One of which I missed because I had to work or lose pay I needed to support my family. My relationship with my spiritual father has been sparse. So almost all of my learning comes from online sources like Father Josiah. Which I am very thankful for. I truly would say that I believe in the Orthodox worldview. However recently I've realized that in truth I don't want to be loved by God. I don't want to be forgiven or to experience theosis. I don't want to be here anymore. I understand what is coming to me if I go that way and that is no more appealing, but I just feel confused. I want to find a hole somewhere to die in peace, to be forgotten without hurting anyone. I don't know what to do with myself anymore.

[@HomoEucharistica]

The real question is, what causes that confusion (and what it's handling about specifically). If your desire is to not hurt anyone and die in peace, these desires are truly satisfied (as all others) in God alone. You are able to not hurt anyone only when you abide in Christ and are transformed by His mercy to be more like Christ is (by leaving the Way, you are hurting both the followers of the Light and God Himself), and the soul has true peace only when she's back home with God. So here you are again: if you want satisfy your desires, you must grow in the likeness of God and live in unity with God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit... which is called _theosis._ You need the very thing you want to quit.

[@mingus445_gaming]

@@HomoEucharistica Yes I agree as well, I used to believe that I also should not be in Heaven but it was a delusion from the evil one

[@milko540]

I’ll pray for you, dear brother. May God grant you peace.

[@lordplebius483]

@@milko540 thank you, I don't deserve it.

[@vsevolodtokarev]

I perfectly understand you. No, "unfortunately", that's not an option. Despondency (which I myself am very prone to) is a mortal sin, resulting from lack of thanksgiving and unmercifulness (at least in my case.) And it's the most stupid of all sins, on par with envy: provides no momentary pleasure, just temporal and eternal suffering. There is a way to overcome it, with God's help.

[@ChrisSchronce]

I am being pulled into orthodoxy, not by my choice. And I will become orthodox even if I'm the only one doing liturgy, vespers, and any and all services by myself. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Glory to God The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen

[@ldb5666]

I wonder where in the UK they live. I'm an American living in the UK and there are 3 vibrant Orthodox parishes within an hour where I live and it's all in English.

[@christopherlautemann5695]

Longsleeves for Winter? = Tell me you're a Californian without telling me you're a Californian 😂 Thanks for all you do Father and your hospitality when I was at St. Andrew's. Love from Germany

[@theringpsychologist715]

5 volume Francis Schaeffer Collected Works on the shelf behind him

[@nananikinas8864]

Do you guys have any systematic theology texts or some equivalent that clearly outlines what you believe about all things theology?

[@DivineScaleOfGod]

My biggest obstacle is the lack of orthodox churches in my country and the closest is located 150 or so miles away.

[@AbrahamAlexandros]

Really cool shirts

[@account2871]

I am not Orthodox, but even if you are not talking to any priest, or even any man, "Father, can you help me?" is always a good question to ask.