Disowned for Orthodoxy?

[@grimstuff1]

I was disowned by my own brother three days ago after he learned of my baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church. We grew up together as very devout Jehovah's Witnesses. He has devoted his life to serving at Bethel for 27 years, and now is a missionary in Africa. I have always loved him dearly and admired him for living so fathfully, despite us no longer sharing that same faith. I am deeply hurt by his rejection, but its nothing foreign to me having grown up in a cult. I would die a thousand deaths to this world to be with God.

[@johnnyd2383]

Pray for him and his deliverance from the jaws of that cult. 🙏

[@ChristianWario]

I’m ExJW as well, May God bless you and your brother!

[@12Flowers1]

I come from a family of Jehovah Witnesses as well.. to be honest I haven’t told most of them about being Orthodox yet 😕😕😕

[@jack1969monrovia]

I am an ex JW myself 25 years and now exploring orthodoxy

[@dzulez]

I've been disowned because I married into SOC from my families breakaway group TOC. So even within the faith there are fanatics that can leave you excluded. This abandonment from my parents has been the most painful thing in my life and an ongoing struggle to accept and forgive. Although they say they are Orthodox they have no love in their hearts.

[@basilmakedon]

This makes me so sad. When I told my dad over the phone that I was converting to Orthodoxy from protestantism he reacted enthusiastically. Said he was proud I was taking my faith into my own hands and taking Christ seriously. I am so incredibly blessed to have my parents

[@lindaphillips4646]

Wonderful. YES, INDEED! It is easy to hope that they follow you..☦💝📿💝☦

[@basilmakedon]

@@lindaphillips4646 they live about an hour away, they said they'd join me for a Liturgy one day but weren't going to tell me when 😂❤

[@theaviator06]

That’s awesome! Respect to your father.

[@danielgaley9676]

I am experiencing the same problem. I will finally attend my first Divine Liturgy this Sunday. My wife won't go. Please pray for us. Glory to God and thank you Father Josiah!

[@Oilofmercy]

Just pray , don't talk to her about it, she will come. 🙏

[@LadderOfDescent]

I was baptized 6 months ago, and my wife did not come. She’s opposed. I think the best thing to do is what Fr said. Work out your salvation. Let your works do the speaking and witness. ☦️

[@anonosaurus4517]

Wow, I can relate. I nearly converted in 2006. I was newly married and my wife was not on board. I called the priest the night before and told him that I wouldn't be able to go forward with it. Today in 2024 I am going to an Orthodox Church regularly and my wife is still not really on board. She doesn't stop me from going but is not interested either. I'm going to go forward with converting this time, though, and I hope I can be the example Father Josiah talks about so that my wife and children can accompany me into the holy Orthodox faith.

[@Oilofmercy]

@@anonosaurus4517 wow, this is amazing. I will pray for your family 👪

[@CynthiaWithLove]

Women need to go back to allowing their men to lead and stop this curse in the nations.

[@imnotbrian]

My now-husband absolutely refused to come to the Divine Liturgy with me for months on end. It was the source of so many sleepless nights, wondering what the future would hold. My boyfriend then was won over when he spoke to our priest. After that, we were then received us both into the church and we were married last year. My mother in law and brother in law also converted. My mum is on her path, shes joined the catechumen course. My dad refused to learn anything about it until we watched our wedding ceremony. God can do anything, Fr Josiah is right that its your dedication and change in your life that speaks to the truth. God will do the rest.

[@hantorfolezproductions4402]

Glory to God!

[@ICXCNIKA.777]

Pray alot, and pray for him. Ask your priest for advice, follow that advice and let your self be leaded "by" the Church where you pray as 1 and God will see you. Pray before sleep and sleep well. Stay humble, be a shoulder to your husband and lead the household well. God bless! ❤ ☦️✝️

[@MajorMustang1117]

I know I sure have.... I became Orthodox a couple years ago. My Dad wouldn't even come to my daughter's Baptism... And literally ALL of my friends I had in Protestantism are gone. I work every Sunday and cannot make it to Liturgy more than once every few months. But I know I am where I ought to be. I love them all, but they refuse to acknowledge me. That's OK. I am following Christ.

[@adrianotsiganes189]

God Bless you

[@SaltShack]

Remember, we pray for those who are justifiably absent.

[@andys3035]

That breaks my heart. I've experienced a bit of shunning from my family since I became Orthodox as well. There was a period my Calvinist brother in law stopped talking to me. It does hurt.

[@danielgaley9676]

Greater is your reward!

[@lindaphillips4646]

☦💝📿💝☦

[@kyleernst328]

My entire family disowned me, my parents wrote me out of the will, my brothers believe I am a religious fanatic. I wont go into what they think of the Orthodox faith. I can only fall back on the story of Zacchaeus and hope by the grace of God, that by my being Orthodox, my whole household is saved. "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10

[@lindaphillips4646]

​@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessri don't know what you mean

[@lindaphillips4646]

That is beautiful. Yes, indeed. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@vsevolodtokarev]

​@@Volleyball_Chess_and_GeoguessrSomeone must have told about Calvinism - which is not at all what people here are speaking. Perhaps you might research the subject first? Following your logic, it's wrong to abstain from smoking: I am getting the benefits, but millions of smokers will suffer painful slow death.

[@lindaphillips4646]

@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr oh, my. How i wish you would just sit down with an Orthodox priest and hash out a lot of this stuff. Your thinking is SO FAR from what the Orthodox church each, the true and first and unchanged church has always taught. Your thinking is coming from what you have heard in other places.. i so hope you will contact a priest and talk to him. Don't worry...he can handle and take on anything you throw at him. God, bless.

[@jorgep.valdeavero9990]

@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr «tantum religio potuit suadere nalorum!» salid Lucrecious in De rerum natura. Notwithstanding the indisputable truth of these words (in some sense), the goods of religion well-understood are almost infinite and quite precious.

[@dougbell9543]

Many of us are disowned because of our relationship to Christ. ✔️

[@mattf.johnston2939]

I needed to hear this. I am 3 years into Orthodoxy and my family still refuses to speak with me unless it is for the purpose of hurting me, offending me, and insulting me.

[@lindaphillips4646]

I am marveling as i read these, about how much trouble so many of you have had. I DID NOT have it easy, but these stories amaze me. May the Lord strengthen all of you and comfort you. You have made the right choice, and you know it..☦💝📿💝☦

[@maxmarzipan8977]

My prayers are with you, brother 🙏 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

[@danielgaley9676]

Greater is your reward!

[@lindaphillips4646]

​@@danielgaley9676a very good answer indeed. I just saw a short video by Holy Resurrection, about how abandoned by God, Saint Symeon the New Theologian had felt...and he didn't know why. I believe that he came to understand that the Lord does indeed pull back at times, to see how we will react [or maybe to let US see how we will react]. To let us see how much we love and desire him and learn that we truly need Him. And that we need not despair. I thought of it when i was prompted to see your comment and to reread his. He is getting a chance to see how he loves the Lord and His Holy Orthodox Church in the face of tribulation. [Not that i think the Lord has pulled away from Him. In this case it is probably just the opposite. I hope he feels HIS closeness..] ☦☦

[@evezolotareva4808]

That's so sad😢

[@Yarn_Chicken_ETM]

Thank you, Father. I left Mormonism, and it caused all kinds of issues with my family such that I eventually had to go low, low contact with them. I got tired of my mother trying to interfere with my marriage. She thought it was all the fault of my very patient Orthodox husband. It wasn’t, but he was the support I needed to finally leave. It took some time before I converted which was another scandal for my family. The journey can be very lonely sometimes. Even 13 years later, I’m still sad on holidays because I still miss my family of origin. I am just glad my children are far removed from Mormonism and have Holy Orthodoxy. All I can do is pray for my family.

[@lindaphillips4646]

☦💝📿💝☦

[@lizvu3266]

God grant you all many years!!!

[@mattf.johnston2939]

@Yarn_Chicken_and_Sh1t I do not have kids yet, but I met my (now) wife about 8 months after converting. My family was already not happy with my conversion, but they reviled my fiancee/wife because I think they saw her has a cause or at least a cementing force for my conversion, and much of my important family members refused to come to our wedding. We are essentially low- to no-contact, and holidays are extremely lonely. You are not alone!

[@andys3035]

When I first started my journey to Holy Orthodoxy, my family wasn't having it. I was told I was embracing heresy, from a Calvinist of all people. I invited my sister to my baptism because I thought she was neutral only for her to talk negatively about chanting and preset prayers. Another family member said I was part of false religion but couldn't distinguish us from Orthodox Jews and Roman Catholics 😅 If only they could experience the beauty of Orthodox worship, it truly is life changing.

[@TheOrthodoxPunjabi]

can't be distinguished from jews? Sounds like you're in the early church buddy 👍🏽 God bless

[@andys3035]

@@TheOrthodoxPunjabi I know right. As Paul says, we are the Israel of God. ☦️

[@lindaphillips4646]

Yes, as Dostoyevsky wrote: beauty will save the world. YES, the services are beautiful. They help us in many ways, don't they? I grew up in the bible belt, but not calvinist..It took a lot of courage to begin that journey when i was at my parents' home for a few months to help them. I started going to the Greek church there. Caused some consternation but i loved it. Went home happy every Sunday, before i came back to the west coast. I had an advantage though: i had seen the Russian church (OCA) here a few times...and i had made several trips to Russia. Before and after the ussr fell. So i had THAT STUNNING BEAUTY in my mind and memory.. GOD, BLESS. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@benyoung4854]

I'm an Orthodox inquirer, I'm going through something very similar. I know for myself living in the bible belt that my protestant faith never really went challenged. It's normal, acceptable, what you're "supposed" to be. But now that I've been inquiring there have been endless attempts from my family and former protestant church family to get me to come back. Even name calling, mocking etc. But not a single good reason to go back to protestantism. I am choosing to view this as an opportunity to be challenged on my faith. It would be so much easier for me to stay protestant. But If God is calling me to Orthodoxy I can't ignore it. God bless

[@TorchLighter]

Keep it strong brother. I passed for something similar, when I begin to read the Bible a little more in deep (the Greek interlinear) and learned the Church's history. It was amusing to me that Protestant fellows who have decades in the church never asked themselves basic questions like... "Why do we follow the teachings from guys in the 1500 but not the church fathers in the first centuries? The answer was something similar to "If it works now, why the TRUE is so important?" that was the sign for me to go (even if I lose all my friends following God). When the doctrine/creed of your faith doesn't have a strong foundation, you're literally building in the sand. Now attending regularly to an Eastern Orthodox Church looking for my full conversion ☦️

[@mattf.johnston2939]

@benyoung4854 Good on you for recognizing this dynamic. It's very sad that so many people are going through this and it's causing a lot of family conflict and breakdown. I recall Christ's words though when he says, "I came not to bring peace, but a sword", and that "he who leaves father, mother, wife, husband, children... for my sake, will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven". It's very hard and very lonely, and very discouraging. I grew up in many places, and obviously in the internet age. I feel like the Boomers have been surviving on the last fumes of Christianity that they could just take for granted. But when we are confronted with so many challenges, we are forced to dig deeper into things because our faith has been constantly attacked. I don't blame people like my grandmother for not having found Orthodoxy... she did not have the internet and there were no churches by her. But I wish she did not go on the attack, neglect me, refuse to go to my wedding, gossip about me, etc. simply because I was able to find Orthodoxy. It's very hurtful and sad.

[@Chris_theHoosier]

Thank you for this testimony. I also live in the Bible belt and was raised a Baptist. I feel drawn to Orthodoxy in a way that I can't articulate, but I am certain my family will be very displeased when I move out and convert to Holy Orthodoxy.

[@pero33403]

I am the only Orthodox in my family and they (mostly Catholic and some atheists) distanced themselves from me for the last 2 years. My Catholic friends are not friends any more. Not fun at all, but I am doing it for Christ. God bless

[@lindaphillips4646]

AMEN. AMEN.AMEN. GOD, BLESS. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@pvdp2]

Western christianity is doomed because it is heterodox. The diabolical fiducia supplicans is a precursor that leads to the official approval of same-sex marriage. Next, the vatican will issue a declaration that allows women as deacons. Further, Anglicans and lutherans will be reunited with roman-catholics once the vatican approves same-sex marriages and ordination of women.

[@RuzaMarkovic901]

Exactly the same is happening to me,but I am patient praying for them and hopefully one day they will understand my love for Christ .

[@pero33403]

@@RuzaMarkovic901 God bless you

[@angeleyes7401]

Cradle orthodox. My whole life my father threatened to take me out of the will if I left orthodoxy. note: we’re not even wealthy. Embraced & yearned for Orthodoxy in adulthood. Siblings and friends openly ridicule and taunt. Spouse doesn’t attend services but will attend major services with children, also doesn’t prevent me from attending or worshipping God. It’s a struggle. In adulthood found out my parents baptized me in a Monophysite church! Got baptized properly in the True Orthodox Trinity so many years later. Greatest miracle in my life. The truth always comes out!! sooner or later! Lord JesusChrist have Mercy on us

[@jacobbaradaeus6250]

How exactly are you ‘cradle orthodox’ if you were baptized in a ‘Monophysite’ church? There have been no ‘Monophysites’ since Eutyches, Sergius, and Julius of Halicarnassus et al were anathematized 1500 years ago.

[@angeleyes7401]

@@jacobbaradaeus6250Cradle Orthodox with parents who were Eastern Orthodox, obviously ignorant of their own faith as I was baptized in an Oriental Orthodox Church- it was obviously a mistake. Long Story. You are correct, not monophysite but miaphysite is the correct term. In either case, they are both heresy.

[@rwbrouwer]

I converted from the Dutch Reformed Church to Holy Orthodoxy in 2016. I come from a big loving devout family, but my decision was met with sadness, my brother wrote me a letter to warn me I was going into heresy. My sister was very emotional about it and also warned me. I had many conversations with my parents, my father respected my decision even though he didn’t agree, my mother found it very difficult to be supportive. Now, almost 8 years further, my mother reads Orthodox books and is interested to learn more. If they ever become Orthodox.., only God knows Looking back I wish I’d been a bit more empathetic with them in my enthusiasm..

[@SamStGeorge]

Dear fr. Josiah, few years back we had thd same scene of the martyrs of Libya. The 22 Egyptian Christians (mainly Egyptians) ghat were killed by ISIS for they did not accept to renounce Lord Jesus.

[@lindaphillips4646]

I remember that. On the beach. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@SamStGeorge]

Yes on the beach and they were dressed in orange. They wrestled given thd choice to denounce Lord Jesus BUT they refused. So they were killed one after the other. This brings to memory 400 hundred million victims of Islam from among mainly people of the book Jews and Christians and at least 80 million Hindu that were killed without the choice option to pay, convert of get killed. Just convert or get killed For those who are not aware of these choices that were given to the people of the book i.e., pay, convert or fight. The payment was as bribe money to their allah else convert or get killed Getting killed dud not stop there, it trailed enslaving the women and children for sale as ISIS did. But what ISIS did was merely a small portion of the atrocities delivered by the muslims throughout 12.5 centuries thd real age of islam

[@Ricky-es9vg]

I was recently baptized into the Orthodox church, and my Protestant family was actually quite supportive. While they had their differences, I think they saw my commitment to Christ and it made them struggle to not accept my journey. I pray for all those who may be in these difficult situations; thank you for your words Fr Josiah.

[@darrenpenley9601]

Even though I don’t think I could ever become an Eastern Orthodox Christian the very fact that you have a Lord of the Rings ringtone is enough for an instant follow and subscription. Shine on Father. 😂.

[@lindaphillips4646]

GOOD! KEEP watching. He and others might gently lead you to change your mind. Honestly, it is a wonderful church. Like nothing else in the world. You will learn not to be hesitant or wary. It draws you in its loving arms. And it starts with a ring tone here, i guess! ☦💝📿💝☦

[@gregcoogan8270]

why not?

[@user-xe4rt3dd6t]

​@@lindaphillips4646it is the True Faith

[@lindaphillips4646]

​@@user-xe4rt3dd6tyes, the long search is over for me. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@DustyBooks2020]

The sins of the person converting!!! I felt that. Last week I started to get into an online battle with a Protestant pastor that I knew 30 years ago in high school. I remember when he became a Christian, he would show up to parties and offer people a ride home. As far as I know he went into the ministry right out of high school and now has his own church. I wanted to argue with him, but then something whispered to my heart that this man has been serving God since he got saved at 17….and that I was a wayward Prodigal Son showing up very late to the party. An online battle would not be the most loving form.

[@yevod42]

read Epistle to Titus chapter 1

[@lindaphillips4646]

☦💝📿💝☦

[@lindaphillips4646]

WISE choice. Arguments don't work.. and it is best esp in the early stages of learning about the faith, to limit conversations... even though i didn't do a good job of that. ALL THE BEST! I ☦💝📿💝☦

[@FloresOrtodoxas]

Smart.

[@travis5134]

I am attending for the first time this Sunday after much research and prayers.

[@DChristina]

God bless you!!☦️❤️🙏🏼

[@Paisiossss]

Christ be with you❤️☦️

[@russellcrowder4493]

As my wife children are converting to orthodoxy by my example and decision thanks be to God I have other family looking into and very curious about orthodox Christianity. However as a former Protestant pastor I have friends who are Protestant pastors who wish to divert me from my path into the church and faith but I seek the blessed bridegroom. As Robert Frost put it.. “ for I have chosen the one less traveled by and for me it has made all the difference”.

[@80sheavymetalguitar45]

Jesus Christ is the reason. Brothers and sisters in Christ don’t all follow the same church, that’s evident from hundreds/thousands of years of denominations - people all don’t like the same foods,etc. We who proclaim Christ will all be known by our fruits✝️🙏

[@shobudski6776]

@@80sheavymetalguitar45Not necessarily.

[@lindaphillips4646]

You chose the right path, the Royal Path. WONDERFUL!, isn't it? ☦💝📿💝☦

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Not family, but many now-former friends. At the time (25 years ago) it hurt, but now I pray for them.

[@manwe254]

I am a part of a non-denominational church and family and for the past two months I have explored Orthodoxy. I haven't told anyone close to me except for my one brother. He opposed my sympathies strongly which I didn't expect. But I am grateful for this lesson. I am most confident that I will receive the utmost opposition to my journey of following Christ from friends and family to which I will rejoice.

[@FloresOrtodoxas]

My heart goes out for those struggling with this. And to those already stable and in the Church, be kind to people coming in. I have seen such coldness twords newcomers and those inquiring. The forums and fb groups are FULL of people saying they come in and are ignnored and feel very left out. Those recently illumined sometimes do not have their families support or respect. It won't kill us to be nicer to folks offer a coffee, introduce yourself...

[@kansashoneybadger7899]

Took a trip to Bulgaria and visited an ancient church in its capitol, Sofia. The small church had had continuous church services from the 4th century forward, interrupted only by persecutions of the Muslims and the Communists. Although I did not speak Bulgarian I attended a Vespers service in Bulgarian and I found I could follow most of the service. I reported this to a friend of mine who considered herself a Protestant missionary; blood drained from her face when I demonstrated the theological continuity of Orthodoxy. It is probably this temporal and geographical continuity that is most persuasive to me.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Amen. Amen..Amen. Bless you. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@kansashoneybadger7899]

@@lindaphillips4646 Don't tell anyone about how beautiful Bulgaria is unless they are Orthodox. It was wonderful to visit a fully Orthodox country. In response to the probably snide comment that is coming. No not everyone in Bulgaria is a devout Orthodox Christian, they have their fair share of non-believers and followers of other faiths. But Orthodoxy is woven into the very identity of Bulgarians in a very deep and profound way. If you read their history, they suffered mightily for their Faith over centuries but held true under terrible persecutions that very few people (including Christians) know about in the West.

[@MrJch24]

This video filled me with hope and made me smile, that's the best way to go to sleep after a long lonely day. Thank you Father Josiah.

[@lindaphillips4646]

BUT REMEMBER THAT THE TIME CHANGES TONIGHT! ☦💝📿💝☦

[@ValidityJ]

Fr. Josiah, THANK YOU so much for speaking on this. I am the only convert in my family, my adult daughter refuses to allow me to even speak of Orthodoxy - but alas, I know I deserve that treatment. My over zealousness for what God lead me to has gotten me in trouble. I am lonely in my family and desire nothing more than for them to come to the True Faith. I pray that very eloquent young man will follow through with what the Holy Spirit is leading him to do & may he be an attractive light to his concerned family. May God soften their hearts & minds to one day also receive this precious pearl, Orthodox Faith ❤. May God help my family & me too.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Yes, indeed. And it sounds like you might have been a bit too talkative and zealous at first.. i understand. I made that mistake but i don't think i offended anyone. LOVE. GOD, BLESS ☦💝📿💝☦

[@yankaufmann9715]

Thank you for your words. It's encouraging. Reading the comments and the testimony in the comments gave me the envy to give mine. I was raised protestant, In Switzerland. My parents choosed to let me the choice to be baptized or not. When the time came, when I was around 15 years old, I told to the pastor: "I find the idea of God Good, but for me God is an idea. I was baptized with this state of mind. Then during 5 years I did not pray. I started praying at the age of 20, meeting some people speaking to me about Jesus Christ ( a Roman catholic and 2 mormons). I was in a difficult situation with my girlfriend and the week after I prayed God to know what to do with my girlfriend we broke up. It was difficult but a relief. And since then I prayed more and more. I went at around 21 years old to an oecumenist community where I stayed 2 month. Then I became roman catholic. I was interested and convinced by the 7 sacraments. I stayed roman catholic maybe 3 years and around 28-29 years old I left roman catholicism. I just heard God telling me to leave. I considered myself only christian during one year. I did sin. Once I heard a music from orthodoxe monk of Bulgaria on KZbin. I felt that my soul was in sin. Like a mirror. Later someone told me "if you like orthodox music, go to an orthodox church ". I found this a good idea. During the liturgy I heard God telling me :" I want you in this Church ". I was baptized and chrismated on January 14 2024. I was thirsty for the truth since I was 20 years old. And now I know I found the truth. In Christ and in his church. I am very thankful to God who give me peace. Please pray for me I need humility. Thanks

[@lindaphillips4646]

LOVELY STORY. THANK YOU FOR TELLING US..God moves in such mysterious and wonderful ways. ☦💝📿💝☦

[@nicolashill8837]

Similar thing has happend to me but my parent's have become a bit more open to Orthdoxy and for a while they thought it was a phase(me being 17 and all) but Orthdoxy is here to stay there is nothing like it and it is unique in the fact that it is the only true religion, what a beautiful thing it is

[@lindaphillips4646]

On my way into the Orthodox Church, someone at the church i had been attending and loved, said that if anyone went to a number of services at an Orthodox church, they could easily be 'ruined' 😏 for anything else!! Indeed, indeed, that is true! ☦💝📿💝☦

[@LTzEz03z]

I have just started watching but wanted to share. I found Orthoxy through a friend who was close to me that was Orthodox at a time when I was staring at spiritual death after drug abuse as a teen. My mom, for some time thought I was in a cult. Especially when my priest and presbytera thought I needed more care than I was provided. My mom was not a bad mom, but a single mother working often just to keep a roof over our head. My mother probably felt attacked and I went 100% in on Orthodoxy. Almost ascetic in a way, militant, very very focused in The Way. Daily Vespers, Striving for continual Jesus Prayer, giving things to people who just asked. And this seemed radical to her. My priest mentioned that Christ came not to bring peace, but a sword…Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. My mother had good reason to be fearful. And for a time she made me visit other churches. But even though I was fortunate to find the True Faith, I was also a naive teenager. Again, my mother had good reason to be fearful and cautious, as her only son, there lurks many dangers in this world for the young. And when one is the only child, that one is everything to a parent. She came to the Faith eventually, but only for a short while. Lord have mercy.

[@daphnepearce9411]

My husband, who is barely catholic, doesn't have an issue with me attending liturgy. But I was raised RC and my 2 older sisters remain staunchly RC. At first, they thought my interest in orthodoxy was cute and amusing. Now that I'm a catechumen, they're concerned that I'm "leaving the church!!". I think the important thing to remember is that I'm never leaving Christ. As far as leaving the church, well, as I see it, I'm going back an extra 1000 plus years to the very beginning. To the True Church, one holy catholic and apostolic church, founded by our Lord Jesus Christ. I can't imagine why that would be so difficult to accept.

[@lindaphillips4646]

AMEN..40x!!! ☦💝📿💝☦

[@Hope_Boat]

Interestingly enough the Roman Church hierarchy calls the Orthodox "the other lung" and accepts communion. One point you may expose to your relatives is the clarification John-Paul II asked concerning the filioque in 1995. It's hard to find because of it's devastating nature for the Roman Church but it's still on one of the Vatican's website. Here it is : "The Catholic Church acknowledges the conciliar, ecumenical, normative and irrevocable value, as expression of the one common faith of the Church and of all Christians, of the Symbol professed in Greek at Constantinople in 381 by the Second Ecumenical Council. No profession of faith peculiar to a particular liturgical tradition can contradict this expression of the faith taught and professed by the undivided Church." For those who don't know the references, Symbol professed in Greek at Constantinople in 381 is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan creed (without the filioque). This makes the Roman Creed (with the filioque) a mere "profession of faith peculiar to a particular liturgical tradition" and not the universal creed. Which in turn means that Rome professed a non universal creed from 1014 to 1995 while we Orthodox professed the true conciliar, ecumenical, normative and irrevocable expression of the one common faith of the Church and of all Christians. Which means John-Paul II acknowledged that the orthodox Church is the one holy catholic and apostolic Church while Rome was erring.

[@LadyMaria]

​@@Hope_BoatThey're still not professing the Creed.

[@harley6659]

This is the exact same thing that happened to me. I left my Protestant church and every friend I had made and my pastors cut me off. I gave in and returned because the pain was too great.

[@daniellewis5533]

May God give you the strength to, like the soldier in the story Father told who began to lose heart, come back and finish the race with fidelity to Christ.

[@mattf.johnston2939]

Do not be that one soul who gave up among the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste. Thank you for your honesty. But it's not worth your soul. I know the pain is excruciating

[@chuckliquor3663]

I was raised an atheist, and most of my friends have been secular or neo-pagan. I don't think it's entirely accidental that most all of my friends parted ways with me as I have drawn near to the orthodox church.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Amen. True.. but you are on your way to having friends much closer to you than you ever have had in your life. Just wait and watch what the Lord does for your life..☦💝📿💝☦

[@angeleyes7401]

The moral of the story is that we will be met with opposition from all who are not living the Truth Faith, heterodox and even some so- called Orthodox (many in my family), who are simply orthodox in name only. Keep living the true faith, pray and follow Gods commandments, our example will shine through, speak volumes, and touch many hearts without even saying a word. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us.

[@ironblitz6054]

My family was ecstatic that I was church going again. They also talk up the church to others (despite being Protestants themselves) because of the fruits it’s born in my life. I realize now that I’m truly blessed to have such a family. Especially since I’ve watched my relationship with my good, Baptist girlfriend fall apart due to her and her family’s hesitance.

[@seeker2219]

This is one of my favorite hangouts, listening to these videos is like being bathed in glory and awsomeness. I feel very satisfied after every video, praise be to God for feeding me.

[@eliasandrinopoulos8746]

Incredible teaching and an important, timely reminder, Father! ☦️🙏🏻😊

[@lyralong]

No corrective baptism for the soldier… his blood was God’s economia!

[@DanicusRex-m1m]

Thankfully my family has been supportive, if not at least bewildered. We all came from a pentecostal upbringing. The only one in my family who I haven't told yet is my great grandmother. In fact, I'm going to ask my spiritual father if I should even mention it. I'm not ashamed in the least, but I worry about troubling her 95 year old heart in case she's not as receptive as my parents were. She's kind of the reason our family became Christian in the first place. She became pentecostal in the late 70s, then converted my grandmother and my mother who, of course, raised us pentecostal.

[@SaltShack]

If you hold true to the faith and acknowledge the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church your example could never do harm. Speak with your Spiritual Father and seek guidance but secrets at some point may become something harmful. God forgive me a sinner.

[@Poorcheeseboy]

In the same boat with my protestant great grandmother who's around 93. She's the reason why I even began looking for a church, with that search leading me to Orthodoxy. There's a lot hurdles for her to even try to understand Eastern Orthodoxy (her living in a country with a low Orthodox population, language barrier, etc.) but I pray for her everyday. if you do go forward on telling her, I truly hope your great grandmother takes it well. Stay strong. God bless.

[@hantorfolezproductions4402]

We should act as witnesses and examples of living the true faith, so to hide it from her, in my mind, is to do a disservice to her. I understand the apprehension you have, but perhaps she'll follow you into Orthodoxy if given the chance As other's have said, ask your priest

[@lindaphillips4646]

Remember when Jesus told his disciples that they should not worry about what they were to say, because the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say? By all means, ask your priest.. He may give you a blessing. Maybe not. But, if you do find, with his blessing, a time to speak to your grandmother, let the Lord lead your words....or set a guard over your mouth, if necessary..

[@SaltShack]

Once again very beautifully and lovingly spoken. Father Bless.

[@has25252]

I certainly needed to hear this. Thank you Fr Josiah!

[@michelleglennon3484]

You are truly brilliant! Haha yes, Christ first. Congratulations!!!!!!! 🎉 Jesus before all else

[@Itasca1]

Thank you, Fr. Josiah, for this Wonderful Reflection!

[@PacificPeak-y3q]

I was separated from my family but now reconciled. My sister just got baptized into the Orthodox church and our muslim parents were in attendance of her baptism. There is always hope in the Holy Spirit. We now both pray for the rest of the family and our other sister to follow.

[@deitchj003]

I first recognised Jesus as the Lord 5 months ago after coming from Judaism ( however mostly cultural and secular family background ). My young brother of 12 years old has come to me asking about Christ and calling Christ his Lord. My mother has heard about this and said that he is radicalised and has called us deluded. Brothers and Sisters please pray for my brother, mother and any other people going through this similar situation. God bless you all ☦️.

[@jacobzcheng3802]

The LOTR ringtone earned a like from me

[@angierodriguez4729]

Same here 😂that was a pleasant surprise

[@Dr.Paisios]

Lord have mercy! God help us! Push forward in Christ and His Church, the Church He established on earth! Not a religion! Let the dead bury the dead! Let ears hear, let eyes see. Be patient brother, be still, be calm, be soft… By this stance all men will see your way and seek the Church! This is a struggle brother! Struggle with patience and humility! I am well aware of this struggle from a RCC/protestant background. God help you! and your family and friends. In Christ Dr. Paisios

[@TheMOV13]

I didn't experience any significant opposition from family and friends when I was approaching the church, however, I was surprised about which reactions came from which kind of Christian friends.... the very devout conservative evangelical Christian friends showed a great deal of respect and understanding as far as they were able, it was the more "free and easy" Christians I knew who were more scathing and sceptical.

[@stbenedict3961]

Amen brother love to you my father

[@HJKelley47]

My father disowned me for becoming a Christian about 30 yrs ago. He called all believers in the Lord Jesus "losers" and he would have nothing to do with losers. Though a painful experience, I was not going to renounce Christ Jesus. That was our last conversation, for he refused to speak with me until the day he died.

[@WeakestAvenger]

I am a Protestant who has been looking seriously into Orthodoxy for a little over a year. My wife and I grew up in the Restoration Movement (Christian Churches and Churches of Christ), and we are currently training to work with a Bible translation organization with the same background. We are members of a "non-denominational" church. My wife is not on the same page as I am. I mean, there are a few things that she shares with me with regard to some discontent with our current tradition and wanting to embrace more historical elements of the faith. But overall she is very content where we are and the path we are on. I don't know if she will ever go to a Divine Liturgy with me (I have only been once, plus once to Great Vespers). Part of the struggle is that becoming Orthodox would mean leaving our Bible translation organization, abandoning our plans to work on sign language translations for the Deaf. This is something that we both were confident God has called us to, but now I'm not sure. If I talk to my wife about Orthodoxy, some things she agrees with but other things she will argue with me about. And I'm still trying to figure it all out myself. My brother is also a pastor of a Protestant church. I expect that I would get some pushback from my family if I become Orthodox, though I don't think anyone would disown me. May God guide me to the truth. I am willing to make the change, but I dare not make any rash decisions. I need God to guide me.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Amen. I grew up in the Church of Christ, also, in the South. Took a LONG journey and time to find the True Faith. But we did. You will just take it step by step as we do everything else, anyway. You MAY have to give up your plans and goals, but the Lord may use your talents in ways you cannot expect yet. I would like to know what happens, if you want to tell me. ☦💝📿💝☦ GOD, BLESS.

[@johnstdm1]

Be patient, and start living the prayer life as you can. Fast in the manner of the Church. With time, everything will become clear. It won't be figuring things out. It will simply be obedience.

[@jonathantilas8507]

My wife is partially deaf and very passionate about translating the Divine Liturgy into ASL. There is an organization within Orthodoxy attempting to do this

[@WeakestAvenger]

@@jonathantilas8507 That's wonderful. I hope to see it achieved.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Hi, I was prompted to see this again because of Jonathan's comment. Good news, indeed. But i also realized that i may well know the name of the organization you hope to work with...from my years in the church you grew up in.. I do hope you can get to more services.. The services during Great Lent have a special beauty. The Sunday services are within Lent but not of it, yet they have a different flavor.. This Sunday's service is called the Triumph of Orthodoxy. It celebrates the reinstatement of icons into the churches after the 7th Ecumenical Council. A lot to contemplate, i know, from a different background.. but lovely.. It is a Divine Liturgy, with the same general structure, but the hymns of the day are about this feast. A very good intro into why the church does what it does.. The services called Pre-sanctified Liturgies (not a prtnst concept 💝😏💝) on 2 days during the week are especially sweet and beautiful and gently penitential. I was told early on that they were Dostoevsky's favorites. Perhaps you would like to see some...but, of course, they are also online from many churches. ☦💝☦

[@Myspiritstrong]

In this reflection, Father Trenham addresses the challenges and complexities of navigating familial opposition while embracing the Orthodox faith. He emphasizes the importance of approaching conversion with patience, gentleness, and prayerfulness, especially when dealing with loved ones who may not understand or agree with the decision. Father Trenham also highlights the need for converts to live out their faith authentically, allowing their transformed lives to serve as a testament to the truth of Orthodoxy. Drawing inspiration from the example of the 40 Holy Martyrs, who remained steadfast in their faith despite facing persecution and disownment, Father Trenham encourages converts to prioritize their loyalty to Christ above all earthly attachments. He urges them to embrace the martyr's mindset, willingly sacrificing worldly comforts for the sake of their faith. Overall, Father Trenham's reflection offers guidance and encouragement to those facing familial opposition during their journey to embrace the Orthodox faith, reminding them to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ and trust in God's plan for their lives.

[@greenwilderness6189]

We continue to pray for the unity of the faith and the return of those lost to destroying heresies.

[@SolidSnake0]

Yeah my family hasn't been very welcoming to me since I started inquiring. I find myself more and more pushed out and unwelcomed. It hasn't detoured me though. I can tell that the Orthodox Church is truly God's Church and the leadership there serves God.

[@microcolonel]

The beatitudes seem like a trove for converts who suffer socially. I am very lucky to have family that are encouraged by, intrigued with, or indifferent to my new faith.

[@covenant157]

Bro the way you ended that video 😂❤ congratulations, thay made my day thank you!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mariavlahochristos7756]

Glory to God

[@joebollig2689]

It is so sad that this happens! May God grant them many consolations.

[@brandorev]

Great talk, and nice ring tone.😀

[@sebastianbolt7886]

I'm amazed that this goes on or people even think like this, AMAZING! I love the orthodox Church even though I'm Latin Catholic.

[@pvdp2]

My family is roman-catholic. My mother and sister are roman supremacists. I am not afraid to be disowned. I am leaving roman-catholic for Orthodox Christianity.

[@jjpnw7904]

Thank you! ☦️❤️

[@hannahbaker3080]

I pray my dad, grandpa and sisters come to my baptism and chrismation.

[@eggsackley9435]

Expect people to say you’re “too much” or ready to mock you for taking Christ, His church, and His words, seriously. You’ll lose some along the way, but where you’re going more than makes up for it. ☦️

[@lindaphillips4646]

Oh, that makes me so very, very happy.. Glory to God!

[@kathyw7303]

Wonderful sermon Father Joseph!!

[@jodex611]

This is excellent advice. Many of my loved ones are not Orthodox or even religious as all. I just pray that by the grace of God I will shine a bright light and guide them. Meanwhile I try my best to treat them with pure love and respect. Aggressive preaching is not the way. On a side note, I was in awe to notice that you have my favourite song as your ringtone! There's a certain mystical atmosphere to that song.

[@crawf668]

my wife converted from Islam, her family is not happy about it but, they are accepting of it and understand. She still has to pretend or appear as though she is Muslim while she is still living within their village in Indonesia (still working on getting her and her daughter here to the US). She has to do this so that her family does not get backlash from others living there.

[@lindaphillips4646]

GLORY TO GOD.. AND, LORD, HAVE MERCY.. HOW LOVELY..☦💝📿💝☦ Please greet her for me.

[@ForeverinChristourLord]

I KNOW Lord of the Rings when I hear it!🤳 This was a good one. Thank you, father.❤

[@SamStGeorge]

I am sorry that I cannot convert to Christianity and sorry I cannot convert to Orthodoxy and I am sorry I cant start calling myself as Nazarene BC Lord Jesus is z Nazarene. I was born Christian I was born Orthodox and I was born in Nazareth of Galilee. Thank you Lord ( for depriving me exoeriencing these changes)

[@lindaphillips4646]

Sweet. Sweet.☦💝📿💝☦

[@ruralsquirrel5158]

If I remember correctly, St. Paul was also disowned by his father and I believe many of the Apostles, as well.

[@NaturesEyesAndMouth]

I'd like to add, I myself was never religious and never really went to church. My family and the culture I was surrounded with was spiritually dead if not borderline atheists. No body knew or cared. I can feel I will lose many people in my life while I pursue orthodoxy. I feel inclined to mention my faith to others regardless the conversation I can find some way to mention it. But I notice the responses and alot are to tired to have the desire to learn about Jesus. Let alone orthodoxy. I fall on deaf ears almost every time. But I still make it through to people alot of which I don't know. It was crazy I can connect greater with a stranger then with someone I've known my whole life.

[@thekatarnalchemist]

It feels deeply appropriate that Father Josiah's ringtone is the Fellowship of the Ring fanfare. =D

[@matsanw]

I wish there was a church like yours close to where i live. Unfortunately all i found were Orthodox greeks that are not receptive of foreigners or limp-wristed/liberation theology catholics.

[@lindaworden7239]

I joined the Orthodox Church and go to a Greek Orthodox Church. Talk to the priest and he will help you. You should have a God Father who could help you.

[@soldadillo]

If you’re single or if your spouse is of the same mind as you, please rejoice greatly, and learn Greek and plead and press your way in……no, seriously ….that is what I would do in half a heartbeat, and is much more desirable than, as I do, having a wife who is against Orthodoxy heart and soul….

[@Football0Lover]

@@soldadillo learning greek should never be a prerequisite to joining the Church. These greeks need to stop the phyletism

[@soldadillo]

@@Football0Loveryou’re absolutely right on both counts, but as they say, “it is what it is”, and if no one makes a move towards unity then we’ll stay in a stalemate forever, purely based on the pride and the “should/shouldn’t” posturing of both parties…..the essence of Orthodoxy is dying to self in order to transform reality….loving one’s neighbor starts with oneself

[@jlogan2228]

I kind of have guven up hope that i will be ever be married now that ive converted to orthodoxy because where i live baptist and catholic are the major denominations and good luck trying to tell a modern american woman that if she wants to date you shell have to convert. But better to save my soul than have a relationship

[@mattf.johnston2939]

Pray to God for a wife, that is what I did. Take the initiative. Find someone online, dating site, Orthodox conferences, there's even an annual singles conference, young professionals. You can talk to some of the women or priest at your parish to see if they know of anyone. You can go overseas and find a girl. There are lots of options, but you have to take the initiative. If you don't have the money to do anything I mentioned, then that is your first step. If you can't provide for a wife/family, you don't deserve one. Improve yourself, make some money, take the initiative, and get out there. Most importantly, Pray. Tell God your deep desire for a wife.

[@TranslatedAssumption]

I came to Orthodoxy recently from (uniate) Catholicism and it seems that since I made this decision almost everyone I had known in Catholicism wants nothing to do with me anymore. I'm totally fine with that but it makes me wonder how much they wanted to associate with me strictly because of my former allegiance to Catholicism? My family has not expressed any issue with Orthodoxy which is a great blessing.

[@Massimo2.0-zj1qy]

I believe my conversion won't be that hard. My dad is a catholic and my mum is one too, but she actually has more protestant views on things because her parents are protestants. I talked with them and it seems like the only issue is with my father. Before officially converting, I am going to buy some books on the orthodox church (because the internet will never be a proof of my faith) so that I might show them to my mum, who will probably find them interesting.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Yes, good idea. And there are wonderful sites to watch , as you know. . (If they don't wade too much through 'weeds' that show up in comments to discourage others..☦💝📿💝☦

[@mrsnkg7904]

"Two Paths" by Michael Whelton. Excellent book written using only Catholic theologians & sources. Shows how far the modern RC Church has moved from its Orthodox roots. God bless your journey. ICXC NIKA. 💖🙏

[@rachelparradelong]

I needed to hear this! (Also, Can we also appreciate the Lord of the Rings ringtone 🙏)

[@nateman9]

yeah a little disowned, but i wasn't surprised

[@JohnDoukasPhotography]

This is a good discussion to have. I often find opposition from many Christians from different backgrounds. I grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church, but as a kid it didn't really mean much to me. In my early twenties someone gifted me a Bible and not knowing anything, I just began to read from the beginning. Long story short, God began to reveal Himself to me and revealed Jesus to me. A friend later invited me to her church, which could be categorized as protestant/evangelical. My family was greatly concerned about this, as though I was turning my back and disgracing my family heritage. Before, I was going out and getting drunk, getting into trouble, etc. No one said anything. But I went to a non-orthodox church and the alarm bells went off. Over many years my family stopped calling me a heretic because they saw the fruit of Jesus in my life. I was/am by no means perfect, but there was a big shift that was obvious. The church I attended placed heavy emphasis on learning to love our neighbor, through outreaches in the community and praying for one another through all seasons of life. Whenever I would encounter Orthodox Christians, I would tell of my church and quickly I and the church would be dismissed as untrue Christians. It had a stench of arrogance to me. In my own studies, I've always loved studying theology from ancient times and modern scholars. These studies would often expose some conflicts in doctrine that I struggled to reconcile. My studies, and I believe by God, I've been lead to see Christ in many denominations of the church. There may not always be agreement on every theological issue, but the love of God is apparent in many. In recent years I've began to revisit Orthodox churches and teachings, finding great wealth and beauty in prayer and the liturgies. When I mention I'm in fellowship with folks at an Anglican church and a non-denominational church, and occasionally go to Catholic Mass, I get some side-eye glances from people. It's frustrating at times and I've since just learned to keep it to myself. I don't care what people think or misunderstand, and it's ok. There are people from evangelical backgrounds who think Orthodox/Catholic church is too rigid and think I'm rigid from my association with them, and there's Orthodox church members who think I'm participating with heretics in evangelical churches. People judge what they don't understand.

[@bettyberkey1047]

This is a great comment and very true. I have seen judgement from all sides. It is sad that people don't or can't see God at work outside of their own personal church or belief system. That, to me, makes our God pretty small...which of course He isn't. We are saved by Christ, and His finished work on the cross, not a particular denomination or church. I can accept those friends of mine who are Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, etc. because we all believe in the one true triune God....but I have not always gotten the same acceptance back. Each one feels they are the "one true church" and the others are wrong. It's unfortunate indeed.

[@Yeshee13]

I'm in the nearly same position as the man from the email, minus the disownment threat.

[@Southlander1000]

My father's family are primarily Southern Baptist. Most of them just look at me funny, but accept my faith is valid in their eyes. My mother's family are Mormons back to the 1830s, 1850s, and 1860s. It is a deep point of pride for them. I was raised Mormon. When I left Mormonism just before my 21st birthday, I was disowned by nearly everyone in my mother's family. To this day, only my mother and one of my grandmother's cousins still talks to me. My great uncle and great-grandfather both told me in no uncertain terms that I was not so much as welcome to darken their porches with my shadow because I was "anti-Mormon." (I was anti-Mormon-doctrine, but held zero hatred for Mormons, per se. That was true 33 years ago and remains true today.) I eventually found my way to Orthodoxy many, many years later, but not before I was accused many times of just not wanting to live the Mormon lifestyle or other falsehoods. If this looks similar to what you have gone through, remember that you're not alone. It's a hard path, but remember, God knows what struggles are best for your salvation. Let your life be your strongest testimony and let those who target you be the targets of your prayers that God may be glorified in them (and let Him decide what that means). After many years, we are starting to see progress in those around me and my family.

[@elodiemae4]

I am in the process of converting from protestantism to Orthodoxy and sadly my mom is not accepting. She does not accept or agree with almost anything in Orthodoxy and it feels like she does not care about my feelings. It hurts hearing your mom not try to be supportive or the least bit happy but comment negatively on everything I say. It has made me step back from talking about anything to do with Christianity with her because I am at a dead end. Please pray for me. Glory to God.

[@benjaminplackemeier1705]

Both my parents and grandparents are no longer with me. Having never been baptized as a Protestant leaves me wondering what to do. I do recall my mother once telling me when I met my first girlfriend who was from a catholic family it was ok to become catholic or some form of christian as long as I had a relationship with Christ.

[@TheLikesofMeh]

Great advice as always Father. Truly He is risen!☦️❤️☦️

[@joelmillerurena7874]

Farther Josiah Ive been going to Orthodox church but try to make more caumite class but I'm trying to make sure you know I have enough days where I have my schedule to get over to catacumba class it's my job that's the problem

[@4jgarner]

Speaking as a Protestant father I would also weep if I heard my daughter publicly *renouncing the faith in which i have discipled her and calling our faith heresy. But I would never disown her for that. I would comments her for researching her faith and following her convictions as she believes God leads her, as long as she had actually done those things. Edit= typo I fixed.

[@pvdp2]

You should leave western christianity and embrace Eastern Christianity, be it Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox. Never go back to the doomed western christianity.

[@SummerLove-yv1kf]

I am 3 years in, I think if it weren’t for my very large and very devout protestant family, I might have made the decision already. It is very hard especially when we have four young children.

[@joelrobertsonmusic]

My greatest concern is my family thinking I am judging them for believing heresy. It’s obviously a heavy thing. My very converting tells them I think they are in error. It’s obviously true, but it brings me fear.

[@johnstdm1]

Father Silouan said that we need to encourage the good things they believe (when they talk about it with us) and when asked, we can show them how the Orthodox faith is the fullness of many things that they already hold dear.

[@gimeoden8309]

If you do not know what way to go! Put your brother's sin behind you and your sins in front of you, and you will be facing the right way

[@joelmillerurena7874]

I have something to share with you father Josiah Ive told me to I'm on working on Orthodox Church I've told my grandmother and she's the Lutheran and I'm so sick of the Lutheran Church I've got up with it and I've tried other Protestant denominations I still felt like they had the same thing with the Lutheran Church was giving still felt nothing that I came to the Orthodox Church something was totally different

[@GnohmPolaeon.B.OniShartz]

Uh oh. Lord tells me someone read me previously and did not reveive. Thats a problem because sometimes he has a plan for me. Sometimes he has a suggestion and sometimes he says, "You know what, Nick, you like using powers of the spirit, you do you for a while".

[@donnafletcher5386]

I was married and we we're Orthodox Christians. I was asked to give up God in order to stay married. I said No. My children didn't understand why and some of them made me pay for it. I know I did the right thing by not denying God. As time went on I came across others who are experiencing the same thing. I hope those who go through this have support some others if your family won't support you.

[@andyxanthopoulos5282]

For those in doubt don't be, it is true & the original the orthodoxy

[@kirkbest3238]

I have autism and I want to know about orthodox but I only know English 😮

[@stevelenores5637]

Father. I've stopped counting how many times I've called a heretic for my Orthodox beliefs. Some Protestant and some Roman Catholic.

[@Hope_Boat]

Bless those who insult you.

[@lcunningham1776]

Isnt there a psalm that says something about when my father and mother disown me, God will take me up?

[@Vagabond824]

Gotta love the lord of the rings ring tone

[@shanegaddis550]

I feel very sad for people converting to orthodoxy, and thier families treat them like this. I totally get how they feel as when my wife and I were getting married. My father in-law whom I love and forgave him for ever saying we ( the orthodox church ☦️) was a false religion 😢

[@gregcoogan8270]

Father bless, you should do a similar video about Orthodox converts who are the only Orthodox member of their families. In these situations, the non Orthodox family members may not overtly disown the convert, but they show zero to little interest in Orthodoxy. It leaves the lone Orthodox in that famly very alone, especially if they are single and during the holidays.

[@emilyw6899]

What does one do in a marriage with extreme Christian denominational differences. My husbands father is a Protestant pastor and it is almost like dealing with a royal family in that it would be unthinkable to not attend his church (for my husband). Anything outside their Protestant beliefs is heresy. My husband is not orthodox but is wayyy more open to learning, just won’t attend orthodox services. We have three kids and if I go, it is me and all the kids… it’s very difficult and contentious right now.

[@shieldoffaith8798]

I feel your pain. Although we’ve arrived at differing conclusions, (I lean more to catholicsm) at this point I get how hard it is. You all are ultimately adults and are allowed to say no to your father in law. It’s possible to love and honor your FIL, while still maintaining your personal conviction. Your faith is your own and it’s not anyone else’s say for how you live. Does your husband want to go to his dad’s church or is it more out of obligation or fear he has? My FIL uses guilt trips on my husband when we go to visit. He’s not far and I’m currently struggling with how to go about it. My heart hurts for you. I know it’s very stressful. Your FIL needs to accept that you are you and he is himself. And I pray he will at least respect your differences and give you grace. If he can’t respect you, then boundaries will need to be made by you and your spouse. Love and prayers to you ❤

[@skunkape5918]

☦🕊❤☦