Questions and Answers: What can Non-Orthodox Christian do in the Church?

[@baoduong2203]

Been exploring orthodoxy for a little bit over a month now. It took me a while to get used to do everything a non-orthodox can do. Felt awkward venerating the saints, felt awkward walking up to adore the cross and get antidoran at first. But I'm glad I can follow along and do almost everything. I know the structure of the vespers, the Divine Liturgy. I pretty much participate in everything while I study orthodoxy.

[@daniel8728]

Bao Duong glory to God

[@santanav.4504]

I appreciate you sharing your experience, Bao. I'm a Protestant (Calvinist) and recently started to find Orthodoxy very appealing while going through a very serious illness. The only thing is that I get so hung up when I hear stuff like this in the video. I want to draw closer to the Orthodox Church, but when I hear about oils and miraculous saints it causes me to say, "There's just no way, I could believe this aspect of Orthodoxy." There's so much I respect and love about the Orthodox Church, but then I hear these things and it clashes with my Protestant filter -- and I don't want it to clash. Am I making sense? I really want to believe these distinctives. My biggest theological hurdle has been the Theotokos. I'm trying to work through it but it's a huge struggle processing all of this through a mind steeped in years of Reformed belief.

[@andys3035]

@@santanav.4504 @Santana V. those are valid points. I used to be Calvinist myself and heard lots of good videos about the Theotokos from an Orthodox perspective, one of which I'd recommend is by Fr. Josiah Trenham called How the Mother of God saves us. It may be of some help. God bless you on your journey.

[@williamboyd5023]

Excellent. I as a possible convert always wanted to know too. I do light candles and pray at the icons asking for the grace to be convicted to make the step and for all members of my family,friends, and acquaintances.

[@yome7580]

William Boyd you must understand the theological differences of orthodoxy. It isn't just Catholicism without the pope

[@williamboyd5023]

Yes. I am aware.

[@actusspei6688]

William Boyd , I am with you on the same path. God Bless you and guide you on your journey!

[@daniel8728]

Glory to God

[@pepehaydn7039]

Some comments: 1-in case of peril of death an orthodox priest CAN AND MUST hear the confessions of any christian who begs it 2-in case of peril of death an orthodox priest CAN AND MUST baptize any unbaptized person who begs for the sacrament

[@d2dolan]

Reminds me so much of the Roman Catholic approach to such questions . There is another bond with Orthodoxy! (But we all need to remember mercy or we become Pharisees!) Good explanation . Thanks. Your prayers, please

[@murutaine]

thank you ...glory to God

[@violetajanelidze1952]

Thank you, Father for the interesting video

[@theguardian6464]

Hmmm...I'm a Roman Catholic and my grandfather was an Orthodox. I never had the question about the candles. Even as a lutheran I used to light the candles and our lutheran youth group used to attend the night vigil during the Easter. :) At my parents home town there's no Catholic Church nearby and my priest told me that I can attend to the Orthodox liturgy and even receive communion.,,, I contacted the local orthodox priest and he said that I can if I declare him before communion who I am :)

[@lenrossow3252]

TheGuardian iii

[@avantelvsitania3359]

That is amazing! As a fellow Catholic, it is very beautiful to watch the Catholic and Orthodox churches taking care of each other's flock. May our God help us to follow the path of Unity. Be blessed!

[@TheLindosguy]

Father can we pray for people who are not of the Christian faith, for example for the healing from a sickness? Christ is Risen.

[@BeTransfiguredMinistries]

The reason I haven't responded as of yet is that I am working to include this question as an "Ask Father" sermon. Your question is much deeper than you may realize.....our questions always are.

[@BeTransfiguredMinistries]

HERE IT IS....this week's "Ask Father" sermon answers your question...kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKXGoHatrtiFb8k

[@doniaabdelazeem6721]

There are a lot of non Orthodox people in my church and it makes it very uncomfortable to go there at all

[@doniaabdelazeem6721]

And they're not Egyptian. I have nothing against them but why are they in a Coptic Orthodox church if they're not Coptic or Orthodox. Some of us are looking for peace and happiness when we go there and they interrupt it

[@BeTransfiguredMinistries]

This is a topic you should discuss with your spiritual Father

[@Tornadospeed10]

You might need to self reflect on why those people make you so uncomfortable… why does people trying to learn more about orthodoxy and the church make you feel so uncomfortable? And speaking on there ethnicity too as a reason you are upset they fare there? Just wow

[@chelseaburgan1885]

What about confession?

[@BeTransfiguredMinistries]

Sacramental Confession is only available for Orthodox Christians, but I know of many clergy who are willing to sit and talk and allow anyone to open their heart to God. While this is cathartic, it is not sacramental.

[@chelseaburgan1885]

Thanks.

[@pawansharma27]

FYI there's no god

[@nickkerinklio8239]

Funniest guy ever award goes to^ What do you believe created the world then?

[@cleon8875]

Ok loser