Why I Became An Orthodox Christian | Full Episode

[@AnndenMark]

I, after some time, have come to the conclusion that the Orthodox faith is indeed the original church of Christ. Sadly, none are near me. In fact, the area is devoid of any good churches. Watching online has helped, but that is becoming not enough.

[@IgnatiusCheese]

Yes

[@PatronSaintSpyridon]

Consider the struggle and environmental factors the Jews endured for God. Consider that God is gathering his gentiles to specific areas just as a shepherd protects his flock. The church’s may be beacons for us to move towards.

[@randomguy1453]

Try to contact the specific Archdiocese thst you would be under depending on your area, perhaps they can assist in setting up a mission for your area, until then pray and endure, many have been in your situation, think of the "God-fearers" (Romans who would pay tribute to the God of Israel, most of whom would become the first major group of Gentile Christians after Christ came) who would stand outside of the Temple and Synagogue, be patient, and trust that God will give you a path towards His Church

[@untoages]

Consider making a trip sometime, even if it’s far away! God bless your journey 🙏🏻

[@user-tg3tj2nq6v]

@@PatronSaintSpyridon Are you a Christian Zionists? the Jews endured for God but you don't mention the first Christians or the Christians who currently live in places like Bethlehem and Gaza?

[@obiwankenobi6871]

Former American Protestant turned Orthodox Christian here ☦️🙌 Christos ANESTI

[@elenihelenmelb]

ALITHOS ANESTI+++

[@user-qo7kw6lv6q]

ALITHOS ANESTI

[@brockbuiltontherock]

After researching the church history I am too going towards orthodox Christianity for sure. I believe this is the true church and I need to find a church near me that is orthodox

[@APPR.]

As a Protestant just now coming into Orthodoxy, after a year of researching, thank you, thank you... I had my first Divine Liturgy today, and it has upset (in a good way) my whole existence! It's like I've had air breathed into my lungs, and I haven't stopped crying yet.❤

[@hannahbaker3080]

Raised Baptist, spent my adult life in a Calvary Chapel nondenominational church, newly illumined communicant. My catechism path has ended and orthodox journey has commenced! Glory to God!

[@John-si5vs]

God bless you and yours always

[@notstrong5789]

Calvary chapel was cia adjacent I believe

[@gabrielmaldonado1903]

Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴 in south america I also became Orthodox last year ☦️ i use to be roman catholic. We are an small comunity but is growing so fast All glory to Christ

[@tomrawson9017]

I am in Medellín, Colombia. Do you know any Orthodox churches here?

[@John-si5vs]

Christ is Risen and the truth being revealed after centuries of oppression by greedy false christian organizations putting their leaders wealth, luxury and extreme greed above the poor faithful constantly cheating them out of their meager earnings by demanding tithes when the collection plates are passed around at their services.

[@eliasa.2569]

Colombian american here, I want to visit a orthodox in colombia!

[@Emanuel-HailChrist]

Former Roman Catholic here, I became an Orthodox Christian ☦🙏

[@mauriciogranados2908]

Me too, i´m Colombian now Orthodox

[@nuns8126]

Former Roman Catholic, I also converted to the Eastern Orthodox church

[@bigmonkee639]

Hi! I am currently deciding whether to become Orthodox. What made you renounce the papacy and filioque? 1:19

[@David-we3sb]

May God have mercy on your soul.

[@J.R2023]

@@bigmonkee639 please do not, remain Catholic

[@tekaneo]

Wow, this is an amazing video! Thank you! I am a Greek Orthodox raised in Greece. Unfortunately, this lead for me to many years not being truly faithful. Since by living in an orthodox country, I saw the church more like a mere tradition. This happens to most people I know of that are currently in their 30ies. However, something is pulling me to faith in the past few months. I am currently reading the Bible for the first time and trying to absorb as much as possible from the history of our church. Your video has been tremendously informative and helped me to further strengthen my orthodox faith. Thank you!

[@untoages]

@@tekaneo Thank you so much! Glory to God that He drew you back in as well.

[@richardb5298]

Orthodoxy make sense only if you speak greek

[@tekaneo]

@@richardb5298 I don't think that's true. Funnily enough most of the material I read/watch etc. that pull me closer to Orthodoxy happen to be in English. This is because I currently don't live in Greece and access to greek books is very limited and/or very expensive where I am. Thank God, language doesn't matter for 99% of the things. There are few exceptions where some words might not have a direct translation, but still you can get it, if you describe the concept and the meaning.

[@PoopDynamyx]

The protestantism has left my body

[@untoages]

@@PoopDynamyx lol

[@tony1685]

you never knew what the protest was/is about then.

[@kekultur]

I want to say, wonderful video. I've been looking into Orthodoxy for a while and out of all the videos nothing has gotten me closer to converting and accepting Orthodoxy than this video. this video may have been the absolute last push I needed to get me to Orthodoxy and for that I thank you dearly, may God have mercy on you brother.

[@untoages]

@@kekultur Wow, glory to God! Thank you for this comment. Now go to church!

[@MavraPatropulos]

@@untoagesCould you please show which video you recommend

[@steadydividends571]

Very similar story. I was southern Baptist in Alabama but watched on KZbin the Josiah Trenham rock and sand interview. After watching I walked around my neighborhood in stunned silence for over an hour in complete shock thinking I had to know more. Eventually concluded the Orthodox Church was the church Christ established at Pentecost

[@untoages]

Rock and sand changed everything for me

[@emptynester9241]

Same with me, had to ask myself some hard questions after watching Rock and Sand and his other videos

[@Theoretically-ko6lr]

Glory to God ❤

[@sethjackson3078]

It's crazy I am currently a southern Baptist from Alabama looking to join the Orthodox Church but i am worried about telling my family any tips?

[@steadydividends571]

@@sethjackson3078 when I told my wife about this she initially cried and had to go to therapy so it was not a great start haha. But the biggest thing has been not solely making historical or logical arguments but also living it out. If I had to guess the reaction will be negative but if you are living it out they’ll see the change in you and wonder what it’s all about.

[@AaronWeinzierl]

This is so good. I grew up protestant and was even a pastor. Currently an EO Catechumen☦️♥️

[@mayatouma-e2g]

This is the best video i have watched on christianity in a long time! Normally I cant even focus for 15 minutes, but you made me listen for the full two hours... Amazing work, God bless.

[@NVRSTP]

Former Baptist to Orthodox. Loving Christ and His glory

[@matheamadeus]

I am now an orthodox Christian, thank very much sir for this video, it helped alot. May God bless you

[@philteague559]

I appreciate you recording this video. after about 7 years of seeking and increasingly frustrated with church, about a month ago I was given the book "Thirsting for God, in a land of shallow wells" and upon finishing immediately emailed my PUSA Presbyterian Pastor that I will not be returning. I appreciate your video as a deeper dive into the similar topic.

[@bonesjones821]

I've gone to various protestant aberrant "churches" my whole life. I enjoyed the fellowship but was never satisfied on its form of liturgy consisting of big screens, skinny jeans, fog machines, and a pop-psych humanist centric message designed to tickle the ears. I've now come to the conclusion that Protestants' form of "church" is like fast food. It appeals to the flesh, might even taste good, but will you completely empty. It is not by accident I stumbled across Fr. Josiah Trenham's messages and it was like being struck by lightning! Brothers pray I can find an Orthodox church and go through catechism.

[@ProtestantismLeftBehind]

You read my thoughts. I left behind Protestantism after 25 years for Orthodoxy in 2023. ***Great job on this video***

[@RunningOverRocks]

Well done, young man, well done! I was born and raised in Savannah, GA. Growing up I had Greek friends and even played basketball for their Parish. Alas being Episcopalian at the time, I just viewed them as nothing more than a Greek Country Club. How wrong I was, right? Fast forward 50 years and it finds me in another deeply Southern City, baptized and chrisimated for two years now. I've never been happier! And here I was thinking that I was the only theological schizophrenic! New subscriber because of your upload!

[@untoages]

Glory to God! I used to live not far from Savannah, actually. I’m happy to hear you’ve found the Church as well!

[@KingPhilipF]

​@untoages if you were in a military town outside of savannah where to go?

[@yvonnegettel1278]

Thank you. My son is Orthodox and has been helping me unlearn my Protestant belief system. I knew there was something more, as my husband and I parted from the Protestant church, several of them actually, because of contradictory and heretical teachings. We began to see even unholy behavior and started seeking Truth. There are two Orthodox churches near me; one Russian, the other Greek, my son attend the Russian. I go with him about once a month, and want to go more. There are many things I still don't understand but I truly believe I'm on the right path. This video helped me allot, so thank you! ☺️

[@untoages]

@@yvonnegettel1278 Glory to God! Keep seeking!

[@cristopherbrandomartinez5426]

Inspiring philosophy is the top G!

[@desertfennec2382]

I doubt you'll ever see this, but you are my tipping point. I have always been in the hall as a non-denom knocking on the door of Orthodoxy. Thank you, and I hope and pray I may be able to find the Orthodox church for me. CHRIST HAS RISEN

[@untoages]

@@desertfennec2382 I see all of the comments 🙂 glory to God! Keep seeking, may God bless your journey!

[@Shoop8964]

This is incredibly informative! Thank you!! Protestant here learning about Orthodoxy and Christian history. Please pray for me 🙏

[@untoages]

@@Shoop8964 Keep seeking!

[@dabeez68]

I myself was raised protestant. I always felt as though I went thru the drive thru and didn't receive all of my order, something was missing. Long story short, I became Orthodox 12/17/22. No doubt in me that this is the true church.

[@theeliteelite1873]

Excellent story! Been on a similar journey myself this year. I started digging in to the writings of the Church Fathers and very quickly found myself face to face with things that, as someone with a Baptist/nondenom upbringing, I was constantly told were "later, unbiblical creations of Rome!" Fast forward to today, I'm currently a Catechumen at a local Russian parish. Hoping I can partake of Christ's body and blood sometime early next year.

[@mirelaalina4050]

Christ Has Risen! ❤️☦️

[@idiosinkrazijske.rutine]

Ваистину воскресе!

[@BananarchOfTedKacistan]

Grew up nondenom protestant, and as a result became agnostic in my teen and early adult years. Politically leaned heavily into anarchy and punk culture. Eventually learned about Death to the World, Justin Marler and his journey, John Valadez, and soon started to seek why so many just like me, seemingly so sudden-like, were pulled to Orthodoxy. I hadn't known of Orthodoxy except that it was very common in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union satellite states. Having done much research of general fascination and curiosity, my lack of faith started to recede and a small blossom has taken it's place. We have visited two churches, and have two more to try before we fully leap in. But I'm sold on it. Orthodox goers are truly blessed and authentic followers of Christ which was something I could feel a lack of in Protestantism. Glory to God!

[@haneulnara95222]

Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video. I am protestant and have been on a journey of seeking the true church for several years. I spent a lot of time researching catholicism after which I felt I was back to square one. I have begun attending an orthodox church near me and doing more research on my own. This video was a wonderful explanation and comparison. Thank you again! ❤

[@VictorCaballero-y6q]

I was a seven day advent I almost lost my way due to the atheist of this world this video is helping me understand a lot about the christian world

[@ICanRideMiBikeWithNoHandleBars]

So much of this was my own experience and journey to Orthodoxy. Thank you for producing this. It will be shared widely. Glory to God!

[@Strider1Wilco]

thank you for putting the fear of God back into my life

[@untoages]

This is an awesome compliment, thank you! The goal is to point to Christ & His Church with everything on this channel ☦️

[@jacobmacdonald4713]

Ive been inquiring for a while and the more I am learning I find it heartbreaking realizing how truly distorted the perception of Christinaity is . Thanks for this wonderful video. Lord jesus have mercy on us all .

[@johnnyd2383]

Excellent video. Keep up the good work brother.! ☦☦☦

[@golumbiolumbi]

good video i am an orthodox Christian from Ethiopia. our church has been around ever since the beginning. orthodox contains most things that are found in Protestantism and so much more. which means an orthodox has everything protestants have , but not the other way around. our church is not reformed , we stay true to the gospel and Jesus , we also have the same belief through out the world. orthodox is like Christ , humble filled with humility , strict and with a higher quality. im sure the more you understand things the more you will love it.

[@jimmydtx]

Appreciate the video. Very well made

[@andrewparsons3344]

Current Roman Catholic, but I’m becoming convicted to convert. I will be visiting a Greek Orthodox Church or Antiochian Orthodox Church within the next couple of weeks, the closest one is about 85 miles away from me.

[@untoages]

@@andrewparsons3344 God bless your effort!

[@vrhovnipredstojnik7650]

In this Church Christ is living for ages. God Bless you all my Brothers!

[@bruhcow315]

My friend attended the same church when we were at Fort Gordon together. He's the one who opened me up to orthodoxy, and I bought a book called Saint silouan, the athonite. Life changing.

[@marciafocht5376]

This is so well explained and sussinct. All of it describes the reasons I became an Orthodox Christian. May it be Blessed and Gods will be done! All glory to God!

[@mindofgod1543]

I appreciate you making this video. I am Episcopalian myself, and I was able to listen to this for the entirety of the video. It has given me many things to think about, and look clearer at what the Episcopalian sect means to me outside of growing up in it.

[@desha0018]

Greetings from Orthodox Serbia, brother!❤💙🤍☦ Христос Васкрсе!☦

[@d3adp94]

I’m RC but love my orthodox family. I left Protestantism and never looked back.

[@mailynrebecca]

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video. Former JW here, then Messianic Jew and after that evangelical Christian for a while and after this odyssey and disillusioned from shallow Christianity I was lost in New Age for several years. Now I have come home. Home to the true Christ, alive in Orthodoxy as a Catechumen 🩷. Lord have mercy on me as a sinner. Thank you for having guided me home😭☦️.

[@untoages]

@@mailynrebecca Glory to God! He is merciful 🙏🏻

[@mailynrebecca]

@@untoages🙏🕊️

[@magicstuff505]

I have been experiencing a very similar journey. From non-denominational to an Orthodox inquirer. A desire to better understand my theological positions became a full-on deep dive into Church history and theology. As someone from the South, I used to think there was only Protestantism and Catholicism. All glory to God in allowing me to find the true apostolic faith.

[@jonmack2437]

A couple years ago, before I became orthodox, I was reading this “Bible” written by some man who claimed to have the Spirit, and doing edibles. Long story short I got possessed, saw this powerful light who I believed was Jesus, and knew immediately that calling yourself “saved” meant you believe your works here warrant your place next to that light. I knew it would be impossible to even come close to that. Shortly after this experience, I found Jay dyer and fr spyridon talking about prelest. Which then led to orthodoxy and the answers to all my questions regarding church and faith. Converting from pentecostal and knowing there’s a church who’s teaching I can submit to was easy tbh. I’ve learned more in two years than my entire life (granted the Lord gave me desire to know truth), but the hard part is my gf/family do not see what I see. But I get why all the kids I grew up with in Protestant churches are atheists now. Apostolic teaching, traditions, reverence, everything is lost. Imo, To claim grape juice and crackers being just a symbol has had consequences that can’t even be quantified bc nothing has actual significance

[@untoages]

Wow, that’s an incredible and wild story. Thank you for sharing! Continue to pray for your girlfriend and family and show forth fruits of repentance. Perhaps they will come and see in time.

[@joshuamkk]

Great video man, my journey was very similar to yours. I am now a catechumen in hopes of being baptized sometime next year ☦️☦️☦️

[@untoages]

Glory to God!

[@wilsonwilson8496]

Glory to God!

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

Just the concept of a “catechumen” is unbiblical. {Acts 8:26-40} Heard gospel > believed > got dunked . . .

[@alexie1910]

Christos Anesti! Greetings from Greece!

[@untoages]

Alithos Anesti! I just left Greece this morning after visiting Mt. Athos for the first time. I love how faithful your people are in Greece!

[@MorenitaBonita19]

This was absolutely amazing and insightful. Clear and concise. I’m currently a reformed Baptist(?) but I am searching…thank you for this. ✨🙏🏽

[@Anarcaeful]

I was an unbeliever a decade ago and gradually found my faith in Christ. Wanting a connection and path Christ didnt seem clear until I discovered orthodoxy, it's beautiful and ornate, ancient and rich in tradition. I love its history and I really think if more people knew of orthodoxy in the west it would take over and look forward to its future

[@macabea4837]

I am Catholic and willing to convert to Orthodox

[@untoages]

Glory to God! If you haven’t already, definitely make yourself known at your local Orthodox parish and talk to the priest.

[@tony1685]

@@untoages does orthodox believe and keep Exodus 20:8-11, the 7th day Sabbath, as the Bible shows us? or does it bow to the papacy and pretend the 1st day is the Lord's day? sincere question. thanks for your time, Sir.

[@evanrico3244]

The Orthodox Church does not bow to the papacy; Rome is not in Communion with us, and we do not recognize the Pope's self-appointed "authority" over all other bishops. For the first 1,054 years of Christianity, there were no "denominations," only the Church, and all bishops had authority within their own sees, or areas of influence. The bishop of Rome, now referred to by Roman Papists as the Pope, was simply considered a position of honor--the first among equals. There was no historical precedent for the bishop of Rome having "authority" over any other bishops, as the structure of the Church was collegiate. The Orthodox still consider the Sabbath to be civil calendar Saturday, but our liturgical life revolves around the Divine Liturgy, which is the mini-Easter celebrated every first day (every Sunday), as it is truly a foretaste of the Kingdom in the age to come which will have no end.

[@tony1685]

@@evanrico3244 'easter' is pagan, Sir -- created by catholicism. and nothing in Scripture directs us to follow the papacy in pretending the 1st day is the Lord's day. in fact, Jesus resurrected and ascended and the NT was written decades later -- there is absolutely zero support for anyone pretending the Sabbath Command has changed. does this church at least keep the 7th day Holy?

[@tony1685]

@@evanrico3244 you also stated that , 'there were no 'denominations', only the Church...' -- i agree. yet that church has specific criteria -- see 1 Tim 3:15 and John 14:15 -- can't be His church if you're not following these. no sunday church follows these, Sir. and as for a 'foretaste of the kingdom' to come, see Isaiah 66:22-23 we will still be keeping Holy the 7th day Sabbath in God's Kingdom.

[@MichaelJones-vb3lk]

I’m grateful for my time in a Methodist church and the many great people I’ve met and the guidance they’ve given me but my heart is so stirred by orthodoxy. The lives of the saints are such incredible evidence of the God’s presence. I just want to seek Christ in his fullness

[@untoages]

@@MichaelJones-vb3lk Visit a liturgy if you haven’t already!

[@TS-fu6rd]

This is an amazing video, well done! I was born and raised as an Coptic orthodox Christian and I've been trying to help my friends get a better understanding of everything, I am definitely going to send them your video. Cheers..

[@orthoclips2k24]

Brother, eastern orthodox and coptic isn't the same. I'll recommend you to watch David Erhan on that topic. Afterwards you can dm me and we can talk about that.

[@TS-fu6rd]

@@orthoclips2k24 Just found out before you replied, I'm planning to become a catechumen soon. Thanks for your help though.

[@yourneighbour3309]

im glad to hear for you!!! im still on my journey☦️

[@John-si5vs]

So many around the world are now turning to Orthodoxy as the true path to Jesus' teachings and a true community of Christians sharing a common value.

[@RadixVerum]

Glory to God ☦️

[@nuggetoftruth-ericking7489]

Thank you for your testimony.

[@ohrbahir]

This is interesting. I'm a religious Jew, but have discussed with my son which type of Christianity we'd gravitate towards if we were Christian. We both said "Orthodox".

[@John-si5vs]

Nothing wrong with being a religious Jew much of what is in the Torah is in the Orthodox Bible, being a believer in your faith is also important, I only recognize Orthodoxy and Judaism as being the true original faiths, reading the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible with the inclusion of the long-forgotten Deuterocanonical Apocrypha, the mysterious Books of Enoch and Jubilees these often thought Lost Books of the Bible contain ancient texts overlooked and giving us a fascinating insight into early Jewish and Christian thought.

[@Nola-2000]

It is because their priests looks like rabbis and not only physically. Married, down to earth priests yet highly spiritual. Born catholic but I respect that.

[@Christus.Rex.Dominus]

I’d also like to add; yes, we know Christ is the only way to the Father. No, we don’t have to ask for Intercession. We know this. We do it because we each have our favourite Saints whom we have a connection with and it feels nice to pray with them. We know we don’t have to do that, but it feels good to pray with someone who is a flawed sinner just like us and reminds us that even the biggest sinners can repent and it’s part of our tradition going back thousands of years

[@clbaird40]

I am a catechumen and really feel zero connection to the saints. I want to fit in but for example, kissing the icons. I kiss them, but it just feels odd to me. I hope I'm able to conform because I do appreciate orthodoxy.

[@Christus.Rex.Dominus]

@@clbaird40 Beloved, first thing I’d say to you is you’re trying too hard. These things come naturally with time. Nobody expects you to have a Patron Saint except yourself. Christianity is lifelong commitment, so sit tight and avoid burning yourself out. Second: Relax, breathe. It’s ok, you don’t have to “fit in” in the way that it sounds like you want to. Third: read about the lives of the Saints. There are so many resources available for you to look into. Eventually, you’ll come across one that is a spitting image of you and that is likely to be the Saint you most connect with. Start with the Beloved Theotokos. She’s my favourite. Ask her to bring your prayers to her Son and our God. Welcome, beloved. It’s a journey, and be patient with yourself. Christ walks with you always. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

[@acekoala457]

​@@clbaird40 The Saints are with us at every Divine Liturgy. The empty spaces in the Nave are filled with them. Read the life of St. Spirydon of Trimethus.

[@biancacrama2085]

​@@clbaird40i was born orthodox and felt this way too before I had the chance and time to grow in my faith (I still consider myself immature in that sense). It helps reading about them, and understanding that these are real people that lived and went through all the temptations you did, and struggled even, but that they loved Christ more that themselves. I highly recommend the book Confessions of Saint Augustine- for me it feels like having a companion, someone dear to my heart that I look up to.

[@powerfullone7915]

What an awesome explanation brother , God bless you again and again

[@guapo2012]

I loved your video, It strenghten my decision of becoming orthodox christian from being catholic and not finding any sense on many of the questions that you addressed in this video. Thanks for this

[@brianmatthysse7565]

I enjoyed this truthful presentation and it is Very well done. Thank you, I can share this without offending.

[@ImJordanHubbard-qg9qt]

Mate, I have watched the two videos by Josiah Trenham and I have just finished watching and slowly breaking down your explanations and guidance on Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura. Everything you have said so far is in line with everything I felt wrong and my previous convictions about those two solas.

[@FruitOvTheDoom]

As an Anglican who has felt the pull of Orthodoxy for a few years now, this was very well done and further persuades me

[@untoages]

Glory to God!

[@ianp.7536]

Become Anglo-Catholic my friend. But in not the Orthodox Church is great too. Pax Christi,

[@ianp.7536]

* if not

[@pla2446]

Former Anglican here< i became Orthodox Christian 🙏

[@EthanLafferty]

A little background for some context: I found myself to be an atheist at a very young age. Around four years ago, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I've attended a few churches over the years, and I just can't explain how I feel other than something is missing. I've fallen back into sin and have stopped attending church for some time now. I am trying to be very careful as I navigate and sort out these thoughts and look personally at myself so I am not trying to blame a certain church or doctrine. I live in South Eastern USA. As you can imagine, all churches here are Protestant. That being said, I cannot help but to feel this pull and draw to Orthodoxy. An increasing desire to learn more and more. The history, the art, the tradition, the saints and church fathers, etc... It's all missing in Protestantism. It's all very appealing and attractive and seems to connect with me in a way I'm not able to articulate at this time. I pray God leads me to where I will flourish.

[@untoages]

@@EthanLafferty Keep seeking! Orthodoxy is growing in America, depending on where in the southeast you are, there may be an Orthodox parish near you. Check one out sometime!

[@hxplxss1835]

Glory to God for all things!

[@Kris_413]

Something special happened when one morning I heard my mother speaking in “tongues” and it scared me so much I asked her “aren’t you afraid of God, doesn’t the Bible say if you speak in tongues I should be able to understand you?” Now, when I said that she looked at me very weird and she didn’t say anything. You would think nothing of this but if you knew my mother she had a response for everything, and her not saying a word actually puzzled me. It urged me to question “am I following Christ because of my parents or is it what I truly believe”? That’s when my search for truth started and I found the Orthodox Church praise be to God. The only thing is I live in a Protestant country, so I would have to leave in order to be baptized in the Orthodox Church. One day though ☦️❤️

[@untoages]

Wow, that’s an incredible story! The tongues thing seems a bit strange to me as well - I don’t trust it at all. But thank God you found the Church! Would you face persecution if you went to an Orthodox parish or do they just not exist in your country?

[@Kris_413]

@@untoages I appreciate your response my brother. Based on my research so far there is none that seems legit in my country (Jamaica🇯🇲). Mostly what I saw was Ethiopian Orthodoxy with mixtures of Rastafarianism. I plan on leaving the country one day though, I’m 26 with no kid or gf so I’m tied to nothing. I want to travel to different Orthodox Churches across Canada/US and wherever feels right for me by the guidance of God there I will reside. Thanks a lot for making this video, it will lead many back on the right path ☦️🙏 PS: I followed all your channel/podcast recommendations 👍

[@untoages]

@UC_TRBhM1OfWbYY9skjgoDeQ Of course! Good luck on your journey, I’m glad my channel was able to help!

[@abominable.7800]

as a baptized roman catholic this is beautiful. God bless you

[@gmr20245]

Great job! Made the decision this week to leave reformed/ Calvinistic church in favor of Orthodoxy. Started studying Church history and it didn’t take long to realize I had big problems and was probably in a cult. lol. Thank God for opening my eyes and heart to the true church.

[@MajorMustang1117]

What a beautiful story. Very familiar to my own, but it wasn't until around 30 where God literally caused miraculous occurrences, on top of my historical and biblical searching, that finally brought me to Holy Orthodoxy. I cant wait to watch the rest of this. But it's awesome to hear others go through such a similar walk as I. God bless you! Welcome home, my brother in Christ Jesus! I'd love to ask you some questions about your situation with your family or friends, as this was/is a very difficult issue for me.

[@untoages]

Thank you! Most of my family has been accepting of my conversion (thankfully). I’ve even sent this series to them and it has led to fruitful conversations. In part, that’s why I made it. Same with friends - some may ask questions, but none have been particularly antagonistic about my conversion. But I understand it can be difficult in certain situations - I’ve heard the horror stories from some of my other Orthodox convert friends.

[@MajorMustang1117]

@@untoages well I am sure glad they have been open to you! Keep it up, man.

[@ElBromoHojo]

As a young man, after going through Lutheran confirmation, I half-expected elders in the church to take me aside and say, "Okay, now you're qualified to learn about the Real Christianity." It didn't happen, of course, and no flavor of Protestantism could satisfy any part of me. Now, looking into Orthodox this past year, I realize it was what I wanted way back when.

[@israelhoffman8074]

Thank you for doing this.

[@SpiritofProphecy999]

The LORD bless you!!! We care about you! You don’t need to defend so much in the beginning of your videos. I used to do it too- it’s stressful. Don’t worry about those who shouldn’t even be watching your videos. They can remove themselves since they are not of us. Bless you! Don’t feed your pearls to swine, and your time is valuable

[@Lex_Invictus]

Thanks for this video. I have a question. What do you think of The Schism of the Russian Church in 17th century (Raskol)?

[@untoages]

@@Lex_Invictus I’ll be honest, I don’t know a ton about it. But from my understanding, the schism was healed as the Russian Church accepts old believers as a part of the canonical Church.

[@Lex_Invictus]

@@untoages Thanks for the reply. One of the reasons I'm asking is that one often hears that the Orthodox Church has been unchanged for thousands of years. However if we for instance look at the Raskol we can see that there have been changes. One example is the sign of the cross: Before the schism Orthodox Christians used two fingers to make the sign of the cross (Old Believers of course still do that today), but after the reforms of the Patriarch Nikon of Moscow the Orthodox Christians have to do have sign of the cross with two fingers and a thumb. This is just one of the consequences of the reforms. Shouldn't one thus consider the Old Believers to be closer to the Orthodox Church than the Orthodoxy after the schism?

[@untoages]

@@Lex_Invictus With regard to the sign of the cross, the meaning is still retained either way it’s done. We have to be careful not to be overly-scrupulous about matters like these, less we fall into schismatic tendencies and effectively become Protestants. But I understand your concern. As I’m not super familiar with all of the details of the matter, I’d recommend you direct that question to a priest.

[@alamamia1]

Salaam Al Masih. The Orthodox Church it is ancient, majestic, global, and glorious.

[@Ortho_Wanderer]

Thank you, this was an excellent synthesis of all of your videos

[@untoages]

Thank YOU for tuning in!

[@brandiniron6112]

Thank you for this. I recently have stumbled on to orthodoxy and things make so much more sense

[@rumpelstiltskin9768]

You obviously put a lot of time and energy into this video. Excellent production.

[@joylarson9040]

Thank you so much, I forwarded this to my sister and Brother who are protestants and prideful. And I can'ttalk to them because they really intimidate me.. thank you

[@untoages]

Of course! I hope this will foster better discussions between you guys. God bless!

[@improvisedchaos8904]

my protestant/baptist family lacks understanding because they don't have an ear for it. They think intercession is idol worship , and that Orthodox are going to hell...

[@orthoclips2k24]

Read the epistle of James to them. And tell them that intercession is like them praying for someone. And that condemning others is a sin and shows pride and wrath. Hope that'll help you, it's really sad that there's such a devide in your family.

[@improvisedchaos8904]

@@orthoclips2k24 i recently came across the "it's like paying for somebody" notion- and it appears to be the actual disposition of the Orthodox. You are asking brothers and sisters in Christ to ALSO appeal to Christ for/with you. I do not see the Catholics as carrying the same disposition - especially when it comes to "Mommy Mary".

[@randallsunderland4331]

Welcome home Brother!

[@isaac941.]

Does one have to bow/kiss an icon? Or is simply having them up and in an icon corner enough as respect and veneration towards the them(the saints and Mary)??

[@untoages]

@@isaac941. I would say both are considered veneration to varying degrees. But when someone says they “venerated an icon,” they mean they kissed the icon and showed the saint depicted within reverence.

[@alexmusat8957]

Dude. 5 stars. Thanks for this effort

[@ElBromoHojo]

Regarding sola fide. This has come up countless times in my life. "You just need faith" on the one hand, but then hearing a sermon on "Faith without works is dead." Pressing the issue, "Which is it, then?" And getting hemming and hawing in response. These are the kinds of inconsistencies and non-answers -- compounded of course -- that drove me and many others away from the faith for decades. (Edit: Protestant hemming and hawing.)

[@untoages]

@@ElBromoHojo In Orthodoxy, there was never really a dichotomy between the two. Historically, this debate arose as a result of the reformation. In reality, it’s a both-and kind of situation, whereas Protestantism has made it an either-or discussion.

[@ElBromoHojo]

@@untoages Yes, I am indeed referring to my Protestant experiences. Should have clarified.

[@mikers6839]

Hi, still listening to this message. IA lot of what you're saying makes sense I think. My question is about Mary. How do you explain Matthew 1.25....Mike 🙏🏾

[@untoages]

@@mikers6839 The word “until” doesn’t imply that Joseph consummated the marriage after Jesus was born. Later in the gospel Jesus says “I am with you until the end of the age.” Does that mean He is not with us after? Beyond this, it is the tradition of the Church that Mary was ever-virgin. The Church Fathers speak on this, even Martin Luther believed in the ever-virginity of Mary. It wasn’t a matter of discussion until later in the radical reformation.

[@mikers6839]

@@untoages, thanks for your reply, but that's what the scripture says. My understanding is that Matthew is one of the older gospels. I'll have to further look into this. Does later church tradition override the actual scriptures given to the actual apostles. I'm in a church where the leadership are Calvinists, although I'm not. Recently I've struggled with going to church and also certain sins are plaguing me to the extent that I am beginning to question my salvation. I can only go with what God's revealed word is to me ( Bible) at the moment. Thanks for your time👍🏽🙏🏽

[@henryconner780]

May God bless your professor

[@HopeUnknown]

I have been researching and studying the Bible for three years as a non-denominational Christian. The more I learn the more I feel drawn to Orthodoxy. My husband, however, has found videos online about a fire that lights every year somewhere in Jerusalem? Or something? And people claim the fire doesn't burn them and all sorts of other things. Well, he cannot find one single video of someone holding the flames to themselves for more than an instant and as a man who has done his fair share of hunting, camping, and playing with fire, he knows that he can do the same thing with any flame and it doesn't burn.... Because of this he doesn't trust Orthodox Christianity at all. He thinks it's bogus. Can anyone help me with this?

[@untoages]

@@HopeUnknown I haven’t personally heard that the holy fire doesn’t burn people, but that doesn’t mean that it does or it doesn’t - I’m just unaware of that. I would advise him not to rule out Orthodoxy simply because it doesn’t meet his particular evidentiary standards. This can be fallacious reasoning, argument from silence or personal incredulity. Orthodoxy isn’t about “you” per se, it’s about submitting your will to Christ’s. I had a lot of pride to overcome in coming to Orthodoxy. Instead, I would recommend going to church. “Come and see” is the best evidence for Orthodoxy.

[@paxonearth]

I understand your concern. My son, a recent convert to Orthodoxy, shared with me the videos of what you referenced. The claims seem bogus to me too, especially since this magical lighting is done out of the view of the parishioners. Fortunately, believing in the veracity of these claims isn't part of what an Orthodox christian must believe to be part of the church. It is disturbing though that even a single priest, much less all involved, would take part in something that they know to be fraudulent. Of course, this is my knee-jerk skeptical view, which is NOT well-informed.

[@2ichtwerker]

I just finished „Arise, O God“ - what a wonferfull book! I seem to be on a similar journey as yourself and I want to thank you for this video and especially your recommendations at the end. Half of the books I read already so I just knew I would love the ones I did not yet! Thank you!

[@untoages]

Glory to God!

[@zealousideal]

Good video brother and I love Orthodoxy. But determining which is the most accurate isn’t easy. I’m an ex pastor myself with many degrees in theology. I later became an Ortho catechumen and was for 5 long years just to make sure. But during those years, I also studied Roman Catholicism and took their catechism. Eventually, I saw their way as more accurate or making more sense to me. So I became Roman Catholic. After a couple of years, I regretted it and because of further studies, I came back to the east and ended up becoming Eastern Orthodox. I loved Orthodoxy and the orthodox liturgy all seemed so amazing. After many years, as an orthodox and working my way up as a warden, and then parish councilman to a reader and subdeacon while studying orthodox theology for many years, I started seeing holes and cracks in their claims. I saw where several Eastern Saints and patriarchs even modern ones now pointed towards Rome and the pope and stated how he was very important and needed. After seeing all this proof, it was undeniable and hard to get around, among many other claims the orthodox make that I found holes in that wasn’t actually true. So after Going back and reading the Saints and councils all the way back to the beginning everything actually pointed to Rome. So eventually I had no choice, but to go back to Catholicism. I Have now been Roman Catholic for a couple of years again and now working on another masters in Roman Catholic Theology. I just came across your video today. I enjoyed it, though everything you mentioned was but the very, very basics of what you learn in catechism classes. I wished that Orthodoxy was true and i loved it, but I don’t see how. Thanks for your videos and sharing everything. At the end of the day, I believe there are very good holy Christians and saints in both. So it’s all good. 👍 Blessings brother.

[@steelfalconx2000]

Fantastic, I was hoping you'd put all these together in one video.

[@Abineetbluestar]

Former Roman Catholic pushing towards Greek Orthodox but still unsure and remaining non-denominational

[@RedJay81]

Very similar to my experience. I love your channel it's been a big part of my journey.

[@kaelou3408]

So far very appreciative of this, hopefully something to share with westerner’s! Only 30 mins in so far.

[@jasonchase6566]

Thank you,God bless!

[@irlc1254]

Thanks for your story and the case you lay out for Orthodoxy and against Protestantism and RC. I’m a Protestant and have not explored the Orthodox faith before, so this has been very helpful. It’s always good to be challenged on one’s assumptions. I confess, I don’t find, for example, the logic of the argument against Sola-Scriptura very convincing: “… don't those who determine the biblical Cannon have higher authority than the Bible because they were the ones that determined what should be adhered to in the first place, and doesn't that refute the notion that the Bible is the highest authority?” I think that proposition is incoherent if you think about it. The church has absolutely no authority to declare what God has not cause to be inspired scripture as scripture - that would mean the church has the authority to canonize and sanctions heresy. Conversely, the church does not have the authority to declare what God has caused to be written as scripture as not scripture - God knows what he has inspired, what man or church says is surely totally irrelevant? The church can only recognize what is already inspired scripture. Can the church really add to or throw out what God has declared/decreed? Don’t you think the answer has to got be a resounding, no? Can the church really throttle God, or say something is from him when it isn’t? That idea just doesn’t seem coherent to me. The only conclusion I can draw is that Scripture is its own and highest authority, hence Sola-Scriptura. I agree that a Peter Pan gospel is an aberration. I don’t think that’s what Protestantism teaches or what Sola-Fide is all about. Since we hold to in Sola-Scriptura, we can read Romans 4 (particularly verses 14, 21 & 22) as well as Romans 6 (particularly 1-14). I, for one, recognize compatibilism, and recognize Perseverance of the Saints not as some cheap, easy faith, but that God will keep us to the end as we persevere. So I think Sola-Fide is correct also. Personally, I also struggle with the claim of Apostolic Succession. The only two lists I’ve found both start with the Apostle Andrew (AD 38). This just raises a whole load of questions for me. That said, I don’t question your faith in the saving work of the Lord. And thank you for your thoughts which challenged me to think more about my own position.

[@untoages]

I'm glad to hear that this has challenged your perspective! There's much more to learn about Orthodoxy; I will never stop learning, so please note that what I've discussed in this video is only the tip of the iceberg. I would still object to your reasoning about sola-scriptura, because you're essentially assuming your conclusion. My point is that there must be an external authority to determine the canon - God didn't just give us a Bible from heaven. My most recent video discusses the formation process of the Biblical canon. Essentially, the fact that the Bible exists presupposes some authority to determine what IS the canon. I agree that the scriptures are inspired by God. But so are the people whom He chose to determine what is canon and what isn't. This is how He worked in the Old Testament (through people) and it is how He continues to work to this day. The Church is the necessary authority, otherwise you have no reason to read the Gospel of Luke over the gnostic gospel of Thomas. The canon of scripture, determined by men, is in line with what the Holy Spirit desired, as the Holy Spirit used those men when establishing the canon. The Church is given authority by Christ when He tells Peter "upon this rock I will build my Church." He then grants this same authority to the other apostles. More broadly, as I mentioned in the video, the Bible itself refutes sola-scriptura because the doctrine cannot be found in the scriptures themselves. It was a reactionary doctrinal development created by the first Protestants. Conversely, we are told "to hold on to what we've been taught, whether by word or epistle," which necessarily excludes the notion that the scriptures contain all that is relevant, because oral tradition is important also. Regarding sola-fide, we may have to agree to disagree. I believe the Peter Pan gospel is the inevitable conclusion to sola-fide and the reformation mindset more broadly, as while many pastors may claim to believe one version of sola-fide, many of their flock would rather believe in the Peter Pan gospel. Because the authority was diverted from the papacy to the individual, everyone became their own pope during the reformation. And thus, there is no binding authority for what is true and what is heresy. The plethora of opinions in Protestant doctrine is self-refuting. This is another reason why the Church is necessary. And on apostolic succession, this is a matter on maintaining what has been handed down. It's a part of our tradition, something we don't feel at liberty to change or leave behind. Ultimately, we're coming at these issues from a completely different paradigm. It takes time to understand these things but I believe if you do the work, everything becomes so much more coherent within Orthodoxy. You'll see everything in a new light and that beauty is humbling. God bless you on your journey!

[@irlc1254]

@@untoages Thanks for your thoughts. I think I can demonstrate that scripture does not depend on any external body to grant it authority. Take, for example, the 10 commandments, written by God’s own finger. Did these commandments have authority only if Moses and/or the Israelites ratified them? Is not the answer an emphatic, no? Would you not agree that the 10 commandments would be no less divine scripture if Moses or the Israelites rejected them, and they would be no more divine scripture if Moses or the Israelite, or indeed, us, formally recognize them. All scripture is the same. They are scripture by divine fiat, whether we like it or not. Ezekiel was sent to the people and the religious authorities of his day; Ezekiel 3:6-11: “But I have sent you to them who should listen to you; yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn with a strong forehead and stiff heart. Behold, I have made your face as strong as their faces and your forehead as strong as their foreheads. Like diamond stronger than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.” Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen with your ears. And go now, come to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and you shall speak to them and say to them, whether they listen or whether they refuse, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh.’”” It seems, as far as God is concerned, the opinions of men or the religious bodies count for nothing. In fact, it’s really God’s blessing to us if anyone of us recognize and submit to God’s word. I’d argue it’s the same with all things divine. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are divine whether we recognize the fact or not. They do not require our assent; our assent cannot change their nature, would you not agree?

[@irlc1254]

Just thought, another way of looking at this is like the, “when does a human life begin?" question. Does scripture begin at the point the ecumenical council give birth to it? Or is the inception at the point of inspiration? As we see in the Moses and Ezekiel example, it has to be at the point of inception - it’s alive and effective as soon as God breathes life into it (as in 2 Tim 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20, 21), long before any ecumenical council has a say in it.

[@jamesvanderhoorn1117]

There's a more fundamental objection to 'sola scriptura' than the one you're discussing. Texts do not explain themselves. No text simply says what it says. No text means anything until it's understood (i.e. INTERPRETED).

[@irlc1254]

@@jamesvanderhoorn1117 Thanks for raising this, interesting point. But first, do I take it that you concede that scripture, just like a human being, is scripture at the point of inception, regardless whether any person or body of persons declares it as such or not? I’m not here to score points to get at the truth. I don’t think it is possible to argue otherwise, unless you are willing to argue that God’s own hand, writing the 10 commandments on tablets of stone, had no legitimacy as scripture until it was canonized by Ezra around 500 BC. Because if you disagree, I think not only would God himself disagree with you, but all the saints of the OT too, be they prophets, priests, or kings, or anyone who truly trusted in Jehovah God. I think, in reality, this IS the most fundamental point: Scripture is still scripture no matters if anyone thinks it is, or interprets as such, or not. This is clearly the case, because when God SPOKE our universe into being, no human being was around. The divine word, from the Creator, is clearly not subservient to any creature. Again, thanks for the interesting point you just raised. Every form of communication, whether textual or otherwise, has to be interpreted. In fact, we interpret things continually in every waking moment. This would be stating the obvious. However, I think I know what you are trying to say, but could you be clearer?

[@mariebahnan2309]

Thank you 🙏 God bless you brother 🙏

[@gradeanunicolas1692]

After escaping the claws of the devil and breaking free from the prison of atheism I took a hard look at religions and in my opinion Orthodox Christianity is the closest to Jesus Christ and his teachings ☦️

[@Tony_Lewis]

Many Many Thanks !!!!!!!

[@kg2096]

Thank you for this.

[@heatheradamson1364]

I would love to have more information about the protestants and orthodox who were at vatican 2 if you have some links.

[@untoages]

The specific point I brought up about Protestants being at Vatican II was pulled from Kyle’s very first video. However, he goes through a lot very quickly in that video and only briefly addresses the fact that non-Catholics were invited to Vatican II. That’s all I have off the top of my head unfortunately, but perhaps others will have some suggestions as well.

[@Ignis.lex.ignis.gratia]

Attended my first Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Changed my life forever❤

[@tony1685]

why not on Sabbath -- the Lord's day?

[@Ignis.lex.ignis.gratia]

@@tony1685 I rested after work on Friday evening.

[@tony1685]

@@Ignis.lex.ignis.gratia nice! that's part of it. did you remember to keep the Sabbath Holy from friday evening until the next evening? did you attend church as Christians do -- Lev 23:3, Luke 4:16 ?? remember, friend -- the system which tampered with God's Holy Command, they even admit to doing this apostasy.

[@Ignis.lex.ignis.gratia]

@@tony1685 My dear friend, there is much more to read in the Christian faith.

[@tony1685]

@@Ignis.lex.ignis.gratia but if it's contradictory to God's Word, there is no truth in it -- Isaiah 8:20 and Christians are not to add to God's doctrine -- Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Revelation 22:18 again, catholicism is not Christianity, but a pagan counterfeit.

[@CaucasityForYou]

This is very high quality stuff.

[@Revolver1701]

Thanks for these videos. I’m from northeast Georgia and am a baptist. I’m very interested in your journey. Many baptists are dispensationalists and I’m curious about Orthodox eschatology . Is it amillennial?