A Protestant Admires the Exterior and Narthex of an Orthodox Church

[@jeremyfirth]

I'm a former Mormon, then an ardent atheist for many miserable years, and now a very happy parishioner at the Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church. Glory to God!

[@jeremyfirth]

@Jacques Guerrier Let's put it this way: for me, atheism was accompanied by nihilism. Nihilism destroys meaning, and destroying meaning destroys relationships. Suffering with no higher meaning for suffering is miserable. Instead of struggling to grow towards some purpose, and accepting the suffering that comes with growth, I was slave to passions that changed as frequently as the wind changes directions, and that instability destroyed all my relationships. Thankfully, God is now healing those relationships as I am learning to keep the most important things at the forefront of my attention and to not get constantly distracted by the enticements of the world or the whims of my passions.

[@joes3703]

Christ is in our midst.

[@ferret8001]

Many years!! Welcome to holy orthodoxy!

[@demifiendrussia]

A gradual improvement;) Bless you

[@emsdiy6857]

PRAISE THE LORD

[@alexpeace7603]

After having been a protestant for 17 years, I finally gave up at the age of 40 and joined the Orthodox Church and loved the depth of spirituality that it offers. Greetings from the country of Georgia.

[@adamsmith2944]

Georgia, what a beautiful country and people. Pray for us in north America. Christ is risen

[@alexpeace7603]

@@adamsmith2944 May Lord Jesus Christ bless you and guide you, brothers.

[@adamsmith2944]

@@alexpeace7603 peace to you and your family brother

[@alexpeace7603]

@@adamsmith2944 Same to you, brother.

[@nuzzi6620]

Question for you, friend: seeing as Georgia has been an Orthodox nation for some 1500 years, what led to you becoming a Protestant before joining your country’s native Church?

[@elijahc.brooks3493]

I’m a former Pentecostal, and I converted to the Greek Orthodox Church last year on December 20, 2020. God is so good, and I’m ready for Pascha tomorrow early morning.

[@Al-ke9tk]

Wishing you a miraculous Pascha! 😇

[@elijahc.brooks3493]

@@Al-ke9tk Thank ya! I wanna tell you something significant. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is growing down here in the Deep South of the United States. It’s like the Orthodox Church is becoming the “Bible Belt”.

[@royalbirb275]

Καλή Ανάσταση!

[@elijahc.brooks3493]

@@royalbirb275 Ευχαριστώ πολύ. I ain’t Greek, but I’m learning y’all’s language. Ναι, I am from the American Deep South who’s a convert. I feel foreign, but God, my priest, and church family still adores me.

[@royalbirb275]

@@elijahc.brooks3493 I’m not Greek either, brother :) I’m amazed at my church community- well, family as well. Observing night vigil and the Lamentations as a catechumen was a wonderful experience

[@SoundtheTrumpet2023]

Matt, my Protestant brother visited an Antiochian Church 32 years ago and never left! Now, it’s my turn. Axios!!

[@charlesmaximus9161]

Russian Orthodox here. I actually did not know this about the peacock symbol. I feel like I should have known this, being in seminary! Christ is Risen, brothers and sisters! ☦ Love from Boston, MA

[@baoduong2203]

As a Catholic seminarian, I feel the same way. I can’t tell you how many times I have been humbled whenever I meet with parishioners and their children. Times when the children would know more prayers than me, as one example. Indeed He is Risen. I hope you have a wonderful Pascha. Glad that the celebration of Pascha is on the same day with other Orthodox Churches (old and new calendar).

[@kylebrogmus8847]

Why did you go to cemetery?

[@mattbellacotti]

I’m in Seminary and Russian Orthodox as well! (Holy Trinity Seminary). I didn’t know that either (about the peacocks)

[@miguelitoantonio1950]

In Iraq I think the peacock represents a fallen angel which some worship today. So probably why some ancient Christians avoided using the peacock symbol.

[@Spazticspaz]

@@miguelitoantonio1950 Yes, there is a Satanic sect in the Middle East which associate the Peacock with Satan and worship the peacock. Since he's so "beautiful" with his "Aura". I would be wary of using it, but just like there are fallen angels, their are also good angels of God. Let us assume those peacocks are representative of that and not the latter.

[@H2oWENS]

Last year I decided to become Orthodox. Randomly seeing your video on the Greek Orthodox faith nearly 2 years ago was one of the introductions I had to the faith. I would like to thank you for helping become a Christian again after many years away from the faith. Christos Anesti!

[@daniel8728]

Glory to God!

[@dystopian2153]

Its changed my life for the better going back in my late 40s to the church I was raised in. Glad you found a home at the Orthodox church. 🙏

[@confectionarysound]

I’m a recent catechumen at an Antiochian Orthodox Church. Holy Week and Pascha liturgies were incredible.

[@Ioannikios174]

I was baptized recently and had the chance to attend much of the services. You, my friend, are correct. I was protestant before, and now I have become Orthodox and regret nothing.

[@AmandaPaige71]

Glory to Jesus Christ! I remember my first Holy Week and Pascha when I converted too! It's been a decade now but this time of year has remained my favorite on the Church Calendar! 🤗♥🤗

[@confectionarysound]

Truly He is risen!

[@ndeepowder]

Religion is like watching reruns in black and white vs popular mechanics magazine. Learn new knowledge or ancient mythology...

[@joshadams3927]

It’s been a year! How has this process been for you?

[@the.orthodox.photographer2272]

Christos Anesti, Matt! From a former Atheist, now Greek Orthodox, from an inkling that started with your videos two years ago! Blessed Pascha!

[@klub7justin]

Me too. Was atheist and now (Russian) orthodox.

[@jayveeaurea9091]

I’m personally Catholic and I welcome you home to the Christian faith. God bless you🙏

[@mic.2470]

Alistos Anesti

[@georgiusgerdyalfi1702]

Alithos Anesti, Blessed Pascha!

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

Welcome home. Our father has been preparing a place for you!

[@Aaryq]

I don't know if you'll ever understand the way Christ has used your channel to strengthen my walk with Him.

[@mathiasendresen2110]

I was baptized in a ROCOR parish in 2020, mostly comprised of American converts. My journey has been absolutely amazing since then. Orthodoxy = Life

[@adamsmith2944]

As an orthodox person I love the respect and openness you show in your video

[@Marsalis_CW]

I was just Chrismated and had my first Communion under Antioch! Axios!

[@jaycorby]

Woody CHRIST IS RISEN! Congratulations and Many Years to you my brother. Live the Orthodox Faith to its fullest and experience the fringe benefits.

[@orthodoxempire697]

Many years!

[@SoundtheTrumpet2023]

Axios!!

[@AmericanRefugee212]

This priest seems awesome and very down to earth. looking forward to the whole video.

[@myworldofbranchyz8895]

He really is! Cannot say how much I am thankful to God for him. He is a rare treasure - as I like to say "a national treasure". One can only hope to find such a great and dedicated priest who really cares and is beyond knowledgeable. The other priest of this community is one of a kind as well. Both of them are incredible people and love God and us so much.

[@rydervandyke4829]

Your church-visiting series has been huge in my walk of faith. Thank you!! Makes me want to just walk into a church and talk about God.

[@rydervandyke4829]

@@ShockedSquirrelhere As an Anglican, my biased answer is that you should find an Anglican Church, all of the priests I’ve met are incredibly welcoming and open to talk! It’s literally their job to love you, don’t be nervous!

[@TheFeralcatz]

I’m sitting in my Antiochian Parish here right now getting her ready for the resurrection of our lord tonight. God bless you Matt. Christos anesti!

[@steelsith2579]

Al Messiah qam

[@Nunofurbiznus]

Alithos o Kryrios

[@terryme3287]

Αληθώς ανέστη ❤️ Truly He is Risen

[@IAMFISH92]

Alithos Anesti!

[@Kdriggs15]

Truly He is risen!

[@LostNinja41]

This is good timing. Orthodox Easter is tomorrow. Happy Easter everyone.

[@dimitritriantafyllides682]

Great video. As Orthodox Christians we say we are lighting a candle, but more accurately, we don't light a candle: We receive the light from the Church, because Christ is the Light, and we offer the light back to Him. Just like we receive our free will from God, and that's the only thing we can offer back to Him. Thank you for the video, and God Bless you.

[@emilymln4779]

Wow this was really beautiful. Thank you for sharing! I will view lighting candles in church so differently now.

[@Jordan-1999]

The Holy Orthodox Catholic Church. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

[@OnlyBugmenWantedHandles]

Amin

[@jaycorby]

Jordan 1999 My prayer without ceasing. I begin and end my day with it...and all of the hours in between I endeavor to repeat it - with or without ' the rope '.

[@Jordan-1999]

@@jaycorby Yes, let our prayers be pleasing to God, arising unto the Lord with the likeness of a sweet aroma. O'Lord, who are we but lowly sinners which do not deserve such a gift as thee gave to us. Have mercy upon your your servants O'Christ and behold the zeal of your people, in which our souls have found eternal rest. Amín.

[@jaycorby]

@@Jordan-1999 Beautifully stated. I 'miss the mark' everyday to one degree or another, but I keep drawing back the bowstring. As one of the saints from the Holy Mountain said: " When you fall just get back up...if you fall again get back up - just keep getting back up. " Sage advice for those who want to be perfect, but find it to be quite difficult.

[@Jordan-1999]

@@jaycorby Yes I understand that feeling well! If this means anything to you, I too suffer trials and tribulations daily. Daily I carry my cross and daily the devil stands in front of me screaming words of discouragement and blowing the dust of death. And believe me I fall in my sins every day. And the devil when he possesses the courage to lurk next to me presses down on me and holds me there. He appears strong, at least for a short while. But by my other side, always I see those of pierced feet of which belong to He who died for us. O my Lord, O my Christ! You who shed and gave your body and blood for us. For the remission of our sins (behold the perfect lamb of God!) A more perfect and innocent sacrifice there was not found amongst anything in creation comparable to thee; who takes away the sin of the world. Amín.

[@joseonwalking8666]

As a protestant for pver 24 years of my life the last 3 being a Orthodox Christian has been like coming home.

[@willtheperson7224]

Hello Matt, I love seeing that your still looking into Orthodox Churches and visiting them whenever possible! If you could ever get a chance to stop by a Serbian or Russian Church, take up the opportunity! It will be a blessing for us all! Christ is Risen!

[@pkmcnett5649]

He is Risen Indeed!

[@anothercat1300]

Orthodoxy is just this intersection of so much history and Love for Christ that as soon as I entered into that space I never wanted to leave. I hope more people find the One True Catholic Apostolic Church! It saved Rome from totally collapsing at one point and could totally do the same for the USA. You're videos are helping with that! Christ has Risen!

[@victorlitteral5969]

Lovely to see Matt becoming more interested in Orthodoxy, may his search for Truth be blessed. Xristos Anesti!

[@DaFooling]

Christos Anesti everyone! Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down death!

[@andrewselbyphotography]

And upon those in the tomb bestowing life

[@TemujinKahn]

Christ is Risen!

[@charlescassis]

Alithos Anesti brother!

[@shawn_ski]

Христос воскрес

[@ASouthernLadyinAppalachia]

@@TemujinKahn Indeed He is risen!

[@OrthobroLocal1]

I’m a former Protestant that converted to Orthodoxy along with my wife and daughter. Orthodoxy is the absolute fullness of the faith. There is no other choice

[@spyridon.6048]

Loved this video and just subscribed! Just to note that Antiochian, Greek, Russian, Serbian, Romanian, etc. Orthodox Churches are all one and the same for those who may be confused. Maybe clarify that in your videos? Anyways, your videos are amazing and I have been watching them for some time. Keep up the good work!

[@addiemo8304]

Nice to see you back at an orthodox church. I am born and raised Pentecostal but had an encounter with God while gazing on the Holy Trinity icon. I am now a catachuemen in the orthodox church. The eastern church is much more incarnational than the West. You can know God through your body and the physical world, not just in your head and consciousness. Huge difference. If you study the early church you will find that there were many practices that were physical/body based (the eucharist being the supreme). Western Christianity has lost this element of Incarnation.

[@guspapadopoulos]

Great point. The essence, energy regarding God was an issue discussed and explained very convincingly to me by an Orthodox Saint Gregory of Palamas where he also touched on Hesychasm.

[@BruvaLucius]

It's great people are seeing Orthodoxy more and more nowadays, I'm going for my first Paschal evening service in just under two hours!

[@JosueSantiagoG]

How was it? Christ is Risen!

[@BruvaLucius]

@@JosueSantiagoG Truly he is risen! Was easily the most beautiful church service I've been too, hearing everyone singing the Paschal Hymm and the priest singing the Gospel was absolutely spectacular, I'm glad I made the decision to become a catechumen.

[@shirleygoss1988]

@@BruvaLucius 100% right decision! God bless your journey. Christ is Risen!

[@BruvaLucius]

@@shirleygoss1988 Truly he is risen! I'm truly grateful that God's guided me to where my faith is right now, and that I will grow in that faith ever more, God willing.

[@aurelius1964]

Christ is risen! Antiochian Orthodox from the UK here; love your channel - so respectful and genuinely curious. May God pour out his blessings on you.

[@aarongoss8514]

As always, this series is so genuine and heartfelt and compassionate and respectful. In a day where there is so much division, this makes me so so happy. From a Catholic man, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your work, and may God continue to reward and guide you.

[@tonyortega750]

Been visiting St’s Peter & Paul’s for years now. Fr. Paul is the associate priest and Fr. Justin is the pastor. That congregation has grown so much in the last decade they’ve built a second parish about an hour’s drive south of that location.

[@joseonwalking8666]

The growth worldwide of the Orthodox church is insane.

[@news_internationale2035]

@@miavanopst1187 Town with an appropriate name.

[@bman5257]

East Orthodox Priest: Here is Mary in the burning bush. Some Protestant somewhere: Spits drink*

[@kevinlove4356]

This was well explained by Father Paul. Just as the bush burned with the presence of God without being consumed, in the same way, Mary carried Jesus in her womb without having her human nature annihilated by Jesus's divine nature.

[@bobbiefluffy]

Christ is risen! Thank you Matt for showing the internet the Orthodox church. Orthodoxy saved my life from severe depression several years ago and I am elated to see you take it all in.

[@SeekTheGoodInAll]

Praying for your conversation to the Orthodox faith! Christ is Risen!

[@chsrogiematthewpanares1551]

"First and most important created being" lol you got me in that line😂

[@ionatanpurcaru5020]

Looking forward to the next video.I am an orthodox in the romanian church and i enjoy to see the particularities from the other orthodox churches in the world.Hristos a înviat!

[@stawbey]

Blessed Pascha to all ♥️

[@AmandaPaige71]

Christ is Risen!

[@gheel]

Just returned from my first Agape Vespers service at our local Antiochian Orthodox parish to find you touring one! Love to see it

[@royalbirb275]

Excellent timing with Pascha! I'm a Greek Orthodox catechumen at a tiny parish and I always love seeing your videos on Orthodoxy. You truly do a great job. Καλή Ανάσταση!

[@brian7569]

Kristos Voskrese! I'm really enjoying seeing the questions and reactions a person from a protestant background has when coming into an Orthodox Church. I'm looking forward to the next video and seeing how Fr. Paul unpacks all the layers of meaning behind the church building itself and the iconography. I hope you eventually do a video with an Orthodox Priest going through the Divine Liturgy on Sunday to explore why Orthodox Christians worship in the way that they do.

[@reamus9102]

Thanks for doing all these different church dives of all the denominations you've done (Lutheran, Catholic, etc:); I love learning about other Christian's worship life. I am an Orthodox Christian and am quite excited for your next video. I know you went to a Lutheran service when you toured that church, and hearing your impressions of the service were very interesting. Have you ever thought about attending an Orthodox Liturgy, or a Catholic Mass, as a companion/reaction to these tour videos you do? Don't want you to be uncomfortable though lol, so I understand if not. Either way, thank you for the content you create, and your channel has been an extraordinary resource for my own faith journey. God bless 🙏

[@GeorgeK1410]

Alright, That's enough time. Thank you, I think I am ready to watch the next part please.

[@99kylies15]

Kudos for being brave enough to ask all these questions. It's so cool to see how well this stuff is thought out!

[@guspapadopoulos]

Father Paul is such a decent, humble person who never criticizes or puts down anyone's belief or ststem. He reeks with sincere humility. I only wish he was in New York as l would be honored to be a member of his congregation.

[@johnpaulhumphrey2981]

Subbed for the Ortho content from the Prot perspective! I am not Orthodox [yet?] but they have more theology in their lobby than we have in our entire church building. So cool!

[@geordiewishart1683]

The only theology you need is the Bible

[@kthomas3280]

Geordie, who wrote the Bible?

[@ericlefevre7741]

The architecture of all early churches was borrowed directly from the architecture of synagogues. Same with the forms of the liturgy, clerical vestments and the prayers of the church. That is why the building felt so natural and organic.

[@philnaegely]

Which makes sense given tradition and what they were used to.

[@NowhereNN]

I'm glad they did a good cleansing of the building and blessing before they held services. I can't even imagine the demons running around there given that it was a synagogue.

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

@@NowhereNN I am glad that they didn’t remove the symbols from the facade of the building….. We are at peace with every fate If you want to be respected, respect the others Blessings

[@NowhereNN]

@@mirjanamilosavljevic4261 Respect from Jews or Muslims is worthless. How can a Christian respect religions that serve Satan? That's a worldly standard. Also, we, as Christians, are at war with the entire world including other religions.

[@mezzadam1123]

I appreciate your openness to learning about the Orthodox tradition. God bless you

[@MrWesford]

Now hopefully Matt joins The Body of Christ.

[@lc-mschristian5717]

Thank you. As a Lutheran I understand the symbolism and reverence Involved.

[@JosueSantiagoG]

I'm Orthodox now, but I grew up LCMS. As you can see, the Incarnation is a BIG deal in the OC. But on that front I really didn't have any really adjustment to make because it's such a huge focus in the Lutheran theology I grew up with. So much beauty in your Church's theology that prepared me for where I am now (regenerative baptism, real presence, a weariness of emotionalism and a general sobriety). I'm not trying to throw other Protestants under the bus. I'm just saying how thankful I am to have been prepared in the LCMS tradition. God bless you!

[@TommyGunzzz]

Such a genuine person and video. Amazing. I'm a convert and attend an Antiochian Parish. Excited for the next one

[@sharonwalters6135]

Just wonderful 😊 we joined the orthodox church in our mid 70s from Protestantism. Oh my, how beautiful is our world now. My soul is at last satisfied until I see Him face to face ❤

[@franthonycornett1742]

Christ is Risen! My family and I also have the privilege of having received wonderful hospitality of the Sts Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in SLC. At the time we visited, Fr Paul was not there yet, but since his assignment as assistant Priest, I have interviewed him for a seminary course on Mission-minded Parishes. He was kind with his time and follow-up, and I certainly look forward to seeing part 2!

[@pablononescobar]

11:00 After the narthex is the nave. The Sanctuary is the area behind the iconostasis, also called the Altar (because it's where the altar table is located)

[@Bashe100]

I would love to see one of these videos inside a monastery. Keep on doing this awesome work. The church of God seems a lil but closer together through this series.

[@04724349]

I have a profound respect for the Orthodox churches. They are probably the most persecuted Christians through history and still witness their faith to Christ. Christos Anesti, brothers and sisters!

[@jh5401]

The accessibility this series provides is so awesome, it makes learning this stuff far less intimidating

[@Cildara]

Impatient for the next episode!😊

[@JosueSantiagoG]

Matt, this is so well done. You did such a fantastic job talking about icons. And that priest was great. He did such a great job with his explanations. Thank you for your humble excitement in sharing our faith through your video. FWIW, I'm Orthodox. It's a more Slavic brand but it's all in English and our theology is exactly the same as the Antiochian (we are in communion an consider each other to be fully Orthodox). Christ is Risen!

[@terryme3287]

Καλή Ανάσταση ✝️❤️ wishing you all a great Resurrection Day... It’s at midnight tonight that we will say Χριστός Ανέστη 🌹✝️❤️ the good news - Christ is Risen

[@athanasiusofalexandria4304]

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

[@reigenlucilfer6154]

@@athanasiusofalexandria4304 Truly He is Risen ❤

[@devonjosiah7308]

Truly He is risen!

[@Graaskaegg]

Ja, han är sannerligen uppstånden! (Swedish)

[@LBBspock]

Alithos Anesti!

[@englishlearningcenter1470]

Awesome Matt! As a Catholic I see Orthodox as our close brothers. I love the iconography!!!

[@geordiewishart1683]

Yes. You prob worship it

[@englishlearningcenter1470]

@@geordiewishart1683 mo's likely. As a matter of fact I am a member of the Neocatecumenal Way of the Catholic Church and our Founder Kiko Argüello has made several icons inspired by the Orthodox Church.

[@philmattox8500]

Matt, since you have been really doing a deep dive into Orthodoxy you probably know that Sunday May 2nd this Year is Pascha. So with just shy of 2 hours from Pascha I am sending the traditional Paschal getting; CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

[@joulesinwatt]

Thank you for the style and content of your videos.

[@frankherbert6476]

At 6:50 you got to the point, asking, for the viewers, "whos is Jesus to the Orthodox?" Many people, sadly, don't get the importance of this, and ask crucial questions. If more people asked this of Orthodox, and were truly serious, they would come to the conclusion they would either have to be Orthodox or nothing at all. Orthodoxy has a unique way of approaching Christianity, and those on the outside would have to ask themselves "does my church worship, pray, view Christ as the Orthodox?" If not, then, "why not?" After all, this was the Church that assembled the Bible we all use, and had existed for nearly 400 years prior to the bible. Thank you so much for approaching with humility and genuine interest. Also thanks for not jumping out the window when you saw icons, and set possible presuppositions aside. Oh and read Lossky and Pelikan!

[@lanegentry6328]

I love these videos and I would love to see a Church Tour Reunion in which all the people from all of the different videos get together and talk, compare notes, and have fun. I know that’s wildly impractical, but I think it’s a fun idea

[@mch241]

That would be awesome!

[@lannyrayconnelljr]

Bro great video!! I’m going to my first Pashal divine liturgy (Orthodox Easter service) tonight. I’m looking forward to your upcoming Orthodox videos!

[@The_Fly0]

Same :)

[@alypiusloft]

I was received into the Holy Orthodox Church one month ago, and must say that I’ve never been so confident in the love of God. If you want to know more about Orthodox theology, check out “The Lord of the Spirits” podcast and “The Religion of the Apostles” by Fr. Stephen De Young.

[@TheLauraMarieT2]

This is such a cool channel! I really enjoy your interviews! I am Catholic but honestly was just listening to your Orthodox and wanted more information and here it is just after you post! One thing for sure - from my perspective I really love how the Protestants I know seem to dive deep for answers - I love it! Also Dallas Jenkins making The Chosen - what a fantastic gift! You both do great work! God Bless you!🙏🏼🕊❤️🌟

[@toddvoss52]

Matt- its been 2 weeks and we're still waiting for the next part. Looking forward to it!

[@las7758]

I've been checking back for a couple of days now for part 2. Can't wait to see it!

[@Rorschached]

Really glad to see you doing this video! I loved your tour of the Greek Orthodox Church, but with it being your first tour video, we didn’t get the deep theology talk that I’m hoping you do in this one.

[@stephaniesyme1513]

It shows that you two have a great friendship and mutual respect. It's refreshing and I'm loving these vidoes that have helped me to better understand Orthodoxy. Our family attends a reformed church in Ogden.

[@estoyenelflowstate4412]

The unity of the faith is a future event that has been in the process since the very beginning of humankind. So exciting to watch this type of videos.

[@mattmorris135]

Matt thank you for what you are doing here. Your openness and non condemning curiosity about differences is inspiring and what the entire faith community needs where unity has to be the future of the church to have relevance in our culture. Your approach is beautiful and inspiring.

[@blakehiggs5354]

Please post the next one!!!! The suspense is killing me! 😂

[@NorthmanWoodworks]

As a former Protestant and newly baptized Orthodox Christian, your reaction to your initial introduction to the Antiochian Church absolutely blessed me and got me quite excited as I remember feeling such a sense of awe at all of the icons, the aroma of the incense and the overall feel of the church when I first began to experience it. I pray to our God and the Most Holy Theotokos that you will attend at least a few liturgical services to see how our worship is as opposed to Protestant worship (obviously understanding that there are vast differences between Protestant denominational worship as well)! It’s almost like stepping back into time! The reverence in orthodox worship is breathtaking! ☦️☦️☦️

[@PlaneRidiculous]

Thank you for visiting our Orthodox Churches and inquiring about our faith. You truly asked so many thoughtful, engaging questions which has led to some amazing videos here on your channel. Thank you again. May the Lord bless you!!

[@realjosephpeck]

Looking forward to seeing your baptismal video later on. Once you have accepted that what youve known is an inch deep and a mile wide, and that Orthodoxy is 10 miles deep and 100 miles wide, conversion never lags too far behind. Christ is Risen my friend! Deacon Joseph

[@TestifyApologetics]

Love all these, looking forward to pt 2. I'm sure you get requests all the time but can you do an interview with an Ethiopian Orthodox priest? They say they possess the real ark of the covenant and they also accept the book of Enoch. So off the bat, I'm super fascinated.

[@asearch.for.insight1292]

Oh this is a great idea 💡

[@loveandmercy9664]

Me too! I also found out recently from an Ethiopian friend that the Ethiopians have a tradition that when the Holy family fled to Egypt they also went to Ethiopia to see the ark.

[@bestmoviescenes5073]

Yeap. Ethiopian Orthodox church is so fascinating. Beside the real ark of the covenant that is in Axum St. Mary church, they also have part of the true cross in another st. Mary church called Geshen.

[@idrislamont1064]

Ethiopia has some amazing ancient rock cut churches I would love to visit someday.

[@GabrielLukeCraig]

4:56 Wow! That was actually pretty neat, wasn't expecting that.

[@McCainenl]

This man has a really pleasant voice

[@DaFooling]

You can’t be an Orthodox priest if you can’t sing.

[@johnlyman2054]

@@DaFooling lol bro I wish that was true, but I’ve met a few that prove otherwise

[@peredequatre]

Can't wait for the next installment. Hope it's soon.

[@bentond3889]

As a recent convert from A Protestant background, I can tell you that the layers of meaning just keep getting deeper and richer the more you learn. What a great video series. Having just experienced my first Pascha was one of the most enriching, intense and amazing worship experiences I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Matt, you really need to make some visits at that time (especially the Holy Week services).

[@elliotdavies1418]

I love your videos especially when you visited the Coptic and Greek Orthodox Church. I would love to see you go to a Western rite Orthodox Church.

[@noahjohnson2611]

Yes!

[@AaronAprati]

These church tour videos you do are fascinating! Nothing else like it on KZbin! Keep it up!!❤

[@raymondschneider5217]

Your videos are always so educational, Matt. I've found your vids on your tours with various denominations and their church leadership very informative and a fun educational class. But, gotta tell you, guy; this was a mean way (LOL) to teasing us mortals!! Keep up the good work; my prayers are with you and your family/team. Looking forward to your next chats with Fr. Paul. Y'all Be Safe!

[@FrMichaelMarcantoni]

My friend and classmate Fr. Paul! Outstanding! Christ is Risen

[@mariusfilip1847]

I enjoyed your video very much. Yes, I think you start grasping the meaning of icons in Orthodoxy. Our ancestors fought long and hard to keep the icons in churches - an ordeal than not even the Oriental Orthodox had to go through. Be blessed in your work - from a simple (Romanian/Greek/British) Orthodox Christian

[@bouseuxlatache4140]

Matt this is a wonderful visit. Looking forward for part 2.

[@GeorgeK1410]

Great video. Father nailed all his responses.

[@Euroshima61]

Your explanation for the burning bush icon just made my day. Thant you very much! From an brazilian antiochian orthodox Christian! 🌾😇🇧🇷☦️

[@TonyEspana182]

BEGOME ORDODOX, MY BRUDDAH!

[@erravi]

*begome gadolig :DDD

[@mikekwayne]

Matt, revisiting this video for the umpteenth time, like I do with so many of your vids. Keep 'em coming. One thing I was taught, that I haven't seen in the comments or the video is that the onion like domes are meant to represent candle flames. Basically all Orthodox churches are built around giant candles saying to all the outside world "We have the light of Jesus! Come here for light and warmth!"

[@PsychoBible]

I've been learning a lot about Orthodoxy through Jonathan Pageau and the Lord of Spirits podcast. Interesting timing with this video, because I just went to a Pascha service last weekend.

[@ASouthernLadyinAppalachia]

Love both of them myself. I want Fr. Stephens de Young's new book, The Religion of the Apostles...

[@fezzik8785]

In one of the catechism classes at sts peter and Paul fr Paul mentioned that he recorded some KZbin thing. He mentioned that he wasn't sure if it went very well or if he would just ask for the whole thing to be canned. What a surprise that it was one of my favorite KZbin channels that did the KZbin thing. Glad it didn't get canned!

[@gazoontight]

This is the best video series on KZbin.

[@peterfox7663]

I like your drone footage. It adds a lot of production value.

[@firefighteremt9]

Thanks, looking forward to future videos.

[@ashleybough7114]

Are you still making videos? I’m new to your channel and have been binge watching them all! I love your approach and teaching style. I hope you have more to come!!!

[@shawnhampton8503]

Can't wait for part 2 and beyond!!!

[@JesusMyInspiration]

Thanks for this video 🙏🙏🙏

[@ettoredipugnar6990]

I was received into the Orthodox Church 31 years ago . Raised as a catholic . Never looked back

[@CDC39A]

Where's... the....next....part...ahhhh. My brain needs the rest of this tour.