Warning for New Converts to Orthodox Christianity

[@DiMacky24]

New converts, I promise you, icons, prayerbooks, holywater flasks, saintly writings etc will all come to you from other parishioners over the years. Don't get anything for yourself, the chur h will provide and you in turn will provide for others. Focus on living in your parish and taking Orthodoxy day by day. It's an endurance race, not a sprint. I say this all as a young convert myself.

[@stevemcgee99]

“Focus on living in your parish” ~ great way to put it.

[@clumsydrummer7914]

What a great perspective! I have the tendency to jump right in with anything I become involved with, usually too boldly or at a surface level.

[@SoggyMonster]

Your comment really struck me, simply on the basis of how simple and true it is. I have yet to actually purchase anything Orthodox-related (aside from a prayer book), but my parish has given me all that I feel that I need. I started out with no icons whatsoever, but our yiayia gave me 2, of the Theotokos and of St. Ignatius of Antioch. I ended up giving away the icon of the Theotokos to a fellow parishioner, because she was going through a hard time. That very next day, a parishioner gave me 2 more icons: one of our Lord and another of His Mother, replacing my previous Theotokos icon. A small example of how small things will grow over time.

[@flemishgiantrabbitlove2869]

I struggle finding a church near me in northern Indiana although I do have a brother in orthodoxy

[@Theophoruz]

As someone whose mind converted to that of Eastern Orthodoxy, here is my predicament: Not able to get prayer ropes, books of any saints, let alone any prayer books or icons. I don't have full autonomy, and my parents are protestant. So I can't go to any nearby Eastern Orthdooxy Churches. But I think God let me go through this, so my faith can become even stronger once I head to a church.

[@tbnrcreator.official]

All inquirers or catechumens etc remember this: Real Orthodoxy isn't edits or phonk or any of that sort of stuff you see online. It's not a label or an aesthetic. It's a way of life, a religion and a struggle. You only see that in person and not through a screen. ☦

[@JoelFuhrmann]

I’ve been Orthodox for almost five years. When I was new in the Church, I did buy a lot of books, mostly aimed to new-comers, but fortunately have a spiritual father who put great emphasis on prayer and scripture reading. So I wrote a personal “mission statement” to remind me of my primary task, the first thing to do each day : “Pray first - nothing else matters” Do have to confess I’ve struggled with this at times - transitioning from a school-based work schedule to a lighter summer schedule gave lots of opportunity to sleep later and put off prayer, causing me to struggle with controlling thoughts and passions, but nevertheless that’s the goal “Pray first - nothing else matters”

[@briankristensen349]

For someone who have no OC, an still only following OC on youtube, i have learned to pray morning and evening and it is changing me. I only have Lutheran Church and friends there. God bless OC for teaching us to Know Him.

[@hutdweller7430]

Confession and Communion w Him, too.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Thank you good advice

[@wv9459]

This priest has been smacking me in the face with wisdom lately.. thank you so much

[@dod6031]

@@wv9459 have you watched his interviews he did with Matt Whitman from ten minute Bible hour? If not I’d recommend them, it’s how I was introduced to Fr. Paul.

[@henok.l4202]

Right😅

[@Kontaineroz]

Same

[@Adam_Wilde]

‭1 Corinthians 8:1b "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."

[@Moleetov]

When I first went to visit my local Orthodox Church a month ago two things were made abundantly clear to me. That nothing in Orthodoxy is fast. And to not get stuck in internet Orthodoxy.

[@ShakeCastle]

I'm new too. Been only twice so far, this time I sat with the yiayia's and I think at first they were a bit disappointed that I'm not Greek lol but they emphasized it's not easy but I fi ght demons in my sleep.

[@RealDavidN]

I've heard "There is Orthodoxy on the Internet, but there is no such thing as Internet Orthodoxy".

[@argentiskyblau159]

You’ve never heard of the internet fathers?

[@CoachNoahDavid]

I like that

[@birdlynn417]

It helps, nonetheless. Some people are alone and don't have transportation to church, and internet Orthodoxy or any of the services or teachings extends themselves to awakening the spirit and reaching the heart, mind, and soul too.

[@kemptonbryan]

There is 100% Internet orthodoxy

[@firstnamelastname2197]

@@kemptonbryani dont think you understood

[@seeker2219]

This is a perfect example of Orthodoxy wrapping you in enormous wisdom. Be still, and know that God is God. And while you are still, let the church surround you.

[@murrayphillipson4830]

More indoctrination!

[@seeker2219]

@@murrayphillipson4830 Yes, i see you are very inspirational and wise. Your 12-60years on earth are nothing compared to the churches 2000 years, and countless humans collective wisdom and experience. Nor do you have ANY idea what i know, experienced or whatever else has brought me here. So you have to excuse me, but your worldly wisdom you have showed here do not impress me in the slightest. Everything i´v ever experienced through life has brought me more wisdom then your message.. and i include isects and drops of water. Modern humans intellectual regression is fierce, i know. But plz become better.

[@jupiterrising887]

New Convert: “I’m so excited to join Holy Orthodoxy, I’m going to learn everything I can!” Fr. Paul Trubenbach: “And I took that personally.”

[@TJ-015]

💀

[@PomazeBog1389]

2:07 "I've learned over time that just getting more things doesn't help my faith one bit." Powerful statement.

[@LCx829]

As a born orthodox. Go to church,support your community. You don’t need books but the church needs support.

[@laurahildebrand7023]

Yes, thankful that my godparents and friends from our parish warned of us this and gave us steps on how to avoid the consumerism. Take breaks, read books that build your faith, really focus on the prayers and learn your prayer rule, don’t have one, talk with your spiritual father. Write down questions and ask them, cultivate your nous in prayer, fasting and living in your parish. Books are great but living Orthodoxy is more important. Read the scriptures, slow down, and remember that icons aren’t an aesthetic or decorations, but windows into heaven.

[@SpiderMnkyMntDew]

This is the most wise instruction I’ve heard in a long time. God bless you from a seeking Protestant.

[@jarrettmiller8754]

I spent the first 14-16 months of my conversion simply reading one source. And those books helped change me in dramatic ways. Those were the Spiritual Counsels of St. Paisios. Some at our parish even started to joke (lovingly) about how often I would reference his writings during devotions groups / Bible studies. But rather than try to read many different things, I chose to learn from one source with whom I deeply connected.

[@ΜαρίαΖιώγα-υ9κ]

Αδερφέ οι λόγοι του Αγίου Παϊσίου του Αγιορείτη είναι γεμάτοι θεία χάρη και ωφελούν πάρα πολλές ψυχές. Έχουν ελκύσει στην πίστη αμέτρητους ανθρώπους. Πολύ σωστά έκανες και τα διάβαζες. Ακόμη πιο σωστά έκανες αν τα εφαρμοζες ή τουλάχιστον προσπαθούσες να τα εφαρμόσεις. Εύχομαι ο άγιος Παΐσιος να σε προστατεύει και να σε οδηγεί στον γλυκό Παράδεισο πάντα! Από μια Ελληνίδα ορθόδοξη χριστιανή

[@DMichiganWol21]

After hours of your videos today and suggested books, I realized I did not pray once during this time. I can't go to an actual desert today, so I will go to the desert of my heart today. Thank you Father 🙏

[@CoachNoahDavid]

I’m a new brother of the Eastern Orthodox Church after being deceived by the Protestant movement for the first 3 years of my walk with Christ. I’m so grateful to know the truth, learn about the church’s history, and being connected to the teachings that date back to the disciples!☺️❤️ I’ve never known the Lord Jesus as much as I do now and that is thanks to the Eastern Orthodox Church. My soul finally feels like it can rest because the Holy Spirit had been telling me these modern churches were wrong but I would be told I don’t have a say because I’m too young of a Christian and I don’t know the Holy Spirit like they do yet, and I also never even heard any teachings about the Eastern Orthodox church at all before 3 weeks ago so I was confused. Please pray for those being deceived by the Protestant and charismatic movement!! There’s too many of our brothers and sisters being deceived horribly!💔

[@tinakarras7571]

How are they deceived?

[@CoachNoahDavid]

@@tinakarras7571 Everything I’m about to say, I say with love and genuine concern: 1. There is no discipleship, there is no consistent structure. “Just let the spirit flow” they say. Leading vulnerable people in some sort of made up prayer to give their life to Jesus but then they don’t disciple them nor equip them with the necessary tools to truly walk with Christ. New believers don’t even understand the spiritual gifts but they idolize them and it distracts them from their prayer life and time in the word of God. 2. The spirit of self righteousness runs a muck in these churches. It has become a show. A motivational and charismatic theater. It is more a popularity contest and a competition of who actually has the gift of tongues and who doesn’t. A competition of truly has the Holy Spirit and who doesn’t. A competition of who can memorize the most scripture and sound the best when speaking it. It’s all about how many people you can make “feel good” rather than being about Jesus Christ. 3. These churches try to blend the secular lifestyle with the Christian lifestyle and it waters down the true gospel of Jesus Christ and this has led new and young believers to believe they can have it both ways and this is not so. They have adopted a new Jesus Christ who fits their comfort and convenience and they have abandoned the true Jesus Christ. 4. Nobody in these Protestant churches even know that they’re a Protestant! They don’t even know any history about the church. They take communion when they “feel the Holy Spirit” tell them to and that’s a handful of times a year and that is absurd now that I know better. Completely disregarding and disrespecting the heaviness that the Holy Eucharist holds and represents. 5. These churches teach you that you should see every obstacle or hardship as a demon and that you should rebuke that demon because you have that authority and they’re afraid of you. They teach you that you should just walk into the battlefield without even going to boot camp or receiving your armor and weapons yet. This is absolute madness. We are not called to be demon slayers. Although some do receive the gift of deliverance, there is a heavy responsibility and safety risk that comes with that gift and it should NOT be taught with the lack of care it is being taught with. 6. These churches have conformed to the world and its’ inhabitants because if they don’t, their seats will become empty and they won’t have enough money to support their giant LED screens, their expensive light shows, the pastor’s private jet, the pastor’s wife’s Ferrari, or their mansion. What happened to teaching people how to repent and live a modest lifestyle? There are many different things I could say, but these are just a few.

[@dod6031]

⁠​⁠@@CoachNoahDavidPretty heavy generalisations of Protestantism here mostly based off mega churches, the non denominational movement and Pentecostalism used to describe all Protestants…

[@CoachNoahDavid]

@@dod6031 well I’m speaking from my own experience so do with it as you’d like. I’m not speaking for all churches. But I’ll say 99/100 of these churches fall into this category and I’m honestly not sorry for telling the truth. The proof is in the pudding. If I walk into a church that has the most expensive sound system, LED screens, and everybody is speaking gibberish but calling it tongues, I’m walking straight out. These churches don’t have the Holy Spirit, they have the kundalini spirit. Any church that doesn’t have structure is ran by the congregation and that brings chaos. Protestants hate structure and anything to do with tradition but that mindset is fueled by the same spirit of the pope who wanted his own power, the same spirit that prevents a woman from submitting to her husband, and the same spirit that prevents believers from surrendering their will entirely, and the same spirit that prevents believers from repenting. It’s disobedience and this disobedience is encouraged by others that are disobedient because Protestants want to be in control so they don’t have to be held accountable by anybody. Do not tell me anything about tongues, either. That’s not tongues. Read the book of Acts. That’s how tongues works. Tongues isn’t speaking absolute gibberish in front of the whole congregation WITH new believers without an interpreter!!!! Disobedience at its finest. Need I say more?

[@CoachNoahDavid]

@@dod6031 I don’t speak for all Protestant churches, only from my own experience at a few “non denominational, Pentecostal, baptist” churches. If the shoe doesn’t fit, I’m not talking about you or your church then my beloved one. I can’t speak for every church. I only express my feelings of my personal experience, I understand I know nothing of your church. But one thing that’s true is if members of your church are speaking in tongues, falling out on the floor, and putting on a whole show, then your church falls into this category. If not, then it doesn’t fall into this category. The biggest and most ignorant deception of all, is telling a new believer that they don’t have the Holy Spirit because they can’t speak in tongues or because they didn’t choose to fall out on the ground when the pastor shoved their head as much as possible to make it look like he has some kinda power that he doesn’t. This CANNOT BE SO! Nobody can gate-keep the Holy Spirit and then shame a new believer for not choosing to be a blind fool like them. That’s hypocrisy, pride, and much more. The churches have taken their focus off of Jesus and have idolized everything else at church and even the spiritual gifts. All you gotta do is read the scripture. If the church is doing something that scripture doesn’t support, I’m NOT doing it. And there’s nothing a pastor or ANYBODY could tell me to convince me they know better than scripture. No. Absolutely not.

[@DissonanceRiver]

"If you cannot go into the desert of the world, you go into the desert of your heart." Beautiful.

[@RobertOrthodox]

As a catechumen in the Orthodox Church, my advice to my fellow brothers and sisters is to stick to the essentials; Attend liturgy, read, pray and fast. Don’t spend so much time on the internet going down the rabbit hole.

[@cathywithac3793]

That's sound advice for cradle Orthodox Christians too.

[@lynzimoore3561]

As a rock climber and someone interested in Orthodoxy, I see this as an absolute win analogy 0:25

[@πατριχορ]

The consumerism part is very important!

[@CoachNoahDavid]

Truthfully I believe this is definitely the biggest problem with new believers. It becomes way too chaotic and people lose focus of prayer and reading scripture. I’m a new Eastern Orthodox brother after coming to Christ 3 years ago in a Protestant church, but nobody even knows what a Protestant is because the church doesn’t disciple people and teach them the important things. I’m grateful I’m home now ❤️☦️🙏🏼

[@valvallll]

I prayed for this confirmation and guidance literally last night. Thank you.

[@murrayphillipson4830]

Praying= self deception. Try not lying to yourself.

[@valvallll]

@@murrayphillipson4830 you don't know what you're saying. Keep on searching and learning.

[@hwahwa2008]

Maybe it's something like: When a person sees a video he likes on YT, he puts it in his favorites, and then there are more and more things in his favorites, but in fact, he may not even finish watching a single video. It is so easy to get information nowadays, but it is difficult to really quiet down your mind and focus on one thing. Even in today's environment, such as the workplace, bosses hope that employees can do N kinds of things at the same time. Focusing on just one thing is sometimes foolish in the eyes of others. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why it is common for people nowadays to suffer from anxiety and various mental problems.

[@harveygosal]

Thank you so much Father Paul! May God bless you. This is so true. I've learned this the hard way. Used to read 3 Bible Chapters a day with the study portions. Being able quote verses... I began to think I knew it all... The passion of pride sprung forth. Great advice: living out the faith is so important. That's what I'm working on. And more prayer. Currently a Catechumen so this really helps and speaks to me! Glory to God for everything

[@vladdoroscan8825]

Thanks!

[@RootsofOrthodoxy]

Thank you! God bless

[@IosuamacaMhadaidh]

Getting to a church for the community is of utmost importance.

[@adeporter3999]

'spend time in the desert or your heart' beautiful

[@EddisonConley]

2:38 i like how he just breaks the fourth wall like it's a every day thing 😂

[@azrielkingdom]

Decided to attend a local orthodox church for the first time this weekend.❤

[@AshleyGotcher]

American government denied my wife for treatment for alcohol and PTSD and sietega ( sever back pain ) please pray for us .

[@leslielousma7913]

I’ve been studying on my own for well over a year. I’m hoping there’s an Orthodox Church where we’re moving.

[@OrthodoxMidwife]

There’s a map of Orthodox Church linked in Orthodox Kyle’s videos and profile. You can see if there’s a church where you’re living. God bless ☦️

[@leslielousma7913]

@@OrthodoxMidwife 😊

[@sooperdt]

Definitely adding this video to my watchlist!

[@ccpacific4042]

Hahaha

[@olbe147]

Everything in true Christian (aka Orthodox) life starts with humility. It's exceptionally hard for a modern person to achieve, but the faith springs from it. Without it, all the books in the world won't do any difference.

[@antoniocadena3287]

Orthodox has been calling my attention for the past year. I started to learn about the Protestant church for a while but then seemed to be so curious about Orthodox Christianity. Today i received my Orthodox study Bible, and I can’t wait to learn more and more. I want to covert☦️🤍

[@Gibbstronic]

I'm loving all the content from Father Paul. He seems very real and down to earth. When I first learned about the faith and I became a catechumen, I would watch and listen to anything and everything Orthodox I could get my hands on. I had to learn and am still learning how to throttle that back now that I've been in the Church for 2 years. I would say, if you really want to learn the faith, pay attention to the old ladies, the yiayias and babushkas. Their faith is so genuine, you can't go wrong following their example.

[@naturescritter4691]

I purchased a prayer book and also a study bible. The only thing I made was prayer ropes to be in constant prayer. I am slowly reading the books in the study bible. Trying to do my best with the prayer book.

[@amyknapp6275]

This is so good and timely. Thank you. I have been in the Protestant belief for 31 years. After never feeling satisfied and not getting my questions answered, I started studying church history. This has led me to understanding the Eucharist, and (finally) clarity on the book of Revelation, among many other "wow" moments. I have been studying and attending both Catholic and Orthodox Mass. I have been excited, yet overwhelmed at all I am discovering. Getting in my prayer closet is key for me.

[@ShakeCastle]

how's it going now for you?

[@amyknapp6275]

@ShakeCastle Thank you for asking! It has been challenging. My husband of 32 years and children (adults) are very much protestant and I have really had to wrestle with counting the cost. I continue to study and attend mass and feel that I will never be able to look at the protestant church the same. I am struggling with feeling like I am dishonoring my husband, though, and find myself praying that I can just be content ( difficult, though... once your eyes have been opened to many new truths.) I really could use prayer🙂

[@mscraig5147]

Excellent, EXCELLENT teaching! Praise Yah. ❤

[@aw5591]

As a Protestant from the Netherlands, thank you for your wisdom. It's helped immensely in rekindling my faith and taking it step by step as you said.

[@jackieboib]

3:00 literally all you need to be a devout christian in my opinion. nothing wrong w/ reading the bible and going to church on Sundays obviously, but if your going to be a child of God being humble, repentant, and loving at all times is the work. God put in the work for us by sending Jesus down here to sacrifice himself for us, so we gotta put in the work for him, and THATS the work

[@freeezaohohoho8788]

This really described my Situation. I am looking for knowledge, Listening and Reading about christianity, but something is missing. I don’t put much into practise. Thank you father Truebenbach! God bless you and your Family! God bless us all. Amen

[@K.Premislia]

There are no accidents, huh? Today is 1st day of my fasting to get prepared to my confession and Communion (Roman Catholic to Orthodoxy conversion) this Friday. And I just caught myself that, „hey, you remember those books your Father gave to you? Do you even remember them?” I have 10 or so books, that I already had idea that I will re-read them again, make proper notes from them etc., to properly input them into my life - as I took in the beginning more approach of „intellectually getting know orthodoxy” as a priority (but not abandoning the changing of way of being too, of course! I just decided to go top-down way). But the thing is, I believe I don't even remember 10% of what I read? Like, it's much lesser than I thought it should be… And it shows me, despite that I was aware that „first readings will be shallow, I'm just getting familiar with Orthodoxy and later with that gained knowledge I will work on myself”, I realized that I indeed fell into this pitfall! Because like, when it will be the moment that, „hey, re-read them!”? And here only attitude of my spiritual Father gets so much bright. I asked him once that I'm reading those books, I'm understanding Orthodoxy more, but on the other hand I don't know any Orthodox customs (like what an Orthodox should at home etc.). And he said: „You don't need customs. You don't even need those commandments like humility etc. You only need love to others, because from love the other virtues (like humility) come.” Such simple

[@JohnAlbinus]

Beautiful! Congrats on being received into the Church - my wife and I are currently inquirers coming from the Catholic TLM community. Orthodoxy has been such a blessing for us!

[@marieegypt7091]

​@@JohnAlbinusCongratulations! I was a Roman Catholic nun in 2 different orders but has to leave due to health issues. I have been Orthodox for almost 20 years and never looked back. All glory to God.

[@mpkropf5062]

What made you decide to switch? The Orthodox say the Catholic Church broke away from the Orthodox and the Catholic Church says the Orthodox broke away from the Catholic Church! But originally the Catholic Church was also orthodox but the Orthodox Church fathers are not The Early Church Fathers that were from the Beginning! That’s how I see the Catholic Church being the Original Church and not the Orthodox.

[@NeilGregoryJohnson00]

Thank you Jesus for making this man a vessel for your love and grace

[@Music-Visually]

Father you are so right on this. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ollezimmerman]

I'm not an orthodox, but that is one of the best things said in a long time. And I think it goes for almost any area.

[@gingervincent1969]

Amen! We are newly baptized a year ago. My biggest struggle is prayer. I can study and speak, but it is hard for me to settle myself and pray. Thank you for reminding me.

[@dansedevie123]

I'm not Orthodox nor am I a convert but this was a good reminder for me too

[@mariasalta1212]

Perhaps this is your sign to go to your nearest Orthodox Church.

[@psychsoma]

Agreed. I'm not even any flavor of Christian, but I could definitely stand to engage in my own religion more. Read, pray, offer, all of it.

[@brianmatthysse7565]

Glory to Jesus Christ! Thank you Fr. this is helpful.

[@smokeyb71]

I unfortunately don't have an Orthodox church nearby. But next year I hopefully will and I will finally get baptized.

[@jontopham2742]

You are calling us all out!!

[@Nythingelse]

I’m a testament to everything he is saying. I went really hard into orthodoxy (semi consistent prayer, going to church multiple times a week, reading up on orthodoxy) and when the novelty ran up and I realized the mountian i had to climb I fell out hard. I still haven’t been to liturgy in months. This is good advice

[@deesmix6757]

Your videos are truly invaluable in guiding me to nurture my spirituality and faith in the most positive manner. I am deeply grateful for your generous sharing and the sacrifices you've made to support your brothers and sisters. May you be blessed abundantly.

[@JMilansJourney]

I definitely needed this reminder to slow down on my journey. Thank you Father.

[@AaronWeinzierl]

This was a great word for me. I’m new to orthodoxy as a protestant and I love this. I do find myself learning more than I am actually living it. The Jesus Prayer has become my best friend!!

[@orthodox.nikolai]

About 2 weeks ago, I finally decided to attend the liturgy for the first time and I was in awe. For the first time I could actually feel God's presence.. But around the 1 hour mark my vision went completely black and I was losing control of my body, I would've fainted if it were not for some gentleman who led me out of the church and made me sit down on the pavement. Now I'm too ashamed to show myself there again- There are a few chairs so I could just sit, but seeing even the grandmas stand for the entire liturgy while I must be sitting down makes me so ashamed of myself.

[@mr.mustacheninja4809]

In the Army we were taught to keep the knees ever so slightly bent when standing still for long periods of time. Make sure you don't lock your knees that can cause you to feint by cutting blood supply

[@orthodox.nikolai]

@@mr.mustacheninja4809 Thank you for the advice, God bless you sir

[@vera.evropa]

Don't compare the ability of your body to that of others. There is no shame in sitting when you can't stand anymore. Nobody at that church will judge you, don't worry.

[@OrthoUnknown]

Sit if you need to sit, move around if you need to move around. Nobody will care and if they do they're doing the exact opposite of focusing on their worship. In my parish we have a number of toddlers and they have a tendency to be active. It's all okay.

[@OrthoUnknown]

Sit if you need to sit, move around if you need to move around. Nobody will care and if they do they're doing the exact opposite of focusing on their worship. In my parish we have a number of toddlers and they have a tendency to be active. It's all okay.

[@Vv-gk4cu]

I haven't opened any theological book nor watched any video on how to be a Christian. Just by entering an Orthodox church and casting my gaze upon the dome and deeply into the eyes of Jesus Christ, it's enough to set me on the right path.

[@ShakeCastle]

God did say come as you are. He found you how he found you.

[@SunShineLady-d4r]

So true words of wisdom 👏 thank you Fr.!

[@gerryjames9720]

Truth. I’ve got a shelf full of books that I bought thinking “Maybe this is the one that will straighten me out.”, but they’re unread. I feel like the seed sown among thorns. I can’t fully embrace Orthodox doctrine, but brother you speak truth. I wish I’d had a monastic fellowship I could have joined, to pray and worship, and support each other.

[@yuliavorobyeva3946]

Thank you so much. It is a really good reminder to spend as much time on prayer as we spend on consuming information and, by the way, on food. Prayer is the food to support our soul and spirit.

[@Rendasd]

I love this Father, he and father Josiah Trenham have helped me so much in my faith. I pray for both of them, they are filled with the holy spirit.

[@Guguchina]

Not orthodox, but even for me this is such good advice. Thank you. I will go pray now and try to disconnect from consuming too much media and go into the desert of my heart.

[@CalebTheSojourner]

I call dibs on making that section into a short! 😂 Thank you so much Godbless, I absolutely am guilty of this. I am a protestant and have been diving into the Orthodox Church, studying and seek answers over 2 years, it has blessed me so much. But the idea of being distracted by the learning and consumption is definitely true.

[@ShakeCastle]

Have you fully converted or still ongoing?

[@CalebTheSojourner]

@ShakeCastle it's still on going, the tradition, eastern fathers absolutely resonates with me.

[@dawnpakaski685]

Thank you so much for this video. It was simply and beautifully said. I personally think about how and when etc I should do different things but daily prayer and spending time in the presence of God will take care of all the rest of the questions about our faith and anything else I made need.

[@Carmen.2001]

This was so well said because I realized that, as a current catechuman, I do that spiritual consumerism every now and then. Learn from your spiritual fathers and listen to their guidance. I’ve yet to have one, but I’m glad to have listened to this video

[@phaidonnikolaus9841]

This is of vital importance and those who have come recently to the Orthodox Faith should pay attention and follow. I was baptised into the Faith fourteen years ago, and was like a sponge absorbing knowledge and, yes, it led to pride and I was reading more than I was praying. Part of it was being able to read the Bible in Greek, and the various texts, but nothing is as central as prayer. Thank you, Fr. Paul. I shall now switch off and go and pray.

[@chrisalan11rus]

Whoa 😮 this was so timely for me. Thank you Holy Spirit for this guidance

[@TimRidleyArt]

Fr Paul, it was great meeting you (briefly) at PLC. Don't worry, I'll balance my prayer with the e-book you shared with me.

[@kimbutzin2638]

Wow this video really made an impact for me. Thank you so much for this!

[@ag-88802]

Great speech. It gives you something to think about. Practice/use what you learn. 👍

[@smccusker22]

This man is hitting the nail on the head lately. So grateful for you father 🙏

[@blancabibriesca4939]

I so needed to hear that today. Thank you.

[@_derjohnny_]

Amen! Thank you i am an soon to be catchesim student and you help me alot!☦

[@asdisskagen6487]

This is such an appropriate video right now! I am only in the inquiry phase of looking at Orthodoxy, and was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products marketed to the religion. I thought to myself "Does any of this really make a person a better Christian? Are any of these things really necessary?" I think on those who have been persecuted and imprisoned for their faith, knowing that they likely had none of the items you can buy today, and yet they were likely strengthened in their faith without them. Some of these things are nice to have, sure, but Fr. Paul is correct; prayer is a far more necessary thing.

[@kathyw7303]

Thank you Father! Wonderful wisdom you have bestowed. Gotta go now. Off to pray !

[@meganinalaska]

I recently subscribed to the channel and I am loving it. I have always believed in God but fell away for the past few years and was just living my life and putting God on the backburner. Last summer I started to get a major pull from God to get back into the word and to grow my relationship with him. I started going to church again but as time has been going on I have been finding that I am now getting a pull to explore the Orthodox church. I currently go to a non-denominational church and while it is great, I am just wanting more deep roots. I am wanting something that is less concert like in worship, and just more traditional. There is just something that seems so beautiful and genuine from the Orthodox church, from what I have been seeing and reading online. I still need to visit one but I am hoping I can find the truth and follow God daily like I should.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Thank you. I recognize much of that in myself in the past.. The good thing about all of that is that we have/had a rather good library of books to read in due time as we could/can.. In looking back on it, i did read several 'helping converts' books, but, besides the OSB, i read the PROLOGUE OF OHRID everyday, and, without realizing it, i got the mind and the heart and the teachings of the Church as well as important stories of the saints to hold on to and remember. St. Nicholai Velimirovich [of ZICHA] has become one of the saints very dear to me because of that..

[@nickkane9441]

This is so true for me. Thanks for posting.

[@kik4jc]

A message that I needed to hear right now 🙏🏽 Amen

[@alinaelenaiov6027]

Ajungeți și la inimile celor din alte colțuri ale lumii. Se împlinește cuvântul mântuitorului!

[@Matt-on4of]

I greatly admire the tradition, beauty and authenticity of the Orthodox church and would love to learn more, but sadly, there aren't any orthodox churches where I live

[@laurencescrenci1460]

Thank you Father I needed this

[@Nola-2000]

I think that's all we needed.😊

[@kathleenwindasgoodwin9165]

Thank you, Fr. I really needed to hear this today.

[@Mamabearmama2]

I feel like I’ve been in this boat for a while… for years all I’ve wanted was “find the right religion” because I want to worship God truly as close to biblical accuracy as possible. And because of that “search” I have dwindled the true goal which is to have that prayer life with Jesus. I have started to come back to Catholicism after years of on-and-off belief and after years of criticizing Catholicism. I collected books and books and books and turned my closet into a whole prayer room with a crucifix and everything. I have yet to actually SIT in there to pray. To talk with Jesus. Simply because I still have questions and concerns about some of the practices of Catholicism, such as the huge significant standard Mary is held to, the statues, rosary, etc. I am hyper aware that this world is full of people who lead people astray but claim they are the right church and that they are “biblically accurate” when they aren’t and because I am SO SCARED of being lead astray and that it would cost my soul, I have been stuck and afraid of moving forward spiritually… because I just want to come to Jesus purely and rightly. I have unfortunately become a spiritual consumer due to these things and all I want is Jesus. Truly in my heart I just want Jesus. But no priest I’ve sat down with and no church-goer, no matter how beautiful and friendly they are in spirit, has been able to truly HEAR me and cry in my spirit when I talk to them about these troubles. I just ask for prayer. All I want is answers that point me to where I belong and where I can serve Jesus and worship Him the most I can as a human being. Been contemplating Orthodoxy for a while now but I just don’t know what can convince me of anything… I will just need to pray more.

[@Mick116]

Thank you, Father. I needed to hear this today. 🙏

[@a_lil_bit]

Repent, Be humble, and Love ❤️ ☦️

[@BoomerSlayer21]

Thank you, I am definitely guilty of this. God bless.

[@Daltron5K]

Thank you father!

[@SuperSaiyanScandinavian]

This is so true. I'm a Catholic convert and I definitely struggle at times to really be putting the faith in practice, and sometimes I'm just consuming content. While it's at least Christ centered, and in moderation has it's benefits, it's still far from what we're called to. I need to work more at following Matthew 16:24, and actually continually deny myself and to pick up my cross.

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

it takes a long time to begin to see Orthodoxy for what it is. and as Americans, our instincts are to consume and put it in as a personality rather than the difficult work of crucifixion. i was and am guilty of this too.

[@timotheeeful]

I needed to hear this. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@murrayphillipson4830]

There’s no wisdom here, it’s just more indoctrination and self deception. Very sad!

[@KonstantinosPhillippikos]

All the Glory to our lord JesusChrist Orthodox is the right path

[@TheDysgraphiaStudyJourney]

This was very needed to be said

[@hard.aground]

Perfectly timed. I plan to start Catechism on Aug 12th. Thank for the insights

[@lindamorgan2678]

This is sooo true. Thank you

[@EricBryant]

Three years into my Orthodox catechism, and I can 💯% attest that intellectualizing won't get you there.

[@maxheinrichliebow]

I suppose as a new comer, Im tempted by lots of pomp and "things".... but Im most happiest and feel most closest to my faith, with just the Jesus Prayer, some Philokalia readings, and the Bible.

[@nathanbell6962]

Dude your so right. Right on the money with this one

[@Rome1sixteen]

Well this called me out quite hard. Good stuff and very important lessons

[@fractal_3]

This is a great reminder!

[@brittlaureen]

This is so helpful. Thank you ♡