Why I Became An Orthodox Christian | Full Episode

Why did a Baptist such as myself become an Orthodox Christian? In this episode, I walk you through my conversion process. In it, I go step-by-step, addressing each doctrine of Protestantism that I came to reject and why, as well as the issues I had that prevented me from becoming Catholic, finally to the point of accepting Orthodoxy as the fullness of the faith.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. Thanks for listening and God bless!
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Video Intro
0:19 Introduction
4:39 Protestant Upbringing
8:02 Introduction to Orthodoxy
12:55 My First Visit to an Orthodox Church
15:13 Sola-Fide
30:39 Sola-Scriptura
38:32 Ecclesiology
49:12 Sacraments
55:32 Mary & The Saints
1:01:47 Liturgy, Priesthood, & Icons
1:11:01 Filioque & The Great Schism
1:16:37 The Papacy. Uniates, & Papal Infallibility
1:22:06 Purgatory & Indulgences
1:24:54 Immaculate Conception
1:30:07 Dogmatic Contradictions, Liturgical Innovations, & Ecumenism
1:36:22 The RCC Cannot Be Taken Seriously
1:39:13 Why I Love Orthodoxy
1:47:45 Conclusion
1:52:24 Where to Learn More
1:56:34 Video Outro
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REFERENCES:
Find An Orthodox Church Near You
orthodoxyinamerica.org/
Books
“Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy: Finding the Way to Christ in a Complicated Religious Landscape” by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
“Rock and Sand: An Orthodox Appraisal of the Protestant Reformers and Their Teachings” by Fr. Josiah Trenham
“Arise, O God: The Gospel of Christ’s Defeat of Demons, Sin, and Death” by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
“The Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of God” by St. John Maximovitch
“Orthodox Worship: A Living Continuity with the Synagogue, the Temple, and the Early Church” by Benjamin Williams & Harold Anstall
“Thinking Orthodox” by Dr. Eugenia Constantinou
“The Didache” by The Twelve Apostles
“The Letters of St. Ignatius” by St. Ignatius
“On The Incarnation” by St. Athanasius
Podcasts/KZbin Channels
“The Whole Counsel of God” by Fr. Stephen De Young
“The Royal Path” by Fr. Turbo
“Patristic Nectar” by Fr. Josiah Trenham
Fr. Spyridon Bailey
Patristix
Playlists
Orthodox Inquirers (Intro): • Orthodox Inquirers (In...
Orthodox Inquirers (Longform): • Orthodox Inquirers (Lo...

[@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

[@obiwankenobi6871]

Former American Protestant turned Orthodox Christian here ☦️🙌 Christos ANESTI

[@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

[@genieboots4269]

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 🙏🏻

[@rediscovernow]

Indeed, time for a road trip!

[@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!

[@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.

[@vrhovnipredstojnik7650]

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

[@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.

[@mirelaalina4050]

Christ Has Risen! ❤️☦️

[@idiosinkrazijske.rutine]

Ваистину воскресе!

[@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.

[@stephaniemichelle9878]

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

[@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 ☦️

[@NVRSTP]

Former Baptist to Orthodox. Loving Christ and His glory

[@joshuamk-bq7dq]

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 . . .

[@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

[@viresin2172]

Scripture verses refuting Solafide 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 2 Corinthians 7:10 Matthew 7:21 Matthew 24:9-14 Matthew 25:31-43 Philippians 2:12-13 2 Corinthians 6:1 James 2:14-24 Matthew 7:13-14 1 Peter 5:11

[@theworldtodespise]

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!

[@johncarroll6367]

I thank you for your thorough treatment of the subject for conversion and the reasoning behind it. You have done a most admirable work. Again, thank you. Glory to God in all things! Peace!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@user-ee9go4dp1r]

Excellent presentation of the main differences between Orthodoxy and the rest

[@judorican973]

Glory to God! 🙏🏿☦️

[@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..

[@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!

[@hxplxss1835]

Glory to God for all things!

[@jacobdishman3451]

I love this video. As a lifelong Protestant, so much of this answers so many questions and restores so much lost meaning to the Christian faith. That being said, I totally lost the plot when he began discussing Mary and the tradition of the proto-evangelion. I really would like to hear a good explanation of this if anyone has one? This is the one thing that is hard to swallow for me for some reason. I appreciate any and all help!

[@untoages]

That’s how I felt when I first discovered Orthodoxy - it just filled the gaps in my knowledge/experience of Christianity. If you’re interested in Orthodoxy though, take your time. There will likely be things that are difficult to digest, like you mentioned with Mary. I recommend a book by my patron, St. John Maximovitch, called “Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of God” for more on this topic (don’t worry, it’s pretty short). I also have a few short videos from others included in that inquirers playlist in the description. Ultimately though, I’d recommend visiting an Orthodox parish near you and speaking to your local priest. God bless!

[@NepticChronicles]

Returned home in 2021

[@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.

[@Imperator-01]

Welcome home, brother

[@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!

[@redjay7785]

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

[@ReyWho]

Former Baptist, now Anglican and heavily influenced by Eastern Orthodox theology. I look forward to listening to this.

[@theworldtodespise]

Fellow Anglican discerning a move to Orthodoxy. Went from TEC to ACNA. Been back and forth on Orthodoxy. Going to my 3rd Diving Liturgy on Sunday

[@ReyWho]

@@theworldtodespise unfortunately if Orthodoxy is true, then we are outside the church and damned. No matter what you'll hear today, that's not consistent with what the Orthodox taught. Check out Gavin Ortlund's videos about Orthodoxy.

[@theworldtodespise]

Yeah I'm aware of that school of thought. That's one of my hangups on the Orthodox and also the Papists, although I have way more hangups with them.

[@cloudofwitnesses5314]

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

[@untoages]

Thank YOU for tuning in!

[@Theoretically-ko6lr]

Glory to God ❤

[@johnnyd2383]

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

[@George_033]

Glory to God!

[@gator7082]

Great video, this helped a lot.

[@steelfalconx2000]

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

[@mikealitytv3524]

Beautifuly Done Brother ☦️☦️❤️🙏

[@hmkurz1]

This is very well written - excellent work.

[@yourneighbour3309]

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

[@alexandria1663]

Thank you so much for this explanation, I can’t wait to go deeper learning about these things.

[@untoages]

Glory to God!

[@janefarrer2868]

Thank 😢you. Would you please do a podcast on the Orthodox books that helped you glow in Christ and personal walk with Him. Thank you 🙏 blessings 🙏

[@untoages]

Sure, that’s something I can do in the future! I did list a few books I read during my conversion process towards the end, though as far as growing in the faith, I’d recommend Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives and reading the Prologue daily. In reality though, I’ve experienced more growth through prayer and the sacraments of the Church over reading books.

[@milleslong6549]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJenfaafr9Kbgcksi=UPkbEB7mxF4tHX79

[@milleslong6549]

This is a link to a good video explaining a few good books to read as a new inquirer. It's also another good channel to watch called The Transfigured Life. 😊

[@untoages]

@@milleslong6549 KZbin doesn’t like links in the comments section 🙃 I would recommend just mentioning the title of the video & the channel that posted it. And yes, The Transfigured Life is a solid channel 👌🏻

[@jeremypalmer7177]

You mentioned around the 30 minute mark that what you believe affects how you live. I think that that is actually backwards and part if the problem that protestants have. I truly think action comes first then belief. The Protestant that believes they can do what they want and not lose their salvation believes so because they already do what they want.

[@VoinKhristov]

God bless brother ☦️🙏🏼

[@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.

[@mikehiggins1924]

Thank you for your time on this.

[@rediscovernow]

Great work here! It's a pleasure listening to your videos since they are thoughtful and organized. It would be cool to see an overview of the autocephalous churches within the Eastern Orthodox Church. God bless! 🙏🏻

[@untoages]

Thank you! I’ll definitely keep in mind that suggestion.

[@lollllolll.]

happy for you brother ❤❤❤

[@wjckc79]

This is a valuable resource to refer people to.

[@untoages]

Thank you! I pray it has been and will continue to be edifying for people 🙏🏻

[@Yellow_Fish7]

Thank you for this, your channel is very useful. Though something about Josiah Trenham rubs me as too westernized since he said "We have alot to learn from Protestants" in one of his vids I was watching and the way he praises people of all kinds of varying beliefs when referencing a book or some important person or academic or writer he spoke to.

[@untoages]

Thank you! There is a sense in which one can appreciate others even though they are “wrong” about certain things. I’d be more wary of having an overly-critical spirit. Fr. Josiah, in my opinion, is an invaluable resource for Orthodoxy in America. He’s certainly no ecumenist. In my experience, he seems to be very clear when he is being charitable and praising non-orthodox believers for their virtues, while at the same time being honest and vocal in his criticisms.

[@acekoala457]

Father Josiah has flaws but overall he is a good Priest in Good Standing with not only his Metropolitan but several other Bishops across Jurisdictions. His perspective is necessary for the American Converts.

[@justrubio3121]

Expected a video.

[@jahveen]

Excellent video! Audio quality is also great. What microphone do you use?

[@untoages]

I use a Shure SM7B!

[@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.

[@KrystianNowicki-jm3en]

So many turned away from the faith, yet now, so many come to the faith too. Isn’t it like it was prophesied by Jesus?

[@peggysoumakis1758]

Welcome to The Orthodox faith. Just guard the church from being co-opted by evil , self serving men with political aspirations. Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. Render unto God that which is God's.

[@giovannidelpiero6631]

Great show! Did you consider the non chalcedonian churches at all?

[@untoages]

Not really. I was aware of them, but I didn’t really look much into the oriental church.

[@Irina1982]

🙏💛

[@devlinfenton1986]

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

[@tony1685]

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

[@devlinfenton1986]

@@tony1685 I rested after work on Friday evening.

[@tony1685]

@@devlinfenton1986 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.

[@devlinfenton1986]

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

[@tony1685]

@@devlinfenton1986 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.

[@ReyWho]

The objection to sola fide presupposes that it means faith without works justifies a person. I would say faith alone justifies because the faith that St Paul talks about is an active or obedient faith. Faith is always the instrument by which righteousness comes. Even St James when he discusses works, is talking about the works of faith.

[@christianorthodoxy4769]

🕊️♥️🔥

[@CashFreedman]

Will you make more episodes?

[@untoages]

Yes! I have plans for two other series, some one-offs, and potential collaborations this year. I’ll be announcing more details soon via the community tab soon.

[@CashFreedman]

Is this on any other platform, say Spotify or AFR?

[@untoages]

@@CashFreedman Not yet. I plan to expand it to streaming platforms soon (like Spotify, Apple, etc.) but this will not be on AFR.

[@Christus.Rex.Dominus]

☦️👑

[@Mehoopany]

Please help! What is the music in the outro?

[@untoages]

Pavel G. Chesnokov - To Thee We Sing. Look up 1 Hour of Chad Orthodox Chants to Redeem Your Soul & it’s the first track in that compilation.

[@mauriciogranados2908]

CRISTO RESUCITO

[@optimisteprime8261]

You missed something in your studies ( like all the Christians orthodox do usually). The Church of Alexandria was the first Church which left the Pentarchy after the 4th Ecumenical Council . A little part of the Church of Alexandria kept the link with Constantinople ro become the Greek orthodox Church of Alexandria.

[@acekoala457]

Priests, Monks and Laymen did, as much of the support for the Monophysite Christology was among Laity first. The Monophysites in Alexandria spent much of the History between the Council and the Islamic Conquests with no Bishops, and they were called "Ancephelites" or "Headless ones" Because of it.

[@paulblackburn2929]

What is that music at the end?

[@untoages]

Pavel G. Chesnokov - To Thee We Sing. Look up 1 Hour of Chad Orthodox Chants to Redeem Your Soul & it’s the first track in that compilation.

[@jorge.a.V]

I am Protestant currently and am really considering orthodoxy unfortunately right now my family will not approve of it what should I do I want to take a visit to a Divine Liturgy to see what it is about

[@untoages]

This probably depends on how old you are. Could you drive yourself and visit an Orthodox church? Would it cause tension if you invited your parents to go with you? At the end of the day, you have to honor your father and mother. You certainly don’t want them to resent you or Orthodoxy, so tread lightly and don’t debate them. You know your parents better than I do; perhaps they wouldn’t be as offended as you think, or maybe they will. You could also reach out to the priest of your local parish and ask him what to do (this would probably be the better option). Hopefully this helps some!

[@jorge.a.V]

@@untoages I am 19 and am able to drive. However I already know that there will be tension with my parents if I were to visit an Orthodox Church. Thank you for your advice I will be sure to use it

[@edwardbaxter3689]

Read: "Christianity Unmasqued" by Dan Israel and/or "Come Out of Her: My People by C. J. Koster then read your BIBLE. I was raised Roman Catholic and my wife was raised Greek Orthodox.

[@georgeluke6382]

1:22:33 - faith as faithfulness- I need help understanding how this works. I don't see any reason to systematically import faithfulness into faith, instead of using faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" as an internal definition from Hebrews 11, and faith as "shown by what I do" from James. Why not see faith as an exercise of the will, distinct from law-works, but known by faith-fruits to others, even while internally a convinced hopeful assurance of unseen things, particularly the righteousness of Christ in our place?

[@AquaTofana.]

I love how you said "you're not greek, why are you here?" With a russian accent 😂😂

[@untoages]

This is how bad my Greek impression is 😅

[@AquaTofana.]

@@untoages it was cute 😉

[@redjay7785]

Please make t-shirts with your channel logo

[@untoages]

Ha! I appreciate that. Merch isn’t out of the question, but I’d need to grow the channel a bit more and increase demand to justify that investment. Maybe one day!

[@BrettSayles]

Well done! I was going to make a video like this and now I don't have to.

[@untoages]

Ha! Well thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@WilliamPotting]

☦️☦️☦️

[@OrthodoxJourney359]

Isn’t this a re-upload

[@untoages]

It’s the full series as one video. Before I broke them up so it would be more digestible, this is the entire thing all at once so people can hear the full case in context. Basically, the idea is people can watch however they prefer - short-form content, or long.

[@InnocentAlaska]

What are the orthodox opinions on the Byzantine Catholics ?

[@untoages]

I address them briefly when I discuss Catholicism in this video (I referred to them as Uniates), though to be blunt, the opinion is that they’re not Orthodox. They can look, sound, smell, and talk like Orthodox, but if they submit to the pope, they are Catholics. It seems contradictory to me for Rome to have a Byzantine rite when their entire theological paradigm differs from the Roman rite. My personal opinion is that eastern-rite parishes are the last place of refuge for more traditionally-minded Catholics to go before fully making the leap to Orthodoxy.

[@dugga4617]

Abraham was a friend of God.

[@judorican973]

Bishop Emmanuel mari lead me to Orthodox Church 🙏🏿☦️

[@untoages]

Mari Mari is not a bishop in the Orthodox Church. He is a Nestorian. There is a channel called Living Orthodox; I’d recommend you’d watch his videos about Mari Mari to understand more about Nestorianism.

[@obiwankenobi6871]

@@untoagesunfortunately people gain this misconception from Mari, because he’s a big Ecumenist as well and calls himself a Bishop and Orthodox when he is neither 😢

[@ninomaltese1661]

Salvation does not come through an assent to doctrine but through a conversion experience. Faith is not enough it must be followed by επίγνωσις μετανοίας.

[@MasterKeyMagic]

What if two bishops disagree on something?

[@toddbryan5818]

Do you have a good critique of atheism could you make a video about that?

[@malachi7948]

Existence.

[@neyneynanamo2071]

Atheisms asks you to believe in so much nonsense...it`s full of plot holes. That is what I found. It explains nothing, it solves nothing and it requires a lot of exceptions from it`s own rules.

[@untoages]

I have plans to make a video and/or series addressing atheism (sort of…it’s a work in progress at the moment). While I don’t have anything to present of my own right now, I do hope to do that sometime this year.

[@meowmeowmeo559]

W

[@ReyWho]

Sola scriptura means that scripture alone is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Tradition has its place in Protestant churches like Anglicanism. The canon is established by God himself. For he limited his act of inspiration and authenticaion of the scriptures to seventy six books. Those books were recognised by the church around 550 AD under the decree of Pope Gelasius. Orthodoxy must establish not simply that tradition or canonisation is essential for the recognition of the canon of scripture. But it must also establish that it is infallible.

[@matthewsiahaan1312]

🙏🏾☦️

[@svenrn3545]

Are you the same guy from What I Have Learned?

[@untoages]

Is that a channel or episode title?

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

Baptism while certainly symbolic is more if only in the sense that it is a step of faith driven obedience . . . To say that it is salvific is denigrating to the finished work of Christ

[@Athair48]

The only problem I have with Orthodox which I would like to join, is the Second council of Nicaea where they anathema those who do not venerate icons. This seems absurd to me, my mother and grandmother have such an immense faith in Christ that I could never hope to achieve and yet they are Baptist I know them by their fruits as they have always given to those less fortunate even when we did not have enough for ourselves. How can women as good as this be anathema to hell. This seems a completely arbitrary rule. I could accept all other tenets of orthodoxy except this one.

[@Catkat-xz8tx]

Your mother and grandmother are not Orthodox so nobody condemns them to hell.Talk to a Orthodox priest and he will clarify this and your other concerns better than anyone on the internet.

[@Catkat-xz8tx]

Nobody condemns your mother or grandmother to hell. Please find an Orthodox priest and he will explain this and other concerns better than anyone on the internet.

[@Athair48]

@@Catkat-xz8tx I need to do that. perhaps I misunderstood the last eccumenical council 2nd Nicaea. It just seemed very upfront about this

[@Catkat-xz8tx]

I'm happy to hear you are open to finding the truth! I came from a very traditional Catholic background and have never looked back for the last 13 years since converting to Orthodoxy. I was pleasantly surprised on many levels. I went to a Greek Orthodox monastery for vespers while Catholic and I was apologizing to a monk that I wasn't Orthodox. He said, don't worry, you have an even better chance of making it to heaven . He was very sincere and humble . I didn't believe what he said because I could see it came from his humility but it did soften me. 3 years later, I was Orthodox.

[@untoages]

Anathemas are given as a correction to heresy and a warning to others. That being said, God is gracious and accounts for human ignorance in His judgement. It’s not your fault that you or others didn’t know about this council before; but now you do. We are all fallen and no one is given the perfect guideline to the spiritual life. We can trust that God loves those whom love Him. And yes, as the other commenter said, speak more about this with a priest.

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

Always impressed by how much orthodox / Catholics sound like the Jews talking about their religious system. “We are the ones” “We are the original” “The home of the patriarchs” Seems to me you’ve forgotten that all of Israel was not Israel. It also seems to me that much of your religious system became tradition to protect the religion from the very things the Lord said not to . . .

[@precisi0n86]

It's the skulls isn't it? They've got skulls on their capes. Hans, are we the goodies?

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

What you found in orthodoxy was not cohesion or even the most logical interpretation . . . You just found your first exposure to a system that is internally consistent and provides a ladder of “wisdom” that is throttled by complexity and tradition.

[@ReyWho]

The ecumenical councils were authoritative for the church, and rejecting them could result in a split in the church. Such is what happened in church history between the Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodoxy and Eastern Orthodoxy. So how do we know which councils are truly ecumenical or universally binding for the church? We may consult Holy Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers and the use of reason or logic. That is the Anglican answer to the issue of ecumenical councils. I would not accept the idea that the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches lost the true faith once delivered to the saints. I would say that it was preserved by both churches to varying degrees, and that not one church has a monopoly on the whole faith. Finally, there is one body of Christ. But there are schisms within the body, and they need to be repaired. The three apostolic churches are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Anglicanism based on the apostolic succession.

[@acekoala457]

Anglicanism is not of the Apostolic Tradition. Even disregarding the modern issues in Anglicanism, there is open denial of the 3rd Ecumenical Council which bans the Church from holding Secular Powers, and if the Royal Head is the Temporal Archbishop of England then it has already lost the plot.

[@ReyWho]

@@acekoala457 I read about the third council, and I did not see any mention of bishops being unable to hold secular office. That being said, we accept tradition as being important to our faith. I would say the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion are adequate to articulate the faith of Christ.

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

Never intended for division amongst the body? Have you read your NT!? There’s division between the apostles themselves recorded right there in the canon!

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

The Eucharist is certainly more than symbolism but there’s nothing in the scriptures that affirm transubstantiation . . .

[@rippedgoat3587]

assuming that scripture is the only source of doctrine. where do you get the canon of scripture from?

[@antonioantonio9162]

Ortodox Church does worship Holy Mary Mother of God!❤O Holy Teotokos!#Unto Ages#

[@cossack-ps5hn]

The Orthodox Church VENERATES the Mother of God as the holiest of all the saints, but it WORSHIPS God alone, no one else.

[@Matador824]

If only there were no denominations 😔

[@CryoftheProphet]

"Unlike other Christians, we are the bestestest Christians"

[@palmcroft]

"I love my bud light"??? out

[@timothyhaugan2903]

Orthodoxy teaches you are saved through faith PLUS works. This of course in unscriptural.

[@untoages]

Perhaps you didn’t listen to all of the scripture I quoted throughout this episode? Orthodoxy is the most “Biblical” form of Christianity. Just go to a liturgy and count how many scriptural references there are.

[@timothyhaugan2903]

@@untoages Read Galatians. Paul condemns believing faith plus works theology. Its faith alone, in Christ alone. (Eph 2:8&9). That's not what Orthodoxy teaches I'm afraid.

[@untoages]

@@timothyhaugan2903 "Faith alone" is nowhere in the Bible. Here's a list of other scripture passages that you should also consider. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 2 Corinthians 7:10 Matthew 7:21 Matthew 24:9-14 Matthew 25:31-43 Philippians 2:12-13 2 Corinthians 6:1 James 2:14-24 Matthew 7:13-14 1 Peter 5:11 The bottom line is this - the scripture can't contradict itself, but in your view, it does. You have to pit Paul against Jesus, or Paul against Paul even to make it work. Therefore, your view is less coherent. No one believed in sola fide before the reformation. I gave a litany of other reasons why this doctrine is wrong in the video as well.

[@timothyhaugan2903]

@@untoages Salvation is through faith, believing in Jesus: Eph 2:8 - 9: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 20:30 - 31: Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. Eph 1: 13-14 - In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 1 Cor 1:21 - For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Col 2:12 - having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Acts 16:31 - They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Romans 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

[@PSNSMANIACALMIND1st]

"Dont read the last third of Thinking Orthodox, its unnecessary" Do you mean the section where she talks about how unqualified people spend too much time professing their beliefs on the internet? Thou protest too much

[@untoages]

I mean the nearly 100 pages of explaining who can speak and when. I value people’s time and that portion of the book was less edifying compared to the rest of it. I’m not saying that it’s completely irrelevant, it’s just unnecessarily bloated and should have been condensed. I’m not the only one who has made this criticism of the book, either. Dn. Michael Hyatt’s book study podcast completely skips over this portion. If people want to read it, go for it - I just think it belabors the point.

[@acekoala457]

Sounds like stones in Glass Houses.

[@badbda4]

Great video! The only thing I say is to ve careful of Fr. Andrew Stephan Damick. He is an Ecumenist, and holds some heretical views.

[@untoages]

Thanks! I know Fr. Andrew is more ecumenist-minded (which I do keep in mind and I’m not sure he fully understands what’s animating that movement today), but I’m not aware of anything he believes that is considered “heretical.” To be fair though, I don’t listen to him as much these days as I did when I was first converting.

[@badbda4]

@@untoages I'm sorry, my previous message was slightly misleading. His only view that I see as heretical is ecumenism. He also does not approve of people like Fr. Peter Heers and Jay Dyer. The book you are referring to on Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy is still a good resource.

[@untoages]

@@badbda4 Right, I’m aware of the factions within online Orthodoxy. That’s why I find it difficult to recommend things to everyone broadly - everyone has a different temperament and finds different things edifying. Personally, I’ve found content from all of these individuals helpful at different times in my journey.

[@badbda4]

@@untoages yes, I have a similar experience as you. Although I choose not to follow Ancient Faith ministries anymore, i benefited from it when I was looking into orthodoxy, and even after my conversion.

[@christianmedina6343]

​@@badbda4out of curiosity, why don't you follow Ancient Faith Ministries? I'm new to Orthodoxy, was baptised into the Russian Orthodox church on Pascha and had my first Holy Communion yesterday. Khristos Voskrese!