This has to be my favorite video you posted Brother and very indepth and honest. I to am on my Journey into and with Orthodoxy☦️; I hope to see more content from you, keep up the good work & fight the good fight 💪🏽
As an English Catholic, I too love Fr Spyridon Bailey's videos. Things I had long had question marks about (filioque, original sin, papal supremacy and infallibility, various Marian dogmas, purgatory etc) were explained and clarified. I no longer feel I have a choice, I'm excited about having discovered the Orthodox Church.
if the orthodoxy is a collection of multiple churches each one in which the bishop has full authority on the church, wouldn't the catholic church be also an orthodoxy church in which the bishop, the Pope used his authority to declare sinful ? I mean, there are many thing that are sin, but it's not written in the Bible like, bullying, so the bishops have the authority to declare things as sinful in their church.
I want to thank you for making these videos because they led me to Orthodoxy. When I started watching your videos I got interested in Orthodoxy. I went to an Orthodox Church a few times and I am now a catechumen. Truly grateful for Gods guidance through your video’s. ❤️☦️
Welcome home man! Christ did not leave as the bible, or a religion, or a relationship or whatever abstract moral system...HE left us THE CHURCH. If a relationship with God was enough then why did all the prophets of the Old testament go to hell? None of us is closer to God then them. They were many good, moral, close to God people before Christ and all went to hell...Being a good man(whatever that means...no one is good except for God) is not it. Achieving Theosis, taking part in God is when we have to strive for and that can only be achieved through THE CURCH. That is very very clear in the bible...I don`t get all this "personal" pseudo-chirstianities of the self...
I believe this is a question everyone must ask one day and I really appreciate that you made a video about that because some people never consider it until it is to late. Thank you.
I could also recommend watching videos of talks by Mar Mari Emmanuel from Sydney Australia - an Assyrian-Australian Bishop in the Assyrian Orthodox Church. A very good speaker. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-leYBV5482MA.html
My family have recently been attending the Traditional Latin Mass in Australia and absolutely loving it. It's Truth. It's the Sacrifice not a 'meal'. So many young people and young families in attendance. Like a phenomenon. God Bless your journey and I'm so glad you found your Home in faith.
The journey will not be an easy one but I think you know that already. Perhaps that is why you have made the decision you have. I am a Roman Catholic and pleased to say we are in full communion with the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London. May God bless and strengthen you on your journey of faith.
There’s a peace when hearing someone tell a story. The part that really spoke out to me was wanting to fight the silence. Silence really is a state where God speaks to you, and it can be hard to accept some of the things He might be telling you. Great video though, the scenery is really nice. It would be cool if you film various scenes as well!
@@OneDayataTime-l4v Thank you very much Marcus for replying. I will try to reconstruct what I wrote. I think I know why RU-vid might have removed the comment: because I wrote an online address here in order that you could get in touch with us, and one of our catechumens on a journey similar to yours. Blessings. +Lazr
Imagine not only thinking you are in the one correct religion, but also the one true denomination, more specifically the most accurate rendition of Orthodoxy... so like what, out of the 8 billion people on the planet and the 300 million people who identify as Orthodox (remember not everyone who says their Christian, orthodox etc is an "actual" believer) your one of the special ones? the TRUE ones? everyone else goes to hell? idk man, that sounds pretty crazy.
Two things: - Numbers don't necessarily determine the truth. So 300 million followers out of 8 billion people is beside the point. - The Orthodox Church does not teach that anyone who is not Orthodox Christian is automatically destined to Hell. There will be non-Orthodox Christians who are saved and Orthodox who are not. That decision is in God's hands.
@@joshua_wherley Orthodox doctrine is clear. Anyone who isn't an orthodox Christian goes to hell. YOU can have your own interpretation and special view on how Your god works. After all that's what religion is about, opinion and coping mechanisms, but just know that when you say it you are disagreeing with people of your ilk, the group that supposedly is THE definitive collective of Christianity. That whittles the number of "real believers" down every further. The point of bringing numbers up is to add perspective, obviously it doesn't prove nor disprove any religion, denomination etc but it does show how few are "followers of the true faith" Which to me is just insane. God is content with the vast majority of people going to hell rather than heaven. Wait hold on, whether people go to heaven or hell is on God's hands? I thought "free will" was the ultimate thing God carries about?
@@Sam_Hyde_Apologist "Orthodox doctrine is clear. Anyone who isn't an orthodox Christian goes to hell." Please provide a source to back this claim. I've been Orthodox for seven years and have yet to hear/read anyone endorse this view, let alone an official proclamation from the whole Church. "Wait hold on, whether people go to heaven or hell is on God's hands? I thought 'free will' was the ultimate thing God carries about?" Perhaps I didn't word that clearly, my apology. God is the ultimate judge in regards to who is saved and who is not. But this life is synergistic in the sense that we can cooperate with God and be made more like Him. This is the Orthodox concept of theosis. So in a small way, going "to heaven or hell" is in our hands, but only God has the power to decide an individual's state after time in this life. Free will is important within Orthodoxy, whereas the Calvinists tend to steer away from it.
The one thing I would say is that if the Roman Catholic Church is right about the Pope, meaning he was given authority over the other disciples then the argument for Orthodoxy being the true church is weakened. For example, in Luke 22:32 it says “Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” A question may be why did Jesus only tell this to Simon Peter, and what does he mean by “I have prayed that your own faith may not fail” This gives a bit of testimony as to how Peter and its successors cannot be wrong when teaching infallible. You can also see that churches go to the Bishop of Rome when no one can agree on a decision. In the Old Testament, I strongly advise to look at the great similarity between King David bestowing the key to the House of David upon Eliakim. You see Eliakim having the key of the kingdom not as its owner, but as one chosen to oversee the king’s affairs and how Jesus did the same with Peter. It would also be great to look at St. Augustine and others like St. Cyprian of Carthage about the importance of the chair of Peter. Apart from that I think there is a great problems with not having a main head because of what happens when there are two groups that don’t agree on a particular issue. One good thing to look at how is how in sync all the Orthdox Churches are about their teachings in the sacraments and other things. Having nationality involved is also as sticky situation that I think many people overlook. The Roman Catholic Church truly lived in unison with the catechism taught is exactly like you described the Orthodox Church. The emphasis on sacrifice, fasting, prayer, and everything else is all there in the Catholic Church but it is completed with Vicar of Christ. I hope the best in your journey, and just a little side note. I have also struggled with the “rigor” but in Catholicism. And I find that prayer and fasting is the best way to keep walking towards God.
Peter founded the Antiochian Church Peter went to Rome Rome killed Peter Rome said: "Look at me, I am Peter now" The whole argument of Rome is based on the fact that the church there was founded by Peter...and for some reason every pope after that is some kind of reincarnation of Peter?! Never understood it. First cause it`s not even the first church that Peter founded and then because the popes are not Peter...They are their own individual human beings.
As an atheist, I really enjoyed the video, although I wish you would have been as thorough with naivity, as you have been with the rest of the arguments. In my personal case my fear of being naive and being betrayed is the main thing that holds me back from being as selfless and open as I'd like to be. That and having suffered from other people's opportunism and cynicism (borderline psychopathy in some cases...). I always try to be as kind as I can, within the boundries of what I feel to be safe, but I really wish I felt more comfortable around other people. I hate the feeling of always having my guard up and spending countless hours overthinking and worrying.
❤✝ Well said, I agree with all you said 🙏 I'll leave this here though. Be safe family - Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves - Matthew 10:16 ✝❤ (I also need to remember this verse time to time) HallaluYAH/PraiseGod
Your understanding of Orthodoxy is very accurate, Marcus! Orthodoxy is at a different level, indeed, but God and the saints are going to guide you and as you said, once you find fulfillment and everything makes sense, you never look back. Go forward with courage and joy, because Christ is Risen! Warm wishes from Romania, Elena
The all-merciful God, brothers and sisters, desires happiness for us both in this life and in the life to come. Happiness is what God wants for us: not just fleeting earthly happiness, but eternal happiness. God has given us the Church to help us experience this virtue. - St Nectarius of Ægina Christ is Risen. May the Lord shepherd and guide you on your journey Marcus more deeply into His Church. +Blessings.
"I've never met a Protestant who's ever fasted." 👋👋 I am a Baptist, I grew up Baptist, and I have in fact fasted! I think it was like, a day and a half, but I would've gone on for 3 days or more if I hadn't felt my reason for fasting was answered so quickly. I think the Lord did that intentionally because unbeknownst to me at the time, that was actually a very bad time for me to be fasting because my body was already very low on nutrients and I wasn't doing well 😭😭please watch your health when you're planning a fast guys anyway it's something I plan on doing more in the future; it's a rather new thing for me, mostly because I'm still kinda trying to grow into my big girl shoes as far as my personal relationship with God goes. I had a rough year and a half in college. And also, what you say about Protestantism in all its forms being very indulging isn't... really that true in my experience lol. Cherry-picking and twisting Scripture as you describe is actually frowned upon by pretty much every spiritual leader (yes, they do exist) in any church, especially in the Baptist churches I've grown up around. We focus so much on individual interpretation and experience because we don't like to just take someone's word for it, even if they are a pastor or deacon or mentor; we like knowing for ourselves. Every preacher I've ever listened to heavily emphasizes reading your own Bible, interpreting it within the context of everything else, taking God at His Word even if you don't like what the text of the Bible teaches, and reading and listening to the work of other older, wiser saints who may know more than you as well. It's not about us or even our denomination; it's not about a confession of faith, it's about what Christ _actually_ taught and what the Scriptures _actually_ say. Sorry for the essay lol I happen to be passionate about this
I have family that is so-called Baptist it's man-made and heretical' I invite you to my RU-vid Channel playlist' watch the whole thing. I will say a prayer for you..
"...I would've gone on for 3 days or more if I hadn't felt my reason for fasting was answered so quickly." I truly don't mean to be combative but I wanted to mention this: it seems like you as a Baptist and Marcus as an Orthodox Christian have different reasons for fasting. Orthodox fast to empty ourselves, usually in preparation for Pascha/Easter or another holy day. The idea of fasting to have something "answered" seems strange from an Orthodox perspective. Again, I don't want to sound accusatory but that stood out to me the moment I read it. "We focus so much on individual interpretation and experience..." I think that's actually something to be avoided. The Church is supposed to be united in her understanding of the Scriptures, not reliant upon individual opinions. Yes, even the saints differed in their interpretations. But where they agree, from there we derive our teachings. Where they differ, that may be thought of as theologoumena. The fact that Protestantism as a whole has fractured so much in 500 years, while the Orthodox Church has remained united, suggests that an authoritative document needs an authoritative understanding. "...it's about what Christ actually taught and what the Scriptures actually say." How can we be sure that what we are being taught is what Christ taught? We consult the Scriptures. But now how can we be sure that we are correctly understanding the Scriptures? As a Baptist you may say one thing. Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, etc. may all say something else. So who is correct? As I wrote above, an authoritative text needs an authoritative witness. After all, wouldn't it make sense to consult the body of believers that canonized the Bible for the very interpretation of that book, rather than relying on one's own understanding? This doesn't mean that we all should become clericalists and stop thinking for ourselves. Rather, Christ established his Church and gave His disciples the power to loose and bind. He promised that "...the gates of Hell will not prevail" against His believers. So that begs the question: where is the Church? Is she the fractured body of Protestantism, or the united body of the Orthodox Church? As a former LCMS Lutheran who has been an Orthodox Christian for seven years, I would certainly affirm the unity of Orthodoxy. Please forgive me if my comment causes any offence. I pray that you are well and look forward to a discussion, God willing!
3:10 You've still found ways to indulge yourself. The Orthodox Church is still a fallible human institution privy to the woes of agendas & corruption of man. You seem like a nice guy and I deeply respect your emphasis on forgiveness as an attractive element of the sect. Just maybe take a little pause before you proclaim you have found some objective truth in your life at such a young age. :)
The orthodox church is not a human institution. Its the church that christ left for us on earth. The protestant revolution on the other hand was led by fallen humans
The Orthodox Church is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ. What do you suggest? stay in the bedroom and try to figure out the Bible or join one of the many thousands of protestant sects?
Hristos Anesti! My brother welcome. It is very inspiring to see young men like you, especially in the West where most of the Rot is being manufactured and secular power has inflated control over the people. Orthodoxy is the Truth. My teacher, I'm also a catechumen in 🇿🇦, always reminds me that Orthodoxy is about 'Agape'. So, we welcome you my friend. Glory be to God.
Choose the KJV bible bro. That's all you need. Jesus words. I guess the environment in the orthodox church is good bro :) im happy with any as long as Jesus is first and the gospel is correct :) Saint AVS is a get person to talk to bro or here I am lord send me ❤
To say that the Bible is all you need, is rejecting Christ’s word. He established the Church, which is His Body, and you cannot separate the head, Christ, from the body, the Church. The Orthodox Church has preserved that faith since Pentecost, as well as its theology and ecclesiology being in direct continuity with the Old Testament, Christ’s teachings, and the Apostolic faith. ☦️
@@maximosprimus Im currently going through this series now - St. Clement of Rome - Letter to the Corinthians Even though I think its useful i still dont Believe jesus can lose us once we are in his hand. I will keep researching as it is interesting :) Just out of curiousity, is st frances of asisi part of the fore fathers? or was he just a saint like us?
@@MarathonMadeGalatians5-22 he is a saint in the Catholic Church, yes. Francis was active well after the Catholic and Orthodox Churches split, so in many ways his spirituality is markedly different from that passed down by the Orthodox Church. That said, we certainly don't condemn him, we just recognize that he is different from us and leave it at that.
good points i am conflicted because i love heavy metal music and all sorts of mythology and things that brought me here and i dont want to become someone who anxiously shuns it all as some sort of zealot, if all that stuff was just demonic it would not have gotten me here.
What a very well informed explanation of your spiritual journey. After 40 years of high level Paganism I turned to Christianity....and are currently having the same confusion you experienced..but Orthodoxy and Gnosticism are starting to appeal....look forward to watching more of your videos.
Orthodoxy and all forms/branches of Nicene/apostolic/original Christianity universally condemned that false sect of the "Chrisitan" faith (it is a deception of the Devil!).
