How A Protestant Renewed My Faith In Christ - Fr. Timothy Pavlatos 

Same

Love hearing that. I suggest you guys check out Orthodox Teaching of the Elders, Archimandrite Philip, and Fr Spyridon. God bless you all ❤

Come visit your local Eastern Orthodox Church!

God bless your journey my friend!

I’ve been Orthodox now for almost 3 years. It’s a beautiful journey and life transforming. No matter what particularity intrigues you within Orthodoxy, the further you pursue it, the more deep it goes. You will never get to the bottom of it. It is eternal

Beautifully said.

We are all trying to follow Christ. But one can truly follow Christ in spirit and in truth. We believe this fullness of spirit and truth is in the Orthodox Church. In the heterodox faith, this spirit and truth is limited, that is why others outside can still experience some kind of grace, but not in its fullness. Ñ As Orthodox we are very much against ecumenism, because we do not have the same faith as Protestants and Roman Catholics. But we do not condemn nor limit God to using those in the heterodox faith to help others. “If he is not against us, he is for us”. We encourage all to become Orthodox for it is the True church that Christ established.

​​@@OrthoNektarios Protestants say the same about Orthodxy and Catholicism. We admit that they can be saved by the power of Jesus Christ, but that the plenty of true orthodoxy and catholicity is only found in Reformed biblical doctrine (i.e., Protestantism). Thus, I think we can, at least, have a brotherly union meanwhile the doctrinal unity doesn't come.

@@OrthoNektariosthe metropolitan of Cyprus cays we shouldn’t debate or enter these discussions with the heterodox and heretics. Love you my brother

I understand. However, there are some legitimate concerns I have in terms of theology that I don't seem to agree with in regards to the Orthodox Church's beliefs. I need to do further study. God bless.@@OrthoNektarios

​@@josueinhan8436 You should read the History of the Church, familiarize yourself with the tradition of the Church before the Holy Scriptures were created by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons.

Right, Its quite rare among Orthodox in the online-sphere...

@@josephjolapa4250 I agree. All too rare. Yet it is truly Orthodox, and speaking antagonistically is not. The measure is love, the love of God. Pray forgive us Orthodox who fail to show His love as we ought, for we too are sinners.

Yeah but they still believe that all others, other than orthodox, are damned and going to hell ie anathema

Christians have failed to sell Jesus Christ to Jews for 2000 years. Atheists don't buy Christianity because they are literate.

@@justinchamberlain3443not accurate

A non denom protestant pastor was used by God to call me once again to the right path , it was 2021

Hola, el otro día estaba viendo un video de @kurateka y entrevistó a un padre ortodoxo colombiano, Alejandro se llama, muy buen video. Un abrazo desde Uruguay

You might like to hear we worship in St Sophrony Greek Orthodox church in South Australia( all English services) & this year a young boy of 16 yo has been attending on his own who is Colombian! I was impressed with his piety and zeal at such a young age. You Colombians must have something in the water there!

I am a Greek Orthodox and I will tell you most of The Greeks are atheist the Orthodox church baptizes homosexuals,and marries them go wonder

I’ve been talking with my friend from Columbia about the religious climate down there, very interesting perspective

@@hannahbaker3080 a respectful correction, the country is named Colombia, not columbia. Columbia is a city in the states.

God bless Ray Comfort

That's crazy I was atheist or agnostic for most of my life and had the exact same thing happen, Ray may be Protestant but really helped push me back to Orthodoxy. Born Serbian Baptized Orthodox.

Grew up not believing really just honoring my family. About a year and a half ago I finally felt the Holy Spirit again, haven't felt like that since I was a very young child but as soon as I did I felt that something essential to my very being had returned.

@@DragomireSlava Bogu brate ☦️🙏

Please reach out to Ray and tell him he helped you remain Orthodox Christian

The real church exists within Protestantism, the comfort in mystery is lacking as is a rich liturgy anymore across denomination, but the body of Christ exists in many congregations. We all must remember the thief on the cross who preceded even Christ’s death. Judgement is God’s. There is enough faction in the world.

@@LovingtheTruth856 no

Deepening Our Faith: Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom for Modern Believers @everyone Introduction In a time where personal sentiment often shapes our understanding of faith, the Ancient Faith, as practiced within the Apostolic Western Orthodox Church, invites us to a richer, more grounded spiritual life. This document proposes a journey back to the roots of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the importance of patristic writings and the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils. By weaving these ancient insights into our contemporary faith practice, we aim to cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, moving beyond the transient nature of feelings to the solidity of established doctrine and tradition. I. Contextualizing Scripture: The Bedrock of Historical and Linguistic Study A. Uncovering the Historical and Cultural Context Modern interpretations of scripture often miss the profound depth found in understanding its historical and cultural contexts. The patristic era, including the teachings of the Church Fathers and the conclusions of the ecumenical councils, offers invaluable insights into these contexts, grounding our faith in the rich soil of tradition and communal discernment. B. The Linguistic Dimensions of Faith The Greek term πιστεύω (pisteuō), meaning to believe or to have faith in, takes on new depths when seen through the lens of patristic commentary. For instance, Gregory of Nyssa, a Church Father, emphasized faith as an active and dynamic journey toward the knowledge of God, rather than a static state of agreement. II. Embracing an Active, Historical Faith A. Faith as Relationship and Obedience Moving beyond a simplistic, emotion-based understanding of faith, the Ancient Faith, through the teachings of the Church Fathers and the ecumenical councils, presents a model of faith as a dynamic relationship and obedience to Christ's commands. Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on John's Gospel, famously stated, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." B. The Scriptural Imperative of Active Faith The councils, through their doctrinal clarifications, and the patristics, through their exegetical works, have laid down a foundation for understanding the scriptural imperatives of faith. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD), for instance, defended the divinity of Christ against Arianism, affirming the importance of Christ's nature in our salvation-a core truth that demands a faith lived out in reverence and awe. III. The Continual Process of Belief: A Patristic and Conciliar Perspective The New Testament's portrayal of faith as ongoing action is deeply echoed in the writings of the Church Fathers and the decrees of the ecumenical councils. John Chrysostom, commenting on Paul's letters, urged believers to continuous growth in faith, a theme that resonates with the decisions of the Council of Constantinople (381 AD), which expanded the Nicene Creed to further define the Holy Spirit's divinity, emphasizing the dynamic nature of Christian doctrine and belief. IV. The Integral Role of Patristics and Councils in Understanding Salvation Understanding salvation requires engaging with the rich tradition of patristic writings and the authoritative decisions of the ecumenical councils. The Council of Ephesus (431 AD), for example, proclaimed Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer), a declaration that underscores the Incarnation's significance in salvation history. Cyril of Alexandria, a key figure in the council, wrote extensively on the mystery of the Incarnation, reminding us that our salvation is deeply rooted in the person and work of Christ, a truth that transcends mere emotional comprehension. V. Living the Teachings of Christ: A Call to Orthopraxy A. Beyond Emotions: The Sacramental Life The sacramental theology of the Ancient Faith, informed by both patristic thought and ecumenical councils, offers a tangible way to live out the teachings of Christ. The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) defended the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a mystery that invites believers to a deeper participation in the life of Christ beyond the limitations of personal sentiment. B. The Witness of the Saints The saints, as celebrated in the teachings of the Church Fathers and affirmed by the councils, provide exemplars of faith lived in obedience and love. The lives of saints like Athanasius, who championed Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, remind us that authentic faith requires courage, conviction, and a deep engagement with the truths of scripture as understood by the broader church. VI. Conclusion and Invitation to Dialogue This exploration into the Ancient Faith, illuminated by patristic writings and the doctrinal clarity of the ecumenical councils, invites modern believers to a deeper, more authentic engagement with Christian faith. As we seek to navigate the complexities of contemporary spirituality, let us open ourselves to the wisdom of our spiritual forebears, allowing their insights to enrich our understanding and practice of faith. We encourage readers to join us in a vibrant dialogue about integrating these ancient understandings into our daily lives. Let us discuss how the teachings of the Church Fathers and the authoritative guidance of the ecumenical councils can inform our approach to scripture, enrich our spiritual practices, and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Together, may we rediscover the transformative power of an authentically lived faith, grounded in the timeless truths of the Ancient Faith and the Apostolic Western Orthodox Church.

Godbless brother ❤

Glory to God for all things!

Of course I agree with you but we should learn more willingness to know about Christ study detail (Orthodox, Catholic, protestant) you will pick the truth My brother study more and ask your spiritual Father

@@user-xj5tf7dv7c what is your point

Im sure not by coincidence.

He's so bald so his head acts as a lamp and reflects the light like the moon 😂

​@@elontusk5198you are being rude frend.

@@user-wr7ow1bh8u it was a joke easy bro 😀

That's right

Word up

@@LovingtheTruth856 huh??? My true doctrine is the Bible - what’s yours

protestants simple point to Christ first...no to church affiliation

@@stevostevozz1168 I don’t understand

@@cigler3299 if you talked to Catholics they say they are the true church..the Orthodox say they they true apostolic... Protestants on the hand focus on a personal relationship with Christ...they are not so much into asking people to join their Churches because they are the true church ..the church is the mystical body of Christ which you join when you confess Jesus as Lord and are saved..this Catholic, Orthodox are just an expression of that mystical church..the members of Christ.

@@stevostevozz1168the church is the body of Christ. And every orthodox person points to Christ first, but Christ is revealed in his Church.

@@marincusman9303 how does one become the body of Christ? By church do you mean a multitude of believers in Christ or you mean Orthodox Church members only ?

Satan will try to keep us away from these good and salvfic things. Do not listen to him! I had felt much the same things, but now I will be received near the end of lent. Go to church. It will help :)

This.☝️

Don’t be afraid, brother. I’ve only been attending for about a month, but the experiences i have are very profound to me. The liturgies have brought me to tears 3/4 weeks i have attended so far. I’ve been brought to tears at my old protestant churches before too, but this is different somehow. Wherever He is leading you, don’t be afraid to follow. The goal is to become more like Christ and grow closer in relationship to God. Don’t let your fear rob you

Take it slow but keep trying!

@alexlight4178 Yup. Either take it slow or attend a Great Compline evening service. Services during Great Lent are intense.....in an absolutely, exhaustingly wonderful way. I think I did 55 full prostration last night, and I'm old!

Look and listen or read what St.Paisios told the Roman Catholics when they asked if they can pray the Lord’s Prayer with him. He gently and humbly and lovingly declined. He said he did not want to make them think as if they have the same faith or religion. As Orthodox we are not allowed to pray with heterodox faiths. Speak to a priest more about this on how he would direct you on this with your family.

As usual, there's very many strong opinions on the Internet concerning exactly this question. For a different perspective you can search for the article "Praying With The Heterodox" by Archpriest Michael Gillis. Personally, I pray with my heterodox family. But I don't take part in communion in their church.

No we would not fam.

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Silverltc - Care to elaborate?

@@AnHebrewChild we are all grafted in to Israel (Jesus Christ) by the vine of Jesse. Each Church is just a fruit.

@@silverltc2729 thank you for the clarification. :] Have a nice day.

There is no true love for Him if we don't read and hear His word daily. My people (Serbs) are unique orthodox christian people, they read His word in the Scripture far less than any. I have to say that you are right for that case and recommendation

They hear the scriptures through and through and become familiar with them through their services

@@codymarkley8372not the same thing.

Reading the bible outside of the tradition that explains it is unhelpful, and can even be harmful. As someone who nearly left the faith altogether, Im so thankful Orthodoxy found me before I began an entirely different path. It makes sense why priests advocate to read the bible, with the assistance of the literature of the Saints who lived nearer the time of the authorship. Modern bibles remove so much from the true text, it's dangerous

My church is of the OCA, which is specifically american as opposed to greek russian or antiochian. It was created partly bc of the phenomenon youre mentioning, and a need for more openness. Look for an oca church near you.

I’m a convert to EO in Australia and don’t know where you are but if it is a country of diaspora perhaps I can shed some light on your ( lack of ) reception at these two churches. Almost all migrants in the past were simple people from monoethnic/cultural countries who cling to the church often to feel safe in what is either a country hostile to or perceived to be hostile to their identity. Hence the services in Greek or Arabic etc. In addition these countries have often been persecuted and over time their ethnos and faith become synonymous . So a foreigner entering ( who is not from a sister EO church) will be viewed suspiciously or perhaps with curiosity . Now this is not an excuse for unchristian behaviour, just an explanation IMO. We converted from Protestantism over 20 years ago and have never looked back even though most of the time we worshipped bilingually . All the best in your pursuit of the Lord and truth

Correct. That is the Christian tradition. Always has been.

We can be behind the screen in front of the altar with the preist though right? This is where I've stood for confession...

I think he is Greek ❤

This is a healthy instinct, but it isn't so simple. Some denominations and branches teach outright heresy or close to it. Some of them miss the point theologically and epistemologically, quite badly. How much this misleads people is difficult to say. I believe there are decent, well meaning Christians in every church - even if that denomination is hardly authentically Christian in tradition. On the other hand, even though Orthodoxy is the closest to the truth and has the soundest, strongest traditions, that doesn't mean all self-proclaimed Orthodox are necessarily more holy than the most eccentric and errant Protestant. The Lord is the only judge in the end.

@@publius5128 remember what the lord said through John. This is his commandment that you love one another and believe in his name. If we believe in Jesus name which means he is the son of God. Which means he has authority over all flesh and keep his commandments to love one another as he did. You have eternal life. Remember he said abide in me and if you keep my commandments you will abide in me and you will bear fruit. If one abide in him no matter the church organization you do belong to him. Because no one will abide in him unless they are his. But I do believe the orthodox is one of the best to be with. If there was one near me I would definitely join them. But I know the lord has given me life in his name. It’s also true what you said that some churches are not his or even have false doctrine. There is no one church organization that is the only one.

😂

Jehva,Elohim,God from Abraham,the Strong,I m who I m?Plz join the New Testament it's written till 1700 years and this info I give u for no money ❤

obey the bible first... fathers second if the follow the bible

Because the are our spiritual Fathers ❤

Not exactly lol

This is what all Christians believe about people who aren't Christians. Stop acting like exclusivity within a religion is so scandalous

Yeah just no dude. That is for God to decide, not us...

Not what orthodox church believes. Im sure youll find individuals who will say that but its not canon

That's not true because orthodox themselves cannot claim they are saved. They believe only God has the right to judge our salvation on judgement day. So that is not something they can claim that other are damned. We all hope we aren't damned. But none of us ( not even orthodox) can guarantee.

The types of proofs you demand are not what prove that which you want proven. Materialism and pure rationality are a total dead end. You're starting from a faulty beginning. Change the question and your conception of proper answers, then look again.

the proof which i demand is valid always which you cannot proove. reason and logic destroys your god.. i will not need to change my question proove that lord nonsense exists ..

Don't forget that we are in year 2024! Why? Because when God came in the flesh body, He split history (before / after Christ) "Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6) He is King of kings! By His blood at the cross, your sin can be washed away if you repent and come to Him! Please receive Him as your Savior into your heart! 🤗👋

you havent prooven that a god exists and jesus is not god .. what you write is nonsense .. which i did not ask .. i hope you remember it is 2024 ..

Every major biblical scholar, many of whom are atheists, grant that Jesus existed. Ancient roman historians confirmed he was crucified. Whether or not the ressurection happened is a different matter. The fact that we are in the year 2024 is not relevant. You can argue against the ressurection, but you are the in the fringe to deny the vast majority of historical evidence and claim that a Jesus of Nazareth never existed. If you want to claim Jesus' never existed, then I'd like you to be consistent and deny the existence of other historical figures with fewer evidential sources such as Alexander the Great, Socrates, Pericles, Homer, and Hanibal of Carthage to name a few.

I make all my children call me Father/Dad rather than my first name. That’s something that I’ve only ever heard YANKEE children do not well raised Southern children. Am I against Jesus’ teaching ?

You need to rethink your understanding of that particular passage.

Beware the beam. Remember the Pharisees.

The Bibel is not a magazine!

On what basis

Why are they invalid?

​@@nikoletalappa2518 ignore the trolls.

You are right! ​@@daphnepearce9411