The Protestant Reformation and the Orthodox Christian East 

I was born muslim, then became atheist, then became Christian in a protestant church. And now I'm really interested in and leaning towards Orthodoxy, and would like to learn more

Protestant Bible College graduate who converted to Orthodoxy after studying Christian history and witnessing the work of the teachings of the Elders and Fathers in my heart. It is not JUST that it is the fullness of Christianity that Christ taught, it is that Orthodoxy will truly transform you.

I am a convert from Lutheran to Charismatic, to Evangelicalism, to Pentecostalism and finally to One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic, Orthodox Church of Jesus Christ since 33 AD. Glory to God in all things!

I am late to reply but I was an atheist for 10 years but now I am a convert to Orthodoxy. If Protestants were Orthodox we would have a more proper world with God's Grace.

My childhood formation was in the Methodist Church. I became Orthodox when I was 46 after sojourn through several Evangelical or Pentecostal traditions. No wonder I was restless until I gained my true spiritual home in the Orthodox Church.

Please pray that I will be received into the Orthodox Church

The difference between Eastern Orthodoxy and western expressions of Christianity is that Orthodoxy expresses a Way of life: an actual transformation of your self into being closer to Jesus. We call this “theosis” and it is part of the process of sanctification by the Holy Spirit. The whole practice of Orthodoxy is to get you “into it”- by prayer discipline, controlling your passions (impulses), and community experience of the Holy Mysteries. All to get you out of your head and on the path to God.

I was raised in a Pentecostal church and was never able to find answers for a lot of questions that I had. After 2 close friends introduced me to the orthodox church I can say that I am now an Inquirer and hope to be accepted into the church soon. Trisagion Films films on the orthodox saints have helped me tremendously!

Hello there brothers and sisters, much love from turkey as a convert turkish christian from islam. God bless you all.

Convert From Charismatic Protestant to Eastern Orthodox.

I come from a Protestant tradition an I’ve been away from church from many years. I’ve been in touch with orthodox literature for a while and I found why I’ve always felt something was quite not right about my notions on salvation and all the main topics of my faith. Unfortunately where I live there is not an orthodox community. As I live in Japan the nearest Orthodox Church is in Tokyo but I’m willing to travel weekly to find my way through as soon as possible. I finally have found the real Christ’s church.

It says quite a bit that the Orthodox had no such reformation. The West lost its way long ago and the results are plain for all to see today. I foresee many Protestants converting to Orthodoxy in the future. Frankly it just hasn’t been known to us, and I think all many of us have ever wanted is to worship the way the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles laid out for us, yet we’ve known the papacy is not that way. May we all find our way back to the mother church. Glory to God.

Joined the Orthodox Church 11 years ago after 18 years in the Watchtower organization (Jehovah's Witnesses). Never regretted.

I have had the honor to have known him and his family. This man is as humble and down to earth as he is knowledgeable. Have always enjoyed speaking with him. His son is a great guy as well.

If only the Reformers had become Orthodox instead, we would be living in a better world today.

I am a protestant from atheist. Slowly leaning toward orthodoxy because its symbolism matching so much the one in the Bible. I cannot accept full dogma still but im a big fan. May the Orthodox church stay strong.

Aspiring catechumen here, seeking to one day become Eastern Orthodox. Going through the lectures and books as well as through prayer gives me more reason and hope that I will one day become Eastern Orthodox

Born Roman Catholic, became pentecostal, then evangelical now I am very interested in Eastern Orthodoxy

The video that started my journey Forever greatful ☦️ praise God

The more I learn about the Orthodox church the stronger the call I feel away from Rome.

Thank you. The Lord bless, finally the true history of Orthodoxy and the world. As a convert to Orthodoxy in 2006 and a person who has a degree in history; to finally hear and read as an Orthodox the true history of the world is wonderful. Thank you Father

I was Muslim, converted to Protestantism, transitioned into Hebraic Messianic beliefs but I have been greatly blessed and enriched by Orthodoxy and I want to return to the Ancient Church. May the Lord guide me in the process of converting to Orthodox Christianity. 🙏🏾 I need guidance.

As a 20 year Protestant minister and writer (AKA: Ex-Heretic)---- and 2500+ books later... I studied my way out of Protestantism and into Orthodoxy. I'm in the beginning stages of the conversion process. To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant. That is, so long as you have the integrity and ability to forsake falsehoods that you've ignorantly accepted as truth. I didn't intend to be swayed by Orthodoxy, it just happened. This was a ten year process (that's still underway). You'd be hard pressed to objectively study church history and NOT end up converting to Orthodoxy. The only reason many don't, is because they fear the backlash (from family and fellow protestants). Either that, or they're too prideful to admit they've been wrong for so many years. As one who loves the truth, I have no problem admitting that I'm wrong. I like being right, therefore; I'm quick to admit when I'm wrong. So many people pridefully steep themselves in a falsehood that they flippantly refer to as "truth". At that point on, it becomes self deception. When your self-deluded preference (of how you prefer the truth to be) is fully embraced as truth...the actual truth will appear to be a self-deluded deception. To save face, many people will consciously remain in falsehood. This causes them to run headlong into a vast array of unconscious heresy. This causes me to quake...to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. I'm humbled to the core of my being that the Lord has saved me from Protestantism. I see all of the little individual facets of Protestantism as being the daughters of the harlot (that Revelation speaks of). So many protestants feel superior because they're not Catholic. Little do they know they are mere portable expressions of their mother, the harlot. All of their pastors are mini-wannabe popes. I have such sympathy for those who have yet to come out of her. Many don't even know there's a third option (orthodoxy). Orthodoxy is the best kept secret in the west. In these last days, I hope that changes. I do believe I'm in a time of testing and temptation. Selling out to Protestantism can provide me A LOT of security (in my finances, ego and personal relevance). And, when money is involved, it's amazing what the human mind can pass off as "truth". The very thing I once accepted as truth, is now what I consider to be deception (according to the light that's been given unto me). It's this deception that has now become a temptation to return to...a deception that has the name of God upon it. It feels like I'm engaged in spiritual mind games (from the enemy). When all you once believed is required to be placed upon the altar of sacrifice: it'll then become apparent as to who it is you really serve. Thus my present attack from the forces of darkness. In all honesty (as painful as it is): I feel insurmountably blessed to have the Lord providing me such crystal clear distinctions within the lines of the sand that is my life. Now, it's up to me to decide what I'll do with the poignantly-distinctive conviction that's been etched and burnt upon my soul. Even though I know I have a free-will choice: there is only one choice I can make. I serve the Lord Jesus Christ from the depths of my conscience. Christ said to take up your cross and follow Him. But I never really thought that the practical application of fulfilling that decree would lead to an all-out forsaking of what I once clung to (so as to forsake the world). Yes, the forsaking of what isn't of God is the very thing that I once clung to AS God. This is what I meant by "spiritual mind games". It's painful-----------but it's glorious and beautiful just the same. Praise the Lord for the ever-increasing light that progressively reveals more and more of what's hidden in the dark. I thought that all that was hidden was already revealed. Not so! A Divine revealing/stripping is underway...and how humbling it is. I want to thank you for this video. It has been instrumental in the process described in the above paragraphs. I still struggle with a few of the tenants of Orthodoxy (mainly icons) but I'm willing to submit my understanding and interpretation to the authority of the church. I mean, what's the alternative? Yet more anarchy from the disaster that is Sola Scriptura? No. I just can't. I'm burnt out. I'll sacrifice my interpretation (that I used to mistake as "infallible-scripture") upon the altar of 2000 years worth of tradition before I'll EVER return to the failed experiment of Protestantism. With that said, if it wasn't for Justin Martyr's blatant rejection of images/icons, I wouldn't struggle with the late addition of iconography. If it was accepted at a much earlier date, I wouldn't have ANY trouble accepting it. If anyone can offer some instruction, I'm more than open.

Thank you for this upload. I'm a Protestant looking to the Orthodox Church for answers. How are we connected? Why is there disunity amongst God's children? Now is the time to call upon our Lord, our precious Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on us for our stiff-necked pride. We must lay it down, our Husband is coming, the world watches us and doesn't want God. We must love one another, we must love our Lord & God, WE MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER, WE MUST! So that the world will know that God sent Jesus to reconcile His creation to Himself. Why can't we lay it down? Why can't we love. Thank you for this post, God bless & keep you Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, thank you for speaking sense. Amen. All glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, forever & ever. Amen.

Thank you for this teaching. I'm so glad brought me into His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church. God brought me out of my confusion and pride to His Life and Truth. Glory to God!

Finally a discussion of the similarities, common ground, between the Orthodox Church and Protestantism. All too often we find presentations of the differences. I feel blessed to have found Fr. Panayiotis' speech. He is a fantastic speaker.

I was a Protestant for almost my whole life, and I have not once found god in a Protestant church. In the Orthodox Church, however, is filled with the love and glory and grace of god.

I’m a convert from Pentecostal Evangelicalism. Great stuff! Love it!

Finding this 6 years later. Raised Mormon, became Christian, and I’ve gotten closer and closer to Orthodoxy every year. I think I’m almost home. I’m so pleased that Orthodoxy is available to me now, a westerner, seeing that even a hundred years ago it might not have been. I might not have even know about it. Thank you for these great resources brother.

Finally!!! The truth is spoken. Absolutely brilliant lecture on how eastern orthodoxy had nothing, absoletely nothing to do with the corruption and falsified twisting of Christianity. The east always remained true to all the nicean councils, and never changed their doctrine as the west did as a result of Aryan influence which l might say was totally condemned by the east.

I'm a Roman Catholic but I've been studying the Orthodox Church & Mount Athos for over 10 years now!

I am a confessional Lutheran looking into Orthodoxy

God bless your words and teaching Fathater Panayiotis ..may we continue to honour our Lord Jesus, may we uphold his teachings as they were originally to us until He comes to take us home. This is His church, it speaks of His Glory. Amen

As an Orthodox Christian from the Middle East, my wish is that all Orthodox Christians unite. There must be a dialogue between the so called chalcedonian and non chalcedonian Orthodox churches. That will be a good start.

I'm very grateful for this video, and your other videos. I have been very inspired by the videos on Elder Paisios and Elder Porphyrios. It is the first time that I am considering becoming Orthodox. I would like to know more.

As a Canadian Protestant, I have spent many months inquiring about Orthodoxy and am now seeking to become a Catechumen. I began this journey after watching this channel, as well as watching individuals like Jay Dyer speak on his conversion and on heresies. Please pray for my reception that I might be grafted on, God willing.

Fascinating lecture. I converted from protestant to orthodox ☦️

The great Cambridge historian Herbert Butterfield, himself a Christian, taught that Providence has played a far greater role in history than we realise. I am a reformed evangelical who is increasingly drawn towards Eastern Orthodoxy. But what I am finding also is that the Orthodox, like the Jews, were not particularly interested in evangelism. The spread of Christianity to Latin America, East Asia and Africa had nothing to do with the Orthodox. So God knows why he allowed the Reformation, which, by the way, forced the Catholic Church to change in certain fundamental ways. What we need today is a new ecumenical spirit that will bring the body of Christ back together, as it was in the days of the Apostolic Fathers. Shalom!

Thank You

Your testimony from 4 yrs ago resonates deeply with what I am going through today …though thankfully I became convinced before having to read thousands of books 😂

This was wonderful, thank you!

One if the greatest videos I've ever watched. Please pray for me, a sinner.

This is a great video to help Protestant / Evangelical Christians become Orthodox Christians.

Good and comprehensive overview.

A wonderful lecture, thank you Fr. ⚘

Thank you. I find this very interesting. Great presentation

I love this video !!!

Thank you watchmen on the wall! Truth JESUS} His Church His Bride.

I convert now from chatolic to orthodox church

I really tried to come to Christianity with an open mind and my "intuition." I've found that it aligns quite a bit with the Eastern Orthodox

While reading church history, this answered my question. Thanks!!!!

Really good presentation, thank you Father Panayiotis!

Magnificent presentation, so good ...

Excelente aula! Fantástica!

This i an ingenious video! I will save this excellent document. It is worth saving.

Very good. God bless you Fr.

I love listening to this guy, he reminds me of my (greek orthodox) priest :3

Wow! Now it all comes together.

Great video.

This is so informative thank you

God bless Father Panayiotis, God bless orthodoxy! Pray to the Holy mother for many conversions to orthodoxy. 💙☦️💙☦️💙☦️☦️💙☦️💙☦️💙 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Enjoyable lecture

Brilliant!!!! Amen

Jaroslav Pelikan is the example I am considering following as a Confessional Lutheran.

Im am a Baptist Protestant currently exploring Orthodoxy with interest in converting. Not too sure where to go to learn more (especially with all religious buildings being closed in my country - Canada)

There is a strong Orthodox Church in India 💠🏥💒

That was a great talk, and if what all you said was true, I’d convert tomorrow. I’m catholic, and believe in the primacy of the seat of Peter, and the filioque, and purgatory, so they are great obstacles… anyway, I’ll continue with my research. I actually believed we were incredibly close to our orthodox brethren, I didn’t realise you disliked us so much 😢. My sister was married to a Greek Orthodox man ( she is now deceased) and I know she considered converting, but she held her Roman catholic faith till she died, kids were all baptised orthodox, and honestly, I just thought it was the filioque and the Pope that were the cause of division, I’ve never heard about any of those other things, and even if they were true, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know we have had (have) troublesome popes … We have amazing saints, miracles and Jesus and Marian Apparitions, so I know God is with us too.

God bless. I am an Orthodox inquirer, and feel as though my heart has already converted yet I have not. I am patiently waiting for my wife to see eye to eye on this whole new perspective from protestantism. Pray for us. And I am curious is there any way to get the notes that are mentioned through out the presentation? Thank you again, and God bless.

Father, your ending on let's come together, get on the same page, so we are in union and communion together, create our foundation again together, only then we can examine the ideas the Protestant reformers struggled with. They too went through a persecution as great as the Eastern Orthodox, just from within. Satan will always want division amongst Christiandom. The sin of pride and control works hard in many hearts, I pray Christ will heal and unify according to His will always. I am so greatful to have heard these actually very peaceful and hopeful words. God Bless.

Only the truth shall set u free "!!!😇

That is the way forward .. preach the gospel to the whole world as commanded by our Lord God Jesus Christ son of God. God bless Orthodox church.

Great talk. Would liked to have heard some responses from the audience including questions though.

This is very informative and helpful in my search for the true Church. I as well an from growing up in a cult to evangelicals/non denominational and find all lacking and some doctrine that were false. I lean towards Orthodox but apprehensive as I am a woman of color and don't know how I would be received. I know it doesn't matter but it's a part of reality.

I was raised Protestant, and did not know the Eastern Church existed. My journey into understanding was a very long one. I know now that Christianity cannot be reformed, any more than Christ can be reformed.

Reformers: “The Catholic Church is corrupt and the Papacy is wrong!” Eastern Orthodoxy: “Nawwwwwww ya’think?” Reformers: “Quiet you!”

All Praises

What most people don't realise about the reformation is that it was not just one man called Luther that started it but was a movement that began hundreds of years before he even came on the scene and is still moveing toward what is considered Orthodox or Early Church teaching. I dont think that we will be home when we convert to Eastern Orthodoxy but will still be in battle against false teaching within the Church because that is what it does best. There will always be false doctrine within and without because there has always bin,being Orthodox does not change this. The teaching of the Church being able to keep the doctrine of the Church without error is a false teaching as well.

Amen

Excellent scholarship. This video covers many topics over time. Many of which could be a basis for further dissertation. Well done Father Panayioti.

IC XC NIKA! +

By the grace of God I have been a bible believer for last 50 plus years, It's His grace and my faith that saves me, and my faith has and will produce goods works in my life. -- I'm US born and raised Roman Catholic, but I left that church in my teenage years. Since then, I have been to many kinds of Protestant churches and even a Latin Mass Roman Catholic church. It seems to me they all have their their differences in their theologies. Some I agree with and others I don't. Jesus Christ is my Apostle and High Priest of my profession. I can come boldly unto the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. God is good!

Whooh and John Wesley pops up. Undoubtedly one of the most significant figures in protestant church history. Someone whose life we need to study.

Thank you for posting this presentation and paper by FR. Panayiotis Papageorgiou on the relationship between orthodoxy and protestantism. i would be interested in the response to this paper, especially the statement about charlemagne being the one who made the roman catholic church, the roman catholic church. would a church historian in the west agree with that point. i suspect that there would be some dispute on this. that said, this does give an insight into the theological views within orthodoxy, and certainly that is a great service, for i for one, have to read more about my brothers and sisters in the east, and understand the beauty of orthodox theology. i have been to a russian orthodox church three times, each time on easter, and everytime, been blessed.

Very interesting. Thankyou for posting! East-West dialogue has been a deep passion and interest of mine for some time. Schaeffer's son converted to Orthodoxy - disillusioned with empty religiosity that experienced at home. I currently lean evangelical, but with a desire to accept elements of mysticism and synthesize the traditions.

Dear friends of Trisagion Films. We need your financial help in order to continue producing these videos. Please donate via PayPal at www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3379869. Your donations are Tax Deductible. Trisagion Films is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered with the IRS and the State of Georgia.

This was a very educational breakdown of the differences and similarities between the Protestant and Orthodox Churches. My views haven’t changed from Southern Baptist but I think I understand why so many other Protestant churches are getting infiltrated and taken over by cults whereas the Orthodox seem more organized.

Glory to God ❤

Great lecture and reveals why converts think so differently.

As a protestant, I embrace the Orthodox as brothers and individual Roman Catholics. There is a lot that I can't buy into culturally like Kissing Icon and I am bothered by some of the symbols of the Eastern Church. I do not see why it is beneficial to kiss an Icon. Nor do I see why you have any better Christianity that I have as a protestant. I have Jesus the Christ and that is all that matters. "He who has the Son has life"

sir can you provide the sources of your lectures like books ,web sites

Fantastic speech...you can tell he was really emotionally affected by this trip at the end.

I am glad I walked into St. Demetrius that day. It changed my life so much that I want to be a better man.

Let Me Make This Absolutely Clear, Up Front, Right Here and Right Now : I, Martin Rodriguez, Do Solemnly Believe in One, Holy, Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church and Nothing Else Matters. AXIOS ☦️ 🕊 🕯 🙏 ☦️⛪️‼️

Calvin says in his ''Institutes'' that the Greeks made great concessions to human pride and they flattered it so they keep them, the people, in the faith. It's a well documented and analysed fact that the arminian/wesleyan theology and the greek orthodox one share common anthropological and soteriological beliefs and this is also admitted in this video.

I did not expect to see John Wesley 😮

Lord Jesus Christ have Mercy upon me a Sinner

Hello brothers! I'm wondering if someone can clarify? He mentions that the concept of "bargain and ransom" atonement was an "obscure druidic" idea that came from the west, yet it seems to be a central tenet in the recapitulation theory that I thought was the main atonement doctrine of EO. Can someone explain?

Father bless! Is the paper you presented available online or in a book?

St. Francis of Assisi protested against the crusaders and now today st. Francis is a Catholic Saint...

If you can get your hands on a little booklet by Chrystomos H. Stratman, written in the 1920s please do so. It is out of print but I have found it on out of the way sites on the Internet. He explains about the branch theory in Protestantism, and how many sects claim a connection to the true church, but are in error. It converted me on the spot from Protestantism. Anything written by this man is very easy to read and he lays it all out for those searching for the truth of Orthodoxy.