I was never indoctrinated in any religion and I am a very happy and moral person. I say this because the odds are very high that your children will be atheists, and if they are not, your grandchildren will be. When that happens, if it happens, don't be afraid and enjoy the time with them. It's not worth scaring them with hell, just enjoy your time together and try to put religion aside.
@@vejeke i see you have a belief of what is hell that has nothing to do with what orthodox church theology says about hell. Hell is not some created place with created fires made for the wicked. It is stupidity to believe such thing in orthodox theology
@@user-pj7sq7ce1f I'm glad that sect doesn't have a stupid belief like that. I have seen many friends who were indoctrinated in Christian mythology have a very hard time with all the fear and absurd contradictions that belief produced in them, but they were Catholics and Protestants.
The reason we are censed by the Priest is that we are also icons of Christ. He is honoring the image of Christ in us.☺️☦️💕 Also, when we say, "Lord have mercy," what we are asking is for Christ to show forth His mercy and compassion by healing our wounded & darkened hearts and souls, just as the blind man asked for his sight by crying out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Just thought I'd mention that because Protestants sometimes hear it more as a kind of groveling plea to placate a wrathful God, rather than an appeal to Christ's infinite compassion. God bless you both!🥰
Absolutely...what is also unknown to those in the West is that etymologically, in Greek, the words for "oil"-specifically olive oil, ελιά and "mercy" έλεος are tied together. As olive oil was the staple for many things, food, medicinal, oil lamps, and blessings, when we say "Lord have mercy!" we are also saying, Lord feed me! Lord heal me! Lord anoint me! Lord illumine me!
@@williamoarlock8634 so you think that God Himself prescribed "pathetic rituals" in the old testament, that the angels in heaven continually offer "pathetic rituals" to God. Got it👌
Absolutely! That's exactly the idea they are going for. That's encouraging to me that someone unfamiliar with Divine Liturgy recognized that. Good stuff. God bless.
Great observation! In fact, if you disregard the iconostasis, icons, incense, chanting, etc, Orthodox liturgy is about worshipping God with your body and soul, to cleanse the nous, or heart of the soul. Only through the nous can you truly reach God.
Did I miss something, or didn't any of you mention which church you visited? And was it Greek, Antiochian, Russian, etc? (not that it matters a lot, as the Byzantine rite is the same everywhere, except for some local flavor and of course the liturgical music).
I will never forget my first Liturgy. About midway through the Trisagion hymn ("Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal..") I was overcome by the most comforting feeling I'd ever had up to that moment in my life. I knew "this is home" and I've never looked back. God Bless Austin. 🙏🏻☦
Eliza is absolutely adorable - so sweet and gentle. Loved that she experienced it as childlike, sitting on the floor. She has a good heart. Gives me such hope that innocent souls like her still exist. Such a gem.
You both make an adorable couple, God Bless you on your journey in life together! I’m a convert to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism going to an Orthodox Church in Memphis Tn that is probably 90% converts from Protestantism. This community’s story is rather interesting/ amazing. If you are ever in Memphis please feel welcome and visit! You will be amazed by this exceptional Orthodox family!
I got goosebumps the first liturgy I ever attended. The epistle reading was the exact same as the first liturgy I ever heard online. Excited to see her reaction.
Thanks Austin and Eliza. As a convert to Orthodoxy, I was pretty lost for a decent period of time. 14 years in and I'm just kind of starting to get the hang of it. That's the challenge and the beauty and depth of this ancient faith. Kyrie Eleison!
I understood it within a couple months if that thanks to a hymn book I purchased with Greek beside the English. Then we started going to Divine Liturgy in Slavonic and it took a couple months to get the basics without a hymnal. Everyone is different.
@@LadyMaria Yeah. I understood the form of the Liturgy in a couple months, as well, although I'd say it takes a good year through the church calendar to start scratching the surface of the depth of the Orthodox theology. Have a blessed Lent.
The first time I've attended the Divine Liturgy, I was crying. And I had a feeling of belonging on the church, which I didn't experienced on most evangelical/protestant churches.
I was blown away. My first one was a hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Pentecost but the "normal" Divine Liturgy is just as beautiful and holy. I came from RC Masses to this and it was like another world!
I’ve been tearful or sometimes even sobbing during the holy week😔My father was the same…I am Greek Orthodox and of Greek descent…I love the ancient chant❤❤❤
In Russia we listen to a sermon after Communion. I remember my first Liturgy. I stood for more than an hour and finally Communion finished and the priest went out from the altar to preach. For me it meant that I was going to stand for the next hour because I was used to Protestant one-hour-long sermons. But I was so amazed when the priest finished his sermon in 7 minutes. I thought,"Oh, that's all. Too fast". 😄 God bless you, guys! You are very cute. ☺️
Seriously how much cuter can you two get? Love the added touch with the bloopers. Even Eliza's gentle pillow taps in the bloopers were adorable and show what a gentle soul she has. If that were me and my husband, one of us would have been knocked to the ground with that pillow (true love at its finest I guess) I found Eliza's comment on how worship involves our entire bodies to be especially insightful. This is often overlooked by many newcomers to the Divine Litrugy but this is the reason why we bow, make the sign of the cross, prostrate, etc., to involve all our senses that God has given us and offer them back to Him through our acts of worship. Oh may I suggest you both try to attend the Resurrection service this coming Easter (or Pascha as we call it)? That's quite the experience. This year, this service falls on the night of Sat Apr. 23rd. May the Lord bless you and Eliza with many years of joy in your upcoming marriage. You truly are a wonderful couple!❤
Orthodox convert here. It’s interesting that your fiancé prefers the western Catholic style of art. Coming from a Catholic family on my mothers side and being influenced by that faith, as soon as I experienced Orthodox iconography and an Orthodox Church for the first time i was instantly in awe and there was no comparison for me personally as the Orthodox iconography and church blew me away. Great video guys I appreciate the time and efforts you have put into orthodoxy and giving the Orthodox faith / church a platform, especially in the west to be known and heard. Such a beautiful gem, a beautiful truth shouldn’t be hidden and I am so grateful for you and your channel. Was this a full English liturgy? I highly suggest trying to experience a full English liturgy at maybe an Antiochian Orthodox Church(or any other orthodox church that offers it) if you want to be able to follow along easily or even a half English half whatever the other language is. The english services are very helpful for inquirers and converts like myself.
The service was in English (OCA parish). I think not being able to follow it had less to do with not knowing what was being said, but more to do with understanding why things are being said/orienting herself to the flow of the liturgy
@@GospelSimplicity that makes sense as a new person experiencing a liturgy for the first time. So I understand exactly what you guys mean. Even when I experienced a liturgy for the first time I was full of questions. It helped that at the time I was a catechumen so I had in-depth lessons on the liturgy itself and had it explained in a lot of detail. Thanks again for your magnificent channel, I am absolutely grateful for your project and wish you nothing but blessings from the Lord. Your fiancé and yourself will be in my prayers. I will make sure to light a candle for the both of you on Sunday at liturgy
Hey guys, nice video. Eliza- good for you for being a sport and participating. I'm a former Presbyterian that converted to Orthodoxy back in 2004 and let me say that it's worth visiting several different parishes/services to get a real feel for the worship. It's all the liturgy of course, but the presence (or not) of pews and other aspects can vary from place to place. I visited several before deciding to convert, and my initial reaction was "this is ritualistic heresy, and weird", and of course over time the wisdom and beauty seeped in. Stay safe and good luck with the wedding.
One of the things I love about the byzantine liturgy, is the emphasis on repentance. The Byzantine chant blessed are you on lord, says may I find the way through repentance, I am the sheep that was lost lift me up to o lord and save me.
Orthodoxy is so natural and organic. Hopefully y’all find your way home. Your inquisitive mind seems like a perfect fit with the vast depths of the faith.
The famous Christian nun from Spain (i.e. the “West”), Egeria, who visited the church in Jerusalem (i.e. the East) wrote in her journal about the fact that they did everything pretty much the way they do at home. The point is that what is now “western” is very different from what used to be western and Christian. It used to be much more “eastern” because that’s what Christianity was/is. Didn’t the Church start in the Middle East? The post schism west changed radically (Enlightenment, etc).
Actually, I recently commented to a family member that there are more similarities than differences between churches. I was considering the Catholic Mass, an Anglican service, and an Easter Orthodox liturgy. There are differences, but the similarities really jump out at you. When you go to a non-liturgical church service there are more differences. I have never been to a Lutheran Church. I have many Catholic relatives, so I have been to many Catholic churches in my life, plus visited very old mission churches in Texas and I have observed a great deal of variety in art and building style. Some of the art in the churches in Texas is more like Orthodox icons than like what we think of as western church art.
@@KayElayempea There will be even more similarities between between the Eastern Divine Liturgy and the Western Mass if the Mass being celebrated is not the Novus Ordo but the pre-Tridentine Mass of Pope St. Gregory the Great. And there were/are other Western rites as well, including the Ambrosian, Gallican, Mozarabic, and Celtic rites, as well as the Uses of Sarum, York, etc. All had fundamentally the same content and structure, but each had unique additions or stylings that contextualized the worship to the people and culture celebrating it.
Actually, Spain used the Mozarabic Rite which came from the Gallican Rite. The Gallican Rite has always been more ceremonial and Eastern (it being of Antiochian or Ephesian origin) compared to the Roman Rite which was more simple (but not as simple as the Novus Ordo in its common usage). If you compare the Ordo Romanus Primus to a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the latter would certainly come off as more ceremonial whilst the former is simpler.
Yep! That’s what I love about the RC mass, so I can imagine Orthodox is much longer. Like for us basically the mass is just a long prayer. Is it the same with you?
Eliza, it is so sweet of you to put up with this: I mean having to talk in public. Thank you so much. God bless you both. Austin, I always love to watch your movies. Keep up the good work!!!
@@GospelSimplicity How did I miss that!? Now I gotta find it...have fun with grad school....as a 52 year old who just finished, I'm still trying to figure out Turabian/Chicago style. The good thing about Orthodox theology courses is you don't have to come up with/find something new, but just articulate you understand the meaning of the faith...
Thank you both for sharing your views. I understand it was confusing, because in two millennia a lot can go into a liturgy to add depth to it. There are symbols everywhere and at every turn. You mentioned the doors of the iconostasis, for example. There are symbols to them being open, others for them being closed, without the curtain, and then being closed with the curtain. And then everything on the vestments of the clergy, how they are shaped, what colour they are, what exact pieces a particular level of clergy wear, and then there are subdivisions there, the 4 chains of the censer, 3 on the outside representing the Trinity, one in the middle to show their Unity, and then 12 bells for the apostles on the censer, and during certain liturgical seasons you remove the bells, because of solemnity, and on and on and on. The levels of detail are astonishing, maybe frightening at first, but also exciting how much one can learn from it. It shows you how it's something that is lived, not just studied at an academic level, which adds to how important it is that you went there. In any case, enjoyed it, she was doing her utmost to combat camera fright, and good on her! Hope you do visit the monastery, they are an extra layer of separating you from the world than a parish church can accomplish. God bless you both, hope to hear good news on you moving near that monastery soon!
@@GospelSimplicity You've earned them. And I'm no stranger to culture shock. Growing up in a majority Orthodox country (Serbia), as a cradle Orthodox, I found it shocking that Catholic priests didn't have beards. It was harder to accept than the celibacy. I'm not even joking, but it wasn't mostly based on the fact that all of our guys (priests, bishops, monks, we'd have nuns have them as well, but it's not really an option), it was that all the icons of male saints (including Western ones), except those martyred as very young, were bearded. And as a history nerd, the only people I'd associate with being shaved as a matter of course were the Romans. It made it very strange. I'm rambling again, sorry. Keep on doing what you're doing.
Thank you, Eliza, for joining Austin on the channel today! I think it would be great for both of you to get a little primer for both the Catholic and Orthodox liturgies before you attend next, so you can follow along more easily. There's a lot going on all the time, and knowing the why and symbolism behind each act makes the liturgy much easier to participate in. God bless you both!
What must be understood is that we bring so much luggage with us, and view things through our lenses. One cannot view it objectively....all one can do is simply immerse ones-self and let it soak in. You don't have to "get it", and it is a depth that anyone of any intellectual/academic standing will go as to their ability. One thing to do is to peel back the liturgy for its meanings. I suggest a small book/booklet almost, Nicholas Cabasilas commentary on the Divine Liturgy from the 14th century I believe (9 bucks). Also, a little deeper dive into the theology of the divine liturgy (where everything serves a theological purpose) I suggest Hieromonk Gregorios' work on the Divine Liturgy.
For anyone proselytizing to him, he’s mentioned he doesn’t like being proselytized to. You think he’s not told this frequently already? As an Orthodox Christian I know you’re all excited but this isn’t the right way to get people interested in the Church. Him visiting an Orthodox Church even just once does more for his spiritual journey than being told in CZcams by random people to convert.
I studied orthodoxy for a year before I learned the bigger implications, because the bigger implications aren't shouted at outsiders. Everything is put so gently, and it's on you to realize the weight of it all. I personally would appreciate if Orthodox people would be louder and more upfront.
@@GospelSimplicity I hope you can, you see, the whole life and theology of the Orthodox Church revolves around Holy Week and Easter, each day (specially at night) has its own divine service with a unique meaning. I assure you that you will be able to obtain a lot of theological, photographic and audiovisual material for your future content ; ) Greetings and thanks for the constant content.
Your fiance is such a cutie. I feel her speechlessness. 😂 It's exactly how I felt after my first liturgy. It was hard to come up with the words. Luckily, they had a book I could follow along with as far as what was being said. But now I have embraced orthodoxy fully. And I have never felt more at home. It is reverent and holy. And like you said, you are transported when you walk in. I hope you get the chance to visit again. The more you understand, the more in awe you can't help but feel. ❤
Eliza has a sweet spirit about her that is refreshing. She did really well for an introvert being put on the spot like that! I can tell though that perhaps, like me, especially when I was younger, she needs to have ample time to be able to think about issues and process them, before being able to articulate her thoughts and opinions in a way that is truly comfortable to her. Perhaps asking her the questions ahead of time might be really helpful? Just my thoughts!
I LOVED having your fiancee unpack her experience of the Divine Liturgy. SO much of what she experienced is important for people to hear even if they go every Sunday. I am a Catholic priest, and bi-ritual (I have faculties to serve liturgy both in the Latin and the Byzantine Rites), but I also teach liturgy at our University in Ottawa. SOOO much of what she said is what I want my students (and parishioners, when I'm at a Parish) to experience. PLEASE think about filming her reactions to the actual moments of the liturgy, and then talk about those things upon letting us see those moments.
For introverts, the punishment in the seventh circle of Hell would have to be being put on camera and being asked to opine on stuff. Good on Eliza for making it through this trial. Truly, she makes up for what is lacking in the suffering of Christ.
You guys look GREAT together 🙂. On another note, I appreciated Austin mentioning the Cathedral type Roman Catholic Church grandeur VS a small Eastern Orthodox Church . I previously commented to attend a larger Eastern Orthodox Church to get a more richer , full Eastern Orthodox experience. Divine Liturgy in its’ fullest is designed for a Cathedral setting . I can assure you if you take Elisa to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church which is the Metropolis for Chicago , Elisa will experience the full majestic richness of a the Divine Liturgy within a Cathedral setting , and I am quite sure that the outcome will be different. Keep in mind; “ The word liturgy (/lɪtərdʒi/), derived from the technical term in ancient Greek (Greek: λειτουργία), leitourgia, which literally means "work for the people" is a literal translation of the two words "litos ergos" or "public service". I As well, “Liturgy is the customary public worship performed by a religious group. Liturgy can also be used to refer specifically to public worship of Christians.[1] As a religious phenomenon, liturgy represents a communal response to and participation in the sacred through activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication, or repentance. It forms a basis for establishing a relationship with God.” That’s what Eastern- Catholic Orthodox Church is doing - as instructed in Psalms . Everyone participates and worship is not individual , with it’s cantors , deep prayers , constant reminder of the Holly Trinity , prostrations ( bowing to the floor and rising up as you doing the cross - signifying the Resurrection of Christ for our Salvation). Images of Bible events , Jesus Christ etc. For me , this is more meaningful then singing kumbaya and calling it a day. 🙂 Keep up the great work Austin .
I am in the process of converting from Mormon to Orthodox and it's the most beautiful church I've ever encountered. I've never had an understanding of the Scriptures the way I do now.
Love the video! You guys are so cute haha. If you are ever on the West Coast and have time to visit an Orthodox Cathedral check out Holy Virgin Cathedral in SF!
You two are so cute ☺️ I like the inclusion of the bloopers ☺️ Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eliza. Yes I agree, the Orthodox/Catholic liturgies do a lot of reverent worship, it’s mostly focused on God, with the homily for the people (as well as receiving the body of Christ). Personally I’m extremely drawn to this way of prayer. I understand why others are more drawn to the other ways. I’m glad that you guys are open minded enough to appreciate something that may not be your preferred prayer/worship style.
The first time I experienced Liturgy the Priest made a Gospel sermon in about Salvation and started talking about Yeshua. i was shocked for this was a Greek Church. When I heard him talk about Yeshua I was well pleased and even told him his preaching was exactly what I needed to hear.
A little more on the use of incense in Orthodoxy, and the fulfillment of scripture: In the book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, the Lord castigates the polluted offerings being made, saying: "...I have no pleasure in you,” Says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands." (Malachi 1:10) However, immediately after, an amazing prophecy is made: "For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 1:11) Who, today, is offering incense in the name of the Lord, and what is this pure offering? Lord, have Mercy on us all.
@@DF_UniatePapist Exactly...It's interesting that Luther sent the Augsburg Confession for editing to the Ecumenical Patriarch. The EP had loaned one of his best deacons to help translate it and other correspondence and documents. In the end, Luther could not convince the Orthodox to change their theology.
Sister Vassa has a youtube series where she does a deep dive into the divine liturgy. I am a little over halfway through it and have really benefitted from it, if that sounds interesting to you. It is simply titled Intro to Divine Liturgy. Great stuff. Also, thank you Eliza for being such a great sport and sharing your thoughts and impressions with us! Best wishes to you both.
@@LadyMaria I haven't sensed any political leanings in the series, but I am probably not sensitive to subtleties that others might be. It seems to be exactly as advertised. A detailed explanation of the meaning, symbolism, and historical/cultural context of the many elements of the divine liturgy. Her rabbit trails thus far consist of mainly linguistic analysis and historical anecdotes. I have found it to be very helpful.
Shoutout to Daisuke and Christ the Savior! My first service at Christ the Savior was for the intercession of the Theotokos, which was definitely difficult to track throughout. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eliza!
When I heard that you drink a cup of coffee before the Divine Liturgy I laugh loudly. That is the most Protestant thing that you can do before the Liturgy but it's also cute.
The Grand Prince of the Rus send his agents to the Western Latis to the Eastern Romans(Greeks) to the Jews and to the muslims And he found that both latin christianity and islam were very poor but when his agents returned from Constantinople they said to him that they didn't know whether they were in heaven or on earth. That's how he chose to become a Christian
First things first. This is the cutest video I have seen with out having puppies involved. With that out of the way. My first liturgy i was a bit perturbed by the bowing to an icon at the door (that became less weird as o continued to study.) when I got inside completely I noticed the ac wasn’t turned on and the the art work was amazing, and the ac wasn’t turned on and the liturgy had so much symbolism that I tried to analyze,and the ac wasn’t turned on. Why wasn’t the ac turned on?! It’s Oklahoma in the summer. It’s hot!so I asked the guy at the door what was the symbolic nature of not using AC in the service was, and he just laughs and said “that symbolizes that our ac was broke” I had missed half the liturgy trying to analyze the symbolic nature of a broken air conditioner.
As much as there is good intention, and i appreciate that, this girl needs to learn to do something as humanly basic as "USE YOUR WORDS." May The Lord God guide her.
Austin and Eliza, thank you for drawing our attention to interesting details that stand out! I liked the point about saying the creed in a very quick manner. It kind of throws me off a bit because personally I don't have enough time to comprehend what I'm saying which could be essential for really meaning these words. Btw the pace differs from church to church. I've heard some choirs and priests singing it much more slowly than others.
That's interesting to hear about the pacing differing at different parishes. I likewise feel its a bit difficult to focus on the words when they're said that fast
In the Greek Orthodox churches we say the creed like the Lords prayer. In the Antiochian churches I attend they also say the creed together instead of chant it. I have to say I personally prefer it. It is said slower but ends faster because you arent adding notes to it. It was not an easy task for myself at least to chant the creed when I went to an OCA church so it was a relief to just say it. We have moved towns a lot over the years. You both are so sweet and I’m glad you did this video. It rekindles our own faith in a way. Thank you!
Hey @gospelsimplicity I want to encourage you guys to develop a more in depth definition for worship and prayer, the Eucharistic offering would be worship, the bulk of the Liturgy however is prayer and praise. I'm happy you guys enjoyed it!!!
Another great video man! Love your content, Austin. As a Catholic, I love seeing content from people like you and Matt Whitman from Ten Minute Bible Hour where you’re exploring other traditions with charity and a sincere desire to understand.
May God grant you Many Years! To his name sing praises, sing praises! A mystery this came into my feed after returning home from Liturgy. Love 💘 to both of you!!
Thank you for this insightful and charming video. I really enjoyed watching you discuss your experiences - and learned a few things, too. If I could offer a suggestion, and unless you've done so already, take a look at the similarities and especially the differences between Western and Eastern church traditions; there is Scholasticism and Hesychasm, which may be of interest to you. There's also Prof. David Fagerberg's research [Applying the perspective of liturgical theology to (a) dogmatics, and (b) mysticism.] God bless.
This is just my opinion and people can disagree if they wish but this is my personal experience and my experience with people i know. Most protestants are used to getting some kind of motivational speech at church on sunday. I dont mean that as a pajorative. But your pastor creates some theme for the month and has a slide show or goes all in about some theme then relates it to your life. Thats fine if its your thing, but i think thats one of the bigger shocks coming into a more traditional orthodox or catholic service. Youre not gonna get a sermon about a psalm 31 girl with a slide show. I remember getting so tired of hearing the same handfuls of sermons in church. Thats just me though. I never get tired of traditional orthodox and catholic services.
I went to my first Divine liturgy Sunday, and I felt like it was kinda like Turning your phone off so it can reboot... I felt like it was a "Reboot" for me, and the smell stayed on my coat into Tuesday, which also reminded me of the time with them on Sunday morning. Thank you for this video.
Great program. Please forgive me. Gotta mention this. For 400 years Worship in Protestant churches was the Congregation worshipping and praising the Lord God Almighty in song. It was glorious. Not no more. Now it's a cheap blatant concert that we're are forced to attend. The voice of the congregation has been completely drowned out. It's absurd. Complete and total showmanship. The problem is, I'm the only Christian on the face of the earth that knows this 😳
We had a young non denominational pastor in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt show up to our little parish a couple of years ago. At the end he was asked what he thought. "It was so beautiful! I can't feel my calves!"
You have to know that the orthodox liturgy is still the same liturgy from James, who was called the "brother of Jesus" because he was one of Joseph's children. In the 3rd Century John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople enriched that liturgy with more Christan hymns, but the parts are the same and very interesting to know.
Well, thats a heavily debated subject. Lets not be like the rad trad catholics who go around claiming the latin mass is the same as it was 1500 years ago.
Thank you, Eliza. Does that church have service books, so that newcomers can follow along a bit better? I was surprised to hear that your former Lutheran church did not use "Lord, have mercy"/"Kyrie, Eleison." Some Orthodox churches do have chairs, or even pews. If I were to sit down on the floor for the homily, I'd probably need help to get up again.
I think it would be profitable to visit another Orthodox Parish or two because otherwise it would be like judging Protestant Churches by visiting one… they can be different…! So, even an Orthodox Parish like mine has chairs and service books which is different than the Parish you visited. Our Priest will say “turn to page…” because there are so many Protestant visitors and converts that it’s what they’re used to. And, he explains what is going on. This coming Saturday Feb.26 is a teaching Liturgy. Everything is out front and explained as we go along (kids love to come up close and ask questions). Check CZcams Live, Saint Spyridon Loveland Colorado. A criteria for a ‘Church’ that I had to remove of was the word ‘like’. Do I ‘like’ the Church? Does it meet my standards? If not, shouldn’t I go elsewhere. I found that in Orthodoxy it doesn’t matter if I like a Church. It doesn’t matter if the preaching or choir are excellent. It matters that the Church is true, Liturgy is served and that Christ wants me there to meet Him. I can pray and worship for the rest of my life without ever being entertained.
@@triscat I’m an ‘inside greeter’. I sit in the back of the church in case a visitor looks lost, needs a service book or has a question. I’m hoping that I said hello and invited you to fellowship! Next time you visit, say hi to me!
Lutheran, Anglican/Methodist, Catholic and Orthodox sermons are on average 15 minutes... can't speak for other Mainline Protestant groups since I haven't experienced them firsthand but I'd imagine a similarity. It's really a unique feature of Evangelicalism (stemming from the Great Awakenings-Tent Revivals) to have the majority of the service be THE sermon (like an hour or more). Not saying one's better than the other, but really, historic Protestantism is closer to Catholic/Orthodox practice in this regard (at least in liturgical Protestantism). Edit: Any denomination that puts weight on the Eucharistic part of the Liturgy AND intends to keep the service at close to an hour (the main reason) is necessarily going to keep the sermon to about 1/4 of the total service.
I've never really seen incense used at NO except at Christmas midnight Mass, Easter Vigil, and the Shrine's adoration. This is since the 90s and at multiple Parishes. They don't really use it anymore after the Roman Communion was reinvented in the 1960s.
Yeah the worship in the mega churches I’ve been to focused on worship and sermon so it was like a concert and a nice sermon. My Pentecostal church was very sermon based and the worshipping was nice and we sang songs that actually talked about God albeit not verbatim from the Bible. I would love to visit a Greek Orthodox as a new Roman Catholic just to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ💕💕
You guys are so beautiful and blessed. I hope you both will become part of the true orthodox church in the future. I'm oriental orthodox and when we make a sign of cross on our body we start from head then heart then left shoulder and then right shoulder like the lutheran one you showed. In eastern orthodox I noticed they do from right to left though I do know why. In our church the left signifies the hell and the right shows heaven. So we also make the exact sign of cross with our hand though I do like that of eastern orthodox too. The sign of cross's meaning is that Jesus come from the Father(head) down to the earth(heart), die and go to hell(left) to bring us to heaven(right). Also do visit or learn about ethiopian orthodox church or any oriental orthodox which I think is the true church, though I do believe we share a lot with eastern orthodox. Love from ETHIOPIA.
10:20 that's what it means, 3 fingers for the holy Trinity to refute the herecy of arianism and 2 fingers to refute Nestorianism, The sign of the cross is like professing with your entire body not just with words. Everything must have a symbolic meaning and a reason to be part of the liturgy.... Even if you are not going to receive communion Because you can receive the anti-doron (instead of gift) you must not eat or drink anything.. I know it's super super hard, but we do it because we can't do the easy things, to love our neighbor and each other..
We call it "service" or "services" all the time. The service is what is being served on that particular day: typica, vespers, Divine Liturgy. I think it's fine to call it that.
A couple comments I have: 1. The OCA follows the russian tradition of serving the liturgy, anither commenter has suggested you might find a more byzantine style parish to sample, the chant style in those parishes tends to be less musically ornamented and so is a little easier to understand for a new attendee (i go to a Russian parish myself and there's some hymns that I still haven't quite gotten used to hearing and parsing). Odds are you might still feel a bit lost though, eastern liturgies tend to go in circles (again and again let us pray unto the lord). 2. Liturgy may not necessarily feel like home at first because its supposed to transport you to heavenly worship. However, some orthodox churches have an architectural pedigree that points back to the ancient house churches, and the purpose of this is that the Church and the Liturgy are supposed to prepare us to make heaven, and heaven's worship, our home and to put off many of our more worldly cares. I think this is part of why we keep small children in our services, as they are members of the body of Christ they too must also learn to make heaven and its worship home and to put off worldly cares.
The Divine Liturgy, atleast in prototype, is what Saint John saw in the Apocalypse (which just means Revelation) from Christ and wrote down in the final book of the New Testament, this isn't just an imitation of the Heavenly Worship, it IS the Heavenly Worship, on Earth, outside of chronological time, it's eternity manifested before your eyes, we are surrounded by the entire Communion of Saints and Heavenly Hosts, that's why we have Holy Icons, the icons themselves are portals to Eternity. That's why the priest will also say "Christ is among us" at a certain point, we believe that is literally and mystically true.
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity
About the how orthodox do the sign of the cross with what the fingers mean you are correct.
I was never indoctrinated in any religion and I am a very happy and moral person. I say this because the odds are very high that your children will be atheists, and if they are not, your grandchildren will be. When that happens, if it happens, don't be afraid and enjoy the time with them. It's not worth scaring them with hell, just enjoy your time together and try to put religion aside.
@@vejeke i see you have a belief of what is hell that has nothing to do with what orthodox church theology says about hell. Hell is not some created place with created fires made for the wicked. It is stupidity to believe such thing in orthodox theology
@@user-pj7sq7ce1f I'm glad that sect doesn't have a stupid belief like that. I have seen many friends who were indoctrinated in Christian mythology have a very hard time with all the fear and absurd contradictions that belief produced in them, but they were Catholics and Protestants.
@@vejeke actually western thought as yours is the one side of the same coins that is atheist in one side theists in the other
The reason we are censed by the Priest is that we are also icons of Christ. He is honoring the image of Christ in us.☺️☦️💕 Also, when we say, "Lord have mercy," what we are asking is for Christ to show forth His mercy and compassion by healing our wounded & darkened hearts and souls, just as the blind man asked for his sight by crying out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Just thought I'd mention that because Protestants sometimes hear it more as a kind of groveling plea to placate a wrathful God, rather than an appeal to Christ's infinite compassion. God bless you both!🥰
@~Mary~
As a Protestant I thank you for sharing that. It is a definite distinction with a difference!
Yes… “Lord Help Me” and I’ve been Orthodox almost 28 years… still need help!!!
Sounds like another pathetic ritual.
Absolutely...what is also unknown to those in the West is that etymologically, in Greek, the words for "oil"-specifically olive oil, ελιά and "mercy" έλεος are tied together. As olive oil was the staple for many things, food, medicinal, oil lamps, and blessings, when we say "Lord have mercy!" we are also saying, Lord feed me! Lord heal me! Lord anoint me! Lord illumine me!
@@williamoarlock8634 so you think that God Himself prescribed "pathetic rituals" in the old testament, that the angels in heaven continually offer "pathetic rituals" to God. Got it👌
She has very good intuition. She picked up on the Orthodox worshipping with their entire bodies. That's something that's often overlooked.
I thought that was a great point!
Absolutely! That's exactly the idea they are going for. That's encouraging to me that someone unfamiliar with Divine Liturgy recognized that. Good stuff. God bless.
Great observation! In fact, if you disregard the iconostasis, icons, incense, chanting, etc, Orthodox liturgy is about worshipping God with your body and soul, to cleanse the nous, or heart of the soul. Only through the nous can you truly reach God.
Did I miss something, or didn't any of you mention which church you visited? And was it Greek, Antiochian, Russian, etc? (not that it matters a lot, as the Byzantine rite is the same everywhere, except for some local flavor and of course the liturgical music).
@@paulsaintjohn2 Pretty sure it’s an OCA parish
I will never forget my first Liturgy. About midway through the Trisagion hymn ("Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal..") I was overcome by the most comforting feeling I'd ever had up to that moment in my life. I knew "this is home" and I've never looked back.
God Bless Austin.
🙏🏻☦
For me it was that and the Cherubic Hymn in Byzantine chant.
Eliza is absolutely adorable - so sweet and gentle. Loved that she experienced it as childlike, sitting on the floor. She has a good heart. Gives me such hope that innocent souls like her still exist. Such a gem.
Sweet and gentle are such apt words to describe her. She's truly a gift to all those who know her
❤I agree…A child of God. She seems very Sweet❤
You both make an adorable couple, God Bless you on your journey in life together! I’m a convert to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism going to an Orthodox Church in Memphis Tn that is probably 90% converts from Protestantism. This community’s story is rather interesting/ amazing. If you are ever in Memphis please feel welcome and visit! You will be amazed by this exceptional Orthodox family!
Thanks for the kind words and invitation!
I laughed out loud at the interjection about morning coffee. I’ve only been orthodox since Christmas but the struggle is real.
Haha, glad you appreciated that!
Its worse when you like afternoon coffee and there are presanctified liturgies or vesperal liturgies.
Pro - tip: Take two aspirin the night before around 10pm.
@@NavelOrangeGazer Yes, a real struggle indeed
@@ferialbaz7990 Its a good struggle!
I got goosebumps the first liturgy I ever attended. The epistle reading was the exact same as the first liturgy I ever heard online. Excited to see her reaction.
Thanks Austin and Eliza. As a convert to Orthodoxy, I was pretty lost for a decent period of time. 14 years in and I'm just kind of starting to get the hang of it. That's the challenge and the beauty and depth of this ancient faith. Kyrie Eleison!
I understood it within a couple months if that thanks to a hymn book I purchased with Greek beside the English. Then we started going to Divine Liturgy in Slavonic and it took a couple months to get the basics without a hymnal. Everyone is different.
@@LadyMaria Yeah. I understood the form of the Liturgy in a couple months, as well, although I'd say it takes a good year through the church calendar to start scratching the surface of the depth of the Orthodox theology. Have a blessed Lent.
@@triscat Gotcha. Agreed. May God bless you especially this coming Great Lent. ☦
The first time I've attended the Divine Liturgy, I was crying. And I had a feeling of belonging on the church, which I didn't experienced on most evangelical/protestant churches.
I was blown away. My first one was a hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Pentecost but the "normal" Divine Liturgy is just as beautiful and holy. I came from RC Masses to this and it was like another world!
I’ve been tearful or sometimes even sobbing during the holy week😔My father was the same…I am Greek Orthodox and of Greek descent…I love the ancient chant❤❤❤
In Russia we listen to a sermon after Communion. I remember my first Liturgy. I stood for more than an hour and finally Communion finished and the priest went out from the altar to preach. For me it meant that I was going to stand for the next hour because I was used to Protestant one-hour-long sermons. But I was so amazed when the priest finished his sermon in 7 minutes. I thought,"Oh, that's all. Too fast". 😄
God bless you, guys! You are very cute. ☺️
After communion of before shelling a Ukrainian church.
A seven minute sermon would definitely be an adjustment after being used to Protestant sermons! God bless you too!
@@eliasn.477 God bless you
@@GospelSimplicityI love the 5-7 minute homily’s much better than long Protestant sermons!!
Seriously how much cuter can you two get? Love the added touch with the bloopers. Even Eliza's gentle pillow taps in the bloopers were adorable and show what a gentle soul she has. If that were me and my husband, one of us would have been knocked to the ground with that pillow (true love at its finest I guess)
I found Eliza's comment on how worship involves our entire bodies to be especially insightful. This is often overlooked by many newcomers to the Divine Litrugy but this is the reason why we bow, make the sign of the cross, prostrate, etc., to involve all our senses that God has given us and offer them back to Him through our acts of worship.
Oh may I suggest you both try to attend the Resurrection service this coming Easter (or Pascha as we call it)? That's quite the experience. This year, this service falls on the night of Sat Apr. 23rd.
May the Lord bless you and Eliza with many years of joy in your upcoming marriage. You truly are a wonderful couple!❤
You two are too cute. I wish you both many years of happiness together.
Thank you!
Orthodox convert here. It’s interesting that your fiancé prefers the western Catholic style of art. Coming from a Catholic family on my mothers side and being influenced by that faith, as soon as I experienced Orthodox iconography and an Orthodox Church for the first time i was instantly in awe and there was no comparison for me personally as the Orthodox iconography and church blew me away. Great video guys I appreciate the time and efforts you have put into orthodoxy and giving the Orthodox faith / church a platform, especially in the west to be known and heard. Such a beautiful gem, a beautiful truth shouldn’t be hidden and I am so grateful for you and your channel. Was this a full English liturgy? I highly suggest trying to experience a full English liturgy at maybe an Antiochian Orthodox Church(or any other orthodox church that offers it) if you want to be able to follow along easily or even a half English half whatever the other language is. The english services are very helpful for inquirers and converts like myself.
The service was in English (OCA parish). I think not being able to follow it had less to do with not knowing what was being said, but more to do with understanding why things are being said/orienting herself to the flow of the liturgy
@@GospelSimplicity that makes sense as a new person experiencing a liturgy for the first time. So I understand exactly what you guys mean. Even when I experienced a liturgy for the first time I was full of questions. It helped that at the time I was a catechumen so I had in-depth lessons on the liturgy itself and had it explained in a lot of detail. Thanks again for your magnificent channel, I am absolutely grateful for your project and wish you nothing but blessings from the Lord. Your fiancé and yourself will be in my prayers. I will make sure to light a candle for the both of you on Sunday at liturgy
Hey guys, nice video.
Eliza- good for you for being a sport and participating. I'm a former Presbyterian that converted to Orthodoxy back in 2004 and let me say that it's worth visiting several different parishes/services to get a real feel for the worship. It's all the liturgy of course, but the presence (or not) of pews and other aspects can vary from place to place. I visited several before deciding to convert, and my initial reaction was "this is ritualistic heresy, and weird", and of course over time the wisdom and beauty seeped in.
Stay safe and good luck with the wedding.
One of the things I love about the byzantine liturgy, is the emphasis on repentance. The Byzantine chant blessed are you on lord, says may I find the way through repentance, I am the sheep that was lost lift me up to o lord and save me.
Orthodoxy is so natural and organic. Hopefully y’all find your way home. Your inquisitive mind seems like a perfect fit with the vast depths of the faith.
She did great. I love hearing about people's first experience of the liturgy.
The famous Christian nun from Spain (i.e. the “West”), Egeria, who visited the church in Jerusalem (i.e. the East) wrote in her journal about the fact that they did everything pretty much the way they do at home. The point is that what is now “western” is very different from what used to be western and Christian. It used to be much more “eastern” because that’s what Christianity was/is. Didn’t the Church start in the Middle East? The post schism west changed radically (Enlightenment, etc).
Actually, I recently commented to a family member that there are more similarities than differences between churches. I was considering the Catholic Mass, an Anglican service, and an Easter Orthodox liturgy. There are differences, but the similarities really jump out at you. When you go to a non-liturgical church service there are more differences. I have never been to a Lutheran Church.
I have many Catholic relatives, so I have been to many Catholic churches in my life, plus visited very old mission churches in Texas and I have observed a great deal of variety in art and building style. Some of the art in the churches in Texas is more like Orthodox icons than like what we think of as western church art.
@@KayElayempea There was vague similarities between the Mass and Divine Liturgy in my observation.
@@KayElayempea There will be even more similarities between between the Eastern Divine Liturgy and the Western Mass if the Mass being celebrated is not the Novus Ordo but the pre-Tridentine Mass of Pope St. Gregory the Great. And there were/are other Western rites as well, including the Ambrosian, Gallican, Mozarabic, and Celtic rites, as well as the Uses of Sarum, York, etc. All had fundamentally the same content and structure, but each had unique additions or stylings that contextualized the worship to the people and culture celebrating it.
Actually, Spain used the Mozarabic Rite which came from the Gallican Rite. The Gallican Rite has always been more ceremonial and Eastern (it being of Antiochian or Ephesian origin) compared to the Roman Rite which was more simple (but not as simple as the Novus Ordo in its common usage). If you compare the Ordo Romanus Primus to a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the latter would certainly come off as more ceremonial whilst the former is simpler.
Orthodox liturgy is prayers, prayers, prayers, "again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord."🙏☦
I love how there are so many Amen's ... then "again and again, in peace, let us pray ..." Christian since meeting Him in 1988, Orthodox since 1996.
Yep! That’s what I love about the RC mass, so I can imagine Orthodox is much longer. Like for us basically the mass is just a long prayer. Is it the same with you?
@@mimi_j it's about 90 minutes usually, but I like to come a little early to catch the Matins gospel reading and the doxology
Orthodox service is service to God and not for the audience
@@ivanz6368 of course it is
You and your fiance are perfect for each other, I think you'll have a very happy marriage
Thank you so much!
Eliza, it is so sweet of you to put up with this: I mean having to talk in public. Thank you so much. God bless you both. Austin, I always love to watch your movies. Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks!
Beauty plays a huge part in Orthodox faith. I'd recommend Jonathan Pageau for a perspective through art.
Yes! I second that! Symbolic world channel for those that are interested..
Indeed! I've actually interviewed him. You might enjoy it!
@@GospelSimplicity How did I miss that!? Now I gotta find it...have fun with grad school....as a 52 year old who just finished, I'm still trying to figure out Turabian/Chicago style. The good thing about Orthodox theology courses is you don't have to come up with/find something new, but just articulate you understand the meaning of the faith...
Thank you both for sharing your views. I understand it was confusing, because in two millennia a lot can go into a liturgy to add depth to it. There are symbols everywhere and at every turn. You mentioned the doors of the iconostasis, for example. There are symbols to them being open, others for them being closed, without the curtain, and then being closed with the curtain. And then everything on the vestments of the clergy, how they are shaped, what colour they are, what exact pieces a particular level of clergy wear, and then there are subdivisions there, the 4 chains of the censer, 3 on the outside representing the Trinity, one in the middle to show their Unity, and then 12 bells for the apostles on the censer, and during certain liturgical seasons you remove the bells, because of solemnity, and on and on and on.
The levels of detail are astonishing, maybe frightening at first, but also exciting how much one can learn from it. It shows you how it's something that is lived, not just studied at an academic level, which adds to how important it is that you went there.
In any case, enjoyed it, she was doing her utmost to combat camera fright, and good on her!
Hope you do visit the monastery, they are an extra layer of separating you from the world than a parish church can accomplish.
God bless you both, hope to hear good news on you moving near that monastery soon!
There really is so much depth! A lifetime of learning is not enough. Thanks for the kind words!
@@GospelSimplicity You've earned them. And I'm no stranger to culture shock. Growing up in a majority Orthodox country (Serbia), as a cradle Orthodox, I found it shocking that Catholic priests didn't have beards. It was harder to accept than the celibacy.
I'm not even joking, but it wasn't mostly based on the fact that all of our guys (priests, bishops, monks, we'd have nuns have them as well, but it's not really an option), it was that all the icons of male saints (including Western ones), except those martyred as very young, were bearded. And as a history nerd, the only people I'd associate with being shaved as a matter of course were the Romans. It made it very strange.
I'm rambling again, sorry. Keep on doing what you're doing.
Thank you, Eliza, for joining Austin on the channel today! I think it would be great for both of you to get a little primer for both the Catholic and Orthodox liturgies before you attend next, so you can follow along more easily. There's a lot going on all the time, and knowing the why and symbolism behind each act makes the liturgy much easier to participate in. God bless you both!
Check out a Liturgy that uses Byzantine chant (a Greek, Antiochian, Romanian, Bulgarian church), it's a totally different experience
Thank you Austin and Elisa for doing a first-timers review of the Orthodox church
Our pleasure!
What must be understood is that we bring so much luggage with us, and view things through our lenses. One cannot view it objectively....all one can do is simply immerse ones-self and let it soak in. You don't have to "get it", and it is a depth that anyone of any intellectual/academic standing will go as to their ability. One thing to do is to peel back the liturgy for its meanings. I suggest a small book/booklet almost, Nicholas Cabasilas commentary on the Divine Liturgy from the 14th century I believe (9 bucks). Also, a little deeper dive into the theology of the divine liturgy (where everything serves a theological purpose) I suggest Hieromonk Gregorios' work on the Divine Liturgy.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Amen. Give it time to sink in!
Oh thanks for the tip!
For anyone proselytizing to him, he’s mentioned he doesn’t like being proselytized to. You think he’s not told this frequently already? As an Orthodox Christian I know you’re all excited but this isn’t the right way to get people interested in the Church. Him visiting an Orthodox Church even just once does more for his spiritual journey than being told in CZcams by random people to convert.
Thank you.
but but but BEGOME ORTHODOX
I hate it when Evangelicals and other Protestants do it, so we shouldn't either. Let our Faith speak for herself.
I studied orthodoxy for a year before I learned the bigger implications, because the bigger implications aren't shouted at outsiders. Everything is put so gently, and it's on you to realize the weight of it all. I personally would appreciate if Orthodox people would be louder and more upfront.
@@dw4270 In my experience Orthodox are very direct. Everything is out there to know. What are you talking about?
You should go to the Holy Week services, it is a great experience full of symbolism and ancestral services that take place once a year.
Eliza likely won't be in town for that, but I might try to go
@@GospelSimplicity I hope you can, you see, the whole life and theology of the Orthodox Church revolves around Holy Week and Easter, each day (specially at night) has its own divine service with a unique meaning. I assure you that you will be able to obtain a lot of theological, photographic and audiovisual material for your future content ; )
Greetings and thanks for the constant content.
Your fiance is such a cutie. I feel her speechlessness. 😂 It's exactly how I felt after my first liturgy. It was hard to come up with the words. Luckily, they had a book I could follow along with as far as what was being said. But now I have embraced orthodoxy fully. And I have never felt more at home. It is reverent and holy. And like you said, you are transported when you walk in. I hope you get the chance to visit again. The more you understand, the more in awe you can't help but feel. ❤
Eliza has a sweet spirit about her that is refreshing. She did really well for an introvert being put on the spot like that!
I can tell though that perhaps, like me, especially when I was younger, she needs to have ample time to be able to think about issues and process them, before being able to articulate her thoughts and opinions in a way that is truly comfortable to her.
Perhaps asking her the questions ahead of time might be really helpful? Just my thoughts!
Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for coming on for this video, Eliza! We appreciate you getting out of your comfort zone :)
I LOVED having your fiancee unpack her experience of the Divine Liturgy. SO much of what she experienced is important for people to hear even if they go every Sunday. I am a Catholic priest, and bi-ritual (I have faculties to serve liturgy both in the Latin and the Byzantine Rites), but I also teach liturgy at our University in Ottawa. SOOO much of what she said is what I want my students (and parishioners, when I'm at a Parish) to experience. PLEASE think about filming her reactions to the actual moments of the liturgy, and then talk about those things upon letting us see those moments.
Thanks for the encouraging feedback! I'll think about that suggestion. God bless!
For introverts, the punishment in the seventh circle of Hell would have to be being put on camera and being asked to opine on stuff. Good on Eliza for making it through this trial. Truly, she makes up for what is lacking in the suffering of Christ.
Haha, your comments are always a treat! I think she'd agree about that seventh circle of hell
This was fun to watch. Thanks for sharing!!!!
My pleasure!
I absolutely love hearing Eliza’s views!! She’s like a breath of fresh air💗💗💗
You guys look GREAT together 🙂.
On another note, I appreciated Austin mentioning the Cathedral type Roman Catholic Church grandeur VS a small Eastern Orthodox Church .
I previously commented to attend a larger Eastern Orthodox Church to get a more richer , full Eastern Orthodox experience.
Divine Liturgy in its’ fullest is designed for a Cathedral setting .
I can assure you if you take Elisa to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church which is the Metropolis for Chicago
, Elisa will experience the full majestic richness of a the Divine Liturgy within a Cathedral setting , and I am quite sure
that the outcome will be different.
Keep in mind;
“
The word liturgy (/lɪtərdʒi/), derived from the technical term in ancient Greek (Greek: λειτουργία), leitourgia, which literally means "work for the people" is a literal translation of the two words "litos ergos" or "public service". I
As well,
“Liturgy is the customary public worship performed by a religious group. Liturgy can also be used to refer specifically to public worship of Christians.[1] As a religious phenomenon, liturgy represents a communal response to and participation in the sacred through activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication, or repentance. It forms a basis for establishing a relationship with God.”
That’s what Eastern- Catholic Orthodox Church is doing - as instructed in Psalms . Everyone participates and worship is not individual , with it’s cantors , deep prayers , constant reminder of the Holly Trinity , prostrations
( bowing to the floor and rising up as you doing the cross - signifying the Resurrection of Christ for our Salvation).
Images of Bible events , Jesus Christ etc.
For me , this is more meaningful then singing kumbaya and calling it a day.
🙂 Keep up the great work Austin .
This brings back memories from when I first attended divine liturgy 🥲 So sweet!
That's wonderful!
The more times you go the more it resonates in your soul. Rituals are very important…
The sign of the cross is a good look on you Austin. It seems to come very naturally! ☦️
I am in the process of converting from Mormon to Orthodox and it's the most beautiful church I've ever encountered. I've never had an understanding of the Scriptures the way I do now.
Congratulations on your engagement!
Thank you!
great job both of you! may the Lord bless your journey
Thank you so much!
Hope to get you two back for good 😊☦️ Glad you all enjoyed your visit.
Love the video! You guys are so cute haha.
If you are ever on the West Coast and have time to visit an Orthodox Cathedral check out Holy Virgin Cathedral in SF!
Thanks! I'm always looking for an excuse to visit the west coast
You two are so cute ☺️ I like the inclusion of the bloopers ☺️ Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eliza. Yes I agree, the Orthodox/Catholic liturgies do a lot of reverent worship, it’s mostly focused on God, with the homily for the people (as well as receiving the body of Christ). Personally I’m extremely drawn to this way of prayer. I understand why others are more drawn to the other ways. I’m glad that you guys are open minded enough to appreciate something that may not be your preferred prayer/worship style.
Thanks for the kind words!
The first time I experienced Liturgy the Priest made a Gospel sermon in about Salvation and started talking about Yeshua. i was shocked for this was a Greek Church. When I heard him talk about Yeshua I was well pleased and even told him his preaching was exactly what I needed to hear.
Go back! I never stopped going back and now I'm Orthodox.
Yaaay Eliza. It gets easier with practice.
Lovely conversation!
A little more on the use of incense in Orthodoxy, and the fulfillment of scripture:
In the book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, the Lord castigates the polluted offerings being made, saying:
"...I have no pleasure in you,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“Nor will I accept an offering from your hands." (Malachi 1:10)
However, immediately after, an amazing prophecy is made:
"For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great among the Gentiles;
In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering;
For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the Lord of hosts."
(Malachi 1:11)
Who, today, is offering incense in the name of the Lord, and what is this pure offering?
Lord, have Mercy on us all.
Thanks for this!
Confessional Lutheran jumping up and down: “hey, over here! look at us! look at us!”
She grew up Lutheran, so it couldn't be "first lutheran service" but I'm working on more Lutheran videos
HA! Luther said "I stand with the Orthodox" ;)
@@frankherbert6476 And then the Orthodox swiftly said they did NOT stand with Luther.
@@DF_UniatePapist Exactly...It's interesting that Luther sent the Augsburg Confession for editing to the Ecumenical Patriarch. The EP had loaned one of his best deacons to help translate it and other correspondence and documents. In the end, Luther could not convince the Orthodox to change their theology.
Sister Vassa has a youtube series where she does a deep dive into the divine liturgy. I am a little over halfway through it and have really benefitted from it, if that sounds interesting to you. It is simply titled Intro to Divine Liturgy. Great stuff. Also, thank you Eliza for being such a great sport and sharing your thoughts and impressions with us! Best wishes to you both.
Sr. Vassa isn't a good representative of Orthodoxy but as long as she keeps her personal politics out of it, it might be worth a watch.
@@LadyMaria I haven't sensed any political leanings in the series, but I am probably not sensitive to subtleties that others might be. It seems to be exactly as advertised. A detailed explanation of the meaning, symbolism, and historical/cultural context of the many elements of the divine liturgy. Her rabbit trails thus far consist of mainly linguistic analysis and historical anecdotes. I have found it to be very helpful.
@@timtabor1181 Oh okay. Because she's pretty controversial, I was wondering. Hopefully Fr. Peter Heers will do a series on the Divine Liturgy.
Thanks Eliza for sharing your experience and thanks Austin for the video and for everything you do.
My pleasure!
I visitiled an Orthodox church just over 5 years ago never left. Came from charismatic Baptist.
Shoutout to Daisuke and Christ the Savior! My first service at Christ the Savior was for the intercession of the Theotokos, which was definitely difficult to track throughout. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eliza!
When I heard that you drink a cup of coffee before the Divine Liturgy I laugh loudly. That is the most Protestant thing that you can do before the Liturgy but it's also cute.
The Grand Prince of the Rus send his agents to the Western Latis to the Eastern Romans(Greeks) to the Jews and to the muslims And he found that both latin christianity and islam were very poor but when his agents returned from Constantinople they said to him that they didn't know whether they were in heaven or on earth.
That's how he chose to become a Christian
Orthodox convert in 1999. Holy Orthodoxy has been such a blessing! I wish you both the best.
First things first. This is the cutest video I have seen with out having puppies involved.
With that out of the way. My first liturgy i was a bit perturbed by the bowing to an icon at the door (that became less weird as o continued to study.) when I got inside completely I noticed the ac wasn’t turned on and the the art work was amazing, and the ac wasn’t turned on and the liturgy had so much symbolism that I tried to analyze,and the ac wasn’t turned on. Why wasn’t the ac turned on?! It’s Oklahoma in the summer. It’s hot!so I asked the guy at the door what was the symbolic nature of not using AC in the service was, and he just laughs and said “that symbolizes that our ac was broke”
I had missed half the liturgy trying to analyze the symbolic nature of a broken air conditioner.
aw shes so sweet, may you guys be kept safe in this crazy dark world
I really love what you do. and also...how you edit the videos. it's really easy to go through them, jump or get back to interesting pieces!!
Thanks!
As much as there is good intention, and i appreciate that, this girl needs to learn to do something as humanly basic as "USE YOUR WORDS." May The Lord God guide her.
Austin and Eliza, thank you for drawing our attention to interesting details that stand out! I liked the point about saying the creed in a very quick manner. It kind of throws me off a bit because personally I don't have enough time to comprehend what I'm saying which could be essential for really meaning these words. Btw the pace differs from church to church. I've heard some choirs and priests singing it much more slowly than others.
That's interesting to hear about the pacing differing at different parishes. I likewise feel its a bit difficult to focus on the words when they're said that fast
I belong to a Greek parish. We speak the Creed and it's done at a normal conversational pace. Perhaps even slower than conversational speed.
In the Greek Orthodox churches we say the creed like the Lords prayer. In the Antiochian churches I attend they also say the creed together instead of chant it. I have to say I personally prefer it. It is said slower but ends faster because you arent adding notes to it. It was not an easy task for myself at least to chant the creed when I went to an OCA church so it was a relief to just say it. We have moved towns a lot over the years.
You both are so sweet and I’m glad you did this video. It rekindles our own faith in a way. Thank you!
Hey @gospelsimplicity I want to encourage you guys to develop a more in depth definition for worship and prayer, the Eucharistic offering would be worship, the bulk of the Liturgy however is prayer and praise. I'm happy you guys enjoyed it!!!
God bless you both, Austin and Eliza.
God bless you too!
@@GospelSimplicity Thank you so much!
Another great video man! Love your content, Austin. As a Catholic, I love seeing content from people like you and Matt Whitman from Ten Minute Bible Hour where you’re exploring other traditions with charity and a sincere desire to understand.
I'm glad to hear that!
May God grant you Many Years!
To his name sing praises, sing praises!
A mystery this came into my feed after returning home from Liturgy.
Love 💘 to both of you!!
Thank you for this insightful and charming video. I really enjoyed watching you discuss your experiences - and learned a few things, too. If I could offer a suggestion, and unless you've done so already, take a look at the similarities and especially the differences between Western and Eastern church traditions; there is Scholasticism and Hesychasm, which may be of interest to you. There's also Prof. David Fagerberg's research [Applying the perspective of liturgical theology to (a) dogmatics, and (b) mysticism.] God bless.
This is just my opinion and people can disagree if they wish but this is my personal experience and my experience with people i know. Most protestants are used to getting some kind of motivational speech at church on sunday. I dont mean that as a pajorative. But your pastor creates some theme for the month and has a slide show or goes all in about some theme then relates it to your life. Thats fine if its your thing, but i think thats one of the bigger shocks coming into a more traditional orthodox or catholic service. Youre not gonna get a sermon about a psalm 31 girl with a slide show. I remember getting so tired of hearing the same handfuls of sermons in church. Thats just me though. I never get tired of traditional orthodox and catholic services.
I went to my first Divine liturgy Sunday, and I felt like it was kinda like Turning your phone off so it can reboot... I felt like it was a "Reboot" for me, and the smell stayed on my coat into Tuesday, which also reminded me of the time with them on Sunday morning. Thank you for this video.
Great analogy!
Are you attending any services during Holy Week or Pascha?
@@frankherbert6476 I'm not certain.
Great program. Please forgive me. Gotta mention this.
For 400 years Worship in Protestant churches was the Congregation worshipping and praising the Lord God Almighty in song. It was glorious. Not no more. Now it's a cheap blatant concert that we're are forced to attend. The voice of the congregation has been completely drowned out. It's absurd. Complete and total showmanship. The problem is, I'm the only Christian on the face of the earth that knows this 😳
Very sweet. Always enjoy a fresh take.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Eliza is lovely. Best wishes for you both.
I agree! Thank you. God bless!
If you want to go back again some time, I would STRONGLY encourage you to attend our Pascha service. I cannot recommend that enough.
wear comfortable shoes.....and take a nap!
Thanks!
I second that. You will feel like those emissaries in Hagia Sophia sent by Prince Vladimir. Orthodox Pascha is not of this world. A must- see .
We had a young non denominational pastor in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt show up to our little parish a couple of years ago. At the end he was asked what he thought. "It was so beautiful! I can't feel my calves!"
It flies by so fast too!
What a beautiful couple. Praying for you both.
You have to know that the orthodox liturgy is still the same liturgy from James, who was called the "brother of Jesus" because he was one of Joseph's children. In the 3rd Century John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople enriched that liturgy with more Christan hymns, but the parts are the same and very interesting to know.
Well, thats a heavily debated subject. Lets not be like the rad trad catholics who go around claiming the latin mass is the same as it was 1500 years ago.
Well, St. Basil shortened it before St. John Chrysostom.
@@jonathansoko1085 The OP is correct and never said some things weren't added.
@@LadyMaria St Basil Liturgy is performed around 10 times a year, but every Sunday is John's Chrysostom Liturgy.
@@alphaomega9236 I'm aware. However the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom came from that Liturgy.
Fun to watch two people when they're obviously the perfect match for each other lol
You're a lucky man! May the blessing of the Lord be upon you both!
What a wonderful episode! Eliza did great, you two are such a cute couple!
Thanks!
Thank you, Eliza. Does that church have service books, so that newcomers can follow along a bit better?
I was surprised to hear that your former Lutheran church did not use "Lord, have mercy"/"Kyrie, Eleison."
Some Orthodox churches do have chairs, or even pews. If I were to sit down on the floor for the homily, I'd probably need help to get up again.
They have pieces of paper with the readings and hymns (?) but that's it
I think it would be profitable to visit another Orthodox Parish or two because otherwise it would be like judging Protestant Churches by visiting one… they can be different…!
So, even an Orthodox Parish like mine has chairs and service books which is different than the Parish you visited.
Our Priest will say “turn to page…” because there are so many Protestant visitors and converts that it’s what they’re used to. And, he explains what is going on.
This coming Saturday Feb.26 is a teaching Liturgy. Everything is out front and explained as we go along (kids love to come up close and ask questions). Check CZcams Live, Saint Spyridon Loveland Colorado.
A criteria for a ‘Church’ that I had to remove of was the word ‘like’.
Do I ‘like’ the Church? Does it meet my standards? If not, shouldn’t I go elsewhere.
I found that in Orthodoxy it doesn’t matter if I like a Church. It doesn’t matter if the preaching or choir are excellent.
It matters that the Church is true, Liturgy is served and that Christ wants me there to meet Him.
I can pray and worship for the rest of my life without ever being entertained.
I love that your parish is doing a teaching liturgy! Those are tremendously helpful. Thanks for the advice!
Greek churches usually have pews, I think Antiochian too. The former also has service books and all.
I've attended the Loveland church. A beautiful mix of Orthodox from all over the world. Greetings from western Nebraska!
@@triscat I’m an ‘inside greeter’. I sit in the back of the church in case a visitor looks lost, needs a service book or has a question.
I’m hoping that I said hello and invited you to fellowship!
Next time you visit, say hi to me!
@@bonniejohnstone Looking forward to it the next time I visit the Front Range.
On my journey to orthodoxy now. Divine Liturgy is something different.
It gets better and better. God will bless you though it and over time you will see the blessings of it,
Y’all are so cute! Thank you for sharing ❤
Shes charming, ill pray for you and your marriage. God bless.
Indeed she is. Thank you!
Lutheran, Anglican/Methodist, Catholic and Orthodox sermons are on average 15 minutes... can't speak for other Mainline Protestant groups since I haven't experienced them firsthand but I'd imagine a similarity. It's really a unique feature of Evangelicalism (stemming from the Great Awakenings-Tent Revivals) to have the majority of the service be THE sermon (like an hour or more). Not saying one's better than the other, but really, historic Protestantism is closer to Catholic/Orthodox practice in this regard (at least in liturgical Protestantism).
Edit: Any denomination that puts weight on the Eucharistic part of the Liturgy AND intends to keep the service at close to an hour (the main reason) is necessarily going to keep the sermon to about 1/4 of the total service.
Catholic homily is usually 5-10 minutes. They don’t refer to them as sermons . Homily is a short sermon
this is such a wonderful video!
Do you not have a copy of The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chysostom? I'd be happy to send you a copy.
I do not have a copy. That's very generous of you!
At our church we are incensed at every mass. Novus Ordo🙏
I've never really seen incense used at NO except at Christmas midnight Mass, Easter Vigil, and the Shrine's adoration. This is since the 90s and at multiple Parishes. They don't really use it anymore after the Roman Communion was reinvented in the 1960s.
Also, Eliza videos are awesome! She gives great and sincere insights.
Thanks!
I love your channel. Nice video as always
Glad you enjoy it!
Yeah the worship in the mega churches I’ve been to focused on worship and sermon so it was like a concert and a nice sermon. My Pentecostal church was very sermon based and the worshipping was nice and we sang songs that actually talked about God albeit not verbatim from the Bible. I would love to visit a Greek Orthodox as a new Roman Catholic just to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ💕💕
God bless you, dear brother and sister! I pray the Lord will help you each on your journey :)
You guys are so beautiful and blessed. I hope you both will become part of the true orthodox church in the future. I'm oriental orthodox and when we make a sign of cross on our body we start from head then heart then left shoulder and then right shoulder like the lutheran one you showed. In eastern orthodox I noticed they do from right to left though I do know why. In our church the left signifies the hell and the right shows heaven. So we also make the exact sign of cross with our hand though I do like that of eastern orthodox too. The sign of cross's meaning is that Jesus come from the Father(head) down to the earth(heart), die and go to hell(left) to bring us to heaven(right). Also do visit or learn about ethiopian orthodox church or any oriental orthodox which I think is the true church, though I do believe we share a lot with eastern orthodox. Love from ETHIOPIA.
10:20 that's what it means, 3 fingers for the holy Trinity to refute the herecy of arianism and 2 fingers to refute Nestorianism,
The sign of the cross is like professing with your entire body not just with words.
Everything must have a symbolic meaning and a reason to be part of the liturgy....
Even if you are not going to receive communion
Because you can receive the anti-doron (instead of gift) you must not eat or drink anything.. I know it's super super hard, but we do it because we can't do the easy things, to love our neighbor and each other..
We call it "service" or "services" all the time. The service is what is being served on that particular day: typica, vespers, Divine Liturgy. I think it's fine to call it that.
A couple comments I have:
1. The OCA follows the russian tradition of serving the liturgy, anither commenter has suggested you might find a more byzantine style parish to sample, the chant style in those parishes tends to be less musically ornamented and so is a little easier to understand for a new attendee (i go to a Russian parish myself and there's some hymns that I still haven't quite gotten used to hearing and parsing). Odds are you might still feel a bit lost though, eastern liturgies tend to go in circles (again and again let us pray unto the lord).
2. Liturgy may not necessarily feel like home at first because its supposed to transport you to heavenly worship. However, some orthodox churches have an architectural pedigree that points back to the ancient house churches, and the purpose of this is that the Church and the Liturgy are supposed to prepare us to make heaven, and heaven's worship, our home and to put off many of our more worldly cares. I think this is part of why we keep small children in our services, as they are members of the body of Christ they too must also learn to make heaven and its worship home and to put off worldly cares.
Also, if yalls feet get tired you dont have to keep standing, there should be chairs available on the sides if you need a break.
And the russian saint you were talking about is St. Vladimir, baptizer of all the Rus
The Divine Liturgy, atleast in prototype, is what Saint John saw in the Apocalypse (which just means Revelation) from Christ and wrote down in the final book of the New Testament, this isn't just an imitation of the Heavenly Worship, it IS the Heavenly Worship, on Earth, outside of chronological time, it's eternity manifested before your eyes, we are surrounded by the entire Communion of Saints and Heavenly Hosts, that's why we have Holy Icons, the icons themselves are portals to Eternity.
That's why the priest will also say "Christ is among us" at a certain point, we believe that is literally and mystically true.
Hey Austin - You can actually safely call the Divine Liturgy a 'service' too. :-D
Yup. Divine Services.