A Protestant Learns About Greek Orthodoxy

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 9. 02. 2019
  • Greek Orthodoxy has always been a bit of a mystery to me, and I wanted to get a clearer sense of what it's all about so I drove down to the Assumption Cathedral in Denver, Colorado and spent the morning getting answers straight from the source.
    Huge thanks to Father Chris Margaritis for taking the time to hang out!
    This video literally happened because there are people on the Internet who've decided to support this channel. They, no doubt, don't agree with me about every single thing in the Bible and Christianity, but they overlook that and help make this channel happen anyways and that means a ton to me.
    You can support the channel at patreon.com/tmbh
    Thanks to top supporters like Christian Grover, Sarah Sims, Alex, Paul Vermeulen, Tyler Reed, Frank Phillips, Micah Owens,
    Jake Purvis, David Coutcher, Chris Nolte,
    Jonathan Paz, Seth C Tucker, JR, Damon A. Easley, JMW, Gobo Kinje, That Christian Vlogger, Richard Tubb, and Ben La Tour.

Komentáře • 8K

  • @FaithfulReflect
    @FaithfulReflect Před 5 lety +3587

    I am a convert to Orthodox Christianity from protestantism and I really respect how the guy who made this video did so very objectively and fairly.

    • @barmitsva6897
      @barmitsva6897 Před 5 lety +98

      You saw the Truth. Thank God

    • @flawlessvic
      @flawlessvic Před 5 lety +92

      I agree. He didn't bully or cut the video to make his 'side' better. He provided some differences, but did so amicably.

    • @shirleygoss1988
      @shirleygoss1988 Před 5 lety +50

      J S Jesus promised to build a church! That Church is not a nebulous concept, but a visible reality.

    • @FaithfulReflect
      @FaithfulReflect Před 5 lety +121

      @J S while I certainly agree that being a convert to Jesus is essential, I would point out that being a convert to Orthodox Christianity is being a convert to Jesus. The Orthodox Christian church is the same church that Jesus established on the day of Pentecost and still continues to this day. One cannot become a Orthodox Christian about being converted to Christ. With that being said I firmly believe that we would both agree that the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the most important thing in all the universe and relationship with him is the pathway to Salvation. After all he is the way, the truth, and the life. All glory be to the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit now and ever unto ages of Ages amen!

    • @FaithfulReflect
      @FaithfulReflect Před 5 lety +45

      @@flawlessvic I completely agree that he did an excellent job and that it is extremely rare to see people of one Faith tradition betraying a different Faith tradition in a fair and balanced light. It certainly was a breath of fresh air. If only all Christians would spend less time bickering among themselves and more time serving the lord Jesus by serving this broken and lost world!

  • @BlackSilver23
    @BlackSilver23 Před 5 lety +4141

    The Internet needs more content like this; non-confrontational, sincere, open and honest. Thank you.

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +98

      Thanks!

    • @NathanAMeyers
      @NathanAMeyers Před 5 lety +6

      There are tons of other vids which are like this over at *cosmic skeptic*

    • @lindaroche1363
      @lindaroche1363 Před 5 lety +25

      Jesus was confrontational.

    • @kayharker712
      @kayharker712 Před 5 lety +7

      Nonsense. The video should have been titled "A Protestant Learns About Greek Orthodoxy
      ...... and discovers it's why Greek and Russian societies are so corrupt and backward - on a par with Romans and slightly above Islam"

    • @TheBaconWizard
      @TheBaconWizard Před 5 lety +2

      @The Owlets Actually, I am a big proponent of confrontation, but not violence: It should be a sacred thing in itself. But, the OP is not wrong. There is no shortage of confrontation between religions on the internet, usually from a place of ignorance. While I defend confrontation, there is always more room for understanding. Context: I am a loud atheist who loves The Bible and Genesis in particular.

  • @jbhrs
    @jbhrs Před 4 lety +983

    I'm actually converting to Orthodox Christianity now, it's going to be a hard journey but I love the people in my church, even the small orthodox enclave in a rural town in Texas is more beautiful than any evangelical megachurch.

    • @heimdallwg2112
      @heimdallwg2112 Před 4 lety +86

      Welcome home brother.Greetings from a Serbian Orthodox.
      May our Lord have mercy on us.

    • @JustBillyLoL
      @JustBillyLoL Před 4 lety +53

      @@heimdallwg2112 Brother 🇬🇷🇷🇸

    • @IAMFISH92
      @IAMFISH92 Před 4 lety +66

      Congrats, brother. I’m in the same boat. Unfortunately, my wife and son aren’t converting with me. Pray for me.

    • @jimsaltaferos2880
      @jimsaltaferos2880 Před 4 lety +24

      @@IAMFISH92 ill pray every night for you brother

    • @jimsaltaferos2880
      @jimsaltaferos2880 Před 4 lety +13

      Lord give you strenght

  • @MariosDoumou
    @MariosDoumou Před 4 lety +389

    As a Greek I can say you found a great guy, Father Chris.

    • @Talk-jn7xo
      @Talk-jn7xo Před měsícem

      Lol I'm a GREEK AMERICAN who knows these Greek orthodox pervert the gospel and atonement theory. Also preach works for salvation or to keep salvation and earn grace. They'll use words like we need to continue to "cooperate" . Romans 4:5 debunks their entire theology.

  • @cmoberg2036
    @cmoberg2036 Před 5 lety +1779

    I was Lutheran all my life until 3 years ago...After losing our son to suicide..lost my relationship with God...and my church did not help...I went looking for Him and found him in the orthodox Christian church . I converted and found my son. peace, comfort and my Lord. Jesus Christ

    • @dystopian2153
      @dystopian2153 Před 5 lety +95

      Oh this brought me to tears. I am so very sorry for what you have been through but glad that you found a place of support in Orthodoxy. My heart goes out to you.
      I was raised Orthodox but I strayed to try other churches. My heart has never forgotten. I plan to return and stay. I need the support as well as I as my son is going through tough times.
      Again, please know that I hope you're doing well and I'm sending love and light your way. GOD BLESS

    • @FaithfulReflect
      @FaithfulReflect Před 5 lety +34

      I am very sorry for your loss and can only imagine how painful that must have been. I myself am a single father to a beautiful boy and would not even want to think about how I would feel if I ever lost him. Glory and Thanksgiving be to our heavenly father for bringing you peace and comfort through this incredibly difficult trial! May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always!

    • @victoriatheo6070
      @victoriatheo6070 Před 5 lety +15

      God bless you!!!! Have strength in Jesus our Lord and don't give room to doubt!

    • @billbill2072
      @billbill2072 Před 5 lety +20

      Rip to your son

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 Před 5 lety +7

      Bless you!

  • @nebraskafootball372
    @nebraskafootball372 Před 5 lety +700

    Known this priest since I was 5 years old. He is a great man, used to ask him questions all the time about God when I was little, was always very patient with me, something I would not be able to do myself.

    • @Ban_Usury_Worldwide
      @Ban_Usury_Worldwide Před 4 lety +10

      Really? I'm in Lincoln, is he in Nebraska?!!?!? I'd love to go meet him, I'm currently looking for a church!

    • @malachi-c
      @malachi-c Před 4 lety +1

      @@Ban_Usury_Worldwide In the description of this video, it says he's in Colorado unfortunately.

    • @Ban_Usury_Worldwide
      @Ban_Usury_Worldwide Před 4 lety

      @@malachi-c Ah, thank you.

    • @ysteffes
      @ysteffes Před 4 lety +5

      St. Francis of Assisi Church
      Address
      1145 South St.
      Lincoln, NE 68502-2253

    • @Ban_Usury_Worldwide
      @Ban_Usury_Worldwide Před 4 lety +2

      @@ysteffes Thank you, I'll look into that, I'm going to attend Vespers at St. John of Kronstadt church this evening, but I may check out St Francis as well.

  • @matmar10
    @matmar10 Před 4 lety +850

    Him: "You know who stole the dome, right?"
    Me (Muslim): ... uh ...
    Him: "The government! Because they want to watch over you and collect your taxes."
    Me: 👏👏👏

    • @_____c___482
      @_____c___482 Před 4 lety +13

      Matthew Joseph Martin 😂 😂

    • @oneman80840
      @oneman80840 Před 4 lety +11

      From a house to honor the one true God of Abraham…to a pagan temple adorned with images of Greek deities truly 😔

    • @borkmapper7419
      @borkmapper7419 Před 4 lety +4

      mashallah my friend, from the great plains of minor asia you've come. From the great steppe and orient, the far way across your beau... ohh wait you are Musim. I thought the religion.. Yeaaa....

    • @matmar10
      @matmar10 Před 4 lety +1

      @@borkmapper7419 Haha yes that was a typo. I've fixed it.

    • @merrilllangs
      @merrilllangs Před 4 lety +3

      Or the gov was Christian 😉

  • @SethMason88
    @SethMason88 Před 4 lety +197

    "The holy spirit doesn't got problems, we're the ones who've got problems." Love that so much!

  • @LetsGoGetThem
    @LetsGoGetThem Před 5 lety +781

    Don't forget your brothers of Ethiopia, Orthodox. They remained when others fell, the land of Prester John

  • @samkhalil3784
    @samkhalil3784 Před 5 lety +2218

    “The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not
    Protestant. It is Orthodox, but not Jewish. It is
    Catholic, but not Roman. It is not non-denominational,
    it is pre-denominational. It has been believed, taught,
    preserved, defended, and died for.”

    • @lornelz
      @lornelz Před 5 lety +108

      one day, as Christ prayed for and asked of the Apostles, the church will be one again.

    • @gilbertcheng3862
      @gilbertcheng3862 Před 5 lety +22

      Aptly, put. Is that a quote from somewhere?

    • @samkhalil3784
      @samkhalil3784 Před 5 lety +24

      @@gilbertcheng3862 I got it from a premier for Lent

    • @stansmith4054
      @stansmith4054 Před 5 lety +25

      My brain just exploded!

    • @SanjayFGeorge
      @SanjayFGeorge Před 5 lety +25

      That was one awesome description ! Well put.

  • @longball756
    @longball756 Před 3 lety +175

    As someone who grew up Roman Catholic.. all I have to say is WOW... that is truly a beautiful church... God bless the Orthodox tradition!!

    • @ddosddos297
      @ddosddos297 Před rokem +5

      Православие это Истина, глава Православной Церкви это Господь. Православное учение идёт от жизни Господа и не прерывалось 2000 лет. Будьте с Богом и спасайте душу.

    • @MrAdamsanto87
      @MrAdamsanto87 Před rokem +12

      You'll enjoy a Byzantine Catholic mass, full communion with Rome.

    • @End-oj9zk
      @End-oj9zk Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@MrAdamsanto87ues

    • @MoneyFuqer
      @MoneyFuqer Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@MrAdamsanto87why would i need Full Communion with Rome when i want Full Communion with God…
      I spit on Rome and these Earthly places

    • @MrAdamsanto87
      @MrAdamsanto87 Před 5 měsíci

      @@MoneyFuqer you're doing great at exemplifying Christ-like behavior 🤡

  • @jonathanmather6897
    @jonathanmather6897 Před 4 lety +451

    After going through Bible college before getting kicked out for asking the “wrong” questions, I was left with loads of inquiry and nowhere to go. Two years later I’m so happy to have uncovered the ancient faith in Orthodoxy. So many questions answered, so much confirmation from the Holy Spirit, and so much peace. I haven’t participated in the church services, but I have found the theology to make the most absolute sense.

    • @michaeldavidson6903
      @michaeldavidson6903 Před 4 lety +47

      I strongly encourage you to participate in the services my dude. Participating in Orthodox worship will strengthen your faith in ways you could never imagine.

    • @usagitenshi4636
      @usagitenshi4636 Před 3 lety +18

      Same! I didn’t go to seminary, though I wanted to. I was struggling with questions about my faith and discovered orthodoxy and I’ve been trying to research it more. Love everything I’ve seen, it seems RIGHT. I have such a hard time d paining it to my friends who are Protestant though. I have to study more so I can have a deeper understanding, I want to know more

    • @sashenkadumerve3017
      @sashenkadumerve3017 Před 3 lety +4

      Amanda Tenshi me too, I’m not a convert but I am questioning Protestantism

    • @MrWesford
      @MrWesford Před 3 lety +1

      @Pedro Ivan Sanchez You should find an Orthodox Church near you.

    • @TGuard00014
      @TGuard00014 Před 3 lety +2

      @@MrWesford Not always an option, the one closest to us is 200 miles away. (I’m not orthodox but have been looking into orthodox faith a lot lately.)

  • @slavdefendov1499
    @slavdefendov1499 Před 5 lety +864

    GOD BLESS ALL CHRISTIANS.
    Love from Serbia!

  • @Byzantios1
    @Byzantios1 Před 5 lety +532

    Nice to see Christians being able to sit down like mature adults and have a respectful discussion.

    • @7.62mikemike3
      @7.62mikemike3 Před 5 lety +8

      Right, true christianity only needs to be compared to the bible for authenticity, I don't worry about the name of their denomination, I wish all Christians would get along

    • @shaami8622
      @shaami8622 Před 5 lety +1

      @CAVKING19DELTA TEXAS never thought i can find the word "muslims" in a christian discussion reply section. 😊

    • @c0nstantin86
      @c0nstantin86 Před 5 lety +1

      well then your liberal heart should rejoice cuz in the Bible God said that the Anti-Christ will unite all denominations into one world gangbang of a religion.
      "I did not come here to bring peace, but a sword" - Amen!

    • @justforever96
      @justforever96 Před 5 lety +9

      You seem to imply that's something unusual to see. In my experience Christians are generally a lot more willing to sit down and calmly discuss things than people who are opposed to Christians and religion in general. They tend to prefer making sarcastic comments, alluding to the ignorance of the "fanatics" and calling them all manner of names.

    • @orisdearborn850
      @orisdearborn850 Před 5 lety +2

      Hi brothers and sisters! Despite different traditions, and disagreements, and different smells I think the Nicene Creed defines us as One Church. We are going to spend eternity together.

  • @jongmagee
    @jongmagee Před 4 lety +249

    I love the "chillaxed" attitude of the father. Really feels quite down to earth.

    • @Jordan-hz1wr
      @Jordan-hz1wr Před 2 lety +37

      Most orthodox priests I know are! Very chill people. Almost as if they have nothing to prove.

    • @HistoryEnjoyer3010
      @HistoryEnjoyer3010 Před 25 dny

      @@Jordan-hz1wrnothing to prove, could you expand

  • @user-pl3zh8lu3i
    @user-pl3zh8lu3i Před 4 lety +225

    Greetings from Serbian orthodox👋🏻 Bless you all my friends♥️
    I have to say that Greek churches are totaly same as Serbian but only the chairs are different! I was in Greece, and I love how we love and worship our faith, so beautiful!!!

    • @user-pl3zh8lu3i
      @user-pl3zh8lu3i Před 3 lety +4

      @Greek_In_Serbia 2!!! I agree with you in some way. But these two are not same at all. We may have same cross and icons and religion but our traditions and dates are werry dofferent. Χαιρετισμό 👋🏻

    • @SRBOMBONICA86
      @SRBOMBONICA86 Před 3 lety +3

      They have chairs which surprised me

    • @selampomi5739
      @selampomi5739 Před 3 lety +5

      Greetings from an Ethiopian orthodox the difference i saw is that we do not wear shoe when we inter the church. But the chairs didn't surprise me much cause we have them in some of our churches to

    • @emZee1994
      @emZee1994 Před 2 lety +3

      @@SRBOMBONICA86 I think that's an American/Western thing. Here in Australia a lot of Orthodox churches are former Protestant churches which are renovated. They usually keep the pews becuase they are glued down. Also because of culture I think westerners would be less interested in going to try the Orthodox Church if they had to stand

    • @elliotdavies1418
      @elliotdavies1418 Před 2 lety

      @@selampomi5739 Monophysites are not Orthodox.

  • @snina9651
    @snina9651 Před 4 lety +788

    "I don't understand that in the Protestant world's it's like once you're dead you're gone. Why? Because you can't donate anymore?" Lmao Savage.

    • @gregmoldovan5921
      @gregmoldovan5921 Před 4 lety +75

      That was awesome! Also his comment about governments adopting the dome in buildings.

    • @hectorflores1996
      @hectorflores1996 Před 4 lety +1

      😂

    • @Gideon_Judges6
      @Gideon_Judges6 Před 4 lety +42

      Uhh probably because communicating with the dead, even dead ancestors, is necromancy and prohibited all over the Bible including Duet. 18:9-13

    • @hectorflores1996
      @hectorflores1996 Před 4 lety +52

      @@Gideon_Judges6 so you're telling me there is no life in Jesus after death 🤔

    • @Gideon_Judges6
      @Gideon_Judges6 Před 4 lety +28

      @@hectorflores1996 I'm telling you that the resurrection of the dead hasn't happened yet... or rather, I'm repeating what the Bible says.

  • @wheresmyeyebrow1608
    @wheresmyeyebrow1608 Před 5 lety +945

    "This place smells different from Protestantism"

    • @ddylla85
      @ddylla85 Před 5 lety +127

      And without being there I knew exactly what he meant.

    • @GeekyGarden
      @GeekyGarden Před 5 lety +39

      @@ddylla85 As a Baptist who has visited a Greek Orthodox church before, he's not wrong. Also, "church basement" is it's own thing. Similar to "old library", but different.

    • @jamesanthony5874
      @jamesanthony5874 Před 5 lety +32

      Knew what he meant immediately. Was raised in a series of churches, and while I wouldn't go so far as to say that each denomination (of the 3,500 Christian denominations) has it's own smell, there's definitely a difference between the smell of the ones that use incense or candles and the ones that don't.

    • @unique32journalist
      @unique32journalist Před 5 lety +25

      Yep-that smell is incense, beeswax (from candles) and olive oil. ☦️

    • @edmundkemperffsivegonepc5736
      @edmundkemperffsivegonepc5736 Před 5 lety +4

      @@Levendi yes that's the smell

  • @AserHapi
    @AserHapi Před 4 lety +290

    "We don't consider them herectics...well, actually we do..."
    That millenia old shade

    • @bokibo87
      @bokibo87 Před 4 lety +4

      Ha ha :)

    • @AngeloBrazilGenon
      @AngeloBrazilGenon Před 4 lety +8

      Schismatics

    • @reigenlucilfer6154
      @reigenlucilfer6154 Před 3 lety +1

      time stamp?

    • @eduds6
      @eduds6 Před 3 lety +2

      @@AngeloBrazilGenon in fact they are not, there is no schism as the churches were one and there was no above another. Mas continue acreditando em contos de fadas (ahistoricos) catolicos, rad trad

    • @Ldomps
      @Ldomps Před 3 lety

      @@eduds6 impressionante como ortodoxo de internet é chato, ainda mais brasileiro, tudo tentando fugir da verdade que a Igreja Católica é a correta

  • @pimpompoom93726
    @pimpompoom93726 Před 4 lety +67

    As a Greek Orthodox Christian I appreciate this opportunity to present the tenets of our Faith. Thank you!

  • @CATboss001
    @CATboss001 Před 5 lety +1108

    As a catholic, I really respect our orthodox brothers and sisters.

    • @Pepe13Pew
      @Pepe13Pew Před 5 lety +76

      Thanks for that. If you've ever been in an Eastern Catholic church it looks scarcely different from an Eastern Orthodox church on the inside. The same icon styles the frescos, the altar, the incense, etc. It shows how we were all one church at first.

    • @AmericanaGardens
      @AmericanaGardens Před 5 lety +69

      Orthodox are Catholic but we are not Roman Catholic.

    • @GamingMaster13
      @GamingMaster13 Před 5 lety +7

      really love to see sometimes for my own eyes a orthodox church. Like the interior

    • @TruthBeTold7
      @TruthBeTold7 Před 5 lety +14

      We are not your brothers. You are a schismatic heretic.

    • @quoththeraven5631
      @quoththeraven5631 Před 5 lety +13

      @@AmericanaGardens Orthodox are not in union with the Holy See, therefore orthodox are not Catholic. There are 23 churches within the Catholic Church. . .Orthodox is not one of them.

  • @smartereveryday
    @smartereveryday Před 5 lety +929

    "We're the ones with problems". Ain't that the truth. Enjoyed this interview very much.

    • @AstroStrongBox
      @AstroStrongBox Před 5 lety +5

      SmarterEveryDay We make mistakes for sure, because we don't have all possible inputs. But do babies really have problems?

    • @Joshula337
      @Joshula337 Před 5 lety +28

      Blaze Sanders They have the problem that they will die. If they are baptized into Christ then they both died and I raised up within Him. Even if someone can skirt through life without any personal conscious sin, They still live with in a fallen world and within fallen flesh. So if anything babies especially deserve a path to salvation simply because they are going to suffer from the effects of being in a fallen world.

    • @snowice3837
      @snowice3837 Před 5 lety +22

      Weird to find you here. Lol 😂.
      I enjoy watching your videos.

    • @AGENT47ist
      @AGENT47ist Před 5 lety +6

      @@Joshula337 babies don't have sin, they are newborn souls, from The Creator. Babies are pure and light.

    • @Joshula337
      @Joshula337 Před 5 lety +9

      AGENT47ist I didn’t say they have sin. I said they have death. They will learn sin because they are not born into a perfect world.

  • @Valyoungdaughter
    @Valyoungdaughter Před rokem +27

    I've been a member of many Christian churches but when I started going to the Orthodox church, I felt fully at home and accepted. It was not the people in the churches, they were great. My feeling of being truly not being an outsider is God. I'm not yet allowed the communion as I have to go through classes but I am accepted by God. I'm finally home.

  • @maxmaroll7140
    @maxmaroll7140 Před 4 lety +87

    The Greeks gave us faith, thanks from Russia :)

  • @SomneDist
    @SomneDist Před 4 lety +551

    Δεύτε λαοί άσωμεν άσμα Χριστώ τώ Θεώ.
    Greetings from Greek Cyprus.

    • @user-wx8si6bf2p
      @user-wx8si6bf2p Před 4 lety +71

      Cyprus is Greek like Kosovo is Serbia :) God Bless

    • @SomneDist
      @SomneDist Před 4 lety +36

      Милош Тасић Well said!!! God bless orthodoxy, brother!

    • @littlecypriotbarbie8671
      @littlecypriotbarbie8671 Před 4 lety +20

      Ο Θεός μόνο με την μετάνοια θα μας ελευθερώσει, ας μετανωήσουμε 💕🙏🏻

    • @26alexxkidd
      @26alexxkidd Před 4 lety +12

      Αμήν

    • @yuseinali3013
      @yuseinali3013 Před 4 lety +3

      It's nice you said Greek Cyprus 'cause we all know there's also a Turkish Cyprus 😊

  • @FaithEncouragedTV
    @FaithEncouragedTV Před 5 lety +385

    Matt, thanks for giving us Orthodox a listen. I'm a former protestant pastor, now Greek Orthodox priest, and I really resonated with your questions and my buddy Chris' answers. God bless.

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +16

      You bet! Chris was a delight!

    • @christianv8676
      @christianv8676 Před 5 lety +6

      One word....Reformation

    • @RevGary
      @RevGary Před 5 lety +2

      You were Protestant else you'd not have become a turncoat to paganistic greek idolatry.

    • @sofia2moro
      @sofia2moro Před 5 lety +4

      Bless you father❤👍👍👍👍

    • @bodoarca
      @bodoarca Před 5 lety

      Did you find Jesus? Shalom!

  • @lizzkaayako2270
    @lizzkaayako2270 Před 2 lety +47

    13:14 Brother, I'm an Orthodox Christian and I've never heard *that* particular feeling described better by Orthodox lips. Christ bless you and your Work.

  • @PASTRAMIKick
    @PASTRAMIKick Před 4 lety +149

    So Francis Ford Coppola retired from making movies to become an Orthodox Christian priest.

    • @Doot414
      @Doot414 Před 3 lety +5

      Underrated comment

    • @doctorbrash5068
      @doctorbrash5068 Před 3 lety

      That would also make him a lapsed Catholic....

    • @HB-ud3ne
      @HB-ud3ne Před 3 lety +3

      Southern Italians that among all Italians mostly immigrated in the US, are half Greeks racially. South of Naples, especially. Decendants of Ancient Greek colonizers, mainly from Sparta.
      They were also Greek Orthodox, despite the proximity with Papal Rome, until about 200 years ago.
      So the resemblance is absolutely natural...

  • @magikarpolycarp
    @magikarpolycarp Před 4 lety +115

    Former Evangelical currently converting to Orthodoxy. This video and comment section restored some of my faith in humanity.

  • @mowbry2809
    @mowbry2809 Před 4 lety +654

    I am a Roman Catholic and really enjoyed looking inside this Greek Orthodox church, as I have always wanted to know what they looked like. It is a very beautiful cathedral. For obvious reasons, I do not agree entirely with the father, however, his humility and love for God shone through. Thank you for filming this, it is a worth while journey you are on. Peace be with you and God bless you.

    • @benjaminharris5033
      @benjaminharris5033 Před 4 lety +49

      Catholics and Orthodox Christians have beautiful churches! I’m proud to be catholic!

    • @Eowyn3Pride
      @Eowyn3Pride Před 4 lety +13

      Love...Icons...😍

    • @CyprusHot
      @CyprusHot Před 4 lety +3

      What did you not agree with?

    • @annesuzy
      @annesuzy Před 4 lety +7

      Mow Bry im Catholic too. 🌸

    • @jonanalex5904
      @jonanalex5904 Před 4 lety +9

      Michael Deltz yep several mistakes but that’s classic of them referring to the Catholic Church

  • @barmitsva6897
    @barmitsva6897 Před 4 lety +81

    Orthodoxy, oldest christian faith. Unbreakable, spiritual, it's just beautiful.
    Orthodoxy will save Europe and the West.
    ☦️

    • @RawGameplay
      @RawGameplay Před 4 lety +6

      It's extremely disingenuous to say that Catholicism isn't just as old as Orthodoxy.
      It's also a little bit weird to say that Orthodox faith is unbreakable considering that they allow contraception, something the church fathers specifically taught against.

    • @Roman_21
      @Roman_21 Před 4 lety +4

      @@RawGameplay what?????????????????? who says that??? study better next time the church Fathers are the pillar of Orthodoxy whatever else is heresy

    • @thecarlitosshow7687
      @thecarlitosshow7687 Před 3 lety

      I agree

    • @lupinthe4th400
      @lupinthe4th400 Před 3 lety +13

      @@RawGameplay Do you want to know why Orthodoxy is the True Church? How old is the ORTHODOX faith? If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, in the Year 1517. If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the Year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry. If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the Year 1560. If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582. If you are Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England, founded by Samuel Senbury in the American colonies in the 17th century. If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1606. If you are of the Dutch Reformed Church, you recognize Michelis Jones as founder because he originated your religion in New York in 1628. If you are a Methodist, your religion was founded by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1774. If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, New York, in 1829. If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865. If you are Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mary Baker Eddy as its founder. If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as "Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal Gospel," "Holiness Church," or "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past hundred Years. If you are Roman Catholic, your Church shared the same rich apostolic and doctrinal heritage as the Orthodox Church for the first thousand Years of its history, since during the first millennium they were one and the same Church. Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome broke away from the other four Apostolic Patriarchates (which include Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem), by tampering with the Original Creed of the Church, and considering himself to be infallible. Thus your Church is 1,000 Years old. If you are a ORTHODOX Christian, your religion was founded in the Year 33 by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It has not changed since that time. Our Church is now almost 2,000 Years old. And it is for this reason, that Orthodoxy, the Church of the Apostles and the Fathers is considered the true "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church."
      This is the greatest legacy that we can pass on to the young people of the new millennium.

    • @nickzero6921
      @nickzero6921 Před 2 lety +1

      Amen

  • @christinahanna7957
    @christinahanna7957 Před 3 lety +123

    I loved Mat’s characterization of the Orthodox Christian church as a “round table” gathering of witnesses. This is indeed exactly what it is! Not only are the people attending witnesses of the mysteries but also all of the people we have depicted on our walls (the saints, apostles and “martyrs” which literally means witnesses) are all also present for this round table heavenly gathering of church services. Our God is the God of the living; those saints who chose to love Him back are now in a new life (eternal life) with Him. Thanks so much for this video, Matt!
    On a side note: Fr. Chris did a great job answering questions accurately. Just to clarify one point, we, as Orthodox Christians, believe that “hell” is a state of being. God loves every single person more than one can fathom. When we choose to love Him back (because He loved, currently loves and will always continue to love us first) then we enter into heaven with Him; the bliss of being with Him. However, when we choose not to love Him then we enter into hell. A state of being tormented by His love that we consistently reject. I believe that this is what Fr. Chris was also trying to say here. There are beautifully written books on the topic!

    • @pospouris
      @pospouris Před 2 lety +2

      “martyrs” which literally means witnesses).
      You are wright and wrong at the same time. A martyr, as is mentioned in church, is somebody that was tortured, and endured all suffering for witnessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. So the difference of somebody in the church to be called a martyr, from another, let's say in a court of law, that is also called a martyr, is that the one in church endured pain and suffering.

    • @DeadPool----
      @DeadPool---- Před rokem

      Brother help me i dont understand is the chris guy catholic or orthodox? Is he a priest? Why is there a colar? This is an orthodox church for sure but what is happening?

    • @froyo9674
      @froyo9674 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@DeadPool---- that is an orthodox priest and he goes by Father Chris

    • @Phantom-xp2co
      @Phantom-xp2co Před 7 měsíci +1

      ​@@DeadPool----who told you orthodox priests don't wear a collar?

    • @DeadPool----
      @DeadPool---- Před 7 měsíci

      @Phantom-xp2co no one it's just uncommon, if he indeed is it's the first time I see one🤣

  • @callummackay4282
    @callummackay4282 Před 4 lety +186

    I’m not Christian but I have an urge to go to an Orthadox Church after seeing this. That gave such a feeling of family.

    • @noahjohnson2611
      @noahjohnson2611 Před 2 lety +6

      Did you go?

    • @callummackay4282
      @callummackay4282 Před 2 lety +7

      @@noahjohnson2611 There are none near me sadly so I have yet to go because of covid!

    • @lizzkaayako2270
      @lizzkaayako2270 Před 2 lety +6

      @@callummackay4282 Once you get a chance, go and see. The Orthodox liturgy is an experience of beauty...especially as you experience it for the first time. And what's just as great is that no one there will try to hassle you into converting.

    • @user-dn2cs8hw5m
      @user-dn2cs8hw5m Před 2 lety +3

      May GOD leads you to the light seek him look for a church praying for you🤲🏽

    • @mochiboop6292
      @mochiboop6292 Před rokem +2

      I am Greek Orthodox, and church always feels like a family gathering, we are all very close and grew up with each other. Two days ago someone joined our faith, and everyone welcomed him with open arms.

  • @FolkBoyify
    @FolkBoyify Před 4 lety +296

    I’m Greek Orthodox and when I first saw this video, I was amazed by the peaceful nature of this Protestant. I’ve run into some who were very aggressive, and some who were kind. ☦️

    • @FolkBoyify
      @FolkBoyify Před 4 lety +5

      @Rachelle Hagenbuch It comes with an Iphone update. I don't know if Android has it, but I know Iphone does.

    • @berno8535
      @berno8535 Před 4 lety +18

      Yeah, but that's a little discriminatory though. I met many a Catholic that were aggressive and insulting as well as Orthodox members. Also some that were kind. Extremists and hateful fakes are everywhere, don't limit to just one group.

    • @expecttheunexpected8070
      @expecttheunexpected8070 Před 4 lety +6

      I know many aggressive Orthodox ppl too :)
      Its how much we follow Christ what determines whether we are Orthodox or not..not where we are born

    • @iamhomeless8594
      @iamhomeless8594 Před 4 lety +1

      That sounds like interacting with most people. Some are nice and some aren't.

    • @greekwatchcollector722
      @greekwatchcollector722 Před 4 lety

      @Rachelle Hagenbuch ☦️🇬🇷

  • @debelae
    @debelae Před 4 lety +68

    ”This place smells different” I know what you talking about MATE the incense and beeswax combination is unforgettable no matter where you are.

  • @AnthonyP73
    @AnthonyP73 Před 4 lety +451

    One and a half minutes in I already want to be Orthodox.

    • @johnrevelation37
      @johnrevelation37 Před 4 lety +9

      Wait until the end of the video

    • @Punnybone55
      @Punnybone55 Před 4 lety +19

      I've been watching several CZcams videos about the Orthodox church and it's traditions this week. Mostly the "Protecting Veil" series.
      I don't see myself converting - there are still a few strong doctrinal differences between me and Orthodoxy as I understand it, tho less of them than with Roman Catholicism - but I'm finding the learning experience of the videos very informative, enriching, and even entertaining. The Priests and Abysses and other people doing the videos are ALL humble, approachable, down-to-earth folks I'd love to sit down and chat with in person.

    • @danhurl1349
      @danhurl1349 Před 3 lety +20

      Come join us! We have great food!

    • @danhurl1349
      @danhurl1349 Před 3 lety +7

      After all, that’s the important thing

    • @danhurl1349
      @danhurl1349 Před 3 lety +12

      Jeff Dunham you’re not wrong lol. The church I go to is actually a monastery, and the nuns are honestly the coolest. Like they’re really fun and they’ve just got this glow about them, like you can tell that they are truly the brides of Christ. It’s awesome. Also their quiche is amazing

  • @Rusty_Shakleford
    @Rusty_Shakleford Před 5 lety +499

    Dude... The Orthodox believe The Bible is Divinely Inspired by God. They just know how it came about to be. It did not fall from the sky instantly compiled

    • @titofeliz7416
      @titofeliz7416 Před 5 lety +5

      Well, yes and no. I find that different factions of the church use different definitions. Also, the different beliefs of theology and ecclesiology will have a huge effect on how you view of what scripture is and what you can do with it.

    • @johnpearlstein5657
      @johnpearlstein5657 Před 5 lety +35

      I wish he would correct that in the video. I know it was a matter of innocent misinterpretation but a lot of people will hear this and be misinformed

    • @Carolinejoyamico
      @Carolinejoyamico Před 5 lety +64

      Yes. That’s the only misunderstanding in this video. We Orthodox DEFINITELY know the Bible to be divinely inspired.

    • @sjappiyah4071
      @sjappiyah4071 Před 5 lety +18

      Andres Sicairos Protestants also don’t believe it was instantly compiled, however we don’t just believe as Father Chris said “we do whatever we want with it” 23:55 we also believed that the compilation of the Text was divinely inspired, and used reason to determine what belongs within and what doesn’t.
      Peace and Blessings brother

    • @jgw5491
      @jgw5491 Před 5 lety +13

      @@sjappiyah4071 And the Orthodox/Catholics were the ones divinely inspired to compile it as it was and they wanted it that way. The scriptures weren't originally compiled just like the King James Bible or Luther's Bible.

  • @laurelcello
    @laurelcello Před 4 lety +585

    "this place smells different than protestantism"

    • @yank-tc8bz
      @yank-tc8bz Před 4 lety +47

      "Smells and Bells" that's the Orthodox Church

    • @bernicall772
      @bernicall772 Před 4 lety +6

      It smells to a church who adapted pagan rituals. The Law, prophets and Psalms are fullfilled, but when you converted to Christ and you are baptized with the spirit of Christ, the law of Christ lives in you with conscience, that means not that Yahweh tolerates idolising himself. The excuse that was used by the priest: the ancient church taught the gospel by idolising paintings of himself. Why taught the rabbi's hebrew to young child's when they had bar mitzvah. Everywhere you look in orthodox, Armenian and Catholic church you see old pagan rituals that where adapted by the pagan so called converted emperor Constantine. When i was in the so called church of the holy sepulchre I cried with pain and sorrow, when I saw that my Jesus was idolised. When I read the bible and see this churches I see not any references.

    • @dorianphilotheates3769
      @dorianphilotheates3769 Před 4 lety +19

      Abram - Protestants will never understand: it’s precisely our ‘paganism’ that makes the Greek Church so...well, Greek".

    • @expecttheunexpected8070
      @expecttheunexpected8070 Před 4 lety +13

      @@bernicall772 so a God..adopeted pagan ppl...pffff what a pagan he is..

    • @someguy9571
      @someguy9571 Před 4 lety +20

      @@hh8222 "It's foreign to me and I don't understand it therefore pagannnn!!"

  • @bulwyf2572
    @bulwyf2572 Před 3 lety +15

    I am an Orthodox Christian that converted 11 years ago from almost thirty years of being a United Methodist. I absolutely love Orthodox Christianity. This video was a fair and wonderful introduction to our beliefs.

  • @nannykat1057
    @nannykat1057 Před 4 lety +159

    I am a Lutheran (LCMS) and I seriously like this video on the Orthodox church....thank you for these insights! I would like to attend an Orthodox Worship service...when this 'stay home' order is lifted.

    • @pospouris
      @pospouris Před 4 lety +3

      I'm an Orthodox Christian and I want to warn you that when you attend an Orthodox Worship service, you will discover where the word mess came from.

    • @nannykat1057
      @nannykat1057 Před 4 lety +2

      @@pospouris Do you mean it can be 'confusing'? If so....then it's probably not much different from our Worship service as perceived by newcomers... ;-)

    • @pospouris
      @pospouris Před 4 lety +4

      @@nannykat1057 No , I mean, well I'm actually talking of what's happening in Cyprus or Greece, when you go to the church you will sit there to listen to the priest doing his stuff, but you cannot concentrate because the one next to you is talking about cooking and the one in front of you is talking about what her neighbor does or how much grocery she have to buy or what her hairdresser told her and so on and so on........ that's why is a mess, but don't let me get you to have a negative thought about it. We have it like this for ages and we love it, well, we get used to it at least, but it's not everybody's cup of tea.

    • @nannykat1057
      @nannykat1057 Před 4 lety +7

      @@pospouris Whaaat?!! The congregation 'chats and visits' during the Service?! Ooohh no... I can't imagine even that. Worship is a very reverent time in the LCMS …. You have indeed shocked me. LOL

    • @26alexxkidd
      @26alexxkidd Před 4 lety +2

      @@pospouris to be fair, people go to the masses all the time they know it by heart, it's only natural to talk about other stuff during it lol. That's what church in a way, like in ancient Greece, a gathering of people to come together

  • @MalachSafarad
    @MalachSafarad Před 5 lety +33

    Wow... Great video... I had a similar experience... Orthodox ppl are amazing... When i was pastoring a church in San Diego... I put out an add on the web that I needed basic stuff supplies to launch our kids Sunday school... And the orthodox responded by donating desks, tables, kids chairs, whiteboards, and office supplies...

  • @DanDelzell
    @DanDelzell Před 5 lety +109

    I like your statement that their building is designed to make the people feel part of the church, rather than express the superiority of the church. It was a beautiful building and if that's their design philosophy I could get behind that. We've lost too much of church as a community.

    • @Rubberglass
      @Rubberglass Před 5 lety +3

      Daniel Delzell Yep!
      Loved that too.. we need more art in our Protestant churches.

    • @niko95sw
      @niko95sw Před 5 lety +1

      Regarding the building it's truly a shame that the Greeks have adopted pews in recent decades.

    • @LauraBeeDannon
      @LauraBeeDannon Před 5 lety

      @@Rubberglass just become Orthodox or Catholic. Easy peasy.

    • @thronethrower4540
      @thronethrower4540 Před 5 lety

      @blueisbeautiful As an outsider looking in, most of ancient Greek history was different groups of Greeks fighting each other and occasionally killing Persians. So I don't think there ever really was much love between Greeks to begin with.....

    • @dejancavic6618
      @dejancavic6618 Před 5 lety

      @blueisbeautiful Divine liturgy is meant to be understood.

  • @saber2802
    @saber2802 Před 4 lety +77

    I'm not even christian, but I got recommended this.
    I am happy youtube did because I find it fascinating.

    • @damiannguyen6454
      @damiannguyen6454 Před 3 lety +18

      I hope that God Will guide u to the truth, May God bless u❤️✝️

  • @Joshualbatross
    @Joshualbatross Před 4 lety +199

    The Orthodox Church is the church which Christ Himself ministered in the 1st Century. There is no truer expression of Christianity than Orthodoxy.

    • @lupinthe4th400
      @lupinthe4th400 Před 3 lety +7

      Exactly!

    • @Shaw4123
      @Shaw4123 Před 3 lety +8

      When did he do that source please

    • @manofchange832
      @manofchange832 Před 3 lety +6

      As far as I read on the bible Jesus observed Judaism till his last days.

    • @Joshualbatross
      @Joshualbatross Před 3 lety +20

      @SteinbrecherBack I'm assuming you adhere to Sola Scriptura? The Orthodox Church is the source of the Bible. St. Luke was the first iconographer and is credited with the first depiction of Mary cradling the Christ child. The Orthodox expression of faith is the continuation of the Bible's story unto the world. Without Orthodoxy, there is no Bible, no tradition, no religion. As for tradition, icons actually predate the Bible in terms of what has historically been available to laypeople for means of worship. They are not idols. Orthodox Christians do not worship icons, rather they venerate the saints who are depicted in the icons. Widespread literacy is a generally recent phenomenon, and before it people learned of the Biblical stories through iconography and word of mouth (Before about 1500, books were difficult to make, very expensive, and not widely available).

    • @sachemofboston3649
      @sachemofboston3649 Před 3 lety +9

      Disagree, Catholicism is Christianity in its truest form.

  • @tezi21
    @tezi21 Před 4 lety +62

    I love that he took off his hat, even though Father Chris told him it's okay for him to wear it. It's like the sacredness and holiness of the space moved him to do so.

    • @TheJwbooth
      @TheJwbooth Před 4 lety +3

      I was an atheist most of my adult life. No one judged me, hated me or doubted my sanity. But when I became a Catholic! Contempt, suspicion, traitor, unAmerican, "I used to think you were smart", all from friends and relatives who had very little knowledge of their own denomination and could not tell you why they joined one specific group out of 66,000 except that it was closest to their house

  • @farhan00
    @farhan00 Před 5 lety +287

    I'm a Muslim - I find Orthodoxy very interesting.
    Thanks for your honest presentation, we share the same attitudes in how to approach these issues.
    Subbed!

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +17

      Thanks and welcome!

    • @pygmygiant
      @pygmygiant Před 5 lety +34

      Assalamualaikum! I love finding respectfully curious people in the comments from other religions. I’m Jewish and also fascinated.

    • @LukaSjekloca
      @LukaSjekloca Před 5 lety +2

      lyraface Shalom alekhem, buddy

    • @2dimitropolis370
      @2dimitropolis370 Před 5 lety +16

      Then why you kill us so much?

    • @LukaSjekloca
      @LukaSjekloca Před 5 lety +4

      2 dimitropolis Because of stupid fundamentalists and naive people who really think that killing us „infidels“ is good

  • @Awakeningspirit20
    @Awakeningspirit20 Před 4 lety +43

    I'm going to comment a second time, this amazing video deserves it! I just love this Orthodox priest, he's hilarious and does a great job explaining things! I grew up Catholic but never believed most of Catholicism until much later when I met Jesus through the Eucharist. But Catholicism is so absolute, singular, unquestionable. Orthodoxy, as per this priest's explanation, is almost like Protestantism where it relies on the individual but is like Catholicism with the rich history and connection to the ancient world, the continuity. What an incredible religion.

    • @worldtv5848
      @worldtv5848 Před rokem

      8

    • @reverendcoffinsotherson5807
      @reverendcoffinsotherson5807 Před rokem

      Catholics can't have their own beliefs on certain non dogmatic issues?

    • @brankabrnica1914
      @brankabrnica1914 Před 6 měsíci

      Rome was the only Patriarchate that made CHANGES out of 5 in total.
      Other 4 separated themselves from Rome's spiritual downfall.

  • @davidbolt9566
    @davidbolt9566 Před 3 lety +44

    This dude is one of my favorite protestant youtube personalities! Always having a cool head and an open heart. Thanks man!

  • @musaali4107
    @musaali4107 Před 4 lety +661

    As a Muslim, I really find these videos interesting learning about the different expressions of Christianity. Thanks for the videos.

    • @gwodark
      @gwodark Před 4 lety +38

      Musa Ali I appreciate your openness!

    • @novazemlja2921
      @novazemlja2921 Před 4 lety +52

      @@Eowyn3Pride Both deny Jesus Christ as the living God, so tell me how exactly they believe in the same God as Catholics or Christians in general?!

    • @novazemlja2921
      @novazemlja2921 Před 4 lety +57

      @@Eowyn3Pride You realize Christians came before Muslims, so once again how are they your elders in faith? Who is feeding you this nonsense?

    • @AFR0MAMBA
      @AFR0MAMBA Před 4 lety +11

      Nova Zemlja yup, Jesus had always been there since the beginning so the Jews are no even the “elders”
      muslims are like distant relatives. Very distant

    • @musaali4107
      @musaali4107 Před 4 lety +26

      Eowyns Pride Judaism is the older faith of the three Abrahamic religions- out of this came Christians and out of Christianity came Islam. Islam has more in common with Judaism than it does Christianity in terms of rules. Muslims believe in the old and New Testament but differ on who Jesus is- they don’t believe him to be a son of God but instead a messenger of God.

  • @saintirinithemartyr
    @saintirinithemartyr Před 5 lety +160

    Thank you Father Chris! I am a convert from Baptist to Holy Orthodoxy! Every protestant should learn the roots of Christianity . Before I became an Orthodox Christian I lived across the street from that church in Denver! Great video Matt.

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +1

      Thanks Keri!

    • @princeofpeace794
      @princeofpeace794 Před 5 lety +2

      Keri Grandalski I was orthodox my whole life before 4 years he appears to me in my dream. Orthodox is full idolatry.. they make idols pictures status. The Bible clearly don’t say make any pictures or idols it’s wrong . You need to be born again. The catholic and orthodoxs do many unbiblical things.!!

    • @lessthandust
      @lessthandust Před 5 lety

      @@princeofpeace794 Have you been just traditional orthodox or had you also a personal relationsship with Christ?

    • @cvijn6923
      @cvijn6923 Před 5 lety +10

      @@princeofpeace794 Look at Exodus 26:1. In God’s commands to Moses concerning the taber­nacle, given just a few chapters after the giving of the Ten Commandments, is this instruction: “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains woven of fine linen thread, and blue and purple and scarlet yarn; with artistic designs of cherubim you shall weave them.”
      A similar command with respect to the Ark of the Covenant instructed Moses to have two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. God said, “And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel” (Exodus 25:22). Here are images directly connected with the presence of God, and commanded by Him.
      From the very earliest years of the Church, Christians used such symbols as the cross, the fish, the peacock, the shepherd, and the dove. And early Christian tombs and catacombs bear paintings which are representations of biblical scenes.
      For example, the fourth century Church historian Eusebius tells us that outside the house of the woman in the Gospels with a hemorrhage cured by Christ was “a bronze statue of a woman, resting on one knee and resembling a suppliant with arms out­stretched. Facing this was another of the same material, an upright figure of a man with a double cloak draped neatly over his shoulders and his hand stretched out to the woman.”
      Eusebius goes on to say, “This statue, which was said to resemble the features of Jesus, was still there in my own time, so that I saw it with my own eyes” (Church History, Book 7, Chapter 18). He tells us further that portraits of the Savior and of Peter and Paul had been preserved, and that he had examined these with his own eyes as well.
      In that very same century the famous bishop and theologian, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, tells of being deeply moved by an icon of the sacrifice of Isaac: “I have seen a painted representation of this passion, and have never passed by without shedding tears, for art brings the story vividly to the eyes.” His friend and contemporary, Saint Gregory Nazianzen, writes of the persecution of Christians by the cruel Emperor Julian the Apostate: “The images venerated in public places still bear scars of that plague.” The witness of many other great early Church writers bears out the same truth. Icons were known and venerated in the earliest centuries of the Church.
      All right. So the early Church made and possessed images-or icons, as we call them in a transliteration of the Greek word for images. And the Christian faithful honored or venerated them. But does this fit with the biblical warning concerning images?
      The command in question is from the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth be­neath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:3-5).
      Note that the context shows that the term “graven image” is used to refer to an idol-an image created to be worshiped as a god. Could this mean there are in the Bible two classifications of image-true images and false images? Appropriate images and in­appropriate images? If so, how do we distin­guish between them?

    • @kharu1975
      @kharu1975 Před 5 lety +1

      Well done Wellcome to the Holly Ortodox Church Now i can call you sister !

  • @caroline10081
    @caroline10081 Před 3 lety +10

    There is a story that a Russian Tsar became Orthodox Christian because his emissaries visited Haggia Sophia (Eastern Orthodox) and they reported, "“We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty!”

  • @theoneoutofnazareth
    @theoneoutofnazareth Před 2 lety +15

    Hi dude! My wife and I discovered your channel roughly 2 years ago. She was totally captivated by the different church visits, especially the Orthodox parishes. This video above along with some Theoria videos, etc were our first exposures to Orthodoxy and it has been absolutely life changing. We started attending a small parish in Georgia last February and we’re recently received into the church as converts from Non-denom / charismatic stream of the faith: think Hillsong and Bethel Church. Thank you for providing an avenue for folks to learn about Orthodoxy. It has helped to restore my faith in Christ, rebuild my marriage, and provide the structure and setting I know I need to be a good father to my kiddos.

  • @crystalclinton77
    @crystalclinton77 Před 5 lety +123

    I'm a former protestant, converting to Orthodoxy a year ago. I very much appreciate this video.

    • @rogaica81
      @rogaica81 Před 4 lety +2

      Welcome brother

    • @levidyer7714
      @levidyer7714 Před 4 lety

      Was he not already a brother when he was a protestant?

    • @Paul-uv6mb
      @Paul-uv6mb Před 2 měsíci

      Welcome brother in the real faith!

    • @Paul-uv6mb
      @Paul-uv6mb Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@levidyer7714when we orthodox Christians call other orthodox Christians brothers is not about the flesh,or about one beautiful words,is about the clean faith in the god

  • @yosiefghebre6831
    @yosiefghebre6831 Před 5 lety +29

    am orthodox chirstian from east africa and am glad to learn more about the concept of salvation. God bless you all in yesus name.

  • @12j10
    @12j10 Před 4 lety +52

    My Lord Jesus! This was one of the most beautiful churches I have EVER seen in my life!!

  • @josephgeorge5741
    @josephgeorge5741 Před 4 lety +43

    Non-believer (ex-nondenominational Protestant) here. The Eastern Orthodox view on salvation fixes a lot of loopholes found in what Father Chris called "redemptive Theology" in my opinion .

    • @taylorsukoshi6126
      @taylorsukoshi6126 Před 4 lety +11

      Yes, Orthodoxy is truth.

    • @CetomimusGillii
      @CetomimusGillii Před 4 lety +11

      Indeed. Just about every former Christian I know left because of implications of the Penal Substitutionary Atonement doctrine, which is a refined version of Jerome's soteriology. The church was fine without the legalistic approach for ~1000 years, yet in my college's Christianity courses Penal Substitutionary Atonement was just assumed, like no other interpretation had ever existed. Personally I trust the communites that wrote and compiled the Bible to interpret it better than late medieval Western ex-Catholic fanatics. Speaking of which, they never covered the atrocities instigated by Luther and Calvin... Kinda hard to dig "The Reformers" though when they're given the reverence due Joseph Smith by the Mormons.
      Sorry, just felt the need to vent. Hope all is well with you, and that you continue to look into the ancient understandings, they're striking me as more cogent as well.

    • @sashenkadumerve3017
      @sashenkadumerve3017 Před 3 lety +1

      God bless you I hope you find the truth ❤️🤍

    • @noahjohnson2611
      @noahjohnson2611 Před 2 lety +4

      "Redemptive Theology" has created more atheist than any other ideology known to man.

  • @Agras14
    @Agras14 Před 5 lety +398

    This looks like an Americanized version of a Greek Orthodox Church. There are some differences if you have visited an Orthodox Church in Greece.

    • @EliasKolovos
      @EliasKolovos Před 5 lety +20

      well put

    • @Agras14
      @Agras14 Před 5 lety +67

      @blueisbeautiful I don't know from where you are from, but you seem to generalize too much. My comment mostly had to do with the environment that i saw in the video, not the character of the Christians that participate in it, nor their traditions. I notice anger in your comment. Eastern Orthodoxy is very religious, i would say the most religious sect of Christianity. I don't know what you have experienced there in relations to Orthodox Christians, but you should visit a real Orthodox country, absent the multicultural fabric of America, in order to have a more solid picture of what Orthodox Christians are like, real Orthodox Christians. That aforementioned aim to make money is seen all over American religious institutions, and not that very prominent in Orthodox Christianity, which is a very organized religious institution with ties to the traditional countries it originates from. It doesn't really need donations, it has many revenues and ways of making it through. Last, those "stupid" "village" "traditional" dances are there to impress no one, just for the local national organizations to preserve whatever tradition they are able to preserve, considering their foreign environment and their intermingling with foreigners, but as a side note, they are nothing like the ones we see in Greece, which are more accurate and more beautiful than what you see in multi-cultural America. There are also other gatherings, of a more local (pertaining to their places of origin in Greece) nature, which are not open festivals but simply for the community and these are usually more honest and even have bands who have travelled from Greece to play for them. The Greeks of America and other countries have to a large extent lost their fire and unique character, that's not a rule of thumb but an observation of mine after a dozen or so visits to America, i even saw this in the Greek national parade of New York on the 25th of March, which is nothing like the parades in Greece, but simply put an industrialized form, a result of American interaction i would say. That said, real Greek religiousness and cultural traditions are much more potent than what you have expressed in your comment above. There are many converts from Catholic and Protestant churches to Orthodoxy, because the vast religious richness is there for whoever wants to exploit it. The tradition of the Church Fathers and the Saints never seized in Orthodoxy. The Orthodox monastic traditions are alive and well with a lot of wisdom. You don't have to be a convert to appreciate it, many non-Orthodox people confirm all these.

    • @Agras14
      @Agras14 Před 5 lety +27

      @@ehablabib8803 I know mate. Even the Orthodox Patriarchates of Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople are Greek Orthodox. Regardless of that, Orthodox Christians worldwide are the most religious sect of Christianity. Thanks for the reply, be well.

    • @Agras14
      @Agras14 Před 5 lety +16

      @@ehablabib8803 Nice to hear that brother, take care.

    • @Gankzillorated
      @Gankzillorated Před 5 lety +7

      russian orthodox churches are not much different. Kind of like a minecraft/npc version of the real thing. Still, much better than what the locals call churches, which are basically just warehouses or sheds.

  • @reasbey
    @reasbey Před 5 lety +47

    As a Roman Catholic I found this really interesting and informative.

  • @johnmascola3403
    @johnmascola3403 Před 3 lety +20

    Father Chris explained the Best definition of what Salvation really is. BRAVO !

  • @willowclay3137
    @willowclay3137 Před 4 lety +50

    I was raised Catholic but I'm really interested in learning more.

    • @willtheperson7224
      @willtheperson7224 Před 4 lety +6

      You'd be welcome in any Orthodox Church, I hope you convert. ☦️

    • @danhurl1349
      @danhurl1349 Před 3 lety +1

      Come visit us some time! We have good food!

    • @dominicanocienporciento7034
      @dominicanocienporciento7034 Před 3 lety +1

      @@danhurl1349 they give food at mass?ill go for food

    • @laughingseagull000
      @laughingseagull000 Před 2 lety +1

      @@dominicanocienporciento7034 Food is only for after the Divine Liturgy during Coffee Hour. We are supposed to fast before receiving the Eucharist. Coffee Hour is great!

  • @bear6514
    @bear6514 Před 5 lety +158

    I love how nonchalant this preacher is LMAO. He’s just like asking him a super serious question and he’s like “yeah I mean it’s whatever probably happened this way” 😂

    • @evangelinasmusic
      @evangelinasmusic Před 5 lety +37

      Aajonus Vonderplanitz I’m tellin ya, I have met so many orthodox priests that are super casual and sarcastic it’s hilarious because you expect them to be all serious.

    • @toahordika6
      @toahordika6 Před 5 lety +17

      Most eastern europeans and middle easterners are like that.

    • @lawrence4318
      @lawrence4318 Před 5 lety +3

      Aajonus Vonderplanitz
      I hope it is not an effort to appear “cool” in the guest’s presence.

    • @szarekhthesilent2047
      @szarekhthesilent2047 Před 5 lety +12

      @@lawrence4318 no... most really are this way. Kinda have too. Otherwise next to no one'd b buying it, at least in greece...

    • @evangelinasmusic
      @evangelinasmusic Před 5 lety +13

      Pasha Staravoitau yep, priests are people, too lol

  • @mikedobs8719
    @mikedobs8719 Před 4 lety +302

    I am an Ex Protestant Orthodox Convert, wont look back

    • @amyallen5854
      @amyallen5854 Před 4 lety +48

      Me too! Converted a year ago and can never see going back.

    • @user-wx8si6bf2p
      @user-wx8si6bf2p Před 4 lety +29

      Welcome! hope you are doing well.

    • @nicolasfarabos
      @nicolasfarabos Před 4 lety +20

      The same for me in France, in January, the 21st of 2018 (I was previously a roman catholic) . One of the most important day of my life.

    • @oddds
      @oddds Před 3 lety

      Do you have to be of a certain ethnicity?

    • @dina-mu3jj
      @dina-mu3jj Před 3 lety +3

      Odd Sara , do you live in the US? Most of the orthodox parishes in the US were established by immigrants with ties to church hierarchy in the "old country". These American churches doubled as ethnic clubs. As immigration from Europe has all but ceased, and as many of the children of immigrants marry outside the ethnic group, these churches have taken on a more American identity. The use of English in the liturgy has become standard in some parishes, which is how it should be, imho. You may want to check out the Orthodox Church of America, which is 100% English, non-ethnic and just plain American.

  • @innocentgreen1338
    @innocentgreen1338 Před 4 lety +32

    I have found in Orthodoxy that which was missing sorely from my Protestant Christian life before; the Christian faith, in its fullness. Properly seen in an embodied community of believers living in sacramental union with God through Christ by the Holy Spirit. I have found, as Saint Vincent of Lérins says, "That Faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all." ❤️🙏☦️

    • @jesusislordsavior6343
      @jesusislordsavior6343 Před 2 lety

      Innocent Green
      Why should that faith be the exclusive possession of one particular denomination? Does the fullness not come from CHRIST?
      'Community' is one thing; ecclesiastical tribalism is another.
      Have you read Paul's comments in 1st Corinthians 1:10-17? Partisan spirit was a threat to the unity of the Church before anyone was speaking of Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy, let alone 'Protestantism'.
      I am 'Protestant' by default, because I do not recognize the authority of Catholic and Orthodox 'priesthoods'. JESUS is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. He died for our sins ONCE FOR ALL. God did NOT have to appoint a new GENTILE priesthood to replace the old JEWISH one. Indeed he has never rejected Israel, 'for the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable'. Please read Romans chapters 9-11, which eloquently explain the role of the Jewish people in salvation history.

    • @Gabriel333_
      @Gabriel333_ Před 2 lety

      @@jesusislordsavior6343 Priests are the shepherds that lead his flock to Christ, through a priest Christ talks and gives blessings, through sacraments. The Christian church had deacons, priests and bishops since the year 107.

    • @jesusislordsavior6343
      @jesusislordsavior6343 Před 2 lety

      @@Gabriel333_
      Please go to the BIble regarding the offices of the Church and their respective roles. NEVER did I deny the existence or importance of these categories. But I would recommend a look at the book of Hebrews, which reveals Jesus as High Priest in the light of Old Testament Hebrew Law.
      At NO time did God replace the Levitical priesthood, rendered obsolete by Christ's once-for all, all-sufficient sacrifice, with a new Gentile priesthood.
      Do not be deceived by 'replacement' theology. God has not totally abandoned or rejected the Jews in favor of Gentiles. Rather, Christ has broken down the dividing wall which separated the two (Ephesians 2:14).
      Please read Romans chapters 9-11, which explain the role of Israel in redemptive history, which is not over yet (11:25------). Observe his use of the 'olive tree' metaphor.
      I think you have confused the ministry of priests with that of pastors and teachers. Yes, the Jewish priesthood was intended to fulfil both roles for a time. But the main function of a priest is to act as mediator or intercessor between God and men. Indeed 'priests' of many religions and cultures have offer sacrifices to whatever or whomever they worshiped--------though they worshiped in vain.
      Perhaps ordinary believers, when they pray for others or preach the message of salvation, do reflect the priestly role role in a small way, but that does not make any of us technically priests. Knowingly or not, the patriarchs and the ancient Hebrews sacrificed IN ANTICIPATION of Jesus' sacrifice, and NO ONE BUT JESUS was ever qualified to give his own life as propitiation for human sin.
      (1st Timothy 2:5) 'For there is one God, and one Mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.'
      P.S. A question for you. You speak of 'sacraments'. Where in the Bible do you find teaching about this? The word 'Trinity' does not occur, yet the teaching is clear.
      Yes, there are ordinances, hundreds of them in the OT.
      In the NT, I know of two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.

  • @gus..611
    @gus..611 Před 4 lety +16

    Amazing tour. I’m an orthodox from Brazil and I love the liturgy. Great video ! This is the kind of content which make CZcams worth a time.

  • @dimitritriantafyllides682
    @dimitritriantafyllides682 Před 5 lety +113

    As an Orthodox Christian I must say you did an incredible job with this interview, allowing Fr. Chris to share with you a bit about our tradition. To his defense, not sure about the context of his comments about the Bible, but we definitely believe the books of the Bible were divinely inspired. But we also believe they were written and edited by humans, and we know that it was our Church Fathers that debated which books should or should not be included in the Bible. In that sense, the Bible is the Library of Church Books. If anything we cling closer to the original Bible than most Christian traditions, continuing to use the Septuagint OT rather than versions based on post-Incarnation translations. Pro tip: If you don't feel comfortable calling him father call him presbyter! Thanks for a great video.

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +6

      I found other Orthodox writers and leaders who held the same position as Chris but others who took a stance that sounds more like yours. I suppose there's some variety of perspective and emphasis within every group.

    • @karenbling6550
      @karenbling6550 Před 5 lety +2

      Sorry but ST. Peter IS the first Pope, Jesus is the one who established the Church, Matthew 16;18 and the Greek orthodox church did not want to follow the Pope and broke away from Christ's Church.

    • @dimitritriantafyllides682
      @dimitritriantafyllides682 Před 5 lety +20

      Karen, 1. Peter founded the church of Antioch prior to Rome, which is an Orthodox patriarchate. 2. Rome was given primacy of honor, not authority, because it was the seat of the empire. 3. James, not Peter, presided over the first council of Jerusalem (Acts). 4. No council was ever subject to a bishop, but rather was supreme dogma of all bishops. 5. The unilateral change of the Creed by the Latin Church led to the schism. 6. According to official Roman Catholic teaching the Orthodox are still part of Christ’s Church.

    • @peteroleary9447
      @peteroleary9447 Před 5 lety +6

      @@MattWhitmanTMBH Great job on this interview! As an Evangelical coming to Orthodoxy, I got hung up on this, but discovered it was a technicality I hadn't understood well. Orthodox view Scripture as the human textual representation or icon of the divine Logos or Word of God. Written and interpreted by and through His Church, the Orthodox definitely see the Bible as divinely inspired, but written in human language through human experience. Its totality represents Christ in that it is both wholly God and wholly human, without confusion. I remember hearing that there is no "Bible" in the Bible lol. The Orthodox Divine Liturgy is comprised of more Scripture than one would hear in a typical Roman Catholic or Protestant service. I enjoyed this and subbed.

    • @christourhopepodcast
      @christourhopepodcast Před 5 lety +2

      @@MattWhitmanTMBH While I am actually a Eastern Catholic, the teaching of the Orthodox Church is that it is divinely inspired with human authors. Many people within the Church may debate that, or have varying perspectives, but is our job to conform to what the Church has been given as teaching by God, seems like they may still be working on that part lol.

  • @PiperMcPhersonTheWren
    @PiperMcPhersonTheWren Před 5 lety +60

    I grew up Protestant myself. I became a catechumen within the Russian Orthodox tradition after hearing Slavonic chants by Russian monks. I had become enchanted and mystified by it and found it very appealing.

    • @srfrg9707
      @srfrg9707 Před 5 lety +3

      You are blessed. Jesus said that the shepard will have no rest until he has brought the lost sheep back. Δοχα σου χριστε.

    • @alithos.anesti
      @alithos.anesti Před 5 lety +3

      You would love the Greek chants

    • @LauraBeeDannon
      @LauraBeeDannon Před 5 lety +2

      Gregorian chants for me.

    • @NessieAndrew
      @NessieAndrew Před 5 lety +2

      So because you like their songs it means it's true?

    • @PiperMcPhersonTheWren
      @PiperMcPhersonTheWren Před 5 lety +1

      @@NessieAndrew I don't mean to be rude, but I don't really think I owe an explanation.

  • @dakotastrasinger3177
    @dakotastrasinger3177 Před rokem +8

    This is my church, and that's because of this video. Thank you for what you do- Praise God, Christ is Risen!

  • @osvaldocristo
    @osvaldocristo Před 4 lety +12

    As a "classical Presbyterian" guy I found your series of videos very instructive. Thanks to bring light to our typical ignorance to understand the broad meaning of Christianity. Great work.

  • @judithconigliaro3731
    @judithconigliaro3731 Před 5 lety +38

    Awesome. As a ROMAN Rite Catholic, I often wondered who and what made up the Greek Orthodox Churches. Now I know and truly appreciate the history gleaned from this video. Thank you!

    • @juanee2
      @juanee2 Před 5 lety +6

      The church of the east (orthodoxy) and the church of the west (Roman Catholic) were one for a 1000 years. Looking into the beginning of Christianity.

  • @sophiedegaramo9046
    @sophiedegaramo9046 Před 5 lety +56

    Most respectful comment section I have ever seen

    • @marcberube3729
      @marcberube3729 Před 5 lety +2

      Alleluia! Love you all. May we cling together as brothers with our Christ-focused similarities being in the forefront.

  • @imaginethat765
    @imaginethat765 Před 4 lety +15

    I'm Greek Orthodox and I follow your show. Thank you for doing this segment.

  • @mrgallbladder
    @mrgallbladder Před 4 lety +7

    Father Chris has a fascinating mind. I loved the conversation that happened after the tour and really wanted to hear more of his perspective. I wish there was a catalog of his sermons I could listen to.

  • @pennydreadfulism
    @pennydreadfulism Před 5 lety +404

    Sola scriptura led me to atheism, and orthodoxy saved me from it. I will be forever grateful.

    • @NessieAndrew
      @NessieAndrew Před 5 lety +13

      What you probably were was an agnostic.

    • @pennydreadfulism
      @pennydreadfulism Před 5 lety +26

      Nessie Andrew, for some of my life that was true, and i was just agnostic, but there was a small time where I was convinced God wasn’t real. I’m grateful that time has passed.

    • @NessieAndrew
      @NessieAndrew Před 5 lety +4

      @@pennydreadfulism And what changed your mind? A personal experience?

    • @pennydreadfulism
      @pennydreadfulism Před 5 lety +31

      Nessie Andrew, as embarrassing as it sounds, it was watching CZcams debates for and against materialism.

    • @susannemcarlisle
      @susannemcarlisle Před 5 lety +26

      @@pennydreadfulism Why's that embarrassing? My husband turned away from atheism due to an article on intelligence.

  • @gumballlove
    @gumballlove Před 4 lety +108

    This is my first Orthodox priest!! When I was ready to convert from Catholic to Orthodox. Fr. Chris helped me do this in a non-judgmental way. He's very non-traditional in a lot of ways which makes him so much fun. Also, Fr. Chris very much believes the bible is the word of God. And the Orthodox church has never changed the bible or done what they want with it. I learned from Fr. Chris and he is very much not relaxed about God's word. I think this guy took it out of context a little bit because Fr. Chris has taught many bible classes. But it was so great to see my first priest again!! Great video quality, interview and good questions. It was very entertaining.

    • @itsmeme8287
      @itsmeme8287 Před 4 lety +3

      I too know and love Father Chris.

    • @Ali-yu7qz
      @Ali-yu7qz Před 4 lety +3

      How does the conversion process work? I'm currently a (struggling) raised Catholic and everything Father Chris was saying resonated with me. Also, can I just start attending an orthodox mass?

    • @CetomimusGillii
      @CetomimusGillii Před 4 lety +1

      @@Ali-yu7qz As an inquirer myself, I can say that in my area (and I've heard that this is the case in most places that are not traditionally Orthodox) most congregations are extremely welcoming and always excited to see a visitor. Now there are stories of people visiting congregations that don't know the visitor's language, which can be awkward, but this seems to be rare in most areas.
      It can seem overwhelming and very weird, but just observe and pray. Nobody will mind that you don't know how to participate in the liturgy or anything, but it eased my own anxiety to watch see videos about the Divine Liturgy to get an idea of what to expect.
      As for conversion, it sort of depends on the area, but by and large it is encouraged that you slowly and gradually explore the faith before becoming a Catechumen, a formally-recognized student of the faith. This is usually a long process in my area. I recommend the videos from the Protecting Veil channel, particularly those interviewing Frederica Mathews-Green and Fr. Thomas Hopko. Blessings!

    • @Ali-yu7qz
      @Ali-yu7qz Před 4 lety +2

      @@CetomimusGillii Thank you for sharing this information! I found it very helpful. :)

    • @MrNektarios1973
      @MrNektarios1973 Před 4 lety

      Mr Chris is a fake orthodox priest and clown with catholic clothing and short bard.

  • @James-rm7sr
    @James-rm7sr Před 4 lety +63

    I actually highly respect the Orthodox

  • @thmspngs
    @thmspngs Před 4 lety +5

    One of the best videos of that kind I have ever seen! Concratulations to the guy who filmed it in such an unbiased way and also concratulations to father Chris who gave such accurate theological explanations.

  • @ryanmartinson4531
    @ryanmartinson4531 Před 5 lety +201

    "We don't consider them heretics... Well, actually we do." Made me chuckle.

    • @srfrg9707
      @srfrg9707 Před 5 lety +19

      Well. On the theological level we consider they teach heresies but according to the canon law we need an oecunemical council to declare them officialy has heretics. And we can't have an oecumenical council without the western Church and the pope. So we are stuck. Officialy we say they are heterodox. Jesus prophetised this in the parable of st Peter walking on the waters (the nations) alone while the other Apostles remain safely in st Peter's boat (= the Orthodox Church). Then Jesus grabbed st Peter who was sinking (as the Catholic Church is now) and brought him back onboard the boat. For us it means that the first sign that Jesus is back will be that He will force Rome back to orthodoxy.

    • @isaakios
      @isaakios Před 5 lety +13

      Λογος This isn’t true. St Mark of Ephesus declared them heretics, the Synod of Blachernae shortly before the fall of Cnople declared them heretics and repudiated the Florentine union. Ecumenical Councils can happen and have happened since the schism. The Palamite Synods in the mid-14th Century are undoubtedly ecumenical and will be officially promulgated as such, having been ratified formally by the entire Orthodox Church. Rome’s participation was relevant so long as it was Orthodox. There is no canon that requires Roman approval, Rome’s acceptance was necessary in the past in order to make something truly ecumenical, as were the acceptances of all the privileged Sees of the Church outlined by the canons. Nothing magical about geography or race- that would be spiritual Judaism.

    • @srfrg9707
      @srfrg9707 Před 5 lety +7

      The Owlets Well everyone focused on the miracle of Jesus walking on the waters. But Jesus was not the only one. St Peter tried also and acheived it for a while. before sinking and was saved by Jesus who told him that he failed because of is lack of faith.
      This is a prediction of Rome's destiny. In the orthodox christrian symbolism, the waters symbolise the nations. The boeat of st Peter represents the orthodox Church. St Peter is the papacy. One can see that St Peter is leaving the safety of the boat (orthodoxy) where all the others apostles remain (the other patriarchates). He imitates Jesus by walking on the waters and the waters support him (The pope declares he's the lieutenant of Jesus, that his magister is universal and the nations support him). But soon he starts to sink (he looses the support of nations, such as the eastern christians, the protestants, the british, the gallicans, the atheists.) He begans to sink. (Current state of the Vatican) and is saved by Jesus just before Jesus boards the boat.

    • @srfrg9707
      @srfrg9707 Před 5 lety +3

      Serbia Care Act Sorry but you are flat wrong. You need an oecumenical council to declare the western Church as non orthodox in the first place and therfore you can' just pretend to have oecumenical councils without Rome. It has nothing to do with the nationality of latins. Synodes are not oecumenical councils and no oecumenical council ever took place since Florence. Dont use circular thinking like the Catholics do to justify the so-called infallibility of the pope. We have to respect the canon law no matter your individual wishes.

    • @TKUA11
      @TKUA11 Před 5 lety +1

      Tania but you can’t save yourself, Only God can save you, not of our own works. If you are not sure you are saved, how do you know you’re not doing all this in vein ?

  • @timster1995
    @timster1995 Před 5 lety +219

    The Orthodox Church ⛪️ is one of the most ancient churches of Christian culture. Go to the service and you’ll hear the choir and the traditions are expressed in an ancient way and the art as you see it’s amazing 😉.

    • @georgekoul
      @georgekoul Před 5 lety +15

      Actually it is the most ancient not one of the most. First Christians were Greeks and specific a Greek woman named Lydia

    • @vlad.the.impaler.
      @vlad.the.impaler. Před 5 lety +12

      @@georgekoul first christians were jews bro

    • @georgekoul
      @georgekoul Před 5 lety

      @@vlad.the.impaler. not exactly. They are Jews not Christians. It's the same but also not the same. Christian belief has many differences. So there is no point in your message. Get the facts correct.

    • @vlad.the.impaler.
      @vlad.the.impaler. Před 5 lety +9

      @@georgekoul the first Christians were the 12 apostols bro.. Just think for 2 secs before replying

    • @georgekoul
      @georgekoul Před 5 lety +3

      @@vlad.the.impaler. Christian faith based on Christ first and the holy Trinity(Πατήρ, Ιός και Άγιο Πνεύμα which means Father, son & holy spirit) . With that form Greeks were the first Christians. Jews are not Christians, they are Jewish

  • @Christisking1911
    @Christisking1911 Před 4 měsíci +1

    I just attended my first Greek Orthodox Church, and the worship was beautiful. I never thought about having all your senses hit with beauty, but they have managed to do it! I grew up Protestant, and as I grew in my faith I have grown towards orthodoxy. Also I am a carpenter/artist, so my respect for the time put into making the church a true beauty to behold.

  • @carlcotten1770
    @carlcotten1770 Před 4 lety +8

    This video was really wholesome. Loved it. Father Chris seems like a great person.

  • @Mikedeela
    @Mikedeela Před 5 lety +84

    I'm glad you took off the hat. In my generation, hats inside anywhere were disrespectful. In a church even more so.

    • @OrthoSebastianLopez
      @OrthoSebastianLopez Před 4 lety +1

      Crumbsly the Bible said men should not cover their heads during worship or prayer. That’s why.

    • @naomisamantha822
      @naomisamantha822 Před 4 lety

      It’s in Corinthians

  • @sophiaruiz6717
    @sophiaruiz6717 Před 4 lety +241

    This make me want to explore Orthodoxy more.

    • @slavdefendov1499
      @slavdefendov1499 Před 4 lety +18

      Try it sister you wont regret it

    • @dystopian2153
      @dystopian2153 Před 4 lety +16

      Although my father was orthodox I was never into it. I was a kid and couldnt speak Greek so it was hard. But they will give you the liturgy in English and My church is going to offer free Greek classes soon! My husband and I have been attending orthodox classes at the local church and they are blowing our minds! My husband who has been attending nondenominational churches for years says it's the only church that has resonated with him and he has found where he belongs. I attended bible study last week and I literally was getting chills. I have tried so many different church's and this by far is the best for me

    • @someguy9571
      @someguy9571 Před 4 lety +9

      Go for it. As a former Protestant, I've come to the conclusion that this is it.

    • @user-cs6yd8dc8d
      @user-cs6yd8dc8d Před 4 lety +1

      Watch videos about :Agion Oros peninsula !

    • @user-er1dc1ww3l
      @user-er1dc1ww3l Před 4 lety +1

      @@dystopian2153 welcome home !!!!!

  • @bevfast865
    @bevfast865 Před 2 lety +1

    This was awesome,..may we all be as loving and open to learn from each other as you two were. Outstandingly encouraging! Thanks!

  • @TheBeckTown
    @TheBeckTown Před 4 lety +5

    What an interesting and informative interview. Father Chris was so open and down to earth.

  • @honoraryanglo2929
    @honoraryanglo2929 Před 4 lety +516

    The Greek Orthodox Church seems like the most concrete and logically based church or at least that's my impression of it

    • @honoraryanglo2929
      @honoraryanglo2929 Před 4 lety +13

      @Zengine I thought that's what the Roman Catholics claim

    • @TheBearNYC01
      @TheBearNYC01 Před 4 lety +37

      @@honoraryanglo2929 Both churches claim it. "orthodox" (small o) meaning "proper/correct worship" and "catholic" (small c) meaning "universal."

    • @honoraryanglo2929
      @honoraryanglo2929 Před 4 lety +7

      @@TheBearNYC01 that makes sense

    • @jamesr.g.2320
      @jamesr.g.2320 Před 4 lety +3

      Look into their theology. It isn’t.

    • @markschmitz5038
      @markschmitz5038 Před 4 lety +12

      Greek is the mother toungue of the gospels.

  • @incredibleindia4330
    @incredibleindia4330 Před 5 lety +137

    I am protestant . i love orthodox, catholics and all in jesus name .

    • @risingdawn5788
      @risingdawn5788 Před 5 lety +8

      So am I and I also love them.. that doesn't mean their doctrine or true or that they're even saved.
      Love delights in the truth, and that's why I protest much of catholic doctrine, as well as orthodox, as well as protestant doctrine that is contrary to the teaching of the word of God.

    • @internetexplorer4858
      @internetexplorer4858 Před 5 lety +3

      @7878 stew Mother Mary is the new ark of the covenant. In the old testament, the Jews faced towards the ark of the covenant when they worship God. If you want to look at God, look at our Mother,, she will show him to you.
      “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
      --Saint Maximilian Kolbe

    • @Diverso3000
      @Diverso3000 Před 5 lety +16

      Protestants are man made religions. Orthodox and Catholic churches date back to Jesus Christ.

    • @tibarobert1172
      @tibarobert1172 Před 5 lety +3

      INCREDIBLE INDIA love u too,,..Catholic here

    • @deepblue3682
      @deepblue3682 Před 5 lety

      Hindus??..

  • @tom4137
    @tom4137 Před 3 lety +1

    Mat, you're thinking with you head and feeling with your heart. This opens the eyes and ears for many. Keep doing what you're doing. Everyone needs to learn. Excellent!

  • @cialily
    @cialily Před 4 lety +2

    Wow, feels like such a cliffhanger! I need more! Would love to see another orthodoxy 101 interview!

  • @frankherbert6476
    @frankherbert6476 Před 5 lety +25

    As a former Protestant/Evang/Non-Denom who is now Orthodox, it is interesting to see the view of others when they come into an Orthodox Church, and the questions they ask, and how they try to align what they believe with something they had never experienced before. Very respectful, polite and professional! Well done!

    • @MattWhitmanTMBH
      @MattWhitmanTMBH  Před 5 lety +4

      Thanks Frank, it was an honor to get to spend that time with Father Chris in such a beautiful, thoughtfully-designed place.

    • @frankherbert6476
      @frankherbert6476 Před 5 lety +2

      @blueisbeautiful care to expound on that?

  • @MegaFREAK313
    @MegaFREAK313 Před 5 lety +182

    Please do one video where you visit a traditional catholic church/cathedral. A church that is just as impressing as this one, so you'll do them justice. Probably one of my favourite videos by you so far, simply fantastic!

    • @MillionPM
      @MillionPM Před 5 lety +3

      Cakravartin I agree!!

    • @jmjaquinas7298
      @jmjaquinas7298 Před 5 lety +1

      Yes! He should go to Cody or Lander since he’s in Wyoming St John XXIII in Fort Collins

    • @MasterTop100
      @MasterTop100 Před 5 lety +4

      I agree. I would love to see more of this! Thank you Matt!

    • @mauwze
      @mauwze Před 5 lety +13

      To add, please visit Catholic Priest Fr. Mike Schmitz! Would love to hear a conversation between you two :) God bless

    • @39knights
      @39knights Před 5 lety

      @SLAV DEFENDOV Yeah A A got it right. Moron.

  • @dtins8883
    @dtins8883 Před 3 lety +2

    As an Orthodox Christian, I was humbled by your humility in this interview with Fr. Chris. Thank you for making this video as I will direct my Protestant friends (whom I love very much) to it when they start asking about my faith. Sometimes I have difficulty explaining as I don’t know enough about Protestantism to try to compare it to them. There are so many things I love about my Protestant friends, for example if I have a difficulty I’m facing, they will stop everything they are doing in that moment and start praying for me, or rattle of some memorized Scripture that is the perfect help in that moment. That is something I don’t get from my orthodox friends. There is so much that I love about the Orthodox Church that I could never leave. I wish there was a way to have it all in one church. I’m so blessed that I do get to experience both, unfortunately not at the same time. BTW, I have met Fr. Chris and my kids spent quite a bit of time with him a few years ago. We love him. He’s like a teddy bear and so down to earth and easy to talk to. Thanks again for this video that I just kind of stumbled upon.

  • @peterbahi0227
    @peterbahi0227 Před 3 lety +4

    What a fun episode! Makes you feel like pouring yourself a cup of coffee and joining in with these two intellects.

  • @jamesarmstrong6008
    @jamesarmstrong6008 Před 5 lety +148

    I think this is an excellent video. I'm an Anglican and I could easily become an Orthodox Christian. Thank you Father Chris for allowing Mat the interview.

    • @jacfalcon
      @jacfalcon Před 5 lety +5

      Pray and do your best to follow God, but I sure hope He leads you our way because we'd love to have you

    • @user-xc1fq2qy8y
      @user-xc1fq2qy8y Před 5 lety +9

      James Armstrong yes you could! The main difference is that Anglicans ordain women, but we have nuns so it’s ok lol. You are missing a piece of yourself by not being orthodox, come to Divine Liturgy.

    • @jamesarmstrong6008
      @jamesarmstrong6008 Před 5 lety

      @@user-xc1fq2qy8y Thank you for the reply. I am of The Reformed Episcopal Church. This church doesn't ordain women. The ordination of women is one of the several reasons why I left ECUSA.

    • @user-xc1fq2qy8y
      @user-xc1fq2qy8y Před 5 lety +2

      James Armstrong well in that case, you should join very soon. There really is nothing stopping you. Have you been to Divine Liturgy?

    • @jamesarmstrong6008
      @jamesarmstrong6008 Před 5 lety +8

      @@user-xc1fq2qy8y I haven't attended as yet. I want to meet and visit with the priest of the local (only) Greek Orthodox Church to learn as much as I can, before attending. My former church had to close, because there were not enough members to keep the parish viable. I have been in contact with my former priest and he has told me that the Greek Orthodox Church would be a very good choice for me.

  • @johnflorio3052
    @johnflorio3052 Před 5 lety +292

    God bless the Orthodox! I'm Catholic and you're my closest brothers.

    • @virvisquevir3320
      @virvisquevir3320 Před 5 lety +5

      John Florio - Agree.

    • @princeofpeace794
      @princeofpeace794 Před 5 lety +6

      John Florio yeah because both of y’all worship idols make pictures status etc..y’all believe salvation is by work not by grace through faith. Stop kissing your Popes hand 🤚 stop telling what you have done to your pope . Jesus is the mediator between God and man

    • @johnflorio3052
      @johnflorio3052 Před 5 lety +7

      We had a healing service after Mass today!

    • @johnflorio3052
      @johnflorio3052 Před 5 lety +4

      Tell me about the sect you follow.

    • @2dimitropolis370
      @2dimitropolis370 Před 5 lety +1

      I don't think so. If we are, you wouldn't be so evil to us

  • @alexeidragunov4534
    @alexeidragunov4534 Před 4 lety +50

    the Ortodox church it's the original church and have the same traditions from 3-4 th century

    • @willtheperson7224
      @willtheperson7224 Před 4 lety +2

      Absolutely! And when I see Orthodox people today citing the works of 2nd-8th saints, patriarchs, Popes, Church Fathers,and more
      vs Catholics who mostly reference post schism theologians (while still honoring the pre schism saints and their works especially pope Leo I though the III might have problems with them today)
      I think that shows us the priority of History.

    • @MrSpotface
      @MrSpotface Před 3 lety

      Both churches are original. They both have equal claim as they both come from the original church founded by christ and eventually st peter

    • @candletabletop154
      @candletabletop154 Před 3 lety

      @@willtheperson7224 i do not see your point at all 🤦🏻‍♀️

    • @wendymitchell8245
      @wendymitchell8245 Před 3 lety

      @@willtheperson7224 their teaching is heresy.

  • @vanatoj
    @vanatoj Před 4 lety

    I love this. Thank you for journeying through these questions. I know you learned in this process, because I learned from you! Bless you! And Happy Easter!

  • @Miguel-vf1dv
    @Miguel-vf1dv Před 5 lety +75

    I'm anglican but the orthodoxy really fascinates me....

    • @laughingseagull000
      @laughingseagull000 Před 5 lety +9

      Join us
      You know you want to

    • @slavdefendov1499
      @slavdefendov1499 Před 5 lety +9

      Miguel even God will rejoice to your homecoming to his 1 true unchanged Apostolic Orthodox Church.
      May God guide you

    • @guyfromtheeast3196
      @guyfromtheeast3196 Před 5 lety +6

      I was Anglican before I became Orthodox. Still have a soft spot for the classic Anglican liturgy!

    • @spacecase7566
      @spacecase7566 Před 5 lety

      Mackenzie Goff LOL this made me laugh harder than it should have. :)

    • @bogdan5680
      @bogdan5680 Před 5 lety +2

      Because orthodoxy is a trhue faith

  • @RideAlongside
    @RideAlongside Před 5 lety +187

    Love it Matt. Thanks Father Chris for your help in teaching all of us about the Orthodox Church.

    • @sluga_u_hristu
      @sluga_u_hristu Před 5 lety +3

      @@NadaVerse "Did Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as 'father' (Matthew 23:9)? Is it wrong for Catholics to refer to their priests as 'father'?"
      Answer: It would be confusing for God to give the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother” and then later restrict us from calling our earthly father “father.” Matthew 23:9 states, “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and He is in heaven.” The context of Matthew 23:9 tells us that referring to one’s biological father as “father” is not what Jesus is speaking about.
      In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus is denouncing the Jewish scribes and Pharisees for rejecting Him as their Messiah, in particular for their hypocrisy in elevating themselves above others with titles such as “teacher” and “master.” The Jewish teachers affected those titles because they supposed that a teacher formed the man or gave him real life. They sought, therefore, to be called “father,” as if they were the source of truth rather than God. Christ taught that the source of all life and truth is God, and no one ought to seek or receive a title that properly belongs to Him. No one should be as revered as God is.

    • @sluga_u_hristu
      @sluga_u_hristu Před 5 lety +2

      @@NadaVerse Roman Catholics call their priests “father,” and the Pope is the “holy father.” Abbots take their title from the Aramaic word abba, which means “father.” This is clearly unbiblical. The priest as “father” is problematic. In the case of “holy father,” there is no doubt this title is unbiblical. No man can take on the title of “holy” anything, because only God is holy. This title gives the Pope a status that is never intended for any man on earth. Even the apostle Paul made no claim to holiness, referring to himself as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Although as Christians we have exchanged our sin for the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), holiness will not be attained until we are in heaven and have left the last vestiges of our sin natures behind. Until then, the Pope has no more holiness than the average Christian and is not entitled to be called “holy father.”
      What about the apostle Paul’s reference to “our father Abraham” and his implication that he himself is a father to Timothy and Titus? When Paul refers to Abraham as “our father” in Romans 4:12, he is not making the same mistake as the Pharisees. Paul is saying that the promise that saves us was first given to Abraham who in faith believed. Paul is pointing out that God began His plan of redemption of all nations with Abraham and that Abraham is the model of justification by faith, apart from the Law (verse 3). Paul is not raising Abraham to God’s level or assigning an official title to Abraham but merely acknowledging his faith. Abraham is the metaphorical “father” of all who believe in Christ in the sense that he is the prototype of faith.
      When Paul calls Timothy and Titus his “sons” (see 1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 2 Timothy 1:2; and Titus 1:4), he is merely stating that he was a father figure to those whom he taught the gospel to. Paul committed himself to teaching, correcting, and training his protégés. He was more than a teacher to Timothy and Titus; he was like a father because he loved them so much and was a guide to them in their ministries. Paul was not putting himself in the place of God, and he never required anyone to call him “father.” In referring to Timothy and Titus as his children, Paul was expressing his love for them. Paul cared for them as a father loves his children and seeks their welfare.
      Just as there is nothing wrong with using the word father metaphorically, there is nothing wrong with calling our earthly parents “father” and “mother.” In doing so we are not giving our parents an elevated title or position that belongs only to God. Our earthly parents are worthy of honor, and we are to honor our parents daily in the spirit of Exodus 20:12, Matthew 15:4, and Ephesians 6:1-3.

    • @sluga_u_hristu
      @sluga_u_hristu Před 5 lety +2

      @@NadaVerse Spirit of the Lord be with you. I just gave you answer that I found on google, I could do it by myself but I wanted to give you extensively answer. Father not like earthy father but Holy One, whom all Glory and Honor belongs. God Bless You!

    • @sluga_u_hristu
      @sluga_u_hristu Před 5 lety +1

      @@NadaVerse Bog te Blagoslovio sestro, da sam znao da smo iz istog korena pricao bih nasim jezikom. Mir Isusa Hrista, naseg Spasitelja neka je sa tobom! Amin.

  • @Skaggins
    @Skaggins Před rokem

    These interviews are some of the best stuff on the internet! They stretch my thinking and even show me where I have grown lax in my own worship. Thank you!

  • @CR-oq6hv
    @CR-oq6hv Před 3 lety +3

    Your channel and your interviews are absolutely amazing.