This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity. If you're struggling with your mental health, be sure to check out Faithful Counseling to get the help you need.

Orthodoxy has everything that appeals to healthy men: a King to follow, a war to wage (spiritually), a male hierarchy that depends on rank and order, an elaborate history, an underlying philosophy / theology that one can study for a lifetime without ever fully grasping, and most all...it has the Truth ☦️

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for these reflections!

@hei7586

2 жыл бұрын

It tickles a male vanity? I find it very difficult that you describe it as for "healthy" men, as if others were insane.

@SatanicSanta

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't go that far with the war and the hierarchy. It has the same claim to universality as Catholic Christianity, so its not particularly warlike, and when it comes to hierarchy, high clergymen can and do express their own interpretations, in accordance with the Holy Tradition of course. It is not as much of a monolythic, army-like system of belief as it might appear from the outside.

@johnlove2954

2 жыл бұрын

@@hei7586 How waging war is vain?

@hei7586

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnlove2954 Pride of your own power, showing off with being without fear or weekness, feeling strong and omnipotent in a group, diminishing your adversary ...

The Jesus Prayer brought me into Orthodoxy and saved me. 🙏☦️

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Praise God

@innocentgreen1338

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Father Peter Gillquist, whom she mentioned, edited my mother-in-law's (Latayne C. Scott) first book, "The Mormon Mirage." She was leaving Mormonism as he was entering into the Orthodox Church. She still attends a Restoration Movement church of Christ, but is very ecumenical, if you're interested in interviewing her let me know and I'll see if I can help arrange it.

@Generalnao

3 ай бұрын

Me too brother, me too!

Demons run in fear when the Jesus prayer is spoken!

@jocelynmandyuy3632

3 ай бұрын

The Jesus prayer heals, restores and breaks walls and chains.

For the first time in my Christian walk, I am now looking forward to prayer. Thank you so much Austin! I was an Evangelical and had heated debates with my orthodox roommate for a year before your interview with Fr. Seraphim Aldea changed my heart and my mind followed some time after. I could see by his conduct that what he was doing was working and that what I was doing was not. I've been attending Divine Liturgy since Christmas.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear that!

@glorytogodforallthings8448

3 жыл бұрын

Glory to God 🙏

@probably_sewing

3 жыл бұрын

Look up the video Lives of Saints - St Anthony the Great. That video helped me with my prayer journey. I love St Anthony's story.

Great Orthodox representation on here. Frederica Mathews-Green was one of the first Orthodox teachers I became familiar with in my journey into Orthodoxy.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@drewbucher4210

3 жыл бұрын

Likewise. Her article about things to expect for your first liturgy was indispensable for me.

“Saying the Jesus prayer will teach you how to say the Jesus prayer” so simple, but so true.

Please, please do Jonathan Pageau. He has a lot of unique insights and is Orthodox thinker as well

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Working on it!

@offensivesaint9848

3 жыл бұрын

I look forward to that interview

@RollOut82

3 жыл бұрын

@@offensivesaint9848 I strongly second that opinion!

@autumnangel8004

3 жыл бұрын

Great idea....his artwork and icons are so beautiful. X

She has a wonderfully calm and gentle spirit - much like yourself Austin. I’m sure you two will hit it off right away.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It was a blast!

@adamshellard6935

3 жыл бұрын

Thinking the same thing, Craig!

@ASMRyouVEGANyet

Ай бұрын

Accidental asmr video 😂

The gentleness and humility of Christ is evident in both of you. Thank you for this video.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! God bless

The Jesus prayer works! I am an Orthodox convert, 10 years.

@TheMOV13

Ай бұрын

Just getting started then! 😀 Glory to God!

Why isn't everyone talking about the mistranslation of energy from the Greek to the Latin??? This is huge! Faith without energy is dead! This changes everything.

Ukrainian Greek-catholic here, who is praying the Jesus prayer regularly.

I love Frederica. She has such a warm, calm, peaceful personality. I mean this as a compliment-as she talks, I can easily see myself as one of her grandchildren, tucked snuggly into bed, falling asleep as she reads bedtime stories. ☺

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, well said!

@fredericamathewes-green

3 жыл бұрын

I love it! BTW grandchild # 15 is on the way.

She is a national treasure

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She's wonderful

Austin! You are getting to talk with the *best* people. Khouria Fredericka?! How exciting! God must have wonderful plans for your work in the world, He has really opened some doors. 😇

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I am very blessed to have these conversations

When you keep checking up on this video and it's still 16 days away...

Oh I love her, her book Welcome to the Orthodox Church is amazing

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll have to read that

@alexanderderus2087

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Fantastic book

I start prayer from 0(zero)…a became small...small...then..I came to Christ...and hug Him...Lord Jesus' Christ have mercy on me....this is Jesus prayer

Woohoo!!! You are knocking it out of the park with your Orthodox guests! I love me some Frederica Mathews-Green!!! She is such a great writer and speaker. Looking forward to this tremendously!!! ❤️❤️❤️

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I have a strong feeling this realization will be life changing for many!! Myself included! Thank you!

looking forward to this, the Jesus Prayer is so powerful and something every Christian should practice.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that! Hope you enjoy it!

@danglingondivineladders3994

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity thanks Austin

Jesus prayer has warmed countless of souls seeking inner peace and power with an unceasing prayer, finding joy and plenty everywhere in life. Jesus prayer is a spiral of energy which coils before popping up! In such a prayer, the mental focus is coiled with humility and readiness to strike anything that harms, while the inner core of our being is given to Whom is the Perfect and Absolute Love. Unexpectedly, an explosion of blessings blossoms in the heart... The rest is indescribable. A classic work about this prayer is "The Way of a Pilgrim".

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. I actually bring that book up in the interview!

@dimitrispeiraias

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity It is an incredibly excellent interview. Thank you, Austin!

@fredericamathewes-green

3 жыл бұрын

What an interesting image! "a spiral of energy, coiled and ready to strike." I really like that.

@dimitrispeiraias

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Frederica. Your words are always overwhelmingly inspirational. Keep spreading kindness and love. May God's Love be, always, your Life!

Yesterday afternoon I dropped my wife off for a medical appointment, and while I was waiting, I sat with my prayer rope in a country churchyard and prayed. After a while, I noticed a red squirrel, as it moved around not far from me. I was fascinated, but then suddenly realised I had just uttered the prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a squirrel"

@GospelSimplicity

2 жыл бұрын

That's amazing

@ASMRyouVEGANyet

Ай бұрын

😂 that's funny and still Jesus loves all of his creations

Pray for my freedom and what's best for the Lord to be glorified in my healing

Wow! This woman is amazing. How come I found about her so late? Props to Gospel Simplicity to bring her on his channel!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She is indeed!

Thank you, Austin, for this! Presbytera Frederica is so lovely and gentle, full of love.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

The Jesus prayer is an excellent topic. It is fundamental to orthodox life and theology. You can't be a saint without it. From it proceeds spiritual gifts. This looks like it's going to be an excellent video.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I certainly enjoyed it!

@mixahl4923

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity any spoilers? Have to keep the hype up lol

Yes. Go to Vespers at an Orthodox Church it is Life changing! The colours, ambience and chants Bring The Kingdom to Earth!! I'm Roman Catholic but considering Orthodox convert. Jesus prayer is so Powerful. I recite aloud and then whisper and silent it can bring you so Deep 🙏 And yes, she is a lovely person a great ambassador for Orthodoxy

Frederica Mathewes-Green is great. Her book Welcome To The Orthodox Church is an excellent introductory book for anybody with a hint of curiosity about Holy Orthodoxy, especially for those from a Protestant background, it has some really good points particularly with regard to repentance.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I'll have to check it out!

This is one I am very much looking forward to. We are catechumens in the ROCOR and one of the things I find challenging is learning the fasting schedule and keeping an Orthodox home. Thank you Austin for having Khouria Mathews-Green on to interview. 🙏

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Hope you enjoy it!

I have tuned in for 30 seconds and I’m already captivated, this is awesome - I never knew where to start with the essence-energies distinction of Eastern theology.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

@brotheraugustine

3 жыл бұрын

I just finished the book on that topic that Jay Dyer recommended during his interview with Austin, “The Deification Of Man.” It is excellent and I highly recommend it!

Precious Lord Jesus, Show me your loving kindness

This was fabulous. Thank you. You're a great interviewer, and she is a delight.

Thank you once again! You're doing a great job talking to all these Orthodox people. Frederica was so nice! She is calm and happy and has a beautiful smile.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thank you both so much for this edifying video! Frederica Mathewes-Green's introduction to Orthodoxy on the Theoria channel was my first real interaction with Orthodox practice and theology, before I ever stepped foot in an Orthodox church. As a female convert to Orthodoxy, I can attest to the overwhelming maleness of the catechumenate; there is only one other girl my age at my parish, compared to the dozen-plus college-age guys interested in the Church! I'm very much looking forward to Khouria Frederica's book on the gender gap in Orthodox conversions. I was also particularly struck by her discussion on the overemphasis on emotional experiences of God (20:25). Having been raised in a Pentecostal-adjacent Christian community, and in college joining a female-dominated evangelical community, the pressure to have intensely emotional encounters with the Lord was ever-present (though rarely articulated). Khouria Frederica's division of the mind into reason and reception was enlightening; I have always known God through reason, but until Orthodoxy, never by reception, because the "marketing" she speaks of did not resonate with me. Ironically, it was by reception that I was first convinced of Orthodoxy! Reason came much later, and the Lord is still working it out in me-or should I say, *energizing* me! :) Once again, this was an absolute joy of a video. So much wisdom in so little time. Thank you both! Lord have mercy ❤️☦️

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing some of your story as well!

@forevermore6065

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I watched the concise, informative “welcome to Orthodox Church” videos on Theoria channel too and found them super helpful in my journey to Orthodoxy. I must say, part of the “welcome” was Frederica herself as she has such a warm, inviting personality. I would highly recommend these videos to everyone checking out Orthodoxy.

@elizabethbullard7346

3 жыл бұрын

That was very much my experience as well! I like to say I reasoned my way into Orthodoxy and now I'm having to learn to set it aside sometimes. The guys are fun, but it's nice to know there are other girls out there! I think females would be more interested in Orthodoxy if they give it a good chance. There's so much to love!

Hi Austin, you should also check her book "The illumined Heart". You are just a blessing to us all. God's grace and mercy to you.

@WildStyleStayWild

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds amazing ! I must look it up! Not the Illuminati heart ?

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MrWesford

3 жыл бұрын

@@WildStyleStayWild no, The illumined heart is a Christian who has been baptized.

@fredericamathewes-green

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrWesford It comes from the Orthodox prayer before reading the Gospel that starts, "Illumine our hearts, O Lover of Mankind...'

Wow! Another Orthodox guest! I don't know much about her, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She’s wonderful

I'm so excited! I met her many many years ago.

The Jesus Prayer changed my life! I found this little gem of a prayer in a very unusual way and I feel like it was the grace of the Holy Spirit. I found the tradition of this prayer in Roman Catholicism only when I went looking for it. Everything I learned about it is from pre-Vatican 2 sources. I built my prayer life around it. I’m so glad to be here for this interview.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

@kyriosbooks8400

3 жыл бұрын

Read father Sullivan book named "Wonders of Holy Name" it talks about this prayer in catholicism... Blessings!

@sfappetrupavelandrei

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder how can this prayer be accepted by the Roman Catholicism as some consequences of using it are not theological compatible with Catholicism.

@CB-sn4xh

2 жыл бұрын

In The Benedictine Order's a lot of monks recite this Prayer

@chriswilcocks8485

Жыл бұрын

@@sfappetrupavelandrei how is this not compatible with catholicism

Bawling by the end 💕☦️💕 God bless Christ and His Holy Church! And God bless you both on your journey.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was so impactful for you!

The utter sweetness of this moved me to tears. The presence of Jesus Christ is the most beautiful, satisfying, life-giving thing that has ever been.

I’m an Orthodox myself but it kind of irritates me to see people placing their faith above all the other Christian faiths. There was a time when I was very ignorant of other Christian faiths, but after getting deeper into my faith I had the chance to get acquainted with other Christian faiths and I found a lot of wisdom and riches in the teachings and traditions of these churches and I found them very appealing. For God’s sake we all worship the same God. Let’s not differentiate ourselves under God’s name. I used to be quite intolerant against the Protestant church bc I attended a Protestant school in my youth and I didn’t have good memories from that school, but as I’ve been reading conversion stories of people who were converted through divine interventions or revelations, I began to see that God was leading different people to different churches and denominations, and I understood that God does not look at us differently. “His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways”. Let’s love each other; that will make Jesus very happy.

@angrynas9668

2 жыл бұрын

What ever you say us haretic 100%.The one God jesus established one church, church is one and only one. God leads people into His faith and to His church, not to fake churchies, that is impossible.

@vaska1999

Жыл бұрын

Well said. As another cradle Orthodox, I also dislike and am saddened by the bigotry that still finds such a comfortable home in our churches. It's the fruit and expression of spiritual pride, and nothing else than that. Christ himself told us that he is present wherever two or three are gathered together in his name. Agapē.

Two prayers which are not same but similar to Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ help me" and the prayer of St. Gr. Palamas "Lord, give light to my darkness". I would add to this title of the beautiful interview that the center Of Orthodox faith and the biggest joy of an Orthodox Christian is Christ' s Resurrection together with and our personal resurrection in our lives! Cross is the path to reach there. If I didn' t say it well, forgive me. My best wishes for your engagement!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The Jesus prayer : Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. I am Catholic but I always pray this. A Catholic priest Father Mark Goring taught us the Jesus prayer. I respect Orthodoxy too.

Have you thought to have Hank Hanegraaff on the show? He was led to orthodoxy somewhat through Fredricka Green if I’m not mistaken and would be a fantastic guest

@George-ur8ow

3 жыл бұрын

Hank would be a wonderful guest for Austin to interview

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I was just talking with a friend about that over dinner! Yes, I'd love to have him on

@fredericamathewes-green

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Hank's son Dave Hanegraaff is also a great person to interview. He and his wife and baby will be chrismated into the Orthodox Church in May.

Excellent presentation. The Jesus Prayer is Gospel Simplicity.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

I am Catholic but an Orthodox Priest gave me my first Prayer Rope. I have used the Jesus Prayer ever since that time.

What attracts us, men, to Orthodoxy is that is virile, vibrant, there is a strong masculine energy about everything in Orthodoxy. No sentimentality and no rationalism. Simply living Christ life in a strong, corageous and energetic way.

Austin, you have a gift for interviewing such interesting people and actually letting them speak. Wonderful work here. Thank you and God bless your work here. 🙏

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I adore her to bits!!!!! She such beautiful G-d touch woman this will be great!

It's amazing to me to find this prayer, because it feels so natural. "Lord have mercy" is how I've instinctively prayed for a long time, maybe just because it's what stuck with me from Catholic mass I used to attend. I feel that way about so much in Orthodoxy, that it's just right, I don't have to be convinced.

This is going to be good!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Super fun interview!

I am Roman Catholic but very interested in orthodoxy.where I live there are no orthodox churches .anywhere near.i do go online and listen to talks , services etc it is very beautiful.thank you

Thank you so much! That was a wonderful interview!

This was a wonderful episode. She has such a beautiful spirit.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She really does

Glory be to God for all things!

I am a cradle orthodox and love listening to Pres Frederica and reading her books - so approachable - thank you for this

Thank you Love this interview ❤

This is going to be amazing!!!

This interview is so enjoyable. Thank you both.

Can't wait for this one! Thank you sooo so much for having her on, Austin! Of course, along with other Orthodox and non-Orthodox guests as well. Your interviewing skills, willingness to learn and humility are amazing, keep up the great work! Btw, this will premiere on my husband's birthday, what a treat :) I must also add... being "cradle Orthodox" isn't always what it seems to other denominations or converts. Mrs Frederica has taught me so much and at the same time put me to shame as a cradle Orthodox who decided to go back to the Church and learn everything properly. She's truly great and so is her husband. Christ is in our midst!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words! Happy early birthday to your husband!

@glorytogodforallthings8448

3 жыл бұрын

So grateful for this country (US). I am also a cradle- orthodox, but because of many years of communism persecutions and suppression of the Orthodox Church, most of us in the Orthodox countries only know that we have the true faith but have no idea why and where in the Bible says that. But because of the western converts who are so thirsty to find the truth and by Gods grace they explain our faith so well, we cradle orthodox become converts to our own faith! Glory be to God! PS. Austin, thank you for these wonderful interviews! May God continue to guide you, keep you, and grant you many years 🙏🙏🙏

She is so wonderful! Thank you for the interview!

Thank you so much. This really blessed me!

I love this channel and these Orthodox discussions.

This conversation brought peace to my mind and heart. Thank you, both of you. 🙏🏼

I’ve really been excited about this one!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

This was lovely! I enjoyed every minute of it. Frederica is a very beautiful soul with a beautiful prayer life of contemplation. God bless her and God bless you Austin.

This is awesome! Two of my favorite teachers who have each in different ways contributed to my journey into Orthodoxy. Thank you Frederica and Austin!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! It's my pleasure!

Frederica is a treasure! So glad you found her!

Thank you so much for this little treasure! I am a convert of 10 plus years, but still feel like a new babe to the faith… I am on the JP band wagon, then I fall off! My priest just suggested to me to begin again. This must have been destiny I watched this video. 🙏☦️

God bless you Austin! Another great guest on your channel. Can't wait to watch it!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It was such a pleasure having her on!

Wonderful podcast, Austin! I found this because of Frederica, you did a wonderful job of interviewing her.

So motivating and encouraging!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

Thank you so much

Her intro to orthodoxy book is a must read for anyone considering

Such a wonderful piece. I feel so encouraged now. Thank you for your work and for posting this. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏💝

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that! It's my pleasure

That was powerful.. God bless you both

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

one of my FAVORITE channels!!

Austin, you have such a deep, thoughtful, respectful way of interviewing.....God obviously works through you and thank you so much for the work that you do. Long May it continue!! From a follower in the UK. Xx

I love how she explained vain repetitions. Really great job, sis!

Austin thank you. This interview was so heart warming and inspiring.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Such a beautiful interview. Calm, deep and full of love. God bless you both.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! God bless you too

can i just say that i have NEVER heard a more soothing voice than this beautiful lady's!

Amazing. Love this woman.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She’s wonderful

Amazing! I am always so happy to listen to her. She is great!~ Glory to God!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

She is!

You’re doing great work, brother.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

God bless you both! ❤

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

God bless you too!

I love her conversion story. So relatable! Lovely interview! Thank you! I love this channel. 😀

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! My pleasure!

Two of the most pleasant sounding voices meet to discuss a great topic. Thank you!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks!

"descend with the mind into the heart" ❤️ I hope to get there - 🙏

She will be a marvelous guest! I can’t wait😊

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It was a great conversation!

Preemptively liking this video

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

As a Catholic I really appreciate the East and their spirituality. It inspires me a lot, God Bless this woman

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

I normally refrain from commenting, but I absolutely loved this interview. As a Catholic, I’ve always wanted to pray the Jesus prayer but was worried I was doing it wrong. This interview cleared up a lot for me.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

It’s interesting hearing it discussed in English. Not being a native English speaker i never had this perception of it. Lord have mercy in English might sound odd. In my native language’mercy’ is a noun as well, but the prayer is different and in the prayer ‘mercy’ is a verb. In the usual language one (a person) can have mercy, but only the Lord is mecying. The prayer would be more like ‘Lord mercy me the sinner’ . Only in this context ‘mercy ‘ is a verb, and it doesn’t necessarily mean mercy, but rather encompasses : show me the path/ save me/ help me/ protect me and much more and mainly because nobody else can mercy, we can have mercy but not mercy. I hope it makes sense. It’s a transitive verb grammatically has a direct impact so to speak, accepts a direct complement (object). Its power affects directly (hopefully I make sense in English) but the nature of the verb is kind. So a direct effect , powerful but the kindest ever.

Pentecostals would describe it in the same way as far as the opening of the mind and heart to perceive His presence in prayer. Very good

such a gentle motherly-like woman

NO WAY NO WAY NO WAY !!!!!!! Awesome. Very much looking forward to this.

Thanks for this. Being reminded of the pure simplicity, beauty and depth of the Jesus Prayer is something that can never happen too often for me.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!