"In her womb, she contains the uncontainable One." Beautifully said, and enlightening. Thank you, Father.

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

6 ай бұрын

She was chosen for her obedience to the law of mosses. She carried Jesus but is not mother of God. For Jesus is the word of God in the flesh. God is eternal does not have a mother. For him to walk with us on earth he has to be created for God is spirit. Not flesh. I pray Catholics realize that they are lost.

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

”Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.“ Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬ ‭

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

5 ай бұрын

@@JDFY23 Amen. For men can't forgive sin. Mark 2:7 “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” Amen.

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

@@AlexDiaz-wx3ng Amen brother 🙏

@arturmonteiro8541

5 ай бұрын

nestorian heretics

I am a protestant looking into Orthodoxy. I have an Orthodox study bible. On the initial pages there is a prayer to the Theotokos. The prayer requests the Theotokos to grant penitence, contrition of the heart, and tears of repentance, so that praise and glory may be given to the Theotokos forever. Why does the prayer address the Theotokos in this way, rather than asking the Theotokos to intercede to the Lord so the Lord may grant penitence, contrition of the heart, and tears of repentance, so that glory and praise may be given to the Lord forever? I understand the title of Theotokos, I am willing to pay great respect to the Theotokos, and I am willing to have a discussion about invoking intercession of Saints, but it is difficult to not view this prayer to the Theotokos located in the Orthodox Study Bible as worshipful. This prayer is not, as many say, asking a friend to pray for you. This prayer directly requests things from the Theotokos as if she grants them, and this goes far beyond paying special respects in veneration.

@mindimoom9142

8 ай бұрын

I also have the same question and would welcome some light on this.

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

@JacksonScott-os7kj When Orthodox Christians turn to the Theotokos in prayer, like the one you found in the Orthodox Study Bible, they're not worshipping her. Instead, they are honoring her in a special way, which is really different from how we worship God. Think of it like this: when you have someone you deeply respect and you ask them for advice or to pray for you, that's similar to what's happening here. Mary, as the Mother of God, holds a unique place in the hearts of Orthodox believers. They see her as someone who's really close to Jesus and can put in a good word for them. Now, about worship - that's something totally different and reserved only for God. It's about showing God our love and acknowledging His greatness. In the Orthodox faith, they're super clear about this difference. The fancy words are 'dulia' for the honor given to saints and 'hyperdulia' for that special respect for Mary, compared to 'latria', which is the worship meant only for God. You know how sometimes, when you're really moved by something, you end up using pretty big and expressive words? That's kind of what's happening with these Orthodox prayers. They're not just talking to Mary; they're reaching deep into their hearts and using language that's really rich and poetic. It's like when you're so grateful or awed by someone that you end up saying things that sound super grand. This way of talking in prayers has been around in the Orthodox Church for ages. It's not just about the words; it's about the feelings behind them. When they use these fancy, elaborate phrases, it's their way of showing a ton of respect and love for the Theotokos. It's like laying out a red carpet of words to honor her. The language might sound grand, but it's their way of expressing deep feelings and beliefs. It's not about worshipping her, but recognizing her unique role and asking for her support in the spiritual journey.

@JacksonScott-os7kj

8 ай бұрын

​@@ricardoarchangel28 Thank you for your response. Let me replace the Theotokos with your name then, since it is like asking a friend to pray for you. Ricardoarchangel28, please grant penitence, contrition of the heart, and tears of repentance to me, so that I may praise and glorify you forever. Do you honestly feel like I just asked you to merely pray for me? The request for you to pray for me isn't even in what I said, the Lord wasn't mentioned at all, and the praise and glory is going to you.

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

@@JacksonScott-os7kj you are welcome! I hoped it helped and I’ll try to answer your follow up question too. So take my name in your comment and say: You: pray for me will you? Me: okay what do you want me to tell him? Or modern day language would be what do you want me to say to him? You: insert all that you said above. Remember they are intercessions on your behalf. So you are asking them to pray for you to Him. Sorry I couldn’t go more in depth. I’m driving around today. But I hope that makes sense. If not let me know and I can go more in depth when I get home.

@JacksonScott-os7kj

8 ай бұрын

@@ricardoarchangel28 When you invoke intercession in that prayer, you only say that prayer. That is what is recorded in the Orthodox Study Bible, there is no preamble in the prayer about 'pray for me will you'. Lets not add what isn't there. I am not trying to be super anti-Marian prayer, but you should steelman what I am saying and be honest about it. If this is like praying for a friend, if I am asking for prayer, why does the prayer not ask for prayer? T prayer asks the Theotokos to directly grant tears of repentance so she can receive glory and honor. The prayer does not ask her to ask the Lord for anything, nor does it attribute any glory or praise to the Lord. Has anyone in your life ever come to you and said words like that to you with the intention of asking you to pray for them? I sincerely appreciate your responses. I am also not trying to say you have all the answers, I certainly don't, but it seems like the words of these prayers do not match what people say the doctrine is. that makes one wonder, why not just edit all these prayers to match the doctrine?

Awesome content. Thank you. ☦️

@RootsofOrthodoxy

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your support Noel! ❤☦

Thank you, Fr. Jesse. Blessed Nativity to you and yours, including your congregation. Such a beautiful building...

I respect and have love for the mother of Jesus Christ. She was important to our faith but I pray to the holy trinity. I’m a Catholic by the way.

@johnnyvo2494

Ай бұрын

Catholic here as well. When you say mother of Christ, are you saying mother of only the flesh and not spirit? You can ask the saints and our Lady for prayers too my friend

And in case anyone is confused, we don’t pray to Mary, we pray with Mary (and all the saints) to God.

@KirkLazarus23

4 ай бұрын

Where does it say Mary is available to be prayed with currently? Didn’t she die? Where in the bible does it say she is with Jesus and his Father currently?

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@KirkLazarus23 Rev 12, 1

@KirkLazarus23

4 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 so that is literally Mary even though she isn’t named escaping from a literal Dragon that was literally chasing her at that exact moment when John saw the prophetic vision? Still it never says pray to her or with her and it never claims that is Mary in that passage.

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@KirkLazarus23 Do you want us to pray to the Lord to send Apostles back so that they re-write Bible as per your ears itching.?

@KirkLazarus23

4 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 odd that you would pray to the Lord in this instance instead of one of your pantheon of Saints or the Mother of God.

I’m finding the more I revere Mary, the closer I feel to Jesus!

@exysness

Ай бұрын

The opposite is true for me. I'm trying to be orthodox but this loses me.

@A.D.540

Ай бұрын

I feel closer to jesus just praying to jesus. I don't understand how praying to Mary help with relationships with jesus ​@@exysness

@eeaotly

24 күн бұрын

​@@exysnessEveryone has their own timing.

These have been great, keep up the good work!

Thank you Fr Jesse... you are very easy to follow, and covering good ground here. Thank you!

@RootsofOrthodoxy

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! ☦️🙏

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

@@RootsofOrthodoxy Thank you too, from my heart. It's saddening to see such hostility, based on ignorance, in the comments section. No doubt God will put them right on the day of Judgement, open their eyes and be merciful.

Thank you for this amazing explanation Fr

The orthodox icons and mostly those of the Holy Virgin Mary are wonderful ! Thank you Father Jesse ROBINSON for this video...

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

@Phantom-xp2co

7 ай бұрын

​@@AlexDiaz-wx3ngtake your pills

@sabbathpriest3755

7 ай бұрын

@@AlexDiaz-wx3ngYou know we as Christians are not bound to the laws of the Old Testament right? Pulling up exodus is null and void lol

@jmv8925

7 ай бұрын

​@@AlexDiaz-wx3ngyou did nothing

@billysanford2963

6 ай бұрын

Holy virgin, she had more children but all is good because a man is called father on earth making JESUS a liar! Matt 23 8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Thank you father for this. Greetings from Serbia

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

”Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬ ‭

@gabbsdad

5 ай бұрын

Serbia welcomes refugees 👍

@johnnyvo2494

Ай бұрын

@@JDFY23stupid comment. You don’t call your own father by dad? Which is also father?

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

"it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2, 20) That is your starting point for your research into the truth of Christianity regarding our Church Triumphant.

@Hugowtum

3 ай бұрын

intercessor is not mediator. The Saints are intercessors, Christ is the Mediator.

@KMisty1

3 ай бұрын

@@Hugowtum Hebrews 7:25 Try not to limit Jesus Christ. Also Romans 8:26,34

@stevenirizarry9427

2 ай бұрын

Bro George come on now 😆 with that logic we shouldn’t ask anyone to pray for us.

@A.D.540

Ай бұрын

Why is it necessary for others to pray for us. Other can pray for us and God can reject it. ​@@stevenirizarry9427

Orthodox brings such peace to me I am glad I am going to leave Protestant and head to the Fullness of the Truth Orthodox Church🙏🏻☦️

Спасибо. Просто и по факту. Смотрю ваши видео через переводчик

Listening to you, Father, brings a sense of calm over me. Thank you for the enriching content and the superior audio/video production quality. I would like to propose a video discussion, if feasible, addressing a query that often comes our way from our Protestant brethren. The question posed is, "Are you saved?" The succinct Orthodox response I've come across is, "Yes, I am saved, I am being saved, and I will be saved in the future." This answer resonates well. However, when people pose this question, the underlying inquiry often is, "If you were to die at this moment, would you ascend to Heaven?" Thus, my question is: can an Orthodox individual ever assert, "Yes, I am certain I will go to Heaven" at any point in their life? If not, how can one find solace if our salvation is contingent, even when living in alignment with His divine purpose-by having faith in Him and partaking in the sacraments?

@RootsofOrthodoxy

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for supporting our channel ❤️ I will bring up your question to Fr. Jesse and see if we can get it answered very soon.

@nntt9764

7 ай бұрын

God will do everything in his power to help you get to the Kingdom of Heaven, we simply need to listen, pray and humble ourselves before him. This world is full of glamor & its going to be difficult, but... Its not a simple task, which is why we need constant prayer to the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. And to ask the Saints to pray on our behalf. To give to the poor, etc.,

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

@Praise___YaH

7 ай бұрын

@@RootsofOrthodoxy YaH The Heavenly FATHER (Genesis 1) HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

@billysanford2963

6 ай бұрын

So Father GOD was crucified not JESUS CHRIST the SON. So you made Abraham a dumb person going to sacrifice his son because he was very confused! Matt 3 15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. JESUS says it becomes US, WHO? US

Our blessed mother appeared to me and wash my hands and talked to me. And she also told me what is going to happen in the world. Plus other experiences as well. Too much to text. I suffer much seeing and knowing what I know all by myself. I asked her what am I supposed to do and she said, media. All I can do is wait. I am only a weak and feable human. Until then I have to wait to go to heaven when my job is done. Jesus is waiting for me. He told me so himself. Stay close to Jesus and our blessed mother. The world is so decieved. Even almost everybody at the churches are decieved. The suffering that is coming the people have no clue about. So much to say. No way to say it all.

@5Kwame

7 ай бұрын

Can you at least list one or two things you witnessed?

Hail Mary full of Grace ✝️🌹🏩

@ingridprior1337

19 күн бұрын

Full of grace? Praying to Mary for grace, protection and intercession is idolatry. Pray to God.

I'm a budding orthodox. This is a stumbling block to me. I used to be doing rosemary as a child and this felt in my heart spiritually null and void. Now as a former protestant I took the leap and prayed for Mary's intercession and even apologised for ignoring her for so long. But no spiritual answer came. It was just spiritual void and emptiness. On the contrary when I pray to Jesus I immediately feel His presence in my soul. Its just too weird. I don't like the state of confusion I'm in and God is not the author of it. Orthodox even pray for Mary to save them. And my cringe is real. I think the devil is meddling in this situation otherwise I think it would be perfectly clear like the trinity and God's sovereignty etc. This is such a point of contagion and I did give it my best shot but it came back as more confusion and struggle. Lord Jesus son of God have mercy on me a sinner.

@johnnyd2383

Ай бұрын

It is not her at fault but you. You are not honest in your soul and no wonder you do not get any response. Simple.

@carlykamps411

Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing! I completely relate. They get a lot right but this one thing is wrong. I feel it deep in my spirit, it’s a sense I can’t shake. I’d have to ignore my own conscience to do it and by default, destroy the purity of my heart before Christ. I’m with you. Thank you for being a searcher of truth!

@carlykamps411

Ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383this is wrong. Stop accusing someone else of what’s in their heart. Judge not unless you be judged. I’d be careful with you calling out the state of someone’s heart, only which God can know.

@johnnyd2383

Ай бұрын

@@carlykamps411 1) I did not mention anyone's heart, but soul. 2) If Lord or any Saint is not responding to our prayers, reason is ALWAYS in us, NEVER in them. 3) Protestant pride and staggering ignorance is usual stumbling block for understanding of points #1 and #2.

@carlykamps411

Ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 once again, casting an insane amount of judgment and making sweeping generalizations. Unfortunately your heart seems hard, and it will make me or anyone else have a hard time engaging in further conversation with you. I’ll say one last thing: If Jesus Himself is responding to this man’s prayers, it doesn’t matter who else “hears” Or “doesn’t hear.” God almighty Himself is communing with this man, so let no one accuse him. Blessings on your journey.

Curiosity brought me around. It’s difficult to understand praying to anyone, aside from God. As one who has grown in Evangelical circles, the Canon seems to be everyone’s basis for the Way. The early church fathers dealt with a lot of heretics. How do we know this wasn’t just another offshoot that stuck the landing? I view iconography the same way. But I would like any input! Thanks.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

If you doubt Church fathers then you should also doubt the Bible as they have put the Bible canon together as we know it today. Do you deny need of us to pray for one another.?

@JessicaStubbs

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383praying FOR one another TO the Lord Jesus and praying TO someone else for yourself or others are COMPLETELY different things

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@JessicaStubbs Think about the following until it eventually sinks in: "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2, 20) Once it sinks in, answer to the following - if you pray to Saint, are you putting Lord aside.?

@JessicaStubbs

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 praying to anyone but the lord is putting the one you pray to above him, yes. Matthew 6:5-8 “pray to your Father” you most certainly should not pray to Mary let alone the saints. To pray to these other idols, as if they can grant you requests, wishes is treating them as equal to the Lord our God

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@JessicaStubbs It did not sink in. Well... some day perhaps, Lord permitting, you may be able to understand it. Pride is the worst enemy of such a feat. Fact that you do not use any of the Biblical attributes that apply to Mother of God Mary, is tale telling.

Remember they are icons, totally not idols guys, icons, not idols, got it? Totally different….

@rebel6673

3 ай бұрын

They 100% are😭

Amen!

The moment Christ was on this earth and died on the cross everything changed! We don’t have to go through a high priest or anything else to access Our Father in heaven! Jesus is the tabernacle and resides within us! I love the fact that I can directly pray to Jesus! I don’t have to go through ridiculous things to do so and I don’t have to pray to anyone else for Him to hear me. We do not live under Old Testament law but the New covenant spoke about in the New Testament ❤

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

So you deny need of us praying for one another.?

@Ninjamod76

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 where did you get that from what I wrote? I certainly didn’t say we shouldn’t pray for one another.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

@@Ninjamod76 Didn't you say: "...I don’t have to go through ridiculous things to do so and I don’t have to pray to anyone else...." indicating your misunderstanding and outright rejecting of the Christian community often called congregation. Individuality you have expressed in your comment is troubling as in the Bible we can read about the sick man who was lying for 38 years next to the bath as noone was around to put him down to get healed (John 5). I am surprised to see ppl claiming to be self-sufficient when sick man needed 4 other men to bring him in front of the Lord going via roof (Luke 5). And note in verse 20: "When Jesus saw THEIR faith..." meaning sick man was cured by the Lord on a faith of his friends to helped him. Did you ever read your Bible.? Or perhaps you do not see yourself as spiritually sick.? Why is your attitude so off the Bible evidences of ppl helping each other.? If you do not need a priest, then you can't get Baptized and that is necessary for salvation, you can't get Eucharist also required for salvation (John 6). Wake up.! The time is short.

@Ninjamod76

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 you are right about the time being short! Furthermore…. I stated that I don’t have to go through anyone to reach the throne of Jesus. I do not need to pray to Mary or any saint or to the priest or pope or whatever else. We are under New Testament law. Christ died on the cross and resides within us when we get saved. He is the living tabernacle so therefore the tabernacle is alive within us when we acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross for all our sins. Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He died for us and for those not yet born… let that sink in! It’s amazing🥰 He died on the cross went to hell to take the keys to death and then rose again. I pray the Lord will open your eyes and show you truth. I was baptized as an infant but once I was saved I made the decision to be fully baptized under water. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. What would really rock your world is to know that a baptism is really just an outward profession of an inward decision. Someone can be saved on their death bed and not be baptized and you know what??? That person will enter the Kingdom of heaven. You know the thief who was saved on the cross next to Jesus. Luke 29:39-43 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[a]” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The thief was not formally baptized but what did Jesus say to him. That surely he WILL enter the Kingdom of God! We are called to pray for people and share the gospel and the Power of Jesus lives within it. The problem lies when Christian’s don’t access the Power of Jesus Name. He alone can saved us and forgive us for our sins. I don’t go to confession I go to Jesus. The Bible is very clear about this. He is also VERY clear about this. In Matthew 23:9, when Jesus says, “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven,” we have ONE Father and that is God himself. No man can act as the Father here on earth. Therefore calling a priest father is blasphemy. I do not hold to doctrines that man has created. I live by the living and Holy Word! If you take religion out of things and ask God to show you the scriptures He Will! You will find Real Truth❤️ I could go on all day about religions and the Catholic Church. Serious Question: when the priest sings his Latin stuff do your know what is beginning said???? If you did you would be giving that religion a second thought. Do the research for yourself. I assure you I am not spiritually sick! I have been saved for 39 years. I have read my Bible several times. Went to a Christian school and was fully indoctrinated trust me…. I have studied the scriptures many MANY times. I also want to address your thoughts on John 5. This man believed that he had to get into the water to be healed…. Jesus corrected him saying get up pick up your mat and walk! It took faith in Jesus for that man to believe… get up and walk. The next reference you made…. The sick man being lowered down by friends…. You are mistaking the whole situation. Yes, the men lowered the sick man down from the ceiling they Helped him they more than likely prayed for him. What your missing is that the sick man didn’t pray to his friends 🤦🏻‍♀️You are missing out on the truth of what happened. These men had such faith that Jesus was the Son of God that they had to get their friend to Jesus. They had faith that just the touch of Jesus would heal that man. The passage is about faith and shows the miracles that Jesus can and Will do. Here is another example. Matthew 9:20-22 King James Version (KJV) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. By faith and just the touch of His robe healed this woman! Jesus knew immediately that someone touched His garment because He felt the power leave from Him! How I like to look at it is that faith in men. Will AlWAYS return void…. Faith in Jesus….that’s what everything is about. A priest can’t save you…. A priest can not forgive your sins. OUR Father in heaven and Jesus are the only way to forgiveness. Eucharist…. Let’s chat about that. It’s again an outward statement of an inward decision. It’s showing people that you believe and have FAITH in Jesus! Once again it’s not a requirement to enter heaven. EVERYTHING IS ABOUT FAITH….. religions like to complicate things BUT it’s REALLY that simple🥰🙏🏻 Acts 16:31 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” People like to get hung up on traditions and acts but are COMPLETELY MISSING the mark. maybe go read my original comment 🤷🏼‍♀️ maybe English isn’t your first language??? None of your replies make any sense to what I wrote🧐 I challenge you to spend 10 minutes everyday in a quiet room… leave your phone off in another room. Go to that quiet room and open your Bible and Pray to Jesus Directly! Don’t go through Mary or anyone else. I promise you this…. God WILL show you truth and the Scriptures will come alive before your very eyes❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻

@johnnyvo2494

Ай бұрын

False 🤦🏻‍♂️ Jesus is the WORD. Mary is the tabernacle. She’s the ark of the new covenants

I'm a protestant but I am interested in Orthodoxy but I'm a bit confused. In the Bible it mentions the dead do not hear nor know of what happens here on here on earth. Shouldn't that apply to Mary considering she is still a human like us or is there somewhere in scripture where it says she is an exception to that? Would love to know, God bless you!

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

"Soul Sleep" was a state of the dead in the OT times. Lord Jesus Christ trampled down death by death, went down into the Hades and liberated souls from their dormant state of "sleeping" and took them out. It is all in the Bible.

@Unknown-hb3id

4 ай бұрын

That's a part of the OT before Jesus was born a man and died on the cross and so on. As Christians, we say that we are alive in Christ and have everlasting life, right? Well the Orthodox take that to its logical conclusion - those Christians that've passed in the material world are *not* dead. And the method through which we pray to them is thanks to God Himself (as opposed to the sorcery we see Saul talking with Samuel - which is *certainly* what "not speaking to the dead" refers to).

@Elijah21548

4 ай бұрын

do soul dead?

@KirkLazarus23

4 ай бұрын

@@Unknown-hb3idIf you are sleeping, are you able to talk on the phone, are you able to pray? What sense does it make. You already have a mediator in the high priest, the man, the Son of God whose name is Jesus. Why do you want to pray with or to someone else as mediator between you and The Father?

@Unknown-hb3id

4 ай бұрын

@@KirkLazarus23 They aren't asleep, they're alive. Because the Scripture makes it clear that we're called to pray for one another, and the prayers of the righteous and faithful are strong. It's no different than asking someone alive to pray for us, except that we can have confidence that their prayers are strong and that they will follow through on praying for us. Again, the method through which we pray to them is thanks to God Himself. Jesus is the mediator through all of it, and he's never left out of any prayer. Jesus is the high priest and king of the Orthodox Church.

Amen👏👏👏👏

I've stumbled upon several Orthodox channels who have put spiritual matteris such a beautiful and intriguing way. I'm fascinated with your traditions and with how articulate you are about your faith and the mechanics of our salvation. I believe we are brothers in Messiah and will walk together with our Saviour in person one day. I don't say this to be inflammatory or to insult. However, I do not understand this exaltation of Mary. It seems to me to be idolatry. It seems to me that there is a chasm between "Set-apartness" and everything else. No one is holy except Elohim, right? Angles who appeared to men were stern not to let humans worship them. So what special status does Mary have to hear our prayers? What special status do departed saints in Messiah have to hear our prayers? I don't understand how prayers to and worship (by any name you might call it) of other entities isn't idolatry. What a gift it must have been for the Supernatural to save the world through Mary. Perhaps there is some lesson in that. But it seems to me to be overblown in Orthodoxy and Catholicism. I see absolutely no indication that Mary or any other should be held at or especially above Jesus. (In all honesty I'm also still working through the mechanics of the trinity as well so I don't know who to hold above who. God seems to be One single entity, the center of everything. How Jesus relates to the Father and to the Spirit, I would be lying if I said I understood.) God is a mystery no one will ever completely understand. If I am mistaken and ignorant I pray He has mercy on me.

Cool

🔥PROVE IT IN SCRIPTURE IT SAYS TO PRAY TO MARY.....I'LL WAIT😐 🔥STOP BEING LAZY AND READ THE HOLY SCRIPTURE YOURSELF STOP FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF MAN!!!

@stanpienkiew1363

11 күн бұрын

Praying for one another isnt biblical to you?

Great is Diana of the Ephesians!

I wish we have a pastor like you where i live.

I think the man nailed it when he spoke about the wedding when "His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”" John 2:5. Mary tells us today "Do whatever Jesus tells you"..but how do we know what Jesus tells us unless we go to Him? That's why we interceed with Mary and she will pray for us, but we must spend time with our Lord Jesus Christ to know what He wants us to do.

@Ibelievethegospel

8 ай бұрын

Jesus told us to pray to our Father in Jesus name. Scripture is inspired. Rom 3,4 Let God be true and Everyman a liar

@therighteousrighthand

8 ай бұрын

@@Ibelievethegospel Amen. Our God is the God of the living and those who believe in Jesus who is ressurection and life never die. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16. Our

@synthesaurus

7 ай бұрын

Why didn’t the criminal on the cross address Mary to intercede for him and instead spoke directly to Jesus?

@therighteousrighthand

7 ай бұрын

@@synthesaurus probably he was a protestant.

@jovicatrpcevski209

7 ай бұрын

Before Protestant became cool!

The line between veneration and worship for me here is very thin, since I cannot found where Jesus instruct us to ask things for his mother, nor the apostols said something about Mary, how can tradition have more weight than scriptures in this matter? But the rest of the teaching is very beautiful

@johnnyd2383

5 ай бұрын

Apostles wrote NT books not before year 48 AD. To Galatians was the first one. Latest was Revelation written around year 90 AD. Lord's Church was created at the year 33 AD. So for 15 YEARS Church had had not even a single NT book. How do you think Church operated w/o NT Bible.?

@tk1440

5 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Not only that, at that time up until the 18th century, many people could not read or write. And there weren't as many Bibles as there are today. It took much longer to make a copy back then, than it does today. While in 1820 only 12% of people in the world could read and write, the proportion has changed massively today. This also explains why the Orthodox Church was always decorated with frescoes on the walls, so that people can better understand the word of God. So what should happen to the people who could not read and did not know the Bible? This is the reaseon why the Holy Church and its tradition exist. Only the Orthodox Church holds the tradition and only the Orthodox Church has the authority over the Bible.

@johnnyd2383

5 ай бұрын

@@tk1440 Very true. Protestants are very often oblivious of the historical context in which the ancient Church operated and are playing "smart" arses (read: judges)...

@synthesaurus

4 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 and yet when the NT testament was finalized it conveyed a very different message from what the traditions added.

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@synthesaurus You are entitled to your opinion based on a reverse-engineered Scriptures by "infallible" you sitting on a chair inscription on the back reading "POPE".

☦️☦️☦️

John 16:23: "And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My NAME, He will give you."

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

Yes, He was saying that to His Church. If you are not a member of Holy Orthodox Church it does not apply to you.

Love your explanation. Pastor can you answer my questions. What happened to Mary's body? When did she die after christ Resurrection? Thank you and God bless you.

@govols1995

3 ай бұрын

According to Orthodox Tradition, the Theotokos died as all people die: not voluntarily, but by necessity of her mortal human nature. At the time of her death, the Lord miraculously transported the Apostles, who were preaching throughout the world, to her side. Other bishops and women from the Church in Jerusalem joined them. The sole exception was Thomas, who was preaching in India at the time. Jesus Christ Himself descended upon her death and carried her soul into heaven. The faithful took her body and laid it in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane, at her request. Three days after her death, Thomas arrived in a cloud above her tomb, where he saw her body going to heaven. He asked her, “Where are you going, O Holy One?” She then took off her belt and gave it to him saying, “Receive this, my friend,” and disappeared. Thomas went to his fellow apostles, whom he asked to see her grave, so that he could bid her goodbye. When they arrived at the grave, her body was gone, leaving a sweet fragrance.

@luisbarbosa8136

10 күн бұрын

@@govols1995 I didn´t know that.. where Is that written?

I really enjoy the articulation with explaining the mysteries. Thank you Father.

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

”Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.“ Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬ ‭

@teardrop5171

5 ай бұрын

@@JDFY23 He also said call no man teacher. and Paul I forgot which verse refers to a group of people as his children or something of that matter I believe.

@Paul-uv6mb

4 ай бұрын

​@@JDFY23I speak the things which I have seen while I was with my Father, but you do the things which you have heard from your father.”-John 8:33, 37, 38.

@Paul-uv6mb

4 ай бұрын

​@@JDFY23we have many of our heretic friends who are hypocrites, I'm sure we all call our fleshly father, father. What does this mean;

@Paul-uv6mb

4 ай бұрын

​@@JDFY23lets talk now for your faith, are you protestant; lets find out if your faith have the rules of god,whitch mean Apostolic succession, priesthood. And after that we will take about mysterious whitch we have from jesus Christ.

All that sounds great, but you would think such a firm teaching would have biblical support OR historical support. I have yet to hear sound reasoning in these regards. Why didn't the early church have the same theology of veneration? The 3 little examples he gives from scripture have nothing to do with veneration especially to those who have passed on.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

You are not reading your Bible. Perhaps you need to learn what "intercessions" and "supplications" are... (1 Tim 2) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that SUPPLICATIONS, prayers, INTERCESSIONS, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Psalm 45 or 44 depending on the version of the Bible. And Luke when he talks about the visit Theotokos had at Elizabeth. You don`t venerate Theotokos, you go directly against Scriptural Prophesy. Not to mention the miracle at the wedding that proves the INCREDIBLE value of the prayer of Theotokos.

@synthesaurus

4 ай бұрын

Can you worship her?

@neyneynanamo2071

4 ай бұрын

@@synthesaurus Worship her? No, what do you mean?

Question:🙋🏻‍♀️ The Theotokos isnt believed to be omnipresent is she? How is she hearing all the communication to her, when undoubtedly she is receiving more than one at a time? When she is in paradise how does she even know people are addressing her?

Muslims swear by their god that they are not bowing and worshipping of the Kaaba.. but the origins of such prostration suggest otherwise. So when you look at the prayers to, and kneeling at the feet of, and the prostration towards Mary, no matter how you justify it, it is still worship to a deity.

Protestant here, but very interested in Orthodoxy. I come from an evangelical background, and still consider myself a believer/follower of Christ. But I'm searching for a Church home. Are there any former Protestants here from a similar background who became Orthodox? How did you get past the emotional and mental blocks drilled into you that venerating Marry is idolatry? The idea of speaking to Marry is really strange to me. Not saying it's wrong, just that everything I've learned/been taught opposes it.

@spook949

7 ай бұрын

Same here, everything about Orthodoxy seems great to me, but the way the Saints and Mary are treated in Orthodoxy has never seemed right to me. On top of that I can never seem to find a proper answer of these sincere questions and it makes it look like they're dodging these queries from Protestants and the like.

@kostaskostopoulos2913

7 ай бұрын

Would you ever ask to a brother in faith to pray for you?

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

It is harder to undo something done wrong than start something brand new. So... I sympathize with your struggle (if any) and obstacles you may have but want to encourage you at the same time to continue looking for The Truth. Many managed to wrestle out old system and come to Home... so.. don't give up. Question of icons and prayers to the saints come down to the very simple resolution - it is all about the affection.!

@papapeachesxcq

6 ай бұрын

@@spook949 I've discovered that Orthodoxy has a strong "it's a mystery, don't think too much about it" component. Which I do like in some respects. As Westerners I do think we fall into over analyzing what is beyond understanding. In this sense, I think Orthodox would say the faith must be experienced and practiced. I'd recommend going to a service and talking with a priest. Im hoping to do so soon.

@papapeachesxcq

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Thank you! I do like the idea of actually being connected to "the great cloud of witnesses". And it makes sense to think of them as living. One thing I currently feel is that asking the saints to intercede feels like having a layer between me and God. But on the other hand, the faith has always been lived through others. The Body of Christ.

There was one really subtle thing in this video I found problematic and actually feels intentionally sneaky. "As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Christ is decisively not speaking of Mary in his retort. If he were wouldn't he have said blessed is she that hears the word of God and keeps it? But speaks of "those" plural people who do so, preceding that statement with the word "rather" as to offer an alternative.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

He spoke in wider sense that also included her.... that is what father was trying to convey. He could have also mention another verses in the Scriptures where Elisabeth full of Holy Spirit had said: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1, 42). Please note that she said that being filled with Holy Spirit. If one can not call her the same way, is one filled with the Holy Spirit.?

@davidbolt9566

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Sure, im fine with venerating the Theotokos. I'm actually a Catechumen, I just didn't think that was a good argument, still don't even with the nuance you provided.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

@@davidbolt9566 Question I asked is what every Christian could possibly ask oneself. In a following verses Elisabeth clearly called Mary: ""mother of my Lord". There is another question though few verses further that also could be interesting... Mary prophetically said: "henceforth all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1, 48). What generations is she talking about.? Generations of Christians, members of The Church. Does one belong to the generations of Christians if one have problems calling her blessed.? Anyhow... I pray for you to get everything right within your heart and one day to call you "my brother Orthodox Christian". Cheers.! 😀

@davidbolt9566

6 ай бұрын

@T.legramRootsof_Orthodoxy listening

I have a question as a raised Baptist .I was not raised with the Church being the authoritative in faith.The Baptist church solemnly establishes its faith through the Bible .So I’m still confused on how the saints , and Mary can hear our prayers ? When I read the Bible I see nothing of intercession .Only in revelation,but it’s not like other doctrines in the Christian faith where it’s deliberately explained and manifested . I would like a thorough answer to this because I am considering changing my religion due to a lukewarm culture in the Protestant faith .But I want to be conscious, and aware I am making the right decision beforehand.

@johnnyd2383

5 күн бұрын

Question about alleged hearing impairment of the Saints that are in Heavens is somewhat common. It comes out of carnal thinking of the typical Protestant mind. If you were to read the Bible, Hebrews 12, you would have found that we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" (v.1) and that we "have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect" (v. 22,23)... OR... Prots lack of understanding comes out of the fact that they, Protestants, DID NOT "come to Mount Zion..." as they are NOT members of the Lord's Bride, His glorious Church - Eastern Orthodox Church and thus they have no clue as to why we, Orthodox, are ONE with our Saints in the Heavens and we are TOGETHER on our Holy Liturgies and in our prayers.

Orthodox Christian from Ethiopia

Haven't read some of these early guys, so I can't speak as though I'm reacting to them. I hope to share my thoughts, and get some gentle responses to check my thinking against the Orthodox. I'm evangelical (protestant? I keep being told by others what denomination I am, so who knows), but I don't have patience for the rock concerts on sundays. I really appreciate the reverence I see in the Catholic and Orthodox tradition. But I have trouble with the doctrines being tradition. So, with that out of the way, so y'all know I'm not here to pick a fight... I wouldn't call her the mother of God, she didn't give birth to the Father or Holy Spirit. She did give birth to a body that the person of the Son incarnated/inhabited and as far as I know, continues to have. But, at no point does she get authority through this. When Jesus reached the age of a man (as opposed to being a boy), her authority over Him as His earthly caretaker ended. In fact, later, Jesus uses His authority to place her under the care of John. You can see how deeply Jesus loves and honors Mary, but that doesn't make her an authority over Him. Now, in the new world, I have now idea if I'm going to be taking orders from Mary in our duties. I wouldn't be surprised if I did. I just don't think she has authority over the persons of the Godhead. I hope this lays out a distinction in the argument. As an aside, I do have a question. Why the dividing wall up front? God Himself tore the Temple Veil, and Yoma39b shows that the Temple Miracles stopped 40 years before Temple was destroyed in 70AD. So, why do you put up a barrier when God tore down the one that He Himself designed? I know this sounds contentious, but it's a really strange thing to look at from outside the Orthodox Church.

@interceptorm5

6 ай бұрын

Most Orthodox Christians are as indoctrinated as Catholics. Just read how many in here are calling this priest -"Father". Perhaps, if they were studiyng the Bible a bit more and listening to the priests little less- they would reach to Yeshua and our Holy Father YHWH a lot quicker.

I don’t understand. Because God’s name is YAHWEH which means ”He will be”. That basically means that God’s existance doesn’t depend on anything else. He just is. If mary is theotokos that to me means that God existance depends on Mary. Can someone explain, please?

@Cheese-E260

8 ай бұрын

I understood it because Jesus Christ existed before Mary and Mary was needed so that God could become flesh.

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

When we say God's name is YAHWEH, meaning "He will be" or "I am who I am," you're right, it's all about God existing by Himself, depending on nothing and no one. He's the ultimate, always existing, without a start or an end. Now, calling Mary 'Theotokos,' which means 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God,' doesn't suggest that God's existence depends on her. Instead, it's about the role she played in the story of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. So, when Mary gave birth to Jesus, she gave birth to the human side of Him. It's not about her creating God or being the source of God's existence; it's more about her role in Jesus' human birth. So, in essence, Theotokos is a title that honors Mary's unique role in Jesus' life, acknowledging her as the mother of the human Jesus, who Christians believe is also divine. It's not about changing the nature of God or suggesting He depends on anyone.

@a.n.i.t.a_so

7 ай бұрын

⁠​⁠​⁠@@ricardoarchangel28 Thankyou for your explanation on Gods name YAHWEH. But if calling mary Theotokos is about the role she played in the life of Jesus then wouldn’t being called the mother of Jesus rather than the mother of God be more suitable?

@ricardoarchangel28

7 ай бұрын

@@a.n.i.t.a_so the early church looked at Jesus as being fully God and fully man. So that was able to be separated. In fact there were heresy built on trying to separated Jesus. There was also a whole counsel meeting on this very topic. It was decided by all that she was to be addressed as the mother of God because it was God born from her. Which is why the early Church called her the new ark. Because one before God lived among man in an ark.

Asking other believers (on earth) to pray for us is certainly biblical (2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:19; 2 Timothy 1:3). The apostle Paul asks other Christians to pray for him in Ephesians 6:19.

@noxn.ae.

3 ай бұрын

The Bible nowhere mentions anyone asking someone in heaven to pray for him or her. The Bible nowhere describes anyone in heaven praying for anyone on earth.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@noxn.ae. Bible also does not say that you should be highest authority over the matters of faith, yet you endorse it. How about that.?

@synthesaurus

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” That’s pretty authoritative.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@synthesaurus Yes it is. But here we are talking about the authority to interpret the Scriptures. Do you have a reference where in the Bible it is said that every individual can read and understand the Scriptures and thus by his own fallible mind decide on the meaning.? If you do not, then tell me where that idea comes from.? Or rather from whom.? From which man.?

@synthesaurus

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 There was a news report where an oil stain on a window was perceived as a silhouette of Virgin Mary by local women. A shrine was started. Then the local orthodox priest decided to bring the window pane into his church for more “official veneration”. Now, from who did he get that idea? Mind you there are many more examples like this including urine stains on walls

So orthodox, catholic, protestants all theris holy books are different?

@Kumo-lv4dt

6 ай бұрын

We are all followers of god

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

@@Kumo-lv4dt when you add to the word of God, you’re following a man made religion. If you are not born again, you will not enter the kingdoms of heaven.

I like the Orthodox Church but these arguments about Mary aren't convincing me. I think she was blessed among women as the scriptures say...but i cant put her up on the throne next to my Lord. Mary didnt die for our sins, Christ did and and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Anyone trying to come through in another way is false.

@tk1440

8 ай бұрын

Without Her you can't eat His flesh and drink His blood for the forgivness of your sins. She is the one who gives you the LIFE! Jesus is the way, the thruth and the LIFE!!! But without Her there is no LIFE, no salvation! She is the most holy Mother of God! She is our Mother in Heaven and we love Her! And she protects us like any other mother who loves her children!

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

In Orthodox Christianity, Mary and the saints are seen as intercessors, not mediators. This means they pray for us, much like asking a friend to pray on our behalf. It's not about them granting us access to God, but rather joining their prayers with ours. Now, Christ's role as the sole mediator is central and non-negotiable. According to Christian belief, He's the bridge between humanity and God, the one who reconciles us to the Father through His sacrifice. No saint, not even Mary, takes on this role of mediator. Their role as intercessors is more about supporting us in our journey to God, not providing a separate path to Him. So, when Orthodox Christians show special honor to Mary, it's not about putting her next to Christ as a co-mediator. It's about respecting her as the Mother of God and appreciating her example of faith. They believe she, like other saints, prays to God on our behalf, but it's always clear that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.

@taylordunham8608

8 ай бұрын

My current perspective, is that Mary has replaced Sophia. Abstractly, the practice between gnostics and Sophia are quite similar between Catholic/Orthodox “veneration” and Mary.

@selemonkahasu1189

7 ай бұрын

You should read more

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

Nestorius was satisfied with the outcome of the council of Chalcedon. It would seem that Nestorius did not teach "Nestorianism." Mary was a human as everyone, with the exception that she was honored to be the mother of Christ. When Christ taught His disciples to pray, the prayer was directed to God the Father and no one else.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

Bible should be read from front to the end and not just those verses one likes. Here is the instructions that can not be ignored: "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5, 15)

@user-hw5pd1mv9b

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 I have read the bible front to back. I still found nothing that says we should venerate anyone, much less Mary.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

@@user-hw5pd1mv9b Well... You will need to do it again with more prayers as you appear to be shallow in the understanding... Here are some examples... The Old Testament encourages us to venerate people by honoring them. Exodus 20,12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” 1 Peter 2,17 exhorts us to fear God and venerate others: “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” Further... Romans 12,10 Romans 13,7 Hebrews 13,7 1 Timothy 5,17 etc.

@user-hw5pd1mv9b

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Honoring someone is not veneration.

@YourStylesGeneric321

6 ай бұрын

​@@johnnyd2383"Pray for one another"... Not to one another.

So many people commenting about whether something is biblical or not… how would one argue with early Christians (who were just a much Christian as anyone else) before the Bible was put together a few hundred years after Christ ?

Where did Christ said to pray to his mother?

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

(1 Tim 2) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that SUPPLICATIONS, prayers, INTERCESSIONS, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

@robrob4730

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 yes it means to pray and thank to God for all men. Not specifically Mary. Gosh how can one misinterpret scripture so much...

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@robrob4730 For all women as well.. and being there for ALL, includes ALL Saints, including Theotokos Mary. Or perhaps you do not count her under "all".?

@robrob4730

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Mary was human just like us, she's in heaven and doesn't hear us or see us.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@robrob4730 "For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17,21) Lord said it to members of His Church.. .and you are saying Saints who are in His Kingdom, that is in us, Orthodox Christians, can not hear us or see us, even though they are all in us...

Jesus never told us to pray to Mary. He said to pray to His Father in Heaven. By this same logic people could justify praying to Abraham or Moses or anyone who is honored and “exalted” in Christianity.

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

We love members of our Church Triumphant - The Saints. We are one with them and we pray with them, to them, for them, because we want to be with them before the face of our Lord. Every saint can say: "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2, 20) and our prayers with, to, for, are always getting to our Lord anyway. Keep searching and may God open your eyes.

@jennaholdeman2094

4 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 ”For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,“ ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@jennaholdeman2094 Blind as a bat.

@KirkLazarus23

4 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383where does it say to pray with or to the dead saints? Where does it say that is even an option if they are dead? Are you supposing they have been resurrected? What proof of that do you have other than your idols and extra biblical sources?

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@KirkLazarus23 Search for the video "Do you know the TRUE Gospel? w/ Fr.Andrew Stephen Damick" and start at the 47:50

Can't agree more Thank you Father, we definitely respect our Theotokos (Virgin Mary Mother of God) As a Coptic Orthodox it is so beautiful to share the straight original faith with other Orthodox believers & other Christians God bless you & His Church To be an Orthodox is to strive to enter from the narrow gate as Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us Father please make more videos as you're so convincing & convey the truth to people The world needs to know & learn about the straight path & faith Noone goes to the Heavenly Father except through Jesus & following Jesus is walking through the narrow gate Yes it's hard to be a true Orthodox in this crazy world but everything impossible for man is possible with God our Lord Jesus Christ Amen

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9

Please can you send me 1 verse that condones praying to Mary? I went through 7957 verses of the New Testament_Nothing. Is it in the Old Testament?

Around 05:50 he says that Christ travels around and insists that he is the messiah...but I thought nowhere is it written that He actually calls Himself the messiah ??

@avryeditz

26 күн бұрын

Well considering he walked on water, healed lepers, blind people and paralyzed people, resurrected others, died and CAME BACK TO LIFE as he said he would; I guess after all that, you shouldn’t have to state the obvious. Also in the O.T. It says the messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, be pierced for our transgressions, be born from a virgin mother, and they’d cast lots for his garments… Also, “before Abraham, I AM,” along with “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, no one enters the Father except through me.” Jesus states his divinity multiple times. He is the messiah

The Lord Jesus Christ would have made this clear, plain and simple. What he said was plain as day and it includes praying to the Heavenly Father in His name. We may pray to the Father in His name for others and we should, but not to others. Also why not the same veneration for the grandmother of God, or the grandfather of God, who bore Mary?

@LadyMaria

6 ай бұрын

We mention the "ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna" at the end of every Divine Liturgy. They are also asked for intercession.

@YourStylesGeneric321

6 ай бұрын

@@LadyMaria What about Marys mother and father?

@LadyMaria

6 ай бұрын

@@YourStylesGeneric321 That would be Sts. Joachim and Anna.

@YourStylesGeneric321

6 ай бұрын

@@LadyMaria Oh thank you, I assumed at first ancestors meant farther back in lineage than grandparents but it makes sense they would still be ancestors. I appreciate your comments, Ill be doing more research and praying for understanding for sure!

@LadyMaria

6 ай бұрын

@@YourStylesGeneric321 May God bless you! ☦ 🌹

He outlines a number of points which give me very good reasons for not being Orthodox...

@rynso

6 ай бұрын

@T.legramRootsof_Orthodoxy What do you want talk about?

Just one simple question and will shed some light. Does God have a mother? If your answer is yes who is greater the mother of God or God ? While at it think about who came first Mary or Yeshua 😊

@oogaleeboogalee6522

2 ай бұрын

Here's another question: Is Jesus Christ God? If yes, then His mother is the Mother of God.

@johnnyd2383

2 ай бұрын

You can take analogy with any mother of an earthly king... if you learn the roles they had in the history, perhaps you would understand the role of the Theotokos Mary with her relation to the Heavenly King. On the other hand, if you separate Lord's humanity from divinity, that would make you Nestorian heretic.

Praise G-d

@SteffieR

8 ай бұрын

Why the hyphenation? It's GOD

@FatherSonSpirit1

7 ай бұрын

@@SteffieRlegalism most likely, in Jesus name, we have been free

Those who have ears let them hear! And those who have humility draw near! The Protestants in this chat are full of pride and have horrible arguments. I’m glad I left that demonic heresy for the true church. Thanks be to God. They don’t know the difference between veneration and worship because all they have for their worship is a rock concert.

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

Is there a dresscode to attent the church ?

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

Depends on the church but most of the time if you are new they will expect you don't know how to dress. They shouldn't really say anything to you but look around and learn how they dress there. But dress the best you can. Men wear nice shirts with collars, women wear dresses and in Russian Churches they might ask you wear a veil. Other Churches won't ask for that. But don't come in wearing a distracting shirt or revealing outfits. I would try to blend in as much as possible and just learn. Most of the time people will see someone new and just approach them and help them. But you can always contact the priest and ask them. That way they know you are coming and will try to find you after the service in case you have questions or even have a Deacon look out for you. Don't be afraid to attend and also it take several visits to understand what is happening.

@jovicatrpcevski209

7 ай бұрын

If you go to an OCA ( Orthodox Church in America ) parish, they'll be on you like white on rice : they'll know you're a visitor & will pour on the charm.

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

Cover your head with a scarf, if a woman. Easy to do but no shorts or bare shoulders (for either sex).

I am very interested in hearing about Orthodoxy but I also wonder why all icons I see of Mary and the Saints seem to be very sad and forlorn? As Christians aren’t we to be gladdened of the Good News?

@oogaleeboogalee6522

Ай бұрын

My priest answered this once; it's because Church is a serious place, the Orthodox Church is a serious institution. The saints have a blank expression on their face so we can, in a way, impart our feelings onto them. If you are sad, the saints are sad with you. If you are happy, the saints are happy with you. Forcing them to have one expression only could be inappropriate because, let's say, you're at a funeral in an Orthodox Church, it wouldn't be appropriate to smile at a funeral, no? So why should the icons smile?

Calling Mary "the mother of God" is problematic as it implies that God never existed until she gave birth. A better way would be to say she is the mother of Jesus because she is the one that His humanity came from. Surely you know God has always existed and isn't a created being? The reason Mary was chosen to give birth to The Lord Jesus Christ is because she is a faithful servant of God and she is a direct descendant of the house of David thereby fulfilling the prophesy that The Messiah will come from David's line. As a Protestant I'm glad Mary chose to follow God's plan and be faithful to Him and when I see her in Heaven after about a million or so years have passed (since my adoration will be upon King Jesus) I'll give her a hug and say hello to her but I will never bow to her or worship her.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

Surely you understand that if the Theotokos only gave birth to Jesus’ humanity, then He isn’t fully God. There is a distinction. Two persons. This was dealt with at several councils, and settled long ago. Is Jesus Christ God? If yes, then the Theotokos is the Mother of God. If she is not the Mother of God, then Jesus Christ isn’t God.

@katanatac

7 ай бұрын

@@bradleyperry1735 Mary was chosen by God to give birth to The Saviour, she only gave birth to Jesus’ humanity. The Holy Bible tells us that God is His Father and that Jesus is God in the flesh.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

@@katanatac “She only gave birth to Jesus’ humanity.” How does that work? Are you asserting that there are two persons in Jesus Christ? Or are you saying that Jesus wasn’t fully God until some point after His birth? At what point did He become God after He was born? And why would His cousin, the Prophet and Forerunner Saint John leap in Saint Elizabeth’s womb if Jesus wasn’t already God while in the womb?

@katanatac

7 ай бұрын

@@bradleyperry1735 Jesus is always God, He came to earth and took upon Himself human form so He could be a sin offering for the entire world. Jesus is The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End, He is God Almighty.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

@@katanatac And the Theotokos is His Mother. Hence she is the Godbearer, or the Mother of God. You cannot make a distinction unless you split Christ, which you don’t want to do thankfully. The only option you have is to admit that Mary is the Mother of God.

She was just a human, a sinner like you and me, who died and is also waiting for the second coming of her Savior like all believers.

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

Do you call her blessed.? Also.. souls that departed this world are not "waiting", they are with the Lord already. Read your Bible and figure it out yourself starting with the St. Paul's dilemma whether to depart and be with the Lord or stay for the benefit of the living...

@wesleysimelane3423

6 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 She was blessed to carry Jesus and then she died. She will receive her reward when Jesus returns, like all believers. Funny, a catholic telling me to read scripture.....The Bible teaches that the dead are sleeping to be awakened at the Resurrection Day. Jesus said about Lazarus who died, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” (John 11:11). After death a person: returns to dust (Psalms 104:29), knows nothing (Ecclesiastes 9:5), possesses no mental powers (Psalms 146:4), has nothing to do with anything on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:6), does not live (2 Kings 20:1), waits in the grave (Job 17:13), and continues not (Job 14:1, 2) until the Resurrection Day. There would be no purpose in a resurrection if people were taken to heaven at death. People receive their rewards at the Second Coming of Christ not before “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Then the saints will be raised and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven … and the dead in Christ shall rise first … and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). Paul confirms that at His coming, “the dead shall be raised incorruptible…For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). Only at His coming, the righteous dead will receive immortality. The Bible also mentions that the prophet David has not yet ascended to heaven “For David did not ascend into the heavens“ (Acts 2:34). He is waiting with the rest of the saints to be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ “All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth” (John 5:28, 29).

@oogaleeboogalee6522

6 ай бұрын

@@wesleysimelane3423In the Old Covenant, the dead awaited the resurrection of Christ (Job 14:14) in hades, that's what all of those Old Testament verses are about. Saint Paul writes in Hebrews 9 that "it is appointed for men to die once, and after that is salvation" We believe in a particular judgment for our sins, where we await the final judgment that you described, but are still judged for the sins we committed both by angels and demons in the air (Ephesians 2:1-8) I'm going to be honest, I don't fully understand the Orthodox Christian theology on the afterlife, but I do know this: the dead awaited Christ in sheol, and now that Christ is risen we have an opportunity to receive a taste of things to come by being glorified with Christ and having our flesh deified where we wait until the final judgment

@frogtownroad9104

5 ай бұрын

So was Paul but evangelicals never bash him. It’s almost like only a woman has to be sinless to be honored.

@frogtownroad9104

5 ай бұрын

@DennisBonich Even if your right your disrespect is indicative of your disrespect toward God. We are made in Hid image, specific people were important to the church He founded. If that makes you feel less special, you need to get over it. Not everything is about you and your ego but instead it’s about the ones who insisted “Do what he says”.

It's not exactly what Eastern Orthodox scripture say. It's the view of Fr. Jesse Robinson and he's absolutely free to spread his views. The Old Slavonic Scriptures has far deeper spritual meaning that are not necessarilly understood by converts.

@catapetrovich6688

6 ай бұрын

@T.legramRootsof_Orthodoxy I'm sure you do! Our Old Church Slavonic language rests on the richness of words (many of which are untraslatable) that can only calm people and keep them serene in their daily travails like a ship sailing in calm waters. Understanding each and every word is a task for all priests let alone laymen.

While I agree with most of the Orthodox Church doctrines. I disagree with praying to the dead. Fr. Robinson did not cite any biblical examples of a living person praying to a dead person because God forbids any communication with the dead. King Solomon was a living person when his mother brought a petition to him. Honoring your mother and father is a commandment of God. Attributing God's omniscience to a human is wrong. Only God can hear hundreds of thousands or even millions of prayers at once.

@acekoala457

8 ай бұрын

The Saints aren't dead.

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

In the Orthodox Church, praying for the dead isn't about chatting with them or trying to bring them back. It's more like remembering them in your prayers, hoping they're at peace. It's based on the idea that everyone in the Church, whether they're here or have passed on, is still connected in faith. The 2 Maccabees in the Bible talks about praying for those who've died, which is different from actually trying to talk to them or bring them back - that's something the Bible warns against. Also, when the Orthodox talk about God being the God of the living, not the dead, they mean that even those who have passed away are still 'alive' in a spiritual sense if they're with God. So, when they ask saints to pray for them, it's like asking a really devout person who's close to God to put in a good word. They don't think these saints are all-knowing like God; they just believe they're in a good place to help out with some extra prayers. You have to remember that books were removed from the Bible that went against reformers new teachings. It was all redesigned to not look Catholic and then in later translations like NIV tradition like words were replaced with things like teachings. But that's a whole new response but books like Rock and Sand talk about that and also books like Living Faith by FR Lawrence R. Farley have a good selection of answers from a evangelical point of view.

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

Actually, what is being condemned in these texts you mention from Deuteronomy and Isaiah is conjuring up the dead through spiritual mediums, not praying to saints. The Orthodox Church has always condemned this. The New Testament does have examples of the faithful on earth initiating communication with the saints in heaven. First, we have Hebrews 11-12. Chapter 11 gives us the “hall of faith” wherein the lives of many of the Old Testament saints are recounted. Then, the inspired author encourages these to whom he referred earlier as a people who were being persecuted for their faith (10:32-35), to consider that they are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” encouraging them to “run the race” of faith set before them. Then, beginning in 12:18, he encourages these New Covenant faithful by reminding them that their covenant-the New Covenant-is far superior to the Old. Yes, we can initiate prayer and in so doing “come to” God and Jesus, but we can also “come to” the angels and “the spirits of just men made perfect.” In Revelation 8:3-4 we also see that the “elders” are offering the prayers of the faithful symbolised by incense filtering upward from the earth to heaven. And because they are seen receiving these prayers, we can reasonably conclude they were both directed to these saints in heaven and that they were initiated by the faithful living on earth. Nothing to be afraid of here.

@ZekeTheBeag

7 ай бұрын

I am referring to physical death. The bible refers to all believers as "saints". The only living saints are those with a pulse.

GOD was never born. The son of man was.

@acekoala457

8 ай бұрын

Jesus Christ is God from the Ages The Incarnation begins, "Hail Mary Full of Grace". She gives Birth to God in the Flesh.

@roberttyler1206

8 ай бұрын

@@acekoala457 is Mary the queen of heaven? Do you pray to Mary? I'm not trying to start a fight. I just like to have all the cards on the table, so to speak.

@ricardoarchangel28

8 ай бұрын

@@roberttyler1206 When we talk about "prayer" in this context, it's important to understand it's not just one thing. In many Christian traditions, prayer can mean different things. Generally, when people pray to God, it's about worship, praise, asking for forgiveness, seeking guidance, or help etc... It's a direct conversation with God, recognizing His power and authority. Now, when it comes to praying to Mary or the saints, as practiced in some traditions like Orthodox and Catholic, it's more about asking for their intercession. Think of it like this: it's not about praying to them as you would to God; it's more about asking them to pray for you. It's like if you're going through a tough time and you ask someone you really respect and trust to pray on your behalf. They're not the ones granting your requests, but they're kind of adding their prayers to yours. So, in these traditions, praying to Mary or the saints is seen as a way to connect with a wider community of faith, asking those who were close to God during their lives to also be close to you in prayer. It's a form of spiritual support, not a replacement for praying directly to God.

@roberttyler1206

8 ай бұрын

@ricardoarchangel28 thank you for the explanation. Lord Jesus intercedes for His bride. It's the reason we pray in His name. The 5 solas, is the heart of Christianity, in many and my opinion.

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

This was discussed in the 4th century and ratified (unless you're a Jehovah's Witness). Look up the Arian heresy.

This is a lot. A lot of leaps in logic. I want to be orthodox and agree with most, but the Mary stuff is too much for me. Can I become orthodox only praying to the all holy Trinity?

@johnnyd2383

5 ай бұрын

In my opinion, people who have problem with Saints (Theotokos is one of the Saints) do not understand the relationship between our Church Triumphant and Church Militant.... that we are ONE Church and they are with us and to seek their help is perfectly normal just as asking guy standing next to me during the services. Example... If I want to get employed in a company and I have a friend already working for that company... I would get job easier if my friend goes to the employer and recommends me... so... why I wouldn't ask our Saints to recommend me to the Lord.?

@boringoldman

5 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383you’re right, I’ve never heard either of those terms before. A lot of “common sense” in your comment that I can tell makes perfect sense to you. But I was raised to believe there is only one mediator, so it’s hard for me. I agree with so much the Orthodox Church teaches, I just don’t want to magnify Mary or place my hope for salvation in her like some many prayers I’ve read, that doesn’t sound right to me

@johnnyd2383

5 ай бұрын

@@boringoldman Got it. People like you need to unlearn old stuff before learning new approach and eventually acquire mind of Orthodoxy. And that is hard.! Let me give you another example.. Remember Gospel story about sick man being carried on a stretcher and via roof lowered down in front of the Lord. What is striking in that story is the fact that he was pardoned by the Lord after He saw THEIR faith.! Every one of us is spiritually sick person (according to the Orthodoxy)... and we use our Saints to carry us on a stretcher closer to the Lord, hoping that by seeing THEIR faith, we will be pardoned as well. There is another story where sick man was hopelessly waiting for 38 years to be cured as he had nobody to lower him down in to the bath of Bethesda. Glory to God, we Orthodox have plenty of Saints to help us to get down and got eventually cured. We simply need to ask them in our prayers. Hope this sheds more light on our ancient Christianity faith. God bless.

Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, and Luke 8:19-21. Jesus' biological family came to see him while he was teaching, and someone told him that his mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to him. Jesus replied by asking, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" He then gestured to his disciples and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

@johnnyd2383

Ай бұрын

Nuh... we, Orthodox, call "brothers" even those who are standing next to us on a Liturgy w/o having any biological connections to them. Lord's only biological relative was His mother Mary and her lineage leading back to the house of David.

Still, where in the Bible says to pray to Mary etc.

@Raul-pf2kq

9 ай бұрын

where does the bible mention sola scriptura? Or even the trinity? Yall need to find a new argument because asking someone who is in heaving to pray for you is no different then asking friend or family member to pray for you.

@markojovanovic8856

9 ай бұрын

Where in the Holy Scripture says you can call Godsmother "Mary".. Read Luke 1,48

@vaporizejello

9 ай бұрын

the 4:25 mark. Did u even watch the video....?

@Raul-pf2kq

8 ай бұрын

@@robertsirico3670 You are right and hopefully protestants can become open minded instead of being ignorant and sticking to their man made doctrine

@philipdouglas5911

8 ай бұрын

@@robertsirico3670 Commemorate the Biblical Mary and her example in doing God's will. Remember her at his death. See her at the wedding at Cana. The rest no.

To honor Mary the mother of Jesus Christ is nice ! But trying to put her on the same level as God Jesus Christ? Very disturbing and possible dangerous! Why? Because what did God' say in Exodus chapter 20 about having only one God and only one God! So placing Mary on same level making her a God or a DEITY' don't think it makes GOD very happy! Remember in Mathew chapter 4 when John ask Jesus how do we pray? Everyone thinks that this prayer is the LORD'S PRAYER WRONG ANSWER JESUS CHRIST PRAYER IS IN LUKE CHAPTER 17 ! WHAT DID JESUS SAY TO JOHN AND US AS WELL,? OUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN ; DID YOU HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT MARY OR ANY SAINTS? NO! HOLY IS YOUR NAME THY. KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE EARTH AND IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD FOREGIVE OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL FOR YOU ARE THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER AMEN! NOW ITS FINE AS I WROTE ABOVE ABOUT HONOR MARY FOR HER ROLE IN BRINGING FORTH OUR SAVIOR AND SALVATION AND REDEEMER BUT GIVE THE WHOLE CREDIT TO GOD' FOR IT! AND ANYTHING ELSE IS A MOCKERY AND COULD BE CONSIDERED BLASPHEMY OF GOD AND JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT I KNOW THAT NOBODY WANTS THAT FOR THEMSELVES!

@realmccoy124

8 ай бұрын

Hey Russell. Seems like you got some fire in your belly. I suppose that is a good thing. But perhaps even better is to have some illumination in your mind. I tried to understand your premise. Salvation is Created when the Son of God became the Son of the Virgin. I do not think your assertion that Mary is a Deity - is part of the Orthodox fronema (mindset). Be patient with yourself and permit the grace of God unfold as you journey with him. I do think Father Jesse explains Jewish culture a bit - and that frames up a lot of the intentionality of Iconography and her placement in the Temple. Trust you’re well.

@Orthodocks

7 ай бұрын

So are you saying that this is the only prayer that we Christians should ever pray? Then what about when protestants go off creatively in prayer and start saying other things such as ‘’help my mother” or such and such? Yes, Christ taught us this most treasured prayer as a blueprint and Orthodox prayers very often include the Lord’s Prayer at regular intervals. Does that mean it’s the only prayer we should ever pray?

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

Who says Mary's on the same level? Christ is always foremost and for that reason He is always depicted on the right with Mary on His left when you go into an Orthodox Church. NEVER the other way around because she is not on the same level as God. It's easy to misunderstand and all that is needed, is a little more research. God Bless.

This needs to be established biblically, otherwise, praying to any image is seen as idolatry to even Jesus, the Son of God. Paul says, if anyone is to add to the scriptures, let them be cursed. The very Spirit of God was given to us as our helper and Christ is our mediator. This is very dangerous and should be ceased immediately. James, the brother of Christ, spoke of how we should not pray to the dead. Come on men!!! “Those who have eyes, let them see!”

@johnnyd2383

2 ай бұрын

Nuh.. St. Paul said - if anyone adds to the Gospel. And Gospel has been delivered in oral form, in a form of a Holy Tradition. Gospel books were written several decades after the formation of the Church. Where your smart arse would be in those decades when NT books did not exist.? Would you be such smart arse then.? Your pride bans you from seeing even though you have eyes.

2:51 yes and same logic can apply to the prophets but there’s only one mediator between man and God which is Jesus Christ. Even Mary knew she was a sinner and needed God. There’s no direct scripture that says to give so much glory to Mary. 6:32 so she’s acting as a mediator ?

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

Perhaps you need to learn what "intercessions" and "supplications" are... (1 Tim 2) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that SUPPLICATIONS, prayers, INTERCESSIONS, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

“Mary sits at the same vertical and horizontal plane as Jesus”. Note this is not found anywhere in scripture. This is what you get from the doctrine of apostolic succession

@JulianLife81

8 ай бұрын

I guess we will just break into 30 thousand denominations and all claim we're "Bible based" churches. This is what you get from the sola scriptura doctrine.

@Razamaniac

8 ай бұрын

apo tou nyn makariousi me pasae ae gaenae-ae tin timioteran ton haeroubim kae aendoksotaeran asygritos ton saerafeim, tin adiafthoros Thaeon Logon Tekousan, tin ontos Theotokon, sae Maegalinomaen.

@TheRealRealOK

8 ай бұрын

What?

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

Explain why the Scriptures are the sole source of Christian doctrine.

@postpost-moderntheology

7 ай бұрын

@@bradleyperry1735 how do you know Plato?

You broke the greatest commandment that jesus believed love thy God with all thy heart and strength. Plus Jesus pray our father who art in heaven, if Jesus venerated mary he would have included her in the prayer and the greatest commandment.

@realmccoy124

8 ай бұрын

Hello FrederickAnderson1860 -- I am trying to figure out what you're saying from what you said. It appears we have an 'Exegete Mashup' and and you're putting couple of things together which makes it difficult for me to understand your premise. Am I understanding you correctly, decoupling your words? Firstly, you state that the greatest Commandment was broken -- that Christ-God believed. I presume you are drawing from the 10 Commandments which Jesus expounds upon in His earthly ministry... and loosely stated here -- we are instructed to love our neighbors as ourselves - thus fulfilling all of the Law. Secondly, you mention the 'Our Father' prayer... when Jesus answered his Disciples who asked of him to teach them to pray... In Holy Orthodoxy, the precious Theotokos isn't included the Our Father prayer during the Divine Liturgy... I have seen some things concerning Romans doing that... where there is certainly a connection in that prayer. However, I don't know enough about that to speak as an authority. Rome does as Rome does.... But, we're not Roman. But, without a doubt, the Theotokos is honored throughout the Divine Liturgy in Holy Orthodoxy. So if you have a beef with Christ-God's Mother, you will be distracted in a Divine Liturgy. Salvation is Created -- when the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin. You make an assertion to know what Christ-God would have done when He was teaching His disciples... I don't know if one can truly position themselves there - in Wisdom. In closing -- I think it is very much apparent that Christ-God esteemed and loved His Mother very much. We see at the Wedding of Canaan his interactions... We also see Christ-God ensuring Mary was taken care of before entering into His repose from all of his work on that Bald Hill....

@frederickanderson1860

8 ай бұрын

@@realmccoy124the simple fact is maybe you have been deep into the theological aspects of the othodox church,while you must understand many don't have the options to go into a monastery and have a daily life of pray and deep theological thinking. The world would not function if we all had such a life.many Have families, responsibilities, and no time to sut and meditate like any priests in any monastery environment. Paul says be all things to all men.you cant adjust to people outside the monastic or reclusive life. Its strange how many religions including Christian over centuries had a low opinion of women in general.and a high regard for Mary. Contradictory indeed. I check out the long history of Christianity and its not consistent. Especially in their treatment of women in general. Lastly jesus spoke to the common people in their own language they could understand. He had authority not as the scribes of the religious schools of his day.

@realmccoy124

8 ай бұрын

@@frederickanderson1860 - your simple fact assertion is far from being factual. I love tacos - I am a father, a husband of one wife, lover of Weimaraner dogs. I work hard in a profession that isn’t remotely related to anything religious… and I have only been Orthodox for a year now. Don’t let the beard fool ya - I entered the Church on the Nativity last year. Your treatment of women comment connects perfectly with a conversation I had with my wife about the books torn out of the KJV … we were talking about ‘what was so horrible about these books that they took them out after being there for well over a 1000 years. The Wisdom of Sirach… one of those books missing from the Protestant Bible… speaks strongly about the strength and worth of women - with high regard. My goal in the remainder of my life is to become a healing presence to encourage and love the souls that I encounter along the way. Loving God. Loving People. Orthodox spirituality is way different than I have seen in the Western churches. Be encouraged. Believe. Belong. Become. Lovingly, Lee.

@acekoala457

8 ай бұрын

​@@frederickanderson1860 Orthodoxy is consistent in its Anthropology, including the treatment of Women.

@frederickanderson1860

8 ай бұрын

@@acekoala457 l don't believe you no church can claim a consistent attitude towards women and have a clean record for centuries.

All Protestant ignorance and hate led by the heresy of Sola Scriptura. Dear friends, argumenting with the Bible only won't lead you to anywhere as you all go in circles. And surprise for you: - Sola Scriptura came around 15 centuries after the Church was created, rather strange, don't you think? - Have you ever been to Rome, to the ancient catacombs, or any other ancient churches (much older than your local 50 years old Protestant church). You may be (un)pleasantly surprised to see icons with saints and the Mother of God. - Have you ever thought that the Bible came to existence as a canon about 300 years later. And did you know it was the Orthodox church that made the canon. Rather ironic I would say. - Did you know thay you can't find all the information in the Bible? Actually, the Bible is a part of the Holy Tradition.)(John 21:25) - Read also James, strongly recommended. I wish you all success in discovering the True Light!

I agree with that understanding. But I can't get concept of her being the queen of heaven.

@gunshotlagoon922

8 ай бұрын

If Christ is both God and King, then obviously we know Mary being Christ's mother has to be Queen.

@danielandressandovalpedrer9851

8 ай бұрын

Christ promised we would rule with Him, if we were loyal to Him. She was, so she rules, but furthermore, Mary is also the mother of God, of Christ, the King. A mother of a king is a queen

@clivejames5058

7 ай бұрын

Does not this video serve as a key for unlocking the mystery of why Mary is regarded as a queen by the way the Old Testament tradition of the “queen mother” in the Davidic kingdom?. Plus the Gospel of Matthew has often been called the “Gospel of the Kingdom.” Matthew emphasises that Jesus is “the Son of David,” who is the true King of the Jews establishing the “Kingdom of Heaven.” With all this kingly imagery, it should not be surprising to find also a queen mother? Mary’s royal office is made even more explicit in Luke’s account of the Visitation. Elizabeth greets Mary with the title “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43). This title is charged with great queenly significance. In the royal court language of the ancient East, the title “Mother of my Lord” was used to address the queen mother of the reigning king (who himself was addressed as “my Lord” ,( 2 Sam. 24:21). Hope this might help a bit. You are not being disloyal to Christ by recognising who his mother was/is.

@ingridprior1337

18 күн бұрын

​@@gunshotlagoon922 Praying to Mary for blessings, protection and intersession is idolatry. And there is no verse in the bible that proofs purgatory, a time for cleansing after death and before heaven. We need to get right with Jesus in this life. And how do you have a relationship with Jesus if you pray through someone else?

@gunshotlagoon922

18 күн бұрын

@@ingridprior1337 1 Timothy 2 tells us to make prayers and intercessions. 1 Corinthians 3 tells us those who are saved will have their unworthy works removed by fire. We adore Mary with the same honor the angel Gabriel had given whom God had sent and with the same exuberance Elizabeth had upon meeting her. Mary and the saints are eternally alive in heaven, we ask them to pray for us because we are all one community under God, no different from asking our relatives and friends to pray for each other. We come to God through the church Christ created for us, not by way of a "personal relationship".

Praying to Mary or Saints is not Biblical at all. This tradition is only in the Apocrypha and the Apocrypha contradicts the Bible no matter how much Catholics or Greek Orthodox try to do gymnastics with Bible verses. The Bible couldn't be more clear Mary did not remain a burden and it's not coredemptive with God's salvation. Only the Trinity is involved in salvation and that's how Mary was able to conceive Jesus through holy Spirit. Has nothing to do with Mary. Mary said herself she needed a savior and someone who needs a savior is a sinner.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

Explain why the Scriptures are the sole source of Christian doctrine. Then explain why Christians venerated and adored the Theotokos before there even was a Bible. Then explain what the “Apocrypha” is, and explain why it was canonical before Martin Luther. Then explain why Jesus and the Apostles quoted it. Then show me where it contradicts any other part of the Scriptures.

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

7 ай бұрын

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 King James Version 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.” Exodus 20:3-5 King James Version 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 2:5 King James Version 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; John 14:6 King James Version 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 King James Version 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4 King James Version 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; John 9:31 King James Version 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 1 John 2:15-17 King James Version 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Repent stop praying to the dead. For Mary can't save you or be a mediator. only Jesus can. The dead are asleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 King James Version 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 King James Version 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Trust in the true scriptures. Not men's religion, culture or traditions. for these are the words that God and Jesus. the word of God spoke. God bless in Jesus name.

@oogaleeboogalee6522

6 ай бұрын

"It's not Biblical because it comes from the parts of the Bible that disagree with my theology"

@AlexDiaz-wx3ng

6 ай бұрын

@@oogaleeboogalee6522 She has to go yearly to the temple for yearly sacrifice. Also Joseph did not come in to her till she had Jesus. She also had more kids.Jesus has brothers and sisters. All in the book of Mathews. Catholics have the wrong trinity of Tammuz his mother Semiramis and Nimrod. Even Mary herself needed a savior. They don't realize Jesus was since the begining. For he is the word of God in the flesh. God bless. We need to keep preaching the truth for so many are lost.

@bradleyperry1735

6 ай бұрын

@@AlexDiaz-wx3ng This is all low-IQ internet nonsense. You should read some books. Better yet, visit an Orthodox Divine Liturgy.

Honestly, not very compelling arguments.

@realmccoy124

8 ай бұрын

Hi Dave - the Orthodox Church doesn’t ask for one’s opinions concerning her Teachings and Tradition. I think Father Jesse attempts and succeeds to inform - this is the way it is - and that is that. There is no coercion in Orthodoxy - and I think trying to compel someone about this would cross that precept. You have heard a solid explanation of the Church’s Wisdom … it’s up to you to cultivate it. I would advise not to quickly dismiss things. I was really dismissive of the Theotokos - having received malformed teachings from the Fractured West… but while journeying into Holy Orthodoxy - I was hospitalized - alone and thinking I was nearing death - I prayed ‘Hail Mary Full of Grace…’ and I lovingly experienced her touch and my fears were dispelled. As a former Protestant - the Lord corrected my bad theology… and my love for the Theotokos has blossomed since. All of the saints - really have become great companions as I press towards the mark - the high calling in Christ-God. Be gentle with yourself and others. Lovingly, Lee.

@SteffieR

7 ай бұрын

@@realmccoy124 beautifully said!!

@JDFY23

5 ай бұрын

@@realmccoy124 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9

@Paisios77

5 ай бұрын

@@JDFY23 so St Paul later referred to himself as Father, a Spiritual Father. I have a Father, a biological one and a spiritual one, this is not what Christ was referring to. This was specifically to the Pharisees

@user-un1sx8xp2q

5 ай бұрын

I can understand your concerns but we must remember as human the truth isnt based on feeling but upon what is so we shouldnt base our conclusions on feeling of attraction but upon what is. I'm not saying thats easy eithier yk were all human no matter who you are we all have are own bias and what not.

So im in a serious relationship with kids. We are not yet married. We just started going to a catholic church together. Everything good.. Recently i confessed at a didf church.. it was just closer going after work. Anyways. The priest kinda scolded me and said im fornicating and i need to get married and not have relations until we do. I recited the act of contrition? Anyway I am taking the Catholic church seriously .. hence why i confessed. Question is.. is it bad to sleep with my gf and still plan on marrying? Say next year or maybe run to vegas. He told me i had to thru the church. Im leaning on listening to his command? But if its not that serious. Then…

Would one say that because the linage of Isaac is why Mary was chosen

@johnnyd2383

6 ай бұрын

Because of lineage of king David, her purity in acts and thoughts, her dedication to God starting from her parents who conceived her late in life, etc.

Pray with Holy St. Mother Mary, never to, that is absolute idolatry

@Tilldeatharmwrestling

8 ай бұрын

Praying to someone isn’t worshiping someone

@TheRealRealOK

8 ай бұрын

Semantics. When we say we pray to the Saints, we don’t mean worship them. The term pray has many meanings, including “to ask.”

@annalynn9325

8 ай бұрын

Even in our day, some legal filings use language along the lines of “Wherefore, Plaintiffs pray to the court for xyz” do you then believe attorneys worship the court? To pray is to ask, or to plead.

@christopher-seraphim-craig9983

8 ай бұрын

This coming from someone with Crowley as their profile pic...

@wesleyerickson8661

8 ай бұрын

Prayer - To make a humble request 🗿man, prayer requests and reverence really do be demonic idolatry huh.

The Blessed Virgin Mary 🪔✝️📿⚔️🛡🙏🕯🫡JMJ

Mat 23:8-10: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Rabbi, even the Messiah; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called rulers: for one is your Ruler, even the Messiah ."

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

A cure for your illness called ignorance: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ep13m8Omgqu-dLg.html

the love we have for our father should make our love for anyone else seem insignificant by comparison . that includes Jesus mother. he said that he said were those who who listened to and obeyed the word of God, were his mother and brothers and sisters. the flesh profits nothing his words are spirit and they are life.we eat the spiritual flesh and blood of the lamb and as overcomers we eat the hidden manna. and we never try to offer another sacrifice after the last one was offered by the Lord himself.

No icons no humans no saints…. Ask the Father in His Name (Son)

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

Average time of Orthodox service is 1.5 hours. What is the average time of your service.?

There is so much to unpack, so I'm not going to. But, I will keep it very simple. It's interesting how a few words can motivate a completely different truth in scripture. Brother, I don't say this in judgement, but truth. Within this video you contradicted yourself, and most importantly, the scriptures. Adding and taking away based on perception, rather than Truth. I sincerely hope The Holy Ghost leads you to be convicted, repent and live sound doctrine. Scary

It is the wisdom of men to perceive Mary as not equal to our humanity (God's wisdom is greater), God in His grace through our Faith in His Promises, the seed which brought forth the Messiah. Jesus speaks about Mary much differently than these men do, in likewise does he called John the Baptist "the greatest", but cautions people into deominations, because John was no greater than those who would inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Likewise, greater are those who do the things Jesus says than the woman whom breastfed and bore His humanity.

"If we are clear on their holiness" this is the exact problem with orthodoxy. They make terrible judgments. They assume holiness. They play God. Notice how Robinson quotes Cyril of Alexandria. He lived 400+ years after Jesus. He's following the traditions of Aaron NOT Moses. Jesus ascended (God), the apostles left their mark in the first generation (Moses) and we got some writings out of it. If the first generation Christians didn't say to pray to Mary then it's safe to assume this is an act of Aaron and NOT of Moses. The Orthodox has fashioned their own golden calf. LIKE 100s of them LOL. Pretty sad.

@johnnyd2383

2 ай бұрын

We believe in Lord's Church being guided by the Spirit, and that includes canonization of the Saints. Church has produced numerous Saints in the past 2000 years while Protestant heretics produced none as you are not in His Church, not being guided by the Spirit and hence you are sounding like a "tinkling cymbal".

@35751W

2 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 I follow and pray to Christ. You pray to men you define as holy. Christs sacrifice enabled us to be saved from death. You believe the physical church underneath a magical bishop saves. we are not the same.....pagan.

@johnnyd2383

2 ай бұрын

@@35751W Thank you for your "kind" words, Mr. Foolish Virgin.

Catholic here...please, can we be in communion again?

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

Yes. Repent and get back to the sound doctrines of the Orthodox Church, those you held until 11th century. Heavens will rejoice for every heterodox repenting and joining God's Church.

@Elijah21548

4 ай бұрын

No I dont think

@fruitfuI

4 ай бұрын

I don’t think the denominations will ever get back together due to your beliefs changing in the 1050s, but you are always welcome back to Orthodoxy

@kevinjones2422

4 ай бұрын

I don't think we are as different as the world likes to make us think. The veil of confusion between the apostolic churches isn't of God. I can't help but think that the first step into reunification is humility.

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

@@kevinjones2422 Lord said that in order to be one body, there must be one faith (Ephesians 4, 4-6). Union w/o one faith is impossible. That is why in my original comment I have said the path to become one body. Anything else is just a human delusion.

1Tim 2:5: "For there is one Yahweh, and one mediator between Yahweh and men, the man Messiah Yahshua;"

@johnnyd2383

4 ай бұрын

Do not forget that in the heart of every Saint dwells Lord Jesus Christ: "...it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..." (Gal 2, 20). So by asking Saint to intercede, can we avoid Lord.?

@oogaleeboogalee6522

3 ай бұрын

The word Yahweh doesn't exist in Greek 😭 the text says Lord

Ameen from pakistan ❤❤

We go to her and ask for help, and she petition on our behalf... I'm always hear this about praying to saints, that they are the middlemen between us and God. That theirs prayers are more "effective" than our own. I can't get it. Where is the line? When does praying to saint to speak with God becomes worshipping a saint(because you are not asking God directly, but give power to middleman)? Do you face the icons, when you are praying to them? It is hard to understand triunity of God, but you just adding layers and traditions on top of that, which are not in Scripture. And if you are pointing inconsistencies you politely asked to not ask that much questions.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

Prayer isn’t worship. You have to understand what worship is.

@TEPMOBETEP

7 ай бұрын

You have a chance to explain what worship is, would you be so kind to step down from your place of understanding to the level of silly me? I am not trying to be smug, but you pointing that i am wrong and do not provide arguments to your point or explanation to where i can be mistaken. Just said "you have to understand". Jesus explained His parables. So, what is worship, and why prayer is not one of the means of worship?

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

@@TEPMOBETEP What do you think worship is?

@TEPMOBETEP

7 ай бұрын

I asked you first, actually. In my culture it is inpolite to answer question with another question. More so if it is the SAME QUESTION... It is not live conversation, you don't need to stall time with counter questions, you can think and construct good answer in a day or two, if you need.

@bradleyperry1735

7 ай бұрын

@@TEPMOBETEP I don’t think I’m part of your culture, so I’m not concerned with whether or not it’s impolite. You are asserting that prayer to the Saints is worship. You’re wrong, and I want you to think about what you’re saying. It’s called the Socratic method. If you cannot define worship, then how can you possibly know something is idolatry? So I’ll ask again. What do you think worship is?

Despite all the mental gymnastics to justify the layers of burdensome traditions one verse cuts through: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

@oogaleeboogalee6522

3 ай бұрын

Do you realize it is literally Jesus Christ that Mary, the Theotokos, is praying to in order to save us? We do not worship Mary nor do we believe that by her own merits she can give us God's grace. We call her "most holy" not because she was born holy, but because she chose to live a holy life.

@synthesaurus

3 ай бұрын

@@oogaleeboogalee6522 I realize that. I just struggle with some aspects of it. Words like : “Give life to me who have been deadened by passion, you that gave birth to the life-giving God. Enlighten my blinded soul, you that gave birth to the never-ending light.” “Establish me anew who have been made senseless by transgressions, O Blameless One.” “Deliver me from the eternal flames.” Etc

@johnnyd2383

2 ай бұрын

Do not omit the other verse saying: "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2, 20).

@synthesaurus

2 ай бұрын

@@oogaleeboogalee6522 the fact that this causes so much controversy and deters so many from the church suggests that the “wording” of some prayers must adapt to the current semantics. But this would go against the appearance of “immutability” in Orthodoxy. Kinda like in Russia they think that using modern Russian in liturgy would destroy the faith :)

Taken to its logical conclusion, the veneration of Mary as "the mother of God" is a very slippery slope. You may as well as claim the need to venerate the mother of the "mother of God". and so on. The other problem you encounter is in assuming to pass judgment on Mary, and placing her in heaven on a throne. Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Mary is a sinner just like every other person. Equating God the Father to the things men did as kings of Israel is to denigrate Heaven. I am yet to come across anywhere in the Bible where believers commune with the dead. Jesus Christ is alive!

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of the Theotokos Mary are canonized as saints in the EOC. Also, St. Paul in his epistle prays for the departed Onesiphorus. Examine that case.

@KMisty1

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 This line of argument has been explored by biblical scholars and found to be a bottomless hole. You may as well as venerate all of Mary's lineage until Adam if it an issue of who is holy. My position is that God does not have a mother, and there is no need for another layer of mediation before God in heaven apart from Jesus Christ. The argument of the situation of Onesiphorus is still out there. I would urge you to avoid building a doctrine on something as unclear as that. 2 Tim 1:12 and 2 Tim 4:8 have similar language you may want to consider.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@KMisty1 Your positions are outright heretical and I feel sorry for you. Being under the anathema of the Eastern Orthodox Church may not bother you, but once the Lord comes back to pickup His Bride, His Church, if you are not member of His Bride, you may hear those terrible words: "I never knew you" (Matt 7, 23). If I were you, I would have better examine Orthodox stance with regards to the Church Triumphant.

@KMisty1

3 ай бұрын

@@johnnyd2383 Please do not feel sorry for me, I am already redeemed by the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ. I do not need to be a member of your prescribed 'club', and I reject your offer to engage in idolatry and necromancy. I suggest you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, and I pray the Holy Spirit reveals to you the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. May God deliver you and bless you.

@johnnyd2383

3 ай бұрын

@@KMisty1 I have to. You have fallen to the marketing move of your pastor who, in order to lure more unsuspecting people into his private business he calls "church", offered to you and others "eternal salvation" which is false doctrine. It is nowhere guaranteed and is in fact debunked by verses like: (1 Corinthians 10,12) "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." In other words.. salvation is process and not the on/off switch that goes in one direction only. Better be aware of those false teachers...

You say: Mary is the mother of christ, Mary is the mother of god, but then christ is the son of god.. Jesus prays to god multiple times, but jesus is still god, so jesus is praying at him self... Christ peace be upon him is a prophet of god like Moses. god will send him to us again and he will rule under the authority of one true god, the creator of everything the most gracious the most merciful

Also. There is One Way. One Truth. One Life. To pray to anyone else is heretical and leads straight to hell. That isn't my belief, it's all through The Bible.

@oogaleeboogalee6522

Ай бұрын

Did you watch the video? No one is praying TO Mary IN PLACE of God. It's called intercession and supplication because it is praying WITH the saints towards God

Why can’t we just say “Mary the Mother of The God Man”