I converted last year at 34 yr old and am a catechumen now in the Holy Orthodox Church. I was Protestant my whole life. My family loves the Lord and I was blessed to have strong Christian parents who raised me to love our heavenly father. First my brother and his family converted 10 years ago. My father converted two years ago, and now I have converted. If you are Protestant, know you are loved. There is no judgement from us on those who were not taught to know the whole true faith. We pray you find Orthodoxy and experience the fullness of our ancient and unchanged faith. There is no way I could be Protestant after knowing what I know now only because I realize the schism started with the Roman church and later the German Protestants, which lead to the more than 30k factional denominations today. Pray God moves on your spirit to learn the history of the church. History alone is enough to call you home. Many blessings. God speed.

@TheNikolinho

3 жыл бұрын

former orthodox here, current whatever - protestant/evangelical/pentacostal - I don't care. i identify myself as a Christian, that's the most important. churches? meh, important and not that much. God has His people everywhere (well, except in cults). not being a protestant bc of the schism? a weak argument to be honest. you are not responsible for the past nor should you let it influence you that much. orthodoxy isn't perfect either. in my country, it's heavily mixed with paganism and it's fine with priests!!! every holiday, tradition, custom, etc., is mixes with ancient slavic gods and converted to sound Christian, even though it ain't. so let's keep our focus on Christ, not so much on the building. blessings

@tristankramer4636

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheNikolinho Sir with all due respect you don’t sound theologically educated. Your denomination is extremely important as it is clear that self interpretation is wrong. St Paul states for us to be of one mind, as Christ was. Churches with official understandings of scripture (e.g. Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches, Traditional Lutheranism etc) are very important. Truth be told I don’t think you will find Christ by just reading the Bible. You have denied yourself of the Sacraments

@TheNikolinho

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristankramer4636 you have assumed a lot about me. :) of course, I am a part of the local church/body! but I was talking about how I identify myself - in which part of the faith isn't that much important as is my life and relationship with Christ/Hristos outside the church/building. i used to judge orthodox and Catholics too much bc of saints and Mary, believers in general bc of tattoos, smoking, or entering and worshiping the church with hats on. to be clear, I still judge people for these and similar other things ;) BUT I understand that our diversity isn't necessarily bad or sinful, and that there can be beauty in diversity and that my way doesn't have to be the only right one. perhaps an Orthodox or a Catholic isn't sinning about everything that I would think before, and these videos are helping me to understand it better. it doesn't mean I agree, but I understand better. i can go on and on for a long time typing what I meant, but this should be enough... YES, Paul met Jesus without the building! and so did many converts on the streets and roads! it doesn't mean that the local body isn't important, but that Jesus isn't equal to a structure/building! of course, I try to push people whom I know to have fellowship and unity and assembly (church) when they can! i am not against the church at all! my major is theology and I am getting ready to be a future minister, don't worry about me. my focus is Christ and He can be found on the deserted island or top of the mountain if you reach out to Him. He isn't locked in a tomb or a chamber in a special church of this or that denomination! the Body of Christ is super important bc He didn't make us to be lone wolves. so, together, we pray, read, study, correct and encourage and comfort and rebuke each other, take communion together, sing to God, worship, etc. but it's not important to me anymore to tell others, "Hey i am evangelical/protestant". ok, AND? :D that's the point! i am a Christian, a fallible man of God, and THAT IS MY IDENTITY, not this or that church!

@tristankramer4636

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheNikolinho Thats a much better and detailed explanation of your faith. Thankyou brother/sister Amen

@TheNikolinho

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristankramer4636 You're welcome, brother. Name is Nikola, so I am a guy, your brother. :D God bless

Icons were very important in a practical sense because most people were illiterate. Yet, they could walk into Church and see the Gospel in paint and mosaic.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Good point!

@Zumorinrin_Kyota17

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree with you Sister Angela.

@johnsambo9379

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely the modern printing press didn't come around tell what the 1500's? Most people couldn't read and didn't have a Bible of any sort. The pictures told the story as well as the priest.

@johnsambo9379

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly. Plus there was really no available bible for the common man tell the invention of the printing press.

@eeaotly

Жыл бұрын

@@n1nib It's next to "if you're signing your name by putting saliva on your thumb finger"...

Since I began praying, fasting and went to confession. 1. Cleaner house and car. 2. Less depression 3. Job offers 4.confidence socially 5. Less arguments 6. My angry temper went way 4. Less grudges. 5. No fear of dying

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! That’s great

@revert6417

3 жыл бұрын

Praise be

@Pax-Christi

3 жыл бұрын

That's incredible, how often do you fast and how long?

@Kanal7Indonesia

3 жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

@immaculateheart1267

3 жыл бұрын

I'm Catholic and achieved those things with holy mass, confession, and living a sacramentally devout Catholic life. Plus, physical illnesses have gotten better and prayers for conversions to the one holy Catholic and apostolic church, more efficacious. Not to mention and this one is strange to me, because I never pray about this but financially, things are really changed for the better.

Love from a Syriac orthodox in India 💕☦️💕☦️💕

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mariaathanassiou5264

3 жыл бұрын

Love you brother. A 2000 year old church in a difficult environment. Bless you.

I'm so glad to be Orthodox and that my four children were raised in the faith. I'm sick and won't live for more than a couple of more years. I have a hard time driving but folks from my church pick me up on Sundays. I have to pull myself up and force myself to go on Sunday and I'm so grateful I can still do this. Our Church is heaven on earth. You would feel it if you went there.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so much for this testimony of faithfulness.God bless you Kyril

@stevanHG1

3 жыл бұрын

I will pray for you mr Kyril and thank God and yourself for your testimony of real faith. I'm sure that your honesty will help you and also meny people around you and give hope and faith to alot people on earth! May God help us all.

@featheredsunsets4675

3 жыл бұрын

Blessings

@airport_motels

3 жыл бұрын

God Bless

@bowrudder899

2 жыл бұрын

Look to Jesus. Put your faith in Jesus, not a religion or church.

When I realized the great truths presented here, I could no longer be a part of the Baptist church I had been in. My soul could take no more, I needed to "come home" to the Orthodox Church. I'm so glad that I did. "Too often modern Christians forget that the Church is not just an institution, but the Kingdom of God that is both here and is yet still to come. The Church is described as the Bride of Christ. We are betrothed to Christ. The second coming is the wedding day and the final consummation. Therefore, we live this present life in two dimensions: as saved and yet hoping for salvation; as betrothed to Christ and yet in anticipation and anxiety for the consummation of the marriage; as joyful and yet penitent; as having everything and yet possessing nothing; as living in this world and yet “having here no continuing city”; as in the world yet not of the world; as being members of Christ’s Church, receiving the new life of baptism and eternal life in the Eucharist; and yet as striving to be made worthy of the Kingdom to come. This double character of Christian life is absolutely essential" - Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

Glory to God... I am so happy when I read of brothers and sisters who through searching and following the voice of Lord in their heart finally get home.. Hallelujah

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@George-ur8ow

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Thanks for the wonderful work that you do! Continue to ask, seek & knock!

This is so lovely, greetings from Serbia!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Milos596

3 жыл бұрын

Jovana lepo je što se interesuješ za veru. Puno pozdrava od još jednog Srbina!

@quantumflux9927

3 жыл бұрын

@@Milos596 Узвраћам поздраве!

@fuzedev-rblx2778

3 жыл бұрын

@@quantumflux9927 pozdrav od makedonija

@quantumflux9927

3 жыл бұрын

@@fuzedev-rblx2778 Поздрав брате!

I saw our serbian saint sava on one of the icons

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting!

I worked at a factory producing catalysts for six months. There 90% of the workers spend 80 percent of the 8 hour shift standing/walking. So lets say that's 6 hours on your feet during the shift. Shifts were two days first shift, two days second shift, two days third, two days off. During the six months I worked there (jan - jun 2018) I did the 40 day fast for Easter (I'm an Orthodox Christian). During that six month period I also had a week where I had the flu and still kept working those 8 hour shifts. My point is, standing for three hours for a service is not the big deal everyone makes it to be. That being said, the orthodox churches do have places for the elderly, sick, or children to sit at.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Val.Kyrie.

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! I’m a chef of almost 20 years and my whole life is standing 😂👌🏻 I’m at home making lunch for my family and guess what I’m doing - standing and eating my food (and standing typing) as I continue cooking for my seated family. It’s just what I’m *used* to. The only meal I eat sitting is dinner usually 🤷🏼‍♀️ standing and moving around a few hours a day would be greet for people. Doing it Sunday is barely stretching the legs.

@thanossakoulas2842

3 жыл бұрын

i cant speak for every church but at least orthodox churches in greece do have seats

@CM-qb7re

3 жыл бұрын

I think standing and doing something is different to standing and being silent and praying. I know when I used to stand while working in a factory, standing was fine because you got to move around but also you were kept occupied. I would think it is much more difficult to stand while trying to pray and the only thing keeping you busy are you and your inner thoughts.

@richardbenitez1282

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for saying orthodox churches do make allowances for us old people. One orthodox from Serbia said Easter Service was standing 2 hours (ouch!).

I'm a protestant but went to a Divine Liturgy out of curiosity after learning about the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. I didn't know about the fasting before taking the Eucharist. During the service people kept bringing us bread and I was shocked that little kids were grabbing handfuls of it to snack on. It all makes sense now lol.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, the more you know!

I love the Saint Matrona icon! My wife is Russian and her parents gave my son an icon of her for his baptism!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

That’s great!

That was the first Orthodox church I went to and became cathecumen. Much love to wonderful fr John and everyone at CTS. I'm Orthodox now praize God!

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

Amen🙏.... God bless you

Affable and well-spoken priest. Good to also see people enquiring about Orthodoxy. Peace of Christ from an Albanian Eastern Orthodox Christian.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

He's great

@greek42069

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Ti kanis from St. Demetrios in Saco, Maine BLESSED THEOPHANY!! @4:13 Looks like his childrens names are left to right St. Isaac, St. John?, St. Anthony, st constantine and then St. Elizabeth, not sure though? can anybody tell me the names?? Thanks in advance god bless

As a Catholic, thank you for helping gain an even greater appreciation for our brothers in Christ. God bless you for what you do!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@openminds8765

10 ай бұрын

​@@GospelSimplicity Is this Orthodox church under the Criminal Patriarch Kirill ❓ Have they denounce the Criminal Patriarch Kirill❓

Greetings from Ethiopian orthodox Church 💚💛❤️🙏🏼I love love being orthodox and the beauty of the church, the teaching, tradition...

Thank you for sharing. I am Roman Catholic. I had a boss that was Eastern Orthodox and we would always talk about the similarities in our religions and differences. We both learned and respected our religion. It was nice to have a visual of the Orthodox Church and learn more about it. Very beautiful 💕

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

That’s wonderful!

As a Roman Catholic, I was favorably impressed by Fr. Baker’s description of how and why they fast completely before the service and receiving the Eucharist. Their practice of fasting is a bit more stringent than ours ( we are only required to fast one hour before and may take medication if needed) Thanks Austin, I really appreciate your openness and intellectual curiosity to look at other faith traditions. God bless you on your journey.

@filipschweiner1989

3 жыл бұрын

Actually we had the same discipline as the orthodox up until the year 1957, when it was changed to 3 hours fast. With further reform in 1964 we ended up with the current 1 hour. Eastern Catholics keep the original fast from midnight. If you can, keep the proper fast too, there is nothing that forbids us from doing so.

@ShawnReidyKofC

3 жыл бұрын

@@filipschweiner1989 Oh, of course. I was just stating the minimum requirements. Catholics may certainly extend that period.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@filipschweiner1989

3 жыл бұрын

@Totus Tuus Maybe. I think we should have kept the 3 hour rule. It isn't harsh at all but still shows more respect than the mere 1 hour.

@BibleLessons

3 жыл бұрын

In Orthodox Church 1 hour fast is impossible because only the Divine Liturgy is 2-3 hours long :)

God bless your journey in Christianity.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@AlexanderN509

3 жыл бұрын

​@Trump 2020 Make America white Christian again Find a local Orthodox Church, or move somewhere where there is one. Talk to the priest there about your Interest and become a Catechumen with Gods help. God bless you.

@derekward3512

3 жыл бұрын

@Trump 2020 Make America white Christian again no we don’t concern ourselves with politics, also what the heck is with your name

Proud to be an Orthodox... Big Love from Indonesian Orthodox ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@parists5455

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, Indonesian Orthodox! Love, greetings and God blessings to you and all people in your country my brother, regards from Greece!

@tidvrlarvt1023

3 жыл бұрын

@@parists5455 thank you my brother... God be with you and all the Orthodox people in Greece. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@tsorelagameplay2405

3 жыл бұрын

@@tidvrlarvt1023 Greek here also! Stay safe brother💙

@tidvrlarvt1023

3 жыл бұрын

@@tsorelagameplay2405 you too brother... 🙏🙏🙏🙏

@symphonymph3562

3 жыл бұрын

@@tidvrlarvt1023 Dari Indonesia juga? Salam, ortodoks dari Indonesia juga nih.

I am so happy I found this video! I am from Romania! Of course I am Orthodox, since Romania is an orthodox country from the start! Saint Andrew preached the Gospel here 2000 years ago! Anyway! I am very happy to see people like you! Even if I was born Orthodox, I had a journy! I tried to understand why there are so many denominations and I wanted to understand pretty much everything. After a few years of searching I came back home! I pray that you shall find your Home in Orthodoxy soon! God bless you my brother! You will be in my prayers! U are great! So glad I can see what u are doing!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your prayers!

@eternalbyzantium262

3 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of studying in Romania. I'm a new convert to Christianity, (protestant) and am so drawn to Orthodoxy. Its part of a scholarship program to study there, I have to learn Romania and everything. What is Romania truly like? The church, culture and people?

@stefaniaandreea8793

3 жыл бұрын

@@eternalbyzantium262 hey I am from Romania:) If you want some advice I would really love to help you!

@eternalbyzantium262

3 жыл бұрын

@@stefaniaandreea8793 Oh yes please, I would really love to have contact. I'm heading over to Cluj Napoca, Babes Bolyai University.

Thank you for making this video so more people can learn about orthodoxy ❣️ Greetings from Serbia

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Our church in PA had the same iconographer, Father Theodore. He does incredibly beautiful work. Iconographers do not "paint" icons, they "write" them. Regarding the singing and chanting - there is an old saying about this: "He who sings well prays twice."

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks for that

@tracygriffin4439

3 жыл бұрын

Father Theodore is a fantastic iconographer! I love his work.

If you're ever in San Francisco, visit the cathedral of the Theotokos where the relics of St.John of Shanghai and San Francisco are. I visited the cathedral prior to knowing anything about orthodoxy and it was such an incredible experience. 6 months later I became a catechumen.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Such a beautiful parish ! Orthodoxy continues to draw me and it definitely hasn’t been easy with my family

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It is! Prayers for you on your journey

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

Hasn't Christ said:and a man's enemies will be those of his household? If someone loves father or mother more than Me he is not worthy of me.. (Matthew 10:35) Above all is God and His truth.. Since you hear His voice in you calling you home then you should listen to Him.. Because for God calling you He must have seen a humble accepting heart in you.. Don't reject that Grace... Prayers for you

I was married in this church! In fact, the iconostasis is in the background of my profile pic right here. This was my spiritual home for the first few years I was Orthodox. Much love to you and all the lovely Moody students from across the street who wander over for a Vespers or a Liturgy!

@Strongtower

2 ай бұрын

Hello I hope you'll see this. You said Moody students visit this church occasionally. Do you know if any Moody students attend this church as their main church?

@christophermcgarvey8746

2 ай бұрын

​@@Strongtowerwe had several long term inquirers and I Believe a few joined the church eventually. I would not know if any are attending currently.

@Strongtower

2 ай бұрын

@@christophermcgarvey8746 Thank you so much for replying so quickly. If I could ask one more question, do you know if those students continued to attend Moody after joining the Orthodox Church?

Much love from a soon-to-be Orthodox Catechumen!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Cheers to my Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ from a Catholic. 🙏 ☦️✝️

Am From Africa Ethiopia And My Religion Is Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Orthodox Is Just Peace religion. 😍😍

@damarasquest6704

11 ай бұрын

There is an Ethiopian Orthodox church here in Jamaica I have been thinking about attending

@user-rc8ou9yb5d

6 ай бұрын

From Russia with love,sister☦️❤️🇷🇺

Great video. I went to Moody, as well as Trinity College in Deerfield with my husband. We are now Orthodox and my husband is a deacon here in Dallas. We attended Christ the Savior for a time. Love Fr. John Baker. Great community. Prior to that we attended All Saints on Newport in Chicago for several years. Please do yourself a huge favor and contact or visit Fr. Patrick Reardon from there. He will be able to answer all your questions about Orthodoxy. Many MANY students from Trinity, Judson, Wheaton, Moody have sought him out. He has spoken at Moody in some classes. You will thank me.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I bet that was quite the journey! Thanks for sharing some of it here. Fr. Patrick and I will actually be doing an interview once I'm back on campus for the Spring semester!

@notarobot2161

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Excellent. Thank you for your ecumenical work. I really appreciate your attention to detail and interview style. God bless you.

A wonderful video! Pray for my journey to Orthodoxy as my parents aren't allowing me to change the religion. God bless !

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@myronplatte8354

3 жыл бұрын

“Knock and the door will be opened to you”. This law transcends worldly limitations. I will pray for you, brother!

@hadrijonart

3 жыл бұрын

@@myronplatte8354 Thanks ! ☦

This church is so beautiful. Oh my.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It truly is

@user-ff2qr6lh4y

3 жыл бұрын

Even more beautiful here in Serbia Вера вечна, вера славна, наша вера православна

@vladm5920

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-ff2qr6lh4y Привет братьям и сёстрам Сербам из России 🙏☦️

I love how open minded and respectful you are are as a protestant in an orthodox church. It's really nice to see your respect and awe and interest and lack of judgement. 🥰

Read about St. Matrona of Moscow, St. John of SF, and St. Nectarios of Aegina (the icons in that church). Twentieth century wonder working Saints. Truly amazing stories.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mixahl4923

3 жыл бұрын

Also elder Ephraim of Arizona. A great saint. He performed many miracles including raising two people that we know of from the dead.

@BibleLessons

3 жыл бұрын

Today is day of memory of st. Nectaryos of Aegine- he passed to God round 100 years ago

@BibleLessons

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-ji3mn5fu8q Agree. Wonderful movie is here ->>>> kzread.info/dash/bejne/e6V41dimfratabQ.html

Beautiful church.

@BibleIllustrated

3 жыл бұрын

It is stunning! God's pearl in this world! :-)

@Latro84

3 жыл бұрын

@@BibleIllustrated gde si bre brate ☺️

Austin, your wonderful questions are proof that you were really paying attention during the Divine Liturgy. What an astute observer you were! I was so overwhelmed by my first visit to an Orthodox service I felt quite disoriented by it all! Too much was coming at me at once to be able to focus on anything enough to make any kind of analysis of it.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you!

😳 Wow..I've never heard of American Orthodox Christians. God bless all of you! A Romanian Orthodox Christian

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Learn something new everyday!

@kevintsuyoi901

3 жыл бұрын

We are fewer here, but we do exist.

@zach6867

3 жыл бұрын

Hristos a inviat!

@nicolaedan4437

3 жыл бұрын

@@zach6867 Adevărat a înviat!

Love my churches! So proud to be Serbian orthodox. So beautiful.

You had mentioned one of the parts of Orthodoxy which made you hesitant was a “seeming lack of ecumenicism” related to their insistence on being the “one true church”. I WILL tell you that that needs to be understood in context. The Orthodox Church DOES teach it is the true church and truest form of Christianity, yet they do not claim that they alone have a monopoly on the grace and mercy of God. Just as God dwelt fully in isreal, yet his grace poured forth into the nations and many outside of isreal were saved (Rehab for example). So also, just because I’m orthodox and believe God’s spirit resides within the church, I do not claim that all Catholics and Protestants are damned, but only offer up prayers to God on their behalf and only condemn myself as the chief of sinners! It is not an arrogant claim, but a humble recognition of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. I left protestantism once I compared the paradigms and saw that the cohesive apostolic teaching of orthodoxy far outweighed the brittle nature of Sola scriptura🙏🏼

@alexanderderus2087

3 жыл бұрын

@Sete de Vesnicie this is true. The church condemns heretics, NOT because it does not love them but BECAUSE it loves them. Heresies are falsehoods, and falsity ALWAYS is in opposition to The Truth (our Lord). These teachings bring death and separation from God. Small heresies, if treated too casually can result in massive distortions. And when you perceive lies as Truth, it ultimately leads to pain, suffering, and spiritual sickness/death.

@MikhalisBramouell

3 жыл бұрын

@@alexanderderus2087 Great comment! All that said, we do not recognize any Sacraments outside of the Orthodox Church as valid, and I think the best example of this in Scripture is that of the Samaritan Heresy: the Samaritans worshipped the same God as the Judaeans, the same Scriptures, the same Moses, the same Law and same Tabernacle worship, but for no other reason than that they elected Mt Gerizim as their holy mountain were they excommunicated and cut off and numbered among the apostates: But in Orthodoxy, "ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the festival and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant..." (Hebrews 12,22-24)

@MikhalisBramouell

3 жыл бұрын

@@kyrieeleison1243 On the basis that they are schismatic, and thus have discontinued their own Apostolic Succession and allowed heresy to blossom in several forms. No difference whatsoever from the Samaritans...

@stevesavas2125

3 жыл бұрын

@@kyrieeleison1243 because as Orthodox Christians say in the Nicene creed, every day, " I believe in ONE holy apostolic church, I confess ONE baptism for the forgiveness of sins". As Orthodox Christians confess, they practice. There is only one church of Christ and there is is only one church with valid sacraments.

@MikhalisBramouell

3 жыл бұрын

@@kyrieeleison1243 Orthodox don't create new prejudices, we use the ones ordained by God which you call "old" :) Please tell us again how you are different from the Samaritans who preserved their form better than even the Judaeans? The Body of Christ can not be broken, you are speaking blasphemy.

Greetings from Romania! God bless and God help us all!

Hi Austin, like you I enjoy learning about other areas of Christian worship. This is where KZread has been excellent in allowing us to explore and see these rich traditions, so thank you for your video insights. I am a Protestant too but admire much about the Orthodox and Catholic church, to the point now that I wish the 'Church' had never fragmented. I feel I am missing out but would welcome your opinion. I can't really have a foot in each camp!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I think we all should lament the division and pray for unity. I think the question for you to ask now is which church holds the truth?

@kempini

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity Indeed. I can only answer by believing that if we truly repent and have the kingdom of God within us, then the church we are in will witness the truth.

@anastasiadare9231

3 жыл бұрын

Amen dear friend, even though our church IS fragmenting with Austin's love of God and others God will bkess this unity here. May many more come and 'Taste and see how good The Lord is' is ANY CHRISTIAN PLACE OF WORSHIP :)

Greetings from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The Orthodox Church - the Ark of Salvation ☦️

@funnytiktokvideosromania1201

3 жыл бұрын

The ark of false religion christian is the true religion ✝️

@bruhbruh2605

3 жыл бұрын

@Mariah Michael ✝️✝️

@bruhbruh2605

3 жыл бұрын

@Mariah Michael in christianity we Don’t have a priest we have a pastor

@TheNikolinho

3 жыл бұрын

no no no no no... the Ark of salvation, as if when Noah went into the ark and the door closed - HRISTOS is that Ark and He is the door per gospel of John! not an institution, church, building! let's not spread some heresy and subjectivism, please!!! Christ saves, not an institution. repented believers who love Christ ALL together are members of His Body and they are spread out throughout the world in different churches.

Beautiful, I love our Orthodox brothers

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

Very well done Austin. It is inspiring to see your genuine interest in trying understand the significance of everything that surrounds you. The smells and bells (and icons) are not for our entertainment, but are a means to ignite all our senses, to lift us spiritually and help guide us toward union with Christ. I personally could do without the pews in my Greek Orthodox church as I also feel they are an obstruction to worship, as Fr. John noted. Sitting makes me feel like a spectator in a stadium rather than an active participant in the Liturgy. So we prefer to frequent the pew-less nearby monastery when we can. If you feel the need to sit, you are free to do so and you should not be judged if you sit. But....if you are someone who is fit enough to stand in line for 2 hours for a 3 minute ride at Disney World (a ride which often ends up being disappointing), then we should also be fit enough to stand in awe and reverence for 2 hours to worship our King (which is never disappointing). Keep up the good work! God bless.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It’s my pleasure! Thanks for sharing these thoughts!

Well done! You got just a taste of the meaning of the architecture and iconography within the Church. EVERYTHING has meaning and it all comes back to Christ.

Wow, what a beautiful church! I liked the priest very much too! Catholic here!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Fr. John is wonderful

What a blessing, thank you.

My best friend, Thank you for your hard work in making the video. I enjoyed the good video.

Gorgeous Church! Looking forward to the interview!

The church looks amazing. I have subscribed to your channel. May God help you, Austin.

Thanks for that beautiful tour of the Orthodox Church. That was amazing. I really want to go visit. You also have a very compassionate and understanding character towards others that I very much respect..👍🏽🙏🏽❤️‍🩹

So thankful you did this because I learned so much!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I'm Latin Rite Catholic and really enjoyed the tour. We venerate many of the same saints and it was great to learn how they would have worshipped God in their Eastern Rite tradition. As always Austin gave an excellent interview.

I’ve been privileged to attend multiple Orthodox divine liturgies - absolutely awe inspiring- draws you into adoration of the trinity! Elevates your mind and spirit to heaven. Behind the iconostasis - where the sacrifice takes place - is sort of like life - we often have to see heaven behind a veil - and don’t get a full glimpse while here on earth.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that it's been such a positive experience

Thank you for this!

I really enjoy these tours and encounters between different traditions. Thank you.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

This was so informative Austin! Thanks!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Can't wait!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

Great work! Looking forward to that sit down interview.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Very interesting.Thank you for doing this.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thanks Austin. Awesome episode!👍

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I realise that Protestants have an issue with iconography. Remember that the early Christians did not have the Bible and even when the Bible was compiled not many people knew how to read or write. Only in Constantinople the literacy was estimated to reach 30% where the rest of the world was probably 5% at best. So by the iconography depicting the life and miracles of Jesus they in essence read the Bible. So there is nothing wrong with the icons as we do not worship them as material things but rather it helps the viewer to visualise the saint etc. Statues were mentioned in this video; statues are in effect idols as in the pagan world i.e ancient Ellenic world or Rome. Think about the difference between a fully 3d statue in contrast to an image which conveys to the viewer aspects from the life or death of the saint etc. I hope the above makes sense. Thank you for the video.

@andrijavasiljevic2545

3 жыл бұрын

You explained it perfectly!

@johnvictorroderos8842

3 жыл бұрын

Theologivally there is no difference between an image/icon with a statue. The only difference is its historical and cultural roots. No one form is better than the other.

@edinsalihovic342

3 жыл бұрын

But you do worship saints... Hmmm... That's politeism at its best! 👌😉

@portishooda

3 жыл бұрын

@@edinsalihovic342 We pay our respects to the depicted saint. They were people like us who suffered in life and gave literally everything to the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. By the way, an information worth mentioning, we kiss the feet of Jesus Christ, the hands of Holy Mother Mary and the saints on the cheeks.

@traiancraciun8141

3 жыл бұрын

There is a difference between an icon and a statue. When our parents pass away or ancestors we keep photos of them next to a lit candle. Statues were made to commemorate Stalin and Lenin. One is a humble way of commemorating, the other is a form of grandiosity. The same goes for icons vs statues.

Great interview and tour.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you for sharing!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

The Icon of the Dormition is perfect!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

So much peace and love to Chicago for standing strong in this church!!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

A great city

What a beautiful church!

Fr Theodore is an amazing iconographer. His home parish Church of the Nativity in Erie is gorgeous... as is the Old Rite. So thankful for my friend that attends there.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

He certainly seems to be so!

What a wonderful tour and video! Your interest and desire to understand more about various Christian denominations and churches really comes through in all your videos. I think the fact that the church you visited used to be Anglican and built in a Western style, while perhaps not being the full experience of "Byzantine" Orthodoxy, showcased in my mind (and perspective) a return to the Orthodox faith which existed in England before the Schism. Even if you were to go to a post-Schism church in medieval England, before the creation of the Church of England and the dissolution of the monasteries and all of that, you would have seen Romanesque and Gothic churches in the style of this church, with iconography all around (in a Western style, not a Byzantine style, for the most part). Going to be very interested in seeing the interview! Thanks for all this great work and effort.

Thank you for posting.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I love how humble and respectful you are to people’s religion. Bless you 🙏

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

It's my pleasure!

@Gospel Simplicity, thank you for your coverage of this Chicago Church. I am an Orthodox Christian convert who grew up in the Church of Christ (also known as the "Restoration Movement" started by Alexander Campbell & Barton Stone). I smiled when you asked about standing during the Paschal or "Easter" Midnight Service. It reminded me of the visit of one of my Episcopalian friends who went to the Pascal service with me back in the late 80's. He was astounded by the 103 year old German Lady next to us, who was still standing on hr 2 of our 4 hr Paschal Liturgy in Boston. My "twenty something" friend was no match for this 103 year old, and he regretfully left the service at the halfway mark to SIT! He spent the final 2hrs in the basement Fellowship Hall waiting for the parish Easter Feast to begin! I've never let this "virile" young friend of mine forget that he had been "out stood" by this little old Orthodox Christian Lady!!!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, what a great story!

Great video Austin, thank you! You are really an adventurer searching all churches! Regarding the lightining of the candle, I have read from some priests that it also represents a prayer, "Lord light my darkness (, so I shall see clearly)". The moment you light the candle, you pray that way.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you Austin for that video. So much interestng for me a catholic that bever attended an orthodox church! I pray for you. Father, please bless your servant Austin for the great job he's doing under the will of your Spirit!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

This is so exciting. I hope you continue touring different Christian traditions. Also, please the longer the better. I love learning about our differences and what we have in common.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Amazing. Thank you.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Excellent video brother! The love I have for my Orthodox brothers and sisters is only enhanced by this presentation. Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad to hear that!

Love you all...from Romania

I’m excited

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy!

Great teaching by Fr John! Glory be to the Lord Iesus!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Can't wait to see a tour of an orthodox church and their architecture.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

We had a great time! Hope you enjoy it!

Great to see this videos! I hope there are more to come from different theological denominations. Anglicans and Lutherans next would be interesting too.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I have an Anglican interview coming up

God bless you and your journey ☦️

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you for this video! When you said that the Orthodox Church uses all of the senses, it reminded me of when I first entered an Orthodox church a couple of years ago and was unable to describe the experience. God Bless, from an Orthodox convert.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

As a Greek Orthodox person I thin you would really like to see a Greek Church. There are many similarities but the architecture is stunning. I am a new sub as well!

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Grateful to have you as a part of the community here! There’s a Greek Orthodox Church about 2 blocks from this one (which is like two block from my dorm) so I could probably make that happen

@matthewscharf8712

3 жыл бұрын

@@GospelSimplicity I am Greek Orthodox . It would be awesome if you checked out our church as well

@berlingolingoful

2 жыл бұрын

But this building was an Anglican church, so of course the architecture is not traditional Orthodox at all. In the US many Orthodox churches are in retro-fitted Protestant churches- less than ideal, to be sure, but thank goodness for any increase in the faith.

I waited a long time for this😆

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Hope it was worth it!

I’m Catholic but I’m thinking about becoming an Orthodox Christian.

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting! I'd love to hear more about this

Austin, I love the way you ask questions. Saint Apostle Thomas did the exact same thing. He was the apostle whom asked Christ so many questions and without his questions we would never get to hear all the things Christ had to say to. "Thomas, being once weaker in faith than the other apostles," says St John Chrysostom, "toiled through the grace of God more bravely, more zealously and tirelessly than them all, so that he went preaching over nearly all the earth, not fearing to proclaim the Word of God to savage nations."

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's a great quote.

Well done man...good job

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Excellent video!

@GospelSimplicity

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Thanx! God bless!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

The thing with Orthodoxy is that once you are in it, you feel like you always have to learn something new. Thats the only way for those who want to get very close to God. This is the only way to perfection. God will show this in the near future by performing many miracles through his people and many will accept this faith. If we survive this hard months in front of us. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us sinners. Amen!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

A video that I would love to see you do is to share the progression in your faith you’ve undergone and how your views on doctrines have changed if at all, because of the conversations like these you’ve had with people in Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism

@javierluyanda8283

3 жыл бұрын

This is something that Ten minute Bible hour has never done , and it would be a cool thing to see where you are in your journey at the moment and how all these interviews have shaped your understanding

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

I could do that!

As a Greek Orthodox i'm happy for your journey and hope for u and for all the people around this world to meet god with their heart cause first u meet god with your heart and then u meet him with your mind...i pray everyday for this...in UK as well the Greek orthodox churches have chairs as we have in Greece,Cyprus,Bulgaria...

God bless!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

You too!

Usually little less windows in The Orthodox Church, but very well explained tradition. Haha , yes we do kiss the candle... I would definitely recommend you to visit Russian Orthodox Church or Greek, even if you don't understand the language you should be able to feel the presence of The Holy Spirit and Christ of course. Thank you for doing the wonderful work. 💓💓💓

@trevorwright2

3 жыл бұрын

❤🧡

@sfappetrupavelandrei

3 жыл бұрын

I think that this may be a Russian thing? In Romania we don't really kiss the candles.

@vesnastihovic7014

3 жыл бұрын

@@trevorwright2 💓💓💓

@vesnastihovic7014

3 жыл бұрын

@@sfappetrupavelandrei In Greece as well. 💓

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

@@vesnastihovic7014 neither in Greece we kiss the candles.. In fact this is the first time I hear this... What is the reason to kiss the candles?

A very interesting video, it was always interesting to see what Orthodox churches and priests look like in the USA. Thanks!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@kyriljordanov2086

3 жыл бұрын

The priests I knew in the US had longer hair. Maybe his secular job won't allow it.

God bless you all !!!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

You too!

Very illuminating conversation. However, I wish the videographer focused the icons the priest is talking about. Thank you for this feature.

Recently stumbled upon your channel as a (maybe) Baptist looking into orthodoxy. Great videos!

@GospelSimplicity

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying them

@frankherbert6476

3 жыл бұрын

C'mon home! I did the same 5 years ago and only regret not finding it sooner!

@evans3922

3 жыл бұрын

God is calling you home...Praise the Lord,for He guides you on the right path

@limboz9319

3 жыл бұрын

@@frankherbert6476 I plan on going to visit all three of the orthodox churches here when places open back up. I don’t really want to go when there are just a few people inside but I have been watching services online!

@frankherbert6476

3 жыл бұрын

@@limboz9319 Cool? Where at and which parishes? Watching is pretty poor substitute as you feel like a spectator, and it's definitely a participatory experience.