I am seriously considering converting to Orthodox Christianity from my Protestant roots. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Father Trenham. I ask for prayers of guidance. Christ is King. Edit: Currently a Catechumen :) Glory to God! Edit 2: Coming up on a year in the Orthodox Church! Glory to God! Best decision I’ve ever made
My Priest told me, "Come to church." I also attended Bible Study classes taught by the Priest. But I also learned about the Orthodox way of life from others during coffee hour after church. We shared books, such as on the lives of Saints. That interaction would be much more difficult now, during Covid. I thank God He led me to convert more than seven years ago. I pray for catechumens now.
Thank you for this, an you recommend any books? I am currently a catechumen and as a Protestant raised Christian I have early very little knowledge of the Saints.
@@marlenamaizar888 Check out His Broken Body by Laurent Cleenewerck. I do not agree with the majority Orthodox position that the Catholic church is not the church anymore. The history is too complicated how we got separated is way messier than Fr. Josiah and others make it sound. I do not think Cleenewerck represents either group sufficiently on a few points but I think he is correct that these are two sister churches and stuff needs to get hashed out. So then it's discerning where God wants you to be in the mean time.
@@lightcyy Check out His Broken Body by Laurent Cleenewerck. I do not agree with the majority Orthodox position that the Catholic church is not the church anymore. The history is too complicated how we got separated is way messier than Fr. Josiah and others make it sound. I do not think Cleenewerck represents either group sufficiently on a few points but I think he is correct that these are two sister churches and stuff needs to get hashed out. So then it's discerning where God wants you to be in the mean time.
I joke around with my Orthodox friends that I had a 20 year Catechism. I have been "poking the bear" for quite some time and found myself being a "little o" orthodox for many many years before stepping into the Church. I was officially received by Baptism in August of this year. I thank God for my long journey into The Church -- it was exactly what I needed.
@@ivoryjohn I know how this feels. Came close once toyed around a couple other times and now I am ready to submit. I tried to make it a choice but it’s not a choice it’s submission.
When I first turned on the video and there was no sound at all. Went off and clicked on samething else and it was fine. Went back to this video and sound finally worked. We all know who didnt want me to watch this video. Ive been researching and I want the real church, the first church, the true church. I am converting.
I currently live with my Muslim family who probably wouldn't be happy about me converting and getting baptized but hopefully in the future when I live separate from them I can finally get baptized. Until then I shall learn more about Orthodoxy,our Savior Jesus Christ and prepare to dedicate my life to the Lord 🙏🏻
As someone who became Orthodox this year from a history of the occult. Believe me when I say don’t rush your journey or try to learn everything too fast on your own. You will lose your mind. Stay in constant contact with your spiritual father or a trusted orthodox friend. And be gentle on yourself. Focus on your relationship with God first through prayer then practice the fasting and liturgy stuff second. It’s a roller coaster for some of us but 100% worth the effort.
Christened by a Catholic church at a very young age, raised in a Methodist church from 10-17. Walked away from religion for many years, tried non-denominational churches when I began my journey back to religion and Christianity after committing many sins and entering my 40s. I am hungry to know Jesus better. I am a sinner. The Orthodox Church has struck something inside my heart, mind, and soul. I want to convert. I am drawn to it, like no other thing in my life, and I can't explain it.
I have been talking to the Holy Spirit and praying to God for guidance about my beliefs in the church. One day I seen an orthodox priest speaking on having a relationship with God, he spoke with such compassion and vigor, he knew where he stood in Christ. It defined faith to me, the Spirit explained how prayer should be by letting me see the chants they have sung and how I never really prayed this way in my life. The orthodox showed me the order of God, that is the best way to say it. I am wanting to convert to orthodoxy but I live in a place where there is no orthodox church closest is in Texas. But I am still learning a lot through UA-cam.
I too am in the process of my Catechumen phase in the Orthodox Church. After coming home here, and through all my studies with the Orthodox Church, Jesus Christ teachings and understanding them better, the Desert Fathers, and their wisdom, there is no turning back for me to return again to any other church. There is nowhere else I would rather be.This is the real church God meant for us to BE. Orthodoxy is a way of life and that way of life is following Jesus and doing what he instructs us to do, taking his teachings seriously in our lives in a way that is gentle but so real that the Holy Spirit shows you the truth that you cannot denye. We all live with some great sorrows in our lives, but It is good to know, that we are all in this together , and we don't have to journey alone. We can have Jesus in the boat with us always, as long as we invite him in and trust and believe him and the scriptures, and along side and within the Orthodox church/family.
I have been attending Orthodox services and inquirer meetings for about 2.5 months now and I am just now next week to start Catechism. Part of me wants to rush because I am so eager to join in this wonderful family of believers, but there is still SO much I have to learn and I want to make sure I can get those roots planted as deeply as possible before I am Baptized and Chrismated. Glory to God. Pray for me along my journey.
My catechism was very quick, I don't regret it but it's definitely wiser to have a longer one. My priest has to work to support himself so he struggles to catechise thoroughly as he is so busy, which is a shame but the parish and orthodoxy in general seems to be on the rise in the UK so who knows how it may change? My zeal lead me to dive headfirst into my first lent with minimal fasting experience, and eventually the wheels came off and I had a lot of spiritual struggles. Also my old life was very sinful and hedonistic, and I was very unprepared for how hard "the old man" fought back and went through some anguish. To immerse yourself in orthodoxy without quickly having pulled the trigger and made the commitment I think would have bolstered me and prepared me for the schism with my old life.
As a Catechumen once Traditional Latin Catholic, I take things very seriously. I have been looking into the Orthodox faith for a few years or so. There is plenty of information on fasting etc. The Orthodox faith is the one True Faith. Very devout and love the Orthodox faith, God bless.
I just started going to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Temecula CA was amazed they have a picture of you on the wall. Made me smile seeing you there. I have found all of your videos very comforting and educational. Thank you so much for all of the work you and anyone who helps do to get this finished and uploaded. Thank you all so much ❤❤for
I don't mind taking time to settle in and be confirmed, particularly as my local church are mainly Greek and speak Greek so it's that bit more difficult to follow. However, I am yet to be baptised and given how important this was to Jesus and the Apostles, I am somewhat impatient for it. I would like to understand why the Apostles regularly baptised Jews and Gentiles including those like Philip the eunoch - from very different cultures - on the same day they received the gospel but the Church waits for several years to do the same.
@Steve Kelly Thanks. I was just reading that Holy Saturday is a particularly appropritate day for baptism so maybe he will let me do it then. That gives a month to prepare.
Remember that those who were immediately Baptized were Jews who were anticipating the Messiah. The only scriptures they had were the Old Testament that Anticipates the Messiah; this is why Christ “explained all things concerning Himself in the Scriptures” to His Apostles, and is why Phillip is compelled by The Lord to approach the Ethiopian eunuch - Ethiopia at this time was Jewish - to explain the passage in Isaiah. The household of the jailer who freed Paul and Silas, and bandaged their wounds at his home, were also Jewish. Your presumption that these were Gentiles is an error. The Apostles missionary journeys focused on port cities where Jewish merchants had established commercial trade, and where there were established Synagogues. By the end of the first century, it is in these cities where the largest Christian communities are found. Rodney Stark’s Cities of God is a source on this. Worshippers of false gods were subject to a longer waiting period to insure that they had truly renounced their pagan habits and had embraced Christianity. I hope this answers your questions.
@Steve Kelly Besides the fact it's the only orthodox church in my city, I am very sure that God has been affirming my worship there. I'm a very cautious person so I think I needed it. But yes, if he says no then I will have to see what is appropriate. I have a feeling he will make plans though. No idea why. I will ask on Sunday and let you know.
Father Josiah just absolutely nails it here, especially during the opening, in regards to catechumens making a “mental conversion” before a fully spiritual/noetic one.
I'm about to officially become a catechumen. I must admit that this advice is difficult for me, because I've been a seeker for over a decade, and now that I've finally and truly found the truth, I am beyond eager for an "arrival". Delaying for another 3 years sounds like a very long time, and I admit that part of me doesn't see the point. But if it must be so, then I shall go through it.
This is a very understandable sentiment but the answer can never be "i'll just leave it then". The Lord will support you through this time. However long it might end up being. And as Fr. Josiah said... in the end eternal life awaits those who persevere.
@@Bellg Forgive me, but I cannot figure out what you mean with an answer that is "I'll just leave it then", so I'm having trouble understanding your response.
@@SimpleAmadeus You said "part of me doesn't see the point" and this is what I was responding to when I said that the answer "XYZ takes such a long time so I won't even bother trying" is never the answer. That is all
@@SimpleAmadeus The reason for the 3-year catechumenate was to spend that time purifying yourself of the passions (catharsis) so that ones baptism would truly be the beginning of illumination (photesis). The ruling passions are the root of habitual sin. Habitual sin makes an inhospitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
I am 46 years old. I was an inquirer for 2 1/2 years and I was recently received as a Catechumen. Catechesis will take one year. What Fr. Trenham says coincides with my experience.
@@PomazeBog1389 Christ is Risen! I was received into the Church at the Feast of the Nativity ( Older Calendar) in Jan 2022. I am enrolling into an Orthodox Studies program through my diocese. I am well - I continue to struggle and labor daily to live & walk as an Orthodox Christian. My heartfelt thanks for your follow-up. ☦️
Hi Father, have been listening and learning from u. I converted from the RC Church in 2015 Over a one year period of directed readings and meeting with our Priest. I was not active in the RC Church and so converting was a cinch because I had no pre conceived ideas that were wrong. It was like starting from scratch. I know more about the RC Church now than I did before conversion. Now I am certain I made the right choice. Am acting as a Server and Council member and building maintenance coordinator for my Parish. My old freinds thing I am nuts. Thank you I will be listening.
I am Roman Catholic and if I could not be one, I would be Orthodox.We don't have a Hungarian Byzantine Rite church, which is what my mom,s father,s family are her mother's people were Hungarian Presbyterian.There are some differences between the Catholics and Orthodox, but as far as I,m concerned they aren't that big.Also They use icons, we use statues.We both honor Mary the mother of Jesus and the saints.I think for Catholics who become Orthodox, the transition may be easier than protestants
@@hildahilpert5018 the theology is quite different actually! The differences are profound and spiritual (Filioque, Purgatory, Indulgences, Eucharistic adoration, Marian apparitions, PRAYER is so different) rather than superficial-icons etc. reading the first 7 ecumenical councils and the canons will show a lot of how the early church was Orthodox not Roman Catholic. The Early Church Fathers including St Mark of Ephesus, St Gregory Palomas, and St Paisios will also demonstrate the theological differences. Also the Orthodox don’t venerate the RC saints though some RC venerate Orthodox saints for ecumenistic purposes (which is a kind of heresy).
From encountering Orthodoxy to my baptism took seven years. That was twenty five years ago and in that period I have seen several times how those who rush into the Church tend not to stay. This is of course tragic. To encounter Christ and then walk away leaves you on a worse state than before. Lord, have mercy. One piece of advice I would suggest, is to go to an old calendar church 😊☦️☦️☦️
The Old Calendar church (although there can be some extreme factions to be approached with caution) tends to told better and stronger to the traditions of the faith and the holy fathers without unnecessary compromise... and compromise is generally unnecessary, without falling prey to legalism. This means less liberalism and ecumenism: the great heresy of the 20C. Why celebrate the feasts of the faith with Martin Luther and the pope, when you can celebrate with the Holy fathers? Why would you follow a calendar fabricated by the Roman catholic church when you are Orthodox? This is not to pass judgement on others as Im sure they follow their faith better than I do mine, but I see no good reason to adhere to a non Orthodox schedule.
@@Simonet1309 do you know how the new calendar was promulgated? By Old Calendar church do you mean a specific one, like the Greek schismatics or just any that keeps it like Jerusalem, Moscow or Georgian? You should recall that innovation is not necessarily bad.
@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 Do you feel it was good in the 1960’s that the Orthodox and the Papists lifted the anathemas on each other? So if they recognize each other yet do not the old calendar shismatics are the Roman Catholic mysteries the true mysteries but not the greek schismatic groups ?
Glad I saw this. Father Josiah ultimately sparked my head trip, and now he reduces the boil down to a simmer. Two days ago I drove to a parish as if my life would depend on a same-day baptism, and a Greek Orthodox Priest there just signed me up for a class next Monday, "and then", he said, "we'll see about getting [me] baptized". Lol I've only just begun trying to pray and read Scripture like an Orthodox Christian...I'm glad to realize, now, that I may as well get used to these changes over the course of at least a year.
I was received into catechumen last Saturday after attending service and speaking with the priest since June. I’m looking forward how to live as orthodox.
I have added this topic to my list...I'll see what I can do! (The short version will always be: love and prayer above all else...good strength...and blessed Nativity!)
@@ProtectingVeil I have been consistently reminding myself...that I have to do the right thing and then it is their choice on what they say/do. E.g. I invited my parents to our baptism and my dad came but my mom did not. While my cousins did come. Jesus warned that following Him could and would turn daughter against mother, etc as well. And I try to remember to say/do things in love or not anything sometimes if it won't lead to good. Even if it's right.
This is a huge part of Orthodoxy for me, it being a Lifestyle public or private the same! Lived, not something for a quick stop-by on my way to....vacation? ME TIME?!!
I wish I knew this years ago. There were A lot of issues that I experienced when I was a catechumen. The Priest there, who passed away later on, was a strict mentor who barley understood my circumstances as a mentally ill person. It really changed my thinking radically at a short time, it was Way too rushed. I changed my mind as a catechumen in the Orthodox Church. But, I received from him a vast reservoir of knowledge about Orthodoxy, including heresies. I did not realize until after the fact, the Priest was teaching the Tollhouse theory to us. That was the final red flag for me. Do I feel bitter about the experience ? A little. But, now I am more careful in investigating the Orthodox Church again. What do I do ? Will I ever want to be a catechumen again ? Only time will tell.
I'd suggest you pursue it further, it seems to me you might be forever wondering unless you do try again. If you are inclined to do so , do not resist , but "come and see " a more typical experience. God will help , pray to be guided.
Say an Archangel Prayer!! Plus, the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom scares the demons and all demonic attacks vanish. Maybe there exist others, or another Liturgy which is more appropriate, yet I did play that when I was in trouble. It worked.
Padre Pio and St. Lucia from the Fatima apparitions didn't change they stayed Catholic and that's were I'll stay too. But I love our Orthodox brothers and there respect for mother Mary and the Saints.
I have just discovered literature on the Orthodox Church and I am convinced you have done a good job protecting the Christian faith . Please do you also pray the rosary and the brown scapula..i see something like a string of beads in the hand of of some of the early Orthodox Fathers
@@dsua3728 maybe catholics can but if I did that I would have to repent or get excommunicated. Orthodox are NOT allowed to pray in other's services etc
My husband and I visited an orthodox church recently for Saturday mass, as a whole the church body was not very welcoming which was very disappointing.
Very sorry to hear this! Orthodoxy is not always "seeker friendly," which is certainly not a virtue. I would encourage you to visit other Orthodox churches...there are many that are more proactively welcoming, I can assure you! In case you need help finding other Orthodox parishes, here's a good resource: www.orthodoxyinamerica.org
Now im starting to get it.. I was about to be baptized into the church only after 4 months of embracing the Orthodox faith.. I'll take my time to live as a catechumen for an entire year... my only problem is that I can't participate in some of the sacraments because im not Orthodox, like confession.
I understand the significance of coming in to the church. However, what about believers seeking true worship? Communion? Do you deny that for a year in order to become orthodox? I’m confused. I am a member of the true church because of my faith in Christ. Why can’t I learn orthodox as I grow rather than be denied the communion? I don’t understand.
I regularly watch Fr. Josiah Trenham and continue to learn a great deal from him. I am a conservative Lutheran exploring the Catholic and Orthodox churches. I am not out for debate, just trying to learn and understand. From reading books and watching various UA-cam channels, the main argument from Catholics that comes up repeatedly is that the Orthodox church is not really "One" church because of the multiple autocephalous churches, while the Catholic church is one church united under the Pope. How would you respond to this perspective? Thank you.
The Church was never united under only one Pope. For the first 1000 years we had a Pentarchy i.e. 5 Patriarchs; Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandria. The schism caused Rome to go on its own, the other four remain (to this day) Orthodox. Rome is at best one fifth of the true Church. It makes sense that as they were left with only one patriarch, they made him supreme and infallilible. The Orthodox couldn't dream of doing something like that because they had four left and for all time all Patriarchs were equal. Roman Catholics do not like this, which is why Pope Emeritus Benedict secretly removed "Patriarch of the West" from his title, because that is all he is. Nothing more, nothing less. The Church always settled things in councils with representatives from all five of the Pentarchy, and interestingly the Church never bothered to hold even one in Rome because it wasn't as imporant as Catholics make it out to be. I hope that helps!
@@professedlife2501 That is a deep topic and I would definitely look into the Catholic perspective. I did, and thank God for it because I found the Catholic counter argument more persuasive. It's not something that can be presented in a youtube comment, though.
what father means is knowing what foods to prepare during our longer fasting cycles, i.e, Advent and Christmas. Don't let that scare you off as there are many foods we can eat -but it does take some preplanning in the beginning :) Trust me initially I did feel it wasn;t easy and yes I know some days will be harder than others. Less food =more room for spiritual food!
I have a question. Forgive me if it's a dumb question because I am coming from a Baptist evangelical background. I grew up being taught that baptism is essentially the mechanism that activates salvation. From the moment someone "accepted Christ" they immediately went down to the creek and got Baptized. I always found that odd because I wondered what would happen if someone died of a heart attack before reaching the water. But from the orthodox perspective, you aren't baptized until AFTER the Catechumen process. So since it can be put off until after initiation, that means baptism is NOT what activates salvation, correct?
It's all one process as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:21: "...and this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Is it possible for me to seek conversion, but still attend Protestant church with my husband occasionally? I want to be supportive of him in my faith, but still be able to pursue Orthodoxy with my husband’s support?
Thanks for your message! Best thing would be to find a local Orthodox priest and receive counsel from him! In case you're not sure where to look -> orthodoxyinamerica.org/ Godspeed! 🙏☦
I want to finish my Cathehism by next Pascha so I may take first Communion on the day of the New Creation and our Risen King. If I can't there's always next Pascha.
I have been doing Bible study using my Orthodox Study Bible and extra notes using other Bible versions. I realised that sometimes paragraphs are 'missing' from the Orthodox Bible. While doing Jeremiah it looks like everything from Chapter 26 is different. The 'well known' Jeremiah 33:3 is not in my Orthodox Study Bible. Why is that?
Heresy is a choice, “Orthodoxy is about submission.”-An older lady at the church told me this once. I wasn’t ready to hear it. Heretics never are. 😢 God grant me the time to convert FINALLY.
I have become very interested in orthodoxy due to family and friends from Belarus, I want to enter the church to become closer to my partner, I want to attend an Orthodox Church one day, any advice?
Thanks to God...may He continue to guide your steps! As regards advice: 1) Find a parish near you and connect with the priest, ask him for guidance as to what your next steps should be. Listen to him and do what he says. 2) Stay away from internet Orthodoxy unless your priest points you to an online resource. If you don't have a parish nearby, try to get to the nearest one (or a monastery) as soon as possible to seek guidance...Godspeed!
I want to join the Orthodox church. I have been doing research for awhile now. Only thing is my family would not like it. Simply because for some reason they think "black people are not meant to be Orthodox". Sometimes it gets too me. I have no church close to me. Any advice????
I want to convert but I’ve never really been to church. I was baptized catholic but my family never kept us in the church, my mom doesn’t believe in the pope. I want to be an orthodox Christian but I’m planning on leaving to Ukraine soon
Lentil soup+ Fasting days would be ‘vegan days’ or simply poor man’s eating - veggies -bread - fruit- nuts and seeds - We feed the body to sustain it We feed the SOUL to sustain it - spiritual food prayer+ When we consume too much food it makes us lazy and we just want to sit or sleep relax. Many Monks nuns etc do not eat meat ( red blood) as they remember the first ppl ADAM and EVE before the fall +++ Let all glory be to God+++ ICXC NIKA
@@etcwhatever Patriarchs are men, thus temporal. Christ has been, is and will always be the head of the church. The patriarchs are honorific titles and their quarrel for power doesn't change that Christ is the head, the ultimate authority.
This is good advice most Christians they come from Protestant background understand from a mental perspective only .they seem to cherry pick some things They did not realize the great Commission Jesus game was to go and make disciples. This is what Catechism is about, but the western view has been determined to make some sort of verbal commitment and use it as a notch on your gun handle, saying you got someone saved, and that’s the furthest thing from what has happened .they have made a mental assent. To something .Jesus spent three years with his disciples. and he was the son of God . This must be considered on How we as his followers are to look at it . getting a woman pregnant is not raising a child. It’s making the first step without the commitment of fathering a child. You are doing no one any favors . this is just something to consider.
It's not easy, I know that. Catechizing is more than just an intellectual shift. It must incorporate All aspects of faith life. As a Catholic considering conversion to the Orthodox Church, it gives me some pause to think about this.
Perhaps he would have been able to do that even today if he were to walk the Earth once again. Problem of ppl today is that they come wit the funny ideas acquired in various Protestant groups and need to relearn dogmas which is far more difficult comparing to some pagan starting catechism and learning from scratch. Last thing EOC needs are alleged members still clinging to bunch of heresies.
@@johnnyd2383 Didn't pagans have their own funny ideas and heresies to cling to? Gnostics were a problem in Paul's day, and a lot of new heresies are old heresies.
@@bugslayerprime7674 Pagans did not read Bible. Their delusions were far off and they were easier to evangelize comparing to these fake Christians in a form of Protestants. Every single one of them is in the rank of infallible pope and they are not easily giving up of their lucrative positions they occupy. Puffed up egos all of the sudden need to deflate in order to accept authority of the Orthodox Church... that takes time and because it is a lengthy process, they need catechetical classes.
Good thing the Philippian jailer wasn't born later, he might have had to wait 3 years. Lucky him, Paul baptized him that very night! There is no Biblical basis for making people wait 3 years until they convert. What if the person dies in the mean time? Meanwhile, if you happen to be born into Orthodoxy by baptism as a baby, you're good to go, regardless of where you're at in your faith in Christ. In any event, there is no formal catechism within Orthodoxy, so there is no reason to wait. Why not baptize and rely on the incredible wealth of Orthodoxy to do its job? Every Orthodox church worth its salt has a fantastic bookstore. It is very unlikely that someone would seek Orthodoxy and not be interested in expanding their knowledge of the faith. I think a lot of this wait and see attitude is to preserve some dead wood within the Church that might be discovered and removed from the Church were more newer converts allowed in AND allowed to question. Look at what has become of much of the Orthodox Church: most of their members only attend church on holidays. Many have fallen even further away. Why isn't the Creed and the Bible sufficient to be Orthodox? Why should people agree to a fasting regimen that might be harmful and that many born into the faith do not follow, especially if they cannot take the proper time to pursue the necessary spiritual aspects of such a fast, for one example? Why should prayer to saints and Mary be something that determines if someone should be saved? Do you really think Jesus wants the Church to turn people away because they cannot agree to the finer details of Orthodoxy?
As a convert, I completely agree with you. Life is messy. MESSY! You manage to get into a good routine, and you get sick, or lose your job…. Things happen, there is something precious in the zealous heart of a new believer, something that burns brightly and brings light to those about them who may be weary of the climb… I agree, wholeheartedly, with your observations, and I’m surprised by Fr. ‘s approach. My zeal for Christ brought me to the Orthodox Church… after a long and disturbing time through Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. I especially regard your point about being born into the Church…. I think it can even be a drawback for some because they take it for granted…. I don’t believe that you must believe every facet of tradition in order to find a home in Orthodoxy. But you MUST strive for holiness and Truth! Many traditions in the Church help us along this path… my very best to you!
Strange how we call God almighty,yet we cannot grasp his own will regarding those who are the lost sheep, not the unsaved the Pharisees and Sadducees groups who Lord it over their flocks.
I want to convert but there is hardly any churches the are orthodox and my parents are incredibly lukewarm anglicans they don’t even pray yet they call themselves Christian
Does the Bible say anything about a waiting period....... I'm thinking this sounds like a good idea, and I understand it. But it seems like folks in the Bible didn't wait.
Some were indeed baptized immediately, for example the ethiopian eunuch by St. Philip. Others were taught over time, such as those of the many churches mentioned in the epistles. There is present within Orthodox Christianity as I understand it the function of economia, that is, the pastoral relaxation of ritual strictness in order to best help the individual's salvation according to the circumstances. The eunuch for example was on his way back to Ethiopia and therefore could not stick around to be a catechumen without betraying his queen; Therefore economia was utilized, and with the eunuch's profession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, St. Philip saw him fit for baptism. One may argue that the eunuch should not have been baptized, and instead commanded to leave his queen and follow the King of Kings within the catechumenate until he was properly catechized. Yet, this did not occur. For whatever reason, St. Philip in the Spirit simply baptized the eunuch and went on his way. Ethiopia became a Christian empire in due season, and though there are christological/heretical troubles now, it remains a very apostolic Christian country. The question then becomes, if economia was not used for the sake of this influential eunuch, would Ethiopia have been converted to Christ as it was? It is not my place to answer. In your particular case Derick, if you are in a circumstance where you can reasonably become a catechumen and receive detailed instruction on how to live a faithful Orthodox Christian life, you should accept the opportunity. It is a blessing and incredibly useful for one's growth in Christ, as I myself have come to find out. If you are unable to become a catechumen due to whatever severe limiting factor, I suggest you contact a priest and have a discussion about what can be done. Maybe they too will grant economia, if the circumstances truly require it. I hope I answered your question, forgive me if I went into too much detail.
I am convinced that the insanity of people believing and practicing so many things contrary to Tradition within the Church is a result of the general failure of catechism.
Just my opinion. When you are born as an ortodox. Yoy first belive,then you ask the questions. I cant see the mindset of the ones who search the right one. My friends tried to link me on some slavic paganism,its not for me.
I am seriously considering converting to Orthodox Christianity from my Protestant roots. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Father Trenham. I ask for prayers of guidance. Christ is King.
Edit: Currently a Catechumen :) Glory to God!
Edit 2: Coming up on a year in the Orthodox Church! Glory to God! Best decision I’ve ever made
How is it going? I’m in the same place
@@christopherdavis7069 me too.
@@christopherdavis7069 Same here
I’m also in the same position, I have overwhelmingly decided to convert.
@@christopherdavis7069 do you need help? Im Orthodox and I can help with your questions.
My Priest told me, "Come to church." I also attended Bible Study classes taught by the Priest. But I also learned about the Orthodox way of life from others during coffee hour after church. We shared books, such as on the lives of Saints. That interaction would be much more difficult now, during Covid. I thank God He led me to convert more than seven years ago. I pray for catechumens now.
@@banhammer3904 Stuff closed with covid-19 I presume.
Thank you for this, an you recommend any books? I am currently a catechumen and as a Protestant raised Christian I have early very little knowledge of the Saints.
My priest told me as well to come to church but everything is hard now with covid.. anyway very often I’m not sure if I’m doing things properly..
@@marlenamaizar888 Check out His Broken Body by Laurent Cleenewerck. I do not agree with the majority Orthodox position that the Catholic church is not the church anymore. The history is too complicated how we got separated is way messier than Fr. Josiah and others make it sound. I do not think Cleenewerck represents either group sufficiently on a few points but I think he is correct that these are two sister churches and stuff needs to get hashed out. So then it's discerning where God wants you to be in the mean time.
@@lightcyy Check out His Broken Body by Laurent Cleenewerck. I do not agree with the majority Orthodox position that the Catholic church is not the church anymore. The history is too complicated how we got separated is way messier than Fr. Josiah and others make it sound. I do not think Cleenewerck represents either group sufficiently on a few points but I think he is correct that these are two sister churches and stuff needs to get hashed out. So then it's discerning where God wants you to be in the mean time.
I joke around with my Orthodox friends that I had a 20 year Catechism. I have been "poking the bear" for quite some time and found myself being a "little o" orthodox for many many years before stepping into the Church. I was officially received by Baptism in August of this year. I thank God for my long journey into The Church -- it was exactly what I needed.
Glory to God! Good strength in the struggle, brother!
@@ivoryjohn I know how this feels. Came close once toyed around a couple other times and now I am ready to submit. I tried to make it a choice but it’s not a choice it’s submission.
Fr. Josiah Trenham is truly a treasure for Orthodox Christians.
@Saad Bin Masud Was. Was baptised into the Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church on 27th February this year.
Absolutely, he is the best person I have ever met
I am Catholic, but you guys got a good one!! I love Father Josiah and all that he does, he is a very good teacher and I love listening to him.
When I first turned on the video and there was no sound at all. Went off and clicked on samething else and it was fine. Went back to this video and sound finally worked. We all know who didnt want me to watch this video. Ive been researching and I want the real church, the first church, the true church. I am converting.
I currently live with my Muslim family who probably wouldn't be happy about me converting and getting baptized but hopefully in the future when I live separate from them I can finally get baptized. Until then I shall learn more about Orthodoxy,our Savior Jesus Christ and prepare to dedicate my life to the Lord 🙏🏻
@@schoggocrosongg 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
May Christ keep you safe
@@deborahdiku May Christ bless and keep you safe too🙏🏻💗💗
I live in a Buddhist family but this year I seriously think about join orthodox church
@@yumejormungandr735 please join
As someone who became Orthodox this year from a history of the occult. Believe me when I say don’t rush your journey or try to learn everything too fast on your own. You will lose your mind. Stay in constant contact with your spiritual father or a trusted orthodox friend. And be gentle on yourself. Focus on your relationship with God first through prayer then practice the fasting and liturgy stuff second. It’s a roller coaster for some of us but 100% worth the effort.
Christened by a Catholic church at a very young age, raised in a Methodist church from 10-17. Walked away from religion for many years, tried non-denominational churches when I began my journey back to religion and Christianity after committing many sins and entering my 40s. I am hungry to know Jesus better. I am a sinner. The Orthodox Church has struck something inside my heart, mind, and soul. I want to convert. I am drawn to it, like no other thing in my life, and I can't explain it.
I have been talking to the Holy Spirit and praying to God for guidance about my beliefs in the church. One day I seen an orthodox priest speaking on having a relationship with God, he spoke with such compassion and vigor, he knew where he stood in Christ. It defined faith to me, the Spirit explained how prayer should be by letting me see the chants they have sung and how I never really prayed this way in my life. The orthodox showed me the order of God, that is the best way to say it. I am wanting to convert to orthodoxy but I live in a place where there is no orthodox church closest is in Texas. But I am still learning a lot through UA-cam.
I'm raised catholic and I want to convert to orthodoxy since I got a lot of interest on orthodoxy, thank you for this advice 💙☦️
I too am in the process of my Catechumen phase in the Orthodox Church. After coming home here, and through all my studies with the Orthodox Church, Jesus Christ teachings and understanding them better, the Desert Fathers, and their wisdom, there is no turning back for me to return again to any other church. There is nowhere else I would rather be.This is the real church God meant for us to BE. Orthodoxy is a way of life and that way of life is following Jesus and doing what he instructs us to do, taking his teachings seriously in our lives in a way that is gentle but so real that the Holy Spirit shows you the truth that you cannot denye. We all live with some great sorrows in our lives, but It is good to know, that we are all in this together , and we don't have to journey alone. We can have Jesus in the boat with us always, as long as we invite him in and trust and believe him and the scriptures, and along side and within the Orthodox church/family.
I have been attending Orthodox services and inquirer meetings for about 2.5 months now and I am just now next week to start Catechism. Part of me wants to rush because I am so eager to join in this wonderful family of believers, but there is still SO much I have to learn and I want to make sure I can get those roots planted as deeply as possible before I am Baptized and Chrismated. Glory to God. Pray for me along my journey.
Godspeed, brother! Yes...there is no rush...take it slowly...and humbly...good patience!
Orthodoxy sounds so beautiful and spiritually fulfilling.
My catechism was very quick, I don't regret it but it's definitely wiser to have a longer one. My priest has to work to support himself so he struggles to catechise thoroughly as he is so busy, which is a shame but the parish and orthodoxy in general seems to be on the rise in the UK so who knows how it may change?
My zeal lead me to dive headfirst into my first lent with minimal fasting experience, and eventually the wheels came off and I had a lot of spiritual struggles.
Also my old life was very sinful and hedonistic, and I was very unprepared for how hard "the old man" fought back and went through some anguish. To immerse yourself in orthodoxy without quickly having pulled the trigger and made the commitment I think would have bolstered me and prepared me for the schism with my old life.
Yes, I was baptized very shortly off. I believe I will pay, but I also believe it’s in God’s will.
As a Catechumen once Traditional Latin Catholic, I take things very seriously. I have been looking into the Orthodox faith for a few years or so. There is plenty of information on fasting etc. The Orthodox faith is the one True Faith. Very devout and love the Orthodox faith, God bless.
Glory to God...Godspeed!
I just started going to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Temecula CA was amazed they have a picture of you on the wall. Made me smile seeing you there. I have found all of your videos very comforting and educational. Thank you so much for all of the work you and anyone who helps do to get this finished and uploaded. Thank you all so much ❤❤for
I’m being guided to convert. Praise God.
I don't mind taking time to settle in and be confirmed, particularly as my local church are mainly Greek and speak Greek so it's that bit more difficult to follow. However, I am yet to be baptised and given how important this was to Jesus and the Apostles, I am somewhat impatient for it.
I would like to understand why the Apostles regularly baptised Jews and Gentiles including those like Philip the eunoch - from very different cultures - on the same day they received the gospel but the Church waits for several years to do the same.
That has been my concern also.
@Steve Kelly Or gives me a good reason, yes I will thanks.
@Steve Kelly Thanks. I was just reading that Holy Saturday is a particularly appropritate day for baptism so maybe he will let me do it then. That gives a month to prepare.
Remember that those who were immediately Baptized were Jews who were anticipating the Messiah. The only scriptures they had were the Old Testament that Anticipates the Messiah; this is why Christ “explained all things concerning Himself in the Scriptures” to His Apostles, and is why Phillip is compelled by The Lord to approach the Ethiopian eunuch - Ethiopia at this time was Jewish - to explain the passage in Isaiah. The household of the jailer who freed Paul and Silas, and bandaged their wounds at his home, were also Jewish. Your presumption that these were Gentiles is an error.
The Apostles missionary journeys focused on port cities where Jewish merchants had established commercial trade, and where there were established Synagogues. By the end of the first century, it is in these cities where the largest Christian communities are found. Rodney Stark’s Cities of God is a source on this.
Worshippers of false gods were subject to a longer waiting period to insure that they had truly renounced their pagan habits and had embraced Christianity.
I hope this answers your questions.
@Steve Kelly Besides the fact it's the only orthodox church in my city, I am very sure that God has been affirming my worship there. I'm a very cautious person so I think I needed it. But yes, if he says no then I will have to see what is appropriate. I have a feeling he will make plans though. No idea why. I will ask on Sunday and let you know.
Father Josiah just absolutely nails it here, especially during the opening, in regards to catechumens making a “mental conversion” before a fully spiritual/noetic one.
I'm about to officially become a catechumen. I must admit that this advice is difficult for me, because I've been a seeker for over a decade, and now that I've finally and truly found the truth, I am beyond eager for an "arrival". Delaying for another 3 years sounds like a very long time, and I admit that part of me doesn't see the point. But if it must be so, then I shall go through it.
This is a very understandable sentiment but the answer can never be "i'll just leave it then". The Lord will support you through this time. However long it might end up being. And as Fr. Josiah said... in the end eternal life awaits those who persevere.
@@Bellg Forgive me, but I cannot figure out what you mean with an answer that is "I'll just leave it then", so I'm having trouble understanding your response.
@@SimpleAmadeus You said "part of me doesn't see the point" and this is what I was responding to when I said that the answer "XYZ takes such a long time so I won't even bother trying" is never the answer. That is all
@@Bellg I see. Thank you for clarifying. I agree.
@@SimpleAmadeus The reason for the 3-year catechumenate was to spend that time purifying yourself of the passions (catharsis) so that ones baptism would truly be the beginning of illumination (photesis). The ruling passions are the root of habitual sin. Habitual sin makes an inhospitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
I am 46 years old. I was an inquirer for 2 1/2 years and I was recently received as a Catechumen. Catechesis will take one year. What Fr. Trenham says coincides with my experience.
Hi, Adam. It's been a year since your comment. Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.
@@PomazeBog1389 Christ is Risen! I was received into the Church at the Feast of the Nativity ( Older Calendar) in Jan 2022. I am enrolling into an Orthodox Studies program through my diocese. I am well - I continue to struggle and labor daily to live & walk as an Orthodox Christian. My heartfelt thanks for your follow-up. ☦️
@@adambenedict6155 Indeed He is Risen! I'm very happy to hear about your journey. Welcome to the Church and God bless you!
@@PomazeBog1389 Thank you. Every Blessing To You during this Bright Week.
@OrthodoxBreazy Thank you. Every Blessing to you, during this Holy Week.
When I converted my own catechism was about three years.
As a Catechumen trying to better understand when to receive Baptism, this video is very helpful. Thank you and thank God!
Hi Father, have been listening and learning from u. I converted from the RC Church in 2015 Over a one year period of directed readings and meeting with our Priest. I was not active in the RC Church and so converting was a cinch because I had no pre conceived ideas that were wrong. It was like starting from scratch. I know more about the RC Church now than I did before conversion. Now I am certain I made the right choice. Am acting as a Server and Council member and building maintenance coordinator for my Parish. My old freinds thing I am nuts. Thank you I will be listening.
Hi Mike. I'm RC, thinking of converting. Why did you decide to convert? What was your biggest reason?
I am Roman Catholic and if I could not be one, I would be Orthodox.We don't have a Hungarian Byzantine Rite church, which is what my mom,s father,s family are her mother's people were Hungarian Presbyterian.There are some differences between the Catholics and Orthodox, but as far as I,m concerned they aren't that big.Also They use icons, we use statues.We both honor Mary the mother of Jesus and the saints.I think for Catholics who become Orthodox, the transition may be easier than protestants
@@hildahilpert5018 the theology is quite different actually! The differences are profound and spiritual (Filioque, Purgatory, Indulgences, Eucharistic adoration, Marian apparitions, PRAYER is so different) rather than superficial-icons etc. reading the first 7 ecumenical councils and the canons will show a lot of how the early church was Orthodox not Roman Catholic. The Early Church Fathers including St Mark of Ephesus, St Gregory Palomas, and St Paisios will also demonstrate the theological differences. Also the Orthodox don’t venerate the RC saints though some RC venerate Orthodox saints for ecumenistic purposes (which is a kind of heresy).
@@scott6504 see my comment below too 😊
From encountering Orthodoxy to my baptism took seven years. That was twenty five years ago and in that period I have seen several times how those who rush into the Church tend not to stay. This is of course tragic. To encounter Christ and then walk away leaves you on a worse state than before. Lord, have mercy.
One piece of advice I would suggest, is to go to an old calendar church 😊☦️☦️☦️
Why does the calendar matter to you?
The Old Calendar church (although there can be some extreme factions to be approached with caution) tends to told better and stronger to the traditions of the faith and the holy fathers without unnecessary compromise... and compromise is generally unnecessary, without falling prey to legalism. This means less liberalism and ecumenism: the great heresy of the 20C.
Why celebrate the feasts of the faith with Martin Luther and the pope, when you can celebrate with the Holy fathers?
Why would you follow a calendar fabricated by the Roman catholic church when you are Orthodox?
This is not to pass judgement on others as Im sure they follow their faith better than I do mine, but I see no good reason to adhere to a non Orthodox schedule.
@@Simonet1309 do you know how the new calendar was promulgated? By Old Calendar church do you mean a specific one, like the Greek schismatics or just any that keeps it like Jerusalem, Moscow or Georgian? You should recall that innovation is not necessarily bad.
@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 Do you feel it was good in the 1960’s that the Orthodox and the Papists lifted the anathemas on each other?
So if they recognize each other yet do not the old calendar shismatics are the Roman Catholic mysteries the true mysteries but not the greek schismatic groups ?
One question: when does the Holy Light come? Old or new calendar?
Glad I saw this. Father Josiah ultimately sparked my head trip, and now he reduces the boil down to a simmer. Two days ago I drove to a parish as if my life would depend on a same-day baptism, and a Greek Orthodox Priest there just signed me up for a class next Monday, "and then", he said, "we'll see about getting [me] baptized". Lol I've only just begun trying to pray and read Scripture like an Orthodox Christian...I'm glad to realize, now, that I may as well get used to these changes over the course of at least a year.
Thank you Father. I hear you. Father Bless
God Bless Father Josiah! Though I am a Catholic, I thoroughly Enjoy every thing I hear from him and all that he does. Many years to Father Josiah!
I was received into catechumen last Saturday after attending service and speaking with the priest since June. I’m looking forward how to live as orthodox.
Congrats...Godspeed!
God bless you
God Bless.
Thank you for this beautiful video!
Glory to God!
Thank you father for your advice, i am from Venezuela, i hope a can receive some guidance through channels like this 👍
Iam not Orthodox but I pray to God through Jesus Christ I am praying and listening to Russian Orthodox liturgical music as I pray
Another good one, thank you. I really enjoy Fr. Trenham.
my concern is: what if i'm constantly moving locations? how do I enter the Church and truly catechize?
Looking for tips online on dealing with family who reject our conversion from protestantism.
I have added this topic to my list...I'll see what I can do! (The short version will always be: love and prayer above all else...good strength...and blessed Nativity!)
@@ProtectingVeil I have been consistently reminding myself...that I have to do the right thing and then it is their choice on what they say/do. E.g. I invited my parents to our baptism and my dad came but my mom did not. While my cousins did come.
Jesus warned that following Him could and would turn daughter against mother, etc as well. And I try to remember to say/do things in love or not anything sometimes if it won't lead to good. Even if it's right.
Talk with a Father ❤
This is a huge part of Orthodoxy for me, it being a Lifestyle public or private the same! Lived, not something for a quick stop-by on my way to....vacation? ME TIME?!!
📙 FREE eBOOK on the wisdom of modern Orthodox Christian elders:
social.protectingveil.com/freebook1
I wish I knew this years ago. There were A lot of issues that I experienced when I was a catechumen. The Priest there, who passed away later on, was a strict mentor who barley understood my circumstances as a mentally ill person. It really changed my thinking radically at a short time, it was Way too rushed. I changed my mind as a catechumen in the Orthodox Church. But, I received from him a vast reservoir of knowledge about Orthodoxy, including heresies. I did not realize until after the fact, the Priest was teaching the Tollhouse theory to us. That was the final red flag for me. Do I feel bitter about the experience ? A little. But, now I am more careful in investigating the Orthodox Church again. What do I do ? Will I ever want to be a catechumen again ? Only time will tell.
I'd suggest you pursue it further, it seems to me you might be forever wondering unless you do try again. If you are inclined to do so , do not resist , but "come and see " a more typical experience. God will help , pray to be guided.
The Tollhouse is just a Theory, it’s not part of the official Orthodox Church doctrine
Very good, Father, very good, thank you, very much.
Say an Archangel Prayer!! Plus, the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom scares the demons and all demonic attacks vanish. Maybe there exist others, or another Liturgy which is more appropriate, yet I did play that when I was in trouble. It worked.
Thanks god for showing me the orthodox faith, whitch mean the mysterious valid too and the faith in holy trinity clean.
Padre Pio and St. Lucia from the Fatima apparitions didn't change they stayed Catholic and that's were I'll stay too. But I love our Orthodox brothers and there respect for mother Mary and the Saints.
@@snoopy3587 heretic
@@ComspiracyTodayNewsTomorrow god have mercy on our souls.
Please pray for me I am starting catechism, I need help understanding and develop and orthodox faith and mindset🙏🏻☦️
Glory to God! Godspeed, brother!
What should you do if you had a brief catechism? I was only catechized 6 months before baptism. Can we start back over
Good morning and may God continue to bless you and this channel. How do I find a Orthodox church in english near me? Im in Tracy California.
Thanks so much...Godspeed on your journey! You can use this website to find an Orthodox church near you: orthodoxyinamerica.org/
Thank you ~
I have just discovered literature on the Orthodox Church and I am convinced you have done a good job protecting the Christian faith . Please do you also pray the rosary and the brown scapula..i see something like a string of beads in the hand of of some of the early Orthodox Fathers
We don't call it "roasry" but we have prayer beads yes. Same thing, different name. We also don't have the exact same prayers as the catholics
@@josephsaab7208 crazy but you can attend mass Catholic or Ortho and Vice Versa
@@dsua3728 maybe catholics can but if I did that I would have to repent or get excommunicated. Orthodox are NOT allowed to pray in other's services etc
Thank You for this real, sobering look into conversion.
It helps put things into perspective.
My husband and I visited an orthodox church recently for Saturday mass, as a whole the church body was not very welcoming which was very disappointing.
Very sorry to hear this! Orthodoxy is not always "seeker friendly," which is certainly not a virtue. I would encourage you to visit other Orthodox churches...there are many that are more proactively welcoming, I can assure you! In case you need help finding other Orthodox parishes, here's a good resource: www.orthodoxyinamerica.org
Now im starting to get it.. I was about to be baptized into the church only after 4 months of embracing the Orthodox faith.. I'll take my time to live as a catechumen for an entire year... my only problem is that I can't participate in some of the sacraments because im not Orthodox, like confession.
Glory to God! As they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" and true spiritual life needs a fond heart! Godspeed, brother...and blessed Nativity!
Went to my vespers service it was beautiful
My Greek Orthodox has no instructions, so I wasn’t catechised , I was Chrismated but really at a loss as to the Orthodox life and what to do.
I rushed my conversion and now I’m paying for it. I feel like I’ve fallen off a cliff.
Hang in there, brother...it's worth it in the long run...good strength!
@@ProtectingVeil Thank you.
God has not abandoned you, brother. I hope you are still in the fight.
How are you doing now Mark?
Excellent, thank you.
I understand the significance of coming in to the church. However, what about believers seeking true worship? Communion? Do you deny that for a year in order to become orthodox? I’m confused. I am a member of the true church because of my faith in Christ. Why can’t I learn orthodox as I grow rather than be denied the communion? I don’t understand.
I’m on my way. Im coming home.
I regularly watch Fr. Josiah Trenham and continue to learn a great deal from him. I am a conservative Lutheran exploring the Catholic and Orthodox churches. I am not out for debate, just trying to learn and understand.
From reading books and watching various UA-cam channels, the main argument from Catholics that comes up repeatedly is that the Orthodox church is not really "One" church because of the multiple autocephalous churches, while the Catholic church is one church united under the Pope. How would you respond to this perspective? Thank you.
The Church was never united under only one Pope. For the first 1000 years we had a Pentarchy i.e. 5 Patriarchs; Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandria. The schism caused Rome to go on its own, the other four remain (to this day) Orthodox. Rome is at best one fifth of the true Church. It makes sense that as they were left with only one patriarch, they made him supreme and infallilible. The Orthodox couldn't dream of doing something like that because they had four left and for all time all Patriarchs were equal. Roman Catholics do not like this, which is why Pope Emeritus Benedict secretly removed "Patriarch of the West" from his title, because that is all he is. Nothing more, nothing less. The Church always settled things in councils with representatives from all five of the Pentarchy, and interestingly the Church never bothered to hold even one in Rome because it wasn't as imporant as Catholics make it out to be. I hope that helps!
@@xpictos777 Thank you for your reply.
@@professedlife2501 You're welcome!
@Dissonant Timbres I will. Thank you!
@@professedlife2501 That is a deep topic and I would definitely look into the Catholic perspective. I did, and thank God for it because I found the Catholic counter argument more persuasive. It's not something that can be presented in a youtube comment, though.
When is the feast day for the name Josiah?
I have to lean how to cook to become Orthodox?
what father means is knowing what foods to prepare during our longer fasting cycles, i.e, Advent and Christmas. Don't let that scare you off as there are many foods we can eat -but
it does take some preplanning in the beginning :) Trust me initially I did feel it wasn;t easy and yes I know some days will be harder than others. Less food =more room for spiritual food!
I have a question. Forgive me if it's a dumb question because I am coming from a Baptist evangelical background.
I grew up being taught that baptism is essentially the mechanism that activates salvation. From the moment someone "accepted Christ" they immediately went down to the creek and got Baptized. I always found that odd because I wondered what would happen if someone died of a heart attack before reaching the water.
But from the orthodox perspective, you aren't baptized until AFTER the Catechumen process. So since it can be put off until after initiation, that means baptism is NOT what activates salvation, correct?
It's still baptism. Once you are baptized then you are in the church. Catechism is the process of learning about the Church.
It's all one process as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:21: "...and this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Is it possible for me to seek conversion, but still attend Protestant church with my husband occasionally? I want to be supportive of him in my faith, but still be able to pursue Orthodoxy with my husband’s support?
Thanks for your message! Best thing would be to find a local Orthodox priest and receive counsel from him! In case you're not sure where to look -> orthodoxyinamerica.org/ Godspeed! 🙏☦
I want to finish my Cathehism by next Pascha so I may take first Communion on the day of the New Creation and our Risen King.
If I can't there's always next Pascha.
I have been doing Bible study using my Orthodox Study Bible and extra notes using other Bible versions. I realised that sometimes paragraphs are 'missing' from the Orthodox Bible. While doing Jeremiah it looks like everything from Chapter 26 is different. The 'well known' Jeremiah 33:3 is not in my Orthodox Study Bible. Why is that?
Heresy is a choice, “Orthodoxy is about submission.”-An older lady at the church told me this once. I wasn’t ready to hear it. Heretics never are. 😢 God grant me the time to convert FINALLY.
I have become very interested in orthodoxy due to family and friends from Belarus, I want to enter the church to become closer to my partner, I want to attend an Orthodox Church one day, any advice?
Thanks to God...may He continue to guide your steps! As regards advice: 1) Find a parish near you and connect with the priest, ask him for guidance as to what your next steps should be. Listen to him and do what he says. 2) Stay away from internet Orthodoxy unless your priest points you to an online resource. If you don't have a parish nearby, try to get to the nearest one (or a monastery) as soon as possible to seek guidance...Godspeed!
I think he means the Ortho bro's that are vicious with their comments. Many can be led away from the Church by the aggressive Ortho bro's.
What about converts that may not have much time left? Poor health and age?
If u have a trully faith to be Orthodix for God you are Orthodox ❤
I definitely need a year. Even two lol
But if someone is believing in Jesus right before they die, who has three years?
May I ask if Roman Catholic Church is not right?
Absolutely love father trenham
Pray for me to become a catechumen soon
Godspeed!
Is it ok to read a catholic bible?
I want to join the Orthodox church. I have been doing research for awhile now. Only thing is my family would not like it. Simply because for some reason they think "black people are not meant to be Orthodox". Sometimes it gets too me. I have no church close to me. Any advice????
@@TheRealMe88 I don't know much about Orthodoxy, but I know Ethiopian Orthodox exists
I've heard horror stories about peoples lives going downhill and feeling awful acter converting. Is this true for the majority of people?
I want to convert but I’ve never really been to church. I was baptized catholic but my family never kept us in the church, my mom doesn’t believe in the pope. I want to be an orthodox Christian but I’m planning on leaving to Ukraine soon
How does one learn how to cook hah that's the hardest part right now for me
Same here!
Same here
I love cooking, but what is the significance of cooking for converts? Genuinely interested as an inquirier.
@@theantelope5618 how to cook fasting food that doesn't lack protein i figure
Lentil soup+
Fasting days would be ‘vegan days’ or simply poor man’s eating - veggies -bread - fruit- nuts and seeds -
We feed the body to sustain it
We feed the SOUL to sustain it - spiritual food prayer+
When we consume too much food it makes us lazy and we just want to sit or sleep relax.
Many Monks nuns etc do not eat meat ( red blood) as they remember the first ppl ADAM and EVE before the fall +++
Let all glory be to God+++
ICXC NIKA
❤❤❤
Do women have a dress code? I was wondering about clothes, hair, hair coloring etc
Nothing official...modesty for men and for women is always encouraged...
What about believer eastern church?? My country have only that form of orthodoxy.... is that proper orthodoxy??
How to cook?
I was wondering that as well.
Who is the maximum authority figure in the orthodox church? I dont understand.
Christ!
Christ himself !
@@voievod9260 sure and what happens when patriarchs fight over jurisdiction? Does Our Lord make a miracle? Very naive of you.
@@etcwhatever Patriarchs are men, thus temporal. Christ has been, is and will always be the head of the church. The patriarchs are honorific titles and their quarrel for power doesn't change that Christ is the head, the ultimate authority.
Christ Jesus
how to cook? like Kosher?
Wrong type of orthodox :)
Coolest priest ever.
Is there a class that can be taken on line for those who do not have catechism classes at their church for converts?
Thank you Steve
Why not ask your priest to catechize you? It’s not a one-size fits all proposition.
No catechism class for converts?!
This is good advice most Christians they come from Protestant background understand from a mental perspective only .they seem to cherry pick some things They did not realize the great Commission Jesus game was to go and make disciples. This is what Catechism is about, but the western view has been determined to make some sort of verbal commitment and use it as a notch on your gun handle, saying you got someone saved, and that’s the furthest thing from what has happened .they have made a mental assent. To something .Jesus spent three years with his disciples. and he was the son of God . This must be considered on How we as his followers are to look at it . getting a woman pregnant is not raising a child. It’s making the first step without the commitment of fathering a child. You are doing no one any favors . this is just something to consider.
It's not easy, I know that.
Catechizing is more than just an intellectual shift.
It must incorporate All aspects of faith life.
As a Catholic considering conversion to the Orthodox Church, it gives me some pause to think about this.
Didn't Paul catechise a whole family in one evening?
Perhaps he would have been able to do that even today if he were to walk the Earth once again. Problem of ppl today is that they come wit the funny ideas acquired in various Protestant groups and need to relearn dogmas which is far more difficult comparing to some pagan starting catechism and learning from scratch. Last thing EOC needs are alleged members still clinging to bunch of heresies.
@@johnnyd2383 Didn't pagans have their own funny ideas and heresies to cling to? Gnostics were a problem in Paul's day, and a lot of new heresies are old heresies.
@@bugslayerprime7674 Pagans did not read Bible. Their delusions were far off and they were easier to evangelize comparing to these fake Christians in a form of Protestants. Every single one of them is in the rank of infallible pope and they are not easily giving up of their lucrative positions they occupy. Puffed up egos all of the sudden need to deflate in order to accept authority of the Orthodox Church... that takes time and because it is a lengthy process, they need catechetical classes.
It depends on the background ❤
Are there any orthodox saints alive today?
There are definitely many holy men and women alive today, glory to God...
Good thing the Philippian jailer wasn't born later, he might have had to wait 3 years. Lucky him, Paul baptized him that very night! There is no Biblical basis for making people wait 3 years until they convert. What if the person dies in the mean time? Meanwhile, if you happen to be born into Orthodoxy by baptism as a baby, you're good to go, regardless of where you're at in your faith in Christ. In any event, there is no formal catechism within Orthodoxy, so there is no reason to wait. Why not baptize and rely on the incredible wealth of Orthodoxy to do its job? Every Orthodox church worth its salt has a fantastic bookstore. It is very unlikely that someone would seek Orthodoxy and not be interested in expanding their knowledge of the faith. I think a lot of this wait and see attitude is to preserve some dead wood within the Church that might be discovered and removed from the Church were more newer converts allowed in AND allowed to question. Look at what has become of much of the Orthodox Church: most of their members only attend church on holidays. Many have fallen even further away. Why isn't the Creed and the Bible sufficient to be Orthodox? Why should people agree to a fasting regimen that might be harmful and that many born into the faith do not follow, especially if they cannot take the proper time to pursue the necessary spiritual aspects of such a fast, for one example? Why should prayer to saints and Mary be something that determines if someone should be saved? Do you really think Jesus wants the Church to turn people away because they cannot agree to the finer details of Orthodoxy?
As a convert, I completely agree with you. Life is messy. MESSY! You manage to get into a good routine, and you get sick, or lose your job…. Things happen, there is something precious in the zealous heart of a new believer, something that burns brightly and brings light to those about them who may be weary of the climb… I agree, wholeheartedly, with your observations, and I’m surprised by Fr. ‘s approach. My zeal for Christ brought me to the Orthodox Church… after a long and disturbing time through Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. I especially regard your point about being born into the Church…. I think it can even be a drawback for some because they take it for granted…. I don’t believe that you must believe every facet of tradition in order to find a home in Orthodoxy. But you MUST strive for holiness and Truth! Many traditions in the Church help us along this path… my very best to you!
My thoughts too and most importantly, I want to receive the Eucharist and not have to wait 3 years.
@@christinacutlass1694 Amen! I love the beauty and depth of Orthodoxy, the quirkiness, the breadth, the reverence and so many things...
Archbishop Trenham!
One day, God willing!
Not unless his wife dies, God forbid.
@@joshua_wherley I really hope she doesn’t! She’s a very nice woman
I believe he is an Archpriest, not an archbishop
Strange how we call God almighty,yet we cannot grasp his own will regarding those who are the lost sheep, not the unsaved the Pharisees and Sadducees groups who Lord it over their flocks.
I want to convert but there is hardly any churches the are orthodox and my parents are incredibly lukewarm anglicans they don’t even pray yet they call themselves Christian
Does the Bible say anything about a waiting period.......
I'm thinking this sounds like a good idea, and I understand it. But it seems like folks in the Bible didn't wait.
Some were indeed baptized immediately, for example the ethiopian eunuch by St. Philip. Others were taught over time, such as those of the many churches mentioned in the epistles. There is present within Orthodox Christianity as I understand it the function of economia, that is, the pastoral relaxation of ritual strictness in order to best help the individual's salvation according to the circumstances. The eunuch for example was on his way back to Ethiopia and therefore could not stick around to be a catechumen without betraying his queen; Therefore economia was utilized, and with the eunuch's profession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, St. Philip saw him fit for baptism.
One may argue that the eunuch should not have been baptized, and instead commanded to leave his queen and follow the King of Kings within the catechumenate until he was properly catechized. Yet, this did not occur. For whatever reason, St. Philip in the Spirit simply baptized the eunuch and went on his way. Ethiopia became a Christian empire in due season, and though there are christological/heretical troubles now, it remains a very apostolic Christian country. The question then becomes, if economia was not used for the sake of this influential eunuch, would Ethiopia have been converted to Christ as it was? It is not my place to answer.
In your particular case Derick, if you are in a circumstance where you can reasonably become a catechumen and receive detailed instruction on how to live a faithful Orthodox Christian life, you should accept the opportunity. It is a blessing and incredibly useful for one's growth in Christ, as I myself have come to find out. If you are unable to become a catechumen due to whatever severe limiting factor, I suggest you contact a priest and have a discussion about what can be done. Maybe they too will grant economia, if the circumstances truly require it.
I hope I answered your question, forgive me if I went into too much detail.
As a result of its rich heritage, the Orthodox Church, like Israel, has sadly become exclusive with salvation only available inside its doors. ✔️
I believe Paul the Apostle never mentioned anything about a "true church..."
Look it up!! There is no normal. Plus or minus standard deviation.
I am convinced that the insanity of people believing and practicing so many things contrary to Tradition within the Church is a result of the general failure of catechism.
Just my opinion. When you are born as an ortodox. Yoy first belive,then you ask the questions. I cant see the mindset of the ones who search the right one. My friends tried to link me on some slavic paganism,its not for me.