Difficulties With Becoming An Orthodox Christian in America - Fr. Michael Oleksa

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 460

  • @ProtectingVeil
    @ProtectingVeil  8 місяців тому

    📙 FREE eBOOK on the wisdom of modern Orthodox Christian elders:
    social.protectingveil.com/freebook1

  • @SLVBULL
    @SLVBULL 5 років тому +319

    Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +62

      Amen...on all of us!

    • @fnd111
      @fnd111 5 років тому +25

      Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.

    • @eetuerrenor5757
      @eetuerrenor5757 5 років тому +12

      @@fnd111 Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner and save me.

    • @davidjohnzenocollins
      @davidjohnzenocollins 3 роки тому +3

      Jesus, save me. Mary, help.[short, sweet, seven syllables]

    • @williambaker2779
      @williambaker2779 3 роки тому

      Focus on a relationship with Jesus Christ

  • @Saint_Ann
    @Saint_Ann 4 роки тому +183

    As a member of an Antiochian Orthodox church, I get services in English and Arabic. When I attend Vespers at a Romanian Orthodox church near my house, I get services in mostly Romanian with a little English. On rare occasions, I will attend services at the Greek Orthodox church in my city, so I get services in mostly Greek with a little English. When I visited the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, I got services in mostly Russian with a little English.Every moment is church is a blessing, regardless of the language.

    • @carolweaver3269
      @carolweaver3269 3 роки тому +3

      I only wish my husband would agree as he dd at first that it would not matter the language as we felt the Lord in our midst. He has trouble with that. The language difference. I can only pray. Our spiritual director just said for him to come *both of us* He may well come around better with time? But he is giving me trouble. Makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes knowing how he feels. Prayers will go up and hopefully things new will change. The COVID lockdown did not help.

    • @voievod9260
      @voievod9260 Рік тому +1

      Is the Antiochian church part of the Coptic church or part of Eastern Orthodox church?

    • @Saint_Ann
      @Saint_Ann Рік тому +1

      @@voievod9260 The Antiochian church is part of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The five ancient patriarchates are Rome, Constantinople, Alexandra, Antioch, and Jerusalem. I now currently attend a Serbian Orthodox Church in which we have almost no Serbs and our priest speaks Greek and English.

    • @voievod9260
      @voievod9260 Рік тому

      @@Saint_Ann I am happy for you my friend

  • @lukegehring8331
    @lukegehring8331 5 років тому +102

    When I converted, there was precious little available in English. A priest told me "first one must learn the language of love, and all other languages are secondary." When the local parish saw I was sincere, and not going anywhere, they adopted and loved me.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +19

      Thanks to God! It's an important lesson to learn...God blesses our obedience, humility, and love for others...

    • @liberty.b.r
      @liberty.b.r 2 роки тому +1

      That is great, and God bless! :)

    • @makloch
      @makloch Рік тому

      Wise words!

  • @mariatanzania
    @mariatanzania 5 років тому +168

    “The Church isn’t here to meet your needs. You’re here to meet the Church’s needs.” I just discovered this channel today and it is a great idea! Thank you for capturing pearls of wisdom and making them so accessible.

    • @JonGabriel
      @JonGabriel 5 років тому +25

      I wrote down that quote in my notes. That attitude is one of the reasons I'm converting to Orthodoxy.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +8

      Thanks to God! Glad you found us, Maria!

    • @tomandrew6586
      @tomandrew6586 5 років тому +2

      mariatanzania I agree. That caught my attention too.

    • @dansgone2229
      @dansgone2229 5 років тому +6

      @shadow, exactly...we’ll said. Of the Church is a spiritual Hospital, it is here to meet our needs (but not necessarily our tastes). We have free will to choose which Orthodox Churches do that best.

    • @ronalddelavega3693
      @ronalddelavega3693 4 роки тому +6

      @@ron_grimes I agree. I have no problem with sacrificing and I understand theres no perfect parish, priest or christian . My problem is when a parish gives you most of the liturgy in a language you cant understand, when cofessing with the parrish priest its like confessing to a wall which nevers asks you to do anything about your repeated sins and when during covid they stop all contact with the laity and then they expect you to nake a reservation to be able to get confession and another to be able to attend the divine liturgy. Then you have this ecclessiological schism between russia and constantinople and the EP saying he is first without equals and you say to yourself that is why you left Rome and you want to go to a greek church cause you liked the priest but you are afraid that if you go you are breaking church canons that anathemize schismatics
      I am home in Orthodoxy I love it and I am at peace but the question is, is Orthodoxy at home with itself? Is it at home with me and converts like me?

  • @VasKropZolo
    @VasKropZolo 5 років тому +60

    I was born and raised Greek Orthodox. I will die a Greek Orthodox Christian with faith and love in my beloved King and God. I love that the Orthodox faith has molded to a specific people and their culture. I love my Orthodox brothers and sisters from around the world. As a head alter boy I had the great honor to witness Romanian, and Coptic weddings and baptisms that needed to use our church. Even though I could not understand the language of the services it was a moving and beautiful experience. God bless us. God have mercy on us.

    • @jm7578
      @jm7578 Рік тому +1

      I attend a Greek Orthodox church in upstate New York. I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season. God bless you all.☦️☦️☦️

  • @nathancoppini6928
    @nathancoppini6928 5 років тому +114

    "its not what you get from it, its what you put into it" sacrifice my friends,

    • @joannajones8533
      @joannajones8533 5 років тому +7

      Absolutely! Totally agree with you :) sacrifice..which is SO difficult!

    • @Lucid_Waking
      @Lucid_Waking 4 роки тому +5

      "sacrafice my friends." Or "sacrafice, my friends."?

    • @djondjon
      @djondjon 3 роки тому +4

      @@Lucid_Waking Sacrifice, my friends!

    • @ramario6195
      @ramario6195 11 місяців тому

      Outstanding!!! Well said 😃

  • @craigmouldey2339
    @craigmouldey2339 5 років тому +96

    Great reminder of the 12 Christ chose and their shortcomings. The Holy Apostles. That is what the Lord started with but after Pentecost, these men gave all. God can transform a person. It is the hope I cling to: God have mercy on me, a sinner.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +3

      Yes, indeed...it puts things in perspective...Amen...on all of us!

  • @NadaVerse
    @NadaVerse 5 років тому +95

    *I find that the Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S. to be very welcoming to Americans as they generally translate their services in English in order to accommodate your average American.*

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +20

      Yes, indeed! I think all the jurisdictions are moving that way, each at its own pace!

    • @joshua_wherley
      @joshua_wherley 5 років тому +12

      Agreed! My home parish is OCA, and the few times I've visited Serbian parishes, I still felt at home.

    • @SLVBULL
      @SLVBULL 5 років тому +5

      Ljubavi moja. Żiva istina

    • @NadaVerse
      @NadaVerse 5 років тому +21

      @Joshua Wherley *That’s awesome....Serbs embrace newcomers in Fellowship and Prayer.....but also in their various cultural celebrations....Good People, Rustic Food, Music & Dancing..and the next thing you know, you’re at the Altar wearing your Wedding Crowns and then before you know it...you find yourself planning a Christening..😉*

    • @NadaVerse
      @NadaVerse 5 років тому +12

      @SLVBULL
      *☦️KOSOVO🇷🇸JE🇷🇸SRBIJA☦️*
      *.....Nema Predaje!❤️*

  • @Hospody-Pomylui
    @Hospody-Pomylui Рік тому +2

    I am a reformed Baptist/Presbyterian being converted by the Holy Spirit and scripture and the great providence of my Lord who k ows how to coordinate happenings in such away as I cannot muster the faith to call coincident. I'm in the "inquiere" phase. I had to drive 1 hr and 40 min to a Greek Orthodox church. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I was the big white dude with full sleeve tattoos and everyone else was Greek. The people tripped over themselves to serve me and treated me like I was family and they were blessed I was there. I won't lie, I've had the same hospitality from Protestants too. But it erased the concerns I had about ethnicity.

  • @vashonmonks
    @vashonmonks 5 років тому +16

    Eloquent words by my old friend, Father Michael.
    Abbot Tryphon

    • @DChristina
      @DChristina 3 роки тому +1

      Love you both! Have both of your books 📚 what a blessing 💕Thank you

  • @joantatham8623
    @joantatham8623 5 років тому +72

    One of the best & most re-assuring theological talks I have ever heard. Thank you.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +3

      Thanks to God! Glad you enjoyed it, Joan!

  • @trollsneedhugs
    @trollsneedhugs Рік тому +1

    3:21 "The right church is the one that meets the spiritual needs of the people".
    7:37 "The church isn't here to meet your needs".
    I agree the truth is certainly a paradox.

  • @psjasker
    @psjasker 2 роки тому +4

    All right - I am moving to his parish and converting to Orthodoxy! :-) One of the most inspiring and loving priests I have heard

  • @yonastilegirma5325
    @yonastilegirma5325 5 років тому +19

    I am proud of being Great Ethiopian Orthodox. Thanks father for nice interview

    • @someguy9571
      @someguy9571 4 роки тому +2

      @Shadow Most likely not talking about the same kind of "pride".

  • @Christisking1911
    @Christisking1911 10 місяців тому +1

    I had never thought about the imperfections of the early church, but it totally makes sense. We are all sinful humans, and God helps us grow as individuals in His holy church. Thank you Father

  • @NtakiyimanaNicholas
    @NtakiyimanaNicholas 10 місяців тому +1

    I follow you from st Peter and Paul in Rwanda

  • @pgancedo9299
    @pgancedo9299 4 роки тому +9

    The Fr. was so humble yet so wise. I wish i lived near him to seek spiritual advice and just talk to him about life in general. God bless that wise priest

  • @elenaaksenova
    @elenaaksenova 3 роки тому +36

    Спасибо большое! С праздником братья и сестры! С Рождеством Христовым!

  • @radicalgreek99
    @radicalgreek99 5 років тому +71

    I love being Greek Orthodox

    • @rodouladoulos1548
      @rodouladoulos1548 5 років тому +2

      RADICAL GREEK.....so do I.........PATRIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @fnd111
      @fnd111 5 років тому +4

      I hope you are Greek. You would not love it if you are not.

    • @radicalgreek99
      @radicalgreek99 5 років тому +8

      @@fnd111 I attended a Great church where the priest speaks English and Greek does both Services for the people who don't speak Greek as well. I am 100% Greek both my parents are Greek and I lived in Greece for 17 years and now I live in the United States. It's not really hard to find an Orthodox church that teaches in English language.

    • @radicalgreek99
      @radicalgreek99 5 років тому +1

      @@rodouladoulos1548 ella

    • @martinstrange3898
      @martinstrange3898 5 років тому +4

      @@fnd111 I've done all right, and I'm not Greek. Although I did come through the OCA to GOA, so I had a little bit of a head start. I imagine if I'd gone straight to GOA I'd have been very lost, confused, and left out.

  • @danielgaley9676
    @danielgaley9676 10 місяців тому +1

    Beautiful message, Father.

  • @saldomino1639
    @saldomino1639 Рік тому

    I heard this in a UA-cam Video “ We Need God No God Needs us to make a difference in the World and in the Church that’s why God created us in his image for a purpose ! I agree 100 percent the Church Needs you thank you so much for this Video God bless you !

  • @Mark-yb1sp
    @Mark-yb1sp 4 роки тому +15

    This is probably the best explanation of my hidden questions. I now understand. Always a pleasure listening to these videos.

  • @mariacristinaperezlegorret7593
    @mariacristinaperezlegorret7593 5 років тому +29

    Listening to Father Oleksa has been a blessing. God knows how much I needed to hear it.

  • @bc6144
    @bc6144 Рік тому

    I'm Byzantine Catholic (Rusyn). This is 500% relevant to my existence and participation. Excellent, excellent insights. Thank you, Father Michael.

  • @kellydunn2528
    @kellydunn2528 5 років тому +6

    Most impressive. I myself, am a credentialed Baptist pastor. I am retired now, but worship and serve in an Evengelical Presbyterian Church. I identified with this fellow follower of Jesus Christ because what I witnessed was a man who spoke from his heart. He seemed to me to be the man who truly is a man who is marked with goodness and faith. My aim and prayer is for me to be as such also. Honestly, I don't know much about the Orthodox doctrines, but I do know how we are love, encourage and assist all who follow Jesus Christ. I look forwad to more insightful videos.

    • @SLVBULL
      @SLVBULL 4 роки тому +2

      Kelly Dunn one orthodox priest described orthodoxy like this. Only the Orthodox Church has a full set of keys on the piano, which allows the fullness of the music to be experienced. All other denomination have less or no keys at all ie. wealth gospel teaching, etc.

  • @bpowell7999
    @bpowell7999 5 років тому +14

    Great video with important points regarding the Church. We live in a society filled with consumerism, and it's easy to apply these principles when we go out "church shopping"...having been raised in a Protestant church, I spent years doing this. People spend a lot of time picking out a church, much like they would when picking out a restaurant for a night out....I'm looking at coming into the Orthodox Church, but it's hard to convey to family members why I would do such a thing when they are still stuck in the "church shopping" phase, which comes as a combo with "the only thing important is my personal relationship with Jesus". Orthodoxy in the USA seems difficult because of the consumerism and individualistic culture we live in....but I pray more people give it a chance!

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +3

      Christ is Risen! Indeed...Amen to that!

  • @jesuscxmarx6662
    @jesuscxmarx6662 2 роки тому +8

    That was awesome! I love the father’s wisdom. Orthodoxy has a more human character not found in Traditional Roman Catholicism (Sedevacantism). This is one of many reasons why I’m pursuing Orthodoxy.

    • @etcwhatever
      @etcwhatever Рік тому

      There are Traditional Roman Catholics who are not by any means sedevacantists. Actually the only group i know that would match what you say is the FSSPV.

  • @ethiop_frum
    @ethiop_frum 3 роки тому +3

    My hugs for all orthodox!

  • @livinginwilderness7913
    @livinginwilderness7913 4 роки тому +4

    You know what I hate the most? My sinfulness and when I’m so focused and enjoying every word from the father and here pops a UA-cam ad.

  • @saint5203
    @saint5203 2 роки тому +1

    My wife is from Bulgaria. Her father is from Bulgaria. They came to Fairlawn Ohio. Saint Thomas eastern orthodox church in Fairlawn Ohio. Her father is the parish priest. Im a convert.English is our language.
    Subdeacon Chris😇

  • @stevebrown8368
    @stevebrown8368 3 роки тому +1

    Converted in 74. This good servant of the lord speaks the truth

  • @bababekabeka3658
    @bababekabeka3658 5 років тому +2

    Orthodoxy is true the one and only way to OUR GOD AND SAVIOUR WHO HAVE CREATED THIS WORLD JESUS CHRIST THE BEGGINING AND THE END THE ALPHA AND OMEGA THE FIRST AND LAST OUR GOD JESUS CHRISTUS. PROUD TO BE ORTHODOX IN THE BEGGINING WHEN I WAS BORN THANKS JESUS CHRIST AMEN.

  • @NtakiyimanaNicholas
    @NtakiyimanaNicholas 10 місяців тому +1

    Merry Christmas and happy New year farter! I need your teachings

  • @richardhildreth4471
    @richardhildreth4471 4 роки тому +3

    I am so lucky. The only accessible church in our area is an OCA (Orthodox Church of America), so ethnically it is actually American with a Russian heritage. Love my church!

  • @chriscollins2938
    @chriscollins2938 5 років тому +16

    Wow. The last 4 minutes is amazing.

  • @louisaccardi6808
    @louisaccardi6808 4 роки тому +3

    Such a wise minister.

  • @pictopoezia
    @pictopoezia 5 років тому +3

    Man! What a cool father!!! I keep listening Western Orthodox priests for a better understanding of my Eastern Orthodoxy. You have the sincere freshness in your words that I've always yearned for! Truly thank you! It helps me understand and cherish my faith. God bless!

  • @dansgone2229
    @dansgone2229 5 років тому +13

    I’ve seen some Orthodox Churches meet the people “where they are at” like Jesus did and some who don’t care but are interested in the ethnic and language of the “old country “ and focus on these things like the Pharisees . You just have to look a bit and possibly make the sacrifices of time and distance. Yes...if the Church is truly a Hospital, it IS here to meet our needs.

  • @briandelaney9710
    @briandelaney9710 4 роки тому +1

    Father Oleksa is down to earth. It is refreshing to hear an Orthodox priest discuss these issues with common sense that everyone can understand

  • @jamescoffey5225
    @jamescoffey5225 2 роки тому +1

    This is a good and wise priest who has given a perfect presentation of what Church is about and replete with holy wisdom. And I say this as a Roman Catholic!

  • @NtakiyimanaNicholas
    @NtakiyimanaNicholas 10 місяців тому

    Father! I follow you from st Peter and Paul in Rwanda I'm an Orthodox parish priest. I'm so happy to see your videos. You are my teacher.

  • @gizmorazaar
    @gizmorazaar 11 місяців тому

    Memory Eternal, Fr. Michael.

  • @lindamorgan2678
    @lindamorgan2678 9 місяців тому +1

    Excellent interview, he sure makes sense and many need to hear his message and take his advice, I know I will. Thanks so much, subscribed and hit the alarm.

  • @paulziolo9241
    @paulziolo9241 4 роки тому +5

    What a terrific homily! All future and recent converts need to see and hear this!

  • @jamescrocker6760
    @jamescrocker6760 Рік тому

    As a lifelong protestant investigating orthodoxy more and more I’m liking what I hear I will just listen to this guy and I love his description of the original 12 and I just forgot how messed up they really were until the Holy Spirit came
    And then I man who was so full of fear he denied the Lord 3×50 days later is preaching before a large amount of people in 5000 people get saved. It will never be a perfect church as long as in perfect people are involved and have to walk in please at our pastors know what they’re doing that they are following God and we have to follow God it’s all a matter of faith and trust

  • @Vlad68RLH
    @Vlad68RLH 2 роки тому

    I love Fr. Michael. What an excellent commentary. He is spot on. We have great freedom as Orthodox believers to worship where we feel at home.

  • @rwbrouwer
    @rwbrouwer 5 років тому +13

    Great video! Thank you father Oleksa. I would like to add that it is good for converts to learn from the ‘native’ Orthodox the spirit of Orthodoxy. Just like we as Christians have to remember that we received a great deal of our faith from the Jewish people. I love the feeling of going to Greece and seeing people worshipping in a way that is so natural to them, and the Church is their home. Starting a church with only converts doesn’t sound right because you disconnect yourself from that part of the Church that is so ancient and accustomed to the life of faith.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +6

      Thanks to God! It's definitely a challenging thing to become Orthodox in the diaspora. I always encourage converts to try to get to an Orthodox country for a visit as soon as possible, so as to see Orthodoxy lived in its native context...

  • @Ganymede907
    @Ganymede907 4 роки тому +1

    I loved listening to Father Oleksa ever since I was a little kid. I'm sad to say I've become Atheist in my adulthood, but I remember I was always happy to listen to him talk when my parents/grandparents made me go to church every Sunday/Holiday at the Anchorage St. Innocent Cathedral.

    • @wesleyhornberger4305
      @wesleyhornberger4305 3 роки тому +2

      "I'm sad to say I've become Atheist..." Don't go on being sad! You can change that! Go back to where you left God. Pray from your heart. No matter where you go, where you travel, even while driving the interstate - watch for Truth. Pray morning, noon, and night. Pray when you wake in the middle of the night. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. Don't stop praying! Go to Church. Don't live your life sad.!

  • @arminasangma64
    @arminasangma64 5 років тому +20

    I m catholic from India There are so many Catholics in India and so many Spiritual Charismatic Retreat Centers in many parts of India and in other countries as well

  • @admiralmurat2777
    @admiralmurat2777 5 років тому +19

    The amazing thing about icons Father Michael is that the mistakes we see through the painting remind us of the humanity of the saints.

  • @WiltonGal
    @WiltonGal 3 роки тому

    This is, by far, the very best description of "Christian church" (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) that I have ever heard! God Bless this pastor!

  • @thereccereport1172
    @thereccereport1172 3 роки тому +2

    I would say a major difficulty of becoming Orthodox in America and most of the West is that most Orthodox parishes are in big cities with very few Orthodox parishes in rural areas.

  • @richardwagner-ky9mz
    @richardwagner-ky9mz Рік тому

    Very enjoyable. As an.Ortodox convert, it is reassuring to hear a very down to earth priest talk about the Church as full of dinners trying to do better but stumbling but getting up again to start over. Thesis as process not event.

  • @bluemoon-pm5hv
    @bluemoon-pm5hv Місяць тому

    Lord Yeshua Son of God have mercy on me a sinner 🙏 ✌️ ❤️ blessings to all

  • @carolweaver3269
    @carolweaver3269 5 років тому +7

    This was an interview that was definitely needed, It was done in the way the Lord wanted. Thank you

  • @ChildOfTheMostHighJesus
    @ChildOfTheMostHighJesus Рік тому

    We attend the Ukrainian Orthodox local church. I was born into this faith and will remain Orthodox until I die. I'm learning the language of my Babciá and praising Jesus. It's wonderful! May everyone find their spiritual home! God bless you all.

  • @Meghan-j4l
    @Meghan-j4l 11 місяців тому

    I vlogged my recent experience on my page but some things aren’t what it used to be I just hope for more new young intelligent minds bringing new energy to the Faith

  • @carolweaver3269
    @carolweaver3269 5 років тому +4

    Father, you are a blessing. This was what I needed to hear! My husband and I are divided as of attending an Orthodox Church and he feels he does not know what is said, and yet I know Orthodox is right, and yet do not want him not happy and we need to agree as have been married 50 yrs and we do love Jesu very much. I need to relax some and my husband too knowing they are not perfect, we are not perfect and could "shop until we dropped" and would not find the "perfect" church, but 'overall' it is correct, but each will maybe express their faith a little differently. I love the Spiritual Father and my husbands' godfather has helped us and my god mother and yet we just did not understand the language. But I love the service and feel the Lord when there especially. We must 'go with the flow" and do the best possible and serve the Lord as we are led.

    • @JudithSanchez-ht6jn
      @JudithSanchez-ht6jn 5 років тому +1

      Carol Weaver language is ireveland the Catholic Church the mass was in Latin and never the church was not divided. I remember that Latin was so holy and for me was so saintly.

    • @carolweaver3269
      @carolweaver3269 5 років тому

      @@JudithSanchez-ht6jn That was true in the Roman Catholic church. I was Protestant and never knew about the Eastern Orthodox Catholic church until I was in my later 20's. I took my Sunday School class to the church to learn about the Orthodox church and even took them to the Jewish Temple to be shown how Jesus grew up. That is was the standard set up for the church. Coming in from the West and facing east as it was built and so much more. But of course, a separation took place even after that.
      In the Book of Acts, we are given a glimpse, into more of what they did, when first setting up the Church. But in the Book of Revelation, we find the churches are having problems with pagans coming in and trying to "change things" in the wrong direction, and they must be careful it is not bringing them down. There is a limit to the changes allowed.
      As it says in the bible to "go and tell the person who is doing wrong if they do not listen, take someone with you to talk with them, if that does not work, then it must be taken to the church.
      We do not want Satanism to take over or anything as such. But some of the pagan things are still happening ( Not witchcraft) but dates of holidays and some of the things allowed in certain ways. But much is said in the Revelations on this. We must use our heart and mind in what we do, and how far we reach.
      As years went by I became Eastern Orthodox and baptized.
      As I grew up Protestant my leanings are still in that direction some, but yet I know the way it started and that the Protestant churches are not bad, they are just split off from the main church, and do not know often even about it. But missing many parts of the whole. But not bad people and we can pray for each other and grow and hope that the Lord comes and saves us before we go so far in this world in wrong way and become Sodom and Gomorrah and were getting close. God would love for us all to come back to the church and find our way. But we must not feel we are the only one who is perfect in all Jesus wants, either. I have spent many, many years searching and asking Jesus to lead me " To the one TRUE Church" It wore me out as could see good and bad and did not condemn them totally and it was confusing. Finally got very tired! lol I do think it is good to be born a CRADLE Catholic, but yet searching helps you see what each is about and what is best for yourself and what you can be at peace with knowing it is right for you. Not 'understanding the language' is 'very complicated for most people,'

    • @carolweaver3269
      @carolweaver3269 3 роки тому

      @@JudithSanchez-ht6jn The aura of Heaven was n the midst. The Holy Spirit lives within us. We are the church. I have felt it too

  • @DChristina
    @DChristina 5 років тому +25

    What a great interview/video- thank you very much!
    Father Michael Oleksa is s treasure💕

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +3

      Thanks to God...he is, indeed!

    • @DChristina
      @DChristina 3 роки тому

      Hoping Fr Michael Oleksa & Matushka Xenia can come visit us again at St Nicholas in Portland soon as these restrictions lift!

  • @adrianwhyatt1425
    @adrianwhyatt1425 2 роки тому

    Best interview I can recall. The ju

  • @Simonet1309
    @Simonet1309 5 років тому +4

    My church now uses more Romanian than English, it is not a concern for me particularly as, although I do not speak Romanian, the liturgy speaks to the soul in any human language, however, and I have noticed a decline in Non-Romanian converts and catechumens. It is a shame as my church has definitely become less ‘accessible’.

  • @ladyfaye8248
    @ladyfaye8248 2 роки тому

    the way forward is going to be something new.
    Yes, retaining a few key 'traditions', values, ethics, buildings, social structures, but not being bogged down in them, and not having them such that nobody is interested !

  • @elainemartin1321
    @elainemartin1321 Рік тому

    Such wisdom... thank you.

  • @MegaTubetiger
    @MegaTubetiger Рік тому

    Great wisdom and clarity from Fr. Michael. I appreciate his words.

  • @uncabral
    @uncabral 5 років тому +3

    Find the ❤️ of Orthodoxy first and foremost, the church should help and support this. Jesus is the way and remember: my yoke is soft and my load is light. You don't choose Him, He has chosen you. Let the church find you. What Father Michael says is wise.

  • @007Seraphim
    @007Seraphim Рік тому

    This video was excellent! I have a whole new perspwective on things. Thank you Father Michael!

  • @southjersey10
    @southjersey10 5 років тому +2

    As an Inquirer this was wonderful. Wherever I land in an Orthodox Church I will bring imperfection. Lord Jesus, Son of God. Have mercy on me, a sinner.

  • @garthhunt7238
    @garthhunt7238 Рік тому

    What an excellent video! Thank you Fr. Oleksa!

  • @George-ur8ow
    @George-ur8ow 3 роки тому +3

    There's a TON of wisdom in this video

  • @stevep6428
    @stevep6428 2 роки тому

    Quite possibly one of the greatest videos on the Christian Church. Illustrating issues occurred when there were only 12 members.

  • @donworland
    @donworland 3 роки тому +6

    Thank you, this helped....I....have read the Orthodox Way, it made me laugh that you mentioned it, and I don't feel as confused and alone. The local church is Serbian, and I am wayward and fearful, I should just give them a call....when there were only 12 members, wow that really helps. Thank you Father Oleksa.

  • @dennydg57
    @dennydg57 3 роки тому +1

    I prefer parishes that have authentic old-world culture woven into their worship regardless of which one. For me, I love any old-world culture from any other country older than America. The predominant culture in America is popular culture and the prevalent religion is Protestant Evangelical, I tend to want to avoid most of that. I love Divine Liturgy in another language to me it sounds beautiful and the fact that I don't always understand makes it a wonderful metaphor for the mystery we must embrace. It's through embracing paradox and mystery that I am able to find such beauty in the Church. I love the Church no matter the language or ethnicity because of every ethnicity has its wonderful families, foods, customs and traditions. It is so much richer than anything I have ever found in the western denominations. Perhaps it's just me but I converted 30 years ago and it's brought me so much joy, love, humility, and inner peace. I am always learning so much history, I've learned prayers and Liturgies and several different languages, have come to know the different traditions and customs of the different jurisdictions. I can't imagine ever leaving the Holy Orthodox Church.

  • @saint5203
    @saint5203 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your insight Father! Wishing you many years

  • @christaprice4090
    @christaprice4090 5 років тому +2

    My life is better for having watched this video. What a lovely man!

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +1

      Christ is Risen! Thanks to God...he is indeed!

  • @ekaterini2957
    @ekaterini2957 5 років тому +16

    Lots of churches have the liturgy in a book in the pews that is translated into English -- this very much helps and with time you learn. The "red book" in the Greek Churches has a column with the Greek "Romanized" into Roman letters so you can follow along phonetically while reading the English -- works very well -- I can tell you as a "Polish Orthodox" who goes to a "Greek" church.

    • @ProtectingVeil
      @ProtectingVeil  5 років тому +3

      Yes, indeed...thanks for stopping by, Ekaterini!

    • @H-townAV
      @H-townAV 4 роки тому +2

      Polish-American lapsed Catholic here. Just found this channel, checking things out!

  • @joanasaad915
    @joanasaad915 2 роки тому

    Very wise and comforting talk. Very true and so needed for those who g he scent grown up in orthodoxy.

  • @lindaobrien8538
    @lindaobrien8538 2 роки тому

    Thank you Father excellent.

  • @SpectatorAlius
    @SpectatorAlius 5 років тому +22

    Am I the only one to notice? Several times, he talks about the choice of language as being relevant to the spiritual needs of the parishioners, but then at 7:41 he suddenly changes direction and says, "the Church is not here to meet your needs, you are here to meet the Church's needs".

    • @jackhoyle17
      @jackhoyle17 5 років тому +39

      He's not being inconsistent,
      in the former, he is referring to what kind of posture clergy ought to have towards their ministry, while in the latter he is talking about how an individual (particularly a new convert) ought to have towards the parish that is accessible to him.
      Basically, if im a russian clergyman in an english speaking area- i ought to do services in english.
      if im an english speaking person and the only parishes available to me are in foreign languages- i ought to learn their language so i can properly worship. Same as if i moved to China, I'd be expected to learn mandarin, rather than demand everyone in China learn english so things are easier for me.

    • @NeanderdeOliveira
      @NeanderdeOliveira 5 років тому +6

      I caught that too! But then I thought what the other commenter here said.
      As we serve Him, an individual should expect his gifts from God, not from the church. It's personal. And so too the church makes it personal, by prostrating to service of the community.

    • @SpectatorAlius
      @SpectatorAlius 5 років тому +4

      @@NeanderdeOliveira But how can you not see the problem here? You cannot draw the sharp distinction you propose between "gifts from God" and "gifts from the Church" because the Church *is* the Body of Christ.

    • @NeanderdeOliveira
      @NeanderdeOliveira 5 років тому +3

      SpectatorAlius I know distinction is hard. So this is how I look at it. gifts from God are things like love, life and nature. We each other love only in as much as we receive it from God.
      "Church" however is where it gets a bit fuzzy, as you say. The church ARE it's members. So receiving from the church is no different than receiving from your brother.
      Another distinction, also made in this video, is that of the holy spirit. A person who has the holy spirit can perform miracles and prophecy as Christ did. We don't have that at the moment. We can be LEAD by the spirit, but actually having it is a whole other phenomena.

    • @uncabral
      @uncabral 5 років тому +5

      Otherwise said: find your church or else accomodate to the best available.

  • @williamjones7718
    @williamjones7718 5 років тому +2

    I'm interested in Orthodoxy, very impressed with it. But I find one will be welcoming and encouraging, and another waving me to pass on and go away. Very mixed signals to outsiders. Just an observation. The perspectives in this video are very helpful.

    • @SLVBULL
      @SLVBULL 4 роки тому

      William Jones if you find one to be welcoming why not stick with it. We don’t window shop for an Orthodox Church they are all the same, one in Union with Christ. I think the devil is pushing you away from the true faith not the church itself.

    • @williamjones7718
      @williamjones7718 4 роки тому +2

      @@SLVBULL - thank you for the comment, it brings to my attention an ambiguity in my post. First of all, EVERY face to face encounter with Orthodox clergy and laity that I have had has been only positive and enlightening. My comment was based solely on youtubes. I had been surfing a lot of them at the time and it was dominant in my mind. But that is an important distinction. Actual encounters with Orthodoxy have ALL, without fail, been very positive. Just a few of them, but all very good.

  • @Dlee-eo5vv
    @Dlee-eo5vv 2 роки тому

    Well done father.

  • @JuliaJayATOP
    @JuliaJayATOP Рік тому

    Wonderful thank you I needed that

  • @monsieurvilleparisis134
    @monsieurvilleparisis134 2 роки тому

    Brilliant. God bless him...

  • @jeffreyhoward6319
    @jeffreyhoward6319 2 роки тому

    Yes! Yes! Yes!

  • @carljd
    @carljd Рік тому

    Beautifully said. Glory Be To God!

  • @ZZZELCH
    @ZZZELCH 2 роки тому

    Absolutely wonderful

  • @stevennorfolk4466
    @stevennorfolk4466 4 роки тому

    You my Lamp. You light my way. You highlighting things I rather you didn't!

  • @emilylloyd1684
    @emilylloyd1684 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this. I'm not Greek but attend a Greek church because my husband has Greek heritage.
    At church I feel miles away. I don't share the culture or language. It makes me feel I have to try harder to find God.

  • @noleenole8254
    @noleenole8254 2 роки тому

    Wow!!! Really blew my mind at the end there. What an amazing person.

  • @mdlahey3874
    @mdlahey3874 4 роки тому +1

    Well-said... Thank you, Fr. Michael... 🙏

  • @shanestancik7527
    @shanestancik7527 4 роки тому

    In glory He is risen!!! So very thankful for any father that is willing to share what Christ has blessed him with for my thirst for the true faith, true church, and sacred mysteries handed down to one humble servant pleading to our lord for wisdom and how to live out my life in the way He left for us to do so. Praise God CHRIST IS RISEN

  • @megaloschemos9113
    @megaloschemos9113 4 роки тому +1

    Very wise words

  • @gabihaji6007
    @gabihaji6007 4 роки тому +1

    Love love love Orthodoxy 🙂

  • @susananastasiastavros1402
    @susananastasiastavros1402 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you Thank you, beautifully said..great teachings for His Orthodox Church..Thank you Father Alexa

  • @kathleenwindasgoodwin9165
    @kathleenwindasgoodwin9165 2 роки тому

    What a beautiful lesson!

  • @tiptonbrews8433
    @tiptonbrews8433 4 роки тому +1

    Such wisdom

  • @VassaLarin
    @VassaLarin 5 років тому +14

    Thank you for this very helpful video. It gets better and better with every minute.

    • @Bakarost
      @Bakarost 5 років тому

      I agree, every time I watch it it gets better and better

  • @EricBryant
    @EricBryant Рік тому

    I identify so much with this as an American catechumen from an Evangelical / Charismatic background

  • @raunothomas
    @raunothomas 5 років тому +3

    As Orthodox from Estonia, you are speaking most in most about same things! Same troubles. Same thoughts.
    Thank you for the video!
    P.S. But not all escapees, who want to look a like orthodox... they are not. God help us!

    • @AlexiusY21
      @AlexiusY21 5 років тому

      Are there Estonian-speaking parishes in Estonia? Or only Russian?

  • @sandrapg88
    @sandrapg88 4 роки тому +1

    You broke it down so perfectly. Thank you.