I am an American who was a Roman Catholic, I converted to the Russian Orthodox Church. I agree the Jesus Prayer is very helpful to keep connected to God present with us. Our goal is to pray constantly.
Hi. I am not orthodox yet but I am very close. I was trying to pray the Jesus prayer and ended up having a horrible nightmare that I believe may have been demonic. I wonder if you have ever heard of anything like this regarding this prayer. What I am wondering is if the particular prayer is so powerful that I wasn’t ready for it? I don’t know.
Hi there Mrs Sona, I am 25yr from South Africa(very small orthodox community) who recently moved towards orthodox Christianity from a protestant background(the only one in my family). I enjoyed this video and it gave me some good points to help me in my progress thank you. I wish you and your family all of God's mercy and blessings. ☦
I'm a 26yr old from South Africa, living in the USA. I'm Jewish and watching this video out of curiosity of other cultures, but thought it's a small world we're from the same country and age 👍
Hi, I’m also from South Africa, and I’m busy converting to Greek Orthodox in Cape Town. It is good to hear that I’m not the only one considering it. Whereabouts are you in SA?
@@johanvanderwalt2772 I currently live in the United States. My family is originally from the Johannesburg area, although my Grandparents came from Bloemfontein before Joburg. I hope it's all well in Cape Town!
Great insight Sona. Especially the new age things. They are all creeping their way into the supposed Christian churches and this makes Orthodoxy that much more important.
Thank you! And thank you for your feedback! I was thinking of making a video about these new age trends, but was not sure if it's something people are interested in.
Excellent. Coming from a similar background and having come home to Orthodoxy a few years ago, I have gone through many of these same small changes of heart and realizations. Glory to God in all things!
Thanks so much for this. Your point about Sunday is fantastic. I spend too much time during the week listening to "useful" podcasts that detract from other important things. I can do them on Sunday. All in its right place.
I gave up so many similar things. The New Age stuff is amazingly pervasive and such a relief to let go of. I had no idea how exhausting it was to believe that my mind was actually powerful enough to create reality!! I feel so convicted that I actually believed that. That is the same as believing that I am God. What blasphemy! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!
God bless you sister, am an Ethiopian Orthodox. I also with the grace and mercy of God have made many changes for the past few years. Someone from my past may not even recognise me but the less i occupie my self with the things of this world the happier and peaceful i am. 🙏
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am an Ethiopian Orthodox christian and also have made these adjustments to my life . looking forward to more of your recommendations.
Thank you for this beautiful little talk, simple, helpful, and encouraging. I am a catechumen, a senior citizen convert from Protestantism, trying to learn to live the Orthodox faith.
I love your videos❤️ I’m a new orthodox christian the only one in my family and it’s hard to follow everything correctly. these things may seem small to other but they’re really helpful
So grateful for the Orthodox perspective as a woman. I quit tarot and the like. Also I "quit" worrying what others in the world think about me. It's not a really gone because it is such a struggle but I care a lot less for example if I dress modestly to visit the monastery and then am seen in public on our travels.
It is so wonderful to see an intelligent woman and mother give these insights into becoming a better Orthodox Christian. I have been looking to improve my commitment to our Faith and although inspiration gets you excited, sharing how you do it provides guidance. My wife and I raised 3 children in the Church and they are solid, good adults; one daughter and 2 younger sons. I pray you and your husband have the same experience. Thank you.
thank you! I have been an Orthodox Christian since I was a child but really started trying to take it seriously 6 years ago. I just had a son and it's been wonderful to hear from other Orthodox moms. I am in the US and I find it very hard to be Orthodox here
Thank you for sharing! It is very hard indeed! But, I have to say, to be a true Orthodox Christian is hard everywhere. Even in the countries where Orthodox Christians are the majority. God help you and bless you abundantly!
Hi! I’m not here often but this video has been really inspiring me to not be so afraid of motherhood. This isn’t as related to the topic of the video necessarily, but I just wanted to express my appreciation. I am nowhere near the age for motherhood, but you being genuine about your experiences as a mother make the weight to be a perfect mother not as heavy. Thank you! God bless❤️☦️✝️
Благодарю за последовательность и простоту объяснений, сестра во Христе. Всё по делу и всё обосновано. Особенно солидарна с 8 пунктом о превознесении служителей Церкви. Это, к сожалению, распространённое явление, особенно среди пожилых людей. Такое нездоровое восхищение не только проявление мистического мышления, но и прямое нарушение 2й заповеди: "Не сотвори себе кумира".
Спасибо за ответ! Да, действительно, это распространенное явление! Я с этим и в Армении, и в России, и в Штатах сталкивалась. Хотя здесь чаще можно увидеть богатых пожилых людей, которые не уважают сан священника и не считаются с его мнением.
I really appreciate your wisdom about not idealizing the leaders of the church. They are still human. They still cave to temptation. They still sin. When we exalt our leaders, we only leave room for disappointment when they fail. So many have turned away from the church when their pastor or priest messes up.
I agree with all of these things. I did the same except the last one, as lutheran christian. There are a lot of things around I do not necessary will say are of God. Thank you for this video, I will look more into the last one, I agree pride is something to be more careful of. I do strive to live more liturgically, and learn more each church season. Though I know that is not for everyone but It really helps me being grounded and focused on learning more and hopefully become a better christian. Best wishes.
I loved the pictures you included in this video! I'm not an orthodox Christian but I am a Christian and something I do differently is I'm careful what kind of movies I watch or books I read.
Wonderful to hear your sound insight!! To remain in constant mental prayer with the "Jesus ❤prayer" is paramount to keep us stable throughout all of these very troubled times. The more we say it the more we feel the warmth of the stability that JesusCHRIST❤ is in and around us. May JesusCHRIST❤ HELP each one of us to constantly CHOOSE ONLY for the dear love of GOD❤ until each of our last moments on Earth!!
I love your videos ❤I gave up alls elf help books and podcasts a month ago. It’s not been easy, as I was addicted to them, but I find I have more time for work, prayer, and quality time 💕💕
Look how Orthodoxy is about a relationship with God, unlike other groups claiming to preach Christianity but that's where it ends, just preaching, there's no living FOR God or WITH God.
Really important and good advice. If only more Orthodox would listen to this. Many just don’t want to give up worldly things they like, even if they are dangerous and detrimental.
Great video. I recently had a dream and I usually forget dreams even before I can speak on them but this one has stuck with me. I noticed you spoke disparingly about dreams but there is plenty of dreams from God and interpretation of them throughout the Bible. So while I won't rely on it as a hobby, I will still note them from time to time and ponder their significance. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you so much! I absolutely agree! God works in so many ways! Prophets and saints have prophetic dreams. There was a time when my friends and I were really interested in dreams and dream interpretations. We were even trying to control our dreams, but I don’t think there was anything holy in that. Those dreams were really deceiving us. Now, unless I get a clear evidence that the dream is from God and not from Satan, I am not going to pay attention to it.
I agree. God has spoken to me so many times through my dreams. And what’s interesting is that I forget the dreams that are insignificant but I don’t forget the ones that come from God. I want to share with you this dream that I had recently. I was scheduled for a heart procedure a few months ago and I was extremely concerned. So it was during that time that Jesus came into my dream and blessed me with the sign of the cross and disappeared. And I’ve had many other dreams like this one. So yes, some dreams are revelations to us by God. May God keep blessing you and your lovely familySona. 😇
@@holasona I would say its hard to tell who its from but its really not. Its like talking to someone who feels uneasy or in a situation you know you shouldn't be. That's how I see it anyways. I remember reading a little bit about dreams in a sigmund freud book way back when, it probably didn't cover the same subject matter as the Bible would lol.
Thanks for this video. I was particularly glad that you mentioned meditation and yoga. I do not like either and I sometimes have a hard time explaining why, especially with some Christians who think that they are harmless. I have a friend who was quite into mediation and he had this idea about emptying himself and thinking about nothing. He wanted to do it for a whole hour every day. He would not listen to me as he considered me to be not as successful as he in business or in family life. Finally, he met a monk who put him on the right path. He quit this strange practise. Recently I encountered a Roman Catholic who said that she liked mediation. I again said that I believe it is wrong, but she was not convinced as there is as you say this popularized version in the West, but people cannot see through it. I can only pray for her. She is a good Christian and goes to church diligently. Possibly she too needs to meet a spiritual authority like a monk to dissuade her from meditation.
I used to be like your friends! And I remember thinking the person who told me it was sinful and we need to stay away from it was crazy.. but I know better now and completely agree
Немного мыслей по 7му пункту… Вспомнил слова «Будте как дети». Зачастую можно встретить толкования которые как бы выдавливают святость из детей, мол, Христос учит быть незлобивыми как дети, простыми и чистыми. Любой у кого есть дети знает, что они далеки от святости, достаточно дать одну игрушку двум малышам)) мне думается, дорогая Сона, что ты верно поняла эти слова, сказав «I know that I’m nothing without God”. Особенность детей не в том что они святы, но в том, что они не могут без родителей. Спасибо за видео, ты молодец)
The Bible teaches us to praise God and be grateful. He inhabits the praises of his people. Therefore keeping a gratitude journal for God is q good thing to do. I understand what you mean though there is a fine line. Surprised at how many Christians reading the book the secret! 😢
Thank you for sharing! Yes, gratitude is very important for Christians! And journaling can be beneficial too. As for “The Secret” book, yeah, I was a child when it came out and it did have an impact on me, unfortunately.
This is a great list, thank you! For me, I stopped listening to secular music and even so called ‘Christian music.’ When I seldom do listen to music I choose either classical music or something without lyrics
That k you for sharing! The same! I do love classical music though! And jazz! And I do occasionally listen to old pop songs or musicals when I feel nostalgic, but yes, I feel like I too outgrew secular music.
A wise woman willing to share the truth about Faith in God and how modern thought, tricks and mind manipulation are taking us in the opposite direction
Again we have things in common, I also started to go regularly to church when I was a teenager. I also wanted to be a nun, and not only that, but I was also considering being a Catholic nun 😂 But everytime I was thinking about it something felt off. Looking back I'm happy how God took care of me. I was and am too worldly to be a nun. I'm happy to live the married life and the blessing that God gave me by having children cannot be described. As to your question, I cannot think of something specific I gave up, maybe using many cosmetics, like lots of creams and oils and scrubs, conditioners, even lip balm (it honestly dries my lips more). But it wasn't really for God, more for practical reasons, like lack of time and it also feels like a waste and they just don't really work. I was inspired by reading the Saints and Fathers about not using oils and fragrances etc. I do use some, but it has to be some moderation/ balance and the intent is key as well
The only thing that troubles me is the devining part about religion as in following a prayer book to pray. We are supposed to be in a natural loving relationship with God not follow a sidur or a prayer book. Following a religion draws me back to the temple practice and demolishes the heart connection from the heart
do other videos inspiring by the way if you made a video of Ethiopian orthodox church the ppl will watch your video do as much as possible ,God bless you
What do you mean by “ boring stuff”, when it comes to spiritual prayer discipline? Perhaps you are referring to one doing the same things over and over, right ?
@@luljaime1855 thank you for your question! Yes, I mean repetitive, every day habits which might not sound as exciting as heroic deeds of the early church saints, but in the long term, they strengthen your faith and make you a better person.
@@holasona You are welcome :) I was confirming that I understood you well and perhaps clarify it to people , who might literally understand Spiritual discipline as something boring. Thank you !!
Hey sis, can you please recommend a book on Christian orthodoxy please:) I am new to the orthodox. I love love Jesus he’s my lord and savior 😍😍😍 but I’d love to know more. Please and thank you! Great video
Know the faith and Rock and Sand were the first 2 books suggested to me. I’m only an inquirer at this point but these 2 books have opened my eyes to problems in Protestant Christianity. I also purchased the Didache, the letters of St. Ignatius, and On the incarnation by St. Athanasius.
The law of Attraction worked a whole lot more back in the day when after years and years hidden esoteric societies began releasing it to the world which is almost a guaranteed fact that it's going to be hijacked by the same esoteric hidden factions probably about 15 years later and that's why it doesn't work anymore really. My grandma used to work with that back in the 80s on her shoe sales and she made such a whopping sales it was mind-blowing. She bought our house with it. However no matter what as a new Christian I know that it's just a carrot dangling like pretty much everything else in the material world and I think if you were to use it for other things like finding the absolute truth of everything it will serve you a whole lot more. Because it's more aligned with its original intent.
Question: What is the Orthodox Christian belief about the Christian terms "saved" and "born again" (two terms that bother me)? Also, as a Catholic, I do love the fact that Orthodox children become part of the church right after baptism.
I never understood these terms myself, i think western christianity is culturally predisposed for quick and easy solutions. Orthodox christianity recognuzes that for any spiritual progress one has to constantly struggle, no quick results are promised. The Jesus prayer says it all. Born again or saved as terms are meaningless to me
@@sands-tp1ul Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
I’m orthodox but have questions about calling the priest father when I read that god doesn’t want anyone called father but him and not to worship icons, can someone explain this
I pray that you could see that being in the right faith as an Orthodox Christian helps you to spend eternity with Jesus. Its the only faith where you will be saved. I assume you have been baptised and received Holy Eucharist where Christ has told us are required to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Im sorry to hear that you were unhappy but i hope you find your happiness in union with the true Christ 🙏🏻
Be careful, because Pentecostal beliefs and practices tend to be very emotionally based, and emotions can lead us astray. Emotions can be used for manipulation and control. May God be with you.
I did practice yoga for a few days during covid and the sounds made me feel a sense of heavyweight and my soul felt I don't know kind of like dark i guess i felt something was occupying me.
Just a friendly note that you cannot claim to be Eastern Orthodox (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Antiochian etc) if you are Oriental Orthodox because the Eastern Orthodox Church is not in communion with Oriental Orthodox (e.g., Armenian Orthodox, which you were raised and baptized in), due to differences since Council of Chalcedon in 451. This council clarified the Orthodox position on the two natures of Christ, (refuting Monophysitism - which your faith still believes in) and affirming that Christ is both fully divine and fully human, his dual nature that Orthodox Christians believe). Maybe put on your list of things to quit claiming to be Eastern Orthodox and clarify your unique faith background as Oriental Armenian Orthodox. With that said, I love the rest of your video about the 10 things you quit!
Hi! Thank you for your comment! I did not claim to be Eastern Orthodox in any of my videos, just Orthodox. And it’s a common misconception among EO Christians to call OO Monophysites. Please watch my two video where I explain that OO Christians are MIAPHYSITES not Monophysites and where I explain the difference between EO and OO. Thank you! ua-cam.com/video/OYeVq6MCPqY/v-deo.htmlsi=d9-1HfL-v5syyGtM ua-cam.com/video/PR2mX9XwNOo/v-deo.htmlsi=BdCfTGCO6wb6aBUU
i dont see a difference between greek, armenian, coptic ir ethiopian churches , they all follow the same Tradition. Monophysite, polyphysite are just terms with no spiritual value or meaning, they only cause division. We are all Orthodox Christians
You are correct. That’s why we consider Sunday the day of rest. In the US Sunday is still the first day of the week, but where I come from it is the 7th. I probably, should have explained it in the video:)
Thank you for these videos. They are so helpful and informative. I've wavered between Catholic and Christian and you explain some of the differences very well. It's Sunday morning and I can't sleep, but I think God has steered me this morning to your videos.
10:59 Can’t the same logic be applied to celebrating holidays with pagan influences such as Christmas and Easter? I’m not referring to remembering the Lord’s birth or death in and of itself, but the customs involved in these holidays such as standing a Christmas tree in your home, adorning it, and leaving presents under it (which represented offerings to pagan gods in Yule).
11:59 there are poses in modern day yoga that are from Europian body building practices. Some are worship, some are exercise. I forsook all yoga for a couple years and my body got to such a bad state because I wouldnt do anything I'd done in yoga. When I went to the physical therapist guess what he gave me... Yoga poses! Don't do any of the freaky stuff and you'll probably be okay. And anyhow, St. Paul talks about meat offered unto idols in 1 Corinthians 8.
There is nothing sinful about dream interpretation. God spoke 🙏 to holy people in the Bible through dreams. I quit wearing swimsuit and adapted more modest swimsuit and outfit daily.
I am pleasantly surprised by your videos and the availability of your channel! Moreover, the very fact that I can now watch your video can be considered a miracle, because the Russian army continues to attack civilians in our city with rockets, drones and guided aerial bombs. For example, the Russian army targeted our city hospital with drones, and when rescuers arrived, the occupiers attacked again to kill the rescuers. As a result, 9 civilians died and 21 people were injured. Air alarms last a very long time in our country, sometimes for 28 hours in a row. That's why there are power outages and Internet outages. But we hold on and do not give up, because the truth is on our side. This is the first video on your channel that I try to watch, but as you can see I'm already writing a comment to support the channel :) I also want to ask a bunch of questions, but I don't know where to start... Tell me, what kind of prayers do you read every day? Do you use psalms in your prayer practice? Thanks for the interesting video and greetings from Ukraine!
Roman, thank you so, so much for sharing! My heart breaks into thousand pieces for Ukrainian people! I am so ashamed of what is happening right now, I feel personal responsibility that, when I lived in Russia, I wasn’t more politically active to avoid tragedies we are facing now! I am terribly sorry for your own experiences! I just want to say thank you! Thank you for staying a Christian in these times of horror! Staying alive in Christ and working on self-improvement in the time of a real need! I admire you so much! God bless you and help you in your journey! Yes, I do try to read psalms daily and include them into my routine. I have a little pocket book of psalms in Armenian that I use. I will speak about it in one of my coming videos! I also read from the Book of Hours in the morning and evening that has the prayers for every hour, every occasion. I can look up the Ukrainian version if you’d like.
@@holasona Thank you for such a meaningful answer and best wishes! And yes, it would be interesting to know if there is a Ukrainian version. I can also read Church Slavonic. About twenty minutes ago there were two explosions. Russian invaders hit a residential building...
@@РоманПаляниця-к5э Russians and Ukranians are Orthodox brothers, you should reunite. Stop all associations with western schismatics. Thats what got you into trouble. The West clearly hates you - "to the last ukranian" . Reunite with Mother Russia or youd soon be catholic, assuming you survive as a nation. God Bless Ukraine and Russia
In Christian world, the seventh day became Sunday (the first day of the new week when Jesus has risen). So if you can, use both days - the Old Testament Sabbath and the New Testament Sunday to rest and focus on your spiritual needs.
You didn’t make enough research and I think is better to go to Jerusalem where you can find all answers but even here you can find the answers but you have to look deeper
What do you gain out of being a sinner? You are just following the business concept of christianity... making you a sinner, and against payment to the priest take away those sins... its so easy to see🤣🤣🤣
You are thinking of catholicism. Orthodox confess their basic weakness as humans, our propensity to do bad things (sins) due to our lack of spiritual development. This is simply our human condition. And if someone asks you to pay him for 'firgiveness of sins" run far away. Thats not an orthodox way. I hope this helps with your simplistic view of seeking spiritual development
Hi! I did not say Monophisitism is Eastern Orthodoxy, neither is it Oriental Orthodoxy. Monophisitism is considered a heresy in all Orthodox churches, including Armenian Apostolic Church. It is a common misconception to call Oriental churches Monophisite. Please watch my two videos on this topic, linked here. Thank you! ua-cam.com/video/OYeVq6MCPqY/v-deo.htmlsi=LQ2Q3SrqkNZj_arE ua-cam.com/video/PR2mX9XwNOo/v-deo.htmlsi=dPICWkLkanK0YkTI
@@bezimenkostotebrigovic5149 give it a rest with your religious fanaticism. Im greek orthodox and Armenians and Copts are as Orthodox as it gets. As a matter of fact Ethiopia and Armenia were Orthodox states before any other
Sorry for the probable rudeness, but you are not orthodox as I understand but monophysite, as you mentioned you belong to Armenian church which is monophysite.
@@nx3696 sorry that I love Jesus Christ more than kindness to heresy because "19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." As you see any heresy do not inherit the Kingdom of God.
as a Greek orthodox i think that your kids and husband are blessed by God with you by their sides
Thank you so much for you kind words! God bless you!
I am an American who was a Roman Catholic, I converted to the Russian Orthodox Church. I agree the Jesus Prayer is very helpful to keep connected to God present with us. Our goal is to pray constantly.
Thank you for sharing! Jesus Prayer is such a powerful prayer! I will speak more about it in my upcoming videos. Thank you for watching!
Hi. I am not orthodox yet but I am very close. I was trying to pray the Jesus prayer and ended up having a horrible nightmare that I believe may have been demonic. I wonder if you have ever heard of anything like this regarding this prayer. What I am wondering is if the particular prayer is so powerful that I wasn’t ready for it? I don’t know.
Hi there Mrs Sona, I am 25yr from South Africa(very small orthodox community) who recently moved towards orthodox Christianity from a protestant background(the only one in my family). I enjoyed this video and it gave me some good points to help me in my progress thank you. I wish you and your family all of God's mercy and blessings. ☦
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing! And thank you for watching! God bless you and help you on your journey!
I'm a 26yr old from South Africa, living in the USA. I'm Jewish and watching this video out of curiosity of other cultures, but thought it's a small world we're from the same country and age 👍
Hi, I’m also from South Africa, and I’m busy converting to Greek Orthodox in Cape Town. It is good to hear that I’m not the only one considering it. Whereabouts are you in SA?
@@johanvanderwalt2772 I currently live in the United States. My family is originally from the Johannesburg area, although my Grandparents came from Bloemfontein before Joburg. I hope it's all well in Cape Town!
From SA too brother☦️
Thank you dear, from Ethiopian Orthodox❤ ❤ ❤
Thank you for watching! 🙏
Catechumen here. Blessed to have a fantastic Orthodox community. ☦️☦️☦️
Welcome to the Orthodox faith! Thank you for watching! 🙏
I am an Orthodox christian from Ethiopia. Love ur advices. All are senicere and screams truth! ThNk u!
Thank you so much for your kind words! God bless you!
I am Russian Orthodox. Such a beautiful and simple testimony to the struggle of the Christian life. Thank you.
thank you so much I get alot of advices from this program GOD bless you sona! From ETHIOPIA
Thank you for watching! 🙏
آيها الرب يسوع المسيح يا ابن الله آلوحيد أحرس كنيستك الأرثوذكسية وشعبك ☦️☦️☦️
Amen!🙏
Great insight Sona. Especially the new age things. They are all creeping their way into the supposed Christian churches and this makes Orthodoxy that much more important.
Thank you! And thank you for your feedback! I was thinking of making a video about these new age trends, but was not sure if it's something people are interested in.
@@holasona I think a lot of us would. But it's your call. And you're welcome.
Excellent. Coming from a similar background and having come home to Orthodoxy a few years ago, I have gone through many of these same small changes of heart and realizations. Glory to God in all things!
Thanks so much for this. Your point about Sunday is fantastic. I spend too much time during the week listening to "useful" podcasts that detract from other important things. I can do them on Sunday.
All in its right place.
Thank you for watching! We all do that, but I try to remind myself that “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day” is actually a commandment.
I gave up so many similar things. The New Age stuff is amazingly pervasive and such a relief to let go of. I had no idea how exhausting it was to believe that my mind was actually powerful enough to create reality!! I feel so convicted that I actually believed that. That is the same as believing that I am God. What blasphemy! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!
Amén! Thank you for sharing your story! I can only imagine how hard it was to let go!
God bless you,from ethiopian Orthodox .
Thank you! God bless you too! 🙏
Thank you from Ethiopia! And we love you all Greek Orthodox Christians ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! I am so glad! 🙏
God bless you sister, am an Ethiopian Orthodox. I also with the grace and mercy of God have made many changes for the past few years. Someone from my past may not even recognise me but the less i occupie my self with the things of this world the happier and peaceful i am. 🙏
God bless you and help you on your journey! 🙏 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am an Ethiopian Orthodox christian and also have made these adjustments to my life . looking forward to more of your recommendations.
Thank you for this beautiful little talk, simple, helpful, and encouraging. I am a catechumen, a senior citizen convert from Protestantism, trying to learn to live the Orthodox faith.
Thank you for your kind words! And than you for watching!
You are amazing. Full,of the Holy Spirit. May God bless you and your family.
Man, if I had your channel when I was fiest converting. God bless you and your family, from England ❤️
@@WozzyWatkins thank you for your encouragement! God bless you too!
I love your videos❤️ I’m a new orthodox christian the only one in my family and it’s hard to follow everything correctly. these things may seem small to other but they’re really helpful
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy the videos are helpful! ❤️ Let me know what other topic you would be interested in!
So grateful for the Orthodox perspective as a woman. I quit tarot and the like. Also I "quit" worrying what others in the world think about me. It's not a really gone because it is such a struggle but I care a lot less for example if I dress modestly to visit the monastery and then am seen in public on our travels.
@@coiasirathebard7774 thank you for watching!🙏
Excellent presentation of a great point of departure! Glory to God!
Thank you for your kind words! 🙏
God bless you sister ✝️💜
Thank you! 🙏 God bless you too!
It is so wonderful to see an intelligent woman and mother give these insights into becoming a better Orthodox Christian. I have been looking to improve my commitment to our Faith and although inspiration gets you excited, sharing how you do it provides guidance. My wife and I raised 3 children in the Church and they are solid, good adults; one daughter and 2 younger sons. I pray you and your husband have the same experience. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate them! And thank you for sharing!
thank you! I have been an Orthodox Christian since I was a child but really started trying to take it seriously 6 years ago. I just had a son and it's been wonderful to hear from other Orthodox moms. I am in the US and I find it very hard to be Orthodox here
Thank you for sharing! It is very hard indeed! But, I have to say, to be a true Orthodox Christian is hard everywhere. Even in the countries where Orthodox Christians are the majority. God help you and bless you abundantly!
Deep wisdom, sister! God bless you and your family members!
Be strong as an ethiopian orthodox church always pray connect with God
Amen! Thank you for watching!
Hi! I’m not here often but this video has been really inspiring me to not be so afraid of motherhood. This isn’t as related to the topic of the video necessarily, but I just wanted to express my appreciation. I am nowhere near the age for motherhood, but you being genuine about your experiences as a mother make the weight to be a perfect mother not as heavy. Thank you! God bless❤️☦️✝️
Thank you so much for your comment and for your kind words! I am definitely not a perfect mom, but I genuinely enjoy motherhood!
God Bless you, Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching! God bless you too!
Sona jan, this was one of my favorite videos. Please keep giving great content thanks!
Thank you for your support! I am so glad!
I very much enjoy and appreciate you and your videos. As a new Orthodox convert, this information is very helpful. 😊 Bless you and your family! 🙏
Thank you so much! God bless you and help you on your journey!
Благодарю за последовательность и простоту объяснений, сестра во Христе. Всё по делу и всё обосновано.
Особенно солидарна с 8 пунктом о превознесении служителей Церкви. Это, к сожалению, распространённое явление, особенно среди пожилых людей. Такое нездоровое восхищение не только проявление мистического мышления, но и прямое нарушение 2й заповеди: "Не сотвори себе кумира".
Спасибо за ответ! Да, действительно, это распространенное явление! Я с этим и в Армении, и в России, и в Штатах сталкивалась. Хотя здесь чаще можно увидеть богатых пожилых людей, которые не уважают сан священника и не считаются с его мнением.
I really appreciate your wisdom about not idealizing the leaders of the church. They are still human. They still cave to temptation. They still sin. When we exalt our leaders, we only leave room for disappointment when they fail. So many have turned away from the church when their pastor or priest messes up.
Thank you for your kind words! I absolutely agree, the priests probably have even bigger temptations from the Evil one that we do.
Just getting started. First thing i quit was weed. May god have mercy on me, a sinner.
Thank you for sharing! God bless you and help you on your journey!
Great advice!!! ❤You are so right. People are so lost nowadays.
Thank you! And thank you for watching! ❤️
እግዚአብሔር ይባርክሽ God bless you
Thank you! God bless you too!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
Your list is so accurate.
Thank you!
This is such a wonderful video!
I agree with all of these things. I did the same except the last one, as lutheran christian. There are a lot of things around I do not necessary will say are of God. Thank you for this video, I will look more into the last one, I agree pride is something to be more careful of. I do strive to live more liturgically, and learn more each church season. Though I know that is not for everyone but It really helps me being grounded and focused on learning more and hopefully become a better christian. Best wishes.
Thank you for that video. It helped me a lot!❤
Thank you! I am so glad!
I loved the pictures you included in this video! I'm not an orthodox Christian but I am a Christian and something I do differently is I'm careful what kind of movies I watch or books I read.
Wonderful advice! Thanks for making this video.
Thank you! And thank you for watching!
Wonderful to hear your sound insight!!
To remain in constant mental prayer with the "Jesus ❤prayer" is paramount to keep us stable throughout all of these very troubled times. The more we say it the more we feel the warmth of the stability that JesusCHRIST❤ is in and around us.
May JesusCHRIST❤ HELP each one of us to constantly CHOOSE ONLY for the dear love of GOD❤ until each of our last moments on Earth!!
Very nice ! Thank you for this video !
I love your videos ❤I gave up alls elf help books and podcasts a month ago. It’s not been easy, as I was addicted to them, but I find I have more time for work, prayer, and quality time 💕💕
Look how Orthodoxy is about a relationship with God, unlike other groups claiming to preach Christianity but that's where it ends, just preaching, there's no living FOR God or WITH God.
Thank you. I needed this. I need to spend more time with God. Always get sidetracked by this world.
We all do! Thank you for watching! 🙏
thank you, dear sister!
Thank you for watching, dear sister!
Great video and advice!!!
Really important and good advice. If only more Orthodox would listen to this. Many just don’t want to give up worldly things they like, even if they are dangerous and detrimental.
You see a lot! All the witchcraft and magic in our contemporary world, and the religiosity of "secular" yoga and meditation!
I love this!
Thank you!🙏
Alleluia
🙏
Great video. I recently had a dream and I usually forget dreams even before I can speak on them but this one has stuck with me. I noticed you spoke disparingly about dreams but there is plenty of dreams from God and interpretation of them throughout the Bible. So while I won't rely on it as a hobby, I will still note them from time to time and ponder their significance. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you so much! I absolutely agree! God works in so many ways! Prophets and saints have prophetic dreams. There was a time when my friends and I were really interested in dreams and dream interpretations. We were even trying to control our dreams, but I don’t think there was anything holy in that. Those dreams were really deceiving us. Now, unless I get a clear evidence that the dream is from God and not from Satan, I am not going to pay attention to it.
I agree. God has spoken to me so many times through my dreams. And what’s interesting is that I forget the dreams that are insignificant but I don’t forget the ones that come from God. I want to share with you this dream that I had recently. I was scheduled for a heart procedure a few months ago and I was extremely concerned. So it was during that time that Jesus came into my dream and blessed me with the sign of the cross and disappeared. And I’ve had many other dreams like this one. So yes, some dreams are revelations to us by God. May God keep blessing you and your lovely familySona. 😇
@@holasona I would say its hard to tell who its from but its really not. Its like talking to someone who feels uneasy or in a situation you know you shouldn't be. That's how I see it anyways. I remember reading a little bit about dreams in a sigmund freud book way back when, it probably didn't cover the same subject matter as the Bible would lol.
Great video!
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for this video. I was particularly glad that you mentioned meditation and yoga. I do not like either and I sometimes have a hard time explaining why, especially with some Christians who think that they are harmless. I have a friend who was quite into mediation and he had this idea about emptying himself and thinking about nothing. He wanted to do it for a whole hour every day. He would not listen to me as he considered me to be not as successful as he in business or in family life. Finally, he met a monk who put him on the right path. He quit this strange practise. Recently I encountered a Roman Catholic who said that she liked mediation. I again said that I believe it is wrong, but she was not convinced as there is as you say this popularized version in the West, but people cannot see through it. I can only pray for her. She is a good Christian and goes to church diligently. Possibly she too needs to meet a spiritual authority like a monk to dissuade her from meditation.
I used to be like your friends! And I remember thinking the person who told me it was sinful and we need to stay away from it was crazy.. but I know better now and completely agree
Немного мыслей по 7му пункту… Вспомнил слова «Будте как дети». Зачастую можно встретить толкования которые как бы выдавливают святость из детей, мол, Христос учит быть незлобивыми как дети, простыми и чистыми. Любой у кого есть дети знает, что они далеки от святости, достаточно дать одну игрушку двум малышам)) мне думается, дорогая Сона, что ты верно поняла эти слова, сказав «I know that I’m nothing without God”. Особенность детей не в том что они святы, но в том, что они не могут без родителей. Спасибо за видео, ты молодец)
Спасибо, Манук, за добрые слова и интересные мысли!
Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Amen አሜን
Thanks for watching!
The Bible teaches us to praise God and be grateful. He inhabits the praises of his people. Therefore keeping a gratitude journal for God is q good thing to do. I understand what you mean though there is a fine line. Surprised at how many Christians reading the book the secret! 😢
Thank you for sharing! Yes, gratitude is very important for Christians! And journaling can be beneficial too. As for “The Secret” book, yeah, I was a child when it came out and it did have an impact on me, unfortunately.
This is a great list, thank you! For me, I stopped listening to secular music and even so called ‘Christian music.’ When I seldom do listen to music I choose either classical music or something without lyrics
That k you for sharing! The same! I do love classical music though! And jazz! And I do occasionally listen to old pop songs or musicals when I feel nostalgic, but yes, I feel like I too outgrew secular music.
Your prayers,please!
Of course, I will pray for you! What’s your name?
A wise woman willing to share the truth about Faith in God and how modern thought, tricks and mind manipulation are taking us in the opposite direction
Again we have things in common, I also started to go regularly to church when I was a teenager. I also wanted to be a nun, and not only that, but I was also considering being a Catholic nun 😂 But everytime I was thinking about it something felt off. Looking back I'm happy how God took care of me. I was and am too worldly to be a nun. I'm happy to live the married life and the blessing that God gave me by having children cannot be described. As to your question, I cannot think of something specific I gave up, maybe using many cosmetics, like lots of creams and oils and scrubs, conditioners, even lip balm (it honestly dries my lips more). But it wasn't really for God, more for practical reasons, like lack of time and it also feels like a waste and they just don't really work. I was inspired by reading the Saints and Fathers about not using oils and fragrances etc. I do use some, but it has to be some moderation/ balance and the intent is key as well
The only thing that troubles me is the devining part about religion as in following a prayer book to pray. We are supposed to be in a natural loving relationship with God not follow a sidur or a prayer book. Following a religion draws me back to the temple practice and demolishes the heart connection from the heart
do other videos inspiring by the way if you made a video of Ethiopian orthodox church the ppl will watch your video do as much as possible ,God bless you
Thank you so much for watching! God bless you too! I will keep that in mind!
What do you mean by “ boring stuff”, when it comes to spiritual prayer discipline? Perhaps you are referring to one doing the same things over and over, right ?
@@luljaime1855 thank you for your question! Yes, I mean repetitive, every day habits which might not sound as exciting as heroic deeds of the early church saints, but in the long term, they strengthen your faith and make you a better person.
@@holasona You are welcome :)
I was confirming that I understood you well and perhaps clarify it to people , who might literally understand Spiritual discipline as something boring. Thank you !!
I bursted out laughing with the scorpio joke xD
😂 Thank you for watching!
Hey sis, can you please recommend a book on Christian orthodoxy please:) I am new to the orthodox. I love love Jesus he’s my lord and savior 😍😍😍 but I’d love to know more. Please and thank you! Great video
Know the faith and Rock and Sand were the first 2 books suggested to me. I’m only an inquirer at this point but these 2 books have opened my eyes to problems in Protestant Christianity. I also purchased the Didache, the letters of St. Ignatius, and On the incarnation by St. Athanasius.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Even Daniel went to a dream interpreter
Yep! But not all dreams are from God!
This is so true... Thank you from the Serbian Orthodox ☦️🇷🇸🥹🥹🥹🥹🥰❤️🩹
Thank you so much for watching! 🙏
The law of Attraction worked a whole lot more back in the day when after years and years hidden esoteric societies began releasing it to the world which is almost a guaranteed fact that it's going to be hijacked by the same esoteric hidden factions probably about 15 years later and that's why it doesn't work anymore really. My grandma used to work with that back in the 80s on her shoe sales and she made such a whopping sales it was mind-blowing. She bought our house with it. However no matter what as a new Christian I know that it's just a carrot dangling like pretty much everything else in the material world and I think if you were to use it for other things like finding the absolute truth of everything it will serve you a whole lot more. Because it's more aligned with its original intent.
Question: What is the Orthodox Christian belief about the Christian terms "saved" and "born again" (two terms that bother me)? Also, as a Catholic, I do love the fact that Orthodox children become part of the church right after baptism.
I never understood these terms myself, i think western christianity is culturally predisposed for quick and easy solutions. Orthodox christianity recognuzes that for any spiritual progress one has to constantly struggle, no quick results are promised. The Jesus prayer says it all. Born again or saved as terms are meaningless to me
I WAS SAVED
(ROM 8:24)
I AM BEING SAVED (1 COR 1:18)
I HOPE TO BE SAVED (ROM 5:9)
"DO NOT PRONOUNCE JUDGEMENT BEFORE THE TIME."
1 Cor 4:4
@@sands-tp1ul Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
I’m orthodox but have questions about calling the priest father when I read that god doesn’t want anyone called father but him and not to worship icons, can someone explain this
No orthodox christian worships icons. Icons are mere objects that help worshippers concentrate on the Divine
I used to be an orthodox Christian I was not happy. Now I'm pentecostal believer in Jesus christ because Jesus is the way to God the father
Orthodox Christians know that His Body is the Church, thus it plays a monumental role in our salvation
I pray that you could see that being in the right faith as an Orthodox Christian helps you to spend eternity with Jesus. Its the only faith where you will be saved. I assume you have been baptised and received Holy Eucharist where Christ has told us are required to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Im sorry to hear that you were unhappy but i hope you find your happiness in union with the true Christ 🙏🏻
Be careful, because Pentecostal beliefs and practices tend to be very emotionally based, and emotions can lead us astray. Emotions can be used for manipulation and control. May God be with you.
I did practice yoga for a few days during covid and the sounds made me feel a sense of heavyweight and my soul felt I don't know kind of like dark i guess i felt something was occupying me.
Just a friendly note that you cannot claim to be Eastern Orthodox (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Antiochian etc) if you are Oriental Orthodox because the Eastern Orthodox Church is not in communion with Oriental Orthodox (e.g., Armenian Orthodox, which you were raised and baptized in), due to differences since Council of Chalcedon in 451. This council clarified the Orthodox position on the two natures of Christ, (refuting Monophysitism - which your faith still believes in) and affirming that Christ is both fully divine and fully human, his dual nature that Orthodox Christians believe). Maybe put on your list of things to quit claiming to be Eastern Orthodox and clarify your unique faith background as Oriental Armenian Orthodox. With that said, I love the rest of your video about the 10 things you quit!
Hi! Thank you for your comment! I did not claim to be Eastern Orthodox in any of my videos, just Orthodox. And it’s a common misconception among EO Christians to call OO Monophysites. Please watch my two video where I explain that OO Christians are MIAPHYSITES not Monophysites and where I explain the difference between EO and OO. Thank you!
ua-cam.com/video/OYeVq6MCPqY/v-deo.htmlsi=d9-1HfL-v5syyGtM
ua-cam.com/video/PR2mX9XwNOo/v-deo.htmlsi=BdCfTGCO6wb6aBUU
i dont see a difference between greek, armenian, coptic ir ethiopian churches , they all follow the same Tradition. Monophysite, polyphysite are just terms with no spiritual value or meaning, they only cause division. We are all Orthodox Christians
I’m sorry the 7th day is Saturday. We as Christian’s switched it to the first day of the week Sunday as that’s the day Jesus was resurrected.
You are correct. That’s why we consider Sunday the day of rest. In the US Sunday is still the first day of the week, but where I come from it is the 7th. I probably, should have explained it in the video:)
Thank you for these videos. They are so helpful and informative. I've wavered between Catholic and Christian and you explain some of the differences very well. It's Sunday morning and I can't sleep, but I think God has steered me this morning to your videos.
You know that catholics are christians, yes?
Thank you for your encouraging words! 🙏
❤❤❤
10:59 Can’t the same logic be applied to celebrating holidays with pagan influences such as Christmas and Easter? I’m not referring to remembering the Lord’s birth or death in and of itself, but the customs involved in these holidays such as standing a Christmas tree in your home, adorning it, and leaving presents under it (which represented offerings to pagan gods in Yule).
Praye for me please in the name of Jesus
I will! What is your name?
@@holasona mekdes it's Ethiopian name. That's what is written on her name tag.
11:59 there are poses in modern day yoga that are from Europian body building practices. Some are worship, some are exercise. I forsook all yoga for a couple years and my body got to such a bad state because I wouldnt do anything I'd done in yoga. When I went to the physical therapist guess what he gave me... Yoga poses! Don't do any of the freaky stuff and you'll probably be okay. And anyhow, St. Paul talks about meat offered unto idols in 1 Corinthians 8.
There is nothing sinful about dream interpretation. God spoke 🙏 to holy people in the Bible through dreams.
I quit wearing swimsuit and adapted more modest swimsuit and outfit daily.
The Orthodox church has new age astrology and all of that stuff now? You got my attention
I am pleasantly surprised by your videos and the availability of your channel!
Moreover, the very fact that I can now watch your video can be considered a miracle, because the Russian army continues to attack civilians in our city with rockets, drones and guided aerial bombs. For example, the Russian army targeted our city hospital with drones, and when rescuers arrived, the occupiers attacked again to kill the rescuers. As a result, 9 civilians died and 21 people were injured.
Air alarms last a very long time in our country, sometimes for 28 hours in a row.
That's why there are power outages and Internet outages.
But we hold on and do not give up, because the truth is on our side.
This is the first video on your channel that I try to watch, but as you can see I'm already writing a comment to support the channel :)
I also want to ask a bunch of questions, but I don't know where to start...
Tell me, what kind of prayers do you read every day? Do you use psalms in your prayer practice?
Thanks for the interesting video and greetings from Ukraine!
Roman, thank you so, so much for sharing! My heart breaks into thousand pieces for Ukrainian people! I am so ashamed of what is happening right now, I feel personal responsibility that, when I lived in Russia, I wasn’t more politically active to avoid tragedies we are facing now! I am terribly sorry for your own experiences! I just want to say thank you! Thank you for staying a Christian in these times of horror! Staying alive in Christ and working on self-improvement in the time of a real need! I admire you so much! God bless you and help you in your journey!
Yes, I do try to read psalms daily and include them into my routine. I have a little pocket book of psalms in Armenian that I use. I will speak about it in one of my coming videos! I also read from the Book of Hours in the morning and evening that has the prayers for every hour, every occasion. I can look up the Ukrainian version if you’d like.
@@holasona Thank you for such a meaningful answer and best wishes!
And yes, it would be interesting to know if there is a Ukrainian version.
I can also read Church Slavonic.
About twenty minutes ago there were two explosions. Russian invaders hit a residential building...
@@РоманПаляниця-к5э Russians and Ukranians are Orthodox brothers, you should reunite. Stop all associations with western schismatics. Thats what got you into trouble. The West clearly hates you - "to the last ukranian" . Reunite with Mother Russia or youd soon be catholic, assuming you survive as a nation. God Bless Ukraine and Russia
Wait a second you should still meditate about 20 minutes before you pray. I have found that to be key. I'm telling you just try it
Isn't Saturday the Sabbath where we shall rest?
In Christian world, the seventh day became Sunday (the first day of the new week when Jesus has risen). So if you can, use both days - the Old Testament Sabbath and the New Testament Sunday to rest and focus on your spiritual needs.
@@holasona Thank you very much for your response 🙏
Thank you for sharing your faith and how you practice it ,the Holy Spirit reaches out to others through your words and enthusiasm . Nana in Australia
Does it realy matter? Its just a tradition. Days of the week are created by man and are arbitrary
You didn’t make enough research and I think is better to go to Jerusalem where you can find all answers but even here you can find the answers but you have to look deeper
I have been to Jerusalem twice. What questions specifically do you mean?
"I am a millionaire, 100k in debt" lol fools
What do you gain out of being a sinner? You are just following the business concept of christianity... making you a sinner, and against payment to the priest take away those sins... its so easy to see🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for sharing!
You are thinking of catholicism. Orthodox confess their basic weakness as humans, our propensity to do bad things (sins) due to our lack of spiritual development. This is simply our human condition. And if someone asks you to pay him for 'firgiveness of sins" run far away. Thats not an orthodox way. I hope this helps with your simplistic view of seeking spiritual development
Please!!! Use the right terminology! Monophisitism is not Eastern Orthodoxy.
Hi! I did not say Monophisitism is Eastern Orthodoxy, neither is it Oriental Orthodoxy. Monophisitism is considered a heresy in all Orthodox churches, including Armenian Apostolic Church. It is a common misconception to call Oriental churches Monophisite. Please watch my two videos on this topic, linked here. Thank you!
ua-cam.com/video/OYeVq6MCPqY/v-deo.htmlsi=LQ2Q3SrqkNZj_arE
ua-cam.com/video/PR2mX9XwNOo/v-deo.htmlsi=dPICWkLkanK0YkTI
@holasona I want to say, Armenian church is not Orthodox. So if you are in Armenian church do not present yourself as orthodox
@@bezimenkostotebrigovic5149 give it a rest with your religious fanaticism. Im greek orthodox and Armenians and Copts are as Orthodox as it gets. As a matter of fact Ethiopia and Armenia were Orthodox states before any other
@@bezimenkostotebrigovic5149 enough! Religious fanaticism is a sin
@nx3696 you wish, they are not buahahahaha. Concept of Jesus is different and don't mix 🍊 🍌🍒
Sorry for the probable rudeness, but you are not orthodox as I understand but monophysite, as you mentioned you belong to Armenian church which is monophysite.
Im sorry you are a religious fanatic. - a greek orthodox
@@nx3696 sorry that I love Jesus Christ more than kindness to heresy because
"19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
As you see any heresy do not inherit the Kingdom of God.