Many atheists claim that Yahweh is just stolen from an old God and used to be a lesser God. I have no answer to this

Also only reply if you are aware about this argument and have debunked it. I want this answered for me mainly as its kind of having a big impact on me

Father Gerasimos Fokas of Kefallonia told the following story about a priest and his wife from Cyprus:

Cyprus greatly venerates the Apostle Andrew. There is no house that does not have an Andrew or Androula. And exactly where the tip of Cyprus is, at the cape, it is written on the map as the Cape of the Apostle Andrew, and this is exactly there Saint Helen built, while traveling to Constantinople from Jerusalem, the Monastery of the Apostle Andrew.

In 1974, with the unfortunate occupation by the Turks, several thousand people were left trapped in the Karpasia region, where the Monastery is located. With the suffering, with the intimidation, the people left. 800 people remained in Karpasia, Christian people and teachers and priests also remained. Four priests remained with them. Unfortunately, the Turks continued their plan: they burned, imprisoned, intimidated, so the people were constantly leaving.

Of the four priests, one was martyred, the other two died and one remained to work in the churches, to serve the religious needs of Christians and to be in the Monastery of the Apostle Andrew - Father Zacharias. This priest was married and had four children and the Turks were slowly closing the schools because the children were leaving, and when the priest’s children reached high school, there was no more school due to the lack of students. And then the disagreement between the priest and his presbytera began.

“Don’t you see what’s happening, Father Zacharias? The Turks are not leaving here, the schools are closed, the village is deserted, everyone has left, what will become of my children?”

The poor priest tried to convince her that being a priest means self-denial and duty, but she, as a mother, saw the future of her children being destroyed. She sent the children to the free part of Nicosia so that they could study and progress and she kept complaining: “Let’s leave too.”

One night she says to the priest: “It can’t be done anymore, I’ll go to my children and you stay here with Saint Andrew and the Turks.”

And she even started ironing her clothes, to put them in her suitcases to leave. My brethren, at that moment, in our own era, in the 20th century, as she herself recounted it - now that the borders are opened and the Metropolitan of Morphou went to Saint Andrew's and she recounted it to him and he conveyed it to me - at that very moment the Apostle of Christ, the First-Called Andrew, appeared in a rich amount of light and said to her:

“Papadia [what a priest's wife is called], go to Nicosia, go be with your children, but please let the priest keep open my church, keep open my monastery, because if Papa-Zacharias leaves, they will turn the monastery into a stable, or a mosque, or a warehouse, as so many other churches have become.”

Listen, my brethren, to the other thing that the Apostle added. When the Bishop of Morphou heard this, he was shocked and I am also shocked to hear it: “I will send the priest to you in Nicosia, I also known about having a family, but let the priest liturgize.”

My brethren, the Saints are so condescending [as in "down to earth"], so human, so close to us. And he even told her that after a few years the borders will open and so many people will go there, that there will not be enough candles for people to light at the pilgrimage site. And indeed, after five years from his appearance, the borders were opened and today, because the Apostle Andrew is the most beloved, the most popular pilgrimage site, people are lining up to venerate the Saint, to beg him to free the place and their hearts.

mystagogyresourcecenter.com

I’ve heard a lot quote the Bible that claims all Jews are forsaken by God for not believing in Jesus even while saying they worship the same God. It’s almost like the Orthodox believe the Jews are specifically singled out for hell.

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

So I'm an Orthodox Christian, not cradle I'm a convert, have been going to an Orthodox church since I was 9 baptized at 10. So it's been many years, well my problem is pretty much everything I don't feel like I'm a Christian, I don't pray , I don't read the Bible, I don't take church seriously, I simply don't have faith in God. It sounds awful ik but I want to be an actual Christian not just by name. But I'm totally lost I'm unmotivated to pray it doesn't feel real to me, but I want it to be. I want a relationship with God. But idk what to do. What should I be doing? How do I start? I've been through a lot in the last couple of months and I doubt feel like I have a point rn. Ig What I'm asking is how do I get from not doing anything religious more or less and definitely not really having faith in Christ to being able to put my life in his hands?

Coming from a Protestant background, we are taught that once you believe Jesus, you will automatically go to heaven, Orthodox Christians have a complete different view (Theosis). Am I the only one that gets scared for my salvation knowing that I could potentially go to hell?

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Hello,

I have been considering buying this study bible for a while, however I have seen a few people say it is not great and could do with an update, as this is pretty much the only specifically orthodox study bible I can find in the English language, and it is fairly old.

I'm just wondering what the general opinion is on here, and if you think it will be any greater improvement to my basic KJV while I wait for an updated Orthodox study bible to be created.

Thanks,

I want to start this off by saying that I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and my father is a Protestant. That being said, I am coming to the Eastern Orthodox Church because I believe that it has held Apostolic Tradition better than any other option out there.

I am reading "Thinking Orthodox" by Dr. Constantinau, and she describes the mystical aspect of the Church quite well.

The most confusing thing to me remains to be the Biblical canon. There seems to be a lot of flexibility in terms of the Old Testament, which I could potentially see causing some issues.

For example, some churches will agree that 4 Maccabees is canonical, while others do not, as there seems to be no official Bible canon. Does this cause issues? What if somebody takes this a few steps further and claims that only Isaiah is canonical/divinely inspired?

To close off, I want to say that I will be going to an Orthodox Church soon to tour and ask questions, but I recently had shoulder surgery and am not permitted to drive at the moment, so Reddit is really my only source of Q&A at the moment, so I apologize for asking odd questions lol

Hi! I am 19F & new to Orthodoxy. I started Practicing it since last month. Now I have a doubt regarding Veiling. Now we all know that Orthodoxy Women Veil before entering the Church. But some women prefer to veil at all times. I wanted to know what is the significance of of veiling at all times. And what do the different types of Veiling means, like wrapping your whole head and all of your hair into a turban style veil, or wearing a bandana style veil?

Sorry if I have used any disrespectful terms while explaining😅, as I am new to this its hard for me to know the proper terms.

Since the ongoing evolution of modern science and technology, we can know a lot about our world. But how does that shape our views as Christians? In the first few chapters of the Bible, it talks about the beginnings of our world. Should we take this literally or as symbolism? Should we believe everything the Bible says word for word, or also balance it out with science and reason? A biblical earth would look something like the picture on top, should we believe the Bible in a literal context, or more symbolic and spiritual one.

I’m considering converting to Orthodoxy & there is a Coptic Orthodox Church near me. I was going to go to litergy tomorrow and stay for the Bible study after. What should I know? Should I wear a headscarf?

There is also a Greek church I could visit.

Protestant ->Muslim -> rediscovering Christianity

In Galatians 3:13 Jesus is cursed by the law of Moses (Deuteronomy 21:23)

How can God be cursed?

I've heard many phrases. "Sin is a spiritual disease" "sin is anything that separates you from communion with God" "sin is an act of the will against God." I' wondering how these "is" statements are reconciled with the doctrine that sin has no ontological existence, since to exist is to be created, and to be created is to be good, is it not? Or is that not an orthodox doctrine, I honestly don't know. Any help answering this question is much appreciated, I'm trying to write everything down that I believe, and on this important topic idk what to believe.

I’m reading Matthew, currently on 25. It’s sometimes a bit difficult to read and understand. Is there any Orthodox commentaries I can follow? I eventually will buy the OSB but for now, do you have any? It would be greatly appreciated.

There seems to be a tension here where many Orthodox will sharply criticize other traditions but not actively try to convert people from those traditions. For example, with Roman Catholicism, there's a lot of historical baggage between the two. Orthodox Christians believe Orthodoxy is true but it seems like there is no push to try and convert Roman Catholics (for example?).

Also, I'm not trying to imply we're doing anything wrong, just genuinely curious.

.

Dumb question but in Luke’s gospel there is a focus on John’s name.

Is there a reason why did The Lord / the angel / Zechariah insist on Zechariah/Elizabeth’s child’s name being John?

Was the name chosen significant?

I understand why Jesus was named Jesus (One who saves, also typological significance w/ the OT).

But the name John is foreign to the OT.

Long story short I have this friend who does believe in the orthodox style of faith but is too blinded by his catholic tradition to peruse his faith(he's conflicted on theology and culture)of recent he's been showing me photos of him in wigs and maid outfits(he has hinted he posts photos on reddit and starting an onlyfans) I told him that as a Christian you know you shouldn't Persue this I'm genuinely worried for his future in that lifestyle. He deflects my concern by pointing out my flaws pasts and sins and bringing up criticism of catholic and orthodox by saying the "bible had been corrupted" and "it's who he is" and what not. I have pointed out verses that support the teachings of dressing male as a male and female as a female both new and old testement but he's adamant on this as lifestyle and wishes to peruse this more. He's even tried to go out in public dressed up as that with me and others but we shut that down. There is more to it but that's the long short I genuinely don't know what to do it upsets me when my flaws get pointed out I know I'm not perfect but I fear this is going to be a gateway to more things. I myself as a Christian I'm obligated to help guide my Christian freinds but he's been straying off his faith due to online criticism of atheism and Islamic arguments from what it seems then uses those criticisms to justify his lifestyle. I actually have no clue what to do to help him.

That's what I've heard some illustrate the Orthodox position. That if you go to Hell for example, you get what you want, since you don't believe in God or want Him in your life you don't get Him. But if you do then you do. Is that a good illustration?

I understand that I am forgiven when I earnestly repent of my sins but I still feel guilt. I don’t doubt His forgiveness but I still feel horrible about things I’ve done - how do you navigate this?

As the title suggests, I have a question about leftovers that aren't part of the fast. I was visiting family for the Thanksgiving weekend and kept my fasting on the downlow and ate what I was given to avoid causing issues with my protestant family. They gave me a boatload of turkey and what-not, but I don't know if I should eat it since it was given to me or just throw it out or find a non-orthodox and surprise them with food. Thoughts?

If an Orthodox Christian was forced to convert to Islam, why dont they just convert but still secretly or internally practice Christianity. None of the rituals of Islam contradict Christian values. Cant Christianity recognize that they were forced to convert and inside, still are Christian. For example, taking the Shahada was just something they had to stay to spare their life and means nothing to them. Likewise, when they pray facing Mecca, they can still say their Christian prayers (since muslim prayer is silent and internal)

Hi all, for context, I come from a muslim family and I found Orthodoxy a year ago. My family does not approve of my conversion and would not accept an Orthodox man. Can I still get married in the Orthodox Church without parental approval? Or is it solely between me, my partner, and God?

Hello all, I’m using a throwaway since I’m kinda of embarrassed to say this, and it seems very impulsive but I don’t know how to deal with it.

I’ve been a Greek Orthodox inquirer for a long time now, and I recently became a catechumen. I’m learning about Orthodoxy, I’ve also felt a strong pull towards the life of monasticism.

For my entire life, I’ve felt like I don’t want to live in this world. I’ve always just wanted to live in the wilderness, or live far away from everything. The one thing that’s kept me from that have been my relationships, which over the past year, have started deteriorating.

My friends don’t really engage with me anymore, since I had a falling out with one friend and he told them his side of the story. They never asked for mine, and got uncomfortable when I’d talk about it, so they distanced me. Since I’ve been more fervent in my faith, they’ve almost completely cut me off, since most of my friends were atheists. After this started, I also began alienating myself too, which didn’t help, and made the problem worse.

My girlfriend is an amazing partner, and we tried to live a relationship with God at the center, with no premarital sex, but since I’ve been exploring Orthodoxy she’s becoming more and more critical of the church, to the point where she has refused to go to an Orthodox Church.

Since the beginning of my journey, I’ve started to feel drawn to the monastic way of life, and how it would meet all of my needs and desires. Craving a life where I can fully devote myself to God and not worry about worldly problems. I started praying for answers, and for guidance with my relationships.

My relationships continued to worsen, even though I was putting in more effort. Along with this, I also started to see more signs leading me towards the monastic life. I’d watch TV, and an episode of a Hospital drama would revolve around monks, small things like that.

I talked to my spiritual father, and he said to wait 5 years, and I whole-heartedly agree. If this is a true calling, it won’t go away. However, I just want to know if I should pursue this lifestyle.

Should I visit lots of monasteries? Should I talk to monks? From your personal experiences, how do you know?

I’ve seen many orthodox and they all pray to Jesus. I am not saying that’s wrong (since he is god) but doesn’t Jesus tell us to pray to the father? I always pray to Jesus for everything, very little to the Holy Spirit (only when I’m reading scripture, asking for spiritual strength, etc) but never to The Father except for The Lords Prayer (Our father who art in heaven…..). Am I doing anything wrong? Is this “sinful” or discouraged? 🫤

Edit: I also have the question that if The Trinity is biblical since I believe in it but when non-trinitarians bring up Jesus saying that no one knows the hour except the father it kind of throws me off a little.

I want to start by saying that I deeply respect the Orthodox Christian tradition and its rich history. As an Orthodox Christian, I love how our faith reflects beauty and reverence in worship. But I’ve been reflecting on the contrast between the elaborate vestments of clergy and the simplicity of Jesus' life and teachings.

Jesus lived humbly—he wore simple clothes and emphasized humility and service, and the ornate robes and crowns worn by clergy can feel far removed from this. I know these vestments have deep symbolic meaning and are meant to honor God, but I can’t help but wonder:

• How do we reconcile this contrast with Christ’s example of humility?
• Are these traditions a necessary part of worship, or could they sometimes distract from the essence of Christ’s message?

I’m not asking this to criticize or question the validity of these practices but to better understand how others in the faith community view this. I’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives.

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A few days ago. I asked everyone to pray for my family. As my wife and I are like two broken children trying to grow up. Right now we are separated.

I'm currently homeless but God has a made way to be bearable. Someone named Jeff who is also a Christian.. He's gonna help support me financially, so I can get my life together. I'm also gonna help him by giving him my car in exchange.

We are becoming battle buddies through this.

God is so good. I can breath again.