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Eastern Orthodox/Questions Answered by Expert Herman
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Revelation 22: 8-9 | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: Hallo, I have a question about Revelation 22: 8-9. My name is John, and I am the one who heard ... A: Well, first off, we have the Apostle John, who was taught by Christ our Lord Himself. Interesting ... | |
| Divine Liturgy | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: What is the history behind the rule that a priest can perform only one Liturgy on a Sunday? How is ... A: Having done a little more research, I have turned up the following. One Divine Liturgy per day is ... | |
| Divine Liturgy | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: What is the history behind the rule that a priest can perform only one Liturgy on a Sunday? How is ... A: Some Orthodox Churches have more than one Divine Liturgy as well, but they are done on separate ... | |
| question | 2/3/2012 |
| Q: can we depict the picture of the holly trinity, as we ethiopians do? that is, one person repeated 3 ... A: Our Lord Jesus Christ has said that no one has seen the Father, except through Him. The Trinity is a ... | |
| fasting free period after Christmas | 1/24/2012 |
| Q: Hallo, I have a question about the fasting free period after Christmas. Could you please tell me ... A: On December 25, the Afterfeast of the Nativity of Christ begins. From that day to January 4 (the day ... | |
| mark 7: 28 | 12/24/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I had a question about a tekst from the Bible. namely the meaning of this: " yet even the ... A: The meaning of this statement by the woman is one of humility. Humility leads to obedience which is ... | |
| wednesday and friday, how long to fast? | 12/7/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I have a question about fasting on Wednesday and Friday. I heard of someone it is till 5 or ... A: There are some people who teach that since the Vespers service (which is generally celebrated around ... | |
| play poker | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I have a question about playing poker. I sometimes play poker, with friends or brothers. We ... A: A hunter in the desert saw Abba Anthony enjoying himself with the brethren and he was shocked. ... | |
| when is ressurection? | 12/2/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I had a question about 'when going to Heaven or hell' Some belief: after someone dies, ... A: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things ... | |
| The fate of non-Christians... | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: ...so what happens to good people who don't believe in Jesus? What is the official teaching of the ... A: So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God." (Mark 10:18) ... | |
| Fasting | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: I just have a question about fasting in relation to the outside world so to speak. I think I've read ... A: People do many things and expect people to respect them. If a person is vegan, they have no problem ... | |
| A few more questions... | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: ...since I left Orthodoxy and went back to Protestantism seven years ago, what is the process of ... A: The first thing you need to do is become a member of a real Orthodox parish, and talk to a real ... | |
| Coming back to the Orthodox faith... | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: ...and here I am, a Protestant missionary with my wife. We sold everything and moved to Jamaica to ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! It is important that YOU regularize your own situation before you can help ... | |
| no sacrements for the weak,the unclean and the penitents | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: During the Church Service ( before the Sacraments), something is said like: the Sacremens are not ... A: The Holy Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians that "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this ... | |
| not to sleep? | 11/11/2011 |
| Q: Apostle Paulus says: My dear friends, you don't live in darkness, and so that day won't surprise you ... A: At Bridegroom Matins during Holy Week before Great and Holy Pascha, we sing: "Behold the Bridegroom ... | |
| Salvation | 11/6/2011 |
| Q: I have a complicated relationship with god (very unique), I don't know where I stand with him. I'm ... A: Christ came into the world so that everyone can be saved. There is no fee out there that can pay the ... | |
| The bible in the vernacular | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: At the time of the reformation the Catholic church forbade the bible to be in the language of the ... A: No, the Orthodox Church never had this view, but truth be told the Catholic Church did not either, ... | |
| The Reformation | 10/10/2011 |
| Q: Do you know of any sources, book or websites that show an Orthodox perspective on the Protestant ... A: Frank Schaefer, the Orthodox convert son of famous Protestant theologian Francis Schaefer, wrote a ... | |
| monks | 10/9/2011 |
| Q: Is it ok for Orthodox Monks to stay at a Catholic Monastery? ANSWER: That would be entirely up to ... A: Orthodox Christians should not celebrate services with Catholics. Perhaps if you could provide more ... | |
| eternity | 10/7/2011 |
| Q: hope you are well. In the divine liturgy we say 'now and forever and unto the ages of ages'. please ... A: The Orthodox phrase "... now and forever and unto ages of ages" is the equivalent of the Anglican ... | |
| papacy | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: I am currently trying to piece together the historical origins of the papacy. I would call myself a ... A: The bishop of Rome has always been an important part of the Church. He was always seen as the "first ... | |
| marriage blessing | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: the question i have is my daughter and son in law were married 11 years ago in the Protestant ... A: Within the Orthdox Church there are two aspects of marriage. One is the legal commitment and the ... | |
| God children and siblings dating? | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: I have a rather large problem. My god daughter and my sister want to date... I don't know what to do ... A: In today's society it is hard to say what "dating" means. If it means simply spending time together, ... | |
| Gog and Magog | 9/2/2011 |
| Q: Where and who is Gog? Some say it is Russia because it is said far from the north. But how can it ... A: There are many theories about this floating around. Those who say it is Russia are the same people ... | |
| Ezekiel 28:13 | 8/26/2011 |
| Q: It is written that the king was living in Eden,garden of GOD garden. Is it mroe a proverb? because ... A: We do not really know where the location given for Eden was. There are those who believe it was in ... | |
| tattoos | 8/20/2011 |
| Q: I had a discussion with someone about his tattoo. He has already 2 and now he wants his third. I am ... A: In Orthodox Jewish tradition, if someone has a tattoo, they cannot be buried in hallowed ground. ... | |
| John 14 | 8/11/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I had a question about (Gospel of )John 14 , first there is written that :Then you will know ... A: Since the questioner (a Muslim) assumes Unitarianism (that God is one in being and in Person), it ... | |
| Monastics | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a question which I find a bit difficult to approach. I have often been asked by people, since ... A: Monasticism developed in the fourth century. Before that time the Church was severely persecuted and ... | |
| head covering | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: Hallo, I had a question about head covering. Paul the Apostle told us that a woman should cover her ... A: Monastics cover their heads as a symbol of their vows to dedicate their lives to God. At certain ... | |
| The sister of the mother of Jesus? | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, ... A: According to the teachings of the Orthodox (Chalcedonian) Church, this is impossible. There is no ... | |
| The sister of the mother of Jesus? | 8/1/2011 |
| Q: Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, ... A: I am not sure what you are asking, I do not see a specific question. I assume you are asking about ... | |
| corruption of the gospels. | 7/26/2011 |
| Q: Muslims believe that the gospels were corrupted through time though not sure by whom and when. What ... A: The Muslim testimony is most effective against the Protestants who believe that the Church itself ... | |
| Baptism | 7/25/2011 |
| Q: I am a recent convert to Eastern Orthodoxy and was once Protestant for many years. I was raised to ... A: Yes, there are exceptions. The Didache, also called "The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles" (written ... | |
| eucharist | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: Do you beleive in transubstantiation like the Catholics? A: The short answer is no, the Orthodox Church does not accept the concept of transubstantiation as ... | |
| Mourning tradition | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: ANSWER: We do grieve for the loss of a loved one, but we also rejoice that they are now with Christ ... A: Please forgive my misunderstanding. The "pomyanik" or memorial book is a book that lists the names ... | |
| Mourning tradition | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: ANSWER: We do grieve for the loss of a loved one, but we also rejoice that they are now with Christ ... A: Mourning is what we do when we have lost something. The Church itself discourages mourning because ... | |
| Mourning tradition | 7/7/2011 |
| Q: A: We do grieve for the loss of a loved one, but we also rejoice that they are now with Christ and we ... | |
| Who was Melchizedek? | 7/7/2011 |
| Q: Hallo brother, I really want to know more about Melchizedek. Who was Melchizedek? Some say that he ... A: Holy Scripture refers to two different kinds of priesthood. There is the priesthood of Levi and the ... | |
| Enoch & Elijah on the Last Day | 7/2/2011 |
| Q: grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you my brother, When I read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 "and the ... A: Since Enoch and Elijah did not die they do not have to die and will join those who are taken up ... | |
| Repentance of JOB | 7/2/2011 |
| Q: What was the Sin that Job unintentionally Did that caused him to Repent in dust and ashes? ANSWER: ... A: Yes I would say that is a fair interpretation. God asks Job several questions, that basically ... | |
| Repentance of JOB | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: What was the Sin that Job unintentionally Did that caused him to Repent in dust and ashes? A: Job teaches us that God sends misfortunes not just for punishment, but also to make us stronger, ... | |
| Sabbath | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: How should someone keep the Sabbath? I know that Sabbath has changed since our Lord Jesus came. we ... A: The Lord's Day has become greater the Sabbath Day in importance for Christians, but that does not ... | |
| What does 1 John 5:13 mean? | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: The grace of God be with you. When I was reading the bible I got that "I write these things to you ... A: The Orthodox Church does not require "infallibility" from its bishops, nor even from its saints. ... | |
| Women in the Orthodox Church | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: What is the role of women in the Orthodox Church? I mean, in the Old Testament, it seems a bit... ... A: The Old Testament and the Law of Moses were created by God to try and keep tabs on a "stiff-necked ... | |
| What does 1 John 5:13 mean? | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: The grace of God be with you. When I was reading the bible I got that "I write these things to you ... A: If we indeed follow Christ and work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) we ... | |
| Mass in non-Orthodox Church | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: my name is Stephan. ( living in the Netherlands) I want to know why it is not allowed to attending a ... A: The Holy Apostle Paul teaches us that we should be of ONE MIND (Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 13:11, ... | |
| Transfiguration just a vision? | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: I was having a conversation with one of my JW friends and the topic of praying to the dead came up. ... A: Just because it is a "vision" does not mean it is not real. These "horama" are often glimpses into a ... | |
| Death in Orthodox Christianity | 6/15/2011 |
| Q: What is the order of proceedings in a Christain Orthodox funeral, does this differ very much from ... A: A general description of a typical Orthodox funeral can be found here: ... | |
| step daughter getting married | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: my stepdaughter is getting married and her future husband has asked my husband for his NHS number? ... A: I am guessing that you are asking this question because your step-daughter is getting married in the ... | |
| baptism name | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: My daughter Rylee, born April 2nd, needs a baptimal name for the Russian orthodox church. Do you ... A: First of all, if you don't have a specific saint in mind, I recommend talking it over with your ... | |
| Our Lady of Częstochowa | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: Was the Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa or "Black Madonna" in an Orthodox Church at one time? ... A: The Orthodox Church believes that the Apostle Luke did paint around seventy icons of the Virgin ... | |
| Was Jesus not equal with the Father? | 5/19/2011 |
| Q: Jesue daid in John 14:28, "my Father is greater than Me" what is the implication of this verse ... A: It is the teaching of the Eastern Orthodox Church that Christ had two separate natures and two ... | |
| Was Jesus not equal with the Father? | 5/19/2011 |
| Q: Jesue daid in John 14:28, "my Father is greater than Me" what is the implication of this verse ... A: According to Orthodox Hymnody of Pascha, on Great and Holy Saturday, we believe that Christ was ... | |
| Does God choose people for eternity? | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: Does God choose specially some people for eternity and not for others as protestants say? Why did He ... A: Without God, we can do nothing. The Apostle Paul and Holy Scripture makes this very clear. But God ... | |
| Does the Holy Spirit descend outside of baptism? | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: we believe that after baptism we receive the Holly spirit. but in the book of acts chapter 10, I ... A: As I said in an earlier answer, the Holy Spirit has ALWAYS been part of the Trinity and ALL actions ... | |
| Did Philip the deacon baptize? | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: We believe baptism is done by prist but I read philip the deacon had baptised the believers of ... A: First off, at the time of Acts, there were no "priests". There were only apostles, bishops, and ... | |
| invisible war | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: Christ is risen! Do you have any advice to fight bad thoughts, such as; blasphemous thought, evil ... A: I am not a spiritual father, but the Fathers of the Church have written extensively on this subject. ... | |
| Does God choose people for eternity? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: Does God choose specially some people for eternity and not for others as protestants say? Why did He ... A: God "chose" Jacob because Jacob chose God. Esau did not choose God, so God did not choose Esau. God ... | |
| Was Jesus not equal with the Father? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: Jesue daid in John 14:28, "my Father is greater than Me" what is the implication of this verse ... A: Christ the Lord was fully God AND fully man. Jesus the son of man was not equal to the Father, but ... | |
| Can holy angels bring false messages? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: Does the verse Gelltia 1:8-9 implies that the Holly angels can bring false messages? A: I do not believe so, however, it is important to know that satan can appear as an angel of light. ... | |
| Does the Holy Spirit descend outside of baptism? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: we believe that after baptism we receive the Holly spirit. but in the book of acts chapter 10, I ... A: Actually the Holy Spirit did not descend until Pentecost upon the Apostles, even though they were ... | |
| Did Philip the deacon baptize? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: We believe baptism is done by prist but I read philip the deacon had baptised the believers of ... A: There are several points of confusion in the Bible because several people have the same name. How ... | |
| When we kneel before icons are we worshipping them? | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: I asked by a protestant that when we orthodox kneel in front of a saint picture we give kneel of ... A: There are not two different ways of kneeling. It is the intention when we kneel that matters, not ... | |
| When we kneel before icons are we worshipping them? | 5/14/2011 |
| Q: I asked by a protestant that when we orthodox kneel in front of a saint picture we give kneel of ... A: We give reverence to the icons, just like an American will take off his hat when the American flag ... | |
| Absolution of sin | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: After the Holy Unction service during Holy Week the Priest read a prayer of absolution over the ... A: Holy Unction is an adjunct to confession, not a substitute for it. Confession is discussing the ... | |
| question | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: my dear brother Herman, grace of God be with you. when I read revelation 6:9-11, I read " in the ... A: According to St. Gregory the Great: "When asked, 'if the souls of the just are already in Heaven, ... | |
| Papacy | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: I am currently considering Orthodoxy, however, i am deeply struggling with my roman catholic roots. ... A: The ideas that define the modern Pope of Rome are supremecy and infallibility. You will not find ... | |
| Christening our baby | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: I am Catholic and my husband is Serbian Orthodox. We are in a dilemma about christening our baby ... A: The tradition of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were ... | |
| reincarnation | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_T5vNgusEw&feature=related were all these people misled by the ... A: With all due respect, Dr. Arthur C. Clarke has been one of my favorite science fiction and fact ... | |
| KJV | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I read the KJV and Sometimes i need clarification on what i am reading. I ask God to show me and his ... A: To Orthodox Christianity, whose revelation comes directly from Christ, who decided through the ... | |
| Three different questions | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I recently thought of a tough question, which I am struggeling with. It goes like this: if God knows ... A: The answer to the first question is that God simply does not MAKE us do anything. He does not want ... | |
| KJV | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: I read the KJV and Sometimes i need clarification on what i am reading. I ask God to show me and his ... A: I prefer to read the same text from several different translations, and certainly some are better ... | |
| conversion | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: Can you give me a brief summary of your Protestant background? ANSWER: I was raised as Methodist ... A: In Orthodoxy we understand that when we ask the intercessions of the Theotokos, she is not actually ... | |
| baptism | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I asked a question about baptism, in which, in a specific moment(in hospital near death) where there ... A: All Orthodox Christians are members of the “Royal Priesthood” (I Peter 1:9) by virtue of their ... | |
| KJV | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: I read the KJV and Sometimes i need clarification on what i am reading. I ask God to show me and his ... A: For some Protestants, who have thrown away Tradition and are trying to reconstruct the Faith from ... | |
| conversion | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: Can you give me a brief summary of your Protestant background? A: I was raised as Methodist (my mother's church) although my father's family is Southern Baptist. I ... | |
| religious orders | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: In the catholic church they talk about different religious orders like Benedictine or Franciscan ... A: No, Orthodox monasticism does not have formal "orders" like the Roman Catholic tradition. However, ... | |
| baptism | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: I have been raised as an orthodox believer but I never questioned my religion till soon. My question ... A: When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, they did not ask their ... | |
| struggles | 3/28/2011 |
| Q: i was wondering if you might be able to help me with a major struggle? I am currently struggling ... A: Holy Scripture tells us that God does not desire the death of a sinner, but that all might live. ... | |
| 40 days after death | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: She lived in the Ukraine. Tanya went there for the funeral and stayed for the 9 day celebration. ... A: Traditionally, in addition to the service on the day of death, the memorial service is performed at ... | |
| Filioque | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: Gal.4:6 ...the Spirit of His Son Phil.1:19...the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I know the creed says ... A: "… of the Son" is not the same thing as "… from the Son", it can simply mean "associated with" just ... | |
| Prayer of Philaret Moscow | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: I'm having difficulty in understanding part of the last sentence of this inspiring prayer that I ... A: The Apostle Paul tells us: "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know ... | |
| Marriage | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My question is this. John had a daughter he didn't know about when he was younger. At 23 years old ... A: According to the official guidance of the Greek Archdiocese of America on Prohibited Marriages, the ... | |
| communion/fasting | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: Is it a sin to receive communion without the required fast? A: The Greek word for sin is amartia, which literally means "to miss the mark". We sin when we fall ... | |
| godmother | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: My grandson is Greek Orthodox & his godmother no longer wants to be part of his life. Can another ... A: The tradition of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were ... | |
| Prayer recited by new convert ot orthodox church | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: About 10 yars ago I was at a liturgy at St. Luke Serbian orthodox Church in Mclean VA. A woman who ... A: It is not part of the catechism prayers, nor, as far as I can find out, part of the service of the ... | |
| Zacharias High Priest of Israel. | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: In its commentary on Luke 1:64-69 the Orthodox Study Bible says that Zacharias, the father of John ... A: The Protoevangelion of St. James refers to Zacharias as the High Priest. While the Protoevangelion ... | |
| apparitions | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: In a previous question, a person asked what the orthodox view of apparitions was. You mentioned that ... A: The lives of the saints of the Orthodox Church are filled with stories of the saints making ... | |
| Mary and St. John Maximovitch | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: In his book "The Orthodox Veneration of Mary the Birthgiver of God" St. John Maximovitch teaches ... A: The Orthodox Church prays as it believes and believes as it prays (lex credeni, lex orandi). The ... | |
| Authority... | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: I left the RCC recently due to the fact that it is always invoking her authority over the followers, ... A: AT this point I am no longer sure what your question is, it looks more like a statement. That being ... | |
| Authority... | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: I left the RCC recently due to the fact that it is always invoking her authority over the followers, ... A: In Orthodoxy, the ultimate authority is God. It is Protestantism that inflicts the individual with ... | |
| Catholic mystics | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: I was recently reading a book about mystical visions and experiences reported by Roman Catholic ... A: The basic Orthodox response is that such "visions" are simply not Orthodox! The Church generally ... | |
| Date of the crucifixion | 12/17/2010 |
| Q: Many people present many different ideas of when the crucifixion actually took place (some say 30 ... A: Well, actually determining the date of just about ANY historical event can be something of an issue. ... | |
| Re: Baptism | 12/13/2010 |
| Q: my name is Dan and I'm baptized Orthodox romanian.I do have a question in regards to baptism of a ... A: Baptism is the sacrament that makes a person a member of the Church. Generally speaking, for a baby ... | |
| Why Christianity | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: I have two questions. The first is a short one. Why should one choose Christianity over all other ... A: First off, I think it fair to say that, distinct from all "religions". Christianity is not based on ... | |
| spirit | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: my question is regarding the spirit. if you can could you clarify the different spirits that come ... A: This is not an "exact" science, we are simply giving labels to concepts that we only barely ... | |
| Body, soul & spirit | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: As an Orthodox Christian I believe in the teaching that the human person is made up of body, soul ... A: This is not an "exact" science, we are simply giving labels to concepts that we only barely ... | |
| Eastern Orthodox versus Roman Catholic | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: it is my understanding that The Roman Catholics were not tolerant of "believers" who challenged the ... A: Violence happens. It even happened amongst the Apostles of the Lord. James and John, the "sons of ... | |
| Godfather | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: I am reading some Orthodox books about sacraments. Right now I am reading about baptism. I am ... A: Actually the use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were ... | |
| Certificate of Baptism | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I recently baptised my daughter in the Orthodox faith. She is an infant. I submitted the ... A: I am sorry to read that you are in an unpleasant situation. As the representative of the bishop, the ... | |
| what is paradise like | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: how much do we know about our spiritual life after our earthly death.What will our function/ ... A: We have not been given very detailed information about what happens when we die, some things will ... | |
| Gospel dates | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I am exploring Orthodoxy as my son is an Orthodox convert who has often written to you and ... A: The Church existed long before the Bible as we know it. The Apostles were taught directly by Christ, ... | |
| eating halal meat | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: i have 2 questions if i may. Are orthodox Christians allowed to eat halal meat or doesn't it matter ... A: As to question 1, the guidance of the Holy Apostle Paul seems pretty straightforward: Eat whatever ... | |
| baptism | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox female with Roman Catholic children. My eldest child was baptized by my cousin ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| What are the 'Nephilim'? | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: In the Old Testament, Genesis and Numbers specifically, there are references to mysterious beings ... A: The Church is not "of one mind' on the subject, we don't really have a lot of information available, ... | |
| origins of icon venerating | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: hope your are well. Where does the origin of icon venerating come from? Thanks Tim A: Tradition tells us that St. Luke the Apostle painted the first icon of the Theotokos. During the ... | |
| Stem cells and the soul | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: I would like to ask a slightly technical question regarding the Orthodox understanding of the ... A: Actually this is a very good question, thank you for asking it! We are writing about things that ... | |
| The word in the SAMOUHL Β 21:6 | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: What is the better meaning to the word in the greek version Bible of the SAMOUHL Β 21:6. ... A: I am afraid that whatever you are trying to translate did not make it through the posting. I am not ... | |
| the tribulation period 7 years? | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: The premillennial view of eschatology teaches that there will be a seven year tribulation period ... A: Well, yes and no. Daniel lived 605 to 562 BC. The second Temple was profaned in 167 BC by Antiochus ... | |
| the tribulation period 7 years? | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: The premillennial view of eschatology teaches that there will be a seven year tribulation period ... A: A time, times, and half a time in Revelation is basically half of 7 times 7 which symbolizes that ... | |
| the tribulation period 7 years? | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: The premillennial view of eschatology teaches that there will be a seven year tribulation period ... A: Orthodoxy teaches that the numbers used by the Holy Apostle John are not to be taken literally. They ... | |
| Poltergeists | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I was talking recently to someone who had experienced 'poltergeist' phenomena, that is, objects ... A: The Church certainly teaches that demons exist and that they can be very active. One of the famous ... | |
| How are Saints recognised? | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Please could you explain how the Orthodox Church recognizes someone as a Saint? Is there a ... A: The Holy Spirit makes known to the Church those whom God particularly desires us to emulate, or ... | |
| Baptism dates | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I am an Orthodox Christian and wish to plan the date of my daughter's baptism, who was born at the ... A: Great and Holy Lent does start on 7 March 2011. The "best" date for baptism is 40 days after birth. ... | |
| Baptism | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: What is the Orthodox Church's view of what happens after death to those who die unbaptised? A: This is between them and a merciful God. We know that baptism has a healing power, the sacrament ... | |
| Guardian Angel | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I am sorry if this is a silly question, but how do we know who are guardian angel is? I was baptized ... A: That is an interesting question, actually. Thank you for asking. We really only know the names of a ... | |
| Platonic influence on Theology | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: I have heard it said - mainly by non-Orthodox - that the Greek philosopher Plato deeply influenced ... A: I think it more correct to say that the Fathers of the Church used the tools of Plato and Aristotle ... | |
| interested in learning | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: hello i am trying to learn all i can about the Greek orthodox church i am currently a latter day ... A: The best way to find out about the Orthodox Church is to visit one if there is one in your area. The ... | |
| Non-Orthodox theologians | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: Do you feel it is right for Orthodox Christians to read theological books by non-Orthodox ... A: I am quite fond of C. S. Lewis, and I adore G. K. Chesterton. The important thing is to be ... | |
| Interfaith marriage | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: My husband is Jewish & I am Greek Orthodox. We've been happily married for 34 years. (We had a ... A: The official guidelines of the Greek Orthodox Church in America can be found here: ... | |
| Apparitions and the church | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know what the Orthodox Church's understanding is of ghosts and apparitions. I am ... A: The saints have indeed appeared to people throughout history, our tradition is full of such stories. ... | |
| weddings | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: Is an Orthodox Christian allowed to hold the wedding rings at a Protestant wedding? A: This is probably better answered by one's priest, but generally speaking, Orthodox Christians should ... | |
| Holy Communion | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: Do Orthodox Christians reserve the sacrament? A: There are specific times when the sacrament is reserved, a part of the Host is "tinctured" and ... | |
| COULD CHRIST HAVE SINNED? | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: Some Christians feel that although Christ did not sin, he could have sinned, and it is this ... A: First off, we have to understand that the Orthodox Church has a much different definition of sin ... | |
| Monasticism | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I am very drawn to monasticism after my university studies. I have thought of Mt. Athos or to become ... A: The life of a monastic, at least for the Orthodox, is dedicated to prayer and loving God, not ... | |
| godparents | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: My friend and his wife are the godparents to our two daughters.They just had their first child...a ... A: Of course, it is best to check with the priest who will be doing the baptism, but there should be no ... | |
| About Holy Fire | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: I recently found this site: ... A: First off, I should state that I am not a priest. I am not an ordained member of the Church and all ... | |
| teachings of John Chrysostom infallible? | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: John Chrysostom is held in high esteem by the Orthodox Church as one of the greatest theologians, ... A: When you ask for an opinion or advice from a close friend or an expert in a particular field, how ... | |
| Christening | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: I seem to have a problem, i need or want to have my 3rd child christened in the greek orthodox ... A: I have no wisdom, only answers, they are not the same thing. Knowing the right questions is wisdom. ... | |
| Christening | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: I seem to have a problem, i need or want to have my 3rd child christened in the greek orthodox ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| hades/ gehenna | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: i hope you can clear up a confusion i have. As i understand it, when our souls leave the body, it ... A: Within the teachings of Orthodoxy, there is really not much more than a generalised description of ... | |
| Roman Catholic Church | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: What teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are wrong according to the teaching and view of the ... A: In the beginning, before these Churches went their separate ways, there were five recognized ... | |
| Ever Virgin Mary | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: Why do the Orthodox believe that Mary was ever-Virgin? What does the Bible say about this? Also, ... A: We uphold the ever-virginity of the Theotokos (God-bearer) because of the testimony of Holy ... | |
| Orthodox marriage/baptism | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are 19 year old college students who love each other very much. We intend to be ... A: This is the sort of question best answered by the Orthodox priest who would be involved in ... | |
| restrainer of lawlessness? | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: Who or what is the "restrainer of lawlessness", "restrainer of iniquity" as is referred to in 2 ... A: Toward the end of the second century, Theophilus, bishop of Antioch, wrote to Autolycus: For as the ... | |
| restrainer of lawlessness? | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: Who or what is the "restrainer of lawlessness", "restrainer of iniquity" as is referred to in 2 ... A: St John Chrysostom writes: "One may inquire, what is that which withholds? ... Some say the grace of ... | |
| Abomination of Desolation | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: Jesus taught in Matthew 24:15 "When you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of ... A: There has been more than one "abomination of desolation". The specific "abomination" spoken of ... | |
| 2 Thess. 2 | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: How does the Orthodox Church interpret 2 Thess. about the AntiChrist? Who or what is the AntiChrist? ... A: There have been multiple "antichrists" throughout history. Anyone who is against Christ is ... | |
| antiChrist | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: Who or what is the antiChrist according to the teaching of the Orthodox Church? Has he or it come ... A: There have been multiple "antichrists" throughout history. Anyone who is against Christ is ... | |
| how to study the bible in the orthodox way | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: i find it hard to study the bible when i read the bible sometimes my interpretation is tempting me ... A: I recommend you get an Orthodox Study Bible. It has extensive notes on the Orthodox understanding of ... | |
| Ezekiel 38 and 39 meaning? | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: Premillenialists believe that Israel becoming a nation again, Israel returning to their ancient ... A: This supposed "better fit" is merely superficial at best. The existence of the Nation of Israel ... | |
| Ezekiel 38 and 39 meaning? | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: Premillenialists believe that Israel becoming a nation again, Israel returning to their ancient ... A: The "Nation of Israel" is now the Church of Christ, not some geographic place. The liberated Satan ... | |
| Traditions | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I had a discussion with a protestant relative who was curious about the role of traditions in ... A: The traditions of the Holy Church are best understood by living one's life in the Church, ... | |
| entering the kingdom | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: Hope you are well and thank you for taking the time to answer questions.My question is how are we to ... A: Such things certainly can happen. Christ tells us this in the parable of the workers where the ... | |
| entering the kingdom | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Hope you are well and thank you for taking the time to answer questions.My question is how are we to ... A: There are two "greatest commandments" according to Christ our Lord. The first is to love God and the ... | |
| Memorials in the Greek Orthodox Church for a deceased family member | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: We lost a very close family member last year and had a 40 day memorial in the Greek Orthodox Church. ... A: Traditionally, in addition to the service on the day of death, the memorial service is performed at ... | |
| Christ's return and Messianic kingdom | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: What will happen at the Second Coming of Christ to this earth, according to the teaching of the ... A: According to the Orthodox Church, the Second Coming will herald the Final Judgement. As we state in ... | |
| traditions within Orthodoxy | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: There seem to be various traditions of how the Dormition and Assumption of Mary took place within ... A: According to Church Tradition, the holy Apostle Thomas founded Christian churches in Palestine, ... | |
| traditions within Orthodoxy | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: There seem to be various traditions of how the Dormition and Assumption of Mary took place within ... A: The universal understanding of the Holy Orthodox Church is that the Theotokos was informed of her ... | |
| Protevangeliun of James | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: Much liturgical material in the Orthodox Church has been drawn from the Protoevangeliun of James. ... A: There are several writings that were considered as edifying by the Church, but were not given the ... | |
| Rev. 12:1 | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: Who is the woman with the garland or crown of 12 stars in Revelation 12:1 according to the teaching ... A: St. Hippolytos writes: "He speaks now concerning the tribulation of the persecution which is to fall ... | |
| Protevangelion ofJames | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: Is the Protevangelion of James considered to be a true and reliable source of teaching by the ... A: While it does not have the same authority as Holy Scripture, many of the feasts of the Theotokos and ... | |
| Use of King James Bible | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I'm a Catholic exploring Eastern Orthodoxy. I'm confused as to why the King James Bible is used. ... A: Lex Orendi, Lex Credendi. We pray as we believe and we believe as we pray. Our prayers are taken ... | |
| Virgin Mary Sinless | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I cannot reconcile the sinless life of The Virgin Mary with all of the references to the contrary in ... A: Unlike the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church does not teach that the Virgin did not need ... | |
| Marbrook (sp.) | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: On occasion during a liturgy I heard the word marbrook (not sure of the spelling). what does that ... A: I believe you mean "mabrouk" if you were at a Syrian or Antiochian (Arabic) church. This word means ... | |
| Is marriage eternal? | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: The Church teaches that marriage is the eternal union of a man and a woman, and that the sacrament ... A: Marriage in the earthly sense defines who we can have sex with. But marriage is, more importantly, ... | |
| Preparation of koliva on chenesa | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I am a member of the Holy Annunciation Church Macedonia-Bulgarian in Steelton, Pennsylvania. As a ... A: Christ taught "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, ... | |
| BAPTISM | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I'M A ROMAN CATHOLIC AND MY FRIENDS JUST ASKED ME TO BE A GODFATHER TO THEIR CHILD. THEY ARE EASTERN ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| Greek orthodox marriage but catholic children? | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: Good morning. I am a catholic who is marrying a Greek orthodox man in a Greek orthodox church in ... A: From the official Pastoral Guidelines of the Greek Orthodox Church: "It is a fact that, the more a ... | |
| Russian Orthodox Mourning Customs | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: My dearest friend is approaching the first anniversary of the loss of her grandmother. As I ... A: Traditionally, in addition to the service on the day of death, the memorial service is performed at ... | |
| Russian Orthodox Mourning Customs | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: My dearest friend is approaching the first anniversary of the loss of her grandmother. As I ... A: In the Orthodox Church, the various prayers for the departed have as their purpose: to pray for the ... | |
| Orthodox burials | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Recently my sister in law's mother passed away. Her body was flown to her homeland in Cyprus at ... A: The Church has unequivocally taught since Christ’s Crucifixion that the proper way to treat the dead ... | |
| Sin and Adam | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: "Adam chose evil because he was tempted. Satan deceived him. Sin was already a part of his world ... A: We live in a fallen world, you could say we "inherited" it from our forebearers, but it is not ... | |
| Sin and Adam | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: "Adam chose evil because he was tempted. Satan deceived him. Sin was already a part of his world ... A: It really depends on how you define "sin nature". We are born with a propensity to sin, like the ... | |
| question | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: i have a question about a passage: 1 corinthians 10 27If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and ... A: This question is probably best answered by your priest or spiritual father, but certainly we should ... | |
| Sin and Adam | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: "Adam chose evil because he was tempted. Satan deceived him. Sin was already a part of his world ... A: Actually, this is not from me. It is a different "expert". It looks like the question was addressed ... | |
| Confession | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: How does the Roman Catholic view of confession differ from the Orthodox view and must one be in a ... A: The views on confession are similar even if the methods are different. Some Orthodox bishops require ... | |
| Easter | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: Is Easter a pagan holiday? As well as Christian symbols e.g. the cross, Christmas and religions ... A: The Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Pascha, which is the Greek word for Passover. Great and ... | |
| Unforgivable Sin | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Herman, Is there such a thing as an unforgivable sin? Do not the Holy Scriptures teach us that sin ... A: Ah, but how do you sin against the Holy Spirit? There is only one way, that is by consciously ... | |
| baptism | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: my question is in regards to baptism. I am Greek Orthodox in good standing, my girlfriend and I ... A: If you are cohabiting and not married and have a child and consider yourself "in good standing" in ... | |
| Lent | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: Is the fasting regimen for Lent required of all Orthodox (except the infirm)? If a person chooses ... A: Fasting is a spiritual exercise, and it is very strongly encouraged by the Church for all to ... | |
| Inter-christian marriages | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I am Greek Orthodox and my fiancee has not yet been baptised, though he was raised in the Anglican ... A: Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. It is a fact that, the more a couple has in common, the ... | |
| specific prayers | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I have gone through several pages to find my answers and i couldn't find what I'm curious about. ... A: St Xenia of St. Petersburg was married to an officer in the Russian court. He was very popular, had ... | |
| fasting | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I am fasting for the first time and am somewhat confused about the purpose of fasting. I thought it ... A: Fasting for Jews means completely abstaining from food and drink, including water. Brushing the ... | |
| Holy Bread | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: Today was my mother's 40 day memorial in the Greek Orthodox Church. Before the Liturgy started, one ... A: You can eat it. Often after morning prayers, it is a pious custom to have part of the memorial bread ... | |
| fasting | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I am fasting for the first time and am somewhat confused about the purpose of fasting. I thought it ... A: What is the purpose of any exercise? To make us stronger and healthier. This is even more true of ... | |
| Contraceptives | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: What is the Orthodox View of contraceptives? In particular the contraceptive pill. My wife has been ... A: There is a certain kind of pill, sometimes referred to as the "morning after" pill that is an ... | |
| On Universalism in Old Oriental Orthodoxy | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I am a Jacobite Orthodox Syrian Christian. A friend mentioned that the Orthodox faith believes in ... A: Origen was the most famous proponent of universal salvation and his ideas did have some favor in ... | |
| In love with an orthodox | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: i am baptist and my boyfriend is eastern orthodox.. Lebanese background. I was raises in a baptist ... A: It is certainly better if both of you are the same faith, and go to the same Church. It certainly ... | |
| Orthodox vs. Baptist | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: I am a baptist Christian believer and the man I am in love with is eastern orthodox. I prayed to ... A: My dad's family is Baptist, I spent part of my childhood in a Baptist Church. Orthodoxy is the ... | |
| No Russian Church? | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: My fiance and I are planning to get married in a Russian Orthodox church but where are wedding is ... A: One important thing about an Orthodox wedding is that it be in an Orthodox Church. Russian or Greek ... | |
| The fate of the unevangalised. | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: This is an issue that has been giving me trouble for some time. What about those people who died ... A: As the Apostle Paul wrutes, "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in ... | |
| philosophy | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: I have read that some of the Church fathers (e.g. Origen, Gregory of Nyssa) were influenced by Greek ... A: This is a claim that is made from time to time, but I think it is a bit unfair and overstated. It ... | |
| Mourning | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I both practise the Greek Orthodox religion, and have done so since birth. ... A: The immediate family members of the deceased traditionally wear black clothing for at least forty ... | |
| deification | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Could you please explain to me a little about the doctrine of deification? When the Bible talks ... A: The preferred Orthodox term is "theosis" but it is essentially the same as deification. That is we ... | |
| Feasting | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: Can you talk about Feasting - being in the Presence of God vs allowing the body to have reign. ... A: I am not sure exactly what the question here is, but of course in Orthodoxy we refer to major holy ... | |
| icons | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I just took a college course on Orthodoxy and am impressed by all the beauty of the icons and images ... A: The Jews were told not to picture God because they needed to be aware that they could not "see" God, ... | |
| asleep in the Lord? | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Herman, for your past answers and your condolences on my mother's recent death. My question is a ... A: This is indeed a complicated question, because we have not been given many specifics in Scripture. ... | |
| Forgivness | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I am constantly plagued by worries about having committed the "unpardonable sin" - I read your ... A: Yes, any sin can be forgiven, otherwise our God is a very limited God, and our God has no limits. ... | |
| about divorce women | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: i was married catholic men he 27 years older then me the reason, he marry me so he can get to come ... A: I am not sure what your question is. I am very sorry to hear that you and your children have been ... | |
| 40 day memorial | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: That is going ahead as planned. Sadly, my elderly mother died last week. My question regards the 40 ... A: My condolences to you for the death of your mother. May her memory be eternal in God's grace. That ... | |
| the bible | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: Can you tell me how the New Testament was judged to be the canon? Was it at the Council of Nicea or ... A: Looking back over history, there were various "lists" of the canonical "books" comprising the Bible: ... | |
| modern Israel | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: Does the Orthodox Church teach that Israel becoming a nation again in 1948 and the return of the ... A: The Church Fathers maintain that Judaism was a prelude to Christianity and that Israel as a people ... | |
| assurance of salvation | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Do orthodox believe that you can lose your salvation? If so, by what standard do you judge losing ... A: The Day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2), so we must be ready at ... | |
| assurance of salvation | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Do orthodox believe that you can lose your salvation? If so, by what standard do you judge losing ... A: The journey to salvation begins by believing in Christ and "accepting His yoke" (Matthew 11:29-30). ... | |
| sin sick | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I've read several times, "sin is a sickness to be cured, not a crime to be punished" Does God ... A: There is an oversimplification here certainly. No single limited analogy is sufficient to explain ... | |
| assurance of salvation | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Do orthodox believe that you can lose your salvation? If so, by what standard do you judge losing ... A: Salvation is the freely given gift of God that is never taken away. However, it is up to us to ... | |
| Mary sinless | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: The Orthodox Church teaches that Mary was sinless, that she never committed any actual or personal ... A: The Orthodox Church certainly prefers to believe that the Theotokos knowingly committed no sins in ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Marrying Pentecostal | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: i am a Greek Orthodox Woman who is planning to marry a Penecostal Christian.I would love to marry in ... A: The Orthodox Church teaches that the more a couple has in common, the more likely they are to live ... | |
| Apocrypha / Septuagint | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: 1. Does the Eastern Orthodox Church use the same "New Testament" Apocryphal books as the Roman ... A: The examples I have given date down through the ages, I did concentrate on some more "recent" ... | |
| Apocrypha / Septuagint | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: 1. Does the Eastern Orthodox Church use the same "New Testament" Apocryphal books as the Roman ... A: Before 1054 AD there was only THE CHURCH, which was generally headed up by the patriarchs of ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Baptism | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I am hoping that you can clear up some confusion (misinformation) about Greek Orthodox baptisms. ... A: According to the official guidance of the Greek Archdiocese of America on Prohibited Marriages, the ... | |
| Apocrypha / Septuagint | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: 1. Does the Eastern Orthodox Church use the same "New Testament" Apocryphal books as the Roman ... A: 1. Regarding the "New Testament", the Orthodox Church grants authority to the four Gospels, the Acts ... | |
| Words of Jesus on the Cross | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: ''why have thou forsaken me'' what did Jesus mean by this? A: This is the first line of Psalm 22. The ancient Jews were generally well-educated, and most had a ... | |
| Conversion | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Good day sir, I had a query for a friend of mine. He used to be a Catholic- was baptised and ... A: I believe the Coptic Church baptizes converts from the Catholic Church as well, so his sojourn among ... | |
| WHAT IF YOUR NOT MARRIED? AND YOUR MUCH OLDER | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: HOW CAN YOU CORRECT A NATURAL FEELING THAT COMES ONCE IN A WHILE? PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION FOR ALL ... A: We are not the way God originally made us. We are fallen creatures in a fallen world. Therefore ... | |
| The Good Samaritan and the suffering Innocent | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: This question has been asked many times before I know, but I need to ask it in this fashion. I am ... A: The problem of suffering is certainly a difficult one to grasp. God's ways are not our ways, and ... | |
| paradise | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: firstly may i wish you a happy new year and congratulate you on doing a great job in the past year. ... A: I don't know that we will be "happy", that is a very relative and misapplied word. God never ... | |
| Orthodox Marriage | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: I am an Orthodox Christian woman and I will get married soon. Me and my fiancé are in the same faith ... A: This is not part of Orthodox tradition, it is a cultural one. Generally, the woman's family is ... | |
| question about those outside the Orthodox Religion | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: What is the Orthodox Churches stance about the salvation of those OUTSIDE of it? Do you think ... A: You ask a question in a very confrontational tone, and are projecting that attitude onto me. If you ... | |
| question about those outside the Orthodox Religion | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: What is the Orthodox Churches stance about the salvation of those OUTSIDE of it? Do you think ... A: The Orthodox Church can only bear witness to what has been revealed, that Salvation is in and of the ... | |
| Conversion to Orthodoxy | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Herman, for your previous answer to my question regarding my husband's conversion to Eastern ... A: 1) There is no formal guidance, there is no specific amount or "fee" for baptism or chrismation, but ... | |
| russian orthodox | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: how do i address a card to a russian orthodox priest and his wife A: The formal address should read: The Reverend Priest and Matushka {name} "Matushka" is traditional ... | |
| Possesion | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: I've been told that if a man and a woman sleep together and one of them is demon-possesed he or she ... A: Away from Christ many bad things can happen. When we are in Christ, no demon can harm us. Before we ... | |
| Conversion to eastern orthodoxy | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox woman married in a civil ceremony to a Presybeterian for 20 years. My husband ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Congratulations on your husband wanting to become Orthodox. He will need to ... | |
| origins of satan | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: We first come across satan in the garden of eden but where did satan originate from? Thank you in ... A: Satan was originally called Lucifer, or "Day Star". He turned against God and tried to lead a ... | |
| death | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: i was reading the following scripture: Eccl 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the ... A: It describes what was everybody's fate before Christ came into the world. Everybody was held captive ... | |
| angel of Lord? | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: Exodus 3:2; There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses ... A: This "Angel of God" was generally regarded by the early church Fathers as the Logos or Word of God ... | |
| jesus's baptism | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: Once again i thank you for taking the time to answer my previous question - appreciate it. I have 2 ... A: We do not know much about the time between. We only know what the Gospel writers thought it was ... | |
| pentecostal argument.2 | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: i am an orthodox i have a pentecostal friend he always challenges me like orthodox religion is ... A: First of all, we do not live in the Old Testament, we live in the New. Something "new" happened. God ... | |
| pentecostal argument. | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: i am an orthodox i have a pentecostal friend he always challenges me like orthodox religion is ... A: The people he condemns for praying in front of icons and reverencing the Birthgiver of God put that ... | |
| Advent Fast | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: What foods are allowed during this fast? What foods are not allowed? Thank you. A: The following statement is extremely important to consider when we speak of fasting and fasting ... | |
| charity giving. | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I have another question regarding charity giving. I'm a bit confused about this. The OT gives a ... A: In the days of early Israel, support of the nation and support of God were pretty much considered ... | |
| Holy communion without confession | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to receive holy communion without confession provided you have ticked all the other ... A: Confession is not an "obligation" like the Catholics teach. It is an opportunity to receive a ... | |
| IS IT GOD'S WILL THAT ALL BE SAVED? | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: "But small is the gate and NARROW the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew ... A: God wants everybody to be saved, but He will not force anyone. He gives the gift of salvation, but ... | |
| Christening | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: We are trying to plan a christening for our child...I know in serbian and greek orthodox church(my ... A: Great and Holy Lent and Holy Week before Pascha (Easter) is a time of preparation for the ... | |
| Conviction of sin | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm an Orthodox Christian who for a long time has been familiar only with Protestant views on ... A: The Orthodox Church does not teach that we need to be convicted for the crime of sin, but we need to ... | |
| resurrection | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a question which is rather speculative, but i would very much value your opinion. Orthodox ... A: There is no clear consensus on the topic in the Church, but if we had never separated ourselves from ... | |
| Baptizing child either under catholic and/or Serbian Orthodox Church | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I am Catholic and my wife is Serbian Orthodox. We married under the Serbian Orthodox Church since ... A: Although we were once one church, the Orthodox have never recognized the supreme authority that the ... | |
| origins of godparents | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: Where are the origins of Godmother/father ? And is it allowed in orthodoxy to have 2 sets of ... A: Yes, a child can be baptized without a godparent out of necessity, but, particularly today, it is ... | |
| origins of godparents | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Where are the origins of Godmother/father ? And is it allowed in orthodoxy to have 2 sets of ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| timing of Jesus | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: My question is: do we know why Jesus come into this world at that specific time in History as oppose ... A: For Christians, Our Lord's incarnation, death and resurrection are the focal point of all history, ... | |
| calanders | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I'm sure this question pops up regularly. please can you explain the different calenders used and ... A: I assume you are referring to what is often called the "Old Calendar/New Calendar" controversy. Many ... | |
| SIN-FORGIVENESS | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: LORD JESUS said that he who rejects the holy spirit will not be forgiven on earth or in heaven.. IS ... A: Only one means of survival? That seems a bit dramatic and simplistic. We are to trust in God, that ... | |
| Holy Spirit | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: LORD JESUS said that he who rejects the holy spirit will not be forgiven on earth or in heaven.. IS ... A: If we continue to knowingly reject God's grace and forgiveness, over time, we can build up a ... | |
| Holy Spirit | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: LORD JESUS said that he who rejects the holy spirit will not be forgiven on earth or in heaven.. IS ... A: Ah, but how do you reject the Holy Spirit? There is only one way, that is by consciously choosing to ... | |
| Human nature of Christ | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: 1. What is exactly the human nature of Christ and how is it different from our human nature? 2. What ... A: Not just our bodies, but all of creation was corrupted in the Fall. Christ takes on that which is ... | |
| Human nature of Christ | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: 1. What is exactly the human nature of Christ and how is it different from our human nature? 2. What ... A: The human nature that Christ assumed was exactly like ours, but without sin. He was perfectly ... | |
| Baptisms in Greece | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a two part question regarding baptisms in Greece. First do the parents have to be married. My ... A: First of all congratulations! Becoming a parent is a holy thing, you are being entrusted with a new ... | |
| Orthodox Services Preaching | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I had an opportunity to attend services at two different Orthodox churches recently (I normally ... A: That is a very good question. Orthodoxy certainly has a long and interesting history. For many ... | |
| salvation in suffering. | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: is it true to say that we must suffer on this earth in order to acheive salvation. Should we almost ... A: Yes, actually I believe this is a very important point. Our Lord does not really give us many ... | |
| salvation in suffering. | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: is it true to say that we must suffer on this earth in order to acheive salvation. Should we almost ... A: As Christians, we should certainly be aware that everything that happens to us can and will be used ... | |
| sign of the cross | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I know why the Orthodox cross themselves with index, middle and thumb pressed together(ring finger ... A: Even the Catholics acknowledge that the Orthodox practice is the older one. Funny thing is, the ... | |
| Orthodox Services Preaching | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I had an opportunity to attend services at two different Orthodox churches recently (I normally ... A: Well, I would say it must be a "local" thing, because I have certainly been to much longer sermons ... | |
| old and new testament | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: How much of the old testament should we still follow? has it become redundant since the new ... A: This has been a question that the Church had to deal with early on. In fact, in Acts chapter 15, we ... | |
| Tongues | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: Herman--I am an active seeker (actually, a Baptist however, I have been attending the local ... A: At Holy Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples like tongues of flame and they began ... | |
| unclean food | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: what is the orthodoxs teaching on the laws about clean and unclean foods in leviticus? what were ... A: The main purpose was to teach the Israelites that they were "different" than other people. They were ... | |
| apologizing | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Is it necessary to apologize for things done in the past, not like murder or adultery, just things ... A: Forgiveness is very important. If we truely repent and ask God's forgiveness, it is given ... | |
| confession of sins commited before baptism | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: Do you have to confess any sins you commited before you were Baptized? A: In baptism we die to the "old man" and are raised up into a new life in Christ. We are washed clean ... | |
| Salvation | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: Could you please explain to me, how protestant's (evangelical /charismatic)view on salvation is ... A: It is hard to pin down the "Protestant" view, since there actually are so many different views ... | |
| rosary | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: Would it be wrong for an orthodox to adopt the catholic rosary practice? A: That would be a question to ask your priest or spiritual father. Which Catholic practice? There are ... | |
| Sarabaite Monks | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: Are sarabaite monks permitted to receive the sacraments in the Orthodox church if they were fully ... A: The primary mark of an Orthodox monastic is not celibacy, it is obedience. The wearing of monastic ... | |
| baptism of 14 year old | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: We are Greek Orthodox, but my sister's 14 year old daughter was never baptised, nor has she ever ... A: When a child is baptized, it is with the understanding that the child will be raised in the Church. ... | |
| Natural Will, fallen hypostatic will, and Free Will | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: I read recently in a book written by an Orthodox author that said St Maximus the Confessor taught ... A: I don't know the Orthodox author you are referencing, but I would say that my own inclinations and ... | |
| Forgivness | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: Is The KING OF KINGS LORD JESUS CHRIST THE ALL FORGIVING? is there sins which wont be forgiven? does ... A: When we say the Creed, which we do at every Divine Liturgy, we say: "And I believe in ONE BAPTISM ... | |
| Forgivness | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Is The KING OF KINGS LORD JESUS CHRIST THE ALL FORGIVING? is there sins which wont be forgiven? does ... A: The Holy Orthodox Church teaches that sin is not a crime to be punished, it is a sickness to be ... | |
| Baptismal hair | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I have read some of your answers and I appreciate them. I am an orthodox christian and I would like ... A: The most important thing to do to raise a good Christian child is to be a good Christian yourself. ... | |
| 2 corinthians 3 | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: 2 Corinthians 3:7-10 7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was ... A: Well, certainly Christ fulfills the Old Covenant which was only a shadow of the New Covenant. That ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Baptism | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: My girlfriend will be having her almost 3 year old daughter baptized in a Greek Orthodox Ceremony. ... A: I am sure she is sincere. A small icon of the Virgin Mary or her name-saint or perhaps a guardian ... | |
| Jesus-GOD | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Why do Muslims think that worshipping Jesus breaks the commandment of have false idols? You shall ... A: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD (Isaiah 55:8) ... | |
| Holy Ghost | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: Is there a diffrence between Holy Ghost and the spirit of God? A: There is no difference between the Holy Spirit (called the Holy Ghost) and the Spirit of God. They ... | |
| watching cruel or nasty or shocking things | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: on the internet is it Sin there and some shocking websites i found recently which have video ... A: There are many nasty, cruel and shocking things everywhere. It is not good to watch such things ... | |
| book of revelatrions | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: In the book of revelations, a figure of 144,000 is mentioned. Please can you explain this in more ... A: There was a certain hesitation on the part of the early Church to include the book of Revelation in ... | |
| old testament | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: how do we view the old testament in terms of it being literal or not. do we think its all literal? ... A: Rome was known as the see of Peter from very early times, primarily because Rome is where St. Peter ... | |
| orthodox and spiritualists | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I know that Roman Catholics are forbidden by their church to attend spiritualist seances, but is ... A: "There shall not be found among you any one that useth divination, one that practiseth augury, or an ... | |
| leavened bread | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: please can you explain the sigificance /the reason for leavened bread in the holy Eucharist in ... A: Leavening represents a connection with the past, a flavoring when it becomes old, a force that ... | |
| Jesus-GOD | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: Why do Muslims think that worshipping Jesus breaks the commandment of have false idols? You shall ... A: The Ark of the Covenant is called the resting place of God. The Ark foreshadowed the REAL "resting ... | |
| old testament | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: how do we view the old testament in terms of it being literal or not. do we think its all literal? ... A: The Holy Orthodox Church teaches that the Old Testament's purpose is NOT to record literal history, ... | |
| Jesus-GOD | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: Why do Muslims think that worshipping Jesus breaks the commandment of have false idols? You shall ... A: Our Lord Christ Jesus fulfilled the old Law given to Moses and gave us His new Law of mercy and ... | |
| Bible Dictionaries. | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: 1) I am looking for a good Bible Dictionary . Can you recommend one? I heard that the Holman Bible ... A: I am not aware of any specific Orthodox "Bible Dictionary", but you can find a dictionary of ... | |
| Jesus-GOD | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: Why do Muslims think that worshipping Jesus breaks the commandment of have false idols? You shall ... A: Muslims believe that Christ Jesus the Lord is merely a man, a created being, and a prophet like ... | |
| Mastrubation | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: Is it against the rules if you masturbate or watch porn movies? A: Orthodoxy teaches that sin is a sickness to be cured, not a crime to be punished. Sin is anything ... | |
| Evangelical | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: Whats the difference between Evangelical and Chritian Orthodox? ANSWER: It depends. Evangelical ... A: In this story, Elisha is going to Bethel, having cleansed the waters of Jericho. The Jewish Talmud ... | |
| Evangelical | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: Whats the difference between Evangelical and Chritian Orthodox? A: It depends. Evangelical Christians are a "mixed bag" of beliefs. Many do not believe in the power of ... | |
| holy days | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: in the new testement, what were the holy days the apostles kept? also, i understand that pentecost ... A: The Apostles, being practicing and devote Jews themselves, celebrated all of the Jewish holy days. ... | |
| FATHER-Son | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: Simple question- is it a sin if i work on a saturday? am i breaking 1 of the comandments? or is the ... A: The Trinity is one God. That one God consists of three Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who ... | |
| Sabbath | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: Simple question- is it a sin if i work on a saturday? am i breaking 1 of the comandments? or is the ... A: Man is not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath is made for man, says our Lord and Savior Jesus ... | |
| Evangelism | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: In Protestantism, we are encouraged to actively share our faith with others. I myself participate ... A: In the Church there are many ministries, as the Holy Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12. It is ... | |
| Holy Spirit | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: In Protestantism, we talk about the Holy Spirit indwelling a person at the point of their "re-birth" ... A: The "baptism by the Holy Spirit" is called Chrismation by the Orthodox and is a specific part of our ... | |
| Left or right | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: Herman many people use to walk in some objects with the right leg. They say it brings you luck. We ... A: Ancient beliefs have generally associated the right side with honor, and the right side is ... | |
| INFANTS AND SINNING | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I had a discussion recently with someone who read a statement by a Russian Elder that when a child ... A: Remember that, in Orthodoxy, sin is not a crime to be punished, it is a sickness to be healed. It is ... | |
| Eternal Happiness | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me what is Eternal Happiness? Can you give me a diagram of how the process works? A: For Orthodox Christians, eternal happiness is living in Christ's Kingdom, forever progressing ... | |
| Eucharist | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: Is there difference on how the Roman Catholic church and the Orthodox church view the meaning of the ... A: Other than the fact that Orthodoxy does not accept the Catholic concept of transubstantiation, we ... | |
| judgement | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: i know this is something that can not be given a deffinate answer, but what are orthodox's views ... A: We know that salvation comes only through Christ. We know that the Church bears true witness to ... | |
| Christ | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: what exactly does the name christ mean? i know it means messiah or savior that was prophesized in ... A: For the Jews, the same reason they turned against Moses even after witnessing the miracles of the ... | |
| Christ | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: what exactly does the name christ mean? i know it means messiah or savior that was prophesized in ... A: "Christ" comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning "anointed." Its meaning is the same as the ... | |
| ECF and Roman Papacy | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: A Catholic gave me this quote proving Roman Papacy. Irenaeus "It is possible, then, for everyone in ... A: Interesting that it says NOTHING about supremacy or infallibility however. It does not contradict in ... | |
| Wedding protocol | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: Herman--My son and his fiance' are converts to the Christian Orthodox Church. My son has asked me to ... A: Congratulations! In general, the Orthodox wedding ceremony follows this outline: The Rite of ... | |
| Allowing priests to be married | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I have recently converted from the Baptist Church to the Roman Catholic Church. There is a major ... A: I suppose there are never quite enough priests to go around, but since the Orthodox Church still ... | |
| lords day | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: i have gotten into many arguements about the meaning of sunday in christianity. some say that sunday ... A: Saturday is a day of rest, not a day of worship. Worship is work! As best we can, we should keep the ... | |
| List of Orthodox monasteries | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: Fr. Herman, I always enjoyed using your directory of US Orthodox monasteries. However, when I ... A: Unfortunately, the web server appears to no longer be working. A new directory is currently being ... | |
| About Praying | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: These days I'm doing a research about my religion, and i read something about the seventh day that ... A: When we say the Creed, the "I Believe", we say "I believe in ONE BAPTISM for the remission of ... | |
| About Praying | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: These days I'm doing a research about my religion, and i read something about the seventh day that ... A: How do we pray? As often as we can and with attention and reverence. We do not pray on our knees on ... | |
| The Seventh Day | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: These days I'm doing a research about my religion, and i read something about the seventh day that ... A: You are absolutely right. The seventh day on which God rested, the Sabbath, is and always has been ... | |
| Pierced ears in women | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: I would like to get my ears pierced but I know that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and ... A: As you already said, our bodies are temples and we are icons of Christ. According to Holy Scripture, ... | |
| books in the ot | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: i was curious as to why the bibles of orthodox, catholic and protestant churches have different ... A: Some examples: Wisdom 2:12-20, especially vv. 18-20 we see this passage pointing to Jesus: 18 for ... | |
| books in the ot | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: i was curious as to why the bibles of orthodox, catholic and protestant churches have different ... A: The so-called Apocrypha, or Deuterocanonical, books were certainly part of accepted Jewish ... | |
| Prayer | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I have taken to heart your input and have been doing quite a bit of reading. I now have a rather ... A: In an absolute sense, we don't really know. What we do know is that the Church teaches that the ... | |
| death | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: what is the orthodox view of what happens after we die? I'v heard many say that we are unconcious ... A: Well, the Church does not believe in "soul sleep". Last week we celebrated the Transfiguration of ... | |
| Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodoxy | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: Do we (Eastern Orthodox) and the Orientals share the same Christology, but express it in different ... A: There are certainly many in both churches who believe this. However, there are also many in both ... | |
| oral tradition | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I understand that there was an oral tradition given to the church from paul and the apostles. what ... A: Why should we be? To be honest, even those who claim to be "scripture only" really aren't. Sola ... | |
| oral tradition | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I understand that there was an oral tradition given to the church from paul and the apostles. what ... A: Basically, nothing. The collection of writings designated as Holy Scripture and called "The Bible" ... | |
| baptizing baby | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: My husband is batized in orthodox church where as I'm not batized at all. Can our baby be baptized ... A: If you are not a baptized Christian, then I assume that you were not married in the Church. If you ... | |
| worship | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: obviously the way orthodox services and protestant church services go are very different. i'v heard ... A: Well, I guess it is worth asking the question what would be a good way to worship God? Do you think ... | |
| holy communion/ conffesion | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: i just wandering why holy communion is given to people who have not confessed. To me these two are ... A: Approaching the Chalice in an unworthy or callous manner without proper preparation can certainly be ... | |
| sabbath | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: I understand that orthodox christianity views saturday as the sabbath and as a day of rest.. growing ... A: As Christ our Lord said, the Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Orthodoxy teaches ... | |
| 'The Rapture' | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Greetings in Christ, Herman! Does Holy Orthodoxy hold to the (Western Christian) view of 'The ... A: The Fathers of the Church could not write against an idea that did not exist until the 1800s when it ... | |
| holy communion/ conffesion | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: i just wandering why holy communion is given to people who have not confessed. To me these two are ... A: The spiritual life of other people is between them and their priest. Yes it is the responsibility of ... | |
| Catholic getting married in Greek Orthodox church | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I am Catholic and my fiance is Greek Orthodox, and we will be getting married in his church next ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! The Orthodox Wedding Ceremony is ... | |
| Of Whom is Jesus Speaking? | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: Mark 9:38-40 When Jesus spoke, He spoke TO all of us. But of whom is He speaking when he protects ... A: I cannot agree that what you postulate is necessarily true. According to the Orthodox Church, ... | |
| Of Whom is Jesus Speaking? | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: Mark 9:38-40 When Jesus spoke, He spoke TO all of us. But of whom is He speaking when he protects ... A: This discussion takes place after an argument over would would be the greatest. In these verses He ... | |
| 4th century council | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I was reading an on-line article recently which stated that the early Church allowed such spiritual ... A: That would be unfortunate propoganda. I am not aware of any such canon in the Orthodox Church. ... | |
| Hexes | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: Can a witch or someone who practises wicca or witchcraft hex or curse a Christian? I was watching a ... A: The Holy Spirit cannot be taken from us, but He does not stay where He is not wanted. We always have ... | |
| Hexes | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: Can a witch or someone who practises wicca or witchcraft hex or curse a Christian? I was watching a ... A: A baptized and practicing Orthodox Christian has no fear of curses or hexes. If the Holy Spirit ... | |
| Protestant Reformation | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I understand the reasoning why the reformers felt a need to break from the Roman church. I am ... A: The problem of unity existed early on in the Church. The Apostle Paul writes extensively about the ... | |
| Protestant Reformation | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I understand the reasoning why the reformers felt a need to break from the Roman church. I am ... A: There are actually several reasons. Culture certainly had a part, but so did the fact that the ... | |
| Greek orthodox stance on Jews in promised land. | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: why is it that certain GREEK ORTHODOX BISHOPS are in favour of the Palestinians having their own ... A: The Orthodox Church is the continuation of the worshiping people of God, the New Israel. So no, it ... | |
| question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: What does the Church believe about other Church which are not part of the orthodox faith but have ... A: 1. Do you not think that children can believe? Did not Christ Himself say to allow the little ones ... | |
| question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: What does the Church believe about other Church which are not part of the orthodox faith but have ... A: Being a priest is a very demanding job and certainly can be very stressful. It is the decision of ... | |
| question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: What does the Church believe about other Church which are not part of the orthodox faith but have ... A: I have been part of several different missions in many parts of the country, including the mission ... | |
| question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: What does the Church believe about other Church which are not part of the orthodox faith but have ... A: 1. When the Lord commanded the Jews to circumcise male infants, He did not tell them to wait until ... | |
| question | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: What does the Church believe about other Church which are not part of the orthodox faith but have ... A: The Orthodox Church can only proclaim what it knows to be True. She has preserved the Apostolic ... | |
| Ecumenical Councils | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: What makes a Council "Ecumenical"? The most common answer I have receive is that a council must ... A: Well, there have actually been other councils, recognized by the Orthodox as authoritative, but not ... | |
| Ecumenical Councils | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: What makes a Council "Ecumenical"? The most common answer I have receive is that a council must ... A: Every council was called to determine the consensus of the Church to a crisis that was causing a ... | |
| Why no Orthodox Church in my city? | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Brother in Christ im a minister but i was ordained protestant thus you probably dont really believe ... A: The Orthodox Church recognizes Apostolic Succession in that every Orthodox bishop can trace back in ... | |
| Why no Orthodox Church in my city? | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Brother in Christ im a minister but i was ordained protestant thus you probably dont really believe ... A: The Orthodox Church has married priests. You would have to be married before becoming a priest ... | |
| masturbation | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: does masturbation lead to lose of virginity in males? it is known that in ethiopian orthodox church ... A: Virginity is a technical term. Masterbation is a sin because it is having sex with someone who is ... | |
| Why no Orthodox Church in my city? | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: Brother in Christ im a minister but i was ordained protestant thus you probably dont really believe ... A: The Orthodox Church is growing slowly in America. To a large degree, it was brought here by ... | |
| Vows | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: Along time ago, maybe a year (more or less) I made a vow to God to stop doing a specific sin that ... A: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are called to be saints and to be ... | |
| Baptism with absent Godparents? | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I was catholic and now orthodox following my husband's faith. We want to baptize our kid in my ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| priest in sin | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: If a priest is having an adulteress reltionship and no one knows about it, Does God honor his ... A: Yes. God honors the prayers of the Church and the office of the celebrant, regardless of his ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Mass | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: Attended service in Zante, Greece : was confused as to Service and comparisons/similarities with ... A: The Orthodox Divine Liturgy is rather complex. There is a complete explanation at ... | |
| frightening dreams | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: My spiritual father takes demonic problems very lightheartedly so I am humbly asking for your help. ... A: When my daughter started having very frightening dreams, I put an icon of her patron saint over her ... | |
| Masturbation | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: Is masterbation considered to be a sin in the Orthodox church?If so is it grave enough sin so that ... A: Orthodoxy teaches that sin is a sickness to be cured, not a crime to be punished. Sin is anything ... | |
| Downloading music/software | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: Is it a sin to download music or software for free from the internet? I heard Orthodox Christians ... A: Christians should not steal. The Apostle Paul said the laborer is worth of his wages (1 Timothy ... | |
| armenian wedding on greek island | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: My fiance is Armenian Orthodox and I am Protestant, and we have decided we will get married in the ... A: This question would have to be addressed by the priest who will be performing the ceremony. ... | |
| 1 Cor 7:14 Interpretation. | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: How does the Orthodox Church interprets 1 Cor 7:14. Some believe that Saint Paul was saying that the ... A: In Judaism, the family was joined to God's Covenant through the father. But in the Church, the ... | |
| Specific Orthodox prayer(s) | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: Christ is Risen! Can you tell me if you know of an Orthodox prayer -- or Patron Saint -- ... A: Indeed He is Risen! Some Orthodox prayers in times of need: Almighty God, the Father of mercies and ... | |
| Greek Orthodox and Catholic Marriage | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering, if I'm Catholic and my husband is Greek Orthodox, will I be allowed to be involved ... A: Depends on what you mean by "involved". The parents are basically observers to the ceremony for the ... | |
| Protestant Minister taking communion | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: My relative and I are Greek Orthodox. She is married to a Protestant minister. She has not been ... A: I would say that your aunt, by her actions, has put herself outside the Church. Orthodox Christians ... | |
| Protestant Minister taking communion | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: My relative and I are Greek Orthodox. She is married to a Protestant minister. She has not been ... A: In short, no this is not possible. The Orthodox Church does not give the Holy Eucharist to ... | |
| women being tonsured for reading | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: Some Orthodox women are beginning to feel very uncomfortable about not having any tonsured women ... A: Where the bishop is, there is the Church. It is the responsibility of the Bishop to decide who ... | |
| Scriptures interpret itself? | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: One of the agruments I have from Protestants is that the we do not the Church because the Bible ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Well, if it was so easy to interpret Holy Scripture, why are there over ... | |
| The Adversary & Orthodox believers | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Herman, my wife and I are Eastern Orthodox catechumens. We're interested in setting up a home altar ... A: As we draw closer to God and His Kingdom, the evil one often works harder to keep us from our goal. ... | |
| Orthodox home altars | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Herman, my wife and I are Eastern Orthodox catechumens. We're interested in setting up a home altar ... A: Many Orthodox homes (mine included) have a corner or wall designated as the "prayer corner". Many ... | |
| How to find "lost" adult godchild | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: My godchild participated in sins with a man that were public Our entire parish supported her very ... A: I don't know that even if you do contact the office of the Metropolitan that it will do much good. ... | |
| holy communion | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: My husband & I have an interfaith marriage for 25 years. I am Greek Orthodox and he is Roman ... A: I have no idea of what transpired. I am sorry that this situation was evidently handled in a way ... | |
| holy communion | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: My husband & I have an interfaith marriage for 25 years. I am Greek Orthodox and he is Roman ... A: First off, there is no such thing as a "right" to Holy Communion. It is a gift and a privilege from ... | |
| Orthodox Wedding | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering, can an orthodox (Serbian) wedding be performed on a Saturday? Or is this not ... A: Marriages are not performed on fast days or during fasting seasons; these include the Great Lent and ... | |
| Easter Ceremony in Russian Orthodox Church | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Please list the various ceremonial actions of priests and congregants in the Russian Orthodox Church ... A: First off, of course, it should be noted that this year Orthodox Pascha is one week later than ... | |
| Sponsor at Adult Chrismation | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I've been asked by an adult couple to be their Sponsor at Chrismation into my Antiochian Orthodox ... A: The institution of sponsors (god-parents), who serve as witnesses and guarantors for the faith of ... | |
| A QUESTION ON TWO BIBLE VERSES | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: Herman, Two questions 1) in the Bible passage below John 20:23, I would understand the forgiving ... A: For question 1, this is an awesome and frightening thing. The Apostles have the power to condemn. ... | |
| Earliest Church | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: How can we say we are Othodox if we reject the teaching of the Apostles and their immediate students ... A: It is certainly true that many in the early Church expected an imminent Second Coming—that did not ... | |
| The Rosary and Orthodox | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: After reading this article from this link (http://www.westernorthodox.com/rosary.html), what is your ... A: In all honesty, a prayer rule is between the individual and his spiritual advisor/priest. The ... | |
| EPHESIANS 5:29 | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: With all of the emphasis on fasting and monasticism in Orthodoxy, and the many pasages in monastic ... A: Just like any athlete undergoing training, or a person under medical treatment, diet plays an ... | |
| Jewish Passover & Orthodoxy | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: Does the Holy Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the Jewish Passover and Pascha or do the Orthodox ... A: Pascha actually means "Passover". Christian Pascha is not the "new" Passover, it is the fulfillment ... | |
| Married Bishops | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: According to Saint Paul (1 Tim 3), bishops must be a husband of one life. Protestants use this text ... A: First off, it should be noted that Holy Scripture does not REQUIRE that a bishop be married. It ... | |
| child out of wedlock | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: Lets say you are an orthoox christian, and you had a child out of wedlock, would you be allowed to ... A: Our God is a just and loving God and desires that all be saved and who never turns away a repentant ... | |
| Priest name change | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I understand the 'why' behind clerics changing their names, but I have never heard if there is a ... A: Typically the bishop ordaining the priest chooses the name. He keeps his last name. It should be ... | |
| Interfaith marriage | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I am a Greek Orthodox man who wants to marry a woman who was baptised in the ... A: No, she does not have to become Greek Orthodox if she does not want to, but for you to remain in ... | |
| Theodoret of Cyrus a Saint? | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Is Theodoret of Cyrus a Saint and Holy Father of the Church? The reason why I am asking is because ... A: There are two Theodorets. One is Martyr Theodoret of Antioch who is commemorated as a saint. ... | |
| DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: Herman, I am asking this question because it came up in a discussion with a fried of mine who is ... A: In a word: humility. To expand a little, God tells us to do hard things, like pray for our enemies ... | |
| Concerning the Canon of Scriptures and other topics | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: I have several questions: 1) Do The Holy Orthodox Church accept the Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, ... A: Atonement is only ONE aspect of the Redemption, not its totality. The Holy Apostles describe the ... | |
| Concerning the Canon of Scriptures and other topics | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I have several questions: 1) Do The Holy Orthodox Church accept the Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, ... A: Yes the Holy Orthodox Church recognizes the deuterocanonical books as part of Holy Scripture. ... | |
| Christening | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: My grandaughter,wasborn in USA of english parent(my son been GREEK ORTHODOX)wants to baptise his ... A: Not sure what you are asking. Your son needs to pick a godmother who is a member of the Orthodox ... | |
| Reincarnation | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: I am an Orthodox Christian and I have stumbled upon two books that have caused me great ... A: First of all, I have to state that I am not a priest nor a monastic. I have had seminary training ... | |
| Fasting | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: Herman, I try to follow the fasting rule of the Russian Orthodox Church as far as I am able, using ... A: Food without oil would certainly include pulses, rice, certain pastas, tofu, cereals such as oats, ... | |
| Fasting | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: Herman, I try to follow the fasting rule of the Russian Orthodox Church as far as I am able, using ... A: I believe that "strict fast" means that xerophagy is prescribed. This means only vegetables cooked ... | |
| Divorce & Re-Marriage | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox woman who has never been married. I am engaged to an Anglican man who has ... A: Divorce is not an impediment to marriage in the Orthodox Church. Your fiance's prior divorce should ... | |
| Reincarnation | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am an Orthodox Christian and I have stumbled upon two books that have caused me great ... A: You asked an Orthodox Christian if reincarnation is compatible with the teachings of the Church. I ... | |
| ''pre-existence'' | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I have been reading a book by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware in which he states that ''God knew each ... A: This is a bit of poetic license. I guess it is sort of like saying "God knew you would be born ... | |
| Reincarnation | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I am an Orthodox Christian and I have stumbled upon two books that have caused me great ... A: A belief in reincarnation is totally incompatible with the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church ... | |
| what role does God play in my life? | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: According to Orthodox Christianity what role does God play in my life? For instance, should I assume ... A: God is the ultimate opportunist. He will certainly take advantage of every opportunity to call you ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Marriage | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: As I woman who has had a child out of wedlock, will I be able to marry in the Greek Orthodox church? ... A: It is what happens AFTER baptism that matters from that point on, not what happened before. When we ... | |
| QUESTION ON A LINE OF A PRAYER FROM ST NIKOLAI | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Herman, This is a line from Prayers by the Lake 12 by St Nikolai. We were listening to the prayer ... A: Our saints have no fears. Their lives, words, and actions will not whither in the light of ... | |
| Baptismal rules in the Greek Orthodox church. | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I'm of Greek Orthodox upbringing, my wife to be is Catholic. We have agreed to marry in the Greek ... A: Well, I am still trying to track this one down. From priests that I have access to, the prohibitions ... | |
| Baptismal rules in the Greek Orthodox church. | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm of Greek Orthodox upbringing, my wife to be is Catholic. We have agreed to marry in the Greek ... A: Well, to be honest, I'm stumped. Beyond the requirement for a godparent to be a practicing Orthodox ... | |
| Baptismal rules in the Greek Orthodox church. | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm of Greek Orthodox upbringing, my wife to be is Catholic. We have agreed to marry in the Greek ... A: The Orthodox Church considers spiritual ties even stronger than blood. In Paradise, there will be no ... | |
| Orthadox Study bible | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I have recently found my way back to my Faith after a 15 year absence. I was raised Anglican, but in ... A: There is a lot that Protestantism has lost or discarded in it's attempt to create a "pure" faith. ... | |
| How old is one at his first birthday | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: I'm a widower who was married to a first-generation Greek woman. I seem to recall she related to me ... A: The early Christian Church certainly held that life in the womb was sacred, and that "personhood" ... | |
| TREATMENT OF JEWS BY THE ORTHODOX | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: For many many years I have read about and wondered at the terrible treatment of the Jews in Russia ... A: Not being a Russian, it is difficult for me to defend their actions. This is especially problematic ... | |
| letter of John | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: There seems to be a contradiction between some earlier statements in the first letter of John and ... A: The problem here is the English language, which is not quite as expressive as the original Greek ... | |
| Adult Baptism | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: My fiancé would like to get baptised in the Russian Orthodox Church, he is of celtic origin and ... A: First off, I am not aware of any set "fee" for baptism, unless there are issues with "renting" the ... | |
| christening | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: Where can I find the liturgy for the christening in English? We are going to Athens for the ... A: Well, one of the primary features of Orthodox baptism is the Godparent. The use of godparents or ... | |
| mission/prayer service house. | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I've been wondering if it is possible to start a small chapel in ones home for people who live far ... A: Yes, such a thing is done in the Orthodox Church. This is exactly how the parish where I attend got ... | |
| prayers | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: i cant find any orthodox prayers for a pregnant lady on the net.if you could please help me.and send ... A: If the prayer is for you or to be said by the pregnant woman: PRAYER FOR A WOMAN WITH CHILD O ... | |
| Marriage Question | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know if the following is possible: 1) Get married through a civil ceremony in the ... A: This should be discussed with an Orthodox Priest. Generally speaking, to have a Church wedding you ... | |
| Marriage Laws of the Coptic Church | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I would like to learn more about the Coptic Church teachings for the sacrament of marriage and more ... A: Names and emails are not published, even I cannot see your email, this forum does a good job about ... | |
| godparents | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: In the Greek Orthodox faith, it is assumed that if something happened to the parents then the ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| Catholic marrying Serbian Orthodox | 12/23/2008 |
| Q: I am a baptised Catholic and my partner is Serbian Orthodox. Can we marry in the Serbian Orthodox ... A: Generally, most Orthodox Churches allow marriage with properly baptized non-Orthodox Christians in ... | |
| 1 John 1:8 and 1 John 3:8-9. | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: I have been studying The Catholic Epistles. I am confused about two passages that Saint John the ... A: The problem here is the English language, which is not quite as expressive as the original Greek ... | |
| Potpourri | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: And some potpourri questions (questions I have, but they are completely random from the above ... A: Orthodox priests are to remain in whatever state they are in when they are ordained. A married man ... | |
| Protestant 'Salvation' | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: If a seeking person eventually receives the 'Protestant' salvation, following a confession of faith, ... A: We will all stand in the unadulterated Glory of God. Whether that experience is pleasurable or ... | |
| Virginity | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: What consitutes virginity. I have never had sex, but I have touched been touch by a woman. I regret ... A: Virginity is the state of never having had sexual intercourse. In a more general sense, it is the ... | |
| Basic beliefs of the Russian Orthodox | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: What are the basic beliefs of the Russian Orthodox? How are they the same or different to the other ... A: The Russian Orthodox Church has the same teachings and Traditions of the other Eastern Orthodox ... | |
| orthodox baptism and pregnant mother | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: Can my daughter be baptised greek orthodox if im pregnant again, my FIL mentioned that my daughter ... A: I don't have enough information to answer this question. I assume that FIL means "father-in-law"? If ... | |
| Protestents and Orthodox Salvation belifes | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: I'm an Orthodox Christian, and i'm just starting to immerse myself in the teachings, disciplines ect ... A: Orthodoxy teaches that it fully and correctly preserves the witness as taught by Jesus Christ to His ... | |
| Graven images | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I see the Orthodox don't use carved 3D images. But is it wrong for me to have a graven image at my ... A: There are Orthodox Christians who would discourage having a Crucifix, others do not have a problem ... | |
| Graven images | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I see the Orthodox don't use carved 3D images. But is it wrong for me to have a graven image at my ... A: Why would you want a graven image in your prayer corner? "Graven image" in the Scriptural context, ... | |
| Revelation 12 | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: I read that the Protestant church believes the woman is the church. The Orthodox believes it is ... A: The Theotokos represents the Church in many ways. Remember that the author of Revelation, the ... | |
| divorce | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: 1. Do all 15 Orthodox Churches allow one to three divorces? 2. What is the accepted reason(s) for a ... A: 1. I prefer to think of it as rather than allowing up to three marriages, the Church has decided ... | |
| Marriage - blessing in Greek Orthodox Church | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: My son, who is Greek Orthodox, was recently married in his fiance's (now wife's) Methodist church. ... A: Our Lord desires that all might be saved, and accepts genuine repentance. Your son did, actually, ... | |
| Priesthood. | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: If the Bible says all believers are priests, why can laypeople not delivers sacraments? Protestants ... A: As in many things, the Protestants get it half right. The Orthodox Church has always talked in terms ... | |
| Conversion and becoming a Priest | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: So, I'm 15 years old and being raised by 2 southern baptists, I however want to become Orthodox-but ... A: You certainly should discuss this with your parents! They are still responsible for you. I would ... | |
| Icon venerating | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: What is the order in which one would light candles and venerate icons. Do you light the candle first ... A: This is a matter of personal preference, there is no prescribed order. It also depends on the layout ... | |
| Divorce | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: I know Orthodox priests can marry, but can they divorce? Also, can laypeople divorce on their own, ... A: If an unmarried man becomes a priest, he is expected to remain unmarried. If a married man is ... | |
| Romans 7:14-25: Pre-Conversion or Post-Conversion? | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: I need a little help interpreting Romans 7:14-25. Many consider Saint Paul was taking about his ... A: The Orthodox Church has no problem with the Apostle Paul's use of the present tense and has always ... | |
| Coptic vs. Catholicism and Conversion | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: I am a very loosely practicing Catholic that is interested in converting. My family barely raised ... A: Typically there is a catechism where you learn about the Faith. The length of time it takes will ... | |
| Baptism vs Christening | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: In the Orthodox church, we perform baptisms not Christenings. Kindly explain the difference. They ... A: Christening technically refers to the custom of giving a child a Christian name at their baptism. ... | |
| is it a sin to masturbate? | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: Is it a sin to masturbate? A: This is a symptom of the sin of lust. The Church teaches us that sex is a good and healthy thing, ... | |
| Mary vs Jesus | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: How is the way Theotokos intercedes and mediates for us different than how Jesus does this? How far ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! First off, there is no "versus" between the Son Christ Jesus Lord and His ... | |
| Byzantine cross | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: Can you identify the attached cross, please? A: The cross on the left is of Christ Crucified, surrounded by the images of Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke ... | |
| on Prayer | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: I've asked you a lot of questions before and I would like to tell you, my family and I have found a ... A: To God be the glory! I am glad that you have found a church. We often say that when you sing your ... | |
| WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN PROTESTANTS ASK YOU WHY YOU DO NOT PRAY WITH THEM | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I WAS AT ONE OF THOSE PROTESTANT SINGLES GROUPS THE OTHER NIGHT AND THE TIME AT THE END WAS GROUPS ... A: Heterodox is technically correct, but obviously not politically correct. We pray as we believe and ... | |
| Concerning the Sacraments. | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: Recently a Protestant ask me this"If one has the Holy Spirit after 'Chrismation' as you called it, ... A: We believe it because Christ said it. He said "this is My Body and this is My Blood." All we are ... | |
| Quote | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: From whom/where did the quote "We will all know in the fullness of time" derive? A: I am not sure what you are quoting, nor the context, but I would imagine it is loosely based on 1 ... | |
| Clairvoyance | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I am struck by the number of Orthodox Saints and Holy men who have been given the gift of ... A: satan is the prince of lies and was once called the angel of light. He can mimic many things that ... | |
| calvinism | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: i am eastern orthodox Christian and i sometimes go to protestant runned singles i am 42 years of age ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of ... | |
| marriage and communion | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox married to an Episcopalian in a civil ceremony. I just recently learned that I ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! From the official Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website: "Double performances ... | |
| Concerning the Afterlife. | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: I have a question regarding the following information, which I believe it was taken from the GOARCH ... A: There are several "theories" of what may happen after death. Some specifics vary, but many are very ... | |
| 'Christian spiritualism' | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: I was recently talking to someone who is a practicing 'Christian spiritualist'. i.e. a spiritualist ... A: Beings created in the image and likeness of God are going to have a "natural" inclination to seek ... | |
| Finding a Parish | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: I called every parish in my city, there are 10 or more. the ones I got a hold of hardly used any ... A: Indeed, the Orthodox Church has been called a too well-kept secret. Some ethnic parishes can seem ... | |
| Sacraments and salvation | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: The Orthodox Church teaches that in Baptism you are born again and participate in the death and ... A: As I said earlier, it is dangerous to try and put God in a box. We are all created in the image of ... | |
| Sacraments and salvation | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: The Orthodox Church teaches that in Baptism you are born again and participate in the death and ... A: There are a lot of questions here, let's take them one at a time: Q1) The Orthodox Church teaches ... | |
| Tonsured Readers | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I am a catechumen in the Greek Orthodox Church, and have a question that I haven't had a chance to ... A: I am aware of one woman who was tonsured a reader in the Antiochian Archdiocese in America. I know ... | |
| Satan | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: 1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in ... A: There is not "rapture". It will be a new heaven and a new earth, as it says in 2 Peter 3:13 ... | |
| Satan | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: 1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in ... A: Well, first off the Orthodox Church does not accept the teaching of the "rapture". We also do not ... | |
| Satan | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: 1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in ... A: According to the Orthodox Study Bible, the Church teaches that the author of Revelation, the Apostle ... | |
| God command of killing | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ... A: That sounds like a good idea to modern sensibilities, what you propose might work in this day and ... | |
| God command of killing | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ... A: In Orthodox hymnody, on many feast-days, reference is made to Amalek. This past weekend was one of ... | |
| Throne and Lamb | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: according to Eastern Orthodox Who is sit on the Throne in Revelation 4:10 and who is the lamb in ... A: God is seated on the Throne that is surrounded by the 24 thrones of the elders of the Old and New ... | |
| baptising | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: My husband's religion is Hindu. I have been baptised Russian Orthodox. I would like to baptise my ... A: Baptism is the outward sign of membership in the Church and the desire to join ourselves to Jesus ... | |
| Propitiation vs. Expiation | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed that when referring to Christ's sacrifice Orthodox use the word "expiation" whereas ... A: There is a great wealth of information on the internet about the Orthodox Church. An extentive ... | |
| Propitiation vs. Expiation | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed that when referring to Christ's sacrifice Orthodox use the word "expiation" whereas ... A: I think we have covered this ground already, the two words are nearly synonymous, but as I said in ... | |
| God | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: I can't reconcile the God of the Old Testament who killed the firstborn of Egypt and who brings ... A: Should we take every word of Holy Scripture literally? I certainly hope not! Matthew 5:29-30 If ... | |
| God | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: I can't reconcile the God of the Old Testament who killed the firstborn of Egypt and who brings ... A: I must admit you are not alone. There was a group of people called the Gnostics, who taught that the ... | |
| Evolution | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: Isn't evolution and Christianity incompatible? Christianity says that God is good and loves all His ... A: REVISED TO CORRECT A REFERENCE AND ADD A QUOTE The idea of evolution is not incompatible with ... | |
| Divorce | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: Is divorce allowed in the Orthodox church? On what grounds? If yes why this difference from the ... A: In that our Lord permitted divorce in certain circumstances, then so too the Orthodox Church ... | |
| marrying outside of a church | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: I am a Greek orthodox and my fiance although Christian is not baptized under the Greek orthodox ... A: Generally speaking, it is preferred that weddings be performed in an Orthodox Church, surrounded by ... | |
| Anger | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: I feel that I have a problem with anger, but I don't know how to control it. What should I do? I've ... A: Prayer is certainly important, keep doing that! Anger is a complex issue, there are many reasons for ... | |
| Mary the Theotokos | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: Herman, I am having an e mail discussion with a professor who does not believe the title ... A: Your professor shares the ideas of Arius, whom the Church declared in error at the first Ecumenical ... | |
| Theistic evolution | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I read your 10 dangers and you were right on. I have been studying this for awhile. Not as long as ... A: To be honest, the 10 dangers were submitted as part of a question by someone else, they are not ... | |
| God's love | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: There are times that I find the story of Christ semi-unbelievable. It's not that I don't think it ... A: Christ's death and resurrection accomplishes many things and several terms are used. Ransom, ... | |
| God's love | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: There are times that I find the story of Christ semi-unbelievable. It's not that I don't think it ... A: Following the holy Fathers, Orthodoxy teaches that the "ransom" is paid to the grave, even as the ... | |
| Greek Orthodox and Muslim | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: my name is Burcin and I am from Istanbul, turkey. I am going to get married to a Greek gentleman in ... A: Yes, that is true. Marriage for Orthodox Christians is the representation of the relationship ... | |
| God's love | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: There are times that I find the story of Christ semi-unbelievable. It's not that I don't think it ... A: The evil one is always trying to convince us that we are not worthy, why bother making an effort? It ... | |
| divorce - marriage again | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: My fiance is Romanian orthodox, was married in a registry office in the U.K.some years ago he is now ... A: In that our Lord permitted divorce in certain circumstances, then so too the Church recognizes that ... | |
| Locations of Orthodox Worship | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: I am a "protestant" in search of TRUE Christianity. IF the Orthodox Way is the True Way (and I am ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In some places, Orthodox churches are quite numerous. In Alaska it is called ... | |
| Incarnation | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: What was the purpose of the incarnation? A: St. Athanasius says that God became man so that man could become like God. He also says in his book ... | |
| rock music | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: Herman, I was very interested in reading your answer to a previous enquirer's question about rock ... A: You might check into Peter Jon Gillquist, Justin Mathews, Katina Patitsas, and something called the ... | |
| 1 Timothy 4:10 | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: In 2 Timothy 4:10 God is called the "savior of all men." What does the Greek word for "all" imply? ... A: I suppose it is possible, but it certainly is a lot harder. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us not to ... | |
| 1 Timothy 4:10 | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: In 2 Timothy 4:10 God is called the "savior of all men." What does the Greek word for "all" imply? ... A: Simple answer, no. That is why Christ gave us the Church, through which the Holy Spirit acts to ... | |
| 1 Timothy 4:10 | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: In 2 Timothy 4:10 God is called the "savior of all men." What does the Greek word for "all" imply? ... A: It literally means that God is indeed the Savior of all mankind, but it in no wise implies that all ... | |
| Universalism | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Doesn't Romans 24, 1 Timothy 5-6, and John 12:32 effectively prove the universal salvation of all ... A: The Apostle Paul says that the Gentiles who do not have the Law and yet do the Law, are a Law unto ... | |
| Universalism | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Doesn't Romans 24, 1 Timothy 5-6, and John 12:32 effectively prove the universal salvation of all ... A: Certainly, Christ made the perfect and universal sacrifice for all mankind, indeed for all of ... | |
| Universalism | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: Doesn't Romans 24, 1 Timothy 5-6, and John 12:32 effectively prove the universal salvation of all ... A: I think it is important to acknowledge that many Scripture verses, taken in isolation, can be bent ... | |
| medjugorje | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: My question concerns the alleged appearances of the Mother of God at Medjugorje. I read somewhere ... A: There is an eye-witness account of the phenomenon by an Orthodox priest's wife here: ... | |
| reincarnation | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: Why does the Orthodox Church reject the idea of reincarnation? A: That would be because it doesn't happen. We don't have reincarnation, we have Resurrection. If there ... | |
| marriage | 6/15/2008 |
| Q: I am born and raised in the US in an old testament religion. I am divorced with one child. If I have ... A: When we are baptized, we are "new" creatures, all of our past sins are forgiven. Therefore this ... | |
| Baptism | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I have been recently attending at the invitation of Orthodox friends a Russian Orthodox Church and I ... A: It is not that a Catholic baptism is not "recognized", but it is not complete. Baptism is the sign ... | |
| apocrypha | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: How many books orthodox church accepting as apocryphal books- A: The title Apocrypha comes from a Greek word meaning concealed or hidden away. It is not a term ... | |
| Christening in Greek Orthodox Church | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: I am Catholic and married my husband in a Greek orthodox church. We would like to have a closet ... A: For a child, there should be at least one godparent the same sex as the child who is a member of the ... | |
| divorce and communion | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: I recently went through Catechism only to be told just before Easter that I would need an annulment ... A: In that our Lord permitted divorce in certain circumstances, then so too the Church recognizes that ... | |
| inter-communion | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: If one converts to orthodoxy in the Greek Orthodox tradition could he recieve communion in a Russian ... A: Yes. The various ethnic Orthodox churches are in communion with each other. The Faith in all these ... | |
| REPEATING PRAYERS | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: HOW DOES ORTHODOX RELGION DIFFER FROM THE BIBLE ON REPETATIVE PRAYERS,ARENT THERE PART OF THE BIBLE ... A: Christ is Risen! I would have to say that Orthodoxy does not differ from Holy Scripture. I believe ... | |
| garden of eden | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: where in the earth is garden of eden? some says that it was destryoed by the flood. it is correct? A: The Garden of Eden is no longer on the fallen Earth as we now know it. It is guarded by an angel and ... | |
| Greek Orthodox - Marriage and Family | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I was born and raised in the Greek Orthodox church. When I was dating my asian girlfriend, ... A: Christ is Risen! Well, it depends on what is most important to you, the Greek or the Orthodox. I do ... | |
| godparent | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are Greek Orthodox. My husband is the nono to his brother's son. Can his godson's ... A: The use of godparents or sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted ... | |
| blessings | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I am a Protestant Christian. My husband is Greek Orthodox. I understand that I am not able to ... A: Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! The very idea of "holy" means that which is set apart, ... | |
| blessings | 4/26/2008 |
| Q: I am a Protestant Christian. My husband is Greek Orthodox. I understand that I am not able to ... A: The sacraments are the Holy Spirit acting within the space-time-continuum that we call reality. One ... | |
| conversion | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a southern Baptist who has been baptized. I am interested in becoming Orthodox though. My ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! As a former Protestant myself, I certainly can identify with your questions ... | |
| The sacrament of marriage | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: I have a question regarding the indissolubility of orthodox marriage. The background of my question ... A: I have met Dr. Patsavos, who is the Canon Law expert for the Greek Archdiocese of America. I think ... | |
| Suspended Greek Orthodox Priests | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: I am writing to get clarification on Greek Orthodox policies regarding suspended priests. 1) If a ... A: In the Orthodox Church, the authority of the office of the priest comes from the bishop. The priest ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Baptism | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: My bother and wife want to baptize their 6-month old son in the Greek Orthodox church where they ... A: This person still has the option to "fix" his situation within the Church, although it would require ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Baptism | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: My bother and wife want to baptize their 6-month old son in the Greek Orthodox church where they ... A: Marriage is sacred. It is a model of our relationship with Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the ... | |
| Greek Orthodox Baptism | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: My bother and wife want to baptize their 6-month old son in the Greek Orthodox church where they ... A: For a child, there should be at least one godparent who is an Orthodox Christian IN GOOD STANDING. ... | |
| Greek Orthodox baptism - infant boy | 3/24/2008 |
| Q: This weekend, we are attending a Greek Orthodox baptism for a baby boy, and aren't sure about an ... A: That is a big question. I once was a member of the Baptist Church. I can say that the Orthodox ... | |
| Holy Laughter | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: I heard that Holy Laughter was a sign of demonic possession. But what if you are so filled with joy ... A: "Holy laughter" claims to be a gift of the Holy Spirit. It was introduced by Evangelist Rodney ... | |
| Baptizing Children | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: If a Coptic Orthodox married a Roman Catholic in the Roman Catholic Church, can children born of ... A: A child is baptized with the understanding that that child will be raised in the Church. This is ... | |
| adult baptism in the greek orthodox church | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: im 26 & am going to be baptised in a greek orthodox church which is in athens in a few months. im ... A: Orthodox baptism is generally full immersion. You would wear something white and modest that does ... | |
| Eucharist | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm an Orthodox Christian that took communion at an Episcopal Church during an U2charist service. I ... A: I would say that your last sentence answers your own question. When we do something that makes us ... | |
| christianity | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: sir, iam hindu i want to know more about lord jesus. 1.what was lord jesus doing during the period ... A: Lord Jesus the Christ, Son of the Father, who was with the Father before all things were made, who ... | |
| Adult Baptism | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: I plan to be baptized in the Greek orthodox before i marry in the Greek church. I am Catholic. For ... A: Orthodox baptism is generally full immersion. You would wear something white and modest that does ... | |
| Bible differences | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: Is the Eastern Orthodox and others eg Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic ... A: The split between Rome and the other patriarchs actually took centuries, but it came to a head in ... | |
| Bible differences | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Is the Eastern Orthodox and others eg Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic ... A: The collection of writings that we call "The Bible" were put together in the 4th century. The major ... | |
| Romanian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox are the same? | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: I was born i Romania and I was baptized Orthodox, now I live in US and we (me and my fiancee ... A: Yes Romanian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox are the same Church. There should be no problem being ... | |
| byzantine rite vs orthodox | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: I was baptized and received communion in a byzantine rite greek catholic church, I am now married to ... A: The Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox used to be one and the same church. After the Orthodox and ... | |
| Reciprocity | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: The following was written on a Christian blog site: “Roman Catholic converts to EO have to make a ... A: When a former Catholic is united to the Orthodox Church there is usually a repudiation of heresy, ... | |
| marriage between coptic orthodox and maronite catholics | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: I was just writing to enquire about marriage between a coptic orthodox and a maronite catholic. I am ... A: The Coptic Church sees marriage as two people working out their salvation together as one. It means ... | |
| Heresy | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: I am a Roman Catholic, who is greater agreement with the Orthodox Catholic Church. My Orthodox views ... A: Orientale Lumen Letter by Pope John Paul II http://tinyurl.com/hftfy Pope Benedict approved a ... | |
| Heresy | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: I am a Roman Catholic, who is greater agreement with the Orthodox Catholic Church. My Orthodox views ... A: That is a very interesting question, and I think, points directly to the heart of the real ... | |
| Baby Baptism | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I am really afraid of the baptism of my baby. It really sounds like a scary process and one that I ... A: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red ... | |
| Religion | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: How are Protestants, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox similar? A: Orthodoxy is much closer to Roman Catholicism than it is to Protestantism. Protestantism, by and ... | |
| Which Year | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: At which year did the Vicar of Christ take place. A: The term "Vicar of the Son of God" was used to describe the Pope in the counterfeit documents called ... | |
| Mary not sinning | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: I am Protestant, (interested in the Orthodox church) and i was always taught that because adam and ... A: I think it boils down to how we define "sin nature". Orthodoxy has a very different concept of the ... | |
| Women in the Church | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: In 1 Timothy 2:10-15, St. Paul seems to clearly declare that women (a)should never teach in the ... A: Your three points are excellent. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us to test all things and keep what is ... | |
| Women in the Church | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: In 1 Timothy 2:10-15, St. Paul seems to clearly declare that women (a)should never teach in the ... A: In the history of the Church, women have always had very important roles. It was the myrrh-bearing ... | |
| innerculter/innerfaith marriage | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: I am Recently married to a young Russian man who,when we first started dating told me that he was ... A: In Russia the Church was fiercely persecuted for over 70 years. Church school was prohibited and ... | |
| Baptism in Greek Orthodox Church | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: My husband is Greek Orthodox and I am Catholic. We were not married in either church but had a civil ... A: When a child is baptized, it is with the understanding that the child will be raised in the Church. ... | |
| Kids enjoying going to church? | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: How do I make my children enjoy going to church when there are so many corrupting influences out ... A: This is a very important question these days. In that there are very many corrupting influences and ... | |
| Question about Armenian baptism | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: I am having my baby girl baptized in the Armenian Church in NY on Saturday. She has a Godmother who ... A: This is generally true for all Orthodox and Oriental Churches that one sponsor is all that is ... | |
| Mary and the saints | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: I was (am) attracted to the Roman Catholic Church, but my parents (I am 14) do not like the emphasis ... A: The Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church share many beliefs. For the first 1000 years after the ... | |
| pope supremacy and infallibility | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: I am Orthodox but go to a Roman Catholic high school. Both views talk about the pope subject saying ... A: Well, we have been arguing about this for many, many centuries. In the beginning, before the ... | |
| baptism | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: . i was just wondering.. i have just recently had a child by a man who is greek orthodox. We split ... A: Being a single parent is certainly a great challenge and I am sorry to hear that things did not work ... | |
| What's The Secret? | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: I encountered the Orthodox Church while stationed overseas. Since returning (with no Orthodox ... A: Indeed, the Orthodox Church has been called a too well-kept secret. Some ethnic parishes can seem ... | |
| Catholic with question | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I am a Catholic, in the sense of the Western Church as you describe it, and I am having a difficult ... A: Your situation is not unique. There are many Orthodox who have come into Orthodoxy by way of the ... | |
| Baptism question | 8/20/2007 |
| Q: I would like to ask if there is any way a Catholic person can baptize our daughter. My husband is ... A: For a child, there should be at least one godparent the same sex as the child who is an Orthodox ... | |
| Baptism questions | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: When my baby is baptized, I know that I am supposed to give her a Saint name. How do I decide on ... A: Well, Isabelle and Elise both mean "consecrated to God" and are derivatives of Elizabeth, there are ... | |
| Baptism | 8/6/2007 |
| Q: My daughter is Lutheran and married a Greek Orthodox in the Greek church. They now have a child and ... A: If there was no discussion then the priest involved was not following the normative practice of the ... | |
| TYPES OF PRAYER | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: .. i was wandering if you can answer this question... describe the different types of personal ... A: What differentiates Orthodox Prayer from Catholic prayer? In that both churches share a common ... | |
| TYPES OF PRAYER | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: .. i was wandering if you can answer this question... describe the different types of personal ... A: Yes, Orthodox prayers do generally express thanksgiving for God's gifts, petitions for God's grace ... | |
| TYPES OF PRAYER | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: .. i was wandering if you can answer this question... describe the different types of personal ... A: For Orthodox Christians, there is, of course, corporate worship where the people gather together to ... | |
| Heterodoxy | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: What is the teaching of Eastern Orthodoxy on heterodox Christians? Are they considered Christians in ... A: Actually the answer is hidden in your question. "Orthodox" comes from the words "ortho" which means ... | |
| Prayer Beads | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: I was recently at an Orthodox Wedding (no other specification given such as Greek) and for lack of ... A: If the "rosary" you say was of beads, it is calls a komboskini (Greek). If it was made of chord ... | |
| A convert's marriage and baptism | 6/16/2007 |
| Q: I have two questions. 1) I seem to recall once reading something about a married couple who ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Having a marriage blessed is practiced in some jurisidictions depending on ... | |
| Baptism | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: Can a person of an Armenian Orthodox religion baptise a Greek Orthodox person? Thanks ANSWER: The ... A: A god parent has an important responsibility. It is their job to help ensure their godchild is ... | |
| choosing a baby name within the Orthodox tradition | 6/5/2007 |
| Q: I am expecting my first child and attempting to discern the proper way to choose a baby name. ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! A name is an important thing. In many subtle and not so subtle ways, it ... | |
| Orthodox christianity | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: For what purpose child baptism is needed. What is valid points for supporting the child baptism from ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, ... | |
| Orthodox funeral | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: Why is a paper placed on the forehead of the deciesed with a prayer printed on it? A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In Orthodox funerals, a headband is usually placed with the words of the ... | |
| ethnic divisions | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: I'm very interested in converting to Orthodoxy, but I have one question. What's with all of the ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The only difference between any "flavor" of Orthodox Church is that it often ... | |
| Salvation | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know what does the Orthodox Church teach about salvation and ,especially,do they ... A: For Orthodoxy, salvation is a journey, not a destination. It is a process, not an event. Blessed ... | |
| Orthodox monks can have been married before? | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: Hallo, I wanted to ask you, if I have a marriage that is no religious, but civil only, and I then ... A: Christ is Risen! Yes, you can become a monastic if you have been married. In history, even married ... | |
| Priesthood | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: what does the Orthodox church believe about the priesthood of all believers? A: Christ is Risen! The Orthodox Church has always talked in terms of a "royal priesthood" which ... | |
| godparents | 4/18/2007 |
| Q: how many godparents does the orthodox religion allow and what sex are they to be? A: Christ is Risen! For a child, there should be at least one godparent the same sex as the child who ... | |
| Funeral | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: Why pregnant woman should not attend a funeral ? Can a pregnant woman attend the ceremony in a ... A: Christos Aneste! Christ is Risen! There is no church prohibition against a pregnant woman attending ... | |
| sin nature | 4/15/2007 |
| Q: Below is a quote from a protestant web site on the concept of a 'sin nature' Although outwardly ... A: Christ is Risen! Interesting, it does appear that this Protestant website has benefited from some ... | |
| differences re salvation | 4/14/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me. I am trying to analyze what salvation means for the eastern ... A: Christ is Risen (Traditional Orthodox Easter Greeting) For the Orthodox, salvation is the journey, ... | |
| Chuch History | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: How does the church address Messianic Judaism? Don't the Messianic Jews claim to be the original ... A: Christ is Risen! Messianic Judaism can be most probably identified with the "certain men" discussed ... | |
| Easter | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Why is a mikri anastasi (small resurrection ) celebrated on Saturday in Cyprus? They seem to ... A: Christ is Risen! All Orthodox Christians believe that the Last Supper occurred on a Thursday. There ... | |
| Easter | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Why is a mikri anastasi (small resurrection ) celebrated on Saturday in Cyprus? They seem to ... A: Many Orthodox Churches celebrate a Vesper Liturgy of St. Basil on Saturday, which "prefigures" the ... | |
| Baptism | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: When a child is baptized catholic, does the priest wet the child hair ? If so is it with water or ... A: Christ is Risen! Christos Anesti! As I understand it, for Catholic baptism, holy water is either ... | |
| marriage | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: When a catholic gets married in a orthodox church doe's he become orthodox ? Is the orthodox ... A: Christ is Risen! When a Catholic is married in an Orthodox Church they are still Catholic. They are ... | |
| Homosexuality in the Orthodox Church | 4/9/2007 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox and i have a friend who i know from church i know his family really really ... A: Christ is Risen! What was spoken to you was done in confidence. You are under no obligation to tell ... | |
| Baptism | 4/9/2007 |
| Q: If my daughter is baptized in a Orthodox church and in the future she wants to get married in a ... A: Christ is Risen! This is actually a question that would have to be answered by the Catholic priest ... | |
| Baptism | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: I'm greek orthodox and my husband is catholic. We got married in a greek orthodox church 4 years ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Creed of Faith believed by both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches says: ... | |
| communion | 4/2/2007 |
| Q: I was just recently told that if you are divorced it is not acceptable for you to take part in ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Orthodox Church firmly believes in the sanctity of the marriage bond. ... | |
| Gifts to Icons | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: Is this custom mostly related to the Greeks? I believe I understood the monk to tell me it doesn't ... A: You will not see this in most Orthodox Churches, even Greek ones. It is something that is "allowed" ... | |
| Gifts to Icons | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: I don't understand why the Greek Orthodox Church offers gifts to the Icons. I visited a Greek ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! People are simply trying to show their appreciation for answered prayers. ... | |
| Baptismal Gift | 2/23/2007 |
| Q: Which Bible would I buy, King James, NIV etc., also would I buy a children's Bible? Thank you so ... A: The kind of Bible would be your choice or perhaps the parents'. In that the Orthodox Church is not ... | |
| Demon Possession | 2/22/2007 |
| Q: Is it possible for a Orthodox Christian to become demon possessed. Is it possible that both a demon ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Based on the testimony of Holy Scripture, the Orthodox Church would not ... | |
| Fasting rule | 2/22/2007 |
| Q: Why is it that we are allowed to eat shellfish during lent, but not fish with a backbone, ex. tuna. ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Traditionally, in earlier days, shellfish was not the delicacy it is ... | |
| Theotokos | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: I am a Jordanian Catholic (converted two years ago from Greek Orthodoxy). I love the Virgin Mary ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! If I was drowning in a lake, and I saw you on the shore, I might shout to ... | |
| The 4th Commandment | 2/6/2007 |
| Q: First, thanks again for all the time and energy you've volunteered for this site and for all the ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! It may be worth noting that on the Sabbath day the God-Man Jesus Christ ... | |
| THE EUCHARIST: REAL OR SYMBOLIC? | 1/29/2007 |
| Q: Herman, I received a question recently from a protestant associate of a friend of mine regarding ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Well, His words seemed pretty explicit and hard to accept by the disciples ... | |
| PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: Herman, Using your principle of KISS, please provide scriptural evidence or teaching of prayers to ... A: COMMENT: In reference to your friend wanting to pray to a "dead saint" - there are verses in the ... | |
| Baptism | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: Can a Greek Orthodox baptism take place when a baby is 6 to 8 weeks old? A: Although you would need to talk to the specific priest who is to perform the baptism, but generally ... | |
| divorce | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: Is a divorce possible if a catholic and an eastern orthodox have be married in an orthodox church? A ... A: The Greek Orthodox Church would require an ecclesiastic divorce if an Orthodox seeks to be ... | |
| Raising children in a roman catholic and greek orthodox household? | 1/5/2007 |
| Q: My wife and I are both practicing christians. My wife is Roman Catholic and I am Greek orthodox, we ... A: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! The Orthodox Church does not commune members of the Roman Catholic ... | |
| THE COMMANDMENT TO LOVE | 11/30/2006 |
| Q: Herman- Back in college I had a professor in philosophy who in many ways was anti Christian, and ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! I agree with your professor (to a degree). I cannot get you to love me by ... | |
| I don't know what I'm looking for. | 11/7/2006 |
| Q: My father is an Orthodox priest in the northeastern diocese, but I find myself constantly ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! 1. a couple of reasons, due to blood. Blood has special connotations. Blood ... | |
| Apostate | 11/4/2006 |
| Q: You stated in a answer titled "Protestants and the Church".... St Theophan the Recluse wrote: "You ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! First off, please be aware that this is the opinion of one individual, even ... | |
| rock music | 11/1/2006 |
| Q: What is the church's view on Rock Music, both secular and Christian Rock? I'm a recent convert to ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! It is never a bad idea to discuss things with one's priest. Beyond that, I ... | |
| cross | 10/29/2006 |
| Q: could you give me some info on the three board orthodox cross and the two board cross? thanks A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The two-bar cross shows the cross-piece and the sign that was nailed to the ... | |
| religion/ day-to-day lives | 10/20/2006 |
| Q: how does you religion affect you day to day lives? A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In short, "religion" does not affect my day-to-day life much at all. ... | |
| Sabbath!? | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: I have a question about Saturday Sabbath and I hope you can shed more light on it. There seems to be ... A: Yes, the Orthodox Church recognizes that Saturday is the Sabbath day, even if some of its members do ... | |
| Nicholas II and family as saints? | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: I asked the following question to Alex Anatole, would like to hear another persons answer. As a ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! When I was a potential convert to Orthodoxy 31 years ago, there were things ... | |
| Deaconate | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: I had a short question involving the diaconate in Orthodoxy. I know in Roman Catholicism they have ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! To some extent it depends on the diocese and I imagine their need for ... | |
| divorce | 9/18/2006 |
| Q: How does the Eastern Orthodox position on divorce compare with the Catholic one? Also, do the ... A: The Orthodox Church recognizes the sanctity of marriage and sees it as a life-long commitment. ... | |
| Grace as Uncreated Divine Energy | 9/12/2006 |
| Q: I am doing my docoral thesis on a definition of grace in the writings of Paul. The position I am ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! While I am familiar with Orthodox writings specifically about Grace as ... | |
| Orthodox monasteries in US | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: Herman, I have looked through your web-site with the data on Orthodox monasteries in the USA. Do ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! That is very hard to say. Many monasteries have only 1-5 monastics. I do not ... | |
| Why do Orthodox condone blasting RCC kids? | 8/24/2006 |
| Q: I had the most unfortunate experience as an RCC inquiring about Orthodoxy on an Orthodox forum. An ... A: Making comments that include attacking or demeaning children is not what I would consider ... | |
| replacement Theology? | 8/17/2006 |
| Q: could you help me to better understand the Orthodox Church's understanding of Israel (the nation)? I ... A: Glory to Christ Jesus! Yes, indeed, God made a covenant with His people (NOT a political nation), ... | |
| moon | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: what are our aspects of the moon? A: I am not sure I understand the question. What is this in reference to? The Orthodox Church does not ... | |
| repose after death | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: By God's mercy, I have been Orthodox since 1994. I have been afraid of death all my life, and now, ... A: When we die, we stand in the unadulterated Glory of God the True Light, in a sense it will be like ... | |
| Christ's second coming/rapture. | 5/22/2006 |
| Q: Would you be able to quickly sum up the differences between the Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and ... A: Behold the Bridegroom cometh in The middle of the night, And blest is he whose loins are girt, Whose ... | |
| Can I feel at home in an Orthodox church? | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: Hamilton is an hours' drive away, unfortunately, but this church seems otherwise ideal. I will ... A: I have been contacted by someone in your area who might be able to help. You can get my email from ... | |
| Can I feel at home in an Orthodox church? | 5/16/2006 |
| Q: Herman, I wonder if I could beg your advice. I have wanted for some time now to find an Orthodox ... A: There is an Orthodox mission in Hamilton: All Saints of North America 117 Queenston Rd 2nd Flr, ... | |
| Jesus | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: Oh sorry my mistake, i misunderstood your question. ""Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No ... A: Well, first off, I agree with you that Lord Jesus is telling us that God is good, but I think He is ... | |
| Jesus | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: hey, well although i dont agree that we are made to look like god, i think it was not fair for me to ... A: I did not say that we physically look like God. I did not say anything except to ask what YOU think ... | |
| Jesus | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: hey, well although i dont agree that we are made to look like god, i think it was not fair for me to ... A: You are obviously a person of intelligence and have thought and researched things to some extent. ... | |
| Jesus | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: All Praise is due to Allah. I actually have done quite a bit of research on islam, and listion to ... A: Sabah al khair! I agree, there is not much difference between the assembling of the Quran and the ... | |
| Jesus | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: "Our Lord, Jesus who is the Christ, is our Savior, who saves us from sin and death, who grants us ... A: I am glad we agree on something, although I think reincarnation is a word with too much hindu ... | |
| Jesus | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: Peace be with you as well. I did not use the word pbuh because i was not shure yu are familialar ... A: 1) Jesus does, indeed pray to the Father, even as He taught us to pray "Our Father, who is in ... | |
| Jesus | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: Adam was born without a mom or dad, Jesus was born with a mom. Both were a miracle. Why is jesus ... A: In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen! We believe that Jesus is God because He is ... | |
| The Age of Jesus | 3/31/2006 |
| Q: You've been so helpful in the past; I thought you might shed some light on this for me. I've been ... A: 1. The Orthodox Church does not require infallibility from its bishops or even its saints. We regard ... | |
| Statues | 3/12/2006 |
| Q: Well, its the Triumph of Orthodoxy Sunday.... and I had a question pertaining to images. In my ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In general, Orthodoxy teaches that the only proper 3 dimensional ... | |
| marriage | 2/11/2006 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I just had a quick question about the validity of my marriage. The question is if ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! According to Orthodox teaching, marriage is one of the major ... | |
| Regularizing | 1/24/2006 |
| Q: Can you explain what and how "regularizing" a priest or church's canonical status? What are the ... A: If history is any indication, there is no single source or answer to your question that I am aware ... | |
| Regularizing | 1/23/2006 |
| Q: Can you explain what and how "regularizing" a priest or church's canonical status? What are the ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! To "regularize" simply means to bring into conformity with rules or ... | |
| Purgatory | 1/15/2006 |
| Q: Hermsn, I'm an Orthodox Christian with a question regarding the soul after death. In trying to ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! "Eternal hellfire" is a symbolic term. The fact of the matter is that all ... | |
| Does God Punish? | 1/6/2006 |
| Q: Herman, My question is prompted by this article today regarding Pat Robertson and comments related ... A: Christ is Baptised! In the Jordan! The Old Testament is replete with stories of rulers who defied ... | |
| Original Sin and Baptism | 1/1/2006 |
| Q: How do Orthodox teachings about original sin and baptism differ from Catholocism? I know a lot ... A: Christ is born! Glorify Him! Having never been a Catholic, I would not presume to comment on what ... | |
| Propitiation | 12/12/2005 |
| Q: I understand the Eastern "rescue" view of the atonement as opposed to the Western ... A: Remember that the English Bible was translated by those of the "western" mindset. It is helpful to ... | |
| Afterlife | 12/9/2005 |
| Q: Herman, As an Orthodox Christian, I realize that alot of this might not have been revealed to the ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The generally accepted teaching of the Holy Church is that when we die, we ... | |
| Divorce | 11/30/2005 |
| Q: All that says is that it allows exceptions for divorce, but doesn't say what those exceptions ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! This is a different question. You asked if the Orthodox Church permits ... | |
| Divorce | 11/30/2005 |
| Q: Does the Orthodox church allow divorce? If so, how does it justify that Biblically, since Jesus ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In that our Lord permitted divorce in certain circumstances as documented in ... | |
| Is God a Murderer? | 11/17/2005 |
| Q: The bible tells us to go to war if our country calls us. Yet, one of the ten commandments states: ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! First off, we need to qualify and define the word "murder." What, exactly, ... | |
| Death of Jesus | 11/17/2005 |
| Q: How does the death of an innocent man(Jesus) justify anything? He was wrongly murdered and is a ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! First off, we need to be aware that our Lord, Jesus Christ, is much more ... | |
| Fasting and Thanksgiving | 11/9/2005 |
| Q: Herman, Do you have any advice on how I can fast on Thanksgiving day? I will be spending meals and ... A: Fasting is like exercise. Just as regular exercise keeps us healthy and better able to fight off ... | |
| Christ | 11/5/2005 |
| Q: what is E.Orthodox ? what is difference b/w other christain and what is the nature of Christ they ... A: In the beginning, before the Christian Churches went their separate ways, there were five recognized ... | |
| What about the heterodox | 11/5/2005 |
| Q: I was born into the Orthodox Church and fell away for some time. Tomorrow, I will be partaking in ... A: Here is the Prayer to Saint Varus: O Holy, wondrous Martyr Varus, who, burning with zeal for the ... | |
| Prayer | 10/24/2005 |
| Q: Herman, I have questions about prayer. I have a prayer book that I have begun using. Prior to ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! As Orthodox Christians, we always pray "in Jesus' Name" even if we don't ... | |
| Sin and Human Nature | 10/20/2005 |
| Q: Herman, Can you help me on understanding the Orthodox doctrine of sin? In terms of the fallout of ... A: An example that I have seen used by several Orthodox writers is this: A pregnant woman uses drugs ... | |
| aspects of the fall | 10/13/2005 |
| Q: I ran across the idea recently in an Orthodox Theology book (an excertpt from another book by ... A: This is one of those things that falls into the catagory of pious opinion, not doctrine, there is ... | |
| The Richness of Orthodoxy | 10/11/2005 |
| Q: Herman, I have a question that I've been thinking alot about, especially since I spend alot of my ... A: God knows the heart, we, for the most part, do not. We cannot testify to that which has not been ... | |
| Salvation, Purpose, Heresy | 10/8/2005 |
| Q: Herman, As an Orthodox Christian, I believe our view of salvation differs substantially from the ... A: I think you are on the right track, I might only perhaps state some things in a slightly different ... | |
| Orthodoxy and Evolution | 10/1/2005 |
| Q: I have pasted below someting I found on the web -'10 dangers of theistic evolution', which seem to ... A: It looks like you are probably better read on the topic than I am. I am not sure how much more I can ... | |
| Orthodoxy and Evolution | 9/25/2005 |
| Q: I have pasted below someting I found on the web -'10 dangers of theistic evolution', which seem to ... A: The Holy Orthodox Church teaches that the Old Testament's purpose is NOT to record literal history, ... | |
| filioque | 9/25/2005 |
| Q: I have read about the filique controversy for a number of years, from both the Catholic and Orthodox ... A: I am not familiar with the work you quote, so I cannot answer authoritatively on its content, but ... | |
| salvation by faith alone | 9/23/2005 |
| Q: From the time of the reformers in the 16th cent. until today there is the teaching among many ... A: 1. The Catholic theology of "merit" is where the idea of indulgences came from. "Merit" was what ... | |
| salvation by faith alone | 9/23/2005 |
| Q: From the time of the reformers in the 16th cent. until today there is the teaching among many ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! I certainly believe in the KISS principle: Keep It Strictly Scriptural... ... | |
| Salvation | 8/14/2005 |
| Q: Will all non-Orthodox/non-Christians be lost/go to Hell after death? A: 14 August, Forefeast of the Dormition Glory to Jesus Christ! Orthodoxy teaches that it fully and ... | |
| Image vs. Likeness | 8/6/2005 |
| Q: Herman, In reading Timothy Ware's "The Orthodox Church" he explains the Orthodox understanding of ... A: IN Our image, AFTER Our likeness... in (n) prep. 1. a. Within the limits, bounds, or area of: was ... | |
| Bible Study | 7/27/2005 |
| Q: Herman, I've written to you a few times and you've been helpful in your answers. Thanks. Quick ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! When I became Orthodox from a Protestant background, I was very frustrated. ... | |
| Ephesian 1:10 | 7/16/2005 |
| Q: Herman, I've been doing some reading on Orthodoxy and understand that there is a visible and an ... A: A better translation from the Greek in verse 10, instead of "bring all things together" or "gather ... | |
| Thankyou, I am grateful for... | 7/5/2005 |
| Q: I am grateful for your clear answer in relation to intercommunion in the 1920's and 1930's and for ... A: In that the last council that the Orthodox consider ecumenical happened long before there was an ... | |
| It would be helpful if you... | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: It would be helpful if you could answer my question in more detail. I understand the reason given ... A: Plain and simple, the Orthodox Church does not commune people who are not members of the Orthodox ... | |
| "Economy" in Orthodox communion | 7/3/2005 |
| Q: I am Anglican, my wife is Greek Orthodox and we married in the Greek Orthodox church. Our daughter ... A: The Holy Orthodox Church takes Holy Communion very seriously. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us that ... | |
| The tithe | 6/27/2005 |
| Q: Giving the tenth part of my possesions is still applicable nowadays as expressed in the Bible. Does ... A: I would first question is the tithe in particular is still applicable, particularly in light of the ... | |
| Salvation question | 6/26/2005 |
| Q: Herman. You're very helpful. 1) So you can be on the path to salvation at one time, and then end ... A: 1) Let me answer your question with anotherIf you take a path and are not allowed to stop walking or ... | |
| Salvation question | 6/23/2005 |
| Q: In driving home from work today and thinking about the church, I got to thinking about salvation. ... A: a) The Apostle Paul, in one of his letters to the (I would have to assume already baptised and ... | |
| Protestants and the Church | 6/22/2005 |
| Q: I was raised in the Orthodox Church. For me that meant attending church on Sunday (not Sunday ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Holy Orthodox Church can only speak with authority on what has been ... | |
| Orthodox Church | 6/6/2005 |
| Q: What is the difference from Orthodox and Catholics? A: About a thousand years ago, we were one church, so we share many common teachings. While different ... | |
| divorce | 5/25/2005 |
| Q: I am a 60 years old Catholic and as you know divorce is not accepted in the Catholic Church and ... A: The Orthodox teaching on divorce can be seen at: ... | |
| Tithing | 5/23/2005 |
| Q: Are Orthodox Christians required to tithe, i.e. giving back 10% of income to the Church? What is the ... A: There is no official or administrative requirement for Orthodox Christians to specifically give 10% ... | |
| Father? | 4/29/2005 |
| Q: I am a non-denominational Protestant and I believe that properly interpreted scripture is ... A: After Jesus states; “Only One is your Father," He Himself proceeded to declare, "And do not be ... | |
| Interfaith marriage and baptism | 4/26/2005 |
| Q: My daughter is baptized Greek Orthodox and her fiance is Jewish, she (and he is OK with this) would ... A: She will really need to discuss this with her priest, but generally the Church requires that the ... | |
| Monastic Orders | 3/2/2005 |
| Q: I know that in the Catholic Church there were first monks. Then around the 12 an 13th centuries the ... A: Orthodoxy has never had a formalized tradition like the Catholic friars, but some of our saints ... | |
| Monastic Orders | 3/1/2005 |
| Q: I know that the Catholic Church has several monastic and Friar Orders such as the Benedictines, ... A: The Orthodox Church does not have formal orders like the Catholic Church, but it does have some ... | |
| Why the gap? | 2/28/2005 |
| Q: My question is what is the difference between Orthodox Christians and Catholic. What are the most ... A: There are many opinions as to the differences between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, but in a ... | |
| The nature of Sin | 1/20/2005 |
| Q: I am currently working on a personal project about the nature of Sin. I am the artist and co-author ... A: The Greek for sin translates literally as "missing the mark". Sin is that which keeps the archer ... | |
| baptism of our granddaughter | 12/9/2004 |
| Q: Our son ( not religious) and daughter in law (greek-orthodox) are living in Greece. Coming sunday ... A: An Orthodox baptism consists of three total immersions. It is a fairly elaborate ceremony. There is ... | |
| idolatry | 9/24/2004 |
| Q: I was raised Catholic, but became plain christian a couple of years ago. Please let me know how ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Well, first we have to figure out what, exactly, is idolatry? Is there a ... | |
| Baptism | 9/20/2004 |
| Q: My child was recently baptized in the Episcopal Church. My wife attends the Episcopal Church while ... A: Until the Child is accepted into the Orthodox Church, your child cannot receive the blessings and ... | |
| Seeking Orthodox Monastaries | 9/6/2004 |
| Q: I am seeking an Orthodox monastary locator on line. I travel alot and would to visit as many as I ... A: There is a directory of Orthodox monasteries at: http://omna.nettinker.com It lists monasteries by ... | |
| Orthodoxy vs. Protestantism & Catholosism | 8/19/2004 |
| Q: How do the beleifs of the Orthodox church differ from those of the Catholic and Protestant churches? ... A: There are many opinions as to the differences between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, but in a ... | |
| Turn the Other Cheek | 7/27/2004 |
| Q: What exactly does it mean to turn the other cheek? A: When someone says or does something mean to us, or hurts our feelings in some way, how do we react? ... | |
| Faith or Good Deeds? | 7/26/2004 |
| Q: I am considering the Orthodox faith, but my boyfriend is set against any church that doesn't teach ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! When I am sick, I take medicine, I do what the doctor tells me to do. I ... | |
| Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy | 6/25/2004 |
| Q: My name is Caitlin and I'm 19 years old. I'm Roman Catholic, but I'm interested in knowing more ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever! There are many opinions as to the differences between the ... | |
| Holy Catholic Church (Anglican Rite) | 6/21/2004 |
| Q: Greetings! Recently I came upon this Christian organization called the Holy Catholic Church ... A: In these rather chaotic times, there have been a number of small schismatic groups from the Anglican ... | |
| Apostolic Succession & Holy Orders | 6/19/2004 |
| Q: Like the Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches also claim apostolic succession ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Catholic and Anglican Churches can certainly claim an unbroken and ... | |
| interpretation | 6/16/2004 |
| Q: i know that the orthodox church is the interpreter of the holy bible. does that mean that there is ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Holy Church gives us the environment and context in which to understand ... | |
| denominations | 6/15/2004 |
| Q: In your opinion, which Protestant denominations are closest to the Orthodox Church? A: That is a difficult question. I am a former Protestant myself (Methodist), but that was over 28 ... | |
| Bible translations | 6/15/2004 |
| Q: What are the English Bible versions that Orthodox Christians usually use? Are there any official ... A: In that the Holy Church is able to guide us in understanding Holy Scripture, whatever translation we ... | |
| cremation | 6/15/2004 |
| Q: Is it more biblical for a Christian's body to be buried or cremated after death? Will the choice, in ... A: According to Orthodox Canon Law, cremation is not permitted. It is felt that cremation does not show ... | |
| Priests and Family | 6/9/2004 |
| Q: How does family properly treat a priest? There's a certain respect due to a priest, but when you're ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! I imagine there are as many answers to this question as there are priests ... | |
| holy saturday | 6/8/2004 |
| Q: What happened to Jesus and where was his soul/spirit between his cruxifixion and his resurrection? ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! In the Paschal Troparion we sing "Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling ... | |
| rosary | 6/8/2004 |
| Q: What's the purpose and meaning of the Jesus Prayer? How does it differ from the Rosary? Thanks.do ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Prayer of Jesus, in 12 words, is the perfect summary of the entire ... | |
| rosary | 6/7/2004 |
| Q: do orthodox pray the rosary ("hail mary") and why? A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Orthodox Church does not teach or encourage the practice of praying of ... | |
| relationships | 5/30/2004 |
| Q: We all know that God forbids homosexual acts but loves homosexual persons. If a homosexual couple in ... A: Ephesians 5:25-32 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself ... | |
| homosexuality | 5/28/2004 |
| Q: i understand that the traditional church teachings on the subject of homosexuality has been negative ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Holy Orthodox Church, founded approximately 2004 years ago tomorrow (the ... | |
| prayers thru saints | 5/23/2004 |
| Q: I have been thinking about this question for a long time but didn't ask those around me 'cos I'm ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The short answer is we don't know. How do people in Heaven "hear" anything ... | |
| Baptism | 5/21/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know if a baptized and/or confirmed non-Orthodox Christian wishes to join the ... A: Holy Baptism is the sacrament that unites us to the Body of Christ which is the Church. As the Holy ... | |
| Communion | 5/21/2004 |
| Q: Can non-Orthodox Christians, such as Protestants, Anglicans and Roman Catholics, receive Communion ... A: The Holy Orthodox Church takes Holy Communion very seriously. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us that ... | |
| non-Orthodox Christians | 5/12/2004 |
| Q: Further to what you've mentioned, what are the criterion for being a saved Christian? Evangelical ... A: for Orthodoxy, salvation is the journey, not the destination. Blessed are the pure in heart, for ... | |
| non-Orthodox Christians | 5/12/2004 |
| Q: From the Orthodox perspective, are non-Orthodox Christians, e.g. Protestants & Catholics, "saved", ... A: Christ is Risen! Orthodoxy teaches that it fully and correctly preserves the witness as taught by ... | |
| Censing | 4/12/2004 |
| Q: Could you please explain to me what censing means and what exactly it 'does'? Thank you! A: At the Vespers service, the Church sings from Psalm 141: "Let my prayer arise in Your sight as ... | |
| Differences on the Saints | 3/30/2004 |
| Q: Do Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in praying to the saints and the "Virgin" Mary as the ... A: You were a disciple of Christ And a member of the Divine assembly of the Apostles For you made ... | |
| Candles | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: In the narthex of my parish (a Greek church), there is a stack of candles. To either side there are ... A: A candle is a symbol of prayer. The act of lighting a candle is a prayer without words, although it ... | |
| recognition? | 12/20/2003 |
| Q: I was surprised to read that in (I think) 1936, Anglican orders were recognised by Constantinople. ... A: In the early '30s, there were meaningful discussions between the Anglicans and the Orthodox. At one ... | |
| how to greet | 9/3/2003 |
| Q: I am attending a Greek Orthodox church this coming weekend, I need to know how to greet the priests. ... A: The correct Orthodox way to greet a priest is to approach with your right hand in your left hand, ... | |
| Origion | 11/24/2002 |
| Q: could u please tell me the time of origion and place of origin of the eastern orthodox religion ... A: The Holy Orthodox Catholic Church was founded by the followers of Jesus called the Christ in around ... | |
| The Apocrypha | 10/21/2002 |
| Q: I have some questions concerning the Apocrypha. First of all, how high do the Orthodox hold it? Is ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The Orthodox Church considers the deutero-canonical writings (called the ... | |
| Faith | 11/4/2001 |
| Q: I am a teacher at a school for students with Special Needs. Within this school we have students with ... A: This is certainly a deep and serious question, of the sort that eventually led me to the Orthodox ... | |
| Eastern Orthodox Mass | 10/20/2001 |
| Q: I need to write a report on the Eastern Orthodox mass. I normally attend the Latin Rite mass, and I ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! Dear Kristen, Well, the first difference is that we Orthodox do not use the ... | |
| Dragons? | 10/3/2001 |
| Q: I hope you can help me with my problem. I have been seriously looking into the Orthodox version of ... A: Glory to Jesus Christ! The word "dragon" in archaic usage often referred to a large reptile or ... | |
| GODPARENTING | 9/16/2001 |
| Q: I am a Greek Orthodox Christian. I am godfather to a wonderful little girl. My cousin has asked me ... A: This is not just a Greek thing. Orthodoxy considers spiritual ties to be closer and more serious ... | |
Herman
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer general questions about the teachings of the Orthodox Church and Orthodox monasticism, particularly differences from Protestants and Catholics.
Experience
Orthodox Christian convert from Protestantism over 30 years ago.
Organizations
American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese
Publications
Monachos.net Discussion Community
http://www.monachos.net/forum/forum.php
Education/Credentials
1 year seminary training. 30 years research.
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