Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy

Introducing Christians to Eastern Orthodox doctrine and worldview to help them clearly communicate the Gospel to their friends and neighbours Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy free training course www.eeo.net.au Certainty for Life: An Invitation to those in Eastern Orthodoxy www.certaintyforlife.com Youtube youtube.com/@evangelisingeasternorthodoxy RSS link www.anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss Instagram www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy Podlink to all podcast feeds www.pod.link/1878240547

Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy is a religion podcast hosted by John Diacos, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

John Diacos hosts Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy, a religion show with 15 episodes published.

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  Episode #33

  Theosis Explained: Why You Can Never Know If You're Saved

  Sep 29, 202616 minS1

  Why can OrthodoxChristians never be sure they're saved? In this video we explain theosis andwhy it destroys assurance of salvation. Eastern Orthodoxyteaches that salvation is theosis — becoming like God through spiritual effortand progress. We trace where that idea came from, why it leaves you asking ifyou've done enough, and how it differs from the Protestant gospel of assurance throughthe finished work of Christ. If you haveOrthodox friends and neighbours, this will help you understand their worldviewand share the gospel clearly. If you found this helpful, then LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share witha friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:00 WhyOrthodoxy Says We Become Like God 00:32 Image vsLikeness: What Does Orthodoxy Teach? 01:30 TheosisExplained: Becoming Like God 02:27 Is TheosisBiblical or Neoplatonic? 03:06Neoplatonism and the Orthodox View of Humanity 04:48 TheOrthodox Ladder: Climbing Toward God 05:23 How JesusFits Into Orthodox Theosis 05:57 Why theOrthodox Church Matters for Salvation 06:34 TheEucharist and Theosis: How Orthodox Christians Receive Grace 07:21 WhyOrthodox Worship Is Designed to Experience Heaven 08:48 OrthodoxAsceticism: Why Self-Denial Matters 09:50 Can YouKnow God Through Mystical Experience? 10:57 WhyOrthodox Christians Struggle With Assurance 12:02 Can anOrthodox Christian Know They Are Saved? 13:41 The Gospel:Christ Came Down Instead of Us Climbing Up -------- Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/ Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/ RSS Feed https://anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss All Podcast Platforms https://pod.link/1878240547 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evangelising-eastern-orthodoxy/id1878240547 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6S5Um4hIK86Ayd9wv1EfZk?si=11524b33dbed4adb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy #theosis#assuranceofsalvation #eastern orthodoxy #easternorthodoxchurch #orthodoxtheology #orthodoxchristianity#orthodoxchurch #hesychasm #asceticism #orthodox #bible #salvation #gospel Music- Free foruse under the Pixabay Content License: Ambient Soft —AtlasAudio Dark CinematicDocumentary — penguinmusic CinematicSoftness — AtlasAudio Dark CinematicAmbience — DKFILMS Dark Cinematic —leberch Hopeful CinematicMusic — Tunetank

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  Episode #32

  Inside the Cradle Orthodox Mind: Identity, Culture, and the Gospel with Pastor Sam Farag

  Sep 23, 202638 minS1

  What do cradleOrthodox really believe about God, Jesus, salvation, and the church? In this eye‑opening conversation, Pastor Samuel Farag—aformer Coptic Orthodox “Orthodox of Orthodox”—joins John Diacos to unpack theworldview of those born into Eastern Orthodoxy. Many assumeOrthodoxy is unified, ancient, and theologically consistent. But the livedreality among cradle Orthodox is far more complex. Pastor Sam explains whycradle Orthodox often hold wildly different views of God, why some even drift intoTrinitarian confusion, universalism, or cultural Orthodoxy without faith, andwhy converts are often more theologically informed than lifelong members. We explore thedeep emotional and cultural forces at play: • Why Orthodoxyis often more identity than belief • How culture,ethnicity, and family loyalty shape the cradle Orthodox mindset • Why leavingOrthodoxy can feel like betraying your people • The heavyburden of trying to “do enough good works” • Why many cradleOrthodox “hope for the best” about salvation • How the crossis minimized when substitution is denied • Why theresurrection is celebrated, but the meaning of the cross is often lost • How Christoffers a new family stronger than cultural identity If you want tounderstand your Orthodox friends, family, or community—and communicate thegospel with clarity and compassion—this episode and podcast -- will give youthe insight you need. The book EasternOrthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura is available from https://freegracepress.com/products/eastern-orthodoxy-through-the-lens-of-sola-scriptura If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and sharewith a friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:00 – CradleOrthodox: Wild Views About God 01:46 – Orthodoxof Orthodox: Inside the Cradle Mindset 03:12 – WildlyDifferent Views of God 03:38 –Trinitarian Confusion 04:34 –Universalist Saints in Orthodoxy 05:59 – ConvertsMore Orthodox Than Cradles 10:58 – Easter asCulture, Not Faith 17:59 –Resurrection Elevated, the Cross Minimized 20:45 – “Did HeReally Die for Your Sins?” 21:42 – He PaidIt All — Not Just Made It Possible 27:15 – LeavingOrthodoxy = Leaving Your Identity 27:46 – FollowingChrist May Cost Your Family 28:58 – ChristGives a New Family — Stronger Than Blood -------- Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/ Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/ RSS Feed https://anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss All Podcast Platforms https://pod.link/1878240547 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evangelising-eastern-orthodoxy/id1878240547 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6S5Um4hIK86Ayd9wv1EfZk?si=11524b33dbed4adb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy #CradleOrthodox#EasternOrthodoxy #OrthodoxChurch #OrthodoxCulture #SolaScriptura#Gospel #Salvation #PastorSamFarag #OrthodoxVsProtestant #ChristianTestimony#IdentityAndFaith #Theology #Evangelism #orthodoxidentity

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  Episode #31

  Why Does Orthodox Theology Make God Seem So Distant?

  Sep 16, 202616 minS1

  Why can EasternOrthodox theology seem so difficult for Western Christians to understand? One key tounderstanding Orthodoxy is its distinctive understanding of God'stranscendence, unknowability and revelation. In this episode,we go beneath individual Orthodox doctrines and examine some of thephilosophical foundations that help explain the Orthodox approach to God —including Greek philosophy, Neoplatonism, the concept of the One, apophatictheology and the distinction between God and creation. But there is aneven more important question: If God isultimately unknowable, how can we actually know him? Eastern Orthodoxtheology strongly emphasises God's transcendence and the limits of humanlanguage when speaking about God. But the NewTestament makes an extraordinary claim: God has revealed himself to us in JesusChrist. The goal is tounderstand what our Orthodox neighbours believe and why, so that we can havemore meaningful Gospel conversations with them. SUBSCRIBE ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:00 Why IsOrthodox Theology So Difficult? 00:42 The GreekPhilosophy Behind Orthodoxy 01:18 Aristotlevs Neoplatonism 02:00 What Is theNeoplatonic “One”? 03:10 Why Is GodUnknowable? 04:36 Greek Godsvs the Christian God 05:48 WhyOrthodox Theology Emphasises Transcendence 06:08 What IsApophatic Theology? 07:30 WhyOrthodox Theology Avoids Defining God 08:41 Why God CanFeel Distant in Orthodoxy 09:32 WhyOrthodox Christians Turn to Mary and the Saints 10:12 Do WeReally Have to Climb Up to God? 10:32 God Comesto Us: What the Bible Says 11:10 JesusReveals the Unknowable God 12:20 Can JesusGive Us True Knowledge of God? 13:02 God HasSpoken Through Scripture and Jesus 13:50 We Can KnowGod Because God Speaks -------- Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/ Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/ RSS Feed https://anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss All Podcast Platforms https://pod.link/1878240547 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evangelising-eastern-orthodoxy/id1878240547 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6S5Um4hIK86Ayd9wv1EfZk?si=11524b33dbed4adb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy #EasternOrthodoxy#OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxTheology #Christianity #Protestant #Evangelism#OrthodoxChurch #ApophaticTheology #Neoplatonism #GreekPhilosophy #JesusChrist#Gospel #ChristianTheology #EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy Music "Cylinder1" and "Cylinder 7" by Chris Zabriskie From the albumCylinders Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ chriszabriskie.com Aaron Kenny -Dark Alley Deals "EverMindful" and "Long Road Ahead" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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  Episode #30

  The Orthodox Ladder of Salvation Collapses When You Examine This

  Sep 14, 202649 minS1

  Is the Orthodoxdoctrine of theosis the same as biblical salvation—or a completely differentgospel? In this in‑depth conversation, Pastor Samuel Farag(author of Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura) joins JohnDiacos to examine the core claims of theosis, the “ladder of divine ascent,”and why Orthodoxy rejects assurance of salvation. Drawing fromScripture, church history, and lived experience, Pastor Sam explains whytheosis—purification, illumination, and deification—creates a merit‑based system that stands in sharp contrast tothe finished work of Christ. We explore topicsincluding: • Why Orthodoxyteaches that Christ only made salvation possible • The ladder ofdivine ascent and the fear of “falling off” • Sinlessness onearth and the role of saints, Mary, and monks • Why Orthodoxydenies justification and assurance • The theology ofglory vs the theology of the cross • How theosisshifts glory away from Christ and onto human effort • The burden ofnever knowing if you’ve “done enough” If you come froman Eastern Orthodox background—or you’re trying to understand the differencesbetween Orthodoxy and biblical Christianity—this conversation will help you seethe gospel with clarity and confidence. The book EasternOrthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura is available from https://freegracepress.com/products/eastern-orthodoxy-through-the-lens-of-sola-scriptura If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and sharewith a friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:00 – “ADifferent Gospel?” 01:05 – WhatTheosis Really Claims 05:11 – Theosis:Purification, Illumination, Deification 07:18 – Sinlesson Earth? 09:24 – Theosisas the Orthodox Path to Salvation 10:34 – SalvationWithout Forgiveness? 12:15 – WhyOrthodoxy Rejects “Being Saved” 14:42 – The PrideParadox in Works‑BasedSalvation 17:12 – Theologyof Glory vs Theology of the Cross 19:06 – NoJustification in Theosis 27:48 – Sin asLost Progress, Not Offense Against God 29:33 – TollHouses: Orthodoxy’s Purgatory? 32:08 – Coveredin Christ vs Climbing the Ladder 35:11 – TheBurden of an Unfinished Salvation 37:11 – Scripturevs Theosis: A Different Religion 42:58 – “GodBecomes Powerless Before Human Freedom” -------- Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/ Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/ RSS Feed https://anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss All Podcast Platforms https://pod.link/1878240547 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evangelising-eastern-orthodoxy/id1878240547 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6S5Um4hIK86Ayd9wv1EfZk?si=11524b33dbed4adb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy #Theosis#EasternOrthodoxy #OrthodoxChurch #Protestant #SolaScriptura #Salvation#Gospel #AssuranceOfSalvation #LadderOfDivineAscent #PastorSamFarag #OrthodoxVsProtestant#ChristianDoctrine #Theology #evangelism #apologetics

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  Episode #29

  Eastern Orthodoxy Explained in 12 Minutes

  Sep 2, 202612 minS1

  Eastern Orthodoxyand Evangelical Christianity share many words — Jesus, salvation, grace, faith— but they often mean very different things. In this video, we explore thethree foundational beliefs that shape how Orthodox Christians understand God,sin, salvation, the Church, the sacraments, icons, worship, and spiritualtransformation. You’ll discoverwhy Orthodoxy begins with God’s transcendence, why salvation is framed as unionwith God (theosis) rather than rescue from sin, and why the Church, sacraments,and ascetic practices play such a central role in Orthodox spirituality. This overviewwill help you understand the deep differences — and the big questions everyChristian must answer: Can God be known?What is theosis? What role does sin play in salvation? And why did Jesus haveto die? If you’respeaking with Orthodox friends, asking questions, or simply wanting clarity,this video will give you a clear, charitable, and biblical framework forunderstanding Eastern Orthodoxy. If you'd like more resources on understanding Eastern Orthodoxyand sharing the gospel faithfully, be sure to subscribe. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:01 EasternOrthodoxy Explained 00:27 ThreeFoundations of Orthodoxy 01:02 Can WeReally Know God? 01:53 How GodReveals Himself 03:04 Orthodox vsProtestant Salvation 03:28 Salvationand Union With God 03:38 Image vsLikeness of God 04:19 What IsTheosis? 04:31 “Man MightBecome God” 05:18 Does OurObedience Save Us? 05:42 Why theOrthodox Church Matters 06:22 OrthodoxSacraments Explained 06:43 IsCommunion Really Christ’s Body? 07:21 Why DoOrthodox Use Icons? 08:06 Why DoOrthodox Pray to Saints? 08:48 WhyOrthodox Christians Fast 10:39 Why DidJesus Have to Die? 11:01 Ask anOrthodox Neighbour -------- Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/ Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/ RSS Feed https://anchor.fm/s/10f48e33c/podcast/rss All Podcast Platforms https://pod.link/1878240547 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evangelising-eastern-orthodoxy/id1878240547 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6S5Um4hIK86Ayd9wv1EfZk?si=11524b33dbed4adb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eeorthodoxy #EasternOrthodoxy#ProtestantTheology #Theosis #OrthodoxChristianity #EvangelicalChristianity#ChristianDoctrine #ChurchHistory #Salvation #BiblicalTheology #ChristianApologetics#OrthodoxVsProtestant #KnowGod #ChristianBeliefs #TheologyExplained

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