Why are you Orthodox? - Rev. Fr. Abey George

The speaker reflects on how only about 4% of people are born into an Orthodox family and says many cradle Orthodox don’t appreciate the faith, contrasting this with seminary converts who value Orthodoxy deeply. Citing early Church saints like St. Irenaeus of Lyons and St. Basil the Great, he emphasizes apostolic succession, unity in faith and sacraments, and Christ’s promise that the Church will endure despite heresies and divisions. He argues people leave or fail to value the Church mainly due to a lack of faith (preferring social events over prayer, Bible teaching, fasting) and a lack of witness (unchanged lives marked by anger, gossip, and poor relationships). True Orthodoxy, he says, is imitating Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness, illustrated by Mary Johnson Roy forgiving her son’s killer, and taking up one’s cross with personal responsibility, exemplified by Barlaam of Tiremani, with suffering presented as a gateway to holiness. Recorded: 11-02-2025