Jailed for Giving an Orthodox Teen a Bible? Costas Macris, Orthodoxy & the Gospel

Jailed for Giving an Orthodox Teen a Bible? Costas Macris, Orthodoxy & the Gospel

What happens whensomeone is prosecuted for “proselytism” in Greece—simply for giving a teenagera Bible? In this conversation with Zac, we unpack the story behind CostasMacris, the backlash it triggered, and what it reveals about Orthodoxy,culture, authority, and the Gospel.    Zac also shares his story of growing up GreekOrthodox, discovering the Bible for himself, and learning how to communicatethe gospel with clarity and compassion to Orthodox friends and family.   This episodecovers: • Why Orthodoxyis emotionally tied to culture and heritage • The CostasMacris case and why it shook the Greek world • How Greek BibleFellowship began and why it mattered • Why manyOrthodox believers lack assurance of salvation • How Protestantscan engage Orthodox loved ones with wisdom and grace   Perfect foranyone wanting to understand Orthodoxy or share the gospel across traditions.   🔔 If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and sharewith a friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/⁨@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy⁩    -------- 00:00 Jailed fora Bible  01:11 Welcome& Recap  01:50 IntroducingCostas Macris  02:52 Sentencedfor Proselytism  04:45 Why Invitethe Greeks?  05:21 BibleClosed but Venerated  06:14 Should ISend This?  06:56 TheInflammatory Tagline  07:30 UnhappyFaces Arrive  08:23 CostasChanges Topic  09:34 ExplosiveQ&A  10:22 EmotionRuns Deep  12:26 WhyOrthodoxy Reacts Strongly  14:19 Love–Hatewith the Church  16:27 Authority:Bible or Church?  18:09 Hope forReformation  19:36 GospelConversations at Supper  20:36 Would We DoIt Again?  21:32 StandAgainst the Pack  22:50 Truth vsSelf‑Censorship  23:45 EternalStakes of the Gospel  25:36 How toApproach Orthodox Friends  26:14 A Christmas‑Party Conversation  27:21 Leaving theTradition  28:14 Do You HaveAssurance?  29:20 Freed fromFear  30:09 WhoeverBelieves Has Life  31:31 WhatOrthodox Need to Know  33:42 FinalEncouragement & Gospel Appeal --------   📡 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   🎓 Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/   📘 Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/   #EasternOrthodoxy#OrthodoxChristianity #GreekOrthodox #ChristianEvangelism#ProtestantChristianity #BibleAuthority #ChurchTradition #AssuranceOfSalvation#ChristianTestimony #FaithAndCulture #GospelConversation

Greek Orthodox to Gospel Certainty: Zac's Story

If you’ve everwondered what “salvation” feels like inside Eastern Orthodoxy—and why so manylive with uncertainty—this episode is a raw, practical testimony.   In thisconversation, John Diacos interviews Zac, who was raised Greek Orthodox anddescribes a view of salvation that often looked like: “be a good person… andhope for the best.”   He also explainshow God felt distant and remote, and how cultural identity, familyexpectations, and even folk‑religion/superstitionshaped his spiritual outlook.   Then the turningpoint: Zac shares how the death and resurrection of Jesus brought clarity andcertainty—and how Bible teaching (through Sunday school) helped Scripture “comealive.”   You’ll also hearthe origin story behind Greek Bible Fellowship (GBF) (1985), including the deepchallenges of leaving Orthodoxy—family resistance, pressure, and threats—plusthe strengths that made GBF thrive.   In this episodeyou’ll learn:   •     What “salvation” can mean in lived GreekOrthodox experience—and why assurance can feel out of reach •     How “cultural Orthodoxy” (identity,weddings, festivals) can replace real gospel certainty •     Why superstition (e.g., evil eye, religiousitems) can become a substitute for spiritual security •     How Scripture centred teaching led Zac toconfidence in Christ   Zac is SeniorMinister at Bayside Anglican Church, Sydney https://www.baysideanglican.church/   And check outtheir regular social and competition pinball events! https://flipperfellowship.com/   🔔 If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and sharewith a friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/⁨@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy⁩  --------   00:00 UndefinedSalvation  00:08 Hope GodNotices  00:22 Security inHard Work  00:41 Violence& Resistance  00:54 Four SoilsReality  01:17 IntroducingZac  02:24 Greek Rootsin Australia  04:21 OrthodoxSalvation View  07:27 WhereSecurity Lived  09:48 Evil Eye& Symbols  12:55 How ChristFound Me  14:38 Bible CameAlive  18:21 FamilyPushback Begins  23:38 Called toGBF  31:31 Threats& Cost of Faith --------   📡 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   💬 Continue the conversation in our Facebook group https://fb.me/g/6joZtjfAb/vzZPehtH   🎓 Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/   📘 Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/   #EasternOrthodoxy#GreekOrthodox #OrthodoxChristianity #Orthodoxy #Salvation#AssuranceOfSalvation #Gospel #ChristianTestimony #Evangelism #BibleTeaching#WorksVsGrace #ConversionStory #ChurchHistory #GreekBibleFellowship#JesusChrist

Cyril Lucaris: The Calvinist Patriarch Orthodoxy Tried to Erase

Cyril Lucaris —Patriarch of Constantinople, champion of Scripture, and the most controversialfigure in Eastern Orthodoxy — openly embraced Reformed theology, defended theauthority of the Bible over the Church, and paid for it with his life.   In this in‑depth conversation with Pastor Jason Wallace,we explore:   • Why GeorgesFlorovsky admitted Lucaris really was Calvinist • How theOrthodox Church condemned him, then canonized him in 2009 • The explosivedoctrines in the Lucaris Confession (“Scripture above the Church,”“Justification by faith,” “Predestination by grace alone”) • Why the Councilof Jerusalem forbade ordinary believers from reading Scripture • How Orthodoxy,Roman Catholicism, and Mormonism use the same authority structure • The historicalproblems with Ignatius, forged canons, mystical traditions, and later doctrinaldevelopments • Why Lucarisbelieved the Jesus of Scripture was better than the Jesus of medieval mysticism • How hismartyrdom exposes the myth of an infallible Church   This video ispart of the Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy project, equipping Christians tounderstand Orthodox worldview and doctrine in order to communicate the gospelclearly and lovingly.   ▶️Jason’s Orthodox-focused videos are gathered at: https://www.orthodox.video   Jason Wallace’sYoutube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ancientpathstv⁩    🔔 If you found this helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and sharewith a friend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/⁨@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy⁩    -------- 00:00 – ScriptureAbove the Church? Lucaris’ Explosive Claim  00:17 – APatriarch Who Fought for the Gospel Among the Greeks  00:55 – Why CyrilLucaris Still Matters for Orthodox & Protestants  01:24 – DidLucaris Really Write the Calvinist Confession?  02:11 – FlorovskyConfirms: The Confession Was Lucaris’ Work  03:12 – “NotReally Orthodox”: The Endless Orthodox Denial Loop  05:36 – Ignatius,Forgeries, and the Rise of Mono‑Episcopacy  07:51 – HowTradition Drifted: Bishops, Patriarchs, and Power  09:38 –Mormonism, Rome & Orthodoxy: When Authority Contradicts Itself  11:40 – ModernOrthodox Prophets & Failed Predictions Exposed  13:55 – NewRevelation? When Churches Rewrite Their Own History  19:06 – Lucaris’Confession: Predestination, Justification & Free Will  20:38 – Shouldthe Bible Be in the People’s Language? Jerusalem Says No  22:14 –Canonizing Lucaris: How Does a “Heretic” Become a Saint?  35:06 – WhyLucaris Died: A Patriarch Murdered for the Gospel  38:01 – The Jesusof Scripture vs. The Jesus of Orthodoxy  44:00 –Reformation Is Possible in Orthodoxy—Here’s Proof --------   📡 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   🎓 Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/   📘 Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/   #CyrilLucaris#EasternOrthodoxy #OrthodoxChurch #Calvinism #ReformedTheology #SolaScriptura#OrthodoxVsProtestant #ChurchHistory #CouncilOfJerusalem#EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy #AncientPathsTV #OrthodoxSaint#ProtestantPatriarch #AuthorityOfScripture #ChristianApologetics

Why You Can Approach God Boldly

How can sinfulpeople stand before a holy God?   This videoexplores one of the most important truths in Christianity: Jesus Christ as ourGreat High Priest, the one mediator who gives us bold access to God. Drawingfrom Isaiah’s vision, the Temple system, and the book of Hebrews, we unpack whyno human priest, sacrifice, or ritual can bridge the gap between God’s holinessand our sin — and why Christ alone can.   You’ll discover: •     Why God’s holiness creates a realseparation between us and Him •     Why Israel’s priests and sacrifices couldnever remove sin •     How Jesus offers the only perfect sacrifice •     Why Christ’s priesthood is eternal,sinless, and unrepeatable •     How Jesus intercedes for us right now inheaven •     Why believers can approach God withconfidence, not fear •     Why no sin is too great for Christ tocleanse •     How Christ gives us permanent peace withGod   No matter who youare, this teaching clarifies what Scripture means when it says: “He is able tosave completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives tointercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)   If you’ve everwondered how God can forgive you, how prayer is even possible, or why Jesus’priesthood matters today — this video will give you clarity, confidence, andhope.   Christ has doneeverything. Christ intercedesforever. Christ welcomesyou boldly into the presence of God.   -------- 📚 Based on themes from Certainty for Life: An Invitation toEastern Orthodoxy   📘 Learn more about the book Certainty for Life- An Invitation tothose in Eastern Orthodoxy Available inprint, e‑book, andaudiobook at 👉 https://www.certaintyforlife.com Print, ebook andaudiobook available at https://books2read.com/u/4NkwQo   🔔 If you found this helpful, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with afriend. ▶️YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy   👉 Share with anyone seeking clarity, faith, and assurance   -------- 00:00 God’sHoliness vs Human Sinfulness  00:26 Why IsraelCouldn’t Approach God  01:15 EarthlyMonarchs vs the Heavenly King  02:37 What “Holy”Really Means in Scripture  03:34 Isaiah’sVision: Confronted by God’s Purity  04:37 The Temple:Near to God Yet Kept at a Distance  05:46 The HighPriest and the Rope: The Cost of Access  06:25 Why WeStill Need a Mediator Today  07:02 The Failureof Human Priests (Hebrews)  09:23 WhySacrifices Could Never Remove Sin  10:10 The HighPriest We Actually Need  10:57 Jesus: TheOnly Priest in Heaven  12:21 Christ theAdvocate Who Never Fails  13:37 He SavesCompletely: Eternal Intercession  18:06 Bold Accessto God Through Christ Alone  19:18 Why We CanApproach God With Confidence  20:23 No Sin TooGreat: Christ Cleans Completely  21:02 A Love YouCannot Lose --------   #JesusChrist#HighPriest #Hebrews #ChristianTeaching #OrthodoxChristianity#ProtestantTheology #Atonement #Mediation #OneMediator #HolinessOfGod#GospelTruth #BibleStudy #ChristianDoctrine #ApproachGodBoldly #SavedCompletely

Cyril Lucaris- Protestant Orthodox Patriarch

Did an OrthodoxPatriarch really embrace Reformed (Calvinist) theology?   In this episodeof Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy, John Diacos interviews Pastor Jason Wallace(Ancient Paths TV) to investigate one of the most explosive questions inOrthodox–Protestant history: Was Cyril Lucaris (Archbishop/Patriarch ofConstantinople) a Calvinist, a reformer, or fully Orthodox—yet later reframedas an “Orthodox saint”?   We trace Lucaris’life and influence in the early 1600s, including claims surrounding hisReformed-style confession of faith, the fierce backlash it provoked, and whylater Orthodox councils—especially the Council of Jerusalem (1672)—becamecentral to the debate.   Jason alsodiscusses the documentary trail he highlights in his work (including referencesto archival sources and diplomatic testimony) and why the Lucaris controversymatters for core issues like Scripture vs tradition, church authority, and thecredibility of competing historical narratives.   You’ll also hearwhy Lucaris’ push to publish Scripture in accessible Greek became a flashpoint,and how wider pressures—from Rome to Ottoman politics—shaped what happenednext.   Topics coveredinclude: • Cyril Lucaris’life and rise to Patriarch of Constantinople • The “CalvinistPatriarch” claim (and why it matters today) • Lucaris’Confession of Faith and Reformed influence (Belgic‑style) • The ModernGreek Scriptures project and the reported suppression of copies • Depositions,political intrigue, and Lucaris’ martyrdom under Ottoman power • Orthodoxcouncils condemning Lucaris and the later Jerusalem 1672 response •Primary-source/document claims (Vatican archives + diplomatic testimony)   ▶️Jason’s Orthodox-focused videos are gathered at: https://www.orthodox.video   Jason Wallace’sYoutube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ancientpathstv   LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE https://www.youtube.com/@EvangelisingEasternOrthodoxy -------- 00:00 – Cyril Lucaris: The Protestant Patriarch? 00:13 – A Calvinist on the Ecumenical Throne? 00:20 – Modern Greek Bible: Why His Successor Burned It 00:30 – Orthodox Clergy Accuse Lucaris of Calvinism 00:46 – Lucaris’ Own Words: “Leaving the Fathers, I Took Scripture Alone” 01:38 – Why Cyril Lucaris Tried to Reform Orthodoxy 02:00 – Who Was Cyril Lucaris? 02:52 – From Alexandria to Constantinople: His Rise to Patriarch 03:32 – Why Lucaris Called Himself a Calvinist 04:13 – The Belgic‑Modeled Confession That Shook Orthodoxy 04:45 – Modern Greek Bible: Lucaris’ Explosive Reform 05:21 – Five Depositions and a Martyrdom 06:59 – Condemned by Six Orthodox Councils 07:34 – Council of Jerusalem: Rewriting Lucaris’ Legacy 09:02 – The Vatican Archives Reveal the Truth 10:34 – Orthodox Clergy Petition: “He Is a Calvinist” 11:59 – How Orthodox Leaders Helped Rome Kill Him 13:41 – Jesuit Influence and the Battle for the Greek Church24:52 – Lucaris: “The Reformers Were More in Accord with Christ” 36:21 – Why the Council of Jerusalem Rewrote His Legacy53:32 Why Cyril Lucaris Threatens Orthodox Inerrancy Today -------- 📡 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 🎓 Free Training Course – Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy https://eeo.net.au/   📘 Certainty for Life: An Invitation for those in EasternOrthodoxy https://certaintyforlife.com/   #gospeltruth#orthodoxy #orthodox #evangelism #christianity #ChurchHistory #orthodoxchurch#easternorthodoxy #orthodoxfaith #greekorthodoxchurch #russianorthodoxchurch#orthodoxevangelism #ancientfaith #apologetics #converts #christiantheology #CyrilLucaris#Calvinism #ReformedTheology #ChurchHistory #Protestant #SolaScriptura#ChurchHistory #CouncilOfJerusalem #PatriarchOfConstantinople #AncientPathsTV