A Protestant Visits a Greek Orthodox Shrine

What is the purpose of a Shrine? How is it different than a normal church? What do people do there? What is an outsider supposed to do or feel when they visit one of these?
I went to St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine and talked with Polly Hillier (the director of the Shrine) to find out.

[tonybaloney]

If it’s the same God and it’s so unifying, then why not become Eastern Orthodox and start on the path of salvation with your brothers and sisters all around the world?

[brianfrederick]

I’ve been here. It’s very beautiful. I ended up converting to Orthodoxy so this wonderful shrine evangelized me.

[cthulhupr]

I have come to realize that Matt is actually doing something called symbolic theology with his recorded visits. Reflection and comprehension of the faith by narration and symbols. It is a very vivid and ecumenical way to approach the contents of our common christian faith. It incites commentary rather than refutation, leaving enough space for dissent and contrast without confrontation. Bravo for you, Matt Whitman. Great job.

[andys]

I converted to Eastern Orthodoxy a year ago and the journey has been such a blessing. I love the connection to the history of the ancient church. Thanks for sharing this video with us new Orthodox.

[TheGhost]

I am Egyptian and I love the Greek Orthodox church 😊☦️✝️☦️

[philipabraham]

It's Great Lent in Orthodoxy now Pascha/ Easter is late this year on May 5th) and i've attended weekday evening services with Orthodox family 😊-- the Jesus Prayer for 30 mins, followed by Orthodox Compline. Have been reminded what an immediate relief it is to enter the small church. Candles, icons everywhere. And for an hour or so, just Holy Scripture or tradition based in Scripture, pronounced. An hour of absolute Truth with none of the extraneous silliness that accompanies worship and fellowship in other churches i've attended over the years.

[joshuamiller]

I’m Ortho-curious and went a couple years ago around Christmas, while visiting Saint Augustine with my in-laws. It’s definitely a beautiful place and well worth the visit.

[jessenagy]

Thank you for once again exploring Orthodoxy for the beauty it is. PLEASE go see the jewel of the Desert, Saint Anthony monastery in Arizona. Home of some of the truest people you’ll ever meet. The grounds are a miracle of existence.

[carlose]

In the Catholic Church, a shrine can either be a personal devotional space, a section of a church, or a church meant to commemorate a saint. National Shrines are more like Basilicas, but established by a group of bishops. The pope can designate minor basilicas, which are usually historic churches. There are only four major basilicas.

[chuckthompson]

My, Polly is so wonderful and passionate about her faith and the history of the church.

[ErnestoIbarra]

As a Catholic, I admire and respect the way you explore Catholic and Orthodox history and theological aspects. Thank you! May God bless you.

[DanielKrsiak]

Hello from Czech Republic - Moravia region 🇨🇿 Metioned at 11:33 "Saints Cyril and Methodius" ✝ they are the main patrons of Moravia. The "Day of the Slavic Evangelists Cyril and Methodius" is commemorated every year on July 5 as national public holiday protected by law.

[bobbiefluffy]

Polly is wonderful! I bought a cross at the gift store and she heard me whistling a church tune and she immediately recognized it and sparked a delightful conversation.

Thank you Matt for giving the Orthodox some air time. Orthodoxy is so beautiful and has changed my life for the better in so many ways. God bless ☦

[OrthodoxJourney]

Matt I’m telling you now, if I ever meet you personally I will give you a big hug 🙏☦️

[OrthoBro]

Absolutely love your content. A few of your videos w Fr Paul Truebenbach a while back were actually one of the biggest catalysts for me to become Orthodox and return back to Christianity. Albeit our churches may not be exactly the same, our love for Christ unites us. God bless you

[Reese]

I appreciate your videos so much. Every time someone asks me how I became Orthodox, you get a mention. You were integral in that process, and for that I am forever indebted to you. You are in my prayers and I hope you will continue doing what you do!

[AndyU]

Great stuff, Matt. I love the dichotomy between the outside hustle and bustle and the serenity on the inside.

[tcl]

Matt, you have done more to help various Christian denominations see each other as allies in our quest to share the Good News, rather than finding ways to distance ourselves from one another.

[LoveinDC]

I just learned about this shrine on my deep dive into Greek Orthodoxy this week. Thank you for this video!

[patriciamathews]

Beautiful!! I've had the privilege of being at the St. Photios Shrine. It is truly a spiritual treasure. The Icons are Stunning. Our first City of St. Augustine was dedicated to God by the Spanish settlers in 1513. This date was a full century before the English landed on Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts in 1620.
Christ's Nativity Icon shows the Ox & the Donkey close to the manger for a reason. The animals are representative that Christ has been born to be Savior of all Peoples. The Ox represents the Hebrew people & the Donkey represent the Gentile nations. Imagine the Spanish settlers & their joy of bringing Christ to the New Land. The Orthodox Christians also share this joy in the New World. 🙏