Archpriest Ivan Shandra

08/07/2026

Why is the Orthodox Church so cautious about Marian apparitions?
Millions of Christians are familiar with Fatima, Lourdes, and other reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Yet the Orthodox Church, despite its profound love and veneration for the Theotokos, approaches such claims with remarkable caution.
Why?
Is it because Orthodoxy doesn't believe in miracles?
Or is there a deeper spiritual wisdom behind this caution?
In this new video, I explore the Orthodox teaching on prelest (spiritual deception), the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and why humility and discernment are considered more important than extraordinary spiritual experiences.
You'll also discover how the Orthodox Church distinguishes genuine miracles from spiritual deception and why the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos beautifully illustrates this approach.
🎥 Watch the full video and let me know your thoughts in the comments: https://youtu.be/mt46RiDVexc
Do you think caution toward private revelations is a strength of the Orthodox tradition, or should Christians be more open to modern apparitions?

08/01/2026

Why does following Christ sometimes feel harder the closer we grow to Him?
Many Christians experience seasons of discouragement, spiritual dryness, anxiety, or unexpected temptation. The Orthodox Church has spoken about this reality for centuries, not to frighten us, but to prepare us.
In this new video, I explain:
- Why spiritual attacks often accompany spiritual growth.
- Five signs that may indicate spiritual warfare.
- The difference between the Holy Spirit's conviction and the enemy's condemnation.
- How prayer, Scripture, repentance, fasting, and life in the Church help us stand firm.
The good news is that Christ has already won the victory. Our task is to remain faithful, vigilant, and united with Him.
Watch the video, and let me know in the comments what has helped you remain steadfast during difficult spiritual seasons.
May God bless you!
https://youtu.be/tJ5dDRCQTOE

07/28/2026

I was interviewed by the host of the Ancient Church channel. Here is the result.

In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks wi...

07/24/2026

Have you ever heard someone say that the Orthodox Church "added books" to the Bible?
Watch the video and let me know your thoughts.
▶️ https://youtu.be/0ZPyeNFj6z8

The historical evidence tells a very different story.

In this video, I explain:
📖 Why the Septuagint was the Bible of the early Church
📖 Why books like Tobit, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and Maccabees are part of the Orthodox canon
📖 What changed during the Protestant Reformation
📖 What the Church Fathers and early councils actually taught about the biblical canon

Many Christians are surprised to discover that the question isn't "Who added books to the Bible?" but rather, "Who removed them?"

Have you ever wondered why different Christian traditions have different Old Testaments? I'd love to hear your perspective in the comments.

07/17/2026

Why do Orthodox Christians pray to the saints? Why not simply pray to God alone?

This is one of the most common and most misunderstood questions about Orthodox Christianity. Some people believe that asking the saints for their prayers is a form of idolatry or that it places someone between Jesus Christ and us.

But is that what the Orthodox Church actually teaches?

In this video, I discuss:

- the difference between worship and veneration
- why Christians ask one another to pray for them
- whether death separates the saints from the Body of Christ
- how the saints intercede without replacing Christ
- why all help, grace, and salvation ultimately come from God alone

The saints are not alternatives to Christ. They are members of His Body who continually point us toward Him.

Watch the full video here:
https://youtu.be/Lpz_XLpKM68

I welcome your questions and thoughtful comments. Even when we disagree, these conversations should be approached with sincerity, humility, and respect.

Are you curious about praying to saints? Learn why Orthodox Christi...

07/11/2026

What Actually Happens at Orthodox Confession? A Priest Reveals
Have you ever wondered what actually happens inside an Orthodox confession? Many people, including Orthodox Christians, have questions about this sacred sacrament. Fr. Ivan Shandra, a priest of the Orthodox Church in America, opens the door and explains everything.
Link to the video is in the comments

07/03/2026

Why Does God Allow Suffering? The Orthodox Christian Answer
Many people, even faithful Christians, carry the painful belief that God is the author of their suffering, that illness and tragedy are His punishment. Today, Fr. Ivan Shandra explores what the Orthodox Church actually teaches: where evil comes from, why God permits suffering, and most importantly, how God is with us in our pain — not distant from it.
https://youtu.be/lXA3Mv69pG4

Many people, even faithful Christians, carry the painful belief tha...

06/26/2026

No Rapture? What Orthodox Christians Actually Believe About the End Times
>>>Link to the video in the first comment