Japanese Orthodox Church - Theophany in Tokyo 3

[EGYPTIANHULK777]

I'm Coptic Orthodox and I think this is amazing and beautiful :)

[rocoreb]

bravo brothers in Christ!

[ar6inkov]

May God Bless all Japanese Orthodox Christians - our brothers and sisters in Christ.

[vkorchnoifan]

Impressive ! St. Nicolas must have been a dynamic man who really made a lasting  and fruitful mission to Japan. May God Bless the Orthodox. (I am a Roman Catholic) I thought the Orthodox did not believe in missionary work. I see that I am wrong to think that. I sometimes go to the Catholic Byzantine Church to worship and see how slight different they are. How is the Orthodox doing in the Muslim countries today ?

[stumbleafter]

@vkorchnoifan you could see the Indonesian Orthodox Church then

[Liereign]

I am from georgia.....i love you my brothers and sisters.....

[CalebsReport]

A theophany is an appearance of God Almighty such as in Exodus 33:11 where God spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. We know that was not the Father, because only Jesus has seen the Father, so it had to be someone else in the trinity. I believe it was preincarnate Jesus. No man is God, so the appearance of a man in a play cannot be a true theophany, although it can represent one.

[readermichael]

@CalebsReport Of course the Old Testament manifestations of God are of the Second Person of the Trinity: this is standard Christian teaching. However, I would be loath to refer to the Baptism of Our Lord and God and Saviour as "the appearance of a man in a play".

[vkorchnoifan]

Russian Othordoxy in Japan ?? I am amazed. Singing Russian ?? How did this happened ? What is the history of this amazing event and effort ??

[readermichael]

@vkorchnoifan Look up St Nicholas of Japan. :-)

[mimi20817]

OMG i didn't know we have japanese orthodox sistes and brothers. am ethiopian orthodox member. bless u all much love to u and keep it up!!!!!!!

[SergeCWazukie]

WOOOOOWWWWW IVE NEVER SEEN JAPANESE ORTHODOX...cool :D

[dandanache82]

Great and merciful is our God, Who wants nobody to be lost, but to have eternal life...

[CalebsReport]

Why was the word "Theophany" included in the title of this video?

[jkslater3]

@CalebsReport Because the Feast being celebrated is the Theophany - the Baptism of Christ

[LiturgicalChants]

I will agree with Kevin, that it is sad to see that the Japanese ecclesiastical music is largely a strict 19th c. russian import that happens to be in Japanese. (the late 19th c italian influenced harmony is not the legitimate rus znamenny tradition of the pre-nikonian period either). The question is why this is happening..nevertheless, Orthodoxy is probably the best choice Japan has for forms of Christianity, all that bowing has to be a benefit.

[SerbNegroMonte]

The beauty of Orthodox Liturgy is that you can understand it no mater what language priest is performing it in. As a Serb I always loved Japanese people for their bravery, commitment and resilience that resembles Serbian. I am glad that there is Church in Japan I can go in and pray with my Japanese Orthodox brothers.

[TheIconodule]

What exactly is the Priest doing?

[jonmsawyer]

@TheIconodule He's not just a priest, he is a bishop. But to answer your question, he is sprinkling blessed water, or Holy Water, that was blessed during the feast of Theophany (Christ's Baptism in the Jordan). It is customary that the faithful get not only splashed, but doused, with Holy Water during the singing of the Hymn that you hear being sung. Hope this helps :)

Christ is Risen!

[soyereses]

@patriaradina Don't you know that many Asian men can't have beard nor mustache? If your word be true, real orthodoxy couldn't have catholicity. Do you know the meaning of a latin proverb "Barba non facit philisophum."? More than all, can you show me the verse in Bible that the priest all shaven and shorn will be condemned unless he would kill the man all tattered and torn or would rape a maiden all forlorn?

[patriaradina]

@soyereses LEVITIC cap. 21 par. 5 it says clear: "The head must not be shaved, do not cut your beard, not make cuts on body for the dead."

That was from the Bible about clerics, and from the Holy Tradition we have instructions that even civilians MUST have facial hair (minimum is a mustache), and for women it states that must not wear pants and the head must be covered at all times.

You would have known that if you were Orthodox.

[metallicism]

@patriaradina Leviticus says not to eat pork or mix dairy and meat; following your logic, lamb souvlaki with tzatziki is an affront to God. Seriously, please stop with the beard talk and enjoy the fact that orthodoxy has reached one of the most insular advanced socieities on the planet.

[hartmanalen]

Hristos a Inviat !!!

[NikolaNP1]

Predivno...



[shortyangel2010]

wooaaahhhh japanese orthodox!! how cool!

[pablononescobar]

His Eminence looks like he's really gunning for those people, but it's Holy Water so he probably should be!

[1mariamariamaria]

As Orthodoxy spread, for example, to the US or Australia or SAmerica, new compositions and chant styles were/are inevitably added. That is excellent. But the main reason some of the well-worn, familiar "Russian" chants remain popular -- just as in a Russian service you will hear uses of Greek or Serbian or Bulgarian chants -- is because the singers like how these sound. They create a very beautiful prayerful setting. I am sure there are Japanese Orthodox composers who can also compose something!

[1mariamariamaria]

When the Slavs received Christianity from the Byzantine Greeks, they naturally also initially adopted some of the musical phrasing and melodies. (Keep in mind that two Greek brothers, Cyril & Methodius, created Russian grammar and syntax, using Greek as the pattern.) Only gradually did Russians evolve their own music for church; later, as Italian influences grew, church music in Russia began to emulate Italian & German models, and become closer to Western Christian sacred music. IT'S ALL GOOD

[1mariamariamaria]

kevin41581, Nothing prevents anyone from composing dignified and appropriate sacred music for Orthodox Liturgy that expresses their own cultural heritage. In fact, that was always one of the hallmarks of Eastern Christendom, that everyone developed their own cultural details in addition to what was Universal for the Church. It so happens that Russian (Slavic, actually, more broadly) choral tradition predates the Russian state. Music is apolitical. These chants are lovely.

[MrSlomar]

@clonepie1

From your message it is obvious to read that you are disturbed greatly by something or other and I am truly sorry for that. Perhaps you think the pain and suffering of the Japanese people is funny and wish to crack a joke? Your English leaves much to be desired, but there you go.

Anyway, you can be certain that it is Jews, All followers of Christianity and Muslims alike that will be praying for the victims of the JAPANESE Earthquake, together with Buddhists, Hindus and many others!

[marcosdeabreu10]

Greetings from the Brazilian Orthodox Christians... and prayers are being offered for you today!

[TazHall]

All the Orthodox people I've met so far ROCK. I like how this tradition takes the time to really savor Jesus and his presence.

[Kevin41581]

it is truly a pity that after more than a hundred years Russian Orthodoxy in Japan remains fundamentally a Russian import, only translated into Japanese. Are there no Japanese musical traditions that could be used? Very sad that this church is only an expression of Russian imperialism.

[metallicism]

@Kevin41581 choral tradition in japan is largely influenced by continental european style. in roman catholic churches you'll hear german and french melodies sung in japanese, and in some protestant churches you'll hear the american hymn 'what a friend we have in jesus' sung as 'itsukushimi fukaki'. if we follow your logic, then those churches are nothing more than expressions of german/italian/french/american imperialism, which of course is not the case.

[Kevin41581]

@metallicism At least you are willing to admit that the Greek denomination is no different from others. But in Roman Catholicism the use of religious iconography employing Japanese cultural motives was very widespread. Byzantium seems unable to break from its past as nothing much more than the religious department of the Byzantine Empire.

[pravoslavna]

@Kevin41581

I couldn't disagree more- the Russian tradition was inherited from the Greeks. In Orthodoxy the hymns are essentially the same musically with some variation which develops with time and this will happen in Japan, the Church in Africa is a great example, they hymns themselves do not change but the way in which they are sang can and this is due to using the vernacular. The Church in Japan is young relatively speaking and it takes time to develop full cultural expression.

[livatha]

@Kevin41581 - your comment is really strange to me. An import? These people are not only worshipping in their mother tongue, Japanese, but they are obviously all Japanese nationals, as well. No slavic looking people comprising the laity as would appear in an imported chuch? It seems that they have embraced Orthodoxy and incorporated it into their lives 100 years after their Saint Nicholas of Japan died. May God Bless all Japanese Orthodox Christians - our brothers and sisters in Christ.

[SorokChyetirye]

@livatha In a country which, according to the polls, is 50 to 80% irreligious, this is truly a wonderful thing to behold. In these few God has found a place in their hearts. May it spread like dandelions, or wildfire.

God bless the Catholics and the Orthodox worldwide.

[Globox822]

@Kevin41581 Yoú just got owned by Kevin. Besides Orthodox Church doesn't belong to Russia. It is the only form of Christianity that hasn't changed since day 1. I am sure they also sing in old Greek and in Japanese. You are just full of hate.

[Kevin41581]

@Globox822 Whatever. If you say that the Byzantine Church has not changed since day one, then I suppose I shall have to believe you, but I thought that only applied to the Oriental Orthodox, who are not in communion with the Byzantines.

[SorokChyetirye]

@Globox822 lol, the Orientals still use the Liturgy of Saint James. They're older than you. :P

But seriously, there is nothing wrong with change - so long as it more fully explains and does not contradict the past, change is the means by which our Churches thrive and grow. Both Catholicism and Orthodoxy have grown and changed with time, and both are a beautiful tree, grown from a tiny mustard seed, in which the birds have nested and made their homes.

[neutraln]

Im wondering why so many people are suprised about Orthodoxy in Japan, not a must but thought that every orthodox would know where we have our brothers and sisters worldwide.

[nijjhar1]

Beware of these blind guides of the blind. Ask them in whose name John baptised Jewish men and why John never baptised a woman or a Gentile? Then why Gentile in other countries are being baptised? Messianic Jews killed the Apostles and corrupted the Bible.

What a mockery of John, the Baptist?

[TazHall]

@nijjhar1 . . . What?

[operazanotaijin]

Russian Orthodox or Greek?

[1Veers]

@operazanotaijin they are speaks in russian or old slavic.

[metallicism]

@operazanotaijin Japanese Orthodox. Russian, Greek, Serbian, Romanian, Georgian, Chinese.... all the same Orthodox.

[gyreenedoc]

@operazanotaijin they are singing in slovenic.... so its the japanese orthodox church with

root in russian orthodoxy... (started by the russians) greeks sing in a very different manner

and of course in greek....

начало евангелиа исуса хрыста сина ьожиа

[striveandreceive]

christがあなたと一緒にあるかもしれません

[CrazyAxelStyle]

God bless our Orthodox brothers and sisters from Japan!

[ICSThorp]

This is one of the most precious things I have ever seen - a Bishop who is in love with his flock and with all dignity expresses the joy of Orthodox Christianity!

Glory to Jesus Christ that He has reached this nation - the path is narrow and there are few who find it.

[marcus10]

Japanese have Ortodox Church? I am overvelmed...

[TazHall]

@marcus10 Orthodoxy is actually pretty wide spread, they're just really quiet XD

[zelen35]

i never knew some japanese people are orthodox, like my self im serbian orthodox

[revn09]

Why did missionaries from the west impose their Buddhist religion on Japan?

[MenechemShaul]

This sounds like it is either Russian or Ukrainian or something from that region, are they chanting the Liturgy in Japanese or something different?

[soyereses]

@MenechemShaul No doubt that the melody derives from Russian, and they chant in literary Japanese.  Orthodoxy has more than 140 yrs history in Japan though it is very minor.

[BakinKoljac]

GOD BLESS JAPAN! :DDDDDDDD

how i say: "I LOVE YOU" in japanese? :D

[MarinaSrb1]

@BakinKoljac Aishiteru :)))

[BakinKoljac]

@MarinaSrb1

Aishiteru Japan! :D

[BlinkxD27]

Things brings so much joy that the true word is being taught in all people all over the world. Christ is love

[cuyocksol]

@BlinkxD27

Is The Buddha not love?

[BlinkxD27]

@cuyocksol Buddha also loves lol. but japanese are not buddhists religion is not very big in japan. but i believe orthodoxy is the true way to life and it brings joy to know that in a place like japan where there is not much religion, there is still the truth in orthodoxy

[JFMello1116]

In my little experience with the Orthodox Church, I have never seen so much openly-expressed joy as right here (not to mention athleticism). Glory to God.

[kamatis78]

i know that this is the спаси, Господи, люди Твоя. but what are the words in japanese?

[metallicism]

@kamatis78 this is the Theophany Troparion :)

[kamatis78]

@metallicism

they have the same tune, though, no?

youtube.com/watch?v=ZR5O5-OxIY­E

[metallicism]

@kamatis78 yes, you are right the melody is the same. this is because both Spasi Gospodi and the Theophany troparion are sung in the first tone of the Ochtoechos.

[EasternOrthodoxGuy]

This is so cool. I'm Orthodox, I don't speak a word of Japanese... but I know exactly what is going on.

[LordMalice6d9]

I find it unfortunate how christians seek to make people of various countries give up the traditions of their ancestors and adopt a faith foreign to them.

It would be as if a Japanese Shinto were to go to Romania or Russia, set up shop in Orthodox lands then start trying to convert Orthodox Christians to Shintoism.

This is why so many cultures and other religions don't like christians.

What Christian missionaries bring with them is nothing more than cultural genocide pure and simple.

[noitnettaattention]

@LordMalice6d9 Christianity is NOT destroying cultures but saving SOULS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[megayahabibi]

@LordMalice6d9 .......it's funny, I'm orthodox christian,not by choice,it was instilled into me the day I was born, but I'm extremely fascinated by Buddhism,in fact I Know more about Buddhism than I do about my own religion and can even recite some of the buddhist chants,but your right ,its wrong for christians to impose their way of thinking on to others,especially in a country like japan.

[Chichiri520]

@megayahabibi

I used to think that Orthodox Christians were very egocentric but you proved me wrong otherwise. Im happy to know there are people of this beautiful tradition who are open of heart :)

May you be happy and live a life of peace.

With Metta

[Shaku89]

@LordMalice6d9 Unfortunately you are mostly right... But especially in Japan, Greek Orthodoxism was introduced by Russians... about 200 years ago so its not the same. The only "missionaries" who would convince you to change faith are those new Christian movements (Pentecostals etc), at least in my country.

And don't forget that SOME Islam believers are doing the same thing :P

[Chichiri520]

@LordMalice6d9

King Ashoka of India once said: Whoever praises their religion due to excessive devotion while wanting to spread his religion and condemns others with the thought of glorifying his own religion is only dishonoring his own religion.

[Chichiri520]

@LordMalice6d9

I was once considering converting to Orthodox Christianity as well. I respect it, it is a very beautiful religion. But I learned that I had to give up my traditions that my ancestors passed down to me. So I was torn between this new religion and my rich heritage. I chose my heritage because of the suffering that would come if I had to give up my traditions. It would be heart-breaking and very cruel on to myself. Why cant we just practice tolerance?

[TazHall]

@LordMalice6d9 It's not right to force people to do ANYTHING but Jesus told his followers to share his message. If someone doesn't want to listen, I respect that. But if they are willing to listen about Jesus I will tell them. You tell a Christian they can't share their faith, you are telling them they can't practice their faith. And it does not necessarily mean the destruction of your culture. if anything, it brings diversity to the church. That's how Jesus wanted it.

[ertitopaco]

mentira

mentira

mentira

mentira

mentira

lo puedo decir mas veces pero no mas claro

[nubcake007]

sounds beautiful!

[snowboarderdude]

I really am amazed how they managed to keep the traditional chants and use Japanese because they sound exactly like my Ukrainian church chants.

[ropschatank]

Спаси, Господи, люди Твоя и благослови достояние Твое. Победы на супротивные даруя и Твоим Крестом охраняя Твое жительство.

Сердечный привет православным в Японии из Казани.

[MikeGeorg]

Oh Lord, what a sweet and innocent Bishop there! He's got the purity of a child! I loved watching this, thanks! God bless

[Metania01]

Glory to GOD!!!

Very beautiful to see different cultures to praise God Jesus Christ!

[MrZegarac]

Greetings from the Orthodox Serbian!!!!

If someone can tell me how much the  Orthodox Japanese living in Japan???

[kchandco]

"When Thou, O Lord was baptised in the Jordan"... Glory!!

[LinkII08]

LOL, i just love the sound, its so soothing and funny at the same time!

[socal2121]

The Japs know whats up

[freedomfighterforgod]

very nice all smiles and gigles very cute. god bless orthdoxy all over the world.

[zekal10]

I never thought I'd call a Japanese person my "brother" or "sister". This is a testament to the power of Orthodoxy. God bless.

[cuyocksol]

Aren't we all created by God whether Orthodox, Catholic or Buddhist?

It's a bit sad if I only feel you're my brother or sister if you are the same 'flavour' of believer as me. Isn't God universal?

[zekal10]

God is universal, but His believers aren't.

[cuyocksol]

Shouldn't we strive to be?

[zekal10]

Who is "we"?

[cuyocksol]

That's the problem!

Is 'we' the people who go to the same church or temple as me? Those I pray with every week?

Or is 'we' humanity?

Jesus told us to love others as He has loved us. Is this just my 'neighbours' or my 'enemies' as well? This is a hard commandment, but if I really wish to do it, I will be helped.

(Christ has not been the only one to teach this. Others, including the Buddha, have tried to teach us the same truths. But they are hard truths, and we don't want to practise them.)

[Twycross]

@cuyocksol Simply put the Orthodox Church is the Faith of God. If you don't want to follow that, it isn't my problem. I won't treat you any worse for it. What more can you ask from me?

[Chichiri520]

@cuyocksol

Whoever praises his own religion, due to excessive devotion, and condemns others with the thought "Let me glorify my own religion," only harms his own religion. Therefore contact (between religions) is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others.

-- King Ashoka of India

[TazHall]

@cuyocksol Jesus said himself he was the only way so that's something you'd have to take up with him. He died on a cross to save man. Buddha and many others . . didn't. Examine his claims. Yes Jesus' moral teachings share many similarities with others, but many parts are radically different and stand alone. With him, it was about more than just being a good person.

[dtolj0]

@zekal10

I didn't know that either, your comment brought tears to my eyes.

[dtolj0]

@zekal10

I didn't know that either, your comment brought tears to my eyes.

[4everpraisethelord]

@zekal10 Me too it is great to see that orthodox is everywhere! Bless us all and may God lead us and guide us his way!

[kenroscoyas]

the bishop's name is Metropolitan Daniel. one of the top bishops in Japan (orthodox).

[Jiurou]

RUS Orthodox

[ikseret]

What is this bishop's name?

[karpov89]

Indeed beautiful. God bless the orthodox and other christians in Japan!

[balcanGospel]

Greetings from Serbia

[acika777]

How come they don't have beard?

[kavaldzhia]

Тропарь Праздника, Глас первый... на Японском языке...

трогательно и удивительно ...

[bajgoraUSA]

God bless and protect all the Orthodox Christians, Glory to the God that Holly Fathers off Russian Orthodox Church went and spread the Gospoel off Christ and True Orthodox Faith all over the world

[Mikebeaumek]

woah. Too many capital letters.

[metta108]

today (the 19th january) is Theophany in the japanese orthodox church and everywhere else where they observe ('old') julian calendar. happy feast day! /s'prazdnikom! / С Праздником!

[metta108]

this is so beautiful. the japanese orthodox church is so unique. it sprang up because of a genuine desire of the native japanese people (like the native alaskan orthodox church), rather than because of immigrants from europe/middle east. it's also very japanese because this bishop is so happy and joyous- smiling as he blesses the people laughing. most orthodox bishops are so solemn when they do this, it's very different, but beautiful. i love the bishop (and the japanese people).

thank you~

[EllinMK]

Greetings from Greece

God bless the world

[Saskitza]

WOW, i never knew there were japanese orthodox people. that is so cool! i wish i knew some

POZDRAV IZ SRBIJE

[BgBulgaria]

Поздрави от православна българия

[purpleman4]

Who is this bishop?

[ICXCNIKA84]

I don't know. It looks like Abp. Daniel of Tokyo maybe. Definitely.

[Aryomaru]

Beautiful!Long live the Japanese Orthodox Church, my brothers!

[Kasbeke]

にっぽん正教会萬歳

[phati129]

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the holy spirit.

[SerbDav]

Checkout on youtube the CZECH documentary STOLEN KOSOVO for the truth concerning this issue!! Christian Kosovo is dying and the Christian Serbs are in the last stages of being ethnically cleansed, please watch is documentary to spread awareness!!

[dzemsi1]

Bog im dobra dao!

pa ovo je divno

[BLUEWHITEBLUEWHITEBL]

Being orthodox myself , i did not think once that the orthodox faith was being practiced in Asia.Thank you for posting this video and opening my eyes.God bless all of our brothers and sisters throughout this world.

[leabugp]

What continent did you think Russia was a part of? :)

[arthegor]

The Orthodoxes wont dye

[ssinnnnner]

difficult to fit the word in English - it is touching sight, moving spectacle

[ssinnnnner]

Thanks! It is very amusing to see that.

[sythax]

im lost, i was just watching starcraft replays and this was related....WUT?

[metallicism]

You got a vrief view of the Orthodox Christian world. You've widened your world view :)

[Aryomaru]

Happy to see that our japanese brothers and sisters share our faith!Trully i thought that we might be alone in the world!As expected...i was wrong!Good to be wrong:)

[holocaust1917]

These are not Pentacost celebrations as Theodora67 misinterpretet it. Theophany means-the babtism of our Lord Jesus Christ which is celebrated by true Russian Orthodox on January 19

[VaticansHolocaust]

Ah yes... the "true" orthodox celebrate it on Jan 19... The "true" faith goes much deeper than any particular date (other than Pacha). The baptism of Christ is the "true" element of this celebration, not the date of celebration. In other words, these people are just as much "true" orthodox, regardless of their calendar.

[metallicism]

I thik Theodora67's remarks refer to the fact that they are praying in Japanese, in the true spirit of the tongues of fire descending on the Apostles i.e. Preach and praise God in the local language :)

[dimdindan]

Λίγο βασιλικό βρε παιδιά ...

[233127]

IC XC forever

[Theodora67]

Nice to see the real essence of Pentecost spreading throughout the world.

[caydamien02]

cool.. never thought ortodox patriachite wud ever reaches asian country.. Glory to Jesus..

~Sancta Maria, Mater Dei Ora Pro Nobis~