@Y2AM

Department of Y2AM

Hello! I was wondering , why aren't the saints smiling in icons? Wouldn't they be smiling because they are with Christ in His kingdom? Thank you! -Evangelia

That's a great question! The saints are swept up in the joy of Christ, it definitely makes sense to think about them smiling. We even see this in pictures of modern saints; someone like St Porphyrios is smiling all the time!
On the other hand, icons also try to show the peace the saints experience in Christ. A smile might give the wrong impression in that sense. The saints live something much deeper and longer lasting than a smile can show.

Latest answers from Department of Y2AM

Thank you for the venerating icon video and for the work you do making God's love visible. I have found the Be the Bee videos to be a great resource for my journey to become an Orthodox christian and reconnecting with God.

Thank you so much! May God bless you and guide you!

I’m attempting to convert to Orthodoxy and was wondering if Y2AM was looking at doing some videos on that process. Questions I have is why we kiss the priest hand, how does one venerate an Icon, and understanding the liturgy. I would ask father but I’m still timid to ask such basic questions

Don't be afraid to ask whatever you want! As for icons, check out today's episode of Be the Bee!
https://youtu.be/o8iFOgppS6YY2AM’s Video 120326812231 o8iFOgppS6YY2AM’s Video 120326812231 o8iFOgppS6Y

Any links to websites where I can listen to homilies ? Thank you!!!

You can find a lot on AncientFaith.com. They have lots of great podcasts, and also some video series, including Be the Bee!

What's your opinion on all the Goya pages?

Sorry if we're not understanding your question, but we think every GOYA at every parish should have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. It's a great way to stay connected with your parish, and preach the Gospel using technology!

Question continued----- can you please make a video on why orthodoxy is awesome and so rich! Thank you so much

Great point! That's a lot for just one video, we hope every episode of Be the Bee gives a little taste of why Orthodoxy is so awesome!

Hello Y2AM! I was wondering if you could recommend any good books for young adults (16+) for teens who are orthodox and want to learn more about its traditions, where it originated or even about the founder of the church, Jesus, himself. If you have any valuable advice that would be great. Thanks!

Thank God, there are a lot of wonderful books out there! There are great books like "The Orthodox Church" by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, and "The Orthodox Church" by Fr. John Meyendorff.
It's also important to learn about the beliefs of the Church. There are a lot of wonderful books by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, like "For the Life of the World," though his books can be a little challenging.
Of course, don't forget the books of the Bible. We can learn a lot about the Church by reading the Gospels and Epistles.
And don't forget that there are wonderful podcasts that can teach you a lot about our Faith and history. Fr. Thomas Hopko has several wonderful podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio.
Happy reading (and listening)!

I've been spending a LOT of time on social media, and I find it hard to drop it and read the Bible. When i try to read The Bible, i skim really quick and go back on my phone. Please help me to find a way to focous if you can , thank you!

Good question! Since you're already on social media, do you follow the Archdiocese, Y2AM, and other Orthodox channels? That way there will always be something Christ-centered in your feed.
And have you downloaded the excellent Daily Reading app? It allows you to look at the saint and readings of the day right on your phone, and also lets you look at a lot of different services and prayers. If you're going to be on your phone, why not use it to learn more about the Faith?
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/internet/mobileapps/dailyreadings
This also brings discipline to mind. Maybe you need to "fast" from your phone. You can set a rule for yourself, so that every night after a certain time you put your phone away and won't look at it until the following morning. That can be great time for prayer, reading the Bible, and silence.
Speaking of discipline, here's an episode of Be the Bee that talks about how our little choices (like fasting) build the discipline and strength we need to make more important (and more difficult) choices in our lives. God bless!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rt9An2OaDs&index=17&list=PLbyQMR-_r8bJTrcWpWxSUPdJHdZJsq_zGY2AM’s Video 115348421191 2rt9An2OaDsY2AM’s Video 115348421191 2rt9An2OaDs

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