Finding Authentic Christian Worship: A Journey Through History, Tradition, and Faith

The search for authentic Christian worship often begins with a simple but profound question: “Is this how the apostles worshipped?”

In this special Cloud of Witnesses (https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnesses) mini-episode, our guest hosts, Ben and Ashley Langlois—Ben known online as Orthodox Luigi—invite us into their personal journey of wrestling with that very question. As a husband-and-wife team, their perspectives bring a unique richness to the conversation: Ben shares from his theological study and exploration of history, while Ashley offers a heartfelt and distinctly feminine perspective on what it means to seek beauty, meaning, and belonging within the Body of Christ.

Raised in contemporary Protestant settings, they began to sense subtle but growing tensions during worship: as guitars played, lights dimmed, and emotions ran high, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something essential was missing. Were coffee shops, branded merchandise, and high-energy worship experiences truly what Christ intended for His Church?

This questioning sparked a spiritual journey that led them through seven different churches, eventually settling for online services when no physical community seemed to reflect the fullness they longed for. Along the way, family connections played an important role. Brothers who were exploring Catholic and Orthodox traditions introduced Ben and Ashley to writings from the Church Fathers and early Christian practices that challenged many modern assumptions.

Some discoveries were unexpected—like learning that Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, leaders of the Protestant Reformation, all practiced infant baptism, a tradition many evangelical churches have set aside. For Ashley, these realizations opened new questions about how faith traditions shape the spiritual life of families and the formative role of women in the Church.

Their journey eventually brought them to a Presbyterian congregation that offered what they call “pseudo-tradition”—wooden pews, touches of liturgy, and references to early writers. Yet, as Ashley shares, there was still a lingering sense of longing: the beauty was there, but the roots felt incomplete. Exploring historically grounded Protestant traditions like Anglicanism and Lutheranism only deepened this tension, as they often discovered a paradox—churches with the richest liturgical practices frequently embraced the most progressive theology, raising concerns about spiritual and doctrinal stability.

Through prayer, study, and reflection, Ben and Ashley’s path eventually led them to Eastern Orthodoxy, where they encountered a faith deeply rooted in apostolic succession, ancient liturgies, and a vision of salvation as a lifelong journey of transformation in Christ. Ashley speaks to how Orthodoxy’s reverence, beauty, and communal worship resonated with her desire for a faith that engages not just the mind, but the heart and the senses—inviting the whole person into relationship with God.

This is more than a story about leaving one church for another—it’s about the deeper longing many Christians feel today: to encounter something enduring, rooted, and unchanging in a rapidly shifting world.

Entire uncut, unedited conversation between Ben and Ashley available now on our Patreon!

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When Evangelical Zeal Meets Ancient Christianity: A Conversation Between Friends

What happens when two long-time friends—one a passionate evangelical content creator, the other a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian—sit down inside a church filled with ancient icons to talk about faith, history, and what it means to follow Jesus? In this compelling and heartfelt dialogue, David Latting and Ben Langlois (Orthodox Luigi) offer something rare: a conversation marked by both conviction and deep mutual respect.

Though they come from very different traditions, David and Ben’s friendship sets the tone for an honest, disarming exchange. David opens up about his spiritual journey—how intense theological debates with Muslims drove him to investigate church history, and how walking through ancient cathedrals awakened a hunger for something deeper than modern formulas. In a moment of raw vulnerability, he describes being moved to tears during an Orthodox liturgy, even while remaining rooted in his Protestant community. “I want to break that wall,” he says, referring to the misconceptions that often prevent evangelicals from seriously engaging with Orthodoxy.

Ben responds not with defensiveness, but with clarity and grace. He explains Orthodox Christianity’s understanding of apostolic succession, the theological meaning of icons as “windows into heaven,” and how salvation is seen not as a one-time event, but a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. His insights are never presented as a challenge to Protestant faith, but as an invitation to consider the historical richness of the early Church.

Together, David and Ben reflect on the hunger many Christians feel today for worship that is Christ-centered, reverent, and historically rooted. They share a mutual concern about the rise of personality-driven church culture and discuss how liturgical structure and ancient rhythms offer spiritual depth that many young believers are longing for.

What makes this conversation so meaningful isn’t just the exchange of ideas—it’s the way both men keep Jesus at the center. They demonstrate how friendship, humility, and shared love for the gospel can bridge even deep theological divides.

Whether you’re Protestant, Orthodox, or simply curious about the richness of Christian tradition, this conversation invites you to reflect more deeply on your own faith journey. Could exploring the ancient paths of the Church help you walk more closely with Christ?

Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home

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What Happens When Believers Take Different Paths Toward Jesus?

What happens when one follower of Christ finds deep joy and purpose in a vibrant Protestant church, while another discovers a sense of awe and sacred history in the ancient traditions of Orthodoxy? This honest and heartfelt conversation between David Latting, a well-known evangelical influencer, and Ben Langlois—better known online as Orthodox Luigi—dives into that very tension: the pull between contentment in our current spiritual homes and a yearning to connect with the roots of the early Church.

At the heart of their dialogue is a question that touches many believers seeking a deeper faith: How important is historical continuity in the Church? Ben shares how reading early Christian writers like Augustine sparked new questions. He was struck by their emphasis on apostolic succession—the idea that spiritual authority was passed down directly from the apostles through the laying on of hands, much like Moses passed leadership to Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9). For him, it raised a challenging thought: “I can trace my spiritual lineage back to the apostles—can you?”

When the topic turns to things like honoring saints or relics, Ben offers the Orthodox perspective—something that may sound unfamiliar to many Protestants. But it's rooted in Scripture. “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living,” Jesus says in Matthew 22:32. The early Christians believed that those who had gone before us in the faith are not gone, but alive in Christ and part of the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). Far from replacing Jesus, this practice is about recognizing the work He has done in others and inviting their prayers—just like we might ask a faithful friend to pray for us today.

One of the most surprising parts of their conversation is the contrast between church structures. David points out how the health of many Protestant churches often rises or falls with their pastors. In response, Ben explains that in Orthodoxy, the focus is less on the charisma of the leader and more on the unchanging faith handed down through generations. “Even if the priest is struggling,” he says, “it’s still the same Church, the same gospel, the same worship.” That continuity brings peace to those looking for something that doesn’t shift with trends or personalities.

Whether you’re deeply rooted in your church tradition, exploring new ideas, or just hungry to know Jesus more fully, this conversation invites you into a bigger story—one that spans centuries, cultures, and denominations. It doesn’t tell you where you must go, but gently asks: What might God be inviting you to explore? And how could learning more about the early Church strengthen your own walk with Christ?

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What Does Femininity Look Like in the Orthodox Church?

In a culture that often misunderstands tradition, Orthodox Christianity may seem, at first glance, like a “Christian fraternity” — rigid, exclusive, or overly male-centered. But as Ben and Ashley Langlois (popularly known as Orthodox Luigi and his wife) reveal in this heartfelt conversation, nothing could be further from the truth.

Orthodoxy offers women a deeply rooted spiritual home—one that honors the unique dignity, strength, and calling of femininity in ways that may feel unfamiliar to many raised in Western expressions of Christianity.

For many women, the journey into the Orthodox Church begins with hesitation. Some arrive simply to support a spouse or out of spiritual curiosity, only to find themselves quietly wondering, “What did I just get myself into?” But what often begins in uncertainty becomes a path to profound spiritual fulfillment. In Orthodoxy, they discover a Church that doesn’t conform to modern trends, but instead reaches deep into the soul with its ancient beauty, reverence, and rhythms of grace.

Here, femininity is not erased or sidelined, but transfigured. It finds its voice in sacred service, quiet strength, and spiritual motherhood. Women in the Church lead choirs, bake the communion bread (prosphora), create feasts for the saints, and nurture the life of the parish. Even practices that may seem strange at first—like veiling—take on new meaning. As one convert put it, “We cover what is holy and what is of value.”

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. To embrace Orthodoxy often means learning to see the world through new eyes—to “think Orthodox.” Dr. Jeannie Constantinou’s book Thinking Orthodox has become a trusted guide for many women making this transition, helping them understand the Orthodox “phronema” (mindset) and begin to live it out.

And this faith isn’t just personal—it’s communal. Orthodox parishes are vibrant with shared life, centered not around programs or performances, but the Eucharist. After services, parishioners gather for meals that often stretch for hours. In those long conversations over food, true Christian fellowship takes root.

Whether you're simply curious about Orthodoxy or wondering how to talk with your spouse about your growing interest in the ancient faith, this conversation between Ben and Ashley will meet you with honesty, encouragement, and hope.

Join us as we explore what it means to be a woman of faith in the Orthodox Church—and how the ancient path still leads us home today. Subscribe now and become part of a community rediscovering the beauty of Christ’s Church in the modern world.

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Can a gender-swapped character point us toward deeper truths rather than distract from them?

That’s the question Jeremy Jeremiah and James St. Simon explore in our latest conversation on Marvel’s Fantastic Four 2025 and its bold reimagining of the Silver Surfer as a woman. At first glance, many believers might brace for another heavy-handed cultural message—but what unfolds is something far more interesting, even spiritually resonant.

In an age where entertainment often leads with ideology over imagination, Fantastic Four surprises by putting storytelling first. Unlike past reboots like Ghostbusters or Ocean’s 8, which often seemed to treat gender-swapping as the central appeal, this new Silver Surfer doesn’t exist to make a statement—she exists to serve the story. And because of that, she works.

Rooted in the multiverse logic of Earth-828, this version of the Surfer arrives with moral weight: a once-noble figure who sacrificed everything to save her own world now finds herself an unwilling agent of destruction. The paradox is powerful—and deeply Christian. What happens when self-sacrifice is distorted by the systems of the world? Can goodness remain when repurposed for evil?

This isn't just good storytelling—it's a cinematic parable. It reminds us that true virtue, like Christ’s, often comes through sacrifice, not through force or flash. The Surfer's arc offers a surprising mirror to the Gospel: salvation through suffering, strength in surrender, and the tragedy of corrupted mission.

We also ask the hard question: Have Christians become so wary of “woke” Hollywood that we miss moments where the message actually aligns with deeper truth? What if some of these creative risks—even when imperfect—still invite us into conversations about identity, sacrifice, and redemption?

Join us as we dive into this and more—seeking not just entertainment, but glimpses of the eternal hidden within today’s culture. Subscribe for more reflections on where faith meets film, and how Christ calls us to engage the stories shaping our world.

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In a cultural landscape where moral ambiguity and deconstructed families often dominate the screen, Fantastic Four surprises with a radiant affirmation of traditional family values and the sacredness of life. Beneath its retrofuturistic flair and cosmic spectacle lies a profoundly human—and dare we say, Christian—story about sacrificial love, the dignity of motherhood, and the redemptive power of faith. Join Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and James St. Simon in this fun discussion.

At the heart of the film is Sue Storm, portrayed not as a feminist caricature or action trope, but as a luminous embodiment of maternal virtue. Faced with an excruciating moral dilemma—whether to sacrifice her unborn child to save the world—Sue refuses to accept a utilitarian calculus that pits life against life. Her courage to say "no" to both evil and compromise resonates deeply with the Christian ethic: that every life is sacred, and that love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Her choice is not merely heroic—it’s holy.

Equally powerful is the portrayal of Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal. Rather than the tired stereotype of the aloof or foolish father, Reed is depicted as both brilliant and tender—a husband who listens, leads, and loves. Their marriage is a partnership of mutual respect and shared mission, echoing the biblical vision of man and woman as complementary reflections of God's image (Genesis 1:27).

The film's most striking spiritual parallel may come through the Silver Surfer—a fallen messenger transformed by love and conscience. Once a herald of destruction, she embraces self-sacrifice to save others, offering a compelling image of redemption that echoes Christ’s words: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

Even Galactus, the film’s cosmic antagonist, serves as a cautionary symbol: a voracious void of endless consumption, mirroring the spiritual danger of living without purpose or communion. He is the anti-Christ figure—not in religious terms, but in the sense of being the embodiment of appetite without love, power without sacrifice.

In an era where storytelling often strips heroism of moral clarity and downplays the beauty of family, Fantastic Four feels like a breath of fresh air—an invitation to remember that true strength is not found in spectacle or self-interest, but in the willingness to love, protect, and give.

If this is the direction Marvel is heading, there is reason for hope. Hollywood, it seems, may be rediscovering what Scripture has always affirmed: that the greatest stories are the ones that mirror the greatest truths.

Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home

Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdh

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Ever wondered why Orthodox churches are filled with icons while Catholic ones aren't? This fascinating conversation with David Latting and Ben Langlois (Orthodox Luigi) takes us deep into the heart of Orthodox Christianity and its distinctive practices.

The discussion uncovers how icons serve as "windows into heaven" for Orthodox believers—not just beautiful art, but portals into the divine realm. Langlois explains the theological reasoning behind the two-dimensional nature of icons, tracing this tradition back to the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 CE. For those curious about Christian history, the episode offers a refreshing perspective on how the ancient Church used visual imagery to teach biblical stories to illiterate believers, challenging common misconceptions about scripture access in early Christianity.

One of the most enlightening segments addresses the Great Schism between Eastern and Western Christianity. Rather than a simple split in 1054, we learn how the separation evolved gradually over centuries, with fascinating insights into how the pre-schism Western Church was considered Orthodox despite cultural differences. This nuanced historical understanding helps bridge denominational divides and fosters appreciation for shared Christian heritage.

The conversation doesn't shy away from difficult questions, including a thoughtful Protestant concern: "Why would I give my attention to anyone but Jesus?" The response offers a compelling parallel between asking friends for prayer and requesting intercession from saints, demonstrating how Orthodox veneration practices ultimately maintain Christ's centrality while honoring the communion of saints across time.

Whether you're deeply familiar with Orthodox traditions or completely new to them, this episode will transform your understanding of Christian worship, history, and theology. Subscribe to Cloud of Witnesses for more thought-provoking conversations that explore the depth and richness of Christian faith across traditions.

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The recent American Eagle advertisements featuring Sydney Sweeney have sparked intense public reaction, but amidst the noise, a deeper conversation is being overlooked—one that speaks to the heart of Christian discipleship in our image-driven culture. Join Jeremy Jeremiah and James St. Simon as we discuss this cultural issue head on.

Rather than getting swept up in ideological debates or surface-level controversies, we invite believers to reflect on what Scripture teaches about beauty, modesty, and the dignity of the human person. The human body is a gift from God—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)—but how we present that gift reveals whom we serve.

In today’s culture, where marketing often trades in provocation and the reduction of persons to visual consumption, Christians are called to something higher. The lives of women like Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, and above all, the Theotokos—the Virgin Mary—remind us that true beauty is inseparable from virtue. Their strength, humility, and faithfulness reveal a radiance that no advertisement can replicate.

Modesty, in the Christian tradition, is not about shame or repression. It is about reverence—for oneself, for others, and for the God who made us. As St. Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our bodies are not commodities to be marketed, but sacred vessels meant for glory, love, and service.

Marriage itself, the first covenant established by God, points us beyond mere physical attraction toward a deeper union of souls, grounded in sacrificial love and spiritual communion.

As followers of Christ, we are called to rise above the culture wars and bear witness to a Kingdom where beauty is not exploited but honored, not flaunted but cherished. Let us strive for a vision of womanhood and manhood rooted in holiness—not in trends, but in timeless truth.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how we, as Christians, can respond with grace, clarity, and conviction in a world that often forgets the sacredness of the human form.

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