Father Josiah Trenham: An Inspiration and a Model Priest for All Christians
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As someone who has walked a deeply tumultuous path — from being a Muslim leader to embracing Christianity — I have met few people who have impacted my faith journey as deeply as Father Josiah Trenham of the Orthodox Church in California. His wisdom, kindness, and commitment to the truth make him a model priest that every Christian, no matter their denomination, should seek to listen to and emulate.
When I first encountered Father Josiah, I was in the midst of a profound personal struggle. Having been raised and deeply immersed in Islam, I found myself in a time of great spiritual turmoil. My heart had been touched by a dream of Jesus Christ, a vision that ultimately led me down the road to Christianity. This dream, more than a mere religious experience, was a personal encounter with the Savior that shook me to my core. It was in this moment of spiritual awakening that I sought out Father Josiah for guidance.
I explained to him my experience, the dream where Christ spoke to me and called me to embrace the truth. I didn’t know where to go or what to make of it. Father Josiah listened intently, with the patience of a man who has spent years understanding the depths of the soul. He then shared with me the story of the Road to Emmaus from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 24:13-35). He explained how the two disciples, walking away from Jerusalem after Christ's crucifixion, were blind to the reality of the risen Christ walking right beside them. It was only when Jesus revealed Himself to them, breaking the bread, that their hearts burned with recognition.
This powerful moment in Scripture resonated with me in a way that I cannot fully explain in words. Father Josiah’s insight helped me understand that like those disciples, I had been walking blindly for many years, unaware of the true Christ who was always with me, guiding me even when I couldn’t see Him. In my case, my conversion to Christianity was like my own "Road to Emmaus" moment, where I began to understand, after much searching, the true light that had always been there — in Jesus Christ. His wisdom and ability to explain the profound truths of the Bible with such clarity helped to solidify my decision to fully embrace Christ as my Savior.
Father Josiah embodies everything that a priest should be — not just a spiritual leader, but a true guide for souls seeking the path to salvation. His deep understanding of Scripture, his dedication to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, and his unwavering commitment to truth make him an inspiration to all Christians. But what sets him apart even further is his compassionate and non-judgmental nature. When I told him about my background as a Muslim leader, he didn’t look at me with suspicion or disdain but rather saw me as someone searching for the truth. His acceptance and guidance played a crucial role in my transformation.
What struck me most about Father Josiah’s teachings was his ability to bridge the ancient wisdom of the Orthodox faith with a real-world, contemporary approach. He has an incredible gift of making complex theological concepts accessible without watering them down, helping people like me, who are from different walks of life, understand and embrace the full depth of Christianity. His sermons are not merely lectures; they are invitations to experience the transformative power of Christ.
As a former Muslim leader, it has been a unique and humbling journey to come to understand the richness of Christian theology, and Father Josiah Trenham has been a significant part of that experience. He is a beacon of light, showing me and countless others the true path of salvation. His life serves as a living testament to the power of the Orthodox faith, and I am eternally grateful for his role in my spiritual rebirth.
For any Christian, regardless of their denomination, Father Josiah is a priest to be respected and listened to. His wisdom, humility, and devotion are the qualities that every Christian should aspire to emulate. I am honored to have him as a guide on my own faith journey.
Citations:
- The Holy Bible, Luke 24:13-35, Road to Emmaus.
- Trenham, Josiah. "The Role of Tradition in the Orthodox Faith." Orthodox Christian Church of California.
- Darvish, Bobby. "The Journey from Islam to Christ." Darvish Intelligence Blog.
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