Made to Be a Kingdom

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony take a short detour from their ongoing study of ecclesiology to look a topic in applied ecclesiology: what to do about the paucity of parishes in many of our locales. This is something many of our listeners experience and that the Church is working to solve. Enjoy the show!

The 3rd Ecumenical Council referred to Orthodoxy as “the Faith of the Catholic and Apostolic Church to which all Orthodox Bishops, both East and West, agree.” Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about what it means that the Church exists where this faith is found and what the implications are for defining heresy, heretics, and schism. Fr. Anthony also introduces everyone to one of his favorite variations of southern boba tea. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the beauty of the Ascension, the First Ecumenical Council, and how both relate to ecclesiology. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue to explore issues in Orthodox Christian ecclesiology using Fr. Harry's book, Christ's Amazing Church. For this episode, they focus on the role the Church plays – as Christ Incarnate – in preserving and teaching the Orthodox faith. This is complicated by 1) the importance and of keeping the tradition free of “disorder” (2 Thessalonians 3:6) and “babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” (1 Timothy 6:20) and 2) the way pride works with current technology to perversely encourage “babbling” in the name of preserving and teaching the Truth. They conclude by encouraging peace, humility, and all the fruits of love. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue their conversation on ecclesiology, riffing on Tim Eldred's article; “The Lie of Just One More Sunday” at The Authentic Pastor (https://www.theauthenticpastor.com/blog/pastor-burnout-just-one-more-sermon) and how so many in parish leadership (to include priests) fall into and justify sinful and unsustainable patterns of ministry. They make the point that poor leadership has serious detrimental downstream effects on the spiritual health of the parish and that doing things Biblically (e.g. Exodus 18) is sustainable, graceful, and beneficial for everyone involved. Enjoy the show!

Today, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the words "ecclesia" and "church" and how they should and should not be applied. Specifics covered include correcting the conception of the invisible Church; the church as a place vs. the Church as the body of Christ; and what it is that makes a given place/community "Church" or "not-Church." Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue exploring the major topics in "Christ's Amazing Church," looking at how dogma, doctrine, teaching, and theological opinions protect and nourish the Body of Christ. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony start covering the major themes in Fr. Harry's book; "Christ's Amazing Church: A Journey in Orthodox Ecclesiology," focusing on what it means for the Church to be the Body of Christ. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony respond to a listener's question about His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania of blessed memory - may his memory be eternal! This led to a discussion about autocephaly, patriarchates, metropolitanates, eparchies, and parishes. Lord willing, future episodes will explore these and other ecclesial issues using Fr. Harry's book; "Christ's Amazing Church: A Journey in Orthodox Ecclesiology" as its guide. Enjoy the show!

In today's episode, Fr. Harry talks with Fr. Anthony about St. Paul's instruction to the Church in Corinth that "everything be done decently and in good order" (1 Corinthians 14:40), applying it to the challenges that come to decency and order in parish life and describing how good ecclesiology and love deal with those challenges. Enjoy the show!

Each of the Nativity Gospels in the Four Gospels is unique, but rather than being contradictory, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony encourage us to celebrate the unity of their witness. Enjoy the show!

Segueing from Fr. Harry's observations about worship in the last episode on his pilgrimage on Mt. Athos, Fr. Harry leads us in a discussion of the various positions of prayer (and there's more to it than standing and prostrations). Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry talks with Fr. Anthony about his pilgrimage to Mount Athos, focusing on the transformative possibility given to us by deep liturgical traditions.

After a long hiatus, Fr. Harry talks with Fr. Anthony about how his community is recovering from the hurricanes, the joy of being a pilgrim in Athens, and a summary of the discussions of the meeting of Canonists he was there to attend. It concludes with a discussion about how the need to take even seemingly irrelevant canons (Jewish doctors!?) seriously. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony conclude their series on the expectations of parishioners. They point out the temptations for consumer/business thinking and challenge the use of anything but tithes to maintain the parish. Enjoy the show!

We must understand that anything we do for Church is not doing God a favor. God needs nothing and has no favoritism--He has given the Church for our benefit as a gift for us to properly take care of. Again, Church membership is about one thing and one thing only, and that is building our relationship with God in the Church that He gave us as a gift. We are to give freely and with the attitude that we are only doing our duty, and that all that we do cannot possibly be a return for what God has given us, and therefore are to be cheerful and thankful in what we do and give (Luke 17.10).

Christ told us that where we put our money, there will our hearts be also (Matt. 6.21, Luke 12.34). The spending of money is a religious action (sacrifice), but very often goes to darker purposes. Giving to the local church should be a part of our tithe, which is money owed to God (tithing or biblical stewardship with a proportion of tithing). Likewise, the local church giving to the diocese is also a basic principle of Orthodox Christianity (1 Cor. 16.1-3). While tithing was a ritual element of the Law of Moses and the priesthood of Aaron, it was also a principle of the Priesthood of Melkizedek (Christ's priesthood). This includes the priest-husband and priest-wife who do a full tithe (10% of the Priest/Pani income) as an example to the rest of the parish. As Scripture states, giving should not be done "grudgingly", nor mandatorily, but rather freely and cheerfully. Enjoy the show!

Christ told us that where we put our money, there will our hearts be also (Matt. 6.21, Luke 12.34). The spending of money is a religious action (sacrifice), but very often goes to darker purposes. Giving to the local church should be a part of our tithe, which is money owed to God (tithing or biblical stewardship with a proportion of tithing). Likewise, the local church giving to the diocese is also a basic principle of orthodox Christianity (1 Cor. 16.1-3). While tithing was a ritual element of the Law of Moses and the priesthood of Aaron, it was also a principle of the Priesthood of Melkizedek (Christ's priesthood). This includes the priest-husband and priest-wife who do a full tithe (10% of the Priest/Pani income) as an example to the rest of the parish. As Scripture states, giving should not be done "grudgingly", nor mandatorily, but rather freely and cheerfully. Enjoy the show!

At any time of major sin, of prolonged or addictive sin, Orthodox Christians should partake of the sacred mystery of Repentance (Confession). Beyond this, the Church has put forward the four periods of repentance so that during these periods, or at least once during the year, we confess sacramentally. Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about this and the frequency of and preparation for Communion as part of their series on the duties Orthodox Christians have. Enjoy the show!

At any time of major sin, of prolonged or addictive sin, Orthodox Christians should partake of the sacred mystery of Repentance (Confession). Beyond this, the Church has put forward the four periods of repentance so that during these periods, or at least once during the year, we confess sacramentally. Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about this and the frequency of and preparation for Communion as part of their series on the duties Orthodox Christians have. Enjoy the show!

Christ said, "love one another as I have loved you." The members of the parish are expected to care for one another and to visit one another in illness or affliction. Also, there is the responsibility to tell the priest and our fellow Church members when things happen that may cause our absence. Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about this as part of their series on the duties Orthodox Christians have. Enjoy the show!

Christ said, "love one another as I have loved you." The members of the parish are expected to care for one another and to visit one another in illness or affliction. Also, there is the responsibility to tell the priest and our fellow Church members when things happen that may cause our absence. Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about this as part of their series on the duties Orthodox Christians have. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue discussing membership expectations, including the need to live according to what is right and wrong rather than what our feelings or the world suggest. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue discussing membership expectations, including the need to live according to what is right and wrong rather than what our feelings or the world suggest. Enjoy the show!

In this episode Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss how expectations, orientation, and clarity are essential to church health and growth. They discuss how some parishes actually panic when they shrink and think that they should have less expectations of parishioners. However, as studies have shown, the opposite is true, and our Lord himself expects us to focus on the one thing needful. Enjoy the show!

In this episode Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss how expectations, orientation, and clarity are essential to church health and growth. They discuss how some parishes actually panic when they shrink and think that they should have less expectations of parishioners. However, as studies have shown, the opposite is true, and our Lord himself expects us to focus on the one thing needful. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry shares his experience as a Canonist and he and Fr. Anthony talk about the joy of living in a parish that gets ecclesiology right. Enjoy the show.

Today Fr. Harry shares his experience as a Canonist and he and Fr. Anthony talk about the joy of living in a parish that gets ecclesiology right. Enjoy the show.

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony repond to a listener's concerns and talk about the "wellbeing of the holy churches of God," technological disruption of traditional institutions, and finding our particular ministries and modes of service. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony repond to a listener's concerns and talk about the "wellbeing of the holy churches of God," technological disruption of traditional institutions, and finding our particular ministries and modes of service. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony use the prayer the bishop prays over the deacon when ordaining him to the priesthood to discern the central duties of the priest. Come to find out, it isn't a perfect match for many of the expectations we have of priests (and that priests have of themselves). Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony use the prayer the bishop prays over the deacon when ordaining him to the priesthood to discern the central duties of the priest. Come to find out, it isn't a perfect match for many of the expectations we have of priests (and that priests have of themselves). Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue their discussion about healthy parishes by focusing on expectations that need to change if a parish is to grow. They use Carey Nieuwof's blog post; "7 Things Every Growing Church Struggle With" to frame their discussion.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue their discussion about healthy parishes by focusing on expectations that need to change if a parish is to grow. They use Carey Nieuwof's blog post; "7 Things Every Growing Church Struggle With" to frame their discussion.

Using Acts 6:1-7 as a springboard, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the need to be intentional when it comes to organizing parish life. There is a huge temptation on the part of both priests and parishes to set it up around pastoral care. Listen and learn why this model is problematic for everyone involved.

Using Acts 6:1-7 as a springboard, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the need to be intentional when it comes to organizing parish life. There is a huge temptation on the part of both priests and parishes to set it up around pastoral care. Listen and learn why this model is problematic for everyone involved.

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss extra-terrestrial beings. They discuss sightings, whether some of these beings may actually be "enfleshed" demons or even angels (which are themselves by definition extra-terrestrial), as well as the possibility of other sentient beings besides angels and demons, the possibility of humans on other planets, and whether such a discovery would change the nature of our Faith. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss extra-terrestrial beings. They discuss sightings, whether some of these beings may actually be "enfleshed" demons or even angels (which are themselves by definition extra-terrestrial), as well as the possibility of other sentient beings besides angels and demons, the possibility of humans on other planets, and whether such a discovery would change the nature of our Faith. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode our hosts discuss the phenomenon of mass violence and sociopathy, how to deal with it when major turmoil appears in the world, as well as identifying and dealing with narcissists and sociopaths in our own lives, including workplaces, homes, and parishes, from the perspective of our Faith and as responsible members of the Royal Priesthood

In this episode our hosts discuss the phenomenon of mass violence and sociopathy, how to deal with it when major turmoil appears in the world, as well as identifying and dealing with narcissists and sociopaths in our own lives, including workplaces, homes, and parishes, from the perspective of our Faith and as responsible members of the Royal Priesthood

*Parental Warning: some of the items discussed are graphic in nature as they contain descriptions of some of the grievous sins of heathen nations and of Israel In today's episode, our hosts discuss idolatries of old and how they relate to us, the idolatry of syncretism (mixing with other religions or mixing pure faith with the profane), the importance of not doing these things, the uniqueness of Christianity in the world and how it differs from “world religions,” and how we must keep our offerings, our homes, and our churches purged of idols. Lastly, they discuss how we must repent even of sins that we were unaware were sins because they still injure us and others spiritually.

*Parental Warning: some of the items discussed are graphic in nature as they contain descriptions of some of the grievous sins of heathen nations and of Israel In today's episode, our hosts discuss idolatries of old and how they relate to us, the idolatry of syncretism (mixing with other religions or mixing pure faith with the profane), the importance of not doing these things, the uniqueness of Christianity in the world and how it differs from “world religions,” and how we must keep our offerings, our homes, and our churches purged of idols. Lastly, they discuss how we must repent even of sins that we were unaware were sins because they still injure us and others spiritually.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the lure of idolatry, how the Israelites fell prey, and why we need to be especially valient lest we do the same (or worse).

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the lure of idolatry, how the Israelites fell prey, and why we need to be especially valient lest we do the same (or worse).

We begin with the Beast of Revelation and his number etc., and with the concept of Antichrist and with the "not buy or sell" already being mentioned in the Gospels at the Temple with Christ overturning the money changers and those in the temple who would not take anything to purchase a sacrificial animal except a Tyrian Shekel which had the image of Heracles (Hercules) on it who was not a "hero" but rather a nephalim. So the final takeaway is that we have been given Solomon's dignity, let us not follow his path but rather heed his final warning and instructions. His heirs did not heed them, but they exist now so that we might heed them (the end of Ecclesiastes). This includes not joining any civil leaders in idolatry, since most of us won't personally multiply gold or horses (but maybe spouses).

We begin with the Beast of Revelation and his number etc., and with the concept of Antichrist and with the "not buy or sell" already being mentioned in the Gospels at the Temple with Christ overturning the money changers and those in the temple who would not take anything to purchase a sacrificial animal except a Tyrian Shekel which had the image of Heracles (Hercules) on it who was not a "hero" but rather a nephalim. So the final takeaway is that we have been given Solomon's dignity, let us not follow his path but rather heed his final warning and instructions. His heirs did not heed them, but they exist now so that we might heed them (the end of Ecclesiastes). This includes not joining any civil leaders in idolatry, since most of us won't personally multiply gold or horses (but maybe spouses).

Avoiding the sins against God's definition of royalty in His Kingdom. More on avoiding the narcissism that our culture encourages. Here we look at Solomon, and the number of the beast! We also look at a divided Kingdom of Israel under Solomon and how Christ re-establishes and re-unites and expands it universally by His ministry on earth from conception to ascension, and how He is Christ both for the northern Kingdom and the southern Kingdom.

Avoiding the sins against God's definition of royalty in His Kingdom. More on avoiding the narcissism that our culture encourages. Here we look at Solomon, and the number of the beast! We also look at a divided Kingdom of Israel under Solomon and how Christ re-establishes and re-unites and expands it universally by His ministry on earth from conception to ascension, and how He is Christ both for the northern Kingdom and the southern Kingdom.

[Priestly Kingdom]: What it means for us to be chrismated Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom. Kill narcissism, and resurrect humility—from dust we are and to dust we must return. Here we discuss necessary aspects of being Royalty in God's Kingdom. It is the opposite of being royalty in the world (Sts. Boris and Gleb, the Passionbearers; Sts. Katherine and Barbara of old who renounced Roman royalty; Sts. New Martyrs Elisabeth and Barbara who renounced Russian royalty to become full servants of God's Kingdom).

[Priestly Kingdom]: What it means for us to be chrismated Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom. Kill narcissism, and resurrect humility—from dust we are and to dust we must return. Here we discuss necessary aspects of being Royalty in God's Kingdom. It is the opposite of being royalty in the world (Sts. Boris and Gleb, the Passionbearers; Sts. Katherine and Barbara of old who renounced Roman royalty; Sts. New Martyrs Elisabeth and Barbara who renounced Russian royalty to become full servants of God's Kingdom).

Our hosts discuss what Orthodox phronema means and why it is important to understand it correctly.