Singing the Triumphal Hymn

Fr. John speaks to the Youth Music Ministry track at the Sacred Music Institute at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. After sharing stories of people dedicated to God at a young age, he reminds attendees that chanters are called by God to proclaim the truth of the Faith.

Fr. John reads chapter five of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reflects on Great and Holy Pascha.

Fr. John reads chapter four of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reflects on Lent and fasting.

Fr. John reads chapter three of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reflects on Theophany and New Year's day at Grandpa Finley's.

Fr. John reads chapter two of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reflects on Christmases spent at his grandparents' house in Oklahoma.

Fr. John reads chapter one of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he describes his childhood visits to his grandfather's house—a place filled with the love of faith, family, and God.

Fr. John reads chapter fourteen of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he further explores the symbolism of fish in both the Scriptures and Church tradition.

Fr. John reads chapter thirteen of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he draws a number of spiritual lessons from a lifetime spent fishing.

Fr. John reads chapter twelve of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he discusses issues related to the tray of wheat that we offer in commemoration of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

Fr. John reads chapter eleven of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reminds us that olive trees—their leaves, fruit, and especially oil—are manifestations of God's mercy and reconciliation with mankind.

Fr. John reads chapter ten of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Here he reflects on wine, marriage, and transformation.

Fr. John reads chapter nine of his book Sacred Meals, now available from Conciliar Press. Sacred Meals shows us how to build character and pass down family and Christian traditions to our children through eating together at home.

December 13th of 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the departure from this life of Fr. Alexander Schmemann. In commemoration, Fr. John put together "The Eucharist Is," a poetic compilation of Fr. Alexander's descriptions of Holy Communion. This week's episode is a rerun of that touching and poignant broadcast.

Fr. John discusses the Sacrament of Ordination.

Fr. John continues his series on sanctification of life. This week he discusses the Sacrament of Marriage.

Fr. John continues his series on the sanctification of life. This week he discusses the sacrament of holy oil.

Continuing his series on the sanctification of life, Fr. John discusses the sacrament of repentance. He encourages us to embrace this sacrament and the healing it brings.

Fr. John discusses the sacrament of Chrismation.

Fr. John concludes his discussion of the sacrament of Baptism.

Fr. John discusses the sacrament of baptism.

Fr. John FInley begins a new series, "The Sanctification of Life: A Discussion of the Major Sacraments of the Church."

Fr. John shares portions of St. Nicholai’s sermon on Great Friday. The complete homily can be found in Homilies, Nicholai Velemirovic, Bishop of Ochrid, translated by Mother Maria and published by Lazarica Press.

Fr. John takes a closer look at Holy Week and Pascha.

Fr. John continues his series on "time," focusing here on the Annunciation and the significance of March 25th.

Fr. John Finley presents a tribute to Fr. Jack Sparks, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 8, 2010. Featured is a speech delivered by Fr. Jack at the very first Missions and Evangelism Conference in 1988.

Fr. John presents a lecture by his late pastor, teacher, and spiritual mentor, the Very Reverend J. Richard Ballew. December 13th marks the one-year anniversary of his passing. "As much as anything else, evangelism is bringing people to active participation in liturgical worship and prayer." —V. Rev. J. Richard Ballew

Fr. John embarks on an introduction to the season of Advent.

Fr. John introduces the Feast of the Theotokos, paying particular attention to the parallels between Mary and the Church.

Fr. John examines the liturgical cycle of the year, focusing on the Twelve Great Feasts, in particular.

Fr. John examines the cycle of the Orthodox week, as well as the themes associated with each day of the week.

Fr. John explains the significance of the liturgical year.

Fr. John explains how Pentecost is the fulfillment of Pascha and then describes the ways in which Christ has imbued the past, present, and future with a new and joyful meaning.

The Scriptures instruct us to "redeem the time, for the days are evil," but how do we do so? In this introduction to his new series on the sanctification of time, Fr. John explains that it is one thing to remember the dates and times of feasts, but quite another to understand them.

Fr. John concludes his examination of the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. John examines the eucharistic portion of the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. John examines the Thanksgiving portion of the Divine Liturgy

Fr. John examines the shape of the Divine Liturgy following the dismissal of the catechumens.

Before the fourth century, the liturgy was divided into two parts: the Synaxis and the Eucharist. Fr. John examines them both.

Fr. John shares an article originally printed in Again magazine. He envisions the future of American Orthodox music—our responsibilities and the obstacles we face.

Just as our faith was passed down from the Apostles, so is our rule of prayer. The Orthodox worship service IS the words of the Bible.

Fr. Finley explores the historical and Biblical underpinnings of the Divine Liturgy, explaining how early Christian worship was liturgical in nature.

The whole Church lies in the paten that is to be offered to God. Fr. John explains how this is so, as well as what goes into preparing the bread and wine for Holy Communion.

The clergy and the laity can't be opposed to one another, nor can they be confused with one another. Fr. John explains how this principle of orthodox organization is reflected in the priestly vestments.

Fr. John presents his vision for the future of Orthodox Church architecture—one gleaned from the descriptions of heaven found in the Book of Revelation.

What is the purpose behind Orthodox Church architecture? Fr. John offers explanations for everything from the narthex to the altar in a truly fascinating episode of Singing the Triumphal Hymn.

The word Liturgy means the work of the people. As Fr. John continues his study of the Divine Liturgy he concentrates on our role as "laity."

In his continuing series on the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John begins an exploration of liturgical formulas and texts. Today he talks about the office of Deacon.

Bowing, standing, candle lighting, and the sign of the cross are all part of Fr. John's Finley's continued look at symbol vs. reality.

All of our senses are engaged in the worship of God but is incense simply symbolic of our prayers rising to God or is it something much deeper?

Fr. John talks about the importance of the Bible in our liturgy and worship.

What is the difference between corporate and individual worship and how are we to participate in the Divine Liturgy? Fr. John Finley explores these questions and more in this episode.