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I Corinthians 4:9-16 St. John 1:35-51 In this homily for the Feast of St. Andrew, Fr. Anthony contrasts the world's definition of success with the apostolic witness of sacrifice, humility, and courageous love. Drawing on St. Paul's admonition to the Corinthians, he calls Christians to recover the reverence due to bishops and spiritual fathers, to reject the corrosive logic of social media, and to return to the ascetical path that forms us for theosis. St. Andrew and St. Paul's lives reveals that true honor is found not in comfort or acclaim but in following Christ wherever He leads — even into suffering and martyrdom. Enjoy the show! ---- St. Andrew Day, 2025 The Orthodox Church takes apostolic succession very seriously; the preservation of "the faith passed on to the apostles" is maintained by the physicality of the ordination of bishops by bishops, all of who can trace the history of the ordination of the bishops who ordained them back to one or more of the apostles themselves. You probably already new that. But there is another part of that respect for the apostles that you may not know of: the ranking of autocephalist (i.e. independent) national Churches. The Canons (especially those of the Council of Trullo) give prominence to the five ancient patriarchates of Rome (Sts. Peter and Paul), Constantinople (St. Andrew), Alexandria (St. Mark), Antioch (St. Paul), and Jerusalem (St. James). St. Andrew travelled into dangerous barbarian lands to spread the Gospel, to include the Middle East, and, most notably, then North to the lands around the Black Sea; Ankara and Edessa to the south of the Black Sea in what is now Turkey, to the East of the Black Sea into the Caucuses, and up to the North of the Black Sea to the Scythian lands into what is now Ukraine. That was his first journey. After this, he returned to Jerusalem and then went on his second journey to Antioch, back up into the Caucasus, out to the land of the dog-headed people in Central Asia, down through what is now Afghanistan to the Arabian Sea, and then back up through Persia and finally into Greece, where he was martyred. He sacrificed so much for the Gospel and brought so many souls to salvation through the Christ he himself knew, both before and after His glorious Resurrection. His virtue and sacrificial service allow God's grace to flow into the world and he serves as the patron of several countries, cities, and all Christians who bear variations of His name such as Andrew, Andrei, and Andrea. As Orthodox Christians, we should know his story, ask for his intercession, and imitate his witness. And everyone, whether Christian or not, should respect his virtue. But does it? Does it even respect virtue? Do we? As Saint Paul points out in today's Epistle, many of us do not. And don't think the problem was just in Corinth; St. John Chrysostom's homilies on this epistle show that the people there were at least as guilty. And that was in the center of Eastern Orthodoxy, during the time of alleged symphonia between the Church and State. Should there be any doubt that we, too, allow the world to define the sorts of worldly things we should prioritize? After all … What is it that the world respects in a man? What is it that the world respects in a woman? Think for a second what it is that impresses you the most about the people you admire – perhaps even makes you jealous, wishing that you had managed to obtain the same things. I cannot read your minds, but if you are like most Americans, the list would certainly include: A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) These are some of the things that many of you are either pleased to enjoy, regret not having obtained, or, if you are young, are currently striving for. The Apostles Andrew and Paul, gave up the possibility for all these things to follow Christ. Not because they wanted to; not because God made them; they gave up the life of worldly comfort and respect because – in a culture and time as messed up as theirs was – this is the only Way to live a life of grace and to grow in love and perfection. A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury? Nope – gave it up. A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment? Nope – gave it up. The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers? No again. Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) I don't think so (unless a prison in Rome and martyrdom count!). Because St. Paul is writing as an Apostle, instructing a parish that he was called to lead, it is tempting to put his sacrifices into the category of "things that clergy do". And clergy certainly should follow their example. While my example is not so bright, you may know that I gave up a life of wealth, admiration, and the possibility of a comfortable retirement so that I could serve as a priest. God has blessed that and protected me from harm, but the opportunity costs are real, nonetheless. And while I am a pale shadow of him (and he of Christ), I, like the Apostle Paul, did these things not because I wanted to (I liked my life then!) and not because God made me, but because in a culture and time as messed up as ours is, such a life of simplicity and complete service to others is the only Way I can live a life of grace and to grow in love and towards perfection in Christ. I have made some sacrifices, but I know other clergymen who – in our time – have given up more. Their entire lives given over to sacrificial servce to Christ. Who have become experts in both academic theology and the real theology of constant prayer. Who have and continue to lead their dioceses and Churches through such difficult times. And yet, who, like St. Paul, are not only reviled by the world, but even by Orthodox Christians. Yes, to paraphrase St. Paul, we are so smart and educated that we can criticize and heap piles of coal on their heads because we know so much more than they do – because they, like St. Paul, are fools. We can trash-talk them on social media and applaud others who lead the charge against them because they are so weak and we are so strong. How long does it take for a Patriarch's priestly ministry to make him respectable in our sight? For us to respect him, or at least to forebear him? It must be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Kyrril who has been leading his Church and people through an incredibly difficult time, as he believes the West works to undermine his people's faith and traditional Christianity everywhere. It must also be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Bartholomew, as he works amidst the persecution of the government in the place he lives to bring Christians and Christians who have long been divided into and towards the unity for which we pray daily and which our God desires us to work towards. It must be more than 42 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about our own Patriach John, who has seen his people and Church crucified and persecuted and who seeks to encourage the local authorities to protect the weak and the Church and people he serves (while leading the people he serves in the West to avoid the excesses of liberty). I hope you feel the shame, if not your own personal shame for having participated in slandering and judging our bishops and patriarchs, then feel shame for seeing the world and those Orthodox Christians who are living by its rules attacking them and questioning their virtue. This is the same shame that St. Paul was trying to elicit in Corinth. Do you feel the shame? If not, then the world, probably through social media, has deadened your noetic senses. It is time for repentance. And like St. Paul, I have to tell you that – while few of you may be called to priestly or monastic service – all of us are called to reject those things that the world has led us to value, because all of these things are like barrier between us and the eternal joy and perfection we were called to enjoy. Listen to me, my brothers and sisters, as I repeat the words of St. Paul we so desperately need to hear: "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me." We do not have St. Paul as our father, but we have one of his successors, Patriarch John, and those whom he has assigned to us, such as Metropolitan Saba, Bishop John, and even this, your unworthy servant. Let's stop giving attention to those who attack Orthodox clerics and thereby sow division within the Church and undermine its witness to others. Let's give up our attachment to this world and its ways. Let's give up everything worldly we love, follow Christ, and gain the things that are really worth our love, admiration, and sacrifice.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss the Trump administration's 28-point peace plan for Russia-Ukraine, the dangerous and unhinged reaction from Western media, and Marco Rubio's role in getting the deal maligned as "Russian." Then, they discuss Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation from Congress and some updates on Venezuela. Recorded November 26, 2025.
Andrew Day and Harrison Berger talk to Robert Malley about his new book, Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine. They also discuss the Gaza war, Barack Obama's and Donald Trump's unique approaches to Israel-Palestine, the rise of antisemitism, impediments to a two-state solution, and more. Recorded November 20, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss the affordability crisis and Laura Ingraham's surprisingly adversarial interview with President Donald Trump. Then, they discuss efforts by throwback Reagan Republicans to purge the right of populists and post-liberals. Recorded November 12, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the election night "blue-bath" and whether the GOP must transform to survive. Then, they discuss Kevin Roberts' defense of Tucker Carlson from attacks over an interview with Nick Fuentes. Recorded November 5, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss US-China economic warfare, the Trump-Xi meeting, the small boat attacks in South America, the Gaza ceasefire collapse, and university students challenging JD Vance on Israel. Recorded October 30, 2025.
Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Brandan Buck of the Cato Institute about the Trump administration's "peace through strength" slogan and whether it's used to legitimize hawkish foreign policy in Latin America, the Middle East, and Russia-Ukraine. Recorded October 22, 2025. Pick of the week: "When 'Peace Through Strength' Means 'War Is Peace," by Brandan Buck and Beckett Elkins.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the POLITICO hit piece targeting Young Republicans. Then they discuss President Donald Trump's threat to send Tomahawks to Ukraine and his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin. Finally, they discuss the Gaza peace plan and whether it will hold. Recorded October 16, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the looming U.S. war against Venezuela, the escalating war in Ukraine, and the Trump administration's crackdown on crime in American cities. Recorded October 2, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Donald Trump's declaration that Ukraine can defeat Russia. Then, they discuss the shooting attack at an ICE facility and the U.S. bailout of Argentina. Recorded September 25, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss the Charlie Kirk assassination and the White House response. Then, they discuss Secretary of State Marco Rubio's awkward trip to Israel and a possible war against Venezuela. Recorded September 17, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the murder of Charlie Kirk, the political fallout, the dangers of social media, and America's uncertain future. Recorded September 11, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss China's military parade and summit of world leaders, America's strikes on a Venezuelan boat, and the Israel divide at the National Conservatism conference. Recorded September 3, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss the FBI raid on John Bolton's home, President Donald Trump's firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the possibility of war with Venezuela, and more. Recorded August 27, 2025.
Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Mark Episkopos of the Quincy Institute about President Donald Trump's flurry of diplomatic activity on Russia-Ukraine. Then, they discuss the looming Israel-Iran war. Recorded August 21, 2025.
The National Security Hour with Brandon Weichert – When asked how he'd grade President Donald Trump's foreign policy record for the second term, Andrew Day, senior editor at The American Conservative and host of the TAC Right Now podcast said he'd give Trump “a much lower grade than the start of the administration,” adding a “C or a D.” Nevertheless, Day expressed “cautious optimism” that...
The National Security Hour with Brandon Weichert – When asked how he'd grade President Donald Trump's foreign policy record for the second term, Andrew Day, senior editor at The American Conservative and host of the TAC Right Now podcast said he'd give Trump “a much lower grade than the start of the administration,” adding a “C or a D.” Nevertheless, Day expressed “cautious optimism” that...
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Donald Trump's crackdown on crime in the nation's capital, the Pentagon's new war on cartels, and the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska. Recorded August 13, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Donald Trump's punishing new tariffs on India, his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin, and Nayib Bukele's move that could let him remain president of El Salvador for life. Recorded August 7, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Sumantra Maitra discuss President Donald Trump's new trade deal with Europe, his tariff threats against India, and the global vibe shift on Israel-Palestine. Recorded July 31, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Donald Trump's accusing Barack Obama of treason, mass protests in Ukraine, and conservatives' fears that the White House is mulling amnesty for illegal aliens. Recorded July 23, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss President Donald Trump's plan to send more weapons to Ukraine, his frustration with the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and Israel's strikes on Syria. Recorded July 17, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the Trump administration's shutting down the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Then, they discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's third visit to the White House and President Donald Trump's apparent reversals on aid for Ukraine and amnesty for illegal aliens. Recorded July 9, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss Bob Vylan's anti-Israel chant at the Glastonbury music festival. Then, they talk about the fraught politics of the Big, Beautiful Bill. Recorded July 2, 2025.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss the 12-day Iran war, Zohran Mamdani's surprise victory in New York, and a proposal in Congress to sell federal lands. Recorded June 25, 2025.
Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Kelley Vlahos of the Quincy Institute about Israel's surprise attack on Iran, whether President Donald Trump helped Israel carry it out, worrying escalation dynamics, and the odds of America joining a regime-change operation. Recorded June 16, 2025.
On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, Andrew Day of The American Conservative returns to the program for a discussion about the recent Israeli strike on Iran and its far-reaching implications. Specifically, we explore how this development challenges the ideological coherence of conservative supporters of Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement—particularly those who advocate for a non-interventionist, "America First"-oriented foreign policy. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, what does this moment reveal about internal divisions within the American right? We also delve into why Andrew and others on the American right are questioning the U.S.-Israel special relationship and how some conservatives are frustrated with Trump's approach to Middle East foreign policy and specifically dealing with Iran. Moreover, Andrew explains why he believe this moment, which could evolve into an all-out war, could've been avoided with a different Iran policy.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss ICE raids in Los Angeles, Elon Musk bending the knee to President Donald Trump, and the fragile state of U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Recorded June 11, 2025.
A sublime Nonzero-TAC crossover event ... Some bad MSM reporting on US-Iran negotiations ... Would Kamala have been better than Trump on Gaza? ... Is a two-state solution conceivable? ... Buchananite conservatives on China ... China, AI, and Covid-19 ... Heading to Overtime ...
A sublime Nonzero-TAC crossover event ... Some bad MSM reporting on US-Iran negotiations ... Would Kamala have been better than Trump on Gaza? ... Is a two-state solution conceivable? ... Buchananite conservatives on China ... China, AI, and Covid-19 ... Heading to Overtime ...
In this special crossover episode of TAC Right Now, Curt Mills and Andrew Day talk to author and public intellectual Robert Wright about the Trump administration's foreign policy. Recorded June 5, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington debate whether America should "walk away" from Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. Then, they discuss President Trump's foreign-policy realism, signs of civilizational politics, and the "big beautiful bill." Recorded May 29, 2025.
Andrew Day and Curt Mills talk to Jon Hoffman of the Cato Institute about the escalating Gaza war, the reported Trump-Netanyahu "rift," Steve Witkoff's "red line" for Iran, and the state of Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. Recorded May 21, 2025.
HE'S THE ONE THAT SITS: Our hosts start with the sadness and address the recent passing of actor George Wendt, whose Cheers character, Norm Peterson, (along with his bar buddy, Cliff Claven, played by John Ratzenberger) really resonated with viewers as the quintessential everyman. THE MAYONNAISE CAMPAIGN: Andrew wrapped up the Dungeons & Dragons campaign he had started earlier in the year and has some closing thoughts after spending some time with this new edition of the game. THE WALKINGS DEAD: A kind of two-in-one, Andrew takes inspiration for his own short campaign of the tabletop RPG of The Walking Dead by starting to watch the first spinoff show, Fear the Walking Dead, due to its setting on the west coast of the United States. THE LEGACY OF PIP & JANE BAKER: Our hosts wrap by discussing a short lived and *possibly* relevant character to the new season of Doctor Who, the malevolent Time Lady, The Rani. TOPICS: (00:00) Intro - RIP George Wendt (08:17) Andrew finishes Dungeons & Dragons (20:47) Andrew starts watching Fear the Walking Dead (28:51) Andrew starts a campaign in The Walking Dead tabletop RPG (31:06) D. Bethel finished Indiana Jones & The Great Circle (34:24) Outro - Doctor Who & The Rani (39:08) Outtakes RELEVANT EPISODES: "Ear COVID" (16 February 2024): Where Andrew started the D&D campaign that he finishes in this week's episode. "The Rolling Dead" (11 April 2025): Where Andrew tires out the The Walking Dead ttrpg for the first time. RELEVANT LINKS: "Cheers | Every Time Norm Walks Into the Bar" (24 June 2020): YouTube, uploaded by Peacock INFO: Visit our website at forallintents.net and leave your thoughts as comments on the page for this episode. Join our Facebook page Social: Andrew - Mastodon, D. Bethel - Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel. FEATURED MUSIC: "Disco Medusae" by Kevin McLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3652-disco-medusae "District Four" by Kevin McLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four Tracks are licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss White House moves that have rankled Israel, Russia-Ukraine direct talks, and the new American pope. Recorded May 14, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the strength of the anti-war right, President Trump's meeting with Canada's new prime minister, and the India-Pakistan conflict. Recorded May 8, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the firing of Mike Waltz, President Trump's first 100 days, and signs that Russia-Ukraine peace talks will fail. Recorded May 1, 2025. YouTube: https://youtu.be/5dkVT8xRpTg?si=o_hAgSHdddH8uaRq
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's push for Russia-Ukraine peace, Pete Hegseth's loss of control in the Pentagon, and the death of Pope Francis. Recorded April 23, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss Steve Witkoff's diplomatic efforts on Iran and Russia-Ukraine, some immigration controversies, and President Donald Trump's second-term performance so far. Picks of the week: "The Actual Point of the Deportations," by W. James Antle III (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-actual-point-of-the-deportations/) "Erdogan's New Turkey--and Old?" by Sean McMeekin. (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-actual-point-of-the-deportations/) "Will Trade Policy Be America First's Iraq War?" by Jude Russo (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/will-trade-policy-be-america-firsts-iraq-war/) "Trump's Desperado Mission," by Jude Russo. (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trumps-desperado-mission/)
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's tariff pause, his Oval Office meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Recorded April 9, 2025. Picks of the week: "Predator or Prey? It's the Wrong Question for Great Powers Today," by Erik Gartzke (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/predator-or-prey-its-the-wrong-question-for-great-powers-today/) "Steak and Company," by Spencer Neale (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/steak-and-company/) "Trump the Gambler," by James Antle (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-the-gambler/)
Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Jarrett Stepman of The Daily Signal about President Trump's tariffs, Marine Le Pen's legal woes, America's lethal partnership with Ukraine, and more. Recorded April 2, 2025.
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss Mike Waltz's Signal-gate embarrassment, a Mexican cartel killing site, and political turmoil in Turkey. Picks of the week: “Turkey Can Advance Trump's Foreign Policy Goals,” by Deniz Karakullukcu. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/turkey-can-advance-trumps-foreign-policy-goals/ “The Hidden Themes Behind the Syrian Violence,” by Sumantra Maitra. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-hidden-themes-behind-the-syrian-violence/ "Trump Should Turn NATO Over to Europe," by Doug Bandow. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-should-turn-nato-over-to-europe/
On this edition of Parallax Views, Andrew Day—senior editor at The American Conservative and contributing fellow at Defense Priorities—joins the show to unpack his provocative article, “Mahmoud Khalil, Viewed From the Right.” In our conversation, Andrew explains why he believes MAGA conservatives must oppose the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder whose First Amendment rights are at stake. Andrew details how the Trump administration's use of a 1952 immigration statute to target Khalil's protest activities not only oversteps constitutional protections but also sets a dangerous precedent for conservatives. He argues that even those who challenge Khalil's views must uphold free speech and that Khalil's detainment has less to do with being a threat to "U.S. foreign policy" than the fact he was protesting Israel. We will also discuss billionaire Trump back Miriam Adelson and pro-Israel affinity group advocacy in the U.S., disagreements that exist in the American conservative movement over the U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen and concerns about the renewed potential for a conflict with Iran,
Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Justin Logan of the Cato Institute about U.S. strikes on Yemen, the possibility of war with Iran, and President Donald Trump's efforts to get a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Pres. Donald Trump's battle with Rep. Thomas Massie, and the brutal violence in Syria. Picks of the week: "Trump Shouldn't Do Regime Change in Ukraine, Either," by Doug Bandow https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-shouldnt-impose-his-will-on-ukraine/ "The Ugly Reality on the Ground in Syria," by Ali Rizk https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-ugly-reality-on-the-ground-in-syria/ "The Afghan Refugee Program Is an Unfixable Mess—and May Bring the Next Terrorist Attack," by Phillip Linderman. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-afghan-refugee-program-is-an-unfixable-mess-and-may-bring-the-next-terrorist-attack/
Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's big speech to Congress, the fallout from the tense meeting with Zelensky, and some downsides of tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Picks of the week: "Whither Pro-Lifers?" by Jude Russo (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/whither-pro-lifers/) "The Problem in CANZUK Is Nationalism," by Sumantra Maitra (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-problem-in-canzuk-is-nationalism/) "What is Realistic in Ukraine?" by W. James Antle III (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/what-is-realistic-in-ukraine/)
Andrew's new gig (and gifts) ... Play-by-play of the Oval Office blowup ... Zelensky's and Trump's obsessions ... What are Russia's red lines? ... Guaranteeing Ukraine's (and Europe's) security ... Heading to Overtime ...
Andrew's new gig (and gifts) ... Play-by-play of the Oval Office blowup ... Zelensky's and Trump's obsessions ... What are Russia's red lines? ... Guaranteeing Ukraine's (and Europe's) security ... Heading to Overtime ...
Andrew Day, Joseph Addington and Sumantra Maitra discuss the power and influence of Elon Musk, Addington's coverage of CPAC, and Maitra's Europe tour and reflections on the ongoing tectonic shifts of the continent.
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