Podcast appearances and mentions of bishop basil

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Episode 21 of the Into The Deep Podcast is live! Father Theodore and David Guirguis were invited to the Liturgy and Life retreat to speak with His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef & Their Graces Bishop Basil & Bishop Gregory about the Jesus Prayer.

Bishop Basil had a very interesting obedience — one that you might want to consider too!

His Grace Bishop Basil gives the sermon on the Feast of the Wedding of Cana of Galilee, following in the theme of Nahda sermons this year, the 7 sacraments and the 7 minor feasts.

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications and contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California and begun in 2010. Currently there are more than 550 sermons and lectures covering ten years worth of preaching through the liturgical calendar. | Links | My Life in Christ: The Life & Teaching of Saint John of Kronstadt | 9 Lectures https://patristicnectar.org/bookstore_220620_1122 Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present a new 9-part lecture series entitled My Life in Christ: The Life and Teaching of St. John of Kronstadt. This series consists of two parts. The first consists of four thematic lectures given in 2022 by Fr. Josiah to the St. John Chrysostom Catechetical School in Riverside, Ca. The second part of this series is five talks given by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita, at a men's retreat in Kansas in 2008. St. John of Kronstadt, the Wonder-Worker, served God in Russia during the second half of the 19th century and fell asleep in Christ in 1908. His life, miracles, and teaching have been cherished by believers as God's love gift to the Church and to the world on the cusp of the 20th century, the most violent century in the history of humanity.  These lectures and discussions reveal the beauty of a life lived supremely in and for Jesus Christ the Lord. Lecture #1 - The Life of Saint John of Kronstadt Lecture #2 - On Prayer Lecture #3 - The Eucharist and Divine Liturgy Lecture #4 - On the Priesthood Lecture #5 - The Russia of St. John of Kronstadt Lecture #6 - Confession and Communion in St. John's Teaching Lecture #7 - Q&A (Part 1) Lecture #8 - St. John Counsels and Teachings on Prayer Lecture #9 - Q&A (Part 2) Visit our merch store and support Patristic Nectar! https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.com Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org | Social Media | Patristic Nectar Films Youtube Channel Patristic Nectar Instagram Patristic Nectar Facebook Page | Support Our Ministry | 1) Spread the Word - tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!" 2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here 3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Introduction by His Grace Bishop Basil THE BIG PICTURE - Brave Men's Ministries Conference 2021 November 11th - 14th, 2021 | Austin, TX Ever wonder what God's plan is for humanity….His plan for men and more specifically for YOU? Have you thought in depth about the wounds of the devil in your life? Do you know how to heal from it and fight back? Ever dream of making a difference, and standing firm in light of our societal issues, with like-minded BRAVE MEN? "WATCH, STAND IN THE FAITH, BE BRAVE, BE STRONG." - 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 Learn more about Brave Men's Ministries https://www.bravemensministries.org https://www.facebook.com/bravemensministries https://instagram.com/bravemensministries

Midnight Praises - Departure of Rev. Fr. Luka Wassif @ St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church ~ November 3, 2021 H. G. Bishop Youssef & H. G. Bishop Basil

His Grace Bishop Basil gives the sermon during liturgy concerning Unity and how this is God's will.

His Grace Bishop Basil speaks to the graduate meeting about how we can share God's grace with the world.

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

2021 Theophany Feast Homily Holy Gospel according to St. John 1:18-34 St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church Delray Beach , FL Pastoral Visit January 19, 2021

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

4th Sunday of Mesore | Holy Gospel according to St. Mark 13:3-37 St. Luke Coptic Orthodox Church | South Florida Pastoral Visit | August 30, 2020 His Grace speaks about 4 signs: 1) Events that affect the entire world 2) Personal struggles 3) Attachments to the world 4) Falsehood

His Grace shares with us words from St. Isaac the Syrian,St. Basil the Great, and St. Mark the Ascetic about giving thanks. St. Isaac the Syrian the great ascetic of the 7th century begins his 2nd ascetical homily saying, “The thanksgiving of the recipient incites the giver to give gifts greater than the first…Nor does any gift remain without addition, except that which is received without thanksgiving. The fool’s portion is small in his eyes.” St. Isaac teaches us a simple and beautiful principle of the spiritual life: If I want the graces and gifts that I currently enjoy in my life to increase then I need to realize and give thanks to God and others for those that have already been given. Giving thanks is what assures them that we value what they have graciously given us. As St. Isaac says, we would be foolish to ignore God’s generosity and think that our portion of gifts from God is small and simply consider prayer a matter of requesting more without appreciation and gratitude. Without times of thanksgiving and selfless praise. St. Basil the Great clearly instructs us, “Do not start your prayer by a request, lest it is thought that if it was not for the request, you would not have prayed.” For this reason we begin all our prayers in the Church with Thanksgiving saying, “we thank You for everything, concerning everything, and in everything. For You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Yourself, spared us, supported us, and have brought us to this hour.” We repeat this prayer in Church in the Liturgy, before raising incense, at baptisms, at weddings, at funerals, but also in our homes constantly when we pray the Agpeya as a family or on our own. The Psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, / And forget not all His benefits” (Ps 103:2). But sadly, how many of us take a moment to not just say the Thanksgiving Prayer, but stop and actually give thanks—to remember—to not forget—all God’s blessings? Not just for the new and unique things in our life, but also for the things we may most take for granted. Several weeks ago there was a story told of a 93 year old man in Italy that recovered from coronavirus in the hospital, and he was told to pay for the ventilator for one day, and the old man cried. The doctor advised him not to cry over the bill. But the old man said “I am not crying because of the money I have to pay. I can pay all the money." I cry because I have been breathing God's air for 93 years, but I never pay for it. It takes 5,000 Euros to use a ventilator in a hospital for one day. Do you know how much I owe God?! I didn't thank God for that before." Like this man, we also likely have many things we take for granted: the food we eat, the clean water we drink and wash with, our physical and mental health, the Church, our families and all the people and circumstances and second chances in our life which God used and continues to use to build our relationship with Him. St. Mark the Ascetic of the 5th century instructs that the remembrance of God’s blessings is the answer to the question we often ask and are asked: “How do I begin living a life according to God?” Whether we are struggling with weaknesses of loneliness or loss of purpose or despair, or sins of envy & judging others or pride; or if we want to grow in the virtues: to truly rejoice, to pray, to acquire humility—thanksgiving is a necessary weapon at the beginning and all throughout our life with God and others helping us to both overcome sins and habits as well as grow in the virtues. Therefore, as an exercise this week, let us sit quietly with God remembering and writing our past and present experiences and aspects of our life for which we have seldom or maybe never offered thanks to God and neighbor. Let us stand before God for at least 2 minutes daily. 120 seconds. With no requests, no complaints, but rather let us thank Him: “for everything, concerning everything, and in everything.”

His Grace shares with us St. Dorotheos of Gaza on the words of St. Gregory the Theologian “It is the Day of Resurrection. Let us offer ourselves as first-fruits.” These words from a Paschal homily of St. Gregory the Theologian in the 4th century later became part of a Resurrection hymn that was sung in church in the 6th century. After singing this hymn in the church on the Feast of Resurrection St. Dorotheos of Gaza meditates on the words of the hymn in his own Paschal homily saying: “The sons of Israel kept the Pascha when they came out of Egypt…Now Pascha, the celebration which St Gregory is encouraging us to keep, is performed by the soul which departs from the spiritual Egypt, that is, from sin. For when the soul passes over from sin to virtue, that is when it celebrates the Pascha of the Lord. As Evagrius has said: ‘the Pascha of the Lord is the passing over from evil to good.’ And thus now today is the Pascha of the Lord, the Day of the Bright Festival, the Day of the Resurrection of Christ Who has nailed sin to the Cross, Who has died and rose—all for our sakes. Let us also offer to the Lord gifts, sacrifices, whole-burnt offerings… …for after saying, ‘It is the Day of Resurrection’… …St. Gregory says, ‘Let us offer ourselves as first-fruits [of the Resurrection]’, that is, let us offer ourselves as a sacrifice, let us die to ourselves all the day long, as did all the saints, for the sake of Christ our God Who died for us. How did they put themselves to death? “Do not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15), as is said in the Catholic Epistle; but having renounced the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life’ (1 John 2:16)—that is the love of pleasure, the love of money, and vainglory—they took up the Cross and followed after Christ and crucified the world to themselves and themselves to the world (cf. Gal. 6:14). Concerning this the Apostle says, “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Gal 5:24). This is how the saints put themselves to death. And how did they offer themselves as sacrifice? By not living for themselves, by subjecting themselves to the commandments of God, and abandoning their own desires for the sake of the commandment to love God and their neighbor … Thus, let us also offer ourselves in sacrifice as St. Gregory teaches…” As we greet each other saying, “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” and as we praise the joyful resurrection hymns throughout the Holy 50 days, let us also keep the spirit of the early fathers like St. Dorotheos of Gaza. Just as St. Dorotheos translates the resurrection hymn of his time to life and teaching, let us also apply the spirit of resurrection to our lives by passing over from sin to virtue and no longer living selfishly for ourselves, but rather abandoning our own desires in love of God and neighbor. That we too—as St. Gregory and St. Dorotheos teach us—may offer ourselves as first-fruits of Christ’s Resurrection. That we too “may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” That we too “may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (cf. Phil 3:10-11). Series also posted on Podcast: Search for 'Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States' YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkkYZew63JGZJLHlG1iy55SGL_KbTxa_a

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Glorious Feast of the Resurrection Greeting from HG Bishop Youssef, HG Bishop Basil, and HG Bishop Gregory St. Mary & St. Moses Coptic Orthodox Abbey Sandia, TX April 19, 2020

His Grace takes us on a journey of the Holy Pascha week and asks us to build our relationship with the Lord seeking to apply one meditation each day to our personal lives as an individual or as a family. His Grace begins with the resurrection of Lazarus to the resurrection of our Lord, we can see the Lord yearning to live with us here on earth and eternally as He seeks our salvation. - Lazarus Saturday: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25) - Palm Sunday: The Lord reveals Himself as the King of Kings who comes humbly riding on a donkey in the Jerusalem of my heart seeking to be enthroned therein. Will accept His Lordship or will I leave Him weeping over me as He wept over Jerusalem. - Monday Pascha: Christ is the gardener of my soul that asks what shall I yet do for my vineyard that I have not done for it. He comes as a second Adam clearing the land of my heart from the thorns of my sin as He cleanse the temple. Will I remain barren like the cursed fig tree or will I yield the fruit of the Holy Spirit? - Tuesday Pascha: Christ is my beloved bridegroom Who seeks to unite with me intimately; enticing me to prepare for our heavenly wedding with talk of His Second Coming. He urges me to leave my spiritual prostitution to be consecrating to Him alone. Will I detach myself from the temple pleasures and idols of this world that I may begin eternal life with the Beloved here and now? - Wednesday Pascha: The Lord is the One Who patiently waits for my repentance as He accepted the repentance of the woman who wept at His feet. Will I offer the Lord the fragrant oil and tears of repentance as the sinful woman did or my words be those of Judas, smoother than oil yet drawing swords, betraying my Master? - Covenant Thursday: My Lord and Teacher kneels to wash my feet and cleanse me that I may learn from His humility and do as He has done washing the feet of His children. The Bread of Life offers His Body and Blood to me; that He may abide in me and I in Him. Will accept for the Lord to wash my feet and humbly offer myself to others? - Great Friday: The Mighty One, the only Begotten Son, shows me by weakness what is greater than power when He offers Himself as an acceptable sacrifice on the cross for my salvation. The spotless and silent Lamb of God takes upon Himself the sins of the whole world and the author of Life dies on the cross and is buried in a tomb that He may bury my sins with Him. Will I confess my sins with the thief and accept His love for me, crying out "Remember me O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom"? - Bright Saturday: The True light descends into the darkness of Hades that He may shine upon those who were there and preach to them the salvation that He has accomplished. Descend into the darkness of my sinful soul, O Lord, and reveal to me the Kingdom of Heaven therein, shine within me that I may see the rums of the ladder to the paradise of joy which You have opened for me. His Graces then shares with us words from St Gregory the Theologian: "O Pascha, great and holy and purifier of all the world, I will speak to you as to a living being" (Oration 45:30).

This is part of the series called "ABBA Give me a WORD". His Grace shares with us some words from St Eusebius of Caesarea says concerning this treatise: “A pestilent disease took possession of many provinces of the whole world, and especially Alexandria and Egypt; as Dionysius writes, and the treatise of Cyprian ‘concerning the Mortality’ bears witness.”(1) Then His Graces shares with some words from St. Cyprian of Carthage’s Treatise 7: On the Mortality, Part 16: “…beloved brethren, what is it, what a great thing is it, how pertinent, how necessary, that that pestilence and plague which seems horrible and deadly, searches out the righteousness of each one, and examines the minds of the human race, to see (1) whether they who are in health tend the sick; (2) whether relations affectionately love their family; (3) whether masters pity their weakened servants; (4) whether physicians do not forsake the beseeching patients; (5) whether the fierce suppress their violence; (6) whether the greedy can quench the ever insatiable desire of their raging avarice even by the fear of death; (7) whether the arrogant bend their neck; (8) whether the wicked soften their boldness; (9) whether, when their dear ones perish, the rich, even then bestow anything, and give, when they are to die without heirs. (10) Even although this mortality conferred nothing else, it has done this benefit to Christians and to God’s servants, that we begin gladly to desire martyrdom as we learn not to fear death. These are trainings for us, not deaths: they give the mind the glory of fortitude; by contempt of death they prepare for the crown.” (2) References: (1) Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., Fathers of the Third Century: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Novatian, Appendix, vol. 5, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company, 1886) (2) Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., Fathers of the Third Century: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Novatian, Appendix, vol. 5, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company, 1886). When the Lord Jesus Christ called His disciples, He called them by a few simple words..."Follow Me".

Audio Book: The Touch of Divine Love Consolation of the Sick by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty ~ Narrated by HG Bishop Basil ~ April 3, 2020

HG Bishop Basil reads for us The Touch of Divine Love Consolation of the Sick written by Fr. Tadros Malaty. You can download the book and read along: https://www.suscopts.org/pdf/books/consolationofthesickfrtadrosmalaty.pdf

Audio Book: The Touch of Divine Love Consolation of the Sick by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty ~ Narrated by HG Bishop Basil ~ April 3, 2020

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

Licinius was co-emperor with Constantine the Great. At his accession, he had agreed to tolerate Christianity in his territories, but soon turned to persecuting the Christians, and to a variety of carnal sins. He conceived a passion for Glaphyra, a Christian virgin handmaid of the Empress Constantia. When Glaphyra told Constantia of this, the Empress sent her away to Amasia in the East for her protection. There she was received and protected by Bishop Basil of that city. Licinius learned where Glaphyra was hiding and ordered that both she and the bishop be brought to him as prisoners. The soldiers who came for her found that she had already died, so they returned with only Bishop Basil, who was subjected to cruel tortures, then beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but, with the help of an angel of God, his people found his body, retrieved it from the sea, and returned it to Amasia.   The Prologue adds, "The Emperor Constantine raised an army against Licinius, overcame him, arrested him and sent him into exile in Gaul, where he ended his God-hating days."

This Thursday on Everyday Orthodox, we'll talk with Marilyn Swezey, who is a wonderful storyteller with an inspiring love for our Orthodox faith. Marilyn worked with Bishop Basil for twenty years, and can tell us many stories about this holy man's beautiful life. You may already know Bishop Basil Rodzianko from the instant classic, Everyday Saints, in which Archimandrite Tikhon introduced us to a holy, loving and regal bishop who broadcast his Orthodox radio program in Russian on the BBC, infiltrating the Soviet airspace via radio waves throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s. After the death of his beloved wife, he was made a bishop, but he was concerned that because he had not lived a monastic life, he had never properly practiced obedience -- so his spiritual father, Met. Anthony Bloom, assured him that he would be in obedience to everyone under him, and he took that very seriously. In his later years, in Washington DC, Marilyn worked closely with Bishop Basil, truly a living saint, and we'll hear all about his life, as well as Marilyn's life, which was truly transformed by her contact with him.

This Thursday on Everyday Orthodox, we'll talk with Marilyn Swezey, who is a wonderful storyteller with an inspiring love for our Orthodox faith. Marilyn worked with Bishop Basil for twenty years, and can tell us many stories about this holy man's beautiful life. You may already know Bishop Basil Rodzianko from the instant classic, Everyday Saints, in which Archimandrite Tikhon introduced us to a holy, loving and regal bishop who broadcast his Orthodox radio program in Russian on the BBC, infiltrating the Soviet airspace via radio waves throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s. After the death of his beloved wife, he was made a bishop, but he was concerned that because he had not lived a monastic life, he had never properly practiced obedience -- so his spiritual father, Met. Anthony Bloom, assured him that he would be in obedience to everyone under him, and he took that very seriously. In his later years, in Washington DC, Marilyn worked closely with Bishop Basil, truly a living saint, and we'll hear all about his life, as well as Marilyn's life, which was truly transformed by her contact with him.

This Thursday on Everyday Orthodox, we'll talk with Marilyn Swezey, who is a wonderful storyteller with an inspiring love for our Orthodox faith. Marilyn worked with Bishop Basil for twenty years, and can tell us many stories about this holy man's beautiful life. You may already know Bishop Basil Rodzianko from the instant classic, Everyday Saints, in which Archimandrite Tikhon introduced us to a holy, loving and regal bishop who broadcast his Orthodox radio program in Russian on the BBC, infiltrating the Soviet airspace via radio waves throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s. After the death of his beloved wife, he was made a bishop, but he was concerned that because he had not lived a monastic life, he had never properly practiced obedience -- so his spiritual father, Met. Anthony Bloom, assured him that he would be in obedience to everyone under him, and he took that very seriously. In his later years, in Washington DC, Marilyn worked closely with Bishop Basil, truly a living saint, and we'll hear all about his life, as well as Marilyn's life, which was truly transformed by her contact with him.

Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present this superb series of 7 lectures entitled The Hidden Man of the Heart by the highly esteemed Archimandrite Zacharias (Zacharou), the spiritual son of the late Elder Sophrony of Essex. His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita and Mid-America, introduces this series with these words, “In Father Zacharias' words and very person we hear the mind of the Church in ways that we usually do not hear it, for in Father's Zacharias teaching we touch the saints, both Elder Sophrony and St. Silouan… He presents a tapestry of Christian experience… Let us attend so that you too might be woven into that tapestry that we know as sacred tradition.” These lectures culminated in a book entitled The Hidden Man of the Heart published in 2007 by the Holy Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England, and is available in the United States from Mount Thabor publishing. The titles of Father Zacharias' seven lectures are as follows: • The Mystery of Man's Heart (Available as a free download here on Ancient Faith Radio) • The Awakening of the Heart • The Awakening of the Heart through the Fear of Death • The Building Up of the Heart through the Grace of Repentance • Go in and You will Find rest • The Building Up of the Heart through Vigilance and Prayer • On the Gift of Speaking in Tongues To download the remaining 6 lectures, please visit our website at www.patristicnectar.org.

Patristic Nectar Publications is pleased to present this superb series of 7 lectures entitled The Hidden Man of the Heart by the highly esteemed Archimandrite Zacharias (Zacharou), the spiritual son of the late Elder Sophrony of Essex. His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita and Mid-America, introduces this series with these words, “In Father Zacharias’ words and very person we hear the mind of the Church in ways that we usually do not hear it, for in Father’s Zacharias teaching we touch the saints, both Elder Sophrony and St. Silouan… He presents a tapestry of Christian experience… Let us attend so that you too might be woven into that tapestry that we know as sacred tradition.” These lectures culminated in a book entitled The Hidden Man of the Heart published in 2007 by the Holy Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England, and is available in the United States from Mount Thabor publishing. The titles of Father Zacharias’ seven lectures are as follows: • The Mystery of Man’s Heart (Available as a free download here on Ancient Faith Radio) • The Awakening of the Heart • The Awakening of the Heart through the Fear of Death • The Building Up of the Heart through the Grace of Repentance • Go in and You will Find rest • The Building Up of the Heart through Vigilance and Prayer • On the Gift of Speaking in Tongues To download the remaining 6 lectures, please visit our website at www.patristicnectar.org.

On November 7, 2014, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a banquet at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle, NY. Guest speakers included Fr. John McGuckin and Bishop Basil. Several surprise announcements were made and can be read about HERE. We've broken the evening into 3 segments. This is part 1.

On November 7, 2014, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a banquet at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle, NY. Guest speakers included Fr. John McGuckin and Bishop Basil. Several surprise announcements were made and can be read about HERE. We've broken the evening into 3 segments. This is part 1.

Ancient Faith Radio has been provided this recording of the comments made by Bishop Basil at the funeral of the beloved priest Fr. Alexander Atty. May his memory be eternal.

The day after a devastating tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma, Ancient Faith Radio files this report including interviews with Bishop Basil of the Antiochian Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America and Fr. John Salem, priest at St. Elijah Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City.

AFR correspondent Matthew Namee talks with His Grace Bishop Basil, the newly elected Secretary of the Episcopal Assemblies. We learn of his impressions of the historic May 26-28 gathering in New York as well as the assignment he has been given to coordinate the work of the committees that will be formed leading up eventually to a Great and Holy Council.

Ancient Faith Radio has been provided this recording of the comments made by Bishop Basil at the funeral of the beloved priest Fr. Alexander Atty. May his memory be eternal.

On November 7, 2014, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a banquet at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle, NY. Guest speakers included Fr. John McGuckin and Bishop Basil. Several surprise announcements were made and can be read about HERE. We've broken the evening into 3 segments. This is part 1.

The day after a devastating tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma, Ancient Faith Radio files this report including interviews with Bishop Basil of the Antiochian Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America and Fr. John Salem, priest at St. Elijah Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City.

AFR correspondent Matthew Namee talks with His Grace Bishop Basil, the newly elected Secretary of the Episcopal Assemblies. We learn of his impressions of the historic May 26-28 gathering in New York as well as the assignment he has been given to coordinate the work of the committees that will be formed leading up eventually to a Great and Holy Council.

Matthew Namee talks with His Grace Bishop Basil, the newly elected Secretary of the Episcopal Assemblies. We learn of his impressions of the historic May 26-28 gathering in New York as well as the assignment he has been given to coordinate the work of the committees that will be formed leading up eventually to a Great and Holy Council.

Recently, a group of five Antiochian bishops traveled to Damascus to meet with His Beatitude Ignatius IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, about a February 24th decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch affecting the status of the bishops in North America. Following that meeting, Matthew Namee, host of the new podcast American Orthodox History, spent some time talking with His Grace Bishop Basil of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America, part of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in America. You can also read a report from His Grace Bishop Antoun on the Antiochian web site here.

We're going to go forward in time from our last episode nearly a millennium. Last time we talked about the Gnostics and the serious challenge they presented the Early Church. The dualism that lay at the heart of Gnosticism continued to rear its hoary head in the centuries that followed. It was part & parcel of the Zoroastrianism & Manichaeanism rooted in Persia and was the official faith of the Sassanid Empire. Dualistic ideas were so popular, they managed to infiltrate many Christians communities in both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. When Rome fell and Byzantium carried on in its place, the influence of dualism lingered. Church leaders were able to hold it at bay by using the work of earlier fathers who fought Gnosticism. But as those works fell out of use, dualism resurged.This dualism came in many forms, as we'll see. But the basic idea was that the forces of Light, Good, and God are on one side with the powers of darkness, evil and the devil on the other. And if your response to that is, “Wait! Isn't that what the Bible says?” There's another important component we need to insert: In dualism, the two sides are equal in relevance and power. They are co-eternal, and going way back to the beginning, they were originally joined into a whole that somehow got split and led to the creation of the physical universe.If all this sounds vaguely like the plot for an upcoming Superhero movie, it's all just a coincidence. à Or is it?The expression most forms of dualism take is to make the immaterial spiritual realm the side of light, good, and God while the physical realm of space & matter are the domain of darkness & corruption. So, as with the Gnostics, salvation in dualism get's hijacked from being redemption from the Fall to an awareness of your innate inner goodness.But I'm getting ahead of myself.Dualism appears to have experienced a resurgence in both the East & West at about the same time in the 12th C, though the two streams probably weren't connected. They became so popular, a couple Crusades and the Inquisition were used to stop them.The first we'll deal with was called Bogomilism and arose in the region of Bulgaria.Bogomil is Slavonic for “beloved of God.” That was the name of the man who began the movement associated with him. He was a priest who lived at the in Bulgaria during the mid-10th C. Bogomil was influenced by a group known as the Paulicians, sometimes called the Paulicans. These were a moderately heretical group that was reconciled to the Roman Church in the 17th C and exists to this day as an affiliated group with Catholicism, though with their own rites.There's debate about the origin of the title “Paulician.” They said they took their name from the Apostle Paul, claiming that their ideas were derived from the famous Apostle. Others say they drew their name from Paul of Samosata, a 3rd C heretical bishop of Antioch. Since so many of the Paulician beliefs ride tandem with the errors of Paul of Samosata, it's safe to conclude that's where they got their title. They flourished from the mid-7th to mid-9th Cs in Armenia.Armenia has the distinction of being the first officially Christian nation. About AD 300, King Tiradates III became a believer and turned his court into a Christian concern. During the 4th C, the Armenian church was under the influence of the ultra-orthodox Cappadocian Fathers. But after the Council of Chalcedon in 451, the Armenia sided with the Egyptian monophysites. Not long after the orthodox Faith was brought to Armenia, disciples of Paul of Samosata arrived and began spreading his adoptionistic ideas. Adoptionism was the belief that Jesus wasn't the eternal Son of God. Adoptionists said God adopted a man named Jesus at His baptism to BE the Messiah.  He was a kind of first round draft-pick.Armenia's location next to Persia saw some of the dualistic ideas of Manichaeanism also infiltrate the church there. But 300 yrs would go by before the Paulicians would emerge as an identifiable group. When they did, the Byzantine Emperors alternately ignored and persecuted them. When Theodora became Empress, she had the Paulicians forcibly relocated to Thrace in the mid-9th C, hoping they'd act as a bulwark against the hostile Bulgars. That's where they came into contact with the group that would later be called Bogomils.The Bulgars were a Turkish people recently Christianized by missionaries. Their ruler, Boris, asked the Franks to send missionaries to help his people with their new Faith. He didn't appeal to the much closer Constantinople because he was already wary of their influence and authority. But that was not about to stop the Byzantines from asserting their control over a region they deemed within the sphere of their hegemony. Constantinople not only sent missionaries to Bulgaria, they sent an army. Boris had to capitulate and was baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Faith, taking the new name and title Czar Peter.Byzantium then had a slew of weak & mostly worthless emperors. They suffered a major defeat at the hands of Muslim forces at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. A decade later, relief arrived in the form of a new & vital leader, Alexius I Comnenus. Comnenus was more than a talented and decisive ruler. He was also an astute lay theologian. He formed the Paulicians in his hinterlands into an allied force & led them into a campaign against the Normans who'd been seizing territory in the West. But as they entered battle, the Paulicians proved false and deserted. Comnenus' remaining army managed to pull off a victory. When the triumphant Emperor returned to Constantinople he imprisoned the Paulicians leaders. The remaining Paulician population, bereft of leadership, became an easy target for round two of Comnenus' strategy in dealing with them. He sent in orthodox missionaries and priests who evangelized them into Orthodoxy. The imprisoned Paulician leaders were also evangelized by orthodox apologists, with many of them converting. Even the Emperor engaged in this proselytizing work. Their two chief leaders, Cusinus & Phulus, remained firm in their devotion to their heretical tenets and so were kept in prison in comfortable accommodations until they died.It was this phase of Paulician history that saw the movement shed its more aberrant ideas in favor of an orthodoxy that allowed it later to become affiliated with Roman Catholicism. That it chose to merge with that branch of the Faith rather than the nearer Greek Orthodoxy of Byzantium stands as a reminder of the tension and animosity between the Paulicians and the Eastern Church.And that leads us to another heretical movement: The Bogomils.In the last 2 yrs of his reign, Emperor Alexius Comnenus was made aware of another religious movement that had sprung up in the Western reaches of his realm but had grabbed disciples right in Constantinople. By the time he was made aware of it, it had already established an underground church with its own bishop. Alexius pretended to be interested & invited that Bishop, named Basil, to the palace to share what this new movement called Bogomilism believed. Scribes hidden behind drapes recorded every word. As Basil listed off Bogomilian doctrine, he supposed he was speaking to a theologically un-informed civil ruler. He didn't realize he was ticking off heretical ideas to an astute theologian who was mentally dismantling each and every idea. So when Basil was done, it was Alexius' turn. He proceeded to list Basil's erroneous doctrines, then he called on the bishop to renounce them. Basil refused and was imprisoned. Alexius then visited Basil in his cell several times in the following week, reasoning with & urging him to be converted to an orthodox faith. Basil refused, and was condemned to be burnt at the stake for heresy.While such executions would became common in the West, they were a rare occurrence in the Eastern Empire.Sorting out the beliefs of Bogomilism is a challenge because it was a faith in flux that evolved over time. But from Alexius's diligent secretaries, here's what their Bishop Basil said they believed . . . And get ready, because it's a wild ride . . .Bogomils said A singular supreme God who was utterly spiritual, had 2 sons: the elder was Satanael, while the younger was Jesus. The elder son rebelled and was banished from heaven. In exile, he created the material world and humanity. But he was unable to give the first man, Adam, life & asked God for help. Actually, he tricked God into it, saying the man would be a diligent servant to God. So God complied and man became a living being. But the man was a divided identity. Having a spirit, his potential was to be a servant to God, but possessing a body, he in fact became a servant and ally of Satanael. After fashioning Adam, Bogomils said Satanael created Eve, had sexual relations with her, the product of said union being Cain. Then, tempted by Eve, Adam begat Abel. Later in history, the human race produced a person who plead with God to save them. God answered by sending His Son, the Logos, who entered a Virgin's ear, took flesh from her, and emerged with a body from the same era. Although, how He did that is difficult to fathom. The Son, known as “Jesus” grew to maturity, only appeared to die, descended into hell, where he defeated and bound Satanael, revoking his suffice –el and turning him into the more familiar Satan.And this is where it gets really confusing, in case you aren't already.Even though The Son took flesh from somewhere inside Mary's head, He didn't really have a body; He only appeared to, which for those of you who are keeping track, is the ancient heresy known as à Docetism. Hey, seriously, if you said that to yourself before I said it, give yourself a pat on the back and go buy yourself your favorite hot or cold drink.Here we see the inevitable internal contradiction that comes with dualism. How can Satanael, who ever & always remained a spirit BE evil, when Jesus the Son, Who took on a body, BE the Holy One Who affects salvation? “Well,” the Bogomilian replies, “Jesus didn't really have a body; He only SEEMED to.” Okay, even if we give them that, we're still faced with the fact that the Holy One, the Good Son, then play-acted at having something that was corrupt and evil, while the Evil One & Bad Son remained a pure spirit.Listen: If my 15 yr old son tells me he wants to be a missionary, and gives every indication that he has a solid and mature walk with God, but one day I find him sitting on the couch in the living room reading a pornographic magazine, we're going to have a chat. But let's say once I sit down and start in on him, he smiles and turns the magazine toward me to reveal that it is in fact nothing but the cover, I'm going to be immensely relieved. But the question remains: WHY would he even have the cover? What's going on in him that would move him to the appearance of evil – which of course God's Word waves His people off from.The dualism of Docetism, and it's later manifestation in Bogomilism, fails epically right there. How could Jesus as the Son and Word of God even APPEAR to have a body, if a body was unalterably corrupt & evil?Well, Jesus prevailed over Satan, whose realm of authority and power was then confined to Earth. Which of course according to the usual dualistic machinations was a realm of evil because it's made of matter. But on that evil Earth dwell those dualistic creatures called man who are both body & spirit. So God sent the Holy Spirit to indwell his faithful ones, AKA Bogomils.The Bogomillian End of the Age has the Holy Spirit ascending back to Heaven & together with Jesus the Word, both are reabsorbed into the Father, or one true God.Bogomilism rejects such orthodox doctrines such as the Trinity. It regards the Cross as repugnant and has nothing to do with either baptism or communion, since such things require contact with physical matter. But Bogomilians often lived highly-disciplined lives of an apparently laudable morality that proved attractive to Orthodox believers who weren't so impressed with the casual indifference some Orthodox leaders displayed. The same happens today. Some of the cults show a fastidious diligence in pursuing the rigors of their faith, in the mistaken hope of earning points with God and maybe getting into heaven. That religiosity can appear attractive to nominal believers who are used to seeing professing Christians failing to follow through on a consistent lifestyle of devotion to Christ. So converts were made from the ranks of orthodoxy into the Bogomilian camp, not out of doctrinal persuasion by but by the practical theology of daily life. Like the Gnostics before them, Bogomilians divided their followers into ordinary, everyday believers and the choice elect. These elect had to face special trials  and challenges. If they proved their worthiness, they were given a secret and complex initiation that ushered them into the exalted ranks of the Bogomilian Elite. They were regarded as being equal to such lofty figures as the Virgin Mary and each were even called Theotokos = Mother of God. They only prayed one rote prayer; The Our Fa­ther, which they repeated several times a day.After the conquest by Western armies of Constanti­nople in 1204, the Byzantine government's check on the spread of Bogomilism was nearly shattered. The movement grew until the Balkans where they were centered was conquered by the Turks in the 15th C.Like the Monophysites some 8 Cs before them, the Bogomils were receptive to conversion to Islam when it took hold of their homeland.As we wrap up this episode, let's consider how and why Bogomilism presented a challenge to orthodoxy.1) Probably most telling for the average Christians was the fact that Bogomilians practiced their faith more zealously than the many of the Orthodox.2) While Christianity seemed to struggle and to some, even stumble when it came to answering the age-old dilemma of evil, Bogomilism seemed to provide an answer.3) Because too few Christians were equipped to dispatch the ideas of the Bogomils, authorities resorted to force, turning what had been a Church of the Martyrs into the Martyr-makers.Those 3 points will shape our next episode, because they prove to be compelling issues in our examination of Heresy & Heretics.