Podcasts about Divine Liturgy

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father, at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Are there any Rites that do not fulfill one's Sunday obligation? How can we help prepare children who are getting ready to do their first confession? Can you suggest ways that we can reach out to the young people in our parish? Can you explain how the Bible considers Jesus' resurrection to have occurred after 3 days?  What exactly is Heaven?  Does the wife of an Eastern priest have a special title? If we were to discover life on other planets, how might that affect our Catholic beliefs? After praying for healing, is it possible that a person may experience pain for a while as a result of the Lord's intervention? Does God ever change his mind? Are Eastern rite churches allowed to play or use patriotic music during The Divine Liturgy? If I drank from a water bottle before Mass that had some crumbs from my toddler in it, does that violate the Eucharistic fast? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

In this final installment of our introductory series on Eastern Orthodoxy for Reformed Christians, Camden Bucey explores Orthodox worship and sacramental theology through a Reformed lens. This episode provides a careful and charitable overview of Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices, including the Divine Liturgy, veneration of icons, and the centrality of the Eucharist. What makes Eastern Orthodox worship distinct? Why are icons and incense used? What theological principles undergird these practices? Camden discusses the symbolism of Eastern Orthodox worship while also addressing key doctrinal differences—especially concerning the second commandment, the regulative principle, and the doctrine of salvation. Whether you're a Reformed believer curious about the traditions of the East or seeking to understand why some are drawn to Orthodoxy's mystery and aesthetic, this episode offers insight, clarity, and biblical reflection. Series Part 1 (The Church and Scripture) Part 2 (The Doctrine of God and Salvation) Part 3 (Worship and the Sacraments) Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:26 – Worship and the Sacraments in Eastern Orthodoxy 01:49 – Theology of Liturgy and Participation 04:14 – Worship as Theology in Action 05:36 – Icons, Veneration, and the Second Commandment 10:02 – The Eucharist 14:09 – Reverence and Symbolism 15:33 – Prayers for the Dead 16:44 – Summary of Theological Differences 18:10 – Final Reflections

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On today's episode: The latest news out of the Middle East following the US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran; there was a shooting at a Michigan church; Giants pitcher Sean Hjelle accused of abuse by his wife; and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Here's how Iran could retaliate after US strikes on its nuclear program. GOP's food stamp plan is found to violate Senate rules. It's the latest setback for Trump's big bill. Mahmoud Khalil vows to continue protesting Israel's war in Gaza after coming back home. Verdict against a pardoned Capitol rioter is only a partial victory for a police officer's widow. Federal judge blocks Trump effort to keep Harvard from hosting foreign students. Supreme Court revives lawsuits against Palestinian authorities from US victims of terrorism attacks. Police Suspect shot and killed by a security guard after a shooting at a church in Michigan. Eastern half of U.S. braces for more long days of dangerous heat. 15 sets of twins are graduating from one New York high school. US stocks drift to a mixed finish as Wall Street closes another week of modest losses. Layoff notices delivered to hundreds of Voice of America employees. Purdue Pharma's $7B opioid settlement is set for votes from victims and cities. Billions of login credentials have been leaked online, Cybernews researchers say. The Thunder prevail in winner-take-all Game 7 of NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton suffers a reported Achilles injury, Kevin Durant is headed to Texas, Shohei Ohtani shines and LSU claims another title in baseball, a three-shot rally at the Travelers plus a third-time women’s major winner in golf and the U.S. wins Gold Cup Group D. Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami, allege tampering and NIL inducements to land football player. Cubs legend Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field after 20-plus-year hiatus. Russian attacks on Ukraine kill at least 9 and injure over a dozen. President Lee picks South Korea’s first civilian defense chief in 64 years. Suicide bomber kills at least 20 in Greek Orthodox church in Syria during Divine Liturgy. 8 killed, 13 injured after hot-air balloon catches fire and falls in Brazil. Searchers recover 2nd body after rockfall near Canada's Banff National Park hiking trail. Fearful of Iranian missiles, many sleep in Israel's underground train stations. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on a deadly church bombing in Syria.

Livestream church services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago.

Livestream church services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago.

Livestream church services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago.

Livestream church services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago.

Livestream services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago

On Sunday, May 4 our Parish Family held our Spring General Assembly.  Fr. Demetri offered his sermon and his report to the faithful at the end of The Divine Liturgy.Some highlights:Paschal Season and the beauty we find at this time of yearSpecial Thank you‘sGreat and Holy Week & PaschaA few ministriesAdult Education

In many Orthodox churches, baptisms are done privately and almost secretly: after the morning Divine Liturgy at which the entire church community was present had concluded and all the people had left, a few people remained behind—or perhaps, if they had not been at the Liturgy, came to church deliberately late to attend the private family baptism to which they had been invited. If Liturgy began at 9.30 am and concluded at 11.00 am and if the people had all dispersed after the post-Liturgy coffee hour, then a baptism would be held in the now empty church around 1.00 or 2.00 pm.

Live stream services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago

Track meet suspect got house arrest! These people's politicians are a MESS! Everybody falling into the pit of anger. Busy calls today!The Hake Report, Tuesday, April 15, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start* (0:01:25) It's a big mess* (0:09:50) Hey, guys! Henley* (0:11:33) DAVID, Ocala, FL: Boston councilman; Karmelo Anthony* (0:21:34) DAVID story: "Foreigner"* (0:23:37) Taking sides on Karmelo Anthony* (0:29:35) WILLIAM III, CA: these different situations, these black gals* (0:36:09) WILLIAM: China is shut down* (0:36:55) Supers/Coffees… Nicknames, s— harassment* (0:46:15) MARK, L.A.: Communist takeover incoming* (0:52:12) MAZE, Dayton, OH: Your history is your problem* (1:03:47) RICK Pt 1, Hampton, VA: Track meet incident* (1:09:13) JEFF, LA: Building the country; Karmelo bail* (1:13:11) JEFF: China tariffs, Cutting regulations* (1:23:03) JEFF: L.A. city council meeting trolls* (1:24:28) RICK Pt 2: Leaving black cities; Gary, Indiana* (1:31:14) Coffee: Haterrrr* (1:36:42) STEV'N, MD: A BUNCH OF MESS!* (1:48:20) Psalters - "The Lord's Prayer" - 2006, Divine Liturgy of the Wretched ExilesLINKSBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/4/15/the-hake-report-tue-4-15-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/4/15/jlp-tue-4-15-25Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO YouTube - Rumble* - Facebook - X - BitChute (Live) - Odysee*PODCAST Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or BuyMeACoffee, etc.SHOP - Printify (new!) - Spring (old!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - Joel - Punchie Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

Saint Isaac the Syrian begins his teaching with a gentle reminder that liberation from material things, that is, our attachment to the things of this world and placing them above God, is a slow process that involves great toil. Yet, this is the common order of things. In our journey, we often have to break loose of the mooring of those things that prevent us from loving. And so Isaac teaches us that righteous activity involves comprehending what God has revealed to us and then embodying it through action - praxis. Even as we make gains our memory of past sins and failures often brings grief to the soul. We shouldn't be discouraged by this, St. Isaac tells us, but we must simply allow these recollections to lead us to greater repentance and gratitude for God‘s mercy. Yet all of this is but a prelude to Isaac asking us an important question: Do you desire to commune with God by perceiving the love and the mercy that He reveals not just with the mind or the senses but through faith and experience?  Do you desire God? Do you desire Love? If our answer to this question is “yes” then Isaac tells us we must pursue mercy: “For when something that is like unto God is found in you, then that holy beauty is depicted by Him.“ We begin to see and comprehend the mercy and love of God by loving as he loves; by going beyond the limitations and the confines of our own understanding.  Such spiritual unity once unsealed incessantly blazes in the heart with ardent longing. The soul‘s divine vision, Isaac tells us, unites one to God and the heart becomes awestruck; filled with wonder at what no eye has seen or mind could imagine outside of the grace of God. The path to divine love first begins by showing compassion in some proportion to the Father's perfection. As Christ tells us, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect, be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful“ The dignity and destiny that is ours, the life and love into which God draws us should be what we pursue the most in life. To desire God, to give free reign to an urgent longing for Him brings about our transformation. Desire is our path to the Kingdom within. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:15:08 Callie Eisenbrandt: I'll take your books Father!!

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Listen To Full Bible Study: "REVELATION 5:1-10" ~ July 1, 2017https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/revelation-5-1-10-bible-study

This week Fr. Michael talks about the importance of knowing Jesus and encountering Him in prayer. He talks about the need to encounter Him in our regular devotions like Divine Liturgy, Mass, Rosary, etc., but how we must also seek Him out in one-on-one prayer. Fr. Michael talks about resting in Jesus and the importance of that as we continue our spiritual journey.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Live stream services from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago

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Live stream service from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church (OCA) in Chicago

He was born in Syria in 1860, in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire. In his childhood, his family took refuge in Lebanon after their parish priest, St Joseph of Damascus (July 10) was martyred; but they later returned to Damascus. In 1879 he was tonsured a monk and entered into the service of Patriarch Hierotheos of Antioch. The Balamand Seminary had been closed since 1840, but the young monk was offered a scholarship at the Constantinople Patriarchate's seminary at Halki. Returning to Syria with a theological degree, St Raphael became assistant to Gerasimos, the new Patriarch of Antioch, traveling and preaching on his behalf. After further studies in Kiev, he transferred to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Moscow and for a time was professer of Arabic studies at the Theological Academy in Kazan. (At that time the downtrodden Orthodox of the Middle East received considerable aid and theological training from the Tsar and from the Church in Russia).   In 1895 he was sent to the United States to shepherd the Arab Orthodox Community in New York, which was without a church or a priest. He quickly consecrated a chapel and with great energy set about the work of shepherding his flock there; but he was concerned not only for them but for the Arab Christian immigrants scattered through North America, most of whom were without a pastor and in danger of falling into heterodoxy or abandoning religious life. He traveled widely throughout the continent, visiting, counseling and serving Arab Christians, preaching, celebrating marriages and baptisms, receiving confessions and celebrating the Divine Liturgy, usually in private houses. In 1898 he published the first Orthodox prayer book in Arabic to appear in the New World. In 1899, he made a seven-month journey through forty-three American cities, seeking out the "scattered sheep" of the Church in America. His services were attended not only by Arabs but by Russians and Greeks, all of whom at that time depended on the Russian mission to North America. During this entire period, he held the official rank of Archimandrite, though his work and duties exceeded those of most bishops.   In 1901, Patriarch Meletios was elected to the see of Antioch, the first Arab to occupy the patriarchal throne for 168 years. Several proposals were made to elect Archimandrite Raphael to a see in Syria; but he refused all such offers, pointing out the Orthodox people's great and little-met needs in North America. In 1904, the Moscow Patriarchate made him Bishop of Brooklyn, the first Orthodox bishop to be consecrated on American soil. He redoubled his already impressive pastoral work, ordaining priests to the many new parishes that he had founded, and assisting Saint Tikhon (then Bishop of North America) in the care of his huge diocese. In 1905 he laid the foundation of the Monastery of St Tikhon in Pennsylvania.   The bishop saw the importance of integrating the faithful into the life of their new homeland, and was an early advocate of the use of English in American Church services. When Isabel Hapgood's Service Book — the first useful English translation of the Church's services — was published in 1906, he advocated its use in all his parishes.   In 1912, St Raphael was found to be suffering from heart disease, but continued his exhausting pastoral work for two more years. In 1915 he was finally unable to continue, and reposed after two months' illness.   When his relics were transported in 1998 from Brooklyn to Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA, they were found to be incorrupt, and in 2000 he became the most recently glorified Saint of North America.   In North America St Raphael is commemorated on the anniversary of his repose: February 27 on the Civil/New Calendar, February 14 on the Julian Calendar. He is also commemorated with the Synaxis of Saints of North America on the Second Sunday after Pentecost. The Patriarchate of Antioch also commemorates him, but on Saturday before the Synaxis of the Archangels (November 8).

He was a nobleman born in Constantinople, and distinguished himself in a secular career, rising in the year 780 to the rank of protasecretis, Principal Secretary of State to the Emperor Constantine VI and his mother the Empress Irene, who was serving as regent.   His life took a sudden turn when, in 784, Patriarch Paul IV resigned, recommending Tarasios as the only man capable of restoring the Patriarchate, ravaged by the iconoclast heresy, to true Faith and full communion with the other Patriarchates. Tarasios, though unwilling, was virtually forced to accept the Patriarchate by the rulers and the Senate: he agreed at last on condition that an Ecumenical Council be summoned immediately to put an end to the iconoclast heresy. In a few days he was raised from a layman through all the degrees of the clergy and on December 25 784, was consecrated Archbishop of Constantinople.   At Saint Tarasios' insistence, the Imperial rulers summoned a Church Council, whch met at Constantinople in 786. Before its sessions had even begun, iconoclasts burst into the church and drove out the Fathers, who were forced to reconvene in Nicaea, where the first session opened. Patriarch Tarasios presided, and the Council concluded with a condemnation of the iconoclast heresy and the restoration of veneration of the holy images.   As Archbishop, the Saint was a model of humility, compassion, and firmness in the Faith. He refused to have any servants and dressed simply, a living rebuke to the luxury that had corrupted the clergy at that time. His works of charity were so great that he became known to the people as 'the new Joseph': he founded hospices and shelters, distributed the Church's wealth freely to the poor, and often invited the poor to his own table to share his simple fare. He insisted on exercising all gentleness and mercy in restoring repentant heretics to the Church, a policy that met with opposition from the more severe leaders of the Studion monastery. At the same time he was unbending in the defense of the Faith: when the Emperor Constantine came of age he repudiated his wife Mary in order to marry Theodota, one of her servants. The Patriarch refused to bless the adulterous union and threatened the Emperor with excommunication if he persisted in sin. The Emperor had Tarasios imprisoned, forced his licit wife to enter a monastery, and found a priest, Joseph, to bless his second marriage. The following year Constantine was blinded and dethroned, and Tarasios regained his freedom.   The holy Patriarch continued to serve his Church faithfully, occupying the episcopal throne for a total of twenty-six years. In his last years, despite a long and painful illness, he continued to serve the Divine Liturgy daily, supporting himself with his staff. In the year 806, serving at the altar, he began to chant from Psalm 85, Bow down thine ear, O Lord, and hear me, and gave up his soul to God.   "In 820, the Emperor Leo the Armenian, who for seven years had supported the iconoclasts and had fiercely persecuted the Orthodox, had a disturbing dream. He saw a stern-looking Saint Tarasius ordering a man by the name of Michael to run Leo himself through with a sword. Six days later, Leo was in fact assasinated by Michael the Stammerer, who seized power... In physical appearance, Saint Tarasius is said to have closely resembled Saint Gregory the Theologian." (Synaxarion)

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This week Fr. Michael reflects on a sentence in a prayer that the priest prays during Divine Liturgy, "...in the greatness of your mercy you have brought all things out of nonexistence into being..." Fr. Michael talks about what it means for God to be mercy, to give mercy, and why God brought us into being in the first place. He reads some reflections from Archbishop Raya in the Byzantine Book of Prayer.References:Byzantine Book of Prayer from Byzantine Seminary PressPilgrimage:We're going on pilgrimage! You can find all the details including dates, itinerary, and cost at the 206tours website. Want to hear this directly from Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia? Check out our announcement video.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Live stream services from Christ the Savior Church (OCA) in Chicago

​FOR LINKS to all our podcasts, visit the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN TEACHING PODCAST DIRECTORY at the links below. You can also search ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps to find all our podcasts: ON APPLE PODCASTS APP: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/orthodox-christian-teaching-podcast-directory/id1680765527ON SPOTIFY APP: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ALQ9YkJ0hhZ20GGZv7MH9?si=hVv_aqKtSrypyTLr1YZQIQ

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN Encountering Christ Through the Liturgy The post The Gospel in the Divine Liturgy, Part 3 – Dr. John Bombaro, 2/13/25 (0441) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

This episode is brought to you by Telepaideia, a collection of live online courses in Latin, Ancient Greek, and the classical humanities offered by The Paideia Institute. Visit www.paideiainstitute.org/telepaideia to browse the course catalogue and register! It's my pleasure today to welcome back Father John Strickland to the podcast. Four episodes ago we talked in detail about the Divine Liturgy and its place at the heart of Byzantine life. I put out the call for listeners to ask questions. Particularly those of us not familiar with Orthodoxy or ecclesiastical issues in general. And Father Strickland has kindly returned to answer them. The questions are wide ranging and so demand thorough answers which Father John provides. So we decided to split them over two episodes. Today we tackle the Orthodox view on salvation and purgatory. As well as the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch and thoughts on the Byzantine understanding of how the divine played a role in daily life. Then we finish with the Orthodox view of Catholicism, Church Union and evangelisation. John is the pastor of an Orthodox Church in Poulsbo in Washington State. He wrote a four-volume series about the history of Christian civilization called Paradise and Utopia. He's also recorded a podcast of the same name as an accompaniment to the books which you can find wherever you get your podcasts or at www.ancientfaith.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN Gospel Safebox The post The Gospel in the Divine Liturgy, Part 2 – Dr. John Bombaro, 2/6/25 (0371) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Trump for America: Don't be fooled by numbers. Debate with caller: MLK, Homestead Act, and "generational wealth." Education propaganda in Texas!The Hake Report, Thursday, February 6, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start* (0:00:51) Deportation/Importation context* (0:07:39) News, Trump* (0:11:56) Pro-tip for Rumble* (0:14:15) Hey, guys! Punchie's coffee* (0:16:48) RONNIE, OH: Homestead Act* (0:24:54) RONNIE: black morality, MLK madness* (0:42:40) RONNIE: Generational wealth* (0:49:03) RONNIE: Is BHM as evil as WHM* (0:51:02) USAID rumors* (0:55:50) Trump looking out for little girls* (1:00:49) Can't talk in that voice* (1:03:11) AMY, TX: Bible, US history, Obama vs Trump* (1:08:45) AMY: School vouchers in Texas* (1:13:50) AMY: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills; Textbook propaganda* (1:20:19) JOHN, KY: God Bless the USA Bible* (1:28:56) WILL, Australia: Eureka Stockade, 1854* (1:35:34) WILLIAM, CA: Generational Wealth* (1:44:00) Supers, Rumble ads* (1:45:15) Coffees… rushed!* (1:48:34) MAZE, OH* (1:50:15) Psalters - Dig It Up - 2006, The Divine Liturgy of the Wretched ExilesLINKSBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/2/6/the-hake-report-thu-2-6-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/2/6/hake-news-thu-2-6-25Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO YouTube - Rumble* - Facebook - X - BitChute - Odysee*PODCAST Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or BuyMeACoffee, etc.SHOP - Printify (new!) - Spring (old!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network:JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - Joel - Punchie Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

He was born to a noble family in Alexandria. For a short time he taught rhetoric in Pelusium in Egypt; but soon his love for the things of God led him to flee to the Desert as a solitary. After a year of ascetical life, he returned to Pelusium, where he was ordained to the priesthood. After a few years he retired to a monastery where he spent the rest of his life, eventually becoming Abbot. From the monastery he wrote thousands of epistles full of divine grace and wisdom; of these more than two thousand still survive.   Saint Isidore was a student and devout disciple of St John Chrysostom, as he knew him through his writings. When St Cyril became Patriarch of Alexandria, he refused to commemorate St John in the diptychs during the Divine Liturgy. Saint Isidore wrote him a strong letter reminding him not to heed the rumors, prejudices or threats of men, and St Cyril was persuaded to restore commemoration of the Archbishop of Constantinople, and later became a strong advocate of the veneration of St John. Isidore, though a monk, was treated as a spiritual father by Patriarch Cyril: around 433, when St Cyril was inclined to deal harshly with some who had been swept up in the Nestorian heresy, St Isidore wrote to him: 'As your father, since you are pleased to give me this name, or rather as your son, I adjure you to put an end to this dissension lest a permanent breach be made under the pretext of piety.'   With reputation came persecution, and St Isidore suffered much from Imperial and church authorities unhappy with his holy influence. He bore all these troubles impassibly, and in 440 (according to one source) or about 449 (according to another) he joyfully gave up his soul to God.

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Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN Gospel Safebox The post The Gospel in the Divine Liturgy – Dr. John Bombaro,1/23/25 (0232) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

He was from Ancyra in Galatia, son of a pagan father and a Christian mother named Euphrosyne. His mother prophesied on her deathbed that he would suffer great torments for Christ over many years. After her death he was adopted and reared by a pious woman named Sophia. From the age of twelve, he began to fast and pray like the monks, so that he was soon ordained a deacon, and became Bishop of Ancyra at the age of twenty. His piety and zeal for the faith attracted the attention of the Imperial Governor of the region, who had him arrested. Thus began Clement's twenty-eight years of almost continuous suffering for the Faith. When he stood firm despite many tortures, he was sent to the Emperor Diocletian in Rome. The Emperor showed him a table set with costly vessels on one side, and another decked with instruments of torture on the other, and bade Clement to make his choice. The Saint replied: "These precious vessels remind how much more glorious must be the eternal good things of Paradise; and these instruments of torture remind me of the everlasting punishments of hell that await those who deny the Lord."   The Saint was viciously tortured, then transported to Nicomedia, where a converted pagan named Agathangelus ('good angel') became his companion. For many years they endured unspeakable torments alternating with long imprisonments, but nothing would move them to deny the precious Faith of Christ. After twenty-eight years of suffering, Agathangelus was beheaded; but Clement was briefly paroled and allowed to celebrate the services of Theophany and to give the holy Communion to his fellow-Christians. A few days later, as he was again celebrating the Divine Liturgy, some pagan soldiers burst into the church and beheaded him at the altar.

"Saint Seraphim was born in the town of Kursk in 1759. From tender childhood he was under the protection of the most holy Mother of God, who, when he was nine years old, appeared to him in a vision, and through her icon of Kursk, healed him from a grave sickness from which he had not been expected to recover. At the age of nineteen he entered the monastery of Sarov, where he amazed all with his obedience, his lofty asceticism, and his great humility. In 1780 the Saint was stricken with a sickness which he manfully endured for three years, until our Lady the Theotokos healed him, appearing to him with the Apostles Peter and John. He was tonsured a monk in 1786, being named for the holy Hieromartyr Seraphim, Bishop of Phanarion (Dec. 4), and was ordained deacon a year later. In his unquenchable love for God, he continually added labours to labours, increasing in virtue and prayer with titan strides. Once, during the Divine Liturgy of Holy and Great Thursday he was counted worthy of a vision of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who appeared encompassed by the heavenly hosts. After this dread vision, he gave himself over to greater labours.   "In 1794, Saint Seraphim took up the solitary life in a cell in the forest. This period of extreme asceticism lasted some fifteen years, until 1810. It was at this time that he took upon himself one of the greatest feats of his life. Assailed with despondency and a storm of contrary thoughts raised by the enemy of our salvation, the Saint passed a thousand nights on a rock, continuing in prayer until God gave him complete victory over the enemy. On another occasion, he was assaulted by robbers, who broke his chest and his head with their blows, leaving him almost dead. Here again, he began to recover after an appearance of the most Holy Theotokos, who came to him with the Apostles Peter and John, and pointing to Saint Seraphim, uttered these awesome words, 'This is one of my kind.'   "In 1810, at the age of fifty, weakened by his more than human struggles, Saint Seraphim returned to the monastery for the third part of his ascetical labours, in which he lived as a recluse, until 1825. For the first five years of his reclusion, he spoke to no one at all, and little is known of this period. After five years, he began receiving visitors little by little, giving counsel and consolation to ailing souls. In 1825, the most holy Theotokos appeared to the Saint and revealed to him that it was pleasing to God that he fully end his reclusion; from this time the number of people who came to see him grew daily. It was also at the command of the holy Virgin that he undertook the spiritual direction of the Diveyevo Convent. He healed bodily ailments, foretold things to come, brought hardened sinners to repentance, and saw clearly the secrets of the heart of those who came to him. Through his utter humility and childlike simplicity, his unrivalled ascetical travails, and his angel-like love for God, he ascended to the holiness and greatness of the ancient God-bearing Fathers and became, like Anthony for Egypt, the physician for the whole Russian land. In all, the most holy Theotokos appeared to him twelve times in his life. The last was on Annunciation, 1831, to announce to him that he would soon enter into his rest. She appeared to him accompanied by twelve virgins martyrs and monastic saints with Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Theologian. With a body ailing and broken from innumerable hardships, and an unspotted soul shining with the light of Heaven, the Saint lived less than two years after this, falling asleep in peace on January 2, 1833, chanting Paschal hymns. On the night of his repose, the righteous Philaret of the Glinsk Hermitage beheld his soul ascending to Heaven in light. Because of the universal testimony to the singular holiness of his life, and the seas of miracles that he performed both in life and after death, his veneration quickly spread beyond the boundaries of the Russian Empire to every corner of the earth. See also July 19." (Great Horologion)   July 19 is the commemoration of the uncovering of St Seraphim's holy relics, which was attended by Tsar Nicholas II.   Saint Seraphim's life became a perpetual celebration of Pascha: in his later years he dressed in a white garment, greeted everyone, regardless of the season, with "Christ is Risen!" and chanted the Pascha service every day of the year

It's time we talked about Orthodoxy in more detail. I ask Father John Strickland to explain the Divine Liturgy, and it's Byzantine origins, to me.John is the pastor of an Orthodox Church in Poulsbo in Washington State. He has also written a four-volume series about the history of Christian civilization called Paradise and Utopia. And he's recorded a podcast of the same name as an accompaniment to the books. He also wrote the Making of Holy Russia: The Orthodox Church and Russian Nationalism before the Revolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.