Podcasts about eastern church

The experience of reading Saint Isaac the Syrian is something like being caught up in a vortex; not a linear explanation of the spiritual life or spiritual practices, but rather being drawn by the Holy Spirit that blows wherever It wills. It is not as though Isaac's thought lacks cohesiveness, but rather he presents the life of faith and life in Christ to us as an artist painting with broad strokes. This is especially true in the first six homilies that speak of the discipline of virtue. Isaac seems to be more concerned about our breathing the same air as the Saints. He wants us to be swept up by our desire for God and in our gratitude for His love and mercy. Our life is not simply following a series of teachings or a moral code, but rather embodying very life of Christ. We are to love and console others as we have been loved and consoled by the Lord. If our spiritual disciplines do not remove the impediments to our capacity to be loved and to love others, then they are sorely lacking.  In every way, our lives should be a reflection of Christ and the manner that we walk along the path of our lives should be reflective of His mindset and desire. In other words, we should desire to do the will of God and to love Him above all things, including our own lives. We are to die to self and sin and have a willingness to trust in the Providence of God that leads our hearts to desire to take up the cross daily and follow him. We begin to see affliction as something that not only shapes are virtue and deepens our faith, but that is a participation in the reality of redemption. We are drawn into something that is Divine and Saint Isaac would not have us make it something common. The Cross will always be a stumbling block when gazed upon or experienced on a purely natural level. But for those who have faith, we begin to see and experience the sweetness of God's love and intimacy with him precisely through affliction. Isaac would have us know that joy in all of its fullness. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:10:51 Catherine Opie: Hi there, where are we in the text? 00:12:03 Lori Hatala: pg 122 Cover a sinner... 00:13:10 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "pg 122 Cover a sinne..." with

Easter Is Now:Easter isn't just a past event—it's the beginning of a new and abundant life today. Christ's resurrection means life, hope, and freedom are already breaking into the world.Faith Is Encounter:The earliest Christians didn't believe simply because of an empty tomb; they believed because they encountered the living Christ. Our faith is built on meeting Jesus personally.Hope for a Hurting World:Even when life feels like Good Friday, Easter reminds us that the worst is never the end. If everything is not yet all right, it's not the end.Easter Is for Everyone:In the Eastern Church, resurrection is seen not just as personal victory but communal transformation. Christ's resurrection lifts up all of humanity.Living the Resurrection:Because Christ lives, we are called to live differently—with courage, compassion, hope, and community. Our lives are meant to reflect the reality of Easter every day.Everything Will Be All Right:Easter assures us that, through Christ, life and love have the final word. No matter the darkness we face, God's love is making all things new.

Happy Eastertime! Celebrating the Ascension of Christ and Bright Week! Keep in mind that 'Bright Week' (Eastern Church) or 'Easter Week' (Western Church) starts the fifty days of welcoming the wonderful miracle that Jesus Christ has given us! Jesus gave up his human life, an innocent man dying on the cross, allowing us God's gift of the Resurrecting of him for all humankind. A rebirth for humankind to live in him and he in us. Let the celebration continue! Christ Has Risen!   And on a solemn note during this celebration, I want to offer condolences to all my friends in the Roman Catholic Church on the passing of Pope Francis, the day after Easter of this year 2025 of the Lord.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/21/25), Hank resumes his overview of the days of Holy Week, arriving at Holy Saturday, which was observed by the Eastern Church this past weekend. Holy Saturday marks one of the most enigmatic of all mysteries—the mystery of Christ's descent into Hades. Being “put to death in the body,” says Peter, he was “made alive by the spirit through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it, only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also.” Peter here reminds us of two great and glorious truths. First, we are saved through water, and second, the descent of Christ into Hades inaugurates resplendent triumph. A triumph by which Christ “tramples down death by death.”Hank also answers the following questions:When a person is baptized, do they become a new creation right away, or is it an ongoing process? Debra - Stony Plain, AB (15:14)What provision does the Bible make for young children or some adults who don't have the mental capacity to accept Christ? Robert - Tallahassee, FL (20:35)I have a cross pendant that has discolored over time. I bought a replacement, but what should I do with the old one? Paul - San Diego, CA (23:03)

Dr. Jacobs explains the Eastern Christian understanding of Christ's descent into Hades, distinguishing it from Hell. The letter clarifies how Eastern Church fathers viewed Christ's descent as destroying death's power and liberating humanity. A comparison with Western theological perspectives reveals fundamental differences in how these traditions understand this doctrine.All the links: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheNathanJacobsPodcastX: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs 

In this fourth installment on the Problem of Evil, Dr. Jacobs explores the complex relationship between divine providence and human freedom. What does it mean that God delegates subsovereignce to creation? And how does divine foreknowledge interact with human self-determination? Tune in as we examine biblical figures like Abraham, Job, and Saul alongside the desecration of goodness and the atheist's problem with evil. This episode lays crucial groundwork for understanding the synergistic nature of providence before our final exploration of theodicy.All the links: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:13 The rational ordering principle00:13:17 What is the individual? 00:32:05 Divine foreknowledge 00:40:08 Abraham, Job, & Saul 00:52:06 Providence: blueprint or synergy? 01:01:29 The desecration of goodness01:08:28 The atheist's evil problem 01:18:51 So why doesn't God intervene? 01:34:30 God delegates subsovereignce  01:46:06 A critical feature of providence 01:49:51 What DOES God do? 01:56:49 The divine energies 02:16:40 The synergistic nature of providence 02:27:17 Engaging in self-determinationOther words for the algorithm… Leibniz, A defense of God, Epicurus, David Hume, Heraclitus, The Problem of Pain, The Problem of Divine Hiddenness, Christianity, Eastern Christianity, Orthodox Christian, Christianity, Evangelical, Protestant, Catholicism, Catholics, pantheism, Empedocles, body-soul dualism, metaphysical dualism, Manichaeism, Augustine of Hippo, Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Nicene Creed, The Arian Dispute, Christology, Seven Ecumenical Councils, Jonathan Pageau, Fr. Josiah Trenham, Jordan Peterson, Pints With Aquinas, Christian apologetics, theology, Alex O'Connor, John of Damascus, Alvin Plantinga, modal logic, Scholastics, the consequent will of God, Origen, complex goods, Theism, philosophy of religion, natural theology, moral philosophy, ontological argument, teleological argument, cosmological argument, ancient philosophy, patristics, church fathers, suffering, existentialism, free will, determinism, sovereignty, divine attributes, omnipotence, omniscience, benevolence, theological ethics, moral evil, natural evil, comparative religion, religious epistemology, divine justice, meaning of suffering, spiritual formation, rationalism, empiricism, atheism, agnosticism, William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, Bishop Barron, apologetics debate, philosophical theology, Thomas Aquinas, divine providence, spiritual warfare, eschatology, redemptive suffering, qualified omnipotence

Send us a textA few years ago, someone prophesied a warning to me about "the spirit of Schism." Schism is a funny little word rarely used in English anymore except when we think of Church history and "the great 'schism,'" or division between the Eastern Church and the Western Church. A schism is a division. Despite the warnings and our best efforts, we have taken a hit from the spirit of schism. Let me get vulnerable with you today as I ask for your prayers and share my heart concerning our difficult time.❤️ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - LINKS BELOW...➡️ Email me: https://www.karlgessler.com/contact➡️ DONATE ➡️  Join our team!https://www.givesendgo.com/karlgesslerfamilybandhttps://www.patreon.com/karlgesslerhttps://cash.app/$KarlgesslerSocial Media➡️Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357625739➡️Telegram - https://t.me/FaithoftheFathers➡️Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@UCLOvq6O4aIXLrkKxwXkq3uASupport the show

Fr John Reves, a priest of the Ukrainian-Greco rite, looks at the Great Lent as practised by the Church in the East, with a particular focus on fasting. Fr John is the Director of the Byzantine Prayer Centre, Salzburg, Austria. THE FRIARSIDE airs live on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11.15am, rebroadcast at 11.15pm the sameday. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side.

Fr. Mitch welcomes Dr. Alexander Harb to look at repentance, heartbrokenness, friendship and total reliance on God through the lens of the Eastern Church and the Desert Fathers.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (03/05/25), Hank notes that today is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the forty days of preparation for celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians remember our sinfulness, we repent, we ask for God's forgiveness, and we recognize that God's forgiveness comes at an infinite price—the death of Jesus Christ on the cross on our behalf. Hank also discusses Clean Monday, which is part of the Eastern Church's observance of the Great Lent that was observed this past Monday.Hank also answers the following questions:Which historian was the first to mention the Gospels? Jason - Harrisburg, PA (6:28)If Jesus died on a Friday and rose on Sunday, isn't that just two days? Jason - Harrisburg, PA (7:17)Can you clarify your statement on the doctrine of once saved, always saved? Jonathan - Calgary, AB (9:03)I've had someone question me about Christ being in the grave for three days; would you mind explaining that? Kurt - Spokane, WA (15:13)What would have happened if Adam and Eve had not eaten the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Keith - Kalamazoo, MI (18:04)I believe the Church misunderstands the timing of the day of preparation and Jesus' crucifixion. Tracy - Hayden, ID (21:09)

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (03/03/25), Hank discusses Clean Monday, a day in which we are to leave behind our sinful attitudes and is the start of the journey towards Pascha (Easter) in the Eastern Church. For those who are able and willing, it is encouraged by the Church to keep a strict 3-day fast until we partake of the Holy Eucharist on Clean Wednesday. During these three days of fasting, we are enabled to see our weaknesses and our spiritual poverty more clearly. Physically, we recognize that the spirit may be willing, but our flesh is weak. And when we partake of the Holy Mysteries after three days of fasting, we gain a deep appreciation for the Lord's presence within the Mysteries. Preparations for Clean Monday started yesterday with the reading of our Lord's words in the Sermon on the Mount: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:14-18 NIV). In this manner, we celebrate the fact that “The springtime of the Fast has dawned, the flower of repentance has begun to open…”

What happens when deep cultural roots meet the life-changing power of the Gospel? Tara Shinja knows firsthand. Raised between two distinct cultures, Tara's journey is a powerful testimony of God's transforming grace and the strength it takes to stand firm in the Christian faith.In this episode, Tara shares her family's story of radical transformation—from a mother raised in foster care yet captivated by Christ's love to her father's unexpected journey from Hinduism to Christianity, as a child who grew up between two cultures, Tara shares unique insight into the Eastern and Western churches. What You'll Hear:The challenge of living out your faith in a complex cultural landscapeHow God's truth brought clarity and freedom in the midst of confusionThe power of prayer and discipleship to impact lives and change heartsPractical tips for sharing your faith with those who are searching, including the power of persistent prayer for the lostIf you're navigating faith in a multicultural world or seeking encouragement to share the Gospel with boldness, this episode is for you. Listen now and be inspired by God's unstoppable grace!Follow us on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. 

The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 243-248. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating yet problematic world of hagiography through the lens of The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Who was Thecla, and why has her story captivated Christian imagination for centuries? We'll explore the origins of her legend, the glaring historical and theological errors in the text, and how her tale became a cornerstone of ascetic devotion in the Eastern Church. From miraculous self-baptism to 72 years in a cave, Thecla's story is equal parts inspiring and misleading. Join us as we examine why truth matters in both faith and practice and discuss the dangers of treating religious storytelling as historical fact. Title: Thecla, the Saint Who Never Existed Date: AD 47 - ? Place: Iconium, Antioch, Seleucia Key Figures and Events: Thecla, Paul. Contact: churchhistoryandtheology@proton.me Want to Support the Show? If you'd like to help cover hosting costs, development, and general support of the show, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/churchhistory License: Church History and Theology is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For full license details, please visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Under this license, you are free to download, copy, share, remix, and translate episodes. You must credit Church History and Theology, link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. These materials may not be used for commercial purposes.

Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Marriage (3:23) What is Marriage defined by the Church? What is the matter and form of marriage? (18:12) Shana - My husband and I married 33 years. Married in American Catholic Church not Roman. I just wanted to share what we've been through now as we pursue to get the sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church. (22:01) Break 1 (23:50) John - My wife and I are Catholic. 3 kids. Want Father's perspective on the whole idea on holding off and practicing NFP. Having the 3rd was challenging...wife had postpartum depression. Barbara - We have to work to fortify our marriage and strength in the Lord as time goes on. Worked in the Diocese of Phoenix in marriage prep for over 13 years. (30:51) Maria - I was baptized in the church and married in the church. Husband died last year. I am now single. I have a suitor who is Maronite Catholic. As a Roman Catholic, I can get married in an Eastern Church. How does that work between Roman and Maronite Catholic church? Is it possible for a couple to married sacramentally? John - Married 45 years. We're called to suffer. Could marriage be source of suffering? Not trying to be disrespectful. (37:46) Break 2 (39:41) James - Wife is in process of divorcing me. How do I maintain the marital relationship, the love for her, when she keeps pushing me away and says she doesn't want to be with me? In a sacramental marriage? Maria - Question regarding children who are living together. How should I advise them. Should I tell them to get married or tell them they shouldn't live together? They have a 2.5 year old child.

This holy defender of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church labored in the final days of the Byzantine Empire, when, pressed on all sides by the Turks, the Emperor in desperation sought union with (or rather submission to) the Papacy in hopes of obtaining aid from the West. It was St Mark who stood almost alone to prevent such a disaster to the Faith.   He was born in Constantinople in 1392 to devout parents. He received a thorough education and seemed destined for a secular career, but at the age of twenty- six he abandoned all worldly claims and became a monk in a small monastery in Nicomedia. Soon the Turkish threat forced him to return to Constantinople, where, continuing in the monastic life, he wrote a number of treatises on prayer and the dogmas of the Church. In time he was ordained priest, then, at the insistence of the Emperor John VIII Paleologos was made Metropolitan of Ephesus. The Emperor also prevailed on him to join the delegation which traveled to the Council of Florence to consider the reunion of the Orthodox Church and the churches under the Papacy. (Saint Mark went as exarch of the Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, who were unable to attend.)   The Greek delegation included the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople. All, including Metropolitan Mark, began with great hopes that a true union in faith might result from the Council, but as the sessions proceeded, it soon became clear that Pope Eugenius and his theologians were interested only in securing submission of the Eastern Church to the Papacy and its theology. The Metropolitan spoke forcefully against various Latin dogmas such as the filioque and Purgatory, but the Greek delegation, desperate for western aid, bowed to expediency and agreed to sign a document of Union which would have denied the Orthodox Faith itself. Saint Mark was the only member of the delegation who refused to sign. When the Pope heard of this, he said "The bishop of Ephesus has not signed, so we have achieved nothing!"   When the delegation returned to Constantinople, the signers of the false Union were received with universal condemnation by the people, while Metropolitan Mark was hailed as a hero. The churches headed by Unionists were soon almost empty, while the people flocked to the churches headed by those loyal to Orthodoxy. Saint Mark left the City to avoid concelebrating with the Unionist Patriarch. He was exiled by the Emperor to Lemnos, but was freed in 1442. He continued to oppose the Union until his repose in 1444. In 1452 the Union was officially proclaimed in Constantinople, but the hoped-for Western aid was not forthcoming, and the City fell to the Turks in 1453.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most important figures in the history of religion, philosophy, mysticism & the esoteric - the writer calling himself Dionysios, and who would create a synthesis between Neoplatonic philosophy and Christianity in ways the echoed down the centuries.Check out the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) for more Dionysius content: https://shwep.netFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co.McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Pseudo-Dionysius: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-dionysius-areopagite/Earl's section:Human and celestial hierarchies compared: EH 373AB, 376BC; CH 208BCD; EH 501A-D.Angelic triads: CH 200D: 3 threefold groups of angels, as taught by Pseudo-D's sacred initiator (i.e. Hierotheos); CH 257C: each angelic triad has Iamblichean-style first and last terms with a necessary median term. Cf. Iamb. De myst. V.8.225.5-8; CH 273C ditto; EH 501A: triads au go-go.Angelic mediation between humans and god: CH 180A. God never appears without intermendiaries, even to the saints: m180C. Even to Jesus: 181C. Long discussion of Isaiah and the Seraphim: 300B ff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saint John Chrysostom was recognized as one of the four great Doctors of the Eastern Church by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568. Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory Nazianzus and Saint Athanasius of Alexandria are the others.

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Second Week of Advent Lectionary: 183The Saint of the day is Saint Damasus ISaint Damasus I's Story To his secretary Saint Jerome, Damasus was “an incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin doctor of the virgin Church, who loved chastity and heard its praises with pleasure.” Damasus seldom heard such unrestrained praise. Internal political struggles, doctrinal heresies, uneasy relations with his fellow bishops and those of the Eastern Church marred the peace of his pontificate. The son of a Roman priest, possibly of Spanish extraction, Damasus started as a deacon in his father's church, and served as a priest in what later became the basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome. He served Pope Liberius (352-366) and followed him into exile. When Liberius died, Damasus was elected bishop of Rome; but a minority elected and consecrated another deacon, Ursinus, as pope. The controversy between Damasus and the antipope resulted in violent battles in two basilicas, scandalizing the bishops of Italy. At the synod that Damasus called on the occasion of his birthday, he asked them to approve his actions. The bishops' reply was curt: “We assembled for a birthday, not to condemn a man unheard.” Supporters of the antipope even managed to get Damasus accused of a grave crime—probably sexual—as late as A.D. 378. He had to clear himself before both a civil court and a Church synod. As pope, his lifestyle was simple in contrast to other ecclesiastics of Rome, and he was fierce in his denunciation of Arianism and other heresies. A misunderstanding of the Trinitarian terminology used by Rome threatened amicable relations with the Eastern Church, and Damasus was only moderately successful in dealing with that challenge. During his pontificate, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state, and Latin became the principal liturgical language as part of the pope's reforms. His encouragement of Saint Jerome's biblical studies led to the Vulgate, the Latin translation of Scripture which 12 centuries later the Council of Trent declared to be “authentic in public readings, disputations, preaching.” Reflection The history of the papacy and the Church is inextricably mixed with the personal biography of Damasus. In a troubled and pivotal period of Church history, he stands forth as a zealous defender of the faith who knew when to be progressive and when to entrench. Damasus makes us aware of two qualities of good leadership: alertness to the promptings of the Spirit, and service. His struggles are a reminder that Jesus never promised his Rock protection from hurricane winds nor his followers immunity from difficulties. His only guarantee is final victory. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsSecond Sunday of Advent Lectionary: 6The Saint of the day is Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Immaculate Conception of Mary A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized as a solemnity. In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.” It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching. Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They pointed out that Mary's Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus' redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus' work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset. Reflection In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God's behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace” or “highly favored”. In that context, this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead. However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary's intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary's whole life. The logic of piety helped God's people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God. Mary as the Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint of: BrazilUnited States Enjoy this meditation on Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the First Week of Advent Lectionary: 177The Saint of the day is Saint John DamasceneSaint John Damascene's Story John spent most of his life in the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem, and all of his life under Muslim rule, indeed protected by it. He was born in Damascus, received a classical and theological education, and followed his father in a government position under the Arabs. After a few years, he resigned and went to the Monastery of Saint Sabas. He is famous in three areas: First, he is known for his writings against the iconoclasts, who opposed the veneration of images. Paradoxically, it was the Eastern Christian emperor Leo who forbade the practice, and it was because John lived in Muslim territory that his enemies could not silence him. Second, he is famous for his treatise, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, a summary of the Greek Fathers, of which he became the last. It is said that this book is for Eastern schools what the Summa of Aquinas became for the West. Third, he is known as a poet, one of the two greatest of the Eastern Church, the other being Romanus the Melodist. His devotion to the Blessed Mother and his sermons on her feasts are well known. Saint John Damascene’s liturgical feast is celebrated on April 30. Reflection John defended the Church's understanding of the veneration of images and explained the faith of the Church in several other controversies. For over 30 years, he combined a life of prayer with these defenses and his other writings. His holiness expressed itself in putting his literary and preaching talents at the service of the Lord. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 500The Saint of the day is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mary's presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church. As with Mary's birth, we read of Mary's presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was 3 years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless. Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary's presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond. Reflection It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God's saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God's saving work. Click here for more on Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 128The Saint of the day is Nativity of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Church has celebrated Mary's birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its Church year with September. The September 8 date helped determine the date for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Scripture does not give an account of Mary's birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap. This work has no historical value, but it does reflect the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God's plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary's life from the beginning. Saint Augustine connects Mary's birth with Jesus' saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary's Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace. Reflection We can see every human birth as a call for new hope in the world. The love of two human beings has joined with God in his creative work. The loving parents have shown hope in a world filled with travail. The new child has the potential to be a channel of God's love and peace to the world. This is all true in a magnificent way in Mary. If Jesus is the perfect expression of God's love, Mary is the foreshadowing of that love. If Jesus has brought the fullness of salvation, Mary is its dawning. Birthday celebrations bring happiness to the celebrant as well as to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary's birth offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. Each time we celebrate her birth, we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world at large. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Mother describes a her prayer surrounding "First Fruits". She talks about the Blessing of First Fruits done in the Eastern Church on The Feast of the Transfiguration.

Canon Ross Bourgeois, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Canon Bourgeois was ordained in 2019.     In Today's Show: Does the ICKSP require you to be Catholic for a period of time before joining the seminary? Any advice to someone whose family is against them joining the priesthood? My priest in the confessional forgot the absolution. Question about the Catholic bible regarding Job. What are the rules between Catholic and Anglican priests on how they wear their collars? What does the Eastern Church think of the filioque? How to respond to the comment "All I need is Jesus and not the Church"? Why does the word "Confusion" have a different meaning in French? Are sick people allowed to eat meat on Friday? How can I better meditate on the mysteries of the rosary? What exactly is Papal infallibility?   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!

The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church's teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

On episode #173, I spoke with Connie Marshner about Irish Christianity. Here are some key questions and topics from our discussion:Early Christians in Ireland: Who were the first Christians in Ireland, and how did Christianity initially arrive there?Egyptian Connection: How did materials like Egyptian papyrus find their way to Ireland? What does this reveal about the people living in Ireland during that time?St. Patrick: What are some new insights your research has uncovered about St. Patrick?Monastic Traditions: How did Irish monastic practices compare to those in other parts of Europe? What unique features did Irish monasteries have?And much more...Tune in for an insightful conversation!Biography:Connie Marshner fell in love with Ireland when she was in middle school and with the Eastern Church when she found Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia, a few years later. She heard echoes of Eastern hymnody in some late-antique Irish prayers and poetry, and the pursuit of a master's degree in Gaelic literature at University College Cork gave her the opportunity to do in-depth research on the topic. Monastery and High Cross is drawn from her 2022 dissertation. A teacher of, she is the chair of the Saints and Scholars Foundation, which supports a new model of faithful Catholic education for modern secular Ireland, www.saintsandscholars.us. She lives in Front Royal, Virginia. Links:Book: Monastery and High CrossOur Sponsors:This is a Good Catholic Podcast.  If you're interested in purchasing a Good Catholic digital series, use code GBS for 20% off your total order.Looking for the perfect Catholic gift? Check out The Catholic Company and find it today! Use code SAINTS20OFF for 20% off your next purchase! Support the Show.

Patrick dives deep into a complex and often misunderstood aspect of Catholic doctrine: the annulment process. One caller poses a challenging question about the validity and implications of marriage vows made before God and the authority of the Catholic Church to grant annulments. Patrick thoughtfully unpacks the nuances of ecclesiastical declarations of nullity, the binding nature of vows, and how civil law views children from annulled marriages. It's a discussion that might just change the way listeners think about marriage and the Church's role in it.   Pirso - Is insulting Mother Mary a sin against the Holy Spirit? (05:54) Joe - Today's reading - I though the Elijah couldn't go to Heaven because the gates of Heaven weren't open till the New Testament? (08:07) Gracie - My daughter is having trouble with her period and the doctor said we could try an IUD. My priest said it's ok if it's for health reasons, but I'm not sure about it. (15:20) Nick - In the Western Church, they say that Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany are two different people. In the Eastern Church, they say it's one person. (22:06) Joyce – Does the Church honor marriage vows? What about annulments? I thought that they would honor that and shouldn't let me get divorced (42:38)

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Catholic husband, father, and a priest 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 What are the Melkites exactly? What geographical region does that cover? Which Divine Liturgy do the Melkites use? Why should one choose Catholicism over Orthodoxy? What are the differences in their theology and approach to faith? Do Eastern Rite churches celebrate the Novus Ordo? What is Father's opinion of the difference(s) between the Eastern Rite and the Roman Catholics on the Nicene Creed? How do doctrines of the Eastern Church compare to the doctrines of the Latin Church? Am I correct in my understanding that the Eastern Rite has a different view of Original Sin than the West? If so, can you tell me what the difference is? And also, how could something so instrumental in our Catholic faith lead to different views among rites without discrediting the church as a whole? Can women be on the altar in Eastern churches? Does the priest face Jesus or the people? Do the faithful receive in the hand or kneeling and on the tongue? What tips would you recommend for someone attending their first Divine Liturgy? What kind of relationship do you have with the Roman Catholic priests from your diocese? Do you work together in any capacity? Also, are you considered part of the Diocese of Rochester, or how does that all work? What is the purpose of the wall (Iconostasis I believe it's called) that separates the Altar and the people? There are three doors on that wall, and the servers and the priest enter and exit them in a particular way. What is the reason for that?   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!

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (05/06/24), Hank resumes his overview of the days of Holy Week, arriving at Holy Saturday, which was observed by the Eastern Church this past weekend. Holy Saturday marks one of the most enigmatic of all mysteries—the mystery of Christ's descent into Hades. Being “put to death in the body,” says Peter, he was “made alive by the spirit through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it, only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also.” Peter here reminds us of two great and glorious truths. First, that we are saved through water, and secondly that the descent of Christ into Hades inaugurates resplendent triumph. A triumph by which Christ “tramples down death by death.”Hank also answers the following questions:When a person is baptized, do they become a new creation right away, or is it an ongoing process? Debra - Stony Plain, AB (15:14)What provision does the Bible make for young children or some adults who don't have the mental capacity to accept Christ? Robert - Tallahassee, FL (20:34)I have a cross pendant that has discolored over time. I bought a replacement, but what should I do with the old one? Paul - San Diego, CA (23:03)

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/29/24), Hank focuses on Holy Week, with Christians in the Eastern Church celebrating Palm Sunday yesterday. Holy Week for Christians in the East begins on Lazarus Saturday. It is on that day that we remember afresh that our Lord Jesus Christ raised Lazarus, a historical reality that points forward to the universal resurrection of all humanity. The next day, Palm Sunday marks the commemoration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Christ's entrance into Jerusalem announced the establishment of the Kingdom of God and a foretaste of the time that He will gather His perfected bride and carry her over the threshold of Jordan into the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. On Holy Monday, the fig tree is set before us as a reminder of the danger inherent in having an appearance of godliness but being devoid of its reality; a reminder to be vigilant and bear fruits of righteousness and repentance.Hank also answers the following questions:If you believe that salvation is “once saved, always saved,” would this mean your free will no longer exists? Tim - Keller, TX (15:51)To me, the term replacement theology seems to be an accurate term as opposed to a misnomer, would you not say? Mark - Vancouver, BC (21:11)

X2M.177 Quaternion Sermon Outline Psalm 87 Holy Spirit called out twisted ankles and mobility issues including joint pain Jeremiah 20:7 Sermon Philippians 3:8 Rolling back the razor if we have the wisdom to say my assets are my liability. All things are rubbish. Verse 1–repetition is good for you Verse 2–Beware of dogs, evil workers, and the mutilation. Compared to the Dark Triad in behavioral psychology Taught this last year––like Paul repeating himself Psychopathy, narcissism, machiavellianism Psychopathy–mutilation of self or others, cut them off or cut them down Nacissists–dogs/sexaully impure, use others, everyone is a victim or an opportunity Machiavellism–those who work for themselves, claim they made their own success for themselves, endless cycle of toil produces anxiety Dark Triad as part of man's fallen nature Verse 3–We are of the circumcision by faith who worship by the Spirit of God This is the sequence in our events: One. We don't know what to do. Have Your way. I don't have anything to bring to the table but my life. We will worship by the leading of the Spirit. Two. The Holy Spirit comes to Carroll and magnifies the Word to him. Go here, He says. Three. Carroll goes to that scripture and comes into agreement as a son with the Father. Four. The Father makes Himself known to Carroll by way of the Spirit. This is the double connotation. Through this revealing by the Spirit and Carroll's agreement, Carroll can locate the Father. Five. Carroll and the Father agree. Six. There is a movement by the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit becomes like a maternal feature that comes to the son or daughter and explains the Father. The Father connects back to the son and the Holy Spirit is there to help the Father/son relationship to be connected. But then when the son experiences the relation of the Father, then the son sends forth the Spirit. It is called spiration.” Or in other words, “The Spirit comes to magnify Jesus, the Word. The Word connects back to the Father. The Father signs off on it. The relationship with the son comes, and there is a transmission of the Spirit. Every time we gather, I see this pattern employed in these events.” Here is an example of a double connotation from this week. “I received a book called The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church. I opened it up and right off the bat he gets into the darkness, the high priest crossing over, and the canopy, all language from last week, and I thought ‘this is phenomenal.' Then the next chapter is “God in Trinity,” a clue to this week. And I said, ‘Man, if You are not leading this congregation.'” After penetrating the divine darkness and moving in, we get to contemplate the Godhead, the greatest human endeavor ever. Because of the fall, we need the Father to come to us maternally by the Spirit to restructure our soul back to what was intended so that we could have a relationship with Him. He wants to relate to us, but it hurts our feelings because His presence exposes us. He is so loving, but He runs everybody off or everybody dies, because of His holiness. So this is what He says: “I'm going to go die. I'm going to give My blood. I'm going to make a way back for humanity. I'm going to restore them back to me. And they are going to be able to relate to Me, because I love them so much.” The name of this event is Quaternion, which is actually Qua and On flanking the essence of eternity. This is the oneness with the Godhead, the Qua-on living in eternity with the Trinity. Verses 4–6 Blameless is not enough God is infinitely better than us Verses 7–8 “I have suffered the loss of all things.” Because He is worth it. Let us find true stability in worshiping Him. That is why this event is characterized as a Hover System. Glorification | The Final Frontier Going Boldly Where The Last Man has Gone Before! Decrease time over target: PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut

Patrick answers listener questions on relevant topics such as the meaning behind specific passages in the Bible, the impact of baptism and exorcism, and the significance of ringing bells during Catholic Mass. The engaging discussions touch on everything from historical church practices to personal experiences with spiritual warfare.   Michael - I had very strong suicidal issues all my life. When I was baptized in the Eastern Church at the age of 31, it immediately went away (05:45) Candace – Why do they ring bells during Mass? (13:18) Chris (email) - Is it okay to do home projects on Good Friday or Holy Saturday? (21:51) Alicia - Could a priest give someone contemplating suicide the Anointing of the Sick? (23:48) Clare - Since Marijuana was legalized, a lot of my in-laws are on drugs. How do I deal with that? (28:55) John - I heard some Catholic charities are not very Catholic. Can I give to non-Catholic Organizations instead? (41:35) Michelle - I work with a woman who is Catholic but is always referencing the spirit in weird ways. (45:18)

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (03/25/24), Hank discusses Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This is, of course, celebrated by Christians as Palm Sunday, which the Western Church observed yesterday, and the Eastern Church will celebrate next month. On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem, not as a political messiah, but rather in humility and peace in fulfillment of Zechariah's famed prophecy: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9 NIV). Christ's entrance into Jerusalem announced the establishment of the Kingdom of God. It was a foretaste of the time that He will gather His perfected bride and carry her over the threshold of Jordan into a New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.

Bible Study: (1:56) Hos 14:2-10 Father discusses the issues with Biblical translation  Mk 12:28-34 Father tells us what the first commandment actually is & what it means to love  Letters (19:18) - Sin to eat meat on Friday? (22:43) - The Kingdom of God  (24:33) - Eastern Church sacraments  Word of the Day: Scribe & Commandment (32:43) Callers:  (36:49) - When BVM appeared at Lourdes, and why would the BVM pray the rosary about herself? (41:23) - Is fear of hell a good reason to be Christian? (43:24) - Differences between baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (46:24) - What happened to Pontius Pilate after the Passion?

As we read St. John Climacus, we begin to see discernment as rooted in our relationship with God; a relationship that is founded upon the revelation of God‘s love and the desire that it stirs within the human heart to respond in kind. If we love God, then it is not going to seem to be a burden to us to take every thought captive and bring it before God for his blessing or judgment. Nor is waiting upon the Lord going to be a point of frustration.  Rather, when we love God, we understand that he is going to desire what is best for us. This desire leads him to test our intentions so as to purify them. What God looks for is humility and a spirit of repentance. Faced with our own weakness, and the darkness that sin brings into our life and into the world, we must cling to God and allow him to guide us with his light.  Often only one step ahead is illuminated for us. We must be at peace with this if we have faith in him and trust in his love.  Part of what this requires from us is an honest heart; one that avoids distractions and holds fast to innocence. Often our sensibilities can become hardened through our experience of the world, and we lose the capacity not only to be vulnerable to others but to God himself. It has been said that “haste destroys the poet and the saint”.  In the face of the frenetic pace of the world, let us hold on to simplicity and silence in order that we might hear the Beloved when he speaks to us. ---   Text of chat during the group:   00:08:06 FrDavid Abernethy: page 206 number 114   00:16:33 Susanna Joy: It can be years and years...   00:16:56 Susanna Joy: ...one must have the patience of Job.   00:27:28 Susanna Joy: I have a friend who says, "Set all your thoughts, words, and actions as flowers at the feet of the Lord."  Then whatever the result, the intention is right.   00:28:10 Paul G.: Reacted to "I have a friend who …" with ❤️   00:30:37 Rebecca Thérèse: Therese thought of herself as a plaything of the infant Jesus so sometimes he would discard her in order to play with something else.   00:32:09 Genesius B.: Would it be imprudent to treat everything as beyond us, or perhaps prudent so we might never overreach?   00:33:35 Susanna Joy: Replying to "Would it be impruden..."     There is the riddle ...   00:34:50 Susanna Joy: Replying to "Would it be impruden..."     ...we must do our be...   00:42:31 sharonfisher: But how do we deal with the ‘warped souls' in life as we encounter them and recognize them as too familiar to our circumstances? It seems scary.   00:43:00 Kate : Father, Could you offer any guidance on finding the balance between overreaching in the spiritual life versus not pushing oneself enough?  I find it very hard to get the right balance.  It is a long, hard struggle.   00:46:23 Anthony: 1. Thanks for explaining the unforgivable sin.  2. No need to fall I to scrupulousity over this sin because concern about it indicates one has not confused good and evil. 3. I like a sentiment by St Paisios you shared on Facebook about keeping a calm soul so the devils can't cast their lines in our soul.   00:51:18 Susanna Joy: Replying to "1. Thanks for explai..."     That is such a great...   00:52:20 Susanna Joy: Replying to "1. Thanks for explai..."     Fish are tempted to ...   00:52:30 Susanna Joy: Reacted to 1. Thanks for explai... with "❤️"   00:53:10 Carolus B: Replying to "1. Thanks for explai..."   Should we avoid holding personal goals, instead endeavoring to only hold the single goal which is the desire of God, regardless of how we feel about the outcome?   00:53:52 Anthony: Hahaha. Yes he might   00:54:07 Paul G.: Reacted to "Hahaha. Yes he might" with

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (02/19/24), Hank commemorates Presidents' Day, popularly recognized as honoring especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington is most remembered for his vital, inspirational leadership during the American Revolution—and Lincoln for his valiant struggle against slavery. In Romans chapter 13 we are commanded to “submit ourselves to governing authorities because there is no authority other than that which is established by God.” And so, a question arises: what are we to do when governing authorities compel us to do that which is in opposition to God's Word and His will? The apostles answered this succinctly: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29 NKJV). In the closing moments of the show, Hank says a few words about the Great Lent, which began in the Western Church last week with Ash Wednesday and will begin next month in the Eastern Church.

The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 243-248. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today I'm tackling (no pun intended) a very important philosophical question of our age: why does anyone care what Taylor Swift thinks? No, seriously--that's a real question. It's basically the one that Plato deals with in his Ion. Trying to answer it can lead us to some pretty fascinating insights about the nature of celebrity and even reality itself. Who would have thought the Biden Administration's efforts at courting celebrity would take us into 9th-century Thessalonikē and the Eastern Church's battle over icons? But here we are. Only on Young Heretics, folks. Subscribe to my new joint Substack with Andrew Klavan (no relation): https://thenewjerusalem.substack.com Check out our sponsor, the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/youngheretics/ Sign up to be in the mailbag: https://rejoiceevermore.substack.com/ Pick up my book, How to Save the West: https://a.co/d/9S57cfh

This holy defender of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church labored in the final days of the Byzantine Empire, when, pressed on all sides by the Turks, the Emperor in desperation sought union with (or rather submission to) the Papacy in hopes of obtaining aid from the West. It was St Mark who stood almost alone to prevent such a disaster to the Faith.   He was born in Constantinople in 1392 to devout parents. He received a thorough education and seemed destined for a secular career, but at the age of twenty- six he abandoned all worldly claims and became a monk in a small monastery in Nicomedia. Soon the Turkish threat forced him to return to Constantinople, where, continuing in the monastic life, he wrote a number of treatises on prayer and the dogmas of the Church. In time he was ordained priest, then, at the insistence of the Emperor John VIII Paleologos was made Metropolitan of Ephesus. The Emperor also prevailed on him to join the delegation which traveled to the Council of Florence to consider the reunion of the Orthodox Church and the churches under the Papacy. (Saint Mark went as exarch of the Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, who were unable to attend.)   The Greek delegation included the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople. All, including Metropolitan Mark, began with great hopes that a true union in faith might result from the Council, but as the sessions proceeded, it soon became clear that Pope Eugenius and his theologians were interested only in securing submission of the Eastern Church to the Papacy and its theology. The Metropolitan spoke forcefully against various Latin dogmas such as the filioque and Purgatory, but the Greek delegation, desperate for western aid, bowed to expediency and agreed to sign a document of Union which would have denied the Orthodox Faith itself. Saint Mark was the only member of the delegation who refused to sign. When the Pope heard of this, he said "The bishop of Ephesus has not signed, so we have achieved nothing!"   When the delegation returned to Constantinople, the signers of the false Union were received with universal condemnation by the people, while Metropolitan Mark was hailed as a hero. The churches headed by Unionists were soon almost empty, while the people flocked to the churches headed by those loyal to Orthodoxy. Saint Mark left the City to avoid concelebrating with the Unionist Patriarch. He was exiled by the Emperor to Lemnos, but was freed in 1442. He continued to oppose the Union until his repose in 1444. In 1452 the Union was officially proclaimed in Constantinople, but the hoped-for Western aid was not forthcoming, and the City fell to the Turks in 1453.

This holy defender of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church labored in the final days of the Byzantine Empire, when, pressed on all sides by the Turks, the Emperor in desperation sought union with (or rather submission to) the Papacy in hopes of obtaining aid from the West. It was St Mark who stood almost alone to prevent such a disaster to the Faith.   He was born in Constantinople in 1392 to devout parents. He received a thorough education and seemed destined for a secular career, but at the age of twenty- six he abandoned all worldly claims and became a monk in a small monastery in Nicomedia. Soon the Turkish threat forced him to return to Constantinople, where, continuing in the monastic life, he wrote a number of treatises on prayer and the dogmas of the Church. In time he was ordained priest, then, at the insistence of the Emperor John VIII Paleologos was made Metropolitan of Ephesus. The Emperor also prevailed on him to join the delegation which traveled to the Council of Florence to consider the reunion of the Orthodox Church and the churches under the Papacy. (Saint Mark went as exarch of the Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, who were unable to attend.)   The Greek delegation included the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople. All, including Metropolitan Mark, began with great hopes that a true union in faith might result from the Council, but as the sessions proceeded, it soon became clear that Pope Eugenius and his theologians were interested only in securing submission of the Eastern Church to the Papacy and its theology. The Metropolitan spoke forcefully against various Latin dogmas such as the filioque and Purgatory, but the Greek delegation, desperate for western aid, bowed to expediency and agreed to sign a document of Union which would have denied the Orthodox Faith itself. Saint Mark was the only member of the delegation who refused to sign. When the Pope heard of this, he said "The bishop of Ephesus has not signed, so we have achieved nothing!"   When the delegation returned to Constantinople, the signers of the false Union were received with universal condemnation by the people, while Metropolitan Mark was hailed as a hero. The churches headed by Unionists were soon almost empty, while the people flocked to the churches headed by those loyal to Orthodoxy. Saint Mark left the City to avoid concelebrating with the Unionist Patriarch. He was exiled by the Emperor to Lemnos, but was freed in 1442. He continued to oppose the Union until his repose in 1444. In 1452 the Union was officially proclaimed in Constantinople, but the hoped-for Western aid was not forthcoming, and the City fell to the Turks in 1453.

Welcome to 2024~ We start the year by concluding the Christmas liturgial season ending in Epiphany! noun epiph·​a·​ny i-ˈpi-fə-nē  1 capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ 2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being 3a(1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b: a revealing scene or moment https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphany Journey of the Magi By T.S. Elliot A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey: The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter.' And the camels galled, sorefooted, refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, And the silken girls bringing sherbet. Then the camel men cursing and grumbling and running away, and wanting their liquor and women, And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly And the villages dirty and charging high prices: A hard time we had of it. At the end we preferred to travel all night, Sleeping in snatches, With the voices singing in our ears, saying That this was all folly. Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation; With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness, And three trees on the low sky, And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow. Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel, Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver, And feet kicking the empty wine-skins. But there was no information, and so we continued And arriving at evening, not a moment too soon Finding the place; it was (you might say) satisfactory. All this was a long time ago, I remember, And I would do it again, but set down This set down This: were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different; this Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their gods. I should be glad of another death. "Every hero needs to venture into the Belly of the Beast. It's essential to be devoured at least once by the monster. The hero never begins as a hero. He becomes a hero, and that entails the annihilation of his own, unheroic, former self. The hero always undergoes a metamorphosis, from ordinary to extraordinary. The hero, like the snake, sheds its old skin and takes on a new form. To change, you must enter a sacred space, a transformational space. Nothing ever changes in the ordinary space. The familiar world keeps you the same. It has no alchemical power. If you are confined in the same old world, you remain the same old person. You must cross the threshold into the New World."--David Sinclair (Taken from the instagram account: @robertedwardgrant on 1-3-2024

John Mason Neale was born in London to evangelical parents. His father's early death meant that Neale attended many different schools; he eventually earned a degree from Trinity College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, Neale moved from an evangelical to a strongly Anglican religious orientation. He helped found the Cambridge Camden Society, which later became the Ecclesiological Society, at Cambridge in 1839; the group's main goal was to align church architecture, decoration, and ritual with its teaching. Neale was ordained a deacon in 1841 and a priest in 1842. His role in mid-19th-century British religious history is complex: many of his innovations, including establishing the Society of Saint Margaret for the nursing of pensioners and the poor, seemed too close to Roman Catholicism for Anglican leaders of the day.  Nonetheless, Neale's literary and religious output was immense. He wrote books and pamphlets on a wide range of spiritual and material issues. Neale's other volumes included novels, books for children, and works on church history. He penned a multivolume History of the Holy Eastern Church (1847, 1850, and a posthumous volume in 1873). Neale's interest in Eastern Christianity led him to translate Hymns of the Eastern Church (1862), though he translated many other kinds of hymns, including from Latin, for Anglican use. Neale is best remembered as a hymnist whose collections include Hymns for Children (1843), Hymns for the Sick (1843), Carols for Christmas-tide (1853), and Carols for Easter-tide (1854). Perhaps his most famous carol is “Good King Wenceslas.” Neale's early death, at age 48, was not widely recognized at the time; however, the archbishop of Canterbury celebrated its centenary.-bio via Poetry Foundation Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Second Week of Advent Lectionary: 181The Saint of the day is Saint Damasus ISaint Damasus I's Story To his secretary Saint Jerome, Damasus was “an incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin doctor of the virgin Church, who loved chastity and heard its praises with pleasure.” Damasus seldom heard such unrestrained praise. Internal political struggles, doctrinal heresies, uneasy relations with his fellow bishops and those of the Eastern Church marred the peace of his pontificate. The son of a Roman priest, possibly of Spanish extraction, Damasus started as a deacon in his father's church, and served as a priest in what later became the basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome. He served Pope Liberius (352-366) and followed him into exile. When Liberius died, Damasus was elected bishop of Rome; but a minority elected and consecrated another deacon, Ursinus, as pope. The controversy between Damasus and the antipope resulted in violent battles in two basilicas, scandalizing the bishops of Italy. At the synod that Damasus called on the occasion of his birthday, he asked them to approve his actions. The bishops' reply was curt: “We assembled for a birthday, not to condemn a man unheard.” Supporters of the antipope even managed to get Damasus accused of a grave crime—probably sexual—as late as A.D. 378. He had to clear himself before both a civil court and a Church synod. As pope, his lifestyle was simple in contrast to other ecclesiastics of Rome, and he was fierce in his denunciation of Arianism and other heresies. A misunderstanding of the Trinitarian terminology used by Rome threatened amicable relations with the Eastern Church, and Damasus was only moderately successful in dealing with that challenge. During his pontificate, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state, and Latin became the principal liturgical language as part of the pope's reforms. His encouragement of Saint Jerome's biblical studies led to the Vulgate, the Latin translation of Scripture which 12 centuries later the Council of Trent declared to be “authentic in public readings, disputations, preaching.” Reflection The history of the papacy and the Church is inextricably mixed with the personal biography of Damasus. In a troubled and pivotal period of Church history, he stands forth as a zealous defender of the faith who knew when to be progressive and when to entrench. Damasus makes us aware of two qualities of good leadership: alertness to the promptings of the Spirit, and service. His struggles are a reminder that Jesus never promised his Rock protection from hurricane winds nor his followers immunity from difficulties. His only guarantee is final victory. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Sources/Recomended Reading: Gendle, Nicholas (translated by) (1982). "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". Paulist Press. Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Hart, Columba (translated by) (1980). "Hadewijch: Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press. Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co. Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International. McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co. McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co. "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Tobin, Frank (translated by) (1997). "Mechthild of Magdeburg: The Flowing Light of the Godhead". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press.Walshe, Maurice O.C. (translated by) (2010). "The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart". Crossroad Publishing Company. Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Text of ReadingsSolemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 689The Saint of the day is Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Immaculate Conception of Mary A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized as a solemnity. In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.” It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching. Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They pointed out that Mary's Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus' redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus' work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset. Reflection In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God's behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace” or “highly favored”. In that context, this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead. However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary's intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary's whole life. The logic of piety helped God's people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God. Mary as the Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint of: BrazilUnited States Enjoy this meditation on Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his concepts of the One and the emanation of divine beings, to the fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, this video uncovers the intellectual interplay that helped shape the foundations of Western spirituality. Explore how Neoplatonic concepts, such as the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the pursuit of the divine, found resonance within Christian doctrines.Sources/Suggested Reading: Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press. Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press. Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co. Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International. McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group. O'Meara, Dominic J. (1981). "Neoplatonism and Christian Thought". State University of New York Press. Pine-Coffin, R.S. (Translated by) (2003). "Confessions". Penguin Classics. Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press. Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company. Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 498The Saint of the day is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mary's presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church. As with Mary's birth, we read of Mary's presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was 3 years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless. Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary's presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond. Reflection It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God's saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God's saving work. Click here for more on Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church's teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's reading is Catechism paragraphs 243-248. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.