Podcasts about eastern orthodox christianity

In this engaging episode of "Nomadic Diaries," host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Marilyn Gardner—a seasoned author and expat who has spent her life living across multiple countries. They dive into the essence of rituals and faith and how these elements intertwine with the nomadic lifestyle. Marilyn shares vivid memories from her childhood in Pakistan and discusses how these early experiences shaped her spiritual journey and everyday rituals.Key Topics CoveredIntroduction to Marilyn Gardner: Doreen highlights Marilyn's extensive experience as an expat and repatriator, noting her impactful writing and authentic journey.Life in Pakistan: Marilyn opens up about her early memories in the Himalayas, growing up sleeping under mosquito nets, and the profound impact of the call to prayer in her childhood.Rituals and Faith: The discussion centers around how Marilyn's upbringing in a Muslim-majority country influenced her Christian faith, leading her to embrace Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which shares similar ritualistic patterns with Islam.Family Stories and Connection: Family stories were emphasized as being significant for resilience, illustrating the importance of connecting personal narratives across generations.The Great Big Family Chat: Marilyn shares how this virtual family connection became pivotal during the COVID pandemic, keeping family members emotionally close despite physical distances.Reflections on Grief and Death Rituals: The impact of cultural mourning practices on personal healing was discussed, particularly how certain rituals can fill the emotional void left by grief.Spiritual Resilience Across Cultures: Doreen and Marilyn reflect on how engaging with different faiths and cultures can enhance one's spiritual resilience and enrich our personal belief systems.Find Marilyn at https://communicatingacrossboundariesblog.com/Why Nomadic Diaries? Expats, nomads, global citizens, lend us your ears! We come not merely to share travel tales, but to reveal the profound journeys of those navigating life between worlds. Through Nomadic Diaries, discover how extraordinary individuals transform geographical transitions into powerful paths of self-discovery. Let this be your compass in the complex terrain of global mobility.https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/https://www.amazon.com/Life-Camel-Lane-Embrace-Adventure/dp/0578607352www.doreenmcumberford.comPlease support the show by commenting, liking or sharing with another expat or nomad!Support the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with Confidence.

Greg reflects on the futility of man-based idealism, then he answers questions about why he isn't Eastern Orthodox and how to show that philosophical materialism isn't supported by materialism itself.   Topics: Commentary: The futility of man-based idealism (00:00) What are your arguments against Eastern Orthodox Christianity? (26:00) How do I show that philosophical materialism isn't supported by materialism itself? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – April 25–26 in Dayton, OH A Complete Unknown – Film

What if the deepest truth of reality lies not in substances or isolated things, but in the pure relationality that connects everything? John Vervaeke is joined by renowned scholar Douglas Hedley to explore James Filler's groundbreaking work "Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being." John and Douglas examine the profound implications of viewing ultimate reality as fundamentally relational rather than substantial, uncovering significant convergences between Heidegger's later thought and the ancient Neoplatonic tradition. The dialogue goes into how Neoplatonic metaphysics offers potent solutions to the philosophical dilemmas posed by modernity and postmodernity, and why the notion of strong transcendence is essential yet challenging in contemporary thought. Douglas enriches the discourse with reflections on imagination, symbolism, and theological significance within the Neoplatonic heritage. Douglas Hedley is Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge University. He was educated at Keble College, Oxford and at the University of Munich, and has previously taught at Nottingham University. He is the Director of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Platonism and co-chair of the Platonism and Neoplatonism section of the American Academy of Religion. Dr Hedley's work centers on concepts of imagination, violence, and the sublime, and he has published widely, from early modern philosophy—particularly the Cambridge Platonists—to Coleridge. He is the Principal Investigator for the AHRC grant on The Cambridge Platonists at the Origins of Enlightenment: Texts, Debates, and Reception (1650-1730), and is co-editor of the Series Studies in Philosophical Theology. Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern (01:30) Douglas Headley's Background and Interests (03:30) Overview of James Filler's Argument (05:30) Critique of Substance Ontology (9:00) Neoplatonism and the Trinity (9:30) Lectern Dialogues: Philosophical Connections: Relational Ontology and the Modern Crisis (10:30) Heidegger's Misreading of Plato (16:30) Heidegger's Theological Influences (26:00) Modernity, Postmodernity, and Transcendence (34:30) Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Neoplatonism (36:15) Pushback on the Trinity Concept (40:00) Greek and Russian Orthodox Traditions (43:00) Western Theology and Neoplatonism (49:30) Dialogical Model of the Self (55:00) Christian Neoplatonism and Love (59:30) Embodiment and Transcendence (01:04:30) Final Thoughts and Parting Words   ---  Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Substance Ontology vs. Relational Ontology Heidegger's Relationship to Neoplatonism James Filler's Philosophical Contribution The Trinity as Relational Symbolism Mysticism and Theology Embodiment and the Contemporary Crisis of Meaning James Filler Plotinus Iamblichus St. Augustine Marius Victorinus Jonathan Pageau "The Iconic Imagination" by Douglas Hedley "Participation in the Divine" "Process and Reality" by Alfred North Whitehead "Symposium" by Plato

This week Dr. Jacobs gives a rundown of mystery in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. You'll get definitions, how he thinks the misunderstanding devolved, and the Chuch Fathers' on natural theology. You'll also get a little side tangent about the future of Orthodoxy in America. All the links: YouTube: https://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/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro 00:07:31 What is mystery?00:14:13 How did the understanding of “mystery” shift? 00:20:57 “The nous is more than mind” is true, but…00:29:46 St. Paul and Philosophy00:36:08 Orthodoxy in America, the best and worst cases00:52:51 Are the Church Fathers anti natural theology? 

The New York Times is reporting that, for the first time, young men are officially more religious than young women. In this episode, I talk about how young men are particularly drawn to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, how men are becoming reacquainted with epic and mythic themes that are collectively reawakening their sense of manhood, and what the woke legacy media are saying about it  -- Start the 24/7 Protection of Your Home and Equity Today! Go to  https://www.hometitlelock.com/turleytalks *The content presented by our partners may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, Turley Talks may receive a small commission.*  Join my new Courageous Conservative Club and get equipped to fight back and restore foundational values.  Learn more at http://fight.turleytalks.com/join   -- Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and/or leave a review. FOLLOW me on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrTurleyTalks Sign up for the 'New Conservative Age Rising' Email Alerts to get lots of articles on conservative trends: https://turleytalks.com/subscribe-to-our-newsletter **The use of any copyrighted material in this video is done so for educational and informational purposes only including parody, commentary, and criticism. See Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015). It is believed that this constitutes a "fair use" of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

This video is a clip of my stream What Is Logos Theology? Introduction to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. If you would like to watch the entire stream please click the following link. https://youtube.com/live/fbuPBxuELSU Thumbnail and Clips: iPak Arts: https://linktr.ee/ipak_arts Superchat Here https://streamlabs.com/churchoftheeternallogos Donochat Me: https://dono.chat/dono/dph Join this channel's YouTube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8JwgaHCkhdfERVkGbLl2g/join If you would like to support my work please become a website member! There are 3 different types of memberships to choose from! https://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Support COTEL with Crypto! Bitcoin: 3QNWpM2qLGfaZ2nUXNDRnwV21UUiaBKVsy Ethereum: 0x0b87E0494117C0adbC45F9F2c099489079d6F7Da Litecoin: MKATh5kwTdiZnPE5Ehr88Yg4KW99Zf7k8d If you enjoy this production, feel compelled, or appreciate my other videos, please support me through my website memberships (www.davidpatrickharry.com) or donate directly by PayPal or crypto! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Logos Subscription Membership: http://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Venmo: @cotel - https://account.venmo.com/u/cotel PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Donations: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com/donate/ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/COTEL Odysee: https://odysee.com/@ChurchoftheEterna... GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Telegram: https://t.me/eternallogos Minds: https://www.minds.com/Dpharry Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/W10R... DLive: https://dlive.tv/The_Eternal_Logos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpharry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dpharry

For episode 10 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome the musician, composer, and producer Trey Spruance. We discuss Trey's early musical and occult explorations and how reading the philosopher Henry Corbin changed the course of his life. Trey then takes us through the esoteric dimensions of Secret Chiefs 3 and how albums like Book M and Book of Horizons are filled with correspondences to Kabbalah, astrology, Hermetic magic, and Pythagorean musicology. Along the way, we touch on Trey's work with Jim Zorn and Kronos Quartet, his conversion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and the afterlives of Saint Cyprian the Mage.

Dr. Jacobs reads his chapter in the second volume "Turning East" (publication TBD). You'll hear him discuss how he came to convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, starting from his growing years, doing LSD in late adolescence, his distaste for Western Christianity, and how he came to find and love Eastern patristics. All the links: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QS Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcast Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/ Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/ Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs (00:00) Intro (02:52) Early Life (08:31) A Spiritual Awakening (16:10) A Disappointing Investigation (23:52) A philosophy of process (36:00) Encountering the Eastern Church Fathers (58:03) The Journey East

Go To https://rumble.com/user/MormonRenegade for free video & access to exclusive content. Renegade Supply Store: https://renegade-supply-shop.printify.me/products   Sometimes as people when we encounter a problem, we tend to look forward to try to get perspective on the issue we are facing. Now that's not a bad thing, sometimeshowever the perspective we desire is found behind us. Now let's look at Mormonism. Could it be that perhaps other religious traditions have gone through something similar that Mormonism has with splits from the mainstream that has led to different groups and churches? Well today I have Justin Francom on to talk about the split that happened in early Christianity that led to the development of what is today known as Eastern Orthodox Christianity. In our conversation we cover the history of the early Christian church, then move on to discuss the reasons and doctrinal disagreements that precipitated the split, we then draw some very interesting connections between the split that happened almost 2,000 years ago to what has happened to Mormonism today that should give us the perspective we need to move forward. Finaly we wrap up by talking about opportunities moving forward that just might help the various groups and independents find common ground while allowing us to disagree more agreeably. That and more on this episode of the MRP. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave-kirkenbower/support

In this episode Chris presents Opinion Scholarship on an influential book by a Christian Orthodox Father--Seraphim Rose--titled Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future. This exploration was sparked by Kyle's interest in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and on the recommendation of an Orthodox friend of the show--Jason Mironchuck--of the 2Bit Podcast. I suspected this book was going to argue that Orthodox Christianity is poised to be the "religion of the future," but instead found Father Rose warning of the rise of an ecumenical, multi-faith, hybrid religion of anti-Christ. He warns against inter-faith dialog and the adoption of pagan ideas and practices into Christianity. He warns the seekers of spiritual experiences against seeking them outside of the Church of Christ. And most especially, he warns against the dilution and corruption of the tradition of the Christian church, which he believes risks the souls of the faithful as well as the rest of us. Enjoy ;)

Have you ever wondered how the ancient wisdom of Orthodox saints can be woven into the fabric of our hectic modern lives? That's what we unravel with Timothy from Orthodox Wisdom, a pioneer in bringing the richness of spiritual tradition to the digital age. Peeling back the curtain on his creative process, Timothy shares the meticulous care taken in selecting and sharing theological works that resonate with both Orthodox believers and seekers. Reflect to how he strikes a delicate balance, offering digestible and engaging content that connects deeply with our contemporary issues, from raising children in a consumerist society to navigating spiritual motherhood.Navigating the spiritual journey can often lead us into controversial terrain, and this episode doesn't shy away from those profound topics. With a discerning eye and a heart tuned to the varied maturity of his audience, Timothy discusses how he approaches subjects like carnal warfare and ecumenism within Orthodoxy. The conversation takes a turn to the subtle art of storytelling in the context of saintly lives, exploring how Timothy paints their historic tales with reverence, while avoiding prescribing their extraordinary faith measures as direct guidance for our own paths.On a more practical note, Timothy pulls back the curtain on the world of Orthodox podcasting, revealing his resourcefulness in using simple tools to produce spiritually nourishing content. The journey of his podcast, amplified through a $60 microphone and a makeshift home studio, exemplifies the dedication behind Orthodox Wisdom. As we bid farewell, our mutual appreciation for the labor of faith is palpable, leaving listeners with a sense of gratitude and encouragement for their own spiritual voyages. Join us for an episode that not only educates but also inspires, as we walk alongside Timothy through the landscape of Orthodox spirituality.Visit our You Tube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@cloudofwitnessesradio/videosThank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

At the heart of Russia is the vast hinterland known as the Steppe, bordering Mongolia, China and the Central Asian Republics. Around this territory, Putin has endorsed an ideology called "Eurasianism," and it's influenced by Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 

Concerns have been raised over the false conversion of asylum seekers in the UK, why many religious "nones" still believe in a higher power, the Russian ideology of Eurasianism and its influence by Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 

Hot Lisa Colon DeLay brings you one of the most influential people to bring the gifts of Eastern Orthodox Christianity into the view of the English speaking and Evangelical world is the topic today: Reverend and Bishop Kallistos Ware (1934-2022)

Topics discussed in this conversation include: Overview of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, including its history, different churches/denominations, leadership structure with various patriarchs. They discuss the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism in 1054. Persecution of Orthodox Christians, especially under communist regimes in 20th century. The situation with Orthodoxy in Ukraine, including the split between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Patriarch of Moscow and the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine backed by the Ecumenical Patriarch. How decisions are made in Orthodoxy, which is more decentralized than the centralized Roman Catholic church under the Pope. The role and authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Challenges of reaching consensus among the different Orthodox churches and patriarchs. Support this podcast via Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/crossingfaiths). Special Guest: Father John Anderson.

In this stream I deconstruct and go over the heretical gnostic Gospel of Thomas and show how and where it departs from the paradigm of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless Superchat Me: https://streamlabs.com/churchoftheeternallogos Donochat Me: https://dono.chat/dono/dph Join this channel's YouTube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8JwgaHCkhdfERVkGbLl2g/join Intro Music Follow Keynan Here! https://linktr.ee/keynanrwils b-dibe's Bandcamp: https://b-dibe.bandcamp.com/ b-dibe's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/b-dibe Thumbnails by iPAK: https://linktr.ee/ipak_arts Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Support COTEL with Crypto! Bitcoin: 3QNWpM2qLGfaZ2nUXNDRnwV21UUiaBKVsy Ethereum: 0x0b87E0494117C0adbC45F9F2c099489079d6F7Da Litecoin: MKATh5kwTdiZnPE5Ehr88Yg4KW99Zf7k8d If you enjoy this production, feel compelled, or appreciate my other videos, please support me through my website memberships (www.davidpatrickharry.com) or donate directly by PayPal or crypto! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Logos Subscription Membership: http://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Venmo: @cotel - https://account.venmo.com/u/cotel PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Donations: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com/donate/ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/COTEL Odysee: https://odysee.com/@ChurchoftheEternalLogos:d GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Telegram: https://t.me/eternallogos Minds: https://www.minds.com/Dpharry Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/W10R... DLive: https://dlive.tv/The_Eternal_Logos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpharry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dpharry

In this stream I discuss Logos Theology as it is uniquely understood within the Eastern Orthodox church and how the history of Greek philosophical thought relates to the Christology of Jesus Christ. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless For the 2nd half become a member here! Logos Subscription Membership: http://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Intro Music Follow Keynan Here! https://linktr.ee/keynanrwils b-dibe's Bandcamp: https://b-dibe.bandcamp.com/ b-dibe's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/b-dibe Superchat Here https://streamlabs.com/churchoftheeternallogos Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Support COTEL with Crypto! Bitcoin: 3QNWpM2qLGfaZ2nUXNDRnwV21UUiaBKVsy Ethereum: 0x0b87E0494117C0adbC45F9F2c099489079d6F7Da Litecoin: MKATh5kwTdiZnPE5Ehr88Yg4KW99Zf7k8d If you enjoy this production, feel compelled, or appreciate my other videos, please support me through my website memberships (www.davidpatrickharry.com) or donate directly by PayPal or crypto! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Venmo: @cotel - https://account.venmo.com/u/cotel PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Donations: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com/donate/ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/COTEL Odysee: https://odysee.com/@ChurchoftheEternalLogos:d GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Telegram: https://t.me/eternallogos Minds: https://www.minds.com/Dpharry Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/W10R... DLive: https://dlive.tv/The_Eternal_Logos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpharry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dpharry

Despite being the second largest Christian communion globally, Eastern Orthodox Theology is unknown or misunderstood for most people living in the West. When Hank Hanegraaff joined the Eastern Orthodox Church, many were left wondering what it is that Eastern Orthodox Christians actually believe.In A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology: Introducing Beliefs and Practices, Dr. Eve Tibbs has written the preeminent resource for a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the beliefs and practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church for Western readers. Tibbs has devoted her career to translating the Orthodox faith to an evangelical audience and has over twenty years of experience teaching this material to students. She joins Hanegraaff to discuss the basic ideas of Eastern Orthodox Christianity—from its origins at Pentecost to the present day.To learn more about receiving A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology: Introducing Beliefs and Practices for your partnering gift please click here.Topics discussed include: Orthodox Christianity is a well-kept secret in the West (4:50); the three distinct branches of Christianity that came as a result of schism (7:10); the emphasis on mystery in Eastern Orthodoxy (10:10); the Orthodox term to describe Salvation—Theosis (11:45); what is Apophatic (negative) theology? (17:15); the communal importance of the Church and the centrality of the Eucharist (22:30); how Orthodox architecture corresponds to Orthodox Theology (26:35); what is the significance of liturgy? (28:25); what does it mean to be made in the image AND likeness of God? (31:25); the interrelated nature of Holy Tradition and Holy Scripture (33:40); What is the Septuagint? (39:45); seeing the gospel—the significance reality of icons (43:30); Acts 15 shows the importance of a conciliar approach—the importance of the seven ecumenical councils (46:05); did we inherit Adam's guilt? an Orthodox perspective on the fall of man (42:45); Mary the Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception and inherited guilt (56:10); the role of women in the Church (1:02:50); the sin of fratricide that caused the split between the Eastern and Western Christian Church (1:08:50); the meaning and importance of being Trinitarian (1:14:35); the significance of Confession in the Orthodox Church and how it compares to the practice in the Roman Catholic Church (1:16:25); infant baptism in the Orthodox Church—is baptism a gift? (1:19:45); the intentional meaning of the architecture and environment in the Orthodox Church (1:22:25); will the 21st century be the Orthodox Century? (1:26:25). Listen to Hank's podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Justin interviews two guests with remarkable stories of adult conversion to Christianity.   Lawyer Nico Tarquinio went from atheist skeptic to Catholic convert via the Unbelievable? show. Storyteller and mythologist Martin Shaw explains how a revelation during a forest vigil led to his recent conversion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They also tell Justin what Christmas means to them now. Justin also speaks to Dan LaRock about his new book 'Grandpa's Gift'.   Support our End Of Year Appeal: https://gtly.to/aAxRk0kQs Martin Shaw: https://drmartinshaw.com/ Nico Tarquinio: https://www.instagram.com/nicodemusapologetics Dan LaRock: https://www.grandpasgiftbook.com/   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

I joined Adam Patrick (or maybe he joined me?) for an unscripted, wandering conversation exploring our recent ventures into Eastern Orthodox Christianity. ---- Become a Kingpilled supporting listener and join the private Discord: https://subscribestar.com/kingpilled ---- Follow Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/realkingpilled Follow Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theageof_info ---- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

Exploration and learning mark Anberin's journey.  Raised in Bangalore, India by her artist mother, a Sufi Muslim who also found inspiration in Buddhism, Anberin was inquisitive and allowed to explore, to seek her spiritual and creative home.  The expressive place was film-making from an early age, though her spiritual home took longer to find.  After much searching, she found it in Eastern Orthodoxy, while filming in Serbia.  Anchored by Christ and enveloped by the sounds, scents, the repeated chants pull her deeper each time.  Having begun documentary film studies with a passion for activism, her discovery of the ancient Eastern Orthodox tradition and Christ, shifted her focus to love, which remains the driver to this day.  Highlights:·       She explored faith traditions, seeking something holistic.·       Love changes us gradually.·       You can be moved in worship spaces of other faiths.·       The Bible is not enough, the Holy Spirit needs to be involved.·       Violence stems from unexamined trauma. ·       Hatred is an expression of twisted pain. Quotes:“The way I see it is that each faith was teaching me something and it was leading me on. I felt like they were all signs along the way. In retrospect, I realize what I was really and truly seeking was that element of love.”“With Christ it was real suffering, and this element of co-suffering, for me, conveyed what love means.”“I think we are carrying so many wounds and unless we address them as nations, as societies, as communities, this [violence] is going to continue.”“The experience I have when I'm praying or when I'm listening to sermons and realizing like, how Christ was moving through the world and how he was healing and all of that is powerful. All of it comes from a place of love, and only love can change us.”“I needed a model and Christ was and is my model for how I live my life.”“[Eastern Orthodox Christianity is] like a well that has no bottom.”References:Lillian Smith, Killers of the Dream – https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/150192.Killers_of_the_DreamMiss Lil's Camp – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814217/?ref_=nm_knf_t1Social Media links for Anberin:   “Love to the End” – https://www.hchc.edu/holy-cross-student-produces-love-to-the-end-documentary-film/  https://www.facebook.com/lovetotheenddocumentary/https://www.instagram.com/lovetotheenddocumentary/Social Media links for Méli:Email – info@talkingwithgodproject.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/Talking with God Project –  https://www.talkingwithgodproject.orgThe transcript is available upon request at info@talkingwithgodproject.org.

The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 4 Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury engages with author Paul Kingsnorth on his adult conversion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Paul and Rowan talk about the spiritual longings that still exist under the surface of secular culture and whether ancient forms of Christianity may provide answers to today's generation. For bonus content including the Jordan Peterson ebook, updates and more shows, sign up at: http://www.thebigconversation.show Take our survey: https://survey-star.net/williams Rowan Williams: http://rowanwilliams.archbishopofcanterbury.org/ Paul Kingsnorth's article: https://www.paulkingsnorth.net/cross The Big Conversation is a video series from Unbelievable? featuring world-class thinkers across the religious and non-religious community. Exploring science, faith, philosophy and what it means to be human. The Big Conversation is produced by Premier in partnership with John Templeton Foundation. • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Have you heard of a little theological term, theosis? This is an important term, beloved and taught most explicitly in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but is at the heart of Christian hope. And, many Christians believe, at the heart of Christian experience. It's a term that grabbed my attention many years ago because to my little ol' Pentecostal heart, it captured the dynamism of life in Christ I'd been told I should pursue growing up and homed it within the life of the Church and most ancient root systems of the Christian faith. If you've not heard this word, I'll leave you with that teaser for now. Many of us have had these moments of finding the vocabulary of the heart, or of some experience or desire we couldn't quite name, suddenly appear before us in the writings of the saints. Then when I started reading C.S. Lewis, I found a translator and a teacher of many of these concepts, and an imagination that helped me put them on a theological map -- maps that often looked like Narnia or the planet Venus. Though Lewis doesn't use the word "theosis" in his writings, I found my understanding of this core Christian hope expand under his teaching. And I wondered how much interest in or exposure to Eastern Christianity Lewis had in his life. Who were his teachers? What do we learn through what he was learning about love's redeeming work? So, on to theosis in the life, works, and relationships of CS Lewis. What do we find there? I had a couple of conversation partners and guides who were up to the task, and we unearthed a few delightful surprises together. Drs. Crystal and David Downing are co-directors of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College, Illinois, which promotes the work of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, Dorothy Sayers, Charles Williams, and other key British Christian authors, and helps develop new writers and scholars of faith and imagination. Crystal formerly served as Distinguished Professor of English and Film Studies at Messiah College, and is the author of several books on Dorothy Sayers, postmodernism, and film. Her most recent book, Subversive: Christ, Culture, and the Shocking Dorothy L Sayers, won a starred review by Publisher's Weekly and was Publisher's Weekly's pick of the week. David Downing has written several scholarly books on C.S. Lewis and provided a critical introduction and explanatory notes to the new edition of C.S. Lewis's The Pilgrim's Regress. He also serves as a consulting reader of Lewis and editorial consultant for a number of academic publishers. Now enter the wardrobe, hop on the bus, and snuggle into your space capsule. Or hold tight to your copy of St. John Climacus. And enjoy the conversation. Give to TLC Learn more about the Love's Redeeming Work conference Check out the Marion E. Wade Center --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/living-church/support

Dr. Scott Kenworthy, a professor in the Department of Comparative Religion at Miami University, spoke with ReligionUnplugged's Managing Editor Meagan Clark about the religious aspects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the complex history of Russian Orthodoxy. Kenworthy's research interests focus on the history and thought of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, particularly in modern Russia. His recent book co-authored with Alexander Agadjanian, “Understanding World Christianity: Russia” aims to correct Western myths and misunderstandings about Russian Christianity and history.

Welcome to EPISODE 34 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Jamie Hanshaw of Jay's Analysis.  She is the wife of Jay Dyer. Find his channel here:  @Jay Dyer Jamie is an Orthodox woman whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways!  She shares her journey with us in this interview and gives us insight into so many topics including her books on the Illuminati and Conspiracy Theories, feminist culture programming, mind control, and how she discovered Orthodoxy. We talk about so much more!You can buy her books at http://www.jaysanalysis.comAll of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women bySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 32 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Daniel Cartera, aka Hebrews 11:1 on Instagram. This episode originally aired on my YT channel in January of 2022.Daniel is an Orthodox man living in Alaska, whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways!  He shares his journey with us in this interview and gives us insight into many topics including: the importance and value of being part of the Ancient Church, Divine Liturgy, taking your time with your conversion, and more.My Website where you can find all of my links:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartDaniel's FacebookRecommended Books:Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by St Innocent of AlaskaOrthodox Study BibleSupport your local parish bookstore, or ask my previous guest Kevin Hughes if he carries the titles you are looking for at his Christian Bookstore. All of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women bySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 31 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! This is my second panel discussion, and it aired on my YT channel in January of 2022.I invited three of my guests back to discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity.  In preparation for the discussion, I gave asked them to reflect on the Biblical Fall and all the ways the Orthodox Church is the "Hospital for the Soul".Links to the previous interviews:Kevin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwZZ2IhFT9cRey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpMASNSR0ANick (on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXyEQMPUN-k&t=493sPlease leave a supportive comment on my YT channel for my guests if you enjoyed this discussion.This is a discussion we made for people brand new to Orthodoxy, so please share with someone who might find it interesting! thank you!All of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos to my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 30 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Julie Mastrine.  This interview aired on my YT Channel in January of 2022.Julie is an Orthodox woman whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways!  She shares her journey with us in this interview and gives us insight into so many topics including the need for discernment when looking at the normalization of things like: New Age Culture, Relativism, Toxic Feminism, Polyamory, Media Bias, and Porn.  We also talk about the importance of objective morality and repentance.  We talk about so much more!Julie was raised in a big, happy Italian-Catholic family, but fell away from God in her late teens. After a long journey that included stops at Buddhism, yoga, and a psychedelic "art church," she converted to Orthodox Christianity in March 2021. Like so  many  of my guests, she found everything she had been looking for in the ancient faith.Julie writes for Evie Magazine, a publication that encourages virtue in young women. She also writes for ww.AllSides.com and seeks to educate people about how to spot media bias.Julie and Amy's YouTube channelRecommended Book: Welcome to the Orthodox Church by Frederica Matthews-GreenAll of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos to my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 29 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Jacob Lyles, also known as Chamomile (Conversations With Chamomile YT Channel).  This interview first aired on my YT channel in January of 2022.Jacob is an Orthodox man whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways!  He shares his journey with us in this interview and gives us insight into many topics including: the importance and value of being part of the Ancient Church, Divine Liturgy, Humility, and more!Jacob is well-educated in many facets of politics, religion and philosophy, and he has traveled and experienced altered states with the use of psychedelic drugs.  In fact, his first experience with mushrooms was at Burning Man in 2012.  This experience set him on a course of events that would eventually lead him to a monastery in New Mexico and his first Divine Liturgy.We also discuss the fact that although some who have used psychedelics have had profound results (including opening the heart and healing from depression for example), the ultimate Truth and healing is in our Lord Jesus Christ.Please note: When my guests and I discuss psychedelics and New Age Spirituality, it is never to create any kind of fascination with them for our viewers.Jacob's video on Burning Man vs Visiting A Monastery:Recommended Books:The Eucharist by Fr. Alexander SchmemannOrthodox Study BibleThe Little Prince/Le Petit PrinceHis Life Is MineWounded By LoveLaurusThe Way of the PilgrimOur Thoughts Determine Our LivesThe Mystical Theology of the Eastern ChurchSupport your local parish bookstore, or ask my previous guest Kevin Hughes if he carries these titles at his Christian Bookstore.Jacob's YouTube ChannelAll of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONA

Welcome to EPISODE 28 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Dina, also known as Love of Truth on Instagram.Dina is an Orthodox woman whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways !  She shares her journey with us in this interview (which originally aired on my YT channel in January of 2022) and gives us insight into so many topics including: New Age Spirituality, Discernment, The Sacraments, Humility, and more!She shares some of the differences she found between Eastern Orthodoxy versus other types of Christianity, as well as Islam.Recommended Books:The Eucharist by Fr. Alexander SchmemannBook Set: The Incarnate God & The Living GodOrthodox Study BibleSupport your local parish bookstore, or ask my previous guest Kevin Hughes if he carries these titles at his Christian Bookstore.Dina's IGI do not receive revenue from YouTube ads. You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.All of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos to my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the showSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 27 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! This episode originally aired on my Youtube Channel in December of 2021.My guest is "Amy the Artist". Amy is an Orthodox woman whose life has been transformed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity in many ways !  She shares her journey with us in this interview and gives us insight into so many topics including Art, Icons, Psychedelics, The Sacraments, Feminism/Femininity, & Humility. And more!"Amy the Artist", is an oil painter and writer. Amy was raised in a big, happy Italian-Catholic family, but fell away from God in her late teens. After a long journey that included stops at Buddhism, yoga, and a psychedelic "art church," she converted to Orthodox Christianity in March 2021. Amy currently shares her musings on her Twitter page, creates and sells oil paintings, and writes for Evie Magazine, a publication that encourages virtue in young women.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amytheartisthttps://www.instagram.com/amy__the_artist/https://twitter.com/amytheartisthttps://amy-the-artist.com/https://www.eviemagazine.com/author/amy-mastrineRecommended Book, Mountain of SilencePlease note that Amy and I do not condone the use of psychedelics, even though she mentions that there have been some positive results from their medicinal use in those with PTSD and suicidal depression.Julie and Amy's YouTube channel.All of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos to my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the showSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 26 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! This is my first panel discussion, which originally aired on my YouTube channel in December of 2021.I invited four of my guests back to discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity.  In preparation for the discussion, I gave them a quote to reflect on from Father Spyridon Bailey's book: "Orthodoxy and the Kingdom of Satan".  To read the quote, please see the video description for this video on Youtube.Purchase Father's book at your local Orthodox Bookstore.Links to each of my guests' social media can be found in the descriptions to their previous interviews:VartanMik-HailJerryMiaPlease leave a comment for my guests under the YT video description if you enjoyed this talk.This is a video we made for people brand new to Orthodoxy, so please share with someone who might find it interesting! thank you!All of Alison's links can be found via this Linktree:http://Bit.ly/ADevotionalHeartAt the time of this upload, I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads.You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos to my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE 24 of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My guest is Fr Deacon Doctor Ananias, well known in the Online Orthodox Community as The Norwegian Nous.Find him here on Youtube,or Here,or at Patristic FaithIn this episode, which originally aired on my YouTube Channel in November of 2021, we discuss Philosophy and Relativism.  Fr Deacon tells us how and why he became Orthodox Clergy.  Stay to the end for his eloquent final words and advice to all Christians.Alison's Recommended Books, Related to This Discussion:Relativism by Francis J. Beckwith and Gregory KouklThe Parasitic Mind by Gad SaadTactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory KouklLogically Fallacious by Bo Bennett, PhDAll of my links can be found via this linktree.I do not receive revenue from YouTube ads at the time of this upload. You can support my project by donating via this paypal link.My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IGI plan to release at least two videos per week to my YouTube channel; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE SEVENTEEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! In this episode, which aired on my YouTube channel in November 2021, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Yulia Grosheva.  She is Russian,  but now lives in the US with her husband.  She tells us about her many travels to holy places and about her life as an Orthodox woman.We also discus Orthodox weddings, her favorite saints, and her favorite Church Fathers' writings.Yulia's Instagram Books mentioned:Check with my friend Kevin Hughes to see if he has them!Kevin's storeOr hereSt John Damascus - "The Exposition of the Orthodox Faith"Elder Joseph the Hesychast - "Monastic Wisdom"Seraphim Slobodskoi - "The Law of God"Daniel Sysoev - "A Protestant's Walk Through an Orthodox Church"Daniel Sysoev - "Why Go to Church Every Sunday?" and "How Often Should One Commune?"Father Seraphim Rose - "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future" and "The Soul After Death"Lectures of metropolitan Jonah My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG @ A.Devotional.Heart.I plan to release at least two videos per week on my channel; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE SIXTEEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! In this episode, which originally aired in November 2021 on my YouTube channel, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Kevin Hughes: an Orthodox Christian & Christian Bookstore Owner with a great story about his conversion, and lots to share about the saints, church fathers, icons, and much more!We also discus the enchantment of Divine Liturgy and what it's like to experience participation in the ancient, apostolic Church.Kevin's Links:YouTube Channel Kevin's store: (I know it says Catholic, but he's Orthodox)InstagramFacebookPatreonBooks:Orthodox Spirituality by Dimitri StaniloaOrthodox Study BibleReligion of the ApostlesThinking OrthodoxChurch Fathers:https://www.queenofpeacecatholicstore.com/the-letters-of-ignatius-of-antiochhttps://www.queenofpeacecatholicstore.com/on-the-holy-icons-2https://www.queenofpeacecatholicstore.com/on-the-incarnation-2 https://www.queenofpeacecatholicstore.com/on-the-unity-of-christ-st-cyril-of-alexandriaMy channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE FOURTEEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! In this episode, which originally aired on my YouTube channel in October of 2021, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Gabe (aka Dororman360), an Orthodox Christian with a great story about his conversion, and lots to share about the saints, angels, icons, and much more!Gabe talks about how he started out in Roman Catholicism, then became a 7th Day Adventist, an atheist, an intellectual, a Libertarian, a Perennialist, and lastly: a FREEMASON! After getting into the content of online personalities such as Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Pageau he spent a period of time taking psychedelics and going to EDM events and strip clubs, until one day he stepped into an Orthodox Church... and the rest is history!And for those new to Orthodoxy, Gabe gives some fantastic guidance near the end of the interview!Gabe's GabBooks Mentioned:NihilismBy Father Seraphim RoseGod's Revelation to the Human Heartby Father Seraphim RoseIndication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heavenby St. Innocent of AlaskaKumare TrailerMy channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I host monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, catechumen, and baptized Orthodox, so message me if you are interested.My TelegramYou can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week on my YouTube channel; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE TWELVE of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! Once again I had problems with the audio, I'm really sorry guys! My mic was on TOO HIGH this time!! In this episode, which originally aired in October 2021 on my YouTube channel, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Jon Pro, an artist and Orthodox Christian with a very active and informative Telegram Group (link below).Jon talks about how he became an artist and an Orthodox Christian after searching for truth for many years, in various places such as Eastern Mysticism and Conspiracy Culture.  We discuss the spiritual battle and the way Orthodox Christianity gives us the tools to survive in this fallen world....And for those new to Orthodoxy, John gives some fantastic guidance near the end of the interview!Jon's Links:His websiteTelegram  @JonProbyInstagramGab​Dr. Richard Day 1969 tape hereMy YouTube channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I am planning to host a monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, so message me if you are interested.You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG or Telegram.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE TEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! In this episode, which originally aired on my YouTube channel in October of 2021, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Pano Kostouros, Orthosphere Moderator and Cradle Greek Orthodox Christian.Pano and I discuss the beauty and depth of the Divine Liturgy.  We reflect on how the worship of God extends into our everyday life....And for those new to Orthodoxy: what to expect when you attend your first Divine Liturgy.Pano's Youtube ChannelBooks mentioned:"The Ethics of Beauty" "The Life of the Virgin Mary" & "The Lives of the Apostles" My channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I am planning to host a monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, so message me if you are interested.You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week to my Youtube Channel; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE ELEVEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! My audio is terrible in this recording, it might sound better with headphones!In this episode, which originally aired on my YouTube channel in October of 2021, I discuss New Age, Occultism, Kabbalah, Drug Use and Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Jerry (Exposing Powerful Lies Channel), Orthosphere Moderator and Orthodox Christian Catechumen.  Jerry and I discuss how leaving our relativistic, occult backgrounds and learning about the ancient faith of the apostles has transformed our lives!Jerry's Youtube ChannelJerry's InstagramMy channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  I am planning to host a monthly zoom call for female Orthodox inquirers, so message me if you are interested.You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week on my YouTube Channel; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Rude or confrontational comments will be deleted.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE EIGHT of my YouTube channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! On this episode, recorded on September 7, 2021, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Sebastian Lopez, YouTube content creator. Topics include: Sebastian's conversion story that started from a broken family upbringing, to drugs, kundalini yoga, and politics and finally to Eastern Orthodox Christianity.  He shares about Conservatism, The Lives of the Saints, Prayer, Icons, Orthodox books, and Divine Liturgy!Click here for Sebastian's Youtube ChannelBooks we mentioned in our discussion (please support your local Orthodox Bookstore; no need to purchase from Amazon):Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future Also Recommended: Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy The Gurus, the Young Man, and the Elder PaisiosMy YouTube channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.At the time of this upload, I do not receive financial support from ads.  You can send a donation to my Paypal using this link, or via Venmo @ADHeart.Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos on my YouTube channel per week; so please like, share and Subscribe.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE SEVEN of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! This episode was recorded on September 7, 2021 for my YouTube Channel: "A Devotional Heart".On this episode of my show, I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with James Kourtides: Orthodox Christian, husband, father, and content creator.  We talk about his return to Orthodoxy and the fact that Orthodox Christianity transforms lives!Topics include: His return to Orthodoxy after years of following other paths, Symbolism, Icons, Orthodox books, and Family!James Kourtides' Youtube ChannelBooks We Mentioned:"Christ the Eternal Tao"  by Hieromonk Damascene"Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future" by Father Seraphim Rose I also recommend "The Gurus, the Young Man, and the Elder Paisios"by Dionysios FarasiotisMy channel glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Many of my guests are content creators who are spreading the beauty of Christianity online.At the time of this upload, I do  not receive any support from ads.  If you would like to donate to my mission you can use this PayPal link, or you can use Venmo @ADHeartAre you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week; so please like, share and Subscribe to my YouTube channel.  Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Rude or confrontational comments will be deleted.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.ALL GLORY TO GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL AND MY OTHER CONTENT!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ALIGNEDVISIONARY?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Welcome to EPISODE FOUR of my channel and podcast: The Devotional Hearts Show! During this interview (which originally aired on my YouTube Channel on August 26,2021) I discuss Eastern Orthodox Christianity with Ian Silver: artist, musician and father.Topics include: Ian's conversion from drugs, yoga, and the festival world to Eastern Orthodox Christianity.  Prayer, Icons, Orthodox books, and Faith! FYI: Ian was recovering from a sinus infection. As of the time of this upload: I do not receive revenue from ads.  You can support my project by donating via this Paypal link.Keep in touch with Ian here:http://www.Instagram.com/iantothewildhttp://www.Instagram.com/theorthodoxlogoshttp://www.Instagram.com/SchemaBeatsIan's websiteBooks we mentioned in our discussion (please support your local parish bookstore if possible, no need to purchase from Amazon):Gods Revelation to the Human HeartOrthodoxy and the Religion of the Future Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy The Gurus, the Young Man, and the Elder PaisiosMy project glorifies our Creator by sharing inspirational interviews with devoted Christians.  My guests will tell their stories of transformation in a life with Christ and offer guidance to those who are seeking Him.  Are you a woman who is interested in the Orthodox Church and have no idea where to start?  Follow my IG: @A.Devotional.Heart where I review books and share content from other Orthodox Christians.  The focus is femininity, softening our hearts while turning away from the traps of this world, and a life in service to God.  You can also request information from me about my Faith-Based Coaching practice for women by messaging me on IG.I plan to release at least two videos per week; so please like, share and Subscribe to my Youtube Channel. Hit the bell to be notified of my future interviews and videos.I am not an expert, apologist, authority, spokesperson, or leader on/in the Orthodox Church.Orthodox Christians are welcome to correct any of my errors or misunderstandings.#newagetojesus #newagetochrist #orthodoxchurch #orthobro #orthodoxcommunity #femininity #patriarchy #christianwoman #devotedtogod #christian #christ #jesuschrist  #reysantos #logos #orthodoxlogos #ancientfaith #orthodoxchristianity  #newagedeceptionSupport the show

In a Zoom meeting on 1st October 2021 Sean and Michael discuss Bhagavan's teachings and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and during this discussion Michael refers to and/or discusses the following passages from Bhagavan's writings: ----more---- Nāṉ Ār? paragraphs 9, 13, 15 and 19 Śrī Aruṇācala Padigam verses 8 and 11 Śrī Aruṇācala Akṣaramaṇamālai verse 76: மலைமருந் திடநீ மலைத்திட வோவருண்      மலைமருந் தாயொளி ரருணாசலா malaimarun diḍanī malaittiḍa vōvaruṇ      malaimarun dāyoḷi raruṇācalā பதச்சேதம்: மலை மருந்து இட நீ மலைத்திடவோ? அருள் மலை மருந்தாய் ஒளிர் அருணாசலா. Padacchēdam (word-separation): malai marundu iḍa nī malaittiḍavō? aruḷ malai marundāy oḷir aruṇācalā. English translation: Arunachala, who shine as the grace-hill-medicine, do you hesitate to give the medicine for confusion? Explanatory paraphrase: Arunachala, who shine as the grace-hill-medicine [the medicine of grace in the form of a hill], do you hesitate to give [me] the medicine for confusion [delusion or distress]? Uḷḷadu Nāṟpadu verses 6, 25 and 26 Upadēśa Undiyār verse 1 Guru Vācaka Kōvai verse 812 From about 1:37:15 Michael briefly outlines the story of Thondaradipodi Alwar, which Bhagavan once narrated, as recorded in Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi section 449. This episode can also be watched as a video: 2021-10-01 Sean and Michael discuss Bhagavan's teachings and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Noodles, my tattoo artist, for another conversation in the "life" category. We talk about Noodles journey into tats as well as his deconversion from and reconversion into Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Check out Noodles's tattoos here: http://noodlestattoo.com/ If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $1, $3, or $5 a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal: https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/ Check out my Parker's Pensées YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA Check out my other YouTube channel on my frogs and turtles: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerSettecase Check me out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trendsettercase Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkers_pensees/ Time Is Running by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6203-time-is-running License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/parkers-pensees/support

Stephen Torna joins Ravel to discuss the parallels between American politics and American Christianity. We attempt to diagnose the aligning of "progressive" or "conservative" Christians with their respective modern political parties and dream about what it would be like for faithful people to break out of that binary. With his own interests in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Torna brings a unique perspective to the table.Connect with Stephen on Twitter and Instagram!Follow the IN2 Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter!Follow the hosts on Twitter:  Josh: @joshlieuallen Emily: @RevRettinghouse Stephen: @stephenghenning Join our community at patreon.com/ravelpod! You can also connect with Ravel on Twitter and Instagram at @ravelpod.Thank you to Louie Zong for use of his song In Full Color, off his album, Here. Find his work on Spotify and Bandcamp!Ravel is a proud founding member of the Highline Media Network, bringing the art of podcasting back to normal people in normal places.

Sean spends a week in a (very nice) cave and recounts his exploration of Cappadocia/Kapadokya.Links and Show NotesRock-cut architecture of Cappadocia - WikipediaTuff - WikipediaGöreme Open Air MuseumChurches of Göreme - WikipediaApse - WikipediaTransept - WikipediaNave - WikipediaDerinkuyu underground city - WikipediaBasilica Cistern - WikipediaAynalı Church Photo Gallery by Dick Osseman at pbase.comTranscriptSean: So remember how we joked that time about me pretending to record in a cave?Elias: Yeah. It was when we were talking about my trip to Wilhemshaven, and I was walking with all the background noise, and you were mimicking that. You did a great job on that in post. And then when we re-released the episode as a shorter version, it was the darling we couldn't cut, but probably should have.Sean: So, I actually am coming to you from a cave this time, sort of.Elias: Okay. So like a cave cave? Like I'm either picturing some fancy hotel, which tries to be a cave, or like some neanderthal nostalgia kind of trip that you're on. But it's probably the first, because I don't think you're wearing a loincloth and going hunting game and sitting around a fire in a damp, cold cave.Sean: No, tempting, but no. Megan and I are staying in a cave hotel. This is five levels carved into the hillside. Reception's actually on top and then you have these levels of rooms terraced down to the valley floor. So we're on the fourth of those.Elias: Okay. Impressive. But of course the most important question is, does it come with cave acoustics? Otherwise you can just forget it.Sean: Yeah. So if I pick up my laptop and my mic here, I walk back into our bathroom, which is pretty recessed into the hill, and particularly back here in our shower—yeah, there's a lot of echo here and I'm not doing it in post.Elias: Yeah, that sounds impressive. I mean, not just the natural reverb, but the whole fact that you're staying in a cave and it's a cave hotel and that, so are these all new things carved into the rock side, or are they old caves that are now being remodeled?Sean: No ours is new. Most of the hotels are new or that there've been some remodeled from older things. And the hotels themselves are all patterned after much, much older caves. And those were not hotels. Those were churches or monasteries or homes and, some even like whole underground cities.But yeah, these cave hotels—we're in one of easily dozens that are an iconic part of this region of central Turkey called Cappadocia.This is Breadcrumbs. I'm Sean.Elias: And I'm Elias. Sean and I grew up abroad and still enjoy seeing new places and thinking about how different cultures interact.Sean: Today, I'm sharing about what I've seen, experienced, and learned about the historical caves of Cappadocia.So both of us were on the road when we recorded that intro. But that was a couple of weeks ago. We're back home now. I'm recording from my studio again with considerably less reverb.But anyway, how familiar are you with Cappadocia?Elias: Well, the first thing that comes to mind is the address in 1 Peter, the letter in the New Testament. It's a region in what's modern day Turkey, that Peter wrote this letter to, and as far as I know, I don't think Paul ever made it there. But that's my context to Cappado-kia, -chia? This is a good question. So I've always known it as Cappado-chia.Sean: Yeah. I had always called it Cappado-shia before coming here. But then since being here we've taken on the Turkish—so the Turkish spelling is Kapadokya, and that's how it's pronounced, even though I continue to spell it the English way most of the time.But anyway, so this region is a major tourist destination. It's known for, again, as we talked about its cave hotels, but also balloon rides and rock formations. But it was also a major center of Christianity back in the Roman and Byzantine eras, going back to that church you mentioned in 1 Peter, and what's really interesting to see today is how that history intersects with the geography of the region, specifically like you have these dwellings for monks and hermits and you have churches and you have even entire underground cities carved into the living rock.Elias: So I'm trying to wrap my head around this, that I'm sure I heard what you said right. Okay, hotels and other things, but like underground cities and all carved into rock? How am I supposed to picture this? What's this rock like, that you're not building a house next to the mountain, but into the mountain?Sean: Yeah, so I had to look this up while we were there because we wondered that too. It's actually this volcanic rock known as tuff—T-U-F-F—made of ash that's lithified. It is a very gritty kind of texture, almost like rough concrete or something, so it is very different from a lot of other rock.And so apparently in Cappadocia, there were eruptions from several volcanoes in the region over centuries in prehistoric times, and these blanketed the whole region. After that, you had flowing water eroding that rock away and carving out these iconic spires that the area's known for now. Despite its name, tuff seems to be a pretty soft rock to dig into, which is why the hillsides and all those rock formations that make up the landscape are dotted with caves—only a handful of which are natural.Elias: So I get the idea that the rock is soft enough that you can cut into it, but it doesn't completely fall apart. And of course, right away, I'm thinking this must have incredible architectural consequences, so these must look very different than your normal run-of-the-mill house or dwelling or anything, really, just because of the way that they're made by basically subtracting stuff, rather than adding stuff to where there isn't anything. Yeah, so like, what are the caves like?Sean: Yeah. it's a little bit of a two-edged sword because it's so easily carved and eroded, a lot of the definition of those shapes is pretty rounded off. So I feel like, yeah, there may have been a time when you had sharper edges and you could have had a better sense of what things looked like, but you basically have a whole range of shapes and sizes here.We saw a lot of these in what they call the Open Air Museum, which is this whole settlement full of hermitages and monasteries and churches. There's a big spire, when you first come in, that's just peppered with holes on every side and going all the way up. And they say this was like a nunnery or something. And then there are a bunch of other cliff faces and rocks with all these other caves in them. A lot of these are just little one or two room dwellings. And so, like you said more subtractive: you had beds or shelves just carved into the walls, or you had holes dug into the floor that could have a fire or a wine press or whatever.And then one particular interesting feature we saw was: a number of the bigger rooms had this kind of raised platform with these long round troughs cut into it—basically the shape of a race track, if you can picture that. And it took us a while to figure out that these were actually dining tables for a large group of people. Like you could easily fit 20 people around this. And so you end up sitting around the edge of this with your feet dangling into the trough and the negative space in the middle of this racetrack was the table. But we, we did wonder like how does this work if someone's on that back wall and needs to get out in the middle of the meal? Do they go all the way around? Do they have to crawl across the table? I don't know.Elias: Yeah. So this is, this is fun also thinking of that modern problem that we all know so well and how they might've dealt with that, or I dunno, if it even was a problem. But of course, what I'm way more interested in here is like that table design, like, oh my goodness. Like, yes, it wouldn't have won some, I don't know, Red Dot or iF Design Award or whatever, but it's brilliant. It's so cool because it's a novel way to think of what a table even is.The first thing that came to my mind was this thing that we had in an engineering class, which was actually one of the few design classes we had. It was about how to come up with ideas, and so you take what you're making or what you're kind of trying to come up with, an element of it, and then you basically go through the different extremes, like the different types or ways or shapes that you could make it, or simply just the number.And one of the examples there was the table and how many legs you could have on the table. And you can picture this: a table with one leg and then a table with, well, two legs can be fastened on the wall; table with three legs is less common, but four, you can see, and five and six and whatever, if it's longer. And then of course, just because you got to go to the extremes, you think of a table with zero legs and then you, you know, hang it with chains on the roof. And it's kind of, I don't know, it's just with zero legs, and then you can basically work at this table and you can, I don't know, raise it or lower it, or you can swing it back and forth, and might be useful to be able to sweep underneath easily. I'd never thought about this though. And I think that's always cool, when you think of like, oh, I've actually used my system to think of every possible table in the world. Yeah, and then you visit Cappadocia, or your friend does, and you see that people made a table that your system didn't come up with.So I guess my question here now is really important. Is this a table with one leg or is this a table with infinite legs?Sean: Yeah, I definitely, I think I saw you going to the infinite legs, as you're extrapolating here, because it does kind of feel like that—they all merge into one or something, right?Elias: So now that you've led with such an amazing table design, what other cool stuff did you see there that they made?Sean: I don't know. I don't know if I can top that. We did see a lot of churches. It was actually kind of surprising just how many of these were in this pretty small area and throughout the whole region. But those too again, because they're carved into the rock, you get some different things there.A lot of these little chapels were not much different from the homes, except they were decorated to clearly be some sort of chapel. But you had the larger ones that actually replicated that traditional cruciform shape that was common for much of Christianity, with the nave and the transept and the apse. And the biggest of these even had the three-aisle basilica plan with two sets of columns, running lengthwise.Elias: Slow down, slow down. So you're using a lot of churchy technical terms here that I'm not sure our listeners are so aware of. I've heard these names before, but like, just to get the, like: nave, transept, and apse is basically cross from top to bottom?Sean: Reverse that. So yeah. So cruciform does refer to, like, shape of a cross. And then yeah, typically the apse is actually like a semicircle behind the altar. And then—you can get really pedantic with these. I actually, since living in Turkey, I've looked up the Wikipedia articles for these to actually get them all straight and those have very helpful floor plans with highlights on them and stuff. So I'll link all those.So you know, that kind of covers the range of architecture you saw. We also saw three distinct styles of artwork. This is all what's now thought of as Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which has a lot of emphasis on art as part of worship and liturgy.The most basic of these just had kind of a few isolated panels on the walls, which might be illustrating different biblical scenes or later historical scenes, and otherwise were pretty bare. A number of them had more just like geometric lines and shapes following the curvature of the rocks, all in this like dark red paint. But then the most elaborate were the full plaster, like floor to ceiling, painted ones with icons and everything. These are like the really beautiful ones that you see pictures of and you just really have to see.I think the crown jewel of this Open Air Museum was the Dark Church—or the Turkish name for it is the Karanlık Kilise. Basically, it was, like, recessed even farther into the rock, with just one little shaft of light, hence the “Dark Church”. So there wasn't really any natural light in there. Which meant that this artwork from centuries and centuries ago is still incredibly well-preserved.Elias: Yeah, that sounds really amazing. And yeah it's really cool to think that like that is language back then. Like I dunno, post- Reformation and everyone being literate now, we kind of tend to forget that most people couldn't read, and so this was very much a way of communicating stories and meaning through art and the walls of churches.So I'm getting very much of a Moria vibe here. You said something about underground cities.Sean: I don't think any of them had any dwarves or Balrogs, but there are a bunch of these in the area. A lot of them were even connected by kilometers of underground tunnels. The one we saw was Derinkuyu. It dates back to the Phrygians in like the seventh or eighth century BC. And it was expanded over time, and came to its current form in the Byzantine era.Elias: So this is people's everyday lives? Why are people living underground? How deep does this go? Is this like basically a modern mall and, I guess, apartment building all underground?Sean: Yeah, the main reason for this, I think, is really defensive, and I'll come back to that. The deepest one of these was five levels deep. So there was a 55-meter ventilation shaft from the bottom level up to the surface, and that also functioned as a well, both for the people in the city and for those actually on the surface.So apparently it could fit up to 20,000 people inside, but those people probably weren't living there all the time. There was a village on the surface and really this was shelter that people could retreat to with their livestock and their food and everything in the case of invaders and war and stuff going on above ground.So you had stables and kitchens on the first level, wine and oil presses, storage rooms, and another large cruciform church down on the bottom level. We did at one point stumble into this long vaulted room with all these little side rooms off of it, and again, found out later that this was apparently some sort of religious school.I mentioned this was largely defensive. The one defensive measure we saw besides just being underground was these big stones that could be rolled across each of the passageways that were going up to the surface. And then like each floor also could be shut off by stones in all of the various passages.Elias: I'm getting very much like a stone rolled away before Jesus' tomb kind of picture here?Sean: Yeah, exactly. If that doesn't mean anything to you, like, this is basically a large round millstone. It was maybe a meter and a half across and at least a foot thick. It was kind of up on a perch or some of these were kind of in actually a dedicated, like kind of slit for this, so it could be pushed with relatively little effort and it would fall into place across the door or the passageway. And then it would take a whole team of people to get it back open from the inside, and until they did that nobody was ever getting in from the outside. Today, the ones that were still open were cemented open so that, with all the people coming through, somebody wouldn't accidentally trap everybody inside.Elias: That's cool. It's really cool to picture that and to think about like the engineers who came up with that, and then the people who actually didn't just carve the whole cities into rocks, but then carved round stones as well to work as doors. You've got to, you know, get that right, because you do want a couple people to be able to lift it back up, and if you do wrong calculations or whatever, it's a bad mistake to make.So that like I'm kind of blown away. Also just thinking back, one of my highlights in Istanbul actually was seeing basically the big Moria hall under the ground—I'm not sure if you've been there—with basically what was a water-collecting cave. So this sounds very spectacular.It's been really cool hearing about this trip and the different things you were able to see. Wrapping up here, what would you say was the highlight of the trip?Sean: So remember how we did that episode on serendipity a few years back now?Elias: Yes, yes. That was my trip in Portugal. I had a lot of great, serendipitous moments there.Sean: Yeah. So most of these churches and, caves and cities that, I've been talking about, I looked these up in advance to some degree or other, or at least had them on the agenda. Like these are things I want to see.But there was one church that was not on the itinerary at all. Our taxi driver recommended it, on the way back to the hotel, just kind of in passing and even offered to stop the meter and let us go in and wait for us. In contrast to all these other places we'd been going to, like, this was just a guy sitting at a table collecting a pretty small entrance fee. And he pretty much just handed us a flashlight and sent us inside. My family and I—and Megan's like this too like—we've always been more inclined to go and see places ourselves, at our own pace, and not worry about a tour guide. That's mostly what we'd been doing this trip, but this felt like taking it to another level. He just kind of hands us this flashlight and it feels like we're being given a charter to go and explore the unknown. We had the place pretty much ourselves, and that flashlight was certainly needed because we were mostly walking or crawling through, like, pitch dark rooms.There were three levels to this place and, the staircases, if you could call them that, were basically just little passageways, that you had to crouch all the way down in, or almost crawl in, to get through. The steps were pretty much eroded away. You did have little handholds cut into the walls. But it was just cool to like walk through this with a flashlight and not even know where is this thing gonna pop out, for however long this tiny little passageway is going. And then at the top of each one of these, like you emerge into a little room and there was another one of those empty tomb stones at the top of them. So they could retreat in here and seal it off and be pretty secure in there.So this was just a really cool find. This was the Aynalı Kilise. They translate it as like mirrored or symmetrical church. Like I said, the serendipity of it kind of the mystery, the discovery, that feeling of venturing in the dark was just really what made that.I think this kind of adventure is exactly what I love about living in Turkey and visiting old ruins and stuff here, because—I've said before, in the States, it's like you have anything that's more than a hundred years old and there's a rope around it and, sure, you can appreciate it from a distance, but don't even think about touching it. But here, you can literally climb all over ruins that are centuries or even millennia old. Like we were doing that all week. And sometimes you're just handed a flashlight and told to go explore.@breadcrumbsfm | @splunsford | @muffinworks

Of all the diverse expressions of Christianity here in the USA, Eastern Orthodoxy gets much less attention than it gets. After centuries of being identified with specific cultures and languages, Christians from multitudinous backgrounds are signing up, seeing what they claim to be an authenticity that they don't see in the denominations of their birth. It has been years since we've given air time to these folks. Our guest, Fr. Michael Nasser from here in Grand Rapids, MI explains it all (OK, maybe not ALL..but enough) for you.

Glenn introduces us to the medieval distinction between the Via Positiva, an approach to thinking about God that emphasizes the things we can affirm about God, and the Via Negativa, an approach that focuses on the limitations of finite creatures to understand the infinite Creator. In general, Western Christianity has put more emphasis on the Via Positiva, also known as Kataphatic theology, while Eastern Orthodox Christianity has emphasized the Via Negativa, or Apophatic theology. Chris points out that the Via Negativa is necessary to prevent us from falling into idolatry by thinking we’ve got God all worked out. Tom brings in the transcendence of God, leading into a discussion of God’s holiness and what that means. The guys also discuss different approaches to spirituality based on a grid with Apophatic and Kataphatic on the horizontal axis, and Mind and Heart on the vertical. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-theology-pugcast/support

Today we consult with not only Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6 with their references to "locusts and honey", but also explore the world of early Christian writings as well as scholarly texts. Some who know Greek and are affiliated with Eastern Orthodox Christianity believe that the mention of "locusts" in the New Testament actually refers to locust beans, also known as carob beans. Some describe "Saint John's bread" or "manna bread" as being made of locust bean flour, also known as carob flour, turned into a kind of Middle-eastern flat bread. "In ancient texts the references to 'honey' in antiquity can refer equally to honey produced by bees, or to any number of other sweet substances, including dates, figs, pods, or sap/gum from carob or other trees." (John the Baptist’s Wild Honey and Honey in Antiquity, by James A. Kelhoffer) There is a ‘vegetarian’ depiction of John’s diet in the Syriac Life and Martyrdom of John the Baptist supplying us with some context and it points to the sap in plants as being the natural sweet substance or "honey". The Life and Martyrdom of John the Baptist is attributed to Mark the Evangelist: "So, at once he [John the Baptist] was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he traveled into the wilderness. He was brought up in the wilderness, eating tips of plants and the sap in the plants." The Slavonic edition of the Book of Josephus actually contains a saying attributed to John the Baptist: "I am pure; [for] the Spirit of God has led me on, and [I live on] cane and roots and tree-food." Josephus also describes the desert or wilderness diet of John the Baptist. We also consult with, The Life of John the Baptist by Sarapion; The Gospel of the Ebionites, another name for the Jesus Movement. We learn of their cousins in the John the Baptist sect (Nasoraeans); also about Epiphanius. And we examine the historic record and scholarly analysis of Bart Ehrman; Robert Eisenman; James Kelhoffer; Keith Akers, James Tabor; E.S. Drower; and G.R.S. Mead. We conclude with a reading from the vegetarian Prayer of Thanksgiving from the Hermetica, as well as the parallel version about this agape love feast or communal meal found in the Nag Hammadi Library. 

A long episode, where I describe my journey from Agnostic materialism (practical Atheism) to Protestant Christianity, then to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, finally finding my port in the Holy Catholic Church

Today’s guest is Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she teaches in the Program in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and is Faculty Director of the Initiative on Religion, Law, and Diplomacy. In this episode, Alon and Elizabeth discuss Turkey’s efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East and the Balkans, Turkey’s relationship with NATO and the West, and increasing authoritarianism in Turkey under Erdogan’s leadership. Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou is a faculty member at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where directs the Initiative on Religion, Law, and Diplomacy. She is non-resident Senior Fellow and Co-Chair of the Working Group on Christians and Religious Pluralism in the Middle East, at the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, and was non-resident Senior Fellow in National Security and the Middle East, at the Center for American Progress. She is a Co-President of Religions for Peace. Prodromou served as Vice Chair and Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (2004-2012) and was a member of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Religion & Foreign Policy Working Group (2011-2015). Her research interests focus on geopolitics and religion, with particular focus on the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southeastern Europe. Her current research projects concentrate on cultural heritage and institutional religious freedom in Turkey and comparative context, as well as Eastern Orthodox Christianity and global public engagement. She is the faculty director for Fletcher’s executive education program for faith-based leadership. The author of multiple edited volumes and many publications in scholarly and policy journals, Prodromou is a frequent commentator and contributor in US and international media. She holds a Ph.D. and an S.M. in political science from MIT, an M.A.L.D. in international relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University), and a B.A. in history and international relations from Tufts University.

In 962- Alaptagin establishes Kingdom of Ghazna. 968-Umayyads establishes University of Cordoba. 969- City of Cairo is established by Fatimids, the 6 largest city in the world. 970- Fatimids conquer Mecca and Medina with this the title Caliph. 971- Al Azhar University is established. 988- Russia and Ukraine accepted Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 996- Pope Pious declares Crusade. 997- Mahmud of Ghazna succeeded Alptagin. 1000- Mahmud starts raiding India. 1004- Mahmud defeats Dawud the fatimid ruler of Multan. 1017- Druze sect is started in Lebanon. 1020- Author of Shah Nama Firdowsi dies. 1024- Mahmud raids Somnath Temple in India.1031- Caliphate of Cordoba disintegrates --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/history-of-islam/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/history-of-islam/support

We celebrate Easter Sunday by exploring the music and spirituality of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, focussing on the great chant traditions of the Greek and Russian churches, with composer and Orthodox priest Ivan Moody. And while most Orthodox Christians don't actually celebrate Easter until next weekend, the music is timeless.  

Michael Lofton and Erick Ybarra interview Father Josiah Trenham on Eastern Orthodox Christianity.  

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing:  Vladichitsa Olga, also known as Maeve Leroux.  She is Metropolitan Bishop of the Universalist Orthodox Church, an Independent and Autocephalous jurisdiction. The Universalist Orthodox Church maintains the ancient and rich liturgical forms of worship found in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. However, as an emulation of the evident boundless love of God, all people are included at every level of Church life. As a pansexual transgender woman, Olga would normally be excluded from ministry and be denied the Eucharist in any mainline Orthodox community—despite confessing the fullness of the Orthodox faith. This is a common struggle for many Orthodox Christians, for any variety of reasons, and is the original impetus behind the formation of the Universalist Orthodox Church.  In addition to the basic responsibilities of managing her jurisdiction, she also functions as an Abbess. She draws on her monastic background for any who wish to deepen their personal spirituality and engage in the work of Theosis as Orthodox monastics. Vladichitsa is also deeply passionate about liturgical and sacred art, and rather than serving as officiant during most liturgies, prefers to preside at the chanter’s stand. As part of her vocation, but also a means to support the ministry of her parish, she also sews vestments of various traditions—primarily for other clergy within the Independent Sacramental Movement. This is something she is greatly honored to do and values as a deeply prayerful, creative, and joyful task. In this episode we discussed several topics including: Her elevator speech. Her identify as a pansexual transgender woman. And how it has affected and influenced her ministry. The formation of the Universalist Orthodox Church. Her experience as a monk in the canonical Orthodox Church. Her greatest challenge in ministry. Finally, her greatest blessing in ministry. This episode is sponsored in part by Convergent Streams: The Premier ISM Magazine.  If you haven’t checked out Convergent Streams I encourage you to do so, why?  Because it’s a great publication AND when you support Convergent Streams you are supporting a ministry within the Independent Sacramental Movement.  How can you go wrong with that?  Check it out at convergentstreams.org.  I like the print copy but you can also get it in ebook format. This podcast is produced by The Community of Saint George (The Young Rite).

The assault on traditional notions and roles of gender has left and continues to leave a lot of damage in its wake. It is tied to political, social and economic changes, although these links are not often made.As young men and women try to establish themselves in this confusing time, they face considerable challenges, socially, economically, psychologically, personally, and otherwise.Brook Potter is Co-Host of the Shitlord Preachers Podcast on Podbean and Itunes, a libertarian discussion between former preachers, about political and social events happening in the United States and the United Kingdom.We had a very informative discussion on this an other topics. These include:- the importance of Robert Kiyosaki in seeking freedom from economic exploitation- being a white minority in the Caribbean- MGTOW, NEETs, incels, red-pilling and the problems facing young men - sexual liberation's and feminism's problems for both young men and young women, marriage, divorce , relationships- race/ethnicity and location around the world in relation to men, women, masculinity, femininity, and dating- defining masculinity- turning to Evangelical Christianity and then away from it- embracing Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and its lack of cultural imperialism- the importance of metaphysics, Plato, Aristotle, Jordan Peterson, and Richard Dawkins- explaining hedge fund management, the stock market and options: winners and losersPlease make sure you subscribe to Brook's podcast on Facebook, YouTube, ad TwitterShitlord Preachers https://www.facebook.com/ShitlordPreachersBrook PotterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ABZiKbado1nROcMGP_vKwFacebook https://www.facebook.com/BSP.Life/Twitter https://twitter.com/Brook_PotterAmos JosephTwitter: https://twitter.com/AmosJoeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmosJosephYT

Exploring Islam 7. Variety In Islam Today we are going to look at the variety found within Islam. We can at times be tempted to think that all Muslims are alike, but as we shall see there is great diversity in the categories of Sunni, Shi’a, Sufi and Folk Islam. Sunni and Shi’a After Muhammad had died and the difficult process started for the people to decide a new leader the seeds of division formed which would remain in the form of Sunni and Shi’a groups. Some believers, the majority at that time, believed that a new leader could and should be chosen from the close companions of the prophet by the majority consent of the Muslim community. As a result the Islamic empire remained superficially unified through four successive caliphs, or leaders, before this underlying disagreement took a more direct and violent turn. Through many battles the minority group who always contested that Muhammad’s successor must be from the prophet’s own blood line took arms against the majority. They never succeeded in overthrowing the empire, but instead strove forward as a distinct group who broke away from the rest. Within Shi’ism the first genuine successor was Al-Husain the grandson of the prophet and who was brutally killed on the battle field against the Sunni in one of the final confrontations. This is commemorated each year and if you type ‘Shi’a’ into most search engines the images at the top will be of bloody processions of remembrance in Iran. With the dismissal of the previous caliphs came the equal rejection of many Islamic traditions, Hadiths and parts of Sharia law which were instigated by them. Instead of successors being chosen by the people, Shi’ism believed that the rightful successor who had Muhammad’s blood in them also shared some mystical connection with the prophet, and hence it is only them who had the authority to lead and make choices. In a way these subsequent leaders of the minority Islamic sect had moved on from a political successor, which is all that Sunni had, into a combined spiritual and political figurehead. Shi’a Muslims remain a minority in the world today and are found mostly in Iran, but also elsewhere. The two groups seemed to have accepted themselves, but equally on the ground there can be much animosity.Because of the different theological foundations in Shi’ism, some of their practices are different to Sunni. Instead of praying five times a day they only do it three times. When they pray they include a stone, clay, or wooden tablet which they bow and place their head on, this is sourced from one of their different Hadiths. Because of these differences it is common for Shi’a believers to attend separate Mosques. Sufism Sufism is not a separate sect of Islam like Sunni or Shi’a, but instead followers can reside in either camp. The difference between them and non-Sufi lie in their awareness and specific beliefs around the nature of Allah and humanity’s ability to commune with him. For non-Sufi orthodox believers Allah is so vastly different and superior to humanity there can never be any kind of relationship or meeting between the two. Even when in Paradise after death you are not with Allah who continues to reside elsewhere. Allah would not desire it to be otherwise, for example the Qur’an describes his disgust at the concept of him becoming a man as the Christians claim of Jesus. But for Sufis they yearned for a more otherworldly experience of Allah. This is achieved through specific methods of prayer and meditation under the guidance of a Sufi master or teacher. They tend to emphasise the love of Allah over any other characteristic, and believe that through these activities it is possible, even if very difficult, to draw closer on a spiritual level and experience union with Allah. This might all sound rather strange and unusual, but it is not a far cry from Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s practices and beliefs, and indeed when I pray as a Western Protestant I desire to draw close to God in some tangible way. Folk Islam Similar to Sufism, Folk Islam can exist within either Sunni or Shi’a groups, but primarily it is found in the former. It can equally be referred to as Popular Islam and is the combination of orthodox beliefs and practices with additional non-Islamic concepts. This is not unusual and all world religions have faced the threat of outside influences sometimes conceding ground. One of the major concerns for people is that of sickness, death and what is to come afterwards. In times where normal medical treatment fails and orthodox Islamic belief would only provide the comfort of Allah’s predetermined and unknown will, a desire to have some influence in the situation led to the acceptance of some pre-existing religious beliefs. For the most part these additions can be centred on the role of a shaman or wise man who is gifted with the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Through this intercession and in combination with certain practices a person may be able to positively impact their difficult situation. In conjunction with this are the two opposing concepts of positive blessing versus the evil eye. Some people, objects, locations or things are more blessed and lucky than others. Fridays are always like this and so many important business meetings or personal choices are purposefully delayed if possible to this day of the week. The evil eye on the other hand is seen as a strong negative force or spirit which resides within each person from birth. Its role is to undermine the faith and religious commitment of the believer. This is commonly seen through the act of envy and it is common in parts of Africa for newborn babies to remain within the house for as long as possible so no one is able to invoke the evil eye onto them. What we have covered here is only a taster into the different expressions of Islam around the world today. But I hope that it has helped to expand our appreciation that what aspects we normally see in the media does not properly represent the overall diverse picture.   Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file     This series is now available to buy as a book on Amazon : UK/Europe - £5 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exploring-Islam-exploring-diversity-Christian/dp/1507774567/ USA - $7 - http://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Islam-exploring-diversity-Christian/dp/1507774567/ Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

In this episode we look at the second half of Olga's regency as she converts to the Eastern Orthodox Christianity. An artists interpretation of Olga being baptized Olga meeting with Constantine VII

This is Part Two of Jeremy's Stanley's story of experiencing the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem the day before Easter. His encounter with the flame left his skeptical soul filled with wonder & mystery. And it left his expensive camera with a few burn marks. Jeremy Stanley is a world-traveling photographer & videographer; he's also one of my best friends in the world. _________________________________ Jeremy Stanley - @jeremystanley For photos from his trip to Jerusalem, check out his Instagram: @jeremystanley jeremystanley.tv To learn more about Eastern Orthodox Christianity, check out the following resources: – HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH podcast: "Orthodoxy, with an Eastern Flavor" – "The Orthodox Way" by Bishop Kallistos Ware Music: Intro track: “Christos Anesti” by Petros Gaitanos Outro track: “Song of Every Soul” by Young Oceans Edited & produced by Chad Michael Snavely (chadmichael.com) For more info on art, liturgy & projection technology, visit my site: illuminate.us

In this week’s show our guest is Sam Granger. Our topic is the history, liturgy and modern trends of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. We discuss their leadership structure, apostolic succession, their different communities and mysticism. Our discussion focused on the liturgical aspect of Eastern Orthodoxy which incorporate” Ancient Synagogal” practices such as priestly rites, hymns and blessings. The structure of the liturgy involves “Old Testament” concepts such as morning and evening prayer, them calling churches temples, having a “Holy of Holies,” and a curtain that separates the congregants from the priests. They also have processions and perform sacrifices with the bread and wine. It is believed that these Greco-Semitic aspects of their rite are derived from the original founders, who according to tradition, were Peter and Paul. We also discussed mysticism including a fusion with God which can take place in a Christian’s life known as “Theosis.” This mystery of becoming God,” just as God became man” is something out of the ordinary for Western Christians but fascinating to learn about. Theosis or Deification is based on their belief in the redemptive work of the Christ. This process is meant for faithful Christians, who exercise the sacraments, to reach complete purity and ultimate redemption. Theosis is influenced by texts such as The Triads of Gregory Palamas and Summa Theologea by Saint Thomas Aquinas. This idea addresses the incarnation of Christ, as it is believed by traditional Christians that he shares his divinity with the rest of humanity, allowing them to finally reach their full potential. By attaining not only the semblance of God, the redeem become like God, as the Genesis account speaks of humans not only sharing his image, but his likeness. They also believe that sainthood can be achieved by individuals as they grow spiritually. Theosis comes about by uniting with the nature of God through the sacraments, as revealed in the gospels and expounded by Christian tradition. This union is believed to culminate in the resurrection and reward of eternal life in heaven.

Did you know that (almost) every year, mysterious fire shoots out from the tomb where Jesus was buried? Yeah... neither did I. Not only is Eastern Orthodoxy the most ancient Tradition of Christianity, it also continues to be one of the fastest growing. But despite this fact, the Eastern Orthodox Church & it's practices remain a mystery to most Protestant & Evangelical Christians. One of the greatest mysteries in the Orthodox Tradition is the ancient celebration of the Holy Fire, which takes places annually on Holy Saturday in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. (This is the site where they believe Christ was crucified & buried.) One of my best friends in the world, Jeremy Stanley, a world-traveling photographer & videographer, went to Jerusalem this past Holy Week & experienced the Holy Fire ceremony first-hand. But his journey towards the flame was not without great trial & conflict. _________________________________ Jeremy Stanley - @jeremystanley For photos from his trip to Jerusalem, check out his Instagram: @jeremystanley http://jeremystanley.tv To learn more about Eastern Orthodox Christianity, check out the following resources: – HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH podcast: "Orthodoxy, with an Eastern Flavor" – "The Orthodox Way" by Bishop Kallistos Ware Music: “Song of Every Soul” by Young Oceans “Christos Anesti” by Petros Gaitanos “Thin Place (Abbreviated)” by Tony Anderson Edited & produced by Chad Michael Snavely (http://chadmichael.com) For more info on art, liturgy & projection technology, visit my site: http://illuminate.us

Our interfaith series is focusing on a very special faith tradition this morning. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is not very visible in the United States, but it is one of the largest groups of Christians in the world. In this sermon, Don touches on the places in which our tradition of Christianity and Orthodox Christianity intersect.

In this episode Dean Piper joined me and we talked about the Easter Bunny and Christmas trees and how they have pagan roots. Very informative today. We talked about Judaism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.Presented by Dr. Al (Petros) Maeyens (Doc. of Div.)This show is broadcast live on W4CY Radio – (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (http://www.talk4radio.com/) on the Talk 4 Media Network (http://www.talk4media.com/).

Mathew Monos once again interviews Fr. Brendan Pelphrey—this time about how to explain what Eastern Orthodox Christianity is.

Mathew Monos once again interviews Fr. Brendan Pelphrey—this time about how to explain what Eastern Orthodox Christianity is.

Our quote for today is from G.K. Chesterton. He said, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried." In this podcast, we are making our way through Garry R. Morgan's book, "Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day." Garry Morgan is a Professor of Intercultural Studies at Northwestern College. He served with World Venture for 20 years in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.  Our topic for today is, "Eastern Orthodox Christianity"  Eastern Orthodoxy, the smallest of Christianity’s three major branches and perhaps the least-known by other Christians, has its geographic roots in the Middle East, where the faith began. As it spread, Orthodox Christianity developed regional variations, although most share similar beliefs and practices. Today, it remains dominant in Greece, Russia, and Romania (among other countries) and is the most common form of Christianity in Muslim-majority countries like Egypt and Turkey.  Due to cultural and political differences, the Eastern Orthodox Church quickly developed differences with the Western form that became the Roman Catholic Church. It tended to be more contemplative; the Western church was more pragmatic. Although very much integrated into political life, especially during the Byzantine period, Eastern Christianity did not develop the Roman Church’s secular power. In fact, emperors tended to have influence over the running of the church, whereas the reverse was true in Rome. Furthermore, after the seventh century, much of the Eastern Orthodox Church came under the political domination of Muslim rulers as Islam spread westward, and this influenced its theology and practice. Although the Western church lost territory to Islam in North Africa and Spain, Charles Martel’s decisive victory at the Battle of Tours in 732 kept most of Europe in Christian hands.  In our last episode, we discussed other key historical and political factors that led to schism between the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches; there were theological elements, too. Because it produced some of the early church’s most influential theologians and writers, the East resented the insistence that Rome have the final say in all matters. This unwillingness to bow to the pope’s authority was at the heart of this growing divide.  One early theological controversy had to do with understanding relationships within the Trinity. Both branches agreed that God is one being who has existed eternally as three persons, Father, Son, and Spirit. Both rejected poly-theism and mo-dal-ism, the heretical idea that God originally manifested himself as the Father, then became the Son, and now is the Holy Spirit. But the Western church held that the Spirit “proceeded from both the Father and the Son,” while the Eastern branch took Jesus’ words in John’s gospel about the Father sending the Spirit to mean that he “proceeded [only] from the Father.”  More widely familiar was what has come to be called the “Icon-o-clas-tic Controversy.” The Western church used statues of Jesus, Mary, and many saints in their worship. To the Eastern church, this was idolatrous, in violation of the second commandment (to have no graven image). They developed a two-dimensional art form called the icon, a picture for use in worship and prayer.  Before the final split in 1054, the Western church insisted on celibacy for priests, while marriage was permitted in the East. The West baptized infants by sprinkling; the East baptized infants by immersion. The West began giving laypeople only bread during Communion, whereas the laity in the East continued to receive both bread and wine.  Language was important in how the two branches spread and developed. The West used Latin for worship and resisted further translation of the Bible into other tongues. The East used Greek and promoted translation of God’s Word into the vernacular. The Orthodox monk Cyril developed an alphabet for the Slavic languages that bears his name; Cy-rill-ic or-thog-ra-phy is used today for Russian, Polish, Czech, and Bulgarian, among other languages.  Through the missionary work of dedicated monks, Eastern Christianity spread from the Middle East into Eastern Europe and northward into Russia, as well as into what is now Iraq and Iran. By the close of the first millennium, geographic expansion slowed and eventually halted. Leading up to and into the twentieth century, Eastern European and Russian immigrants brought the Orthodox faith to Australia and North America. Today, 270 million Eastern Orthodox members are organized into fellowships of independent churches, usually by country, including Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and the Orthodox Church in America, each with its own synod of bishops. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is given the honor of "first among equals" and holds significant influence but does not have the power or authority that the pope has over the Roman Catholic Church.  The Eastern Orthodox Church is also officially known as the Orthodox Catholic Church. Similar to but separate from the Eastern Orthodox Church is the Oriental Orthodox Church (though oriental means "eastern"), which includes the Egyptian Coptic Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and several smaller groups. These differ from Eastern Orthodoxy in that they accept only the first three of seven ecumenical councils that Eastern Orthodoxy considers to be the definitive interpretation of Scripture for belief and practice.  The Oriental Orthodox churches are of ancient origin. The Coptic Church traces its beginnings to Mark the Evangelist, while the Ethiopian Orthodox Church traces its beginning to the return of the eunuch who encountered Philip, in Acts 8. These churches refused the conclusions of the Council of Chal-ce-don (in 451) and broke away prior to the East-West split (in 1054). Note: The Orthodox Church of Alexandria, in Egypt, is part of Eastern (not Oriental) Orthodoxy.  Now, for An Extra Minute  How does the name Orthodox differ from the term orthodox? The term comes from two Greek words literally rendered "right belief." So the term orthodox means believing in line with accepted Christian teaching (as opposed to heresy, wrong belief). Any right-believing Christian is orthodox. The Eastern Church adopted the word into their name in the conviction that their belief was correct. 

Father Barnabas Powell talks about why he left Pentecostalism, why he was drawn to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and how he and the Orthodox tradition view this contemporary Christian movement.

Buddhists in the US are double the number of Orthodox Christians, and most American Buddhists are Western, not raised in Buddhist traditions. Kevin and his guests Fr. Brendan Pelphrey (GOA), an ex-missionary in Asia who has had dialogue with the Dalai Lama, and R. Todd Godwin, ex-Buddhist and Orthodox Christian, discuss the attractions of Buddhism, as well as its key teachings and practices, in comparison with and in contrast to those of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The title of this episode is Coping.It's time once again to lay down our focus on the Western Church to see what's happening in the East.With the arrival of Modernity, the Church in Europe and the New World was faced with the challenge of coping in what we'll call the post-Constantine era. The social environment was no longer favorable toward Christianity. The institutional Church could no longer count on the political support it enjoyed since the 4th C. The 18th C saw Western Christianity faced with the challenge of secular states that may not be outright hostile but tended to ignore it.In the East, Christianity faced far more than benign neglect for a long time. When Constantinople fell in 1453 to the Turks, The Faith came under a repressive regime that alternately neglected and persecuted it.While during the Middle Ages in Europe, Popes were often more powerful than Kings, the Byzantine Emperor ruled the Church. Greek patriarchs were functionaries under his lead. If they failed to comply with his dictates, they were deposed and replaced by those who would. When the Emperor decided reuniting with Rome was required to save the empire, the reunion was accomplished against the counsel of Church leaders. Then, just a  year later, Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. Many Eastern Christians regarded this calamity as a blessing. They viewed it as liberation from a tyrannical emperor who'd forced them into a union with a heretical church in Rome.The new Ottoman regime initially granted the Church limited freedom. Since the patriarch fled to Rome, the conqueror of Constantinople, Mohammed II, allowed the bishops to elect a new patriarch.  He was given both civil and ecclesiastical authority over Christians in the East. In the capital, half the churches were converted to mosques. The other half were allowed to continue worship without much change.In 1516, the Ottomans conquered the ancient seat of Middle Eastern Christianity in Syria and Palestine. The church there was put under the oversight of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Then, when Egypt fell a year later, the Patriarch of Alexandria was given authority over all Christians in Egypt. Under the Ottomans, Eastern Church Patriarchs had vast power over Christians in their realm, but they only served at the Sultan's pleasure and were often deposed for resisting his policies.In 1629, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril Lucaris, wrote what was considered by many, a Protestant treatise titled Confession of Faith. He was then deposed and executed. Fifty years later, a synod condemned him as a “Calvinist heretic.” But by the 18th C, the Reformation wasn't a concern of the Eastern Church. What was, was the arrival of Western philosophy and science. In the 19th C, when Greece gained independence from Turkey, the debate became political. Greek nationalism advocated Western methods of academics and scholarship. The Greeks also demanded that the Greek Church ought to be independent of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Conservatives wanted to subsume scholarship under tradition and retain allegiance to Constantinople.During the 19th and early 20th Cs, the Ottoman Empire broke up, allowing national Orthodox churches to form in Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The tension between nationalist and conservative Orthodoxy dominated the scene. In the period between the two world wars, the Patriarch of Constantinople acknowledged the autonomy of Orthodox churches in the Balkans, Estonia, Latvia, and Czechoslovakia.Early in the 20th C, the ancient patriarchates of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch were ruled by Arabs. But the newly formed states existed under the shadow of Western powers. This was a time when out of a desire to identify with larger groups who could back them up politically and militarily, a large number of Middle Eastern Christians became either Catholic or Protestant. But an emergent Arab nationalism reacted against Western influence. The growth of both Protestantism and Catholicism was curbed. By the second half of the 20th C, the only nations where Eastern Orthodox Christianity retained its identity as a state church were Greece and Cyprus.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 was viewed by Russian Christians as God's punishment for its reunion with the heretical Rome. They regarded Moscow as the “3rd Rome” and the new capital whose task was to uphold Orthodoxy. In 1547, Ivan IV took the title “czar,” drawn from the ancient “Caesar” a proper name that had come to mean “emperor.” The Russian rulers deemed themselves the spiritual heirs to the Roman Empire. Fifty years later, the Metropolitan of Moscow took the title of Patriarch. The Russian Church then churned out a barrage of polemics against the Greek Orthodox Church, Roman Catholics, and Protestants. By the 17th C, the Russian Orthodox Church was so independent when attempts were made by some to re-integrate the Church with its Orthodox brothers, it led to a schism in the Russian church and a bloody rebellion.Now—I just used the term “metropolitan.” We mentioned this in an earlier episode, but now would be a good time for a recap on terms.The Roman Catholic Church is presided over by a Pope whose authority is total, complete. The Eastern Orthodox Church is led by a Patriarch, but his authority isn't as far-reaching as the Pope. Technically, his authority extends just to his church. But realistically, because his church is located in an important center, his influence extends to all the churches within the sphere of his city. While there is only one pope, there might be several Patriarchs who lead various branches of the Eastern Orthodox Church.A Metropolitan equates loosely to an arch-bishop; someone who leads a church that influences the churches around it.Peter the Great's desire to westernize a recalcitrant Russia led to an interest on the part of Russian clergy in both Catholic and Protestant theology. Orthodoxy wasn't abandoned; it was simply embellished with new methods. The Kievan school adopted a Catholic flavor while the followers of Theophanes Prokopovick leaned toward Protestantism. In the late 19th C, a Slavophile movement under the leadership of Alexis Khomiakov applied some of Hegel's analytics to make a synthesis called sobornost; a merging of the Catholic idea of authority with the Protestant view of freedom.Obviously, the Russian Revolution at the beginning of the 20th C put an end to all this with the arrival of a different Western Philosophy - Marxism. In 1918, the Church was officially separated from the State. The Russian Constitution of 1936 guaranteed “freedom for religious worship” but also “freedom for anti-religious propaganda.” In the 1920s, religious instruction in schools was outlawed. Seminaries were closed. After the death of the Russian Patriarch in 1925, the Church was forbidden to name a successor until 1943. The State needed all the help it could get rallying the population in the war with Germany. The seminaries were re-opened and permission was given to print a limited number of religious books.In the late 20th C, after 70 years of Communist rule, the Russian Orthodox Church still had 60 million members.In a recent conversation I had with a woman who grew up in Czechoslovakia during the Soviet Era, she remarked that under the Communists the Church survived, though few attended services. Freedom of religion was the official policy under the Soviets. But in reality, those who professed faith in God were marked down and passed over for education, housing, and other amenities, thin as they were under the harsh Soviet heel. You could be a Christian under Communism; but if you were, you were pretty lonely.Several years ago, when Russia opened to the rest of the world, I had a chance to go in with a team to teach the Inductive Study method as part of Russia's attempt to teach its youth morality and ethics.A senior citizen attended the class who between sessions regaled us with tales of being a believer under Communism. He looked like something straight out of an old, grimy black and white photo of a wizened old man with thinning white hair whose wrinkled face speaks volumes in the suffering he'd endured. He told us that he'd spent several stints in Russian prisons for refusing to kowtow to the Party line and steadfastly cleaving to his faith in God.It's remarkable the Church survived under Communism in the Soviet Bloc. Stories of the fall of the Soviets in the early '80s are often the tale of a resurgent Church.There are other Orthodox churches in various parts of the world. There's the Orthodox Church of Japan, China, and Korea. These communions, begun by Russian missionaries, are today, indigenous and autonomous, with a national clergy and membership, as well as a liturgy conducted in their native tongue.Due to social strife, political upheavals, persecution, and the general longing for a better life, large numbers of Orthodox believers have moved to distant lands. But as they located in their new home, they often transported the old tensions. Orthodoxy believes there can only be a single Orthodox congregation in a city. So, what to do when there are Greek, Russian or some other flavor of Eastern Orthodox believers all sharing the same community?Keep in mind not all churches in the East are part of Eastern Orthodoxy. Since the Christological controversies in the 5th C, a number of churches that disagreed with established creeds maintained their independence. In Persia, most Christians refused to refer to Mary as Theotokos = the Mother of God. They were labeled as Nestorians and declared heretical; though as we saw way back when we were looking at all this, Nestorius himself was not a heretic. Nestorians are more frequently referred to as Assyrian Christians, with a long history. During the Middle Ages, the Assyrian church had many members with missions extending as far as China. In modern times, the Assyrian Church has suffered severe persecution from Muslims. Early in the 20th C and again more recently, persecution decimated its members. Recent predations by ISIS were aimed at these brethren.Those churches that refused to accept the findings of the Council of Chalcedon were called Monophysites because they elevated the deity of Christ over His humanity to such a degree it seemed to make that humanity irrelevant. The largest of these groups were the Copts of Egypt and Ethiopia. The Ethiopian church was the last Eastern church to receive State support. That support ended with the overthrow of Haile Selassie in 1974. The ancient Syrian Monophysite Church, known more popularly as Jacobite, continued in Syria and Iraq. Its head was the Patriarch of Antioch who lived in Damascus. Technically under this patriarchate, but in reality autonomous, the Syrian Church in India has half a million members.As we saw in a previous episode, the Armenian Church also refused to accept the Chalcedonian Creed, because it resented the lack of support from Rome when the Persians invaded. When the Turks conquered Armenia, the fierce loyalty of the Armenians to their faith became one more spark that lit the fuse of ethnic hostility. In 1895, 96, and again in 1914 when the world was distracted elsewhere by The Great War, thousands of Armenians living under Turkish rule were massacred. A million escaped to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Greece, France, and other Western nations where the memory of the Armenian Holocaust lives on and continues to play an important role in international relations and the development of foreign policy.