Podcasts about ecumenical councils

In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Map of the Roman Empire in 5th Century* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52)* Council of Ephesus | Church Councils Explained (Part 3)* New Advent: First Council of Ephesus* Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of EphesusPREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 5 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the First Council of Constantinople. What did they accomplish that the Council of Nicaea left incomplete? Which heresies did they address? And why is this council sometimes referred to as an “unecumenical council?”HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on the Arian Century - beginning with episode 39)* First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2)* New Advent: First Council of Constantinople* Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Constantinople* Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 4 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened in the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea? Did the Church become unified, or did it devolve into disarray and abandon Nicene Christianity? Why was the 4th century perhaps one of the most pivotal centuries for Christianity? And what led the Church to once again gather for a second council, this time in Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27)* First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1)* First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2)* New Advent: First Council of Nicaea* Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Nicaea* Original Nicene Creed of 325 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In our final class on the Ecumenical Councils, we look at how Nicaea 2 was received by the Lutherans and the Reformed, and how historic Anglicanism fits into the picture. We discuss the "Homily on the Peril of Idolatry," the influence of later Gothic Revival and Ecuminism, how Anglicans approach the issues today, and finaly evaluate the Council from the perspective of our Anglican Formularies.Some Links:CB Moss on the 7th CouncilsAn Ad Fontes article on Protestentism and the Council"Nicaea II: Some Criticisms"

In the first part of our discussion on the Seventh Council, we discuss some of the difficulties with properly representing the Council, the background issues, and the Council itself. Next week we will discuss some of the implications of the Council for Anglicans today.

The Sunday for the Fourth Ecumenical Council Titus 3:8-15; Matthew 5:14-19 Note: the recording includes a few seconds when Fr. Anthony's mind went apophatic and he forgot a critical detail.  Real life is like that sometimes!   First Council: Nicea in 325 (vs. Arius) "And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made:  Who for us men and our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man;  And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;  And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;  And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end." Second Council: Constantinople in 381 (defend the Holy Spirit). Finished our Creed; Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, Resurrection, Life in the age to come. Third Council: Ephesus 431 (vs. Nestorius – she gave birth to the man Christ; Christotokos). Jesus Christ was fully God and fully Man. Because Jesus was true God of true God, the Virgin Mary gave birth to God; thus she should be called Theotokos.  Fourth Council: Chalcedon in 451 (vs. Nestorianism and the Abbot Eutyches and the Alexandrian Patriarch Diasocurus (recent robber council) The Fathers accepted the message sent by Pope Leo, which Dioscorus had abstained from reading at his robber Council in Ephesus. In the message, The Pope distinguishes clearly between the two natures, emphasizing the presence of the two natures in one hypostasis. Among the most important conclusions of the Council was that Christ is “perfect God and perfect Man. A true God and a true Man. Equal to the Father in Godhead and equal to us in humanity, like us in everything except in sin. He was begotten from the Father as God pre-eternally and in the last days He was born of the virgin Mary the Mother of God (Theotokos), according to humanity. He is one. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lord who must be confessed in two natures united without confusion nor change, without division nor separation. He was not divided into two persons but he has always been the Only Begotten God the Word and the Lord Jesus Christ”.  In this Chalcedonian definition, the Fathers of the Council re-emphasized the Creed. They also emphasized two other important things: ·      The unity of the person in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is indicated in the “he is one and the same”. The Lord Jesus Christ is One. He is the Word of God eternally born from the eternal Father before the ages, and born from Mary in humanity. ·      That the two natures in Christ sustain their properties amidst the unity of the person. The word became Flesh assuming all the Human Nature except “sinning”, without giving up or abandoning his Divine Nature. Application The Church Fathers chose a gospel to be read in relation to this Council. It is Christ's saying: “You are the light of the world”.  Not just the physical light, but the spiritual light. One of the things that the spiritual light is that we can be full of it ourselves; that we can carry God within us and He can become the light through which we see one another. Not the light of ego or self-confidence; this is a shortcut which will lead us into division (heresy); not the heresy of Nestorius or Eutechius, but the witness of a proud and divisive spirit that actually drives the self and others away from the true light – even while using pious words of Scripture and the Fathers.  This true light is helps us see one another. The Lord says after that: “let your light shine on people so that they can see your work and glorify your Father in the heavens”. This is done not by pious strutting or false humility; but by the way we see and connect with others in the light; by the way we avoid being contaminated by giving in to the dark tempations of the world; and by sharing the same kind of sacrificial light that the Source of Light did when He became perfect man. That is how we can live as a real family with God in heaven as our Father. We avoid sin; and we love one another. This way we can make God's Will come true. The gospel which we heard was chosen to describe the Holy Fathers (whose number is 630) of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon. These Fathers were the light of the world in both their time and ours as well. We abide by their teachings which were handed down to us. By their teachings we are able to avoid the darkness of heresy. Let us be like them. Let them be our example and model, through Christ, who lives in them, that He might dwell in us too. See https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/1155/ for a more thorough treatment.

Epistle Reading: Titus 3:8-15Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:14-19The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

“What Is the Role of Popes in Approving Ecumenical Councils?” In this episode, guest apologist Alex Jurado from Voice of Reason addresses the necessity of papal approval for early councils, explores how Jesus grew in knowledge, and discusses the connection between Mary’s Assumption and 1 Cor. 15:55. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 08:59 – How did Jesus grow in knowledge? And did he have knowledge of his passion from a young age? 14:30 – What’s the necessity for popes to convene and approve ecumenical councils particularly the earliest councils of the Church? 17:46 – Is there a connection between Mary’s Assumption and 1 Cor. 15:55? 21:52 – Why did the person who touched the ark dropped dead but people who stole it didn't. Why is that? 24:24 – Is it ok for a priest to consecrate a large amount of hosts and give them to a homebound person? 30:31 – Has Pope Leo expressed any opinion on Same sex unions? 32:10 – How would you explain to children deep theological questions? 43:40 – How many of the 10 commandments would exist today if there weren’t any religions? 48:48 – Why do Protestants have a different canon of scripture? 52:09 – If Jesus descended into hell to retrieve souls to enter heaven, does that mean those souls were suffering?

We discuss the sixth ecumenical council, yet another attempt to reconcile the increasingly fractured early church. The controversy at hand is whether Christ has two “energies” and two wills, a human and a divine. We also touch on the contemporary debate over the “eternal subordination of the Son in Reformed circles.

Justin Hibbard kicks off our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with an introduction. What is an ecumenical council? Why aren't all councils and synods considered ecumenical? Why are these councils called? And how do Catholics consider the outcome of these councils' decisions? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts.Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.SHOW NOTES:* Episode 11: From Baptist Pastor to Faithful Catholic* The Journey Home - Justin Hibbard* Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma* Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by RC Sproul* Simply Catholic: What is an Ecumenical Council* Catholic Answers: The Authority of Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

We discuss the fifth ecumenical council, which attempted to reconcile the churches of Syria and Egypt with the rest of the Church. The question at hand: how can Christ's human nature be a true nature without having its now personhood distinct from the Divine Person of the Logos?

In June 2025, several members of CTR attended the Unity Forum held in Dallas, Texas. The topic was the Nicene Creed - as both an ecumenical gift, and an ecumenical challenge. Our friend Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer presented both aspects, particularly the challenge from a Messianic Jewish perspective of “Israel forgetfulness” in the Creed. He also read extensively from Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour: 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025), published by the Vatican's Theological Commission, which in Dr. Kinzer's opinion has some remarkable commentary on the Jewish aspects of the Nicene Creed. Teaching given on 26 June 2025, and recorded on Thomas Cogdell's iPhone. Q&A not included.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask thoughtful and wide-ranging questions on Catholic doctrine and spirituality. Topics include whether a cantor's lifestyle affects the Mass, how to discern mystical experiences from coincidences, and the potential impact of Ecumenical Councils on doctrine and liturgy. Other questions touch on miracles in non-Catholic churches, the meaning of Matthew 11:27, the history of the Sacrament of Confession, and how to address disruptive chatter before Mass. The show also delves into more unusual inquiries, such as whether the Church has any stance on fairies, and how to understand the eternal consequences of dying in mortal sin. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:27 – Does a cantor living a homosexual lifestyle diminish the value of the Mass? 09:59 – Will there be more Catholic-Orthodox apologetics content in the future? 18:00 – How can one discern whether an experience is mystical or merely coincidence? 23:21 – Can an Ecumenical Council change doctrine in a way that leads to liturgical abuse, or is this an application of Matthew 18? 28:44 – Why do miracles occur in Orthodox and Protestant churches if they are outside the Catholic Church? 34:44 – What is the proper understanding of Matthew 11:27? 40:00 – What is the historical development of the Sacrament of Confession? 47:32 – How should pre-Mass chatter in church be addressed? 50:52 – Does the Church have any official teaching or view on fairies? 53:22 – If someone dies in mortal sin, why isn't it appropriate to conclude they are in Hell?

We discuss Monophysitism, the ongoing struggles between Antioch and Alexandria, the final “creed” of the Patristic era, and the ongoing schisms in the East.

John VIII Palaiologos asks the Pope for an Ecumenical Council to reunite the churches. To his surprise the Pontiff says yes and a huge Byzantine contingent travels to Italy.Period: 1425-48 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Colossians 1:15-20; John 5:19-29

In today's class we discuss the heresy of Nestorianism, its connection to Pelagianism, the Marian title "Theotokos," and how the theological distinction between justification and sanctification remains important today.

The 3rd Ecumenical Council referred to Orthodoxy as “the Faith of the Catholic and Apostolic Church to which all Orthodox Bishops, both East and West, agree.” Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about what it means that the Church exists where this faith is found and what the implications are for defining heresy, heretics, and schism. Fr. Anthony also introduces everyone to one of his favorite variations of southern boba tea. Enjoy the show!

As a preface to the 3rd Council, we discuss the British monk Pelagius, and why his teaching was condemned by St. Augustine.

Fr. John Whiteford's sermon for June 1, 2025.

A look at how the Mosaic tradition of appointing elders to judge the people found its fulfillment in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea Note: I mention the Donatists, but, while I may have implied that the Church ultimately ruled that they were in the wrong, I'm not sure I made it explicit enough that their schism was condemned by the council that Constantine convened as a lack of love and in contravention of Christ's teachings about repentance and forgiveness.… Read on

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the beauty of the Ascension, the First Ecumenical Council, and how both relate to ecclesiology. Enjoy the show!

We conclude our discussion of the First Council of Constantinople, 381AD, the second ecumenical council. We continue to discuss the theological controversies of semi-Arianism and Appolinarianism, as well as some of the issues covered in the canons.

Gospel Reading: John 17:1-13At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made."I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."

We begin a discussion of Constatninople 1, the 2nd Ecumenical Council (381AD). We cover the historical background and some of the theological implications of the main controversy (Semi-Arianism). Next week we will discuss the canons and creed from the Council.

Is it possible for a pope to change or override the declarations of an ecumenical council? We explore the limits of papal authority, how councils and popes interact, and what Catholic tradition teaches about continuity and development in Church doctrine. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:  03:37 – If the pope wanted to, could he modify the declaration of an ecumenical council? 11:23 – Did any early Jewish denomination accept the Deuterocanon? 15:06 – Why did God make us how he did? Why did he give us eyes, arms, etc.? 19:13 – Does the Church consider mortal sin to be objective or does it depend on the perspective of the individual? 28:46 – Where do popes get their names from? 38:14 – Why did God create hell? 44:33 – Why is it important to learn Church History? 47:13 – Is it sinful to lack a relationship with God and to lack knowledge of God? 50:49 – My friends found out that the priest who baptized them killed someone and they were informed by the diocese that their baptism was invalid. How is this possible?

Mr. AJ Ellis concludes his discussion on Christology. We look at Nestorianism, Docetism, and Ebionism. The Anglican Compass series, "We Believe: Reflections on the Nicene Creed" can be found here.

This week we have a guest presenter, Mr. A.J. Ellis, who is discerning a call to the Vocational Diaconate. In this episode, A.J. leads us in a discussion on how our understanding of Christ impacts our understanding of our own Salvation, an issue at the very heart of the Ecumenical Councils.

What happens when a papal constitution seems to contradict a past ecumenical council? We explore Church authority, plus questions on circumcision, plenary indulgences, the Holy Spirit, and why Jesus wept for Lazarus even knowing the resurrection was near. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:02 – Is it possible for an ecumenical council’s constitution to be overridden by a subsequent papal constitution or declaration? 11:45 – I have a son on the way. Is it still licit for Catholics to be circumcised? 17:31 – How didn't God save Adam and Eve’s first children from the wound of original sin? 20:24 – I’ve always heard that the Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and Son. Most recently I've heard that it’s a person. What’s correct? 29:30 – Is a faithful Catholic committing a grave act when seeking a divorce when domestic abuse is involved? 33:51 – Does our modern dual definitions of ‘prodigal' come from the parable? 38:52 – After the resurrection of the dead and we are living here on earth, what will happen to us when our sun explodes? 41:39 – If we apply a Plenary indulgence to a soul in purgatory, do we need to continue to pray for them? 47:09 – Why did Easter happen to land after two full moons? 49:13 – Is it okay for me to attend a non-Catholic wedding that won't even be at a church? 50:25 – In 2020 I died in the hospital 3 times. Who can I talk to about what I saw to help explain and understand it? 52:07 – Why did Jesus weep when Lazarus died when he knew he was going to resurrect him?

We discuss the background, people, and events related to the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), including the Arian controversy, the school of Antioch vs the school of Alexandria, and the original version of the Nicene Creed.

We give a brief overview of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and discuss our general relationship to them as Anglicans.

We begin our study of the Ecumenical Councils by discussion the major kinds of Christological and Trinitarian heresies, and what problem in the human heart they stem from. Much of today's discussion is based on material from Bishop C. FitzSimmon-Allison's "The Cruelty of Heresy" which can be found here.

Pastor Michael (without Matt) has conversation with Dr. Matthew Hoskin on the 7 Ecumenical Councils. He is teaching a Course for Davenant Hall called - "The Seven Ecumenical Councils in Historical Context" There is still time to Register Here! You can find him X for the rest of his work   Restless would love your support on patreon. Join our patreon for bonus episodes every single week! You can follow this podcast all over the internet. twitter,   instagram.    or facebook Or email us at restlesspodcasting@gmail.com

A new MP3 sermon from Alpha and Omega Ministries is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: A Divided Nation Then Thoughts on Ecumenical Councils Subtitle: The Dividing Line 2025 Speaker: Dr. James White Broadcaster: Alpha and Omega Ministries Event: Podcast Date: 3/18/2025 Length: 66 min.

Reflected on the deep division that exists in Western Culture today and in the United States in particular, and then moved on to some of the Jay Dyer stuff and the continued need to have an in-depth discussion on the "7th Ecumenical Council," aka Nicea II.

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

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMAs protestants, we'd sometimes say one of the ancient Creeds, including the line affirming a belief in the "one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church." This always confused me, since we weren't Catholic.To get around this, I was frequently told that "Catholic" in the Creeds referred to "little c" catholic, a generalized reference to all, or most Christians.But when I dug into the writings of the Church Fathers, the men who wrote and defended the Creeds, I found absolutely nothing like this "little c" idea of the "catholic church." They everywhere asserted and defended only the "Big C" Catholic Church: a single, visible society possessing a unity of faith, worship, and government.VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (almost as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:05 - "Little c" catholic in the Creeds04:28 - "Big C" Catholic in the Church Fathers09:12 - St. Ignatius of Antioch (Evidence from the Church Fathers)12:06 - Muratorian Fragment (Evidence from the Church Fathers)13:52 - Tertullian (Evidence from the Church Fathers)15:31 - St. Cyprian of Carthage (Evidence from the Church Fathers)18:34 - Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (Evidence from the Church Fathers)24:16 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Evidence from the Church Fathers)28:30 - Ecumenical Council of Constantinople I (Evidence from the Church Fathers)29:59 - St. Augustine (Evidence from the Church Fathers)38:00 - St. Vincent of Lerins (Evidence from the Church Fathers)43:27 - Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (Evidence from the Church Fathers)44:58 - Conclusion

Did the early church really recognize ALL seven ecumenical councils as authoritative? Join us as Anglican Rev. Ben Jeffries challenges long-held assumptions and uncovers fascinating historical evidence about how “the seven councils” became part of some denominational teaching. Watch our compelling discussion that explores church authority, tradition and biblical truth.https://theremnantradio.com/remcon/ Kairos Classroom: Use Promo Code Remnant for 10% offhttps://kairosclassroom.com/classesSupport the show

A new MP3 sermon from Alpha and Omega Ministries is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Andrew Tate Saga Isn't That Tough, Then, the Alleged Seventh Ecumenical Council ( Subtitle: The Dividing Line 2025 Speaker: Dr. James White Broadcaster: Alpha and Omega Ministries Event: Podcast Date: 1/16/2025 Length: 74 min.

Is Andrew Tate "sinning in the right direction?" I am not even sure what that is supposed to mean, but we spent some time talking about Andrew Tate and the fascinating interaction Christians have been having with him. Then we just about burned the clutch out by shifting over to a discussion of "Ecumenical Councils" and specifically the so-called 7th Ecumenical Council, Second Nicea, held in 787.

Happy birthday, Council of Nicaea! She was born in 325 AD and was the biggest gathering of Christian leaders of that time, and still known as the foundational meeting of Christians to make decisions about doctrines of the faith after the time of the apostles.Today we are celebrating the 1700th birthday of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, who is looking incredibly good at her age.At today's kickoff birthday bash we welcome two very special guests: The Rev. Dr. Matthew Olver is Executive Director of The Living Church and Affiliate Professor of Liturgics and Pastoral Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary.Prof. Lewis Ayers is McDonald Agape Distinguished Chair in Early Christian Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, also known as the Angelicum, and Professor of Catholic & Historical Theology at Durham University. His books include Nicaea and Its Legacy: An Approach to Fourth Century Theology and the Oxford Handbook of Catholic Theology (co-editor). We're also airing this episode in anticipation of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This special week offers an invitation to enter more deeply into the faith and fellowship that unites all Christians.Participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.Give to support this podcast.

This episode Dr. Jenkins jumps into the deep, muddy, and at times turbulent waters that comprise the world of the Ecumenical councils, how the Church in the fifth and sixth centuries inchoately seemed to understand them, and how we should think about them.

Next live event here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLR5FN2CP7W57/checkout/2LK2ZBXTKO5QW5ND4IGMYVRI Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Lore coffee is here: https://www.patristicfaith.com/coffee/ Orders for the Red Book are here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/the-red-book-essays-on-theology-philosophy-new-jay-dyer-book/ Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

Breakdown of the FIRST 7 Ecumenical CouncilsSupport the show

A Council-Splaining Nightmare: Difficulties with Ecumenical Councils

Councils & Apostasy We examine the 7 Ecumenical Councils of “so-called christianity” in light of the teachings of Paul, sin and salvation, and the problem of evil. We invite criticism by criticizing the Catholic system of ecumenical councils while offering … Continue reading →

Flashback! Tonight we ended up not covering the work by St. Theodore the Studite On the Holy Icons which forms part of the theological basis of the argumentation of the 7th Ecumenical Councils.  Instead we did Q n A that covered Protestant assumptions, ecumenical councils and the canons - are canon laws infallible? - addressing the recent bogus Roman Catholic canard that I "deny councils," the issue of icons as types, typology and hermeneutics, Protestant standards for "revelation" versus "tradition," the issue of the divine ideas and Roman Catholic and Protestant epistemology and much more!Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Lore coffee is here: https://www.patristicfaith.com/coffee/ Orders for the Red Book are here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/the-red-book-essays-on-theology-philosophy-new-jay-dyer-book/ Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

The teaching of St Gregory is so fundamental to Orthodoxy that he is especially commemorated each year in Great Lent on the Sunday following the Sunday of Orthodoxy (as well as on Nov. 14); Bishop Kallistos observes in the English edition of the Philokalia, "his successful defence of the divine and uncreated character of the light of Tabor...[is] seen as a direct continuation of the preceding celebration, as nothing less than a renewed Triumph of Orthodoxy."   The son of a prominent family, St Gregory was born (1296) and raised in Constantinople. At about age twenty, he abandoned a promising secular career to become a monk on Mt Athos. (His family joined him en masse: two of his brothers went with him to the Holy Mountain; at the same time his widowed mother, two of his sisters, and many of the household servants also entered monastic life.) He spent the next twenty years living as a hermit, spending five days a week in complete solitude, then joining the brethren on weekends for the Divine Liturgy and its accompanying services.   Around 1335 he was called to live a much more public life in defense of the faith and spirituality of the Church. A Greek living in Italy, Barlaam the Calabrian, had launched an attack on the hesychastic spirituality of the Church. Fundamentally, Barlaam denied that man can attain to a true vision of God Himself, or true union with Him, in this life. Gregory, recognizing in this an attack on the Christian faith itself, responded. He even left the Holy Mountain and re-settled in Constantinople so as better to wage the struggle, which had become so public that a Church Council was called to settle the issue. St Gregory's views were affirmed, and Barlaam's condemned, at the Council of Constantinople of 1341.   Though Barlaam himself returned to Italy, a series of his followers continued the attack, eventually resulting in two more Councils in 1347 and 1351, both of which affirmed the hesychasts' position. Metropolitan Hierotheos (The Mind of the Orthodox Church) writes that these councils have "all the marks of an Ecumenical Council." This, along with the fact that St Gregory's views are affirmed in the Synodikon of Orthodoxy (appointed to be read in churches every Sunday of Orthodoxy), and his commemoration every second Sunday of Great Lent, makes clear that his teaching is a basic and indispensable part of the Orthodox Faith.   In 1347 St Gregory was consecrated Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, where he served until his repose. (He spent a year of this period as the prisoner of Turkish pirates). Despite (or due to?) his austere monastic background, he was revered by his flock: immediately after his repose in 1359, popular veneration of him sprang up in Thessaloniki, Constantinople and Mt Athos and, in 1368, only nine years after his death, the Church officially glorified him as a saint.   St Gregory was always clear that unceasing mental prayer is not a special calling of monastics, but is possible and desirable for every Christian in every walk of life. See his On the Necessity of Constant Prayer for all Christians, reproduced on this site.

He was born in Thessalonika around 1300; his mother was a convert from Judaism. He entered monastic life, first at Mt Sinai, then at the Great Lavra on Mt Athos. The so-called "Hesychast controversy" was then raging, and St Philotheos became one of the firmest and most effective supporters of St Gregory Palamas (November 14) in his defense of Orthodoxy against western-inspired attacks on the doctrines of uncreated Grace and the possibility of true union with God. It was St Philotheos who drafted the Hagiorite Tome, the manifesto of the monks of Mt Athos setting forth how the Saints partake of the Divine and uncreated Light which the Apostles beheld at Christ's Transfiguration. In 1351, he took part in the "Hesychast Council" in Constantinople, and wrote its Acts. In 1354 he was made Patriarch of Constantinople; he stepped down after one year, but was recalled to the Patriarchal throne in 1364. He continued to be a zealous champion of undiluted Orthodoxy, writing treatises setting forth the theology of the Uncreated Energies of God and refuting the scholastic philosophy that was then infecting the Western church. Despite (or because of?) his uncompromising Orthodoxy, he always sought a true, rather than political, reconciliation with the West, and even worked to convene an Ecumenical Council to resolve the differences between the churches. This holy Patriarch was deposed in 1376 when the Emperor Andronicus IV came to the throne; he died in exile in 1379.   St Philotheos composed the Church's services to St Gregory Palamas. He is not listed in the Synaxaria, but is venerated as a Saint in the Greek church.