Podcasts about Great Lent

Fr. Andrew Iskander- Homily for the 6th Sunday of Great Lent. A reflection on the healing of the man born blind, and a lesson on true worship. Click the icon below to listen.

On the Sunday of St. John of the Ladder, Fr. Anthony delivers a homily that encourages us to take our pursuit of joy, peace, and freedom from anxiety seriously. He begins by asking whether we truly want these things or if we expect them to come without effort, likening it to people desiring health or success without being willing to make the necessary sacrifices. He emphasized that true peace and joy require commitment, not idle desire, and must be pursued through effort, prayer, and fasting. Fr. Anthony critiqued the common temptation of chasing material security and success, such as the promises of the "American Dream." While these may offer temporary peace, he warned that they are ultimately unreliable. Instead, Fr. Anthony pointed to the ascetic struggle of Orthodoxy, which teaches the importance of cultivating true love for God and others while rejecting selfishness. This process, he explained, involves training the heart to be immune to external manipulation and cutting the "strings" that vice and bad habits use to control us. In closing, Fr. Anthony reminds us the faithful of the spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, and charity, especially during Great Lent. He urges us to evaluate our progress in these practices and to recommit ourselves to the ascetic path if we have fallen short. Ultimately, the homily leaves us with this message: true joy and peace come from aligning with God's will, casting out the demons of vice, and living according to the Orthodox faith.

Perpend (David), who I started the podcast with, became an Orthodox monk and is now a Novice Monk at the Monastery of St. John in CA.As he was travelling from monastery to monastery throughout America, he occasionally was back in Kansas (the last time in September 2023). He would greet me, and others, with a greeting that he likely learned in his travels: Instead of saying, "Hi, how are you?", he would say, "How goes the struggle?"Instead of giving the usual response of "I am fine", you would think about it for a moment. This led to a more real and heartfelt conversation.In Orthodox Christianity there is a prayer: "Help the Orthodox Christians to struggle".Not "Help us get through the struggle". Not "Help us not to struggle".If you are saying to yourself, "That's un-American!", then you have lost touch with your history and tradition.I could go on for paragraphs here about how we have lost this touchstone of our human existence.We knew this just 100 years ago. The janitor knew that he was janitor and measured where he was in the world. He would hope and prepare his children to have a life better than his, but he knew where he was. In modern days, through credit the janitor thinks he can drive that fancy car.We watch TV or a movie and cheer when the hero goes through trials and comes out the victor at the end. We respond to these because these Hero's Journey stories are in our DNA.But now we watch the Hero's Journey story and do not want to experience trials and struggles ourselves.People watch TV and movies with the Hero's Journey and then grumble, complain, and take meds when they are called to the Hero's Journey.We need to struggle. We need the Hero's Journey.It all comes down to your mindset.Also - How is Great Lent going?Show notes for this episode: Ep. 157 - How Goes the Struggle?Grow Nut Trees is now taking orders for Spring shipping or local pickup.Grow Nut Trees.comNEW for this year are more types of chestnuts, including Qing Chinese hybrid chestnut seedlings. The Qing tree is a heavy producer with sweet flavored extra large nuts. These seedlings were grown locally and are adapted to the Midwest.Thriving Food Forest Design:We can create an edible foodscape, an orchard, or perennial kitchen garden so you can grow more food and be more self sufficient. We use fruit and nut trees and perennial plants adapted to the Midwest to create a low maintenance food forest.Start your journey to Thriving with a free 30 min consult, a discovery call to learn your vision and goals for your land.

Mano from The Study of Stuff joins to talk about Great Lent, the Toronto music and cultural scene, & psyops like the ones coming from the Tavistock Institute. Follow Mano : manoelia.comSing Up for a Membership on Gumroad for AD FREE CONTENT! https://mironchucknow.gumroad.com/l/mironchucknowGo Buy Tales Of The Shadow Empire On GUMROAD & Find out about the coming Financial Crisis and who is really in control:https://mironchucknow.gumroad.com/l/ShadowempireChapters also available to Spotify Subscribers: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/njkaiTL6iNbSIGN UP TO A MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM TO GET EARLY ACCESS TO THE TALKS WITH STORMY & OTHER GUESTS! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxKHCMB0iwZkqKEustgsZwA/joinINTRO SONG: MIDNIGHT IN HARLEMroyalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music GO BUY SOME COFFEE AT FOX AND SONS! www.foxnsons.comUse Coupon Code NOW to get 15% off all orders over $30 Send me PayPal Bucks! 02bitspodcast@gmail.com Support the Show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/2BitPodcastOR on Substack: substack.com/@2bitpodcastFollow Me:X: https://x.com/MironchuckNOWSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46drg48IIT4W4lDyRfkHFH?si=sAE_dgo5T_G10UpPnqHb_ASubstack: https://mironchucknow.substack.com

On this the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, we begin the next 20 days of Great Lent.  Yes, 20 days have been completed and 20 days are ahead of us.   What can give us the strength to continue to move forward towards Christ?His Holy Cross!Listen...

We are blessed once again to have our Metropolis Youth & Young Adult Director Panos with us this morning. His youth sermon (which begins at the 30 second mark) focuses on the Saint we remember on this 2nd Sunday of Great Lent, St. Gregory of Palamas and a practice that is done at MBC.What is it?LISTEN!

On this first Sunday of Great Lent, we commemorate the restoration of icons centuries ago in the Byzantine Empire. They were banned due to a misguided fear of idolatry, but restored as a proclamation of how Christ calls us to participate in His salvation in every dimension of our existence. The icons convey the incarnation of the God-Man, Who had to be fully human with a real human body in order to be born, live in this world, die, rise from the grave, and ascend into heaven.

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

Fr. Andrew Iskander- Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent. A reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son and obedience. Click the icon below to listen.

Humans are created with an innate capacity to revel in God's glory, much like feeling the brief warmth of the sun after a long winter. This was intended to be our constant state, but we chose a different path. Yet, we still experience fleeting moments of transcendence—times of special warmth, belonging, and comfort that can arise in church, through music, gardening, or savoring well-earned rest after a hard day's work. These moments stir something deep within us, a spiritual sense that hints at the divine. But we must ask: who is the God we encounter in these moments? Feelings, even spiritual ones, can deceive us just as our other senses do. Taste, meant to sustain us, has been twisted by culture into cravings for unhealthy foods that harm rather than nourish. Likewise, the pleasure of sex, designed to unite married couples and create families, has been perverted into experiences like pornography and extramarital affairs that erode true intimacy. So too, our spiritual sense can be manipulated by pride or a deceptive culture, leading us to relish experiences that feel good but draw us away from the true God toward spiritual ruin. The Orthodox Church, especially through Great Lent, offers a remedy to refine this spiritual sense. Fasting and denying cravings, almsgiving from a simplified life, frequent repentance like St. Ephraim's prayer, and earnest worship prepare us for the transcendent celebration of Christ's Resurrection. St. Gregory Palamas affirmed we can encounter God's grace through these practices, but he warned of false experiences that mislead. The Church trains us to discern the true God—who loves and saves—from idols of our own making or the world's fleeting promises. One day, we will all meet Him; let us prepare now to know Him truly.    

Today's Topics: 1) Make a realistic Lenten sacrifice that brings us closer to Christ 2) We are not alone in our journey - Remember, we are walking with Christ 3) Ask Christ what our mission is 4) It's okay to mourn the loss of worldly things as we submit to God's will 5) When we think we have reached spiritual heights, be ready to be tempted

He was born in Rome to a wealthy senatorial family. He received a good education in secular and spiritual learning, and became Prefect of Rome. While still in the world, he used his great wealth mostly for the good of the Church, building six monasteries in Sicily and another in Rome itself. At this monastery, dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, Gregory was tonsured a monk. He was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, Papal legate to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590.   He is famed for his many writings, his generous charity (he gave almost all his income to the poor, and often invited the poor to share his table), and for initiating missionary work among the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent, was compiled by him. St Gregory introduced elements of the chanting that he had heard in Constantinople into Western Church chant: The Gregorian Chant which beautified the Western churches for many years is named for him. Its system of modes is related to the eight tones of the Eastern church. He is called 'the Dialogist' after his book The Dialogues, an account of the lives and miracles of Italian saints.   Saint Gregory reposed in peace in 604.

He was born in Damascus to an eminent family, and was well educated in his youth. Discontented with the wisdom of the world, he entered monastic life in the monastery of St Theodosius, where he became the lifelong friend and disciple of John Moschos. Together they visited the monasteries and hermitages of Egypt; they later wrote down their discoveries among the holy monks in the classic Spiritual Meadow. After the death of his teacher, St Sophronius traveled to Jerusalem, which had just been liberated from the Persians. He was there to see the Precious Cross returned from Persia by the Emperor Heraclius, who carried it into Jerusalem on his back. A few years later, in 634, St Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem, where he served his flock wisely for three years and three months. He was zealous in the defense of Orthodoxy against the Monothelite heresy: He convoked a Council in Jerusalem which condemned it before it was condemned at the Sixth Ecumenical Council. The holy Patriarch even traveled to Constantinople to rebuke the Patriarch Sergius and Emperor Heraclius, who had embraced the Monothelite error.   The years of peace were few for the Holy Land; for just as the Persian Empire was decisively defeated by Heraclius, the followers of Islam erupted out of Arabia, conquering most of North Africa and the Middle East in a few years. The Saint was so grieved by the capture of Jerusalem in 637 by the Caliph Omar that begged God to take him, so that he might not live to see the desecration of the holy places. His prayer was granted, and he reposed in peace less than a year later.   St Sophronios is the author of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt, appointed to be read in the churches during every Great Lent. He also wrote the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters. Some have attributed the Vesperal hymn "Gladsome Light" to him, but we know that it dates from before the time of St Basil the Great, who mentions it in his writings. It seems though, that St Sophronios supplemented the hymn, and that its present form is due to him.

The gospel readings from the last few Sundays have called us all to return home from our self-imposed exile. Zacchaeus was restored as a son of Abraham when he gave more than justice required from his ill-gotten gains to the poor and those whom he had exploited. The publican returned to his spiritual home by humbly calling for the Lord's mercy, even as the Pharisee exiled himself by his pride. The prodigal son took the long journey home after coming to his senses about the misery that stemmed from abandoning his father. Last Sunday we heard that the ultimate standard of judgment for entering into our true home of eternal blessedness is whether we have become living icons of the Savior's merciful lovingkindness.

Today, the day before Great Lent begins is known as Forgiveness Sunday, and in the Gospel Passage today we hear our Lord giving us the lessons we need to learn before we start Great Lent, so we can be "clean" and ready for this beautiful Lenten Journey.What are the lessons?Listen

Today we begin the 40-day fast of Great Lent. But what is the fullness of the fasting that our Lord has prescribed for us. Is it just to limit our food intake and abstain from types of foods? Today we look to the repentance of the people of Nineveh as they put on sackcloth and ashes. But these physical actions were accompanied by turning away from their wicked ways and turning to God. This is true repentance. And the result is that they were spared what they truly deserved and given what they could never earn; the mercy of God. The fullness of Christian fasting is the same. We fast from food, yes. But at the same time we turn from our fallen ways and put on Christ to be about His good works of righteousness. And in that fullness of the fast, He grants His Divine mercy and heals the souls of HIs beloved.

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

My guest this week is the priest at https://www.sttimothy.net and the head man at https://deathtotheworld.com. We are discussing the battleground where unseen and spiritual warfare takes place. We also talk about the weapons the Church gives us in this battle. Fr. John gets into the soul after death, Fr. Seraphim Rose, the Saints, Great Lent, and the importance of family within the Orthodox Church. Sponsors: Tiger Fitness:   Sheath Underwear:   Code: Counterflow Donate to the show here:   Visit my website:   Audio Production by Podsworth Media:   Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

A homily to stir up our hard hearts to sincerely repent, both now, wherever we are, and before our priest where we receive reconciliation with Christ and the Church.Reading from: Season of Repentance: Lenten Homilies of Saint John of Kronstadt, p. 76-81

Fr. Andrew Iskander- Homily for the 1st Sunday of Great Lent. A reflection on the virtue of calmness. Click the icon below to listen.

Offer morning prayers during Great Lent

In case you have somehow not noticed, Great Lent begins a week from tomorrow. On this Sunday of the Last Judgment, the Church reminds us that the point of the upcoming season of repentance is not the keeping of religious rules or the performance of any form of piety as an end in itself. Our vocation in Lent is, instead, to open our souls to the healing mercy of the Lord so that we may enter more fully into His victory over sin and death at Pascha. The ultimate test of whether we will do so this Lent is not simply a matter of how strictly we fast, how many services we attend, or how much money we give to the poor. It is, instead, whether we will unite ourselves to Christ such that His love permeates every dimension of our character to the point that we treat our neighbors as He treats us.

Practical instructions from the Gospel and the Epistle readings given to us to consider as we embark on the great endeavour of Great Lent … Read on

How Do We Prepare for the Evangelion of The Christ?Fr Symeon is busy now with the activities of Great Lent in his parish & so Jim is solo hosting a series of short reflections on the structure of the Paschal cycle. This first episode will examine the four pre-Lenten Sundays:  - The Publican & The Pharisee - The Prodigal Son - The Last Judgement - ForgivenessHe is choosing to frame this under the question how do we prepare for the Evangelion of The Christ because it was at the feast of Pentecost, which was originally the Jewish feast on which they celebrated the giving of the covenant through Moses to the people of Israel, at which St Peter & the other apostles first preached Jesus' victory over death, setting all humanity free from the power of sin. This five month season of the year sets in motion a process of preparation which culminates in our renewal of our commitment to the life of the way of faithfulness to this declaration of a military victory. Reference materials for this episode: St Gregory Palamas on The Sunday of The Last Judgement - https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2018/02/homily-on-christs-second-coming-st.htmlEpisode about St Gregory - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/13986560Scripture citations for this episode:Exodus 19-31: The covenant with MosesMatthew 6:9-13: The Lord's prayerMatthew 7:1-5: We will be judged as we judge othersActs 2: The preaching of the evangelion of Jesus The ChristRomans 2:1-11: By judging others we condemn ourselves because we do what they do First Sunday - The publican & the pharisee - 2 Timothy 3:10-15 - Luke 18:9-14Second Sunday - The prodigal son - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Luke 15:11-32Third Sunday - The Last Judgement - 1 Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2 - Matthew 25:31-46Fourth Sunday - Forgiveness Sunday - Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 - Matthew 6:14-21The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon KeesParadosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://twitter.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcastIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2023

Today we are blessed to have our Metropolis Youth and Young Adults Director Panos Coufos to offer the youth sermon (the first 1min is an intro by Fr Demetri and sound quality is not great)Panos talks about the Gospel passage of the day and the importance of having love especially before we enter Great Lent!Listen…

Listen to Fr. Abraham Fam's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

In agriculture, we know that the success or failure of a harvest is largely dependent on the health of the soil into which seeds are planted. Our Lord Jesus Christ uses this very truth when He tells the Parable of the Sower in the Gospel of St. Luke 8. Jesus sows seeds of His life and salvation. But He mentions three types of soil that prevented the seed from blossoming to life and growing the intended harvest. Today, as we continue in our weeks of preparation for Great Lent, we inspect the soil of our soul. What is it in us that stands in the way of the seed planted by Christ growing into the harvest of His life and salvation within our soul? It is time for us to seek the Lord so that we may join ourselves to Him in cultivating healthy soil within our soul.

Three to four years after Pentecost, the Apostle St. Peter left Jerusalem to go to Antioch. There he would oversee churches of that region for seven years. St. Peter was the first Bishop and Patriarch of the Antioch as he sat upon the "cathedra", the chair, in Antioch. Today we remember the Icon that the chair is to us and what it reveals to us. But as we are in the weeks of preparation for Great Lent, we look at the life of St. Peter to see true Christian repentance; the repentance that brings us to the mercy and restoration of Christ our God.

What if the sacred rhythms of ancient liturgy could transform your spiritual journey today? Join us as we explore the profound convergence of Orthodox liturgical events, examining the unique overlap of the leave-taking of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple with the onset of the Triodion period. This episode promises to unravel the rich traditions and significance of the Triodion book in pre-Lenten preparations, highlighting the rare alignment of the Feast of Pascha with Western Easter celebrations. Discover the intricate beauty of Orthodox liturgical practices, with insights into diverse hymn and service variations drawn from the tipikons of St. Sava and the Great Church of Christ.Our conversation delves into the heart of Christ's humility and obedience to the law, presenting Him as the ultimate exemplar for humanity. We reflect on how Jesus' incarnation sanctifies and fulfills the law, teaching us that true holiness transcends rule-following and rests in our dependence on God, aided by the Holy Spirit. This episode serves as a caution against falling into the trap of modern-day Pharisaism, encouraging listeners to live as beacons of light in the world. Through the lens of the Gospel of Luke, we emphasize the transformative power of living a life that rises above mere adherence to rules.Central to our discussion is humility, as illustrated in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. This episode encourages embracing humility, echoing Jesus' example of setting aside His glory. The spiritual practice of prostrations during Great Lent represents a physical acknowledgment of our need for God's mercy. By focusing on self-examination and mercy, we aim to inspire listeners to offer their humble repentance as a gift to God and their community. As we celebrate the interconnectedness of faith, the role of the Virgin Mary, and the mystery of Christ's incarnation, this episode reinforces the journey towards spiritual growth and the eternal kingdom of God.00:00:00Feasting and Liturgical Convergence00:04:44Fulfillment of the Law and Purpose00:10:21Humbling Ourselves Before God00:21:15Humbling Ourselves Before God's GloryThank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

The Greek Tyron means "conscript." This holy Martyr of Christ came from Pontus and was a Roman legionary during Maximian's persecution (~303). Though he had been a Christian since childhood, he kept his faith secret while in the army. While his cohort was stationed near a town called Euchaita, he learned that the people there were being terrorized by a dragon which lived in the neighboring forest. He set off to face the dragon, praying to God that the outcome of the contest would be a sign to him of whether the time had come to offer himself for martyrdom. He found the fire-spitting monster and, arming himself with the sign of the Cross, drove his spear through its head and killed it.   His success convinced him that, having vanquished this fleshly dragon, he was ready to vanquish the spiritual dragon, the Devil. When the commander of his camp next ordered a sacrifice to the Gods, Theodore boldly refused, saying "I am a Christian!" Further, he encouraged the other Christians in his company to do the same. That night he went to a nearby pagan temple of Rhea, mother of the gods, and burned it down. He was seen by the caretaker of the temple and was brought unresisting to the governor Publius. Theodore was thrown into a solitary dungeon cell; there he refused bread and water, saying that Christ had promised him food from heaven. He spent his time there chanting hymns with the angels, so that the guards were convinced that other Christians had somehow joined him in his cell.   When all argument, cajolery, bribery and threat had failed to turn the soldier from Christ, the governor resorted to torture, subjecting the Saint to terrible mutilations; but when Theodore endured them calmly and resolutely, the governor began to fear that his example would encourage other Christians, and ordered that he be burned. Taken to the stake, the Martyr walked freely into the flames, where he gave back his soul to God. When his body was ransomed and taken from the ashes by a pious Christian, it was found to be untouched. A church was built in Euchaita in honor of the Martyr; many pilgrims came there for the healing of soul and body.   In 361, the Emperor Julian the Apostate ordered the Prefect of Constantinople to have all foods in the marketplaces sprinkled with blood of animals sacrificed to the pagan gods during the first week of Lent, so that Christians would be unable to escape contact with idolatry. But St Theodore appeared in a vision to Patriarch Eudoxius (360-364), warned him of the plan and told him to instruct his flock not to buy any food in the marketplace, but to eat kolyva made from boiled wheat grains. So, through the Saint's intervention, the people were preserved from the stain of idolatry. Ever since, the Church has commemorated the miracle on the first Saturday of Great Lent. Since that time kolyva has come to be offered also in honor of the Saints and in memory of the departed. The whole grain represents the body, sown corruptible, which will be raised incorruptible (2 Cor. 15:37); it is usually sweetened with honey to signify the delights of Paradise.

Kristina and Elissa are re-releasing their series on the Parables, just in time for the Triodion! Throughout Great Lent and into the summer, we'll be learning the Parables and exploring the wisdom they contain! We begin with the Publican and the Pharisee, and prepare our hearts for Great Lent by remembering that we must be humble if we hope to know God. Find related materials at tending-the-garden.com/parables

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.

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AD Mark Soliman- Homily for the 6th Sunday of Great Lent. The irony of the story is that Christ heals the born blind yet the Pharisees remain blind. When we receive spiritual site after repentance, we see all people as pure. There is also a form of religious blindness that can take place, similar to what happened to the Pharisees. Click the icon below to listen.

AD Mark Soliman- Homily for the 6th Sunday of Great Lent. The irony of the story is that Christ heals the born blind yet the Pharisees remain blind. When we receive spiritual sight after repentance, we see all people as pure. There is also a form of religious blindness that can take place, similar to what happened to the Pharisees. Click the icon below to listen.

Join us for a poignant episode as we dive into the profound significance of Forgiveness Sunday and the Rite of Forgiveness in the Orthodox Church, marking the beginning of Great Lent.  In a heartfelt announcement, I share my decision to depart from the podcast and social media for the duration of this sacred season, seeking introspection and spiritual renewal.  Throughout this episode, we explore the essence of forgiveness and repentance, key themes of Lent, through insightful articles by Fr. George Morelli. "Forgiveness: The Heart and Repentance" and "The Ethos of Lent" shed light on the transformative power of forgiveness and the spiritual ethos that defines this sacred period.As we embark on this Lenten journey, I also share the profound words of Kerry Patrick San Chirico in "Lenten Transformation," a reflection that resonates deeply with the spirit of this season.  Together, these resources provide a rich tapestry of understanding, guiding us towards a deeper connection with ourselves, each other, and the Orthodox Christian faith.  In the show notes, you'll find links to these enlightening articles, offering further exploration into the Lenten season and its significance in the Orthodox tradition.  May this period of reflection and repentance lead us towards the joyous celebration of Christ's Resurrection and the continual resurrection in our own lives.  Join us on this transformative journey as we embrace forgiveness and seek renewal in the light of Pascha and Great Lent.~Become a Patreon Supporter!Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/allaroundgrowth~Like & Follow on Social Media or connect via email!Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/allaroundgrowthInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/allaroundgrowthEmail:  allaroundgrowth@gmail.comTelegram Group Chat: https://t.me/allaroundgrowthTwitter:  https://twitter.com/allaroundgrowthFacebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/allaroundgrowth~Discussion Links:Forgiveness (Cheese-Fare Sunday) - Intro Music via YouTubeGreat Lent and Holy PaschaForgiveness: The Heart and RepentanceThe Ethos of LentFasting and Great LentLenten TransformationThe Date of PaschaThe Historical Development of Holy Week Services In the Orthodox/Byzantine RiteBecome a Patreon of the Show! ➡️ patreon.com/allaroundgrowth

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (03/18/24), Hank celebrates the beginning of the Lenten season, with today being Clean Monday, a day in which we are to leave behind our sinful attitudes. Hank stresses the importance of fasting, one of the predominant themes of the Great Lent. The stomach is like an undisciplined child, forever demanding its fill of empty calories. The discipline of fasting restores one's balance and self-control.Hank also answers the following questions:How can I overcome sin through the power of the Spirit according to Ephesians? Jared - Kansas City, KS (6:05)I've heard you say the flames of hell aren't literal, so do you believe the waters of the flood covered the entire earth? Brian - Muskogee, OK (8:50)Do you know anything about God sending Moses and Ezekiel back to preach the Word? Mark - Kalamazoo, MI (15:41)Are the two natures of Christ easy to understand? Mike - Boone, IA (19:39)

The time of Great Lent is upon us. There are many misconceptions as well as questions surrounding it. My guest, Father John Whiteford, is Archpriest at St. Jonah Orthodox Church and the author of Sola Scriptura: In Vanity of Their Minds. He is here to field all of my questions regarding Great Lent and provide thorough and accurate answers. Why do we fast? What do we "give up" during Lent? Should we be adding more things rather than just subtracting things during Lent? What is Holy Week? Why is Lent 40 days? We get into all of this and more. Great Lent is the most important time of the year for Christians. Find out why in this episode of Counterflow. For a Lent recipe book from Beatrix Salmons, go here:   For more from Fr John, go here:   St. Jonah Orthodox Church:   Visit my website:  Donate to the show here:  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: Leave us a review and rating on iTunes! Thanks!

He was born in Rome to a wealthy senatorial family. He received a good education in secular and spiritual learning, and became Prefect of Rome. While still in the world, he used his great wealth mostly for the good of the Church, building six monasteries in Sicily and another in Rome itself. At this monastery, dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, Gregory was tonsured a monk. He was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, Papal legate to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590.   He is famed for his many writings, his generous charity (he gave almost all his income to the poor, and often invited the poor to share his table), and for initiating missionary work among the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent, was compiled by him. St Gregory introduced elements of the chanting that he had heard in Constantinople into Western Church chant: The Gregorian Chant which beautified the Western churches for many years is named for him. Its system of modes is related to the eight tones of the Eastern church. He is called 'the Dialogist' after his book The Dialogues, an account of the lives and miracles of Italian saints.   Saint Gregory reposed in peace in 604.

He was born in Rome to a wealthy senatorial family. He received a good education in secular and spiritual learning, and became Prefect of Rome. While still in the world, he used his great wealth mostly for the good of the Church, building six monasteries in Sicily and another in Rome itself. At this monastery, dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, Gregory was tonsured a monk. He was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, Papal legate to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590.   He is famed for his many writings, his generous charity (he gave almost all his income to the poor, and often invited the poor to share his table), and for initiating missionary work among the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent, was compiled by him. St Gregory introduced elements of the chanting that he had heard in Constantinople into Western Church chant: The Gregorian Chant which beautified the Western churches for many years is named for him. Its system of modes is related to the eight tones of the Eastern church. He is called 'the Dialogist' after his book The Dialogues, an account of the lives and miracles of Italian saints.   Saint Gregory reposed in peace in 604.

He was born in Damascus to an eminent family, and was well educated in his youth. Discontented with the wisdom of the world, he entered monastic life in the monastery of St Theodosius, where he became the lifelong friend and disciple of John Moschos. Together they visited the monasteries and hermitages of Egypt; they later wrote down their discoveries among the holy monks in the classic Spiritual Meadow. After the death of his teacher, St Sophronius traveled to Jerusalem, which had just been liberated from the Persians. He was there to see the Precious Cross returned from Persia by the Emperor Heraclius, who carried it into Jerusalem on his back. A few years later, in 634, St Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem, where he served his flock wisely for three years and three months. He was zealous in the defense of Orthodoxy against the Monothelite heresy: He convoked a Council in Jerusalem which condemned it before it was condemned at the Sixth Ecumenical Council. The holy Patriarch even traveled to Constantinople to rebuke the Patriarch Sergius and Emperor Heraclius, who had embraced the Monothelite error.   The years of peace were few for the Holy Land; for just as the Persian Empire was decisively defeated by Heraclius, the followers of Islam erupted out of Arabia, conquering most of North Africa and the Middle East in a few years. The Saint was so grieved by the capture of Jerusalem in 637 by the Caliph Omar that begged God to take him, so that he might not live to see the desecration of the holy places. His prayer was granted, and he reposed in peace less than a year later.   St Sophronios is the author of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt, appointed to be read in the churches during every Great Lent. He also wrote the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters. Some have attributed the Vesperal hymn "Gladsome Light" to him, but we know that it dates from before the time of St Basil the Great, who mentions it in his writings. It seems though, that St Sophronios supplemented the hymn, and that its present form is due to him.

He was born in Damascus to an eminent family, and was well educated in his youth. Discontented with the wisdom of the world, he entered monastic life in the monastery of St Theodosius, where he became the lifelong friend and disciple of John Moschos. Together they visited the monasteries and hermitages of Egypt; they later wrote down their discoveries among the holy monks in the classic Spiritual Meadow. After the death of his teacher, St Sophronius traveled to Jerusalem, which had just been liberated from the Persians. He was there to see the Precious Cross returned from Persia by the Emperor Heraclius, who carried it into Jerusalem on his back. A few years later, in 634, St Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem, where he served his flock wisely for three years and three months. He was zealous in the defense of Orthodoxy against the Monothelite heresy: He convoked a Council in Jerusalem which condemned it before it was condemned at the Sixth Ecumenical Council. The holy Patriarch even traveled to Constantinople to rebuke the Patriarch Sergius and Emperor Heraclius, who had embraced the Monothelite error.   The years of peace were few for the Holy Land; for just as the Persian Empire was decisively defeated by Heraclius, the followers of Islam erupted out of Arabia, conquering most of North Africa and the Middle East in a few years. The Saint was so grieved by the capture of Jerusalem in 637 by the Caliph Omar that begged God to take him, so that he might not live to see the desecration of the holy places. His prayer was granted, and he reposed in peace less than a year later.   St Sophronios is the author of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt, appointed to be read in the churches during every Great Lent. He also wrote the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters. Some have attributed the Vesperal hymn "Gladsome Light" to him, but we know that it dates from before the time of St Basil the Great, who mentions it in his writings. It seems though, that St Sophronios supplemented the hymn, and that its present form is due to him.

Hymns from the first week of Great Lent

Hymns from the first week of Great Lent

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

The Greek Tyron means "conscript." This holy Martyr of Christ came from Pontus and was a Roman legionary during Maximian's persecution (~303). Though he had been a Christian since childhood, he kept his faith secret while in the army. While his cohort was stationed near a town called Euchaita, he learned that the people there were being terrorized by a dragon which lived in the neighboring forest. He set off to face the dragon, praying to God that the outcome of the contest would be a sign to him of whether the time had come to offer himself for martyrdom. He found the fire-spitting monster and, arming himself with the sign of the Cross, drove his spear through its head and killed it.   His success convinced him that, having vanquished this fleshly dragon, he was ready to vanquish the spiritual dragon, the Devil. When the commander of his camp next ordered a sacrifice to the Gods, Theodore boldly refused, saying "I am a Christian!" Further, he encouraged the other Christians in his company to do the same. That night he went to a nearby pagan temple of Rhea, mother of the gods, and burned it down. He was seen by the caretaker of the temple and was brought unresisting to the governor Publius. Theodore was thrown into a solitary dungeon cell; there he refused bread and water, saying that Christ had promised him food from heaven. He spent his time there chanting hymns with the angels, so that the guards were convinced that other Christians had somehow joined him in his cell.   When all argument, cajolery, bribery and threat had failed to turn the soldier from Christ, the governor resorted to torture, subjecting the Saint to terrible mutilations; but when Theodore endured them calmly and resolutely, the governor began to fear that his example would encourage other Christians, and ordered that he be burned. Taken to the stake, the Martyr walked freely into the flames, where he gave back his soul to God. When his body was ransomed and taken from the ashes by a pious Christian, it was found to be untouched. A church was built in Euchaita in honor of the Martyr; many pilgrims came there for the healing of soul and body.   In 361, the Emperor Julian the Apostate ordered the Prefect of Constantinople to have all foods in the marketplaces sprinkled with blood of animals sacrificed to the pagan gods during the first week of Lent, so that Christians would be unable to escape contact with idolatry. But St Theodore appeared in a vision to Patriarch Eudoxius (360-364), warned him of the plan and told him to instruct his flock not to buy any food in the marketplace, but to eat kolyva made from boiled wheat grains. So, through the Saint's intervention, the people were preserved from the stain of idolatry. Ever since, the Church has commemorated the miracle on the first Saturday of Great Lent. Since that time kolyva has come to be offered also in honor of the Saints and in memory of the departed. The whole grain represents the body, sown corruptible, which will be raised incorruptible (2 Cor. 15:37); it is usually sweetened with honey to signify the delights of Paradise.

The Greek Tyron means "conscript." This holy Martyr of Christ came from Pontus and was a Roman legionary during Maximian's persecution (~303). Though he had been a Christian since childhood, he kept his faith secret while in the army. While his cohort was stationed near a town called Euchaita, he learned that the people there were being terrorized by a dragon which lived in the neighboring forest. He set off to face the dragon, praying to God that the outcome of the contest would be a sign to him of whether the time had come to offer himself for martyrdom. He found the fire-spitting monster and, arming himself with the sign of the Cross, drove his spear through its head and killed it.   His success convinced him that, having vanquished this fleshly dragon, he was ready to vanquish the spiritual dragon, the Devil. When the commander of his camp next ordered a sacrifice to the Gods, Theodore boldly refused, saying "I am a Christian!" Further, he encouraged the other Christians in his company to do the same. That night he went to a nearby pagan temple of Rhea, mother of the gods, and burned it down. He was seen by the caretaker of the temple and was brought unresisting to the governor Publius. Theodore was thrown into a solitary dungeon cell; there he refused bread and water, saying that Christ had promised him food from heaven. He spent his time there chanting hymns with the angels, so that the guards were convinced that other Christians had somehow joined him in his cell.   When all argument, cajolery, bribery and threat had failed to turn the soldier from Christ, the governor resorted to torture, subjecting the Saint to terrible mutilations; but when Theodore endured them calmly and resolutely, the governor began to fear that his example would encourage other Christians, and ordered that he be burned. Taken to the stake, the Martyr walked freely into the flames, where he gave back his soul to God. When his body was ransomed and taken from the ashes by a pious Christian, it was found to be untouched. A church was built in Euchaita in honor of the Martyr; many pilgrims came there for the healing of soul and body.   In 361, the Emperor Julian the Apostate ordered the Prefect of Constantinople to have all foods in the marketplaces sprinkled with blood of animals sacrificed to the pagan gods during the first week of Lent, so that Christians would be unable to escape contact with idolatry. But St Theodore appeared in a vision to Patriarch Eudoxius (360-364), warned him of the plan and told him to instruct his flock not to buy any food in the marketplace, but to eat kolyva made from boiled wheat grains. So, through the Saint's intervention, the people were preserved from the stain of idolatry. Ever since, the Church has commemorated the miracle on the first Saturday of Great Lent. Since that time kolyva has come to be offered also in honor of the Saints and in memory of the departed. The whole grain represents the body, sown corruptible, which will be raised incorruptible (2 Cor. 15:37); it is usually sweetened with honey to signify the delights of Paradise.