Podcasts about holy church

We believe in one holy Church. God's Church consists of every believer in Jesus throughout all of history. And because God is three-in-one, he's made his Church one and given us unity in Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is to maintain it. Unity isn't uniformity, it's unity of heart where it's all about Jesus, and it's not about me. Our temptation is often to make it about our own preferences. But to maintain unity I must be willing to lay down my preferences in favor of loving one another. As Paul commands, we must work to "outdo one another in showing honor to each other!" God has made us one, so we must maintain that unity and grow up together into Christ.

Delivered by Novi and Keenan from the Parish of Saint Peter in the Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 20: 28-38; Rs psalm 68: 29-30.33-35a.35b-36c; John 17: 11b-19.SHARING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Our meditation today has the theme: Sharing the Giftsof the Holy Spirit. There is a group of the Catholic youth who entered thechurch to do a prayer service. They were seven, four girls and three boys. Theywere all amazed by the decoration displayed beside the altar showing the sevenimages of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each chose one gift of the Spirit whichmostly suitable to each one's personality, namely the gift of wisdom,understanding, advice, knowledge, piety, fortitude (strength), and fear of God.After praying for few moments, they returned home with joy. There was a good and noble intention from them as agroup of the Catholic youth and as individual Christians as well. They wantedto give testimony to other Catholic youths, so that they could bring all youngpeople around them to a good Christian fellowship in the Church. They also wantedto become apostles in the sharing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to theirother friends in their neighborhood. They believed that they would becomeuseful Christians if they shared the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Why do we need to share the gifts of the Holy Spirit?There are several important reasons. The first reason is because God himselfhad shared His divine power with humans through the Son of God who became a manin Jesus Christ, then Jesus Himself sent His Spirit to us. God always sharesHimself through His everlasting love, and so we must also able to share thatlove. The main purpose of this sharing is to create unity. This is the core ofJesus' prayer which today's Gospel reading proclaims. A sharing of the gifts ofthe Spirit aims for unity and not for disunity. The second is because the Holy Spirit moves and makesthings work. He moved every person in the Early Church and then initiated theiractivities so that they did not remain silent or hid themselves from public.Saint Paul was sent by the risen Jesus and he was instructed to move from oneplace to another, because he must extend the presence of the Church in allcorners of the earth. We are also filled and moved by the Holy Spirit so thatwe can share the Good News to others. And the third reason is because the one Church that wehave is an inclusive Church. Jesus Christ had entrusted the great mission tothe Church which is to make all people and nations His disciples. So there isno other way to fulfill this except that every member of the Church has to moveout from his or her place and share the gifts of the Holy Spirit to otherpeople. The world might have a lot of things for making people's life nice andenjoyable, but it must be lacking in the love and mercy of the Lord which comesfrom the work of the Holy Spirit. It is truly a blessing for our world todayif the sharing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit really happens in us as amanifestation of the apostolic character of our Holy Church.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Jesus Christ, in the moment of waitingthe coming of the Holy Spirit, we put our faith in You as our true teacher andLord. Strengthen us with Your blessing and love so that in this moment ofpreparation we will always focus with devotion and prayer. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...

Delivered by Greg and Kezia from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral and Dwi Setyo from the Parish of the Assumption of Mary Mamajang in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 1: 12-14; Rs psalm 27: 1.4.7-8a; 1 Petrus 4: 13-16; Yohanes 17: 1-11a.ALL IS ONE HEART IN PRAYER The theme for our meditation on this 7thSunday of Easter is: All Is One Heart in Prayer. There were a dog and a catalways gathered as friends behind the church. Leftover food from the rectorykitchen and the parish canteen made them together. But when renovations wereunderway at the rectory and parish canteen, all cooking and food salestemporarily stopped. So there was no more food for the dog and cat. The cat asked his friend, "How can I get food,because the kitchen and canteen are barely stocked? Where are the mothers andsisters who usually cook and sell food in the canteen?" The dog,understanding the cat's plight, immediately replied, "Don't you know? Theyalways order food online. That's the online world. So you have to be onlineuser too and diligently follow them wherever they go, and you'll getfood." Animals can experience our loss. We normally move fromthe church or chapel to the public space of online media. In the today'slifestyle, we constantly interact online. Even spiritual activities likeprayer, faith sharing, Holy Mass, and catechesis can be done online. The smallchurch is the heart of every one of us and online media has become a virtualchurch that bring us together to express their faith. Our spirit of prayer after the Ascension of Jesus and in waiting the day of Pentecost continuesto grow with joyful expectation. We all become one heart in prayer to prepareourselves for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We follow the example of theapostles and Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gathered in prayer togetherin a room in the city of Jerusalem, more than 2000 years ago. Our preparationfor welcoming the Holy Spirit must be in the way of prayer in one hearttogether, and not the activities and undertakeings that do not provide spacefor prayer.                                                                                                             Today the Lord Jesus teaches us about praying with allour hearts, and in unity with our brothers and sisters in the same faith. Aprayerful person who is faithful and holy will contribute to a fervent andfruitful prayer of the community of the people of God. This way of our prayerswill certainly help shaping our community prayers pleasing to God. The presenceof the Virgin Mary as Mother of the Church in every moment of our prayertogether is a best offering that our Church can give to the Lord. This is avery lovely active participation of all beloved children of God in the makingof one heart of all faithful in prayer. Virgin Mary as a caring mother willremind or reprimand us if our disposition in prayer is not in line with whatthe Holy Church practices. We are supposed to do what Jesus says in the Gospeltoday, namely: We should know the Father as the only true God and the One whomthe Father sent, Jesus Christ, if we remain in this spirit of prayer. The HolySpirit helps us to grow in this spirit of prayer. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O most loving Father in heaven, make usprayerful people so that we become the members of Your Church who alwaysglorify You with our prayers. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name ofthe Father ...

Delivered by Kezia from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 15: 1-6; Rs psalm 122: 1-2.3-4a.4b-5; John 15: 1-8.ABUNDANT FRUITS IN JESUS Our meditation today has the theme: Abundant Fruits inJesus. In this Easter season, besides we have interesting themes on "theBread of Life" and "the Good Shepherd", we have also anothervery interesting theme, which is "the True Vine". The Lord Jesusreveals His identity through various symbols or images, and one of them is thetrue vine. In essence, God Himself always unites with His peopleand grants His precious gifts to every believer. Thus, we as individuals andthe community of God's people too, can pursue our lives on this world accordingto His plan, by using all the gifts we have and make them bear fruits. Thetrue vine is an appropriate symbol to teach us in this point of our reflection.Jesus is the true vine, we are its branches, and the Father in heaven is theowner. The fact that there are always differentunderstandings and attitudes among the people in the Church, it is part of thedynamic of the branches which are often shaken because of wind and rain. Thesedifferences or maybe criticisms and protests from within will not ruin the lifeof this Holy Church because there is the vine, which is the Lord Jesus Christas the only head and leader who protects it. All problems are directed to findtheir solutions in Jesus Christ alone. So instead of bothering ourselves with thedifferences, it is more important to give our attention to the abundance offruits as the outcome of our life in Jesus Christ, from which we strengthen theunity among the believers and enrich one another with the love of the Lord.These fruits certainly sustain our journey of faith. First is the fruit ofholiness and evangelization. We as individuals and the People of God or theChurch professes that holiness is our goal. We want to see ourselves that thisgift of holiness is also reaching out others through our works ofevangelization. Second is the fruit of will and courage to removethose branches that are already dry and useless, to be gathered and burned.This is the fruit of correction, improvement, repentance and renewal ofoneself. Third is the fruit of opportunity for growth and the new life ofpersonal and community achieved after the process of correction or renewal.Fourth is the fruit of happiness and thankfulness for being connected withJesus as the true vine, because apart from Him will be very dangerous for us. Fifth is the fruit of becoming one always with Jesusand we will be abundant. The fruits will never come from other trees, exceptfrom Jesus Christ our true vine. Sixth, we therefore, have a valid reason toalways praise and glorify our God and Father. Seventh is the fruit of ourdignity as sons and daughters of the Father as a very special and precioushonor for us. Eighth is the fruit mission, which is our duties as persons sentby God to go and to produce many fruits. And ninth is the fruit of patience-endurancethat will be the cloth we wear when we encounter difficulties and sufferings. Let'spray. O Lord, make us always able to bear fruits that can benefit us and alsoour neighbors. Our Father who art in heaven... In the name of the Father ...

Delivered by Lukita Nanda and Svara Nirmala from the Parish of Our Lady of Assumption Mamajang in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 6: 8-15; Rs psalm 119: 23-24.26-27.29-30; John 6: 22-29.THE FIRST WORK OF GOD The theme for our meditation today is: The First Workof God. This sentence does not mean to show the work that God is doing up therein heaven. What is meant by it, is the divine command or the will of God thatwe humans must do in the first place. When thousands of people who had beensatisfied with the food after the miracle of the multiplication of bread andkept looking for Jesus only to fulfill their bodily needs, they were thenreprimanded by Jesus because of their foolishness. According to the Lord, they should come to Him andchoose the first thing from Him, which was His work, and not the food. This isthe divine wisdom that teaches us to do the work in the first place if we wantto earn food for a living. The first work in this sense is to believe in Godand to entrust our entire lives in the hands of the Father who sent JesusChrist into the world to be our Redeemer. Through this filial act to theFather, the first food we obtain is His own Word that already became human likeus, namely Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This first work was already performed by all thosepeople shown in the scriptures. It starts with Jesus Christ Himself whotestified that He came to do the will of the Father who sent Him. The VirginMary and St. Joseph had focused their lives to fulfill the plan of salvation.The apostles who in the beginning seemed at a lost about their following ofJesus, yet they finally proved themselves to be the genuine messengers of theGospel. Abraham is known as the father of the believers. Moses is famous forthe law instituted for the people of God and the prophets had the high qualityof their faith to lead and renew the people's hearts. Our today's profile of faithful and genuine servant ofGod is Stephen, a disciple of the Lord and a witness of Christ's resurrection.He was filled with the grace and power of the Almighty God as a sign of thequality of his faith. He dared to face the challenges of the Jews who opposedhim. Through this work, the first food consumed by Stephen was to drink the cupof suffering just like what Jesus Christ experienced. Following Christ is our basic vocation, which must befulfilled with the first work of faith and filial devotion to God. The reasonfor our baptism and inclusion in the Church is faith, and not things, goods,position, world enjoyment or good name. It is only after baptism that othersacraments received or performed. Prayers, devotion and various services in theChurch are strongly supported by this foundation of faith. The virtue of faithand obedience are the first criteria for the official process of making abeliever saint by the Holy Church. So our first work from God is of thespiritual, and not the physical one. You will be happy or not as the followerof Christ, the measure that can qualify you is your faith in God, lived out orpracticed daily with good will. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Jesus Christ, our good and wise Teacher.Teach us and show us how to be perfect through the faith and devotion that wepractice everyday. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... In the name of the Father ...

Delivered by Enge Kristina from the Parish of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 5: 34-42; Rs psalm 27: 1.4.13-14; John 6: 1-15.BECOME THE INSTRUMENT OF GOD Our meditation today has the theme: Become theInstrument of God. Our Christian life as expected to be in the spirit of Easteris not only a true practice during this Easter season but also during our lifetime on earth. The resurrection of Jesus Christ indeed animates all our life.The period after resurrection is a period when Jesus Christ is not physicallypresent with all His followers, unlike when He was still living and walkingwith His disciples and people of His time. After resurrection, He went up toheaven to be with the heavenly Father. But as He had promised, He is foreverwith us at all times, because His Spirit lives with us in the Church and in thesociety as well. What must we do to ensure that our faith aligned withthe spirit of Easter? The inspiration from our readings today can give us theanswer, and it is true to say that we need to become the instruments of God. Theministry of Jesus Christ carried out by the Holy Church as a community of thePeople of God continues to occur to this day, with her main mission is to servethe humanity and the world. Who are those human beings to be ministered by theChurch? It maybe each one of us, our brothers or sisters and friends. It maybepeople we don't know who they are or where they are from. It maybe persons Godhas entrusted to us to be educated and cared for. Becoming the instrument God for us is a basicChristian vocation, as the Psalmist says: Here I am Lord, to do Your will (Ps.40). The goal of this vocation is to make the Lord truly present in a real anda personal way through the ministry of Jesus Christ Himself, who saves, heals,teaches, speaks of truth, comforts, and forgives. This vocation is given toevery one of us who chooses the way of life as priest, religious and lay person.To carry out well this vocation means each of us acts in the name of the LordJesus Christ and makes His works realized.  We are given an example of the apostles who bravelydefended the truth of the Gospel preached, even though they were tried andimprisoned by the Jewish Religious Court. A famous Jewish priest, Gamaliel,also spoke in the name of truth and at the same time defended what the apostlesfearlessly did. Both the apostles and Gamaliel had proved to be the realinstruments of God in preaching and teaching the true faith. Then anotheroccasion also shows us the practice of this truth. The apostles became the instrumentsfor the feeding of thousands of people who were hungry after a full dayfollowing and listening to Jesus away from the city. A child who provided asmall portion of bread and fish also proved to be the instrument of God for themiracle of multiplication of bread and fish. They were the instruments of God'smercy for the urgent needs of people at that moment. We can be the instruments of God in any givencondition in our lives today, especially the conditions that really needsurgent solution or treatment. It all depends on our willingness and commitmentto do. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O generous and merciful Lord, strengthen usin every step and work that we take, so that we can be your true and usefulinstruments, especially for the benefit of our needy brothers and sisters. HailMary, full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...

Our passage today is all about how we are to live as Jesus' people - the dos and don'ts, the rights and wrongs. How is this stuff good news? How should we think about holiness and how we become holy?

Norbertine priest, Father Sebastian Walshe joins Trending with Timmerie Episode Guide The prefigurement of St. Joseph in the Old Testament (0:40) Joseph the Patriarch and other types of St. Joseph in the Old Testament (5:16) How to make decisions with St. Joseph. Discernment (15:30) What can we learn about patriarchy from St. Joseph (19:28) When men seem irrelevant or unnecessary – what St. Joseph shows us (24:24) St. Joseph as a representation of God the Father (29:38) Assumption of St. Joseph into heaven (31:01) Terror of demons, sleeping Saint Joseph, and the humility of sleep (40:20) Resources mentioned: St. Michael’s Abbey https://www.stmichaelsabbey.com/ Saint Joseph: The Man Closest to Christ https://bit.ly/4rAZecz ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII ON DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15081889_quamquam-pluries.html Litany of Saint Joseph Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father in heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Illustrious son of David, pray for us. Light of Patriarchs, pray for us. Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us. Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us. Pure Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us. Provider for the Son of God, pray for us. Zealous defender of Christ, pray for us. Servant of Christ, pray for us. Minister of salvation, pray for us. Head of the Holy Family, pray for us. Joseph, most just, pray for us. Joseph, most chaste, pray for us. Joseph, most prudent, pray for us. Joseph, most brave, pray for us. Joseph, most obedient, pray for us. Joseph, most loyal, pray for us. Mirror of patience, pray for us. Lover of poverty, pray for us. Model for workers, pray for us. Glory of family life, pray for us. Guardian of virgins, pray for us. Cornerstone of families, pray for us. Support in difficulties, pray for us. Comfort of the sorrowing, pray for us. Hope of the sick, pray for us. Patron of exiles, pray for us. Patron of the afflicted, pray for us. Patron of the poor, pray for us. Patron of the dying, pray for us. Terror of demons, pray for us. Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possessions. Let us pray. O God, who in your inexpressible providence were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as spouse of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we, who revere him as our protector on earth, may be worthy of his heavenly intercession. Who live and reign for ever and ever. R. Amen.

Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Christ, hear us.  Christ, hear us.Christ, graciously hear us.  Christ, graciously hear us.  God the Father in heaven,  have mercy on us.God the Son, Redeemer of the world,  have mercy on us.God the Holy Spirit,  have mercy on us.Holy Trinity, one God,  have mercy on us.  Holy Mary,  pray for us.Saint Joseph,  pray for us.Illustrious son of David,  pray for us.Light of Patriarchs,  pray for us.Spouse of the Mother of God,  pray for us.Guardian of the Redeemer,  pray for us.Pure Guardian of the Virgin,  pray for us.Provider for the Son of God,  pray for us.Zealous defender of Christ,  pray for us.Servant of Christ,  pray for us.Minister of salvation,  pray for us.Head of the Holy Family,  pray for us.Joseph, most just,  pray for us.Joseph, most chaste,  pray for us.Joseph, most prudent,  pray for us.Joseph, most brave,  pray for us.Joseph, most obedient,  pray for us.Joseph, most loyal,  pray for us.Mirror of patience,  pray for us.Lover of poverty,  pray for us.Model for workers,  pray for us.Glory of family life,  pray for us.Guardian of virgins,  pray for us.Cornerstone of families,  pray for us.Support in difficulties,  pray for us.Comfort of the sorrowing,  pray for us.Hope of the sick,  pray for us.Patron of exiles,  pray for us.Patron of the afflicted,  pray for us.Patron of the poor,  pray for us.Patron of the dying,  pray for us.Terror of demons,  pray for us.Protector of the Holy Church,  pray for us.   Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,  spare us, O Lord.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,  hear us, O Lord.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,  have mercy on us.  He made him master of his house, | and ruler of all his possessions.Let us pray.O God, who in your inexpressible providencewere pleased to choose Saint Josephas spouse of your most holy Mother,grant, we pray,that we, who revere him as our protector on earth,may be worthy of his heavenly intercession.Who live and reign for ever and ever.R. Amen.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Don't blame religion, because what is happening today is actually history. The government and media are lying, even with all the people's cameras rolling. Officials lying is not a new invention, so their framework is wrong too. Israel is a governing state, it's not a religion or a people. Anti-Semitism is a political weapon. Pick your team if you want, but who made you God? Humans have agendas, and those change stories. How the Huntington framework gets built. Don't just follow the money, follow the power too. Who benefits from having religious enemies? Who suffers? God is real, and so is the human spiritual craving. Your faith is yours, and it lives in you. Always let new information land. The Sunni Muslim family, and The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The morning tradition of the key. No government rules religion. Hitler exported the Jews to Palestine. Jesus is mentioned many times in the Quran. The demise of Greece involved liberalism. The Roman Christian church was created for control. Edward Said and Orientalism. Unusual shutdowns cause suspicion. The first shutdown of the Holy Church since 1400's. Watch the water, and the skies.Evil is closely following the script. Above all, it's critical to keep your faith in humanity.

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Happy feast of St. Francis Xavier! On today’s show, Matt Swaim discusses the life and heroic witness of this great Jesuit missionary. Guests include Gary Zimak, author of “Find Peace in Advent,” and Ken Craycraft on the mystery of waiting for an already present Christ during Advent. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Collect for the feast of St. Francis Xavier O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples to yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in an abundance of offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian church as described by the Nicene Creed is one, holy, universal, and apostolic. Do we live up to those descriptions? God has called us to stand out among the world and treat each other differently. We are meant to be united and unique.

Friendship with God Part 2 “Holy Church” John 17:6-19   Download the Friendship with God Daily Bible Reading Journal | https://bit.ly/3IkMFBA   Watch Daily Bible Reading Journal Explainer Video: https://youtu.be/lNMkYueEBh0   -- REACH Resources Visit the REACH webpage | https://www.fcchudson.com/reach    -- GET CONNECTED! https://www.fcchudson.com and click Next Steps!   --- Stay connected! Website: https://www.fcchudson.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fcchudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fcchudson YouTube: https://bit.ly/3twyuMN Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-community-church-hudson/id1815577020 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uQLVXLr6cig3TEgPYSpDL?si=e0175be24e1141b2   #fcchudson #churchonline Take your next step with us! https://bit.ly/3IJv7f1

The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes upthat can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.

The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes upthat can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.

The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes up that can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares.Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.

The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes up that can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares.Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.

God's will isn't a mystery—it's to form us into a holy people. When we live this way, we reflect His character to a watching world. Teacher - Tom Harrigan

Drawing upon St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop Averky examines this teaching from St. Paul and how modernists and ecumenists can and do twist it to their liking.

In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou talks about Holy Fire and Holy Light. This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders

The priests are the human instruments working through the grace of the Church, as God ordained. What the angels cannot do, the priests ordained for God can. The priests carry out the same mission to the people of the world as Christ granted to St. Paul and the Apostles through His sanctification. They are entrusted not just to keep the traditions of the Church as bestowed through the teachings of the Apostles, but to perpetuate the Faith through their sacred ministry.

In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou comments on the famous quote: "If you die before you die, when you die, you won't die".This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders

In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou answers the question: "Can the living help the dead?"This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders

What if holiness isn't something you wear—but something you embody? God's grace is what saves us, but it's holiness that shapes us. In The Holy Church: How Relevance is Killing Revival, Pastor Mike O'Connell walks us through 1 Peter 1–2 to remind us that we're not called to blend in—we're called to stand out. This week, take a look at what's influencing you. What's keeping you from becoming the holiest version of who God created you to be? Let go of what's holding you back, so you fully experience God's best for your life!

What if holiness isn't something you wear—but something you embody? God's grace is what saves us, but it's holiness that shapes us. In The Holy Church: How Relevance is Killing Revival, Pastor Mike O'Connell walks us through 1 Peter 1–2 to remind us that we're not called to blend in—we're called to stand out. This week, take a look at what's influencing you. What's keeping you from becoming the holiest version of who God created you to be? Let go of what's holding you back, so you fully experience God's best for your life!

In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou speaks on how we can acquire and keep humility. Through real stories of saints and practical steps, he explains why humility is the “garment of divinity” and how silence, heartfelt prayer, and letting go of self-righteousness help transform the soul. This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders

Today is the Feast Day of Sts. Peter & Paul, two prominent holy Apostles. In the Icon of this blessed Feast Day, we see the Church filled with Christ in the middle and the two Apostles are pillars upholding it. Sts. Peter & Paul were so very different in their weaknesses, upbringing, personalities, and gifts. And yet, by their repentance at the experience of Christ, they were made so profoundly useful to Christ for the revelation of His salvation and the building up of the Church. We look at their lives and ministries today to gain great hope and confidence that Christ takes each one of us, His living stones, and places us all together in a beautiful order for our salvation and that of those outside the Ark of Salvation; Christ's Holy Church.

In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou recounts the trials of Saint Polycarp and Saint Ignatius, creating parallels to today's world of pandemics, migration, and moral confusion. Through storytelling, he urges the faithful to reclaim authentic Christian compassion and duty—reminding both Cyprus and the world that the judgment of our era is already unfolding.This English translation of the sermon of Metropolitan of Morphou Neophytos during the Archieratic Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of Meatfare (23 February 2020) that took place in the Holy Church of Apostle Andrew in the Nikitario municipality under the Metropolis of Morphou was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.'Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders

Ephesians 2:19-2219 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.            May: Focus on the Family Month             Building the Church Family Together            The Church as a Spiritual Family           Foundations of a Godly Church Family            Marks of a Godly Church Family           Threats to a Godly Church Family            How to Build a Godly Church Family 

Pastor Zack Flipse preaches from Acts 4:32-5:11, “Impurity in a Holy Church.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

A Holy Church of Strangers - 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 (March 30, 2025) by Michael B. Linton

The Sunday of Orthodoxy: Embrace the Fullness of the Faith Fr. Anthony Perkins Every morning we join together and pray: Lord, save and have mercy on our civil authorities; protect our nation with peace, subduing our every foe and adversary. Fill the hearts of our leaders with peaceful, benevolent thoughts for your Holy Church and for all your people so that we, in their tranquility, may lead a peaceful and quiet life in true faith and in all godliness and purity. This same attitude is found amongst the most solemn intercessor prayers in all of Orthodoxy: those that occur during the Anaphora. In the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the prayer is; We also offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and for all those who live in purity and holiness. And for all those in public service, permit them Lord, to serve and govern in peace, that in their tranquility we may lead a calm and quiet life in all Godliness and purity. This is our approach to politics, and this is the basis of our theology of church and state. We are expected to pray for our government, that it provides a safe place for us to pursue perfection. And don't forget that pursuing perfection is what we are all about. We are learning to radiate peace and joy and unity so strongly, to be transformed by the grace and mercy of Christ so completely, that the people and world around us are themselves transformed. That when people see us on the streets, they recognize us as something different because of our love; that when they see us together as a church they are awed by the love that radiates among us and warmed by the Spirit that burns within our hearts. It is wonderful when the government respects this and gives us a safe space to make it happen. But sometimes the government goes beyond this. Sometimes it wants to get more involved. Orthodoxy is a way of life – we do not simply pursue holiness in our minds and before the icons in our prayer corners or in our houses of worship: we do it 24/7, with an approach to life that is complete and holistic. The way we eat, the way we talk, everything we do – it's all designed to further this one goal: the healing and perfection of us and of this world. When the government sees it as its own responsibility to guide us towards a certain way of thinking and living – rather than as simply the force that protects us as we think and live – we quickly run into problems. On previous Sundays of Orthodoxy, I have preached about the transformative power of beauty, of the fact that icons are not only allowed by Christianity but required by it, I have explained the findings of the councils and why they are true. These are very important lessons, and I will, no doubt return to them in future years. But certainly one of the lessons to be learned from the whole nasty history of iconoclasm – when morality police came into our churches and destroyed our icons and told us we were wicked for having them – is just how dangerous it is for the government to get involved in the substance of theological disputes. And it gets even worse when it seeks to enforce the version it believes is best for us. But thank God we are free from such things here and now. Thank God the First Amendment [and the rest of the Constitution] encourages our government to protect us rather than change us. This, combined with the melting pot of cultures and religions here has created a widespread respect for the ideal of religious diversity, even when disparate beliefs are held with fervor. But here's the thing. There really have been times when people hid their icons because the authorities were confiscating them and persecuting the people who were caught with them. Here, don't just think of when the iconoclasts ruled in Constantinople in parts of the first millennium; the militant atheist iconoclasts in the Soviet Union destroyed plenty of icons in the 20th century and Muslims have done this more recently than in Kosovo and the Middle East. But in America we are free. No one is taking our icons. And yet even so it seems to me that the iconoclasts are winning, not just in our broader American culture (which we are called to sanctify), but perhaps even amongst us, in our own homes. When strangers come into our homes, are they greeted with an image of that which is central to our identity? The thing that drives and draws us toward peace and perfection? Are our wedding and patronal icons central to the “feng shui” of our living rooms and bedrooms? Do we have reminders in our kitchens and hallways that there is a Christian manner of eating and living? Is there an icon near our television to remind us that our every thought should be pure and chaste, that it is better to pluck our eye than allow it to pull us off the path of righteousness? And remember, it's not just about icons. All our life is to be transformed by our life in Christ. It is a holistic way of life that informs and blessed everything. The way we eat, the way we think, the way we love. If we have not sanctified our homes with icons, I wonder if we have sanctified them with prayer. If we have not sanctified them with prayer, then there is no way we can them with love. And if we have no love, our lives are full of noise and confusion, and we are little more than wasted potential; wasted skin and mind and soul. The world believes that icons are unnecessary. We know that to be a lie. St. John of Damascus lived in a time when icons were being attacked, both by the Muslim authorities who governed over him and his flock and by heretical religious authorities who shared their vision. He was a theologian, so he defended icons with theological arguments, but his strongest advice was pastoral: He wanted to see his people free. He wanted to see them healed. He wanted to see them holy. He knew that Orthodoxy – the fullness of the faith (and not some compromised watered-down version) was essential to that purpose. So he told them to embrace their icons, despite the surrounding culture. I want you to be free. I want you to be healed. I want to see you holy. I know that Orthodoxy – the fullness of the faith (and not some compromised watered-down version), is essential to that purpose. So I encourage you to embrace your icons. And not just icons. Resist every temptation and encouragement to water down any aspect of your faith; not by attacking the forces that mock or try to destroy your faith, but by committing yourself to a life in Christ. To prayer. To fasting. To sacrificial giving. To chastity. As we will proclaim together at the end of the Liturgy;  This is the Faith of the Apostles. This is the Faith of the Fathers. This is the Faith of the Orthodox. This is the Faith which has established the Universe. In the name …  

We continue through the Nicene Creed.

In this episode, we critically examine Young Life's approach to Roman Catholicism through their article, "What Do Catholics (Really) Believe?" We'll unpack the theological missteps and discuss the implications of their stance for gospel clarity. Additionally, we'll dive into one of our own recent articles exploring the Roman Catholic practice of praying to Mary and the saints. Is it truly equivalent to asking friends to pray for you, or does it point to deeper theological concerns? Join us as we navigate these important topics from an Evangelical perspective, holding fast to the truth of the gospel.Episode resources:https://younglifeleaders.org/2022/04/what-do-catholics-really-believe.htmlhttps://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/why-praying-to-the-saints-is-not-like-asking-for-prayer-from-friendsExamples of prayers to Mary, Joseph and Guardian Angels from Rome's 1999 edition of the official "Manual of Indulgences. NORMS AND GRANTS. Apostolic Penitentiary." Translated into English from the fourth edition (1999) of Enchiridion Indulgentiarum: Normae et Concessiones.PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYMaria, Mater gratiaeMary, Mother of grace and Mother of mercy, shield me from the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death. Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.(Liturgy of the Hours, Ordinary for Night Prayer)PRAYERS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPHA partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g., Ad te, beate Ioseph). Ad te, beate Ioseph:To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the helpof your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.PRAYERS TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGELA partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly invoke the care of their guardian:Angele Dei, Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love entrusts me here, enlighten and guard, rule and guide me. Amen.Support the show

Ephesians 4:1-6

“And since these especially ruinous harms to all of Christendom are not to be tolerated or suffered any longer, so we have completely agreed – with a well-considered disposition, by means of much and various discussion and counsel, which we have earnestly undertaken concerning this among ourselves and with many other princes and lords of the Holy Empire, for the assistance of the Holy Church, the comfort of Christendom and the honour and profit of the Holy Empire – that we want fully and specifically to remove and depose the above-written Lord Wenceslas as a neglectful procrastinator, dismemberer and one unworthy of the Holy Empire from the same Holy Roman Empire and all the dignities pertaining to it with immediate effect.” End quoteSo concluded the Prince Electors of Cologne, Mainz, Trier and the Palatinate on August 20th 1400. King Wenceslaus IV, son of the great emperor Karl IV, king of Bohemia and duke of Luxemburg was to be deposed for his “evil deeds and afflictions [that are] are so clearly manifest and well known throughout the land that they can neither be justified nor concealed” end quote How could that happen. Last time we looked at the house of Luxemburg, they directly held almost a quarter of the German lands, controlled two of the seven electoral votes, had manoeuvred themselves into pole position to gain the Hungarian and the Polish crown, with even a long-term option on Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Tyrol . But now, a mere 22 years later, the great second Carolingian empire lies in tatters. How is that possible? That is what we will look at today.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward ExpansionThe...

Ever wonder if the Catechism of the Catholic Church is inspired by the Holy Spirit like the Bible? Patrick breaks down the distinction between divine inspiration in scripture and the wisdom found in the Catechism. Get clarity on how God breathes his Word through the apostles, while still allowing their personalities to shine.   James (email) – Your advice is so bad that people can take legal action against you. I also think Relevant Radio pays actors to call into the shows (01:36) Dawn (email) – Is the Catechism of the Holy Church inspired by the Holy Spirit? (14:16) Todd - I really appreciate this dialog you are having! We need to pray for this person who emailed in. Mary - My friend's husband has family who are babying and enabling him. (23:37) Mike - How can I talk about the Catholic prohibition against gay marriage to my son? (44:42)