Podcasts about orthodox christians

Listen to Fr. Timothy's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

While over 76,000 Canadians used the MAID program (Medical Assistance in Dying) to end their life, Switzerland's Sacro (suicide) Pod is now being designed to hold couples. What is the Orthodox Christian view of medically assisted euthanasia?

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

A major thank you to the Nathan for sponsoring today's stream. In this stream I dive into the life of St. David IV The builder of Georgia, and explain why he is not only the greatest monarch of Georgia, but an incredible warrior, intellectual, and Orthodox Christian. Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. God Bless

You may not realize it, but there's a war going on around you. Scripture tells us that this war is not against flesh and blood (people), but against invisible enemies who invade our thoughts and try to destroy us from within. Join Fr. Anthony for this six-week Lent series.https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

I didn't grow up a Christian; in fact, I never even believed Jesus was real until 5 years ago, when I had a radical encounter with Jesus while I was knee-deep in the occult, working as a psychic medium.Watch the video on YouTubeI always believed in God; I just didn't know who he was, so I went searching in the psychedelic realm for him. I didn't like what I thought Christianity was, and since I didn't believe in Jesus, I automatically thought the Bible and Christians were fake too.Most of my life I dealt with mental instability, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and panic attacks. When I was 29 years old, I was misdiagnosed as bipolar. I tried everything to heal myself. It wasn't until I started following Christ that I started to actually change. I found out after 8 years of being told I was bipolar I'd been misdiagnosed...I was on 20 pills a day at that time. I got off pills during 2020, when the world was experiencing the insanity of COVID-19. As I got off pills, my mind came back alive, and I started questioning reality for the first time in almost a decade. But soon after I fell deeper into the occult. Until 2021, when I had my experience with Christ. This made my worst fear come true—I became a Christian. Something didn't sit right with me as a new Christian; there were so many denominations all believing something different. I'd been deceived so many times before I was scared I would be again, so I started questioning Christianity. All my questioning led me to the true church, the Orthodox church, where real healing begins.Join me as I share my story of not only why I became a Christian but also why I was baptized this past summer as an Orthodox Christian.Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy. or from my website www.karamosher.com

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

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​ 2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app.2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app.2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app.2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges and realities of building a godly marriage in the 21st century. He explores common newlywed conflicts, societal shifts affecting marriage such as delayed marriage age, increased female workforce participation, and changing family dynamics. Fr. Mina explains the Orthodox Christian view on marriage as a path to salvation, emphasizing sacrifice, forgiveness, and the presence of God in the couple's life through active faith and church accountability. He addresses how the institution of marriage has evolved from Old Testament practices and arranged marriages to modern dating, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and discernment in choosing a spouse. Fr. Matthias also talks about the church's stance on procreation within marriage and the impact of societal trends on divorce rates. This discussion offers foundational insights into understanding and pursuing a marriage rooted in faith and commitment.

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​​Dear Listener: 1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​ 2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app. ​​2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/o teaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app.2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

​1. TO FIND THE TITLES AND LINKS for all our podcasts, please visit our podcast directory. Just search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Directory' in the podcasts section of the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app OR search for ‘Orthodox Christian Teaching' in the Spotify or Apple Podcasts app.2. TO SUPPORT this Orthodox Christian ministry and the digitisation of our many cassette-tapes for new podcasts, please visit us at BUY ME A COFFEE: http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching

David Gornoski and Surit Dasgupta discuss how modern-day culture seems to be incompatible with earnestness, why Dracula is more haunted by Christ than most conservative personalities, why the 21 Coptic martyrs are more effective than any "right thinking" Christian, how most Orthodox Christians are driven by scapegoating, what it means to love God, and more. Follow David Gornoski on X here. Visit aneighborschoice.com for more

Listen to Fr. Timothy's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

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

Christopher talks with Megan Bonynge about the transition from high school to college for Orthodox Christian students, highlighting the importance of support systems, the common struggles of anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, and trauma, and the increase in loneliness.

Join Fr. Anthony Messeh for part 2 of "REALationship Goals" a 4-part series at The Well.https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

​BUY ME A COFFEEhttp://buymeacoffee.com/octeachingDear Brethren and Friends of this Ministry,Since the year 2020 the evangelistic and apostolic mission of the Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Ministry brings multi-lingual catechism, teaching, Bible-study and prayer resources to listeners around the world. To support this Orthodox Christian witness to the world of today and the digitisation of hundreds of cassette tapes we want to convert into podcasts for all to hear, please see the link above for the Buy Me a Coffee platform.Thank you. May the Lord reward you.

​BUY ME A COFFEEhttp://buymeacoffee.com/octeachingDear Brethren and Friends of this Ministry,Since the year 2020 the evangelistic and apostolic mission of the Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Ministry brings multi-lingual catechism, teaching, Bible-study and prayer resources to listeners around the world. To support this Orthodox Christian witness to the world of today and the digitisation of hundreds of cassette tapes we want to convert into podcasts for all to hear, please see the link above for the Buy Me a Coffee platform.Thank you. May the Lord reward you.

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

Elisabeth Abouelkheir (Missy) shares practical insights on navigating conflict within marriage, emphasizing that the purpose of marriage is sanctification rather than mere happiness. Drawing from her 32 years of marriage experience, she explains why conflict is inevitable due to individual differences and how it can be productive when handled with respect. Missy discusses Dr. John Gottman's "Four Horsemen"—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—and how these behaviors predict marital outcomes. She offers guidance on creating plans for respectful communication, using I-statements, and managing emotions to prevent escalation. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, appreciation, and taking responsibility while addressing feelings without blame. Through real-life scenarios and audience interaction, Missy underscores the need for couples to build understanding, avoid hurtful patterns, and seek reconciliation. The talk concludes with practical strategies to improve conflict resolution and strengthen marital unity in the Orthodox Christian context. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

What does it mean to confront real evil without letting it destroy your soul? In this episode, I'm joined by Tommy Green, vocalist of the band Holy Name and an Orthodox Christian deeply committed to ending child and sex trafficking. Tommy and his wife have an organization that helps young people getting out of this terrible life of being trafficked. We talk about what it's like to look directly at the darkest expressions of human sin, and how the Orthodox Church, prayer, and the Holy Name of Christ provide a framework for fighting evil without becoming it. Tommy's organization: https://www.irunagainsttraffic.com Sponsors: Harmony Icons: https://harmonyicons.com/counterflow  Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Listen to Fr. Timothy's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

Join Fr. Anthony Messeh for part 2 of "REALationship Goals" a 4-part series at The Well.https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

Listen to Fr. Anthony's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

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

Join Fr. Anthony Messeh for part 1 of "REALationship Goals" a 4-part series at The Well.https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

​BUY ME A COFFEE​http://buymeacoffee.com/octeaching​Dear Brethren and Friends of this Ministry,​Since the year 2020 the evangelistic and apostolic mission of the Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Ministry brings multi-lingual catechism, teaching, Bible-study and prayer resources to listeners around the world. To support this Orthodox Christian witness to the world of today and the digitisation of hundreds of cassette tapes we want to convert into podcasts for all to hear, please see the link above for the Buy Me a Coffee platform.​Thank you. May the Lord reward you.

As Catholic and Orthodox Christian leaders in Jerusalem publicly denounce Christian Zionism, deep questions are emerging about theology, authority, and Israel's place in God's plan. In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed respond to the controversy and are joined by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, to discuss his new book Universal Zionism. Together, they explore the difference between viewing Israel as merely a political state or as the fulfillment of divine promise, revisit Pope John Paul II's striking distinction between the Holy Land and the Promised Land, and ask what Israel's mission means not only for Jews, but for Christians and the world. A timely conversation about covenant, responsibility, and Israel's emerging role on the global stage.

Luke 17:12-19; The Grateful Leper I've included my notes, but I didn't follow them, choosing instead to offer a meditation on the "go show yourself to the priest" part of the Levitical command and noting how we do the same - and will all do the same one day at the Great Judgment. Homily: Healing, Vision, and the Mercy of God Onee of the things that sometimes gives people pause—especially when they encounter it for the first time—comes from the Book of Needs, in the prayers the priest offers for those who are sick. If you have ever been present for these prayers, you may have been surprised by what you heard. We expect prayers like: "O Lord, raise up this servant from the bed of illness and restore them to health." And those prayers are certainly there. But woven throughout are repeated petitions for the forgiveness of sins. And that can feel jarring. "Why talk about sin?" we think. "This person is sick—not sinful." But the Church is very intentional here. Imagine this: a person is lifted up from their bed of illness, restored to perfect physical health—yet still carries unrepented sin within them. Outwardly, they look alive. Inwardly, they are not. They are, in a real sense, a living corpse. On the other hand—and this is harder for us to accept—someone may remain physically ill, yet live in Christ: healed in their soul, united to Him, walking in holiness and freedom despite bodily weakness. That person is truly alive. Our Lord Himself tells us not to fear those things that can harm the body, but to attend to what shapes the soul. We often joke that it might be easier if spiritual states were visible—if holiness and sin showed up like physical symptoms. Imagine walking through the world able to see, immediately, who was struggling, who was wounded, who needed gentleness or prayer. But most sins are hidden. We become very good at concealing them. Some sins, however, are easier to spot. A habitual drunkard, for example, eventually reveals himself. And there is one sin in particular—one we often excuse—that Scripture treats with great seriousness: the sin of speaking badly about others. In the Old Testament, what we translate as leprosy was often not simply a medical condition but a visible sign—a manifestation of sin made public. Not every skin disease fell into this category, but some did. It was a way God taught His people: what you carry within eventually shows itself without. Consider Miriam, the sister of Moses. She was a holy woman, faithful, devoted—yet when Moses acted in a way she did not expect, marrying a foreign woman, she spoke against him. She gave herself over to resentment and gossip. And the consequence was immediate and unmistakable: she was struck with leprosy and sent outside the camp until she was healed. The warning is clear. How different would our lives be if sins like gossip and disparagement were marked visibly upon us? If a sign hovered over our heads that said: "This person cannot speak about their neighbor with charity." "Do not trust their words; they tear others down." We would recoil at such exposure. Yet spiritually, those signs already exist. And in our time, this sin has become not only habitual, but normalized—especially through social media. Even among Orthodox Christians, we see people eager to label one another heretics rather than first seeking understanding. The slow, patient work of charity has been replaced by accusation. To those with noetic vision—spiritual sight—these sins are as visible as white blotches on the skin. So how do we examine ourselves? One test is how we respond to criticism. Another is how we respond to praise—or its absence. But another, deeply revealing test is this: How do I speak and think about others—especially those who have wronged me? Do I love my enemies? Do my thoughts and words reflect what St. Paul describes as the natural fruit of love? Or do I secretly rejoice when others fall? Scripture gives us another powerful image in the story of Naaman the Syrian—a pagan general afflicted with leprosy. He obeys the prophet Elisha, washes in the Jordan, and is healed. More than that, he turns to the God of Israel with gratitude and humility. He even takes soil from the Holy Land so that he may always remember whom he serves. But then we see the tragic contrast: Gehazi, Elisha's servant. Greed overtakes him. He lies. He exploits grace for gain. And the leprosy that left Naaman clings to him instead. Grace rejected becomes judgment. And finally, we see the greatest transformation of all: St. Paul. Raised among God's people, zealous for the law, Paul persecutes Christ Himself. He bears the unmistakable mark of sin—not on his skin, but in his actions. Yet the Lord blinds him, then restores his sight. And what does Paul do? He does not presume upon grace. He repents. He gives thanks. He becomes like the Samaritan leper in today's Gospel—the one who returns to glorify God. This is the heart of the Gospel. We live in a world filled with sin—not only in its dramatic forms, but in the everyday ways we break trust, speak carelessly, and nurture resentment. These are our leprosies. And yet, the Lord sees us in our affliction. He does not recoil. He heals. He restores us to His image. He cleanses us. He sets us free. But healing is not the end. Gratitude must awaken into a new way of life. God is not interested in transactional thanksgiving—"thank You so You'll give me more." That is manipulation, not love. True thanksgiving becomes wonder. To see a cup of water and marvel not only that it quenches thirst, but that water exists at all—that matter itself has been sanctified by Christ. To see every person we meet—not first as a problem to be solved or a sinner to be exposed—but as an icon bearing divine potential. Yes, we notice sin. But we see through it—to the good that can be nurtured. That is how God treats us. If we think we are proclaiming the Gospel by beating people down with their sins, we are mistaken. Repentance requires a vision of the good. People must know what they are called toward, not only what they must turn away from. This is how we pastor one another. We see the best. We bring it out. We pray. We speak truth when the time is right and love is strong. And when we do this, we stand with that Samaritan leper—foreigners ourselves to the Kingdom—yet welcomed, healed, and restored. May the Lord open our eyes—our noetic vision—so that we may see the grace that permeates all things, the divine logoi present in creation, and the glory of God shining wherever we are able to bear it. And may He grant us the strength to see more, day by day. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  

BUY ME A COFFEEhttp://buymeacoffee.com/octeachingDear Brethren and Friends of this Ministry,Since the year 2020 the evangelistic and apostolic mission of the Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Ministry brings multi-lingual catechism, teaching, Bible-study and prayer resources to listeners around the world. To support this Orthodox Christian witness to the world of today and the digitisation of hundreds of cassette tapes we want to convert into podcasts for all to hear, please see the link above for the Buy Me a Coffee platform.Thank you. May the Lord reward you.

​BUY ME A COFFEEhttp://buymeacoffee.com/octeachingDear Brethren and Friends of this Ministry,Since the year 2020 the evangelistic and apostolic mission of the Orthodox Christian Teaching Podcast Ministry brings multi-lingual catechism, teaching, Bible-study and prayer resources to listeners around the world. To support this Orthodox Christian witness to the world of today and the digitisation of hundreds of cassette tapes we want to convert into podcasts for all to hear, please see the link above for the Buy Me a Coffee platform.Thank you. May the Lord reward you.

836 Worshiping with Fasting and Prayer Night and Day, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:36-38 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation RSV 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan′u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. NAB 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Reflection on Scripture: The prophetess, Anna, dedicated her life to God. This scripture outlines her frequency in the temple as well as prayer and fasting. She was where God's presence was represented to be. As a result she was able to see the redemption of God and was able to share it. Catholics and Orthodox Christians hold Anna in reverence as a Saint. It is such an interesting micro story that is shared here. The woman is called a prophetess and it references her father as though we are supposed to know who he is. Or perhaps symbolically because his name means "Face of God" One fact that is hard to deny is that if we spend our time where godly things happen, we are more likely to encounter godly things. If we want to encounter God more in our life we should ponder on going to the places where His presence is represented for example church and making our home a sanctuary to the Lord. I sometimes reflect on the nature of this dedication. Obviously us as fallen and sinful humans don't get to decide where God goes based on what we dedicate to Him. God can choose to go anywhere God wants to go. With that said, when we dedicate places to God and set it apart, such as the Temple, we put ourselves in the kind of mind where we look for and see God more. Perhaps it is because he chooses to bless us with His presence to encourage us to do more of the things that He wants.  So the invitation stands for us to dedicate our homes as sanctuaries to God and treat them as such, not making habits of sins that would challenge that dedication. Also spending time with Godly music, and also spending time in community with others in church attendance and worship. Also making prayer and fasting a part of our process of building a relationship with the Lord.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

Listen to Fr. Anthony's Sunday sermon.www.stsa.church

Fr. Evan answers your questions on the role of vigil in the prayer life of Orthodox Christians, how catechumens can handle persecution from loved ones during their conversion, how to react when we notice loved ones falling into spiritual apathy, developing a rule of prayer as an inquirer, and more on this episode of Orthodoxy Live!