Podcasts about orthodox church

Witness Weekly | WW001 | Kickoff Episode!0:00 Intro0:15 Mario Andrew – News6:26 Discussion of the Week21:05 James St Simon – Book & Film Recommendations / Review26:28 Michael – Redlines (Philosophy & Politics)30:25 Jeremy Jeremiah – Viewer Comments & Questions“Smells and bells” vs “bare walls” misses the point. We debate beauty, Scripture, continuity, and why people say they met God at the Divine Liturgy.A bishop detained under murky circumstances. A fresh call for Orthodox unity a decade after the Council of Crete. A study that claims part of a papal encyclical reads like it was AI assisted. We kick off the first Witness Weekly by moving fast through the headlines, then slowing down where it matters: what these moments reveal about religious freedom, public pressure on clergy, and the real stakes for Christians trying to live faithfully in a tense political climate.We launch Witness Weekly with Orthodox news, a deep dive on why evangelicals convert to Orthodoxy, and a candid look at how rhetoric and assumptions can flatten real theological differences. We close with Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, a challenge to political fixes for evil, and listener questions on worship music, conversion, and parish life.• Metropolitan Hilarion's detention in Lithuania and why prayer for clergy matters• Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's renewed call for Orthodox unity and what changed since Crete• A study suggesting AI assisted writing in a papal encyclical and where the line might be• Archbishop Elpidophoros' hospitalization and continued prayers for his recovery• Common conversion motives and why “aesthetics only” is an unfair summary• Purgatory as a Roman Catholic doctrine and why Orthodoxy gets mislabeled• Institutional continuity versus doctrinal continuity and how Reformers argued their case• The catechumen process as evidence that conversion is usually slow and deliberate• Book of the week The Brothers Karamazov and why it speaks to believers and skeptics• The problem of evil, the Grand Inquisitor, and the limits of political solutions• Listener comment on worship music, tradition, standards, and Christian art• Advice for Protestants navigating hard conversations when exploring OrthodoxyPlease let us know your thoughts in the commentsFrom there, we take on a question we keep seeing everywhere: why are evangelicals converting to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy? We challenge the lazy take that people switch churches because they got dazzled by “smells and bells” or seduced by a vague sense of history. We talk about the long, prayerful process most converts go through, the catechumen journey, and the way outsiders often lump Orthodoxy and Catholicism together, especially around doctrines like purgatory. We also dissect the rhetoric behind “continuity” claims, including how Reformers like John Calvin argued they were the true heirs of the ancient Church.We pivot into culture and formation with our book of the week, The Brothers Karamazov, and why Dostoevsky still feels uncomfortably current. We connect the problem of evil, the Grand Inquisitor's political temptation, and the hard truth that there is no ideology that can substitute for personal responsibility and repentance. Finally, we respond to listener comments on worship music, tradition, and standards, and we offer practical advice for Protestants navigating difficult conversations while exploring Orthodoxy. Can worship music be “frozen in time” and still alive? We respond to a tough listener critique, talk standards, lyrics, and the difference between church worship and Christian art. Mario Andrew  ⁨@AndrewStMercy⁩ James St Simon  ⁨@jamessaintsimon⁩ Michael  ⁨@redlineshq⁩  Jeremy Jeremiah Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

The Eastern Leg offers several possibilities: The Byzantine Empire followed by the Ottoman Empire but inhabited throughout with the "Orthodox" Church. We move then to Daniel 7 where a prophecy that parallels Daniel 2 appears.

After Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in late 2024 for the heavyweight championship, the Ukrainian boxer held up a sabre that once belonged to the 17th Century Ukrainian Cossack Hetman,  Ivan Mapeza, who this episode is dedicated to.    Usyk's fortitude spoke to Ukraine's resilience against a larger foe who initiated the type of vainglorious War Tolstoy condemns, with all of his soul, in W&P.Showcasing the weapon was a transcendent moment of Usyk bringing history to Life.  This ability is something Tolstoy shares given who often he reaches into the past to make literary points. In W&P, for example, Tolstoy cites the Classical world and more recent influences. He skillfully adapts the famous quote from Voltaire: "If god did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him." The Frenchman also had a well-known correspondence with Catherine II, who some of W&P's characters look to as illustrative of an idealized past. Yet part of her reputation involves keeping so many under serfdom. Voltaire urged her to release her serfs.Quite forgotten is how Voltaire contributed to Mazepa becoming an icon of the Romantic age. Victor Hugo, Lord Byron & Franz List, also elevated Mazepa to a status Tolstoy himself briefly references in his 1857 work “Youth.” Tolstoy wrote that if he reaches the age of 70, he envisions that a lovely young woman could love him as easily as she could love….a Mazeppa.Mazepa was born to a noble Cossack family near Kyiv. His father was a town otaman (leader) and his mother instilled in her son a deep devotion to God and Cossack culture. Mazepa received a European education and served at the Polish royal court.  While quite young, he is said to have fallen in love with the wife of a Polish nobleman and to have been punished through being tied to a wild horse and carried back to the Land of the Cossacks, where he was adopted by one of their communities and rose to leader.  He was Hetman from 1687 – 1709.    Mazepa remains a key figure in Ukrainian-Russian relations given he decided to turn his allegiance to Sweden over the Czar during  the Great Northern War. This conflict was fought between Sweden and an anti-Swedish coalition led by Moscow. This intermittent affair lasted about 20 years and involved control over Northern Europe and the Baltics.  Sweden initially did well causing Peter to move his troops inward and draw Charles to invade.The conflict made its way to Mazepa's Cossacks,  whose status and allegiance greatly changed over the previous generation. Since 1654, many were uneasy allies with the Czar after withdrawing support for Poland.  They now felt subject to excessive demands for troops to be used in projects like building canals and fortresses, where they could be worked to sickness and death and used as proverbial “cannon fodder”Thus, in 1708, Mazepa aligned with Charles, giving him 5,000 Cossacks.  Mazepa felt he was choosing the lesser of two evils. Later that year, there was a race of belligerents to Mazepa's home city of Baturyn.  20,000 Russian soldiers commanded by Alexander Menshikov overwhelmed this military arsenal and food store. When the city fell, there was this infamous slaughter of the civilian population.   A number were tied to makeshift crosses or boards and floated down the local river.The next summer, on June  27, 1709, the armies faced off near Poltava, where Peter & Charles were on-hand directing troops. The Czar prevailed and this turn in history explains why Sweden never became a great power. This battle also had a major role in propelling Russia to their status. Yet that fire in the hearts of Ukrainians for independence was not extinguished over the next few centuries. Today, a Ukrainian state exists which exacts quite the toll on Russian aggression.  Ukrainians revere Mazepa for making the best choice he could.Mazepa was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church and Czar Peter also ordered all portraits of the man destroyed. Similarly, Tolstoy,  was separated from the Orthodox Church in 1901 through a Church Proclamation.  Tolstoy's writing on religion led to the church to declare him as a “false teacher” imbued with “intellectual pride.”   This leads me to the second reference to I have found from Tolstoy on Mazppa, which is the  book “Life of Tolstoy” by Tolstoy's long-time English friend and translator,  Alymer Maude.  Maude describes how Tolstoy studied the life of Mazepa upon a friendly wager as a law student.

​ @Quillette  The Death of Dating Apps | Why Tinder, Bumble & Hinge Are Failing https://youtu.be/Z_-tar5ZZM4?si=z0yyhBCSMq0L-K3K   @DrJordanBCooper  Is the Orthodox Church the True Church? A Protestant Theologian reacts https://youtu.be/42srSYn17MA?si=nmT6cIZmIQ3VLVQE   @JustPearlyThings  Based Orthodox Wife Says She OBEYs Her Husband and Her Pastor! https://youtu.be/ogIsDwwrN0o?si=fux9Zic_nNYayRfa    What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO TLC Search tool. https://thislittlecorner.net The Flotilla List: https://thislittlecorner.net/channels https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Ireland in June https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/finding-god-in-nature-and-culture-tickets-1988447493982 Event in Ireland London Breakwater Event link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flowinthedarkproductions/2159501 Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/yXtv7fcH Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give

Engaging our Imagination: Getting Unstuck … GUEST Dorothy Littel Greco ... writer & photographer who lives outside Boston ... author of “For the Love of Women: Uprooting and healing Misogyny in America,” "Making Marriage Beautiful," and most recently, “Marriage in the Middle: Embracing Midlife Surprises, Challenges & Joys” … Dorothy & her husband lead marriage workshops/retreats, speak at conferences nationwide. Christian Courage Is More Than Suffering Bravely: An excerpt from “The Pursuit of Character: Recovering the Virtues” … GUEST Matthew Arbo … ethicist and policy adviser in Washington DC. Is it is good to practice "silence" in prayer?… GUEST Frederica Mathewes-Green .. she's the author of "The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God," and "Welcome to the Orthodox Church: an Introduction to Eastern Christianity"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the practice and purpose of evangelism in the Orthodox Church, emphasizing that evangelism goes beyond simply inviting others to church—it involves walking with them on their spiritual journey. He highlights the importance of presenting the fullness of the Orthodox faith, including its challenges and disciplines, with enthusiasm and truth. Fr. Matthias discusses the church's responsibility to serve three groups: active members, non-active members (lost sheep), and non-believers, outlining how the church nourishes, keeps, searches for, and heals these groups. He stresses that evangelism requires proactively sharing truth without compromising essential doctrines and avoiding cultural assimilation while inviting people to experience the faith. The talk underscores that all believers are called to be evangelists, demonstrating genuine joy and faith that can draw others to Christ, fulfilling the mission to reach the plentiful harvest waiting beyond the church walls. #OrthodoxEvangelism #ChurchMission #FaithJourney #OrthodoxChurch #SpiritualGrowth #EvangelismInOrthodoxy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias 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

Engaging our Imagination: Getting Unstuck … GUEST Dorothy Littel Greco ... writer & photographer who lives outside Boston ... author of “For the Love of Women: Uprooting and healing Misogyny in America,” "Making Marriage Beautiful," and most recently, “Marriage in the Middle: Embracing Midlife Surprises, Challenges & Joys” … Dorothy & her husband lead marriage workshops/retreats, speak at conferences nationwide. Christian Courage Is More Than Suffering Bravely: An excerpt from “The Pursuit of Character: Recovering the Virtues” … GUEST Matthew Arbo … ethicist and policy adviser in Washington DC. Is it is good to practice "silence" in prayer?… GUEST Frederica Mathewes-Green .. she's the author of "The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God," and "Welcome to the Orthodox Church: an Introduction to Eastern Christianity"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A host admits taking communion at home daily, then asks what the Eucharist really is. The reactions are priceless, but the pastoral wisdom is the point.A priest goes on a massive Protestant podcast and a slice of Orthodox internet melts down. We don't. We ask the harder question: if we won't talk to people outside the Orthodox Church, how will anyone ever hear what Orthodoxy actually teaches, believes, and lives? Father Josiah Trenham's appearance on Girls Gone Bible becomes a real-time case study in evangelism, online criticism, and what it looks like to show up publicly without compromising the faith.“The Eucharist is just a symbol” sounds harmless until John 6 lands with full force. What happens when a huge audience hears the Orthodox view of Communion for the first time?Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and Michael of Cloud of Witnesses talk through the backlash to Father Josiah Trenham (Patristic Nectar) appearing on Girls Gone Bible and argue that Orthodox evangelism requires real conversations outside Orthodox-only spaces. We also dig into why the Eucharist is not merely symbolic, how John 6 reframes everything, and why the Divine Liturgy is where many people first feel the presence of God and can't look back.• why some Orthodox listeners object to public conversations with Protestants• the case for assuming good intent instead of hunting for scandal• how common ground can open doors without conceding doctrine• a host's “Eucharist journey” and the confusion around at-home communion• Father Josiah's John 6 teaching on the body and blood of Christ• why the symbolic-only view is rejected and what that implies pastorally• the Divine Liturgy as an encounter that convinces seekers• Paul on preparation for Communion and the fear of receiving casually• why the Protestant Reformation is not one thing and why that matters• born again language alongside baptism as water and the SpiritFrom there we follow the thread that grabbed the hosts and their audience: the Eucharist. You'll hear why “Communion is just symbolic” isn't a harmless difference in emphasis, how John 6 frames Jesus' words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, and why the Orthodox Church insists on the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We also react to the surprising honesty of a host describing daily at-home communion, curiosity about transubstantiation, and a search for healing, then break down the pastoral wisdom of responding with one clarifying question: “What do you mean by that?”We widen the lens to the Divine Liturgy and why so many visitors say they feel the presence of God and can't leave, plus Paul's warnings about approaching Communion without preparation. Finally, we touch the complexity of the Protestant Reformation, the wide range of Protestant sacramental beliefs, and why “born again” language is incomplete without being born of water and the Spirit through baptism. If you care about Orthodox Christianity, Eucharist theology, and real conversations across denominations, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more seekers can find the show.An Orthodox priest goes on a major Protestant show and people panic. Should Christians avoid hard conversations, or is that exactly where conversion begins?Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Orthodoxy Live with Fr. Evan Armatas offers listeners an opportunity to ask pointed questions about the Orthodox Church. Perfect for seekers, converts, and cradle Orthodox Christians alike, this program is your chance to ask the tough questions about the Orthodox faith. 0:00 - Intro 3:41 - Resentment towards Father? 16:44 - Challenges attending church due to neurodivergence 28:50 - Ad break 29:53 - On Confession 31:32 - Terminal genetic disorders? 48:06 - Why is the Orthodox Bible different than others? 1:03:33 - Outro

Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11; St. John 7:37-52; 8:12 Pentecost reveals the God who never ceases to act for our salvation, giving His people exactly what they need—from the Law at Sinai, to the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection, and finally the gift of the Holy Spirit. The kneeling prayers for the departed flow naturally from Christ's descent into Hades, for if Christ sought those held by death, His Incarnate Body, the Church, continues to seek them through prayer and love. We pray for the departed not because we possess a detailed map of the afterlife, but because Christians imitate Christ, whose love always seeks healing, relief, and salvation for all.  Enjoy the show! --- Today we celebrate Holy Pentecost. And when we celebrate Pentecost, we are celebrating much more than a single event in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. We are celebrating the God who never ceases to act for our salvation. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush and asked His name, God answered: "I AM WHO I AM." This is not merely a statement about existence. It is a revelation of who God is. He is not distant. He is not passive. He is not absent. He is the living God who is always present and always acting. Throughout the history of salvation, whenever humanity has been in need, God has provided exactly what was needed for our healing and salvation. When the children of Israel were enslaved, He delivered them. When they wandered in the wilderness, He fed them. When they thirsted, He gave them water. When they were attacked, He defended them. When they were lost, He guided them. And when they needed protection from the worst effects of sin and chaos, He gave them the Law. The first Pentecost was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. And we should remember who it was who appeared there. It was God who spoke to Moses, who appeared in fire and cloud, who gave the Law to Israel, was the pre-incarnate Word of God—the same Christ whom we know from the Gospel. St. Paul tells us that the Law was a guardian and tutor. It restrained evil. It taught obedience. It preserved Israel until the fullness of time should come. The Law was not the final gift. It was the gift God's people needed at that moment. But humanity's deepest problem could not be solved by commandments alone. We needed more than instruction. We needed healing. We needed forgiveness. We needed life. So the same Christ who gave the Law came among us in the flesh. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He suffered. He died. He descended into Hades. He rose again. At every stage He was giving humanity what humanity needed. And then, after His Resurrection, He ascended into heaven. At first glance, that seems strange. Would it not have been better if Christ had simply remained visibly among us? Yet He Himself tells the disciples: "It is to your advantage that I go away." Why? Because humanity now needed another gift. The Law had been given. The Incarnation had taken place. The Cross had been accomplished. Death had been trampled down. Now Christ would send the Holy Spirit. At Sinai, the Law was written on tablets of stone. At Pentecost, the Spirit is written upon human hearts. At Sinai, God formed a people. At Pentecost, He fills that people with His own life. At Sinai, God instructed His people from without. At Pentecost, He begins transforming them from within. The Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life. He is the very life of the Church. He is the One who unites us to Christ, who makes us temples of God, who heals what is broken, who perfects what is lacking, and who leads us into all truth. Christ ascended so that He might send us exactly what we needed. As St. Nikolai Velimirović loved to remind us, there is no corner of creation into which Christ has not carried His saving love—not Sinai, not Bethlehem, not Golgotha, not the Upper Room, not even Hades itself. And today we celebrate yet another gift that flows from all of this. This afternoon we will kneel for the first time since Pascha. And in the kneeling prayers we pray not only for ourselves. We pray for the departed. To some Christians this seems strange. Why pray for the dead? What can our prayers accomplish? But the answer begins with Christ Himself. Because Christ did not merely die. He descended into Hades. He entered the realm of death itself. As we sing at Pascha: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." The Harrowing of Hades was not a symbolic gesture. It was an act of divine love. The Lord entered the place of darkness to bring light. He entered the place of bondage to bring freedom. He entered the place of death to bring life. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: "Hell was embittered when it encountered Thee below." Death thought it had gained a victim. Instead, it encountered Life Himself. Hades thought it had secured its prisoners. Instead, it found its gates shattered and its captives being led forth into freedom. If Christ Himself went to those held by death, why would we not pray for them? If Christ sought those in Hades, why would His Incarnate Body—the Church—cease to seek them? The prayers for the departed are not an embarrassment or an afterthought. They are one of the most natural consequences of Pascha. They are a continuation of Christ's own work. The Scriptures show us that death does not sever the bonds of love within the Body of Christ. Our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And those who belong to Him remain alive in Him. We do not claim to know every detail of how God's mercy operates beyond the grave. The Orthodox Church has never attempted to construct a detailed system like the doctrine of Purgatory. We know less than some would like. But we know enough. We know that Christ conquered death. We know that He descended into Hades. We know that love never fails. We know that the Church has always prayed for the departed. We know that the Church's liturgical life—from the ancient Liturgies to the kneeling prayers of Pentecost—bears witness to that practice. And we know that Christians are called to imitate Christ. Ultimately, that is the deepest reason we pray for the dead. Not because we possess a detailed map of the intermediate state. Not because we can explain every mechanism. But because this is what love does. Love intercedes. Love seeks healing. Love seeks relief. Love seeks salvation. Love refuses to abandon those who suffer. This is what Christ does. And therefore it is what Christians do. The same Lord who gave the Law at Sinai, who became incarnate, who died and rose again, who descended into Hades, and who poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Church, continues even now to seek the salvation of all. And He calls us to join Him in that work: to pray, to love, to intercede, to hope, and to trust that the God who has always given His people exactly what they needed continues to pour out His mercy upon the living and the departed alike.

Tähenduse teejuhid (TT) is a monthly supplement to Estonia's largest daily newspaper, Postimees. The interview with Martin Shaw appeared in the 64th issue of the paper (May 2026). Here are six highlights from the interview: the first comes from my introduction, while the remaining five are direct quotations.1. In his book "Liturgies of the Wild", published earlier this year, Shaw writes that Christianity is a dream — yet Christians themselves have forgotten this. “From time to time, some of us experience a radical dream,” he explains in today's interview. “We wake up alarmed, feeling that we must change something significant in our lives. It seems to me that modern Christianity has lost this unsettling visionary quality; it has become too domesticated and combed over,” he says, speaking from experience.2. In "The Pilgrim's Regress", C. S. Lewis writes that every few hundred years the Church seems almost deliberately to collapse in order to awaken its believers. As the Church collapses, the Landlord — Lewis's name for God — begins to feed what he calls “the big pictures” back into people. I would call them big dreams. As recently as three years ago, it seemed to me that we were witnessing the final phase of the Church's long decline. Then, quite suddenly, at that very moment of peril, something changed, and God began revealing his hand in unexpected places and to unexpected people — people like myself, Paul Kingsnorth, and Nick Cave.3. As Christians, we have a very strange God — one who is born a refugee, dies an outlaw, and has the audacity to return from death. It is at once an immensely compelling and profoundly strange story. It would be strange enough even as myth, but when that same myth descends into a specific time and place, it becomes something even more unfathomable. The story of Jesus' resurrection is so bewildering and transformative that, even two thousand years later, we still cannot fully agree on what actually happened. That is why we have 35,000 slightly different versions of Christianity. The story is simply too vast to be contained within a single interpretation.4. As a Christian, I have of course drifted even further from Hillman's outlook on life and the gods. Although he could hardly be considered a conventional atheist, he certainly was no Christian theologian. That fact did, however, allow him at times to critique Christianity in ways that are valuable for all of us. There is a small and wonderful book by Hillman called "Inter Views" that contains a chapter we should all read: “A Running Engagement with Christianity.” Some may find it a rather shocking read, but it is remarkably insightful all the same.5. I never wanted to worship a mountain, a tree, or a river, but I have always loved them. Long before I read the Gospels, I encountered God through His creation. Now that I have become the member of the Orthodox Church, I can encounter God direclty through the Divine Liturgy together with other people. Yet there is also something of that same encounter in standing alone in the middle of a woodland at night, with a hundred thousand stars overhead, much like an early Christian hermit. It is not that I have completely lost my sense of animism, but rather that it has become far subtler and more expansive through a panentheistic understanding of God.6. Our present situation bears a striking resemblance to the fairy tale “Ivan and the Grey Wolf.” Things are moving faster than ever before. Deranged people hold political power almost everywhere, and we can no longer rely on the things we once took for granted. That is why, oddly enough, we need the wolfishness of Christ. In my view, there is quite a bit of that in him. Christ is, in some sense, a wolf-like figure. He is often solitary, difficult to define, enigmatic, strange, vulnerable, withdrawn, and immensely powerful. There is something wild about Jesus that, somehow, I think we have largely failed to notice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when an Evangelical pastor begins seriously studying the early Church — and realizes modern Christianity looks very different from ancient Christianity? In this episode, I chat with Father David Hovik to discuss his remarkable journey from Evangelical ministry into the Orthodox Church, and how that journey ultimately brought much of his congregation with him. This story is truly captivating.  We talk about the spiritual hunger that exists beneath modern life, the limits of contemporary Christianity, and why more people are searching for something ancient, rooted, and sacramental. Fr. David reflects on the risks, resistance, and transformation that came with leaving behind familiar forms of Christianity in pursuit of what he became convinced was the historic Church founded by Christ and preserved through the centuries. This conversation explores: - Fr. David's path from Evangelical pastor to Orthodox priest - The role of Church history in his conversion - Why modern Christianity can feel spiritually fragmented - The difference between "personal faith" and historic Christianity - Liturgy, sacraments, and the ancient Christian worldview - Bringing an entire congregation into Orthodoxy - Spiritual formation in a distracted modern age - Why people are increasingly drawn to the ancient faith Fr. David brings a calm, pastoral, and deeply grounded perspective to questions many modern Christians are quietly wrestling with.   FOLLOW FR. DAVID / ST. ANDREW ORTHODOX CHURCH: St. Andrew Orthodox Church Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  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 Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Orthodoxy, the Gospel, and Wartime UkraineAs war forces millions of Ukrainians to confront questions about death and eternity, one spiritual question stands at the center of this conversation:Can someone truly know they are forgiven by God?From Odesa, Ukraine, Caleb introduces the topic of Eastern Orthodoxy and its deep influence on Ukrainian faith, culture, and religious life before sitting down with Pastor Andrii Murzin in Kyiv, for a conversation on theology, war, and the gospel. The interview explores some of the major differences between Orthodox and evangelical Christianity, particularly regarding assurance of salvation, justification by faith, ritualism, and the authority of Scripture. Andrii and Caleb also examines how religion shapes culture, why many Ukrainians are searching for hope beyond religious tradition, and how the gospel continues speaking into fear and uncertainty during wartime.The Uncertainty”Pastor Andriin has spent years studying Orthodoxy and engaging with Orthodox believers throughout Ukraine. While he emphasized the importance of treating Orthodox Christians with kindness and respect, he also explained that there are significant theological differences Protestants cannot ignore.One of the clearest differences, he argued, is assurance of salvation.They will never dare say that I know that I am forgiven... They always have this uncertainty.According to Andrii, this uncertainty comes from a different understanding of salvation itself. Orthodox theology often emphasizes salvation as an ongoing process rather than beginning with justification by faith in Christ. By contrast, Protestant theology historically distinguishes between justification, sanctification, and glorification. Christians are justified through faith, sanctified throughout life as they grow spiritually, and ultimately glorified in eternity. Murzin argued that without justification as a foundation, believers can become trapped in fear and uncertainty over whether they have done enough to receive God's mercy.You cannot grow in sanctification unless you first receive the joy of knowing that God has forgiven you.At the same time, Andrii warned that Protestants can also drift into shallow understandings of salvation by reducing Christianity to merely praying a prayer or treating salvation like a “ticket to heaven.”War Makes Eternity Feel CloserThese questions carry enormous weight in a country at war. For millions of Ukrainians, death is no longer distant or theoretical. Air raid sirens, military funerals, missile strikes, and constant uncertainty have forced many people to think seriously about eternity. Caleb reflected on attending Orthodox funerals where priests repeatedly pray, “Lord have mercy,” while grieving families stand unsure of what awaits their loved ones beyond death. In contrast, evangelical Christians often speak confidently about Christ's promises of forgiveness and eternal life. For Andrii, this contrast reveals one of the central differences between Orthodox and Protestant theology.Rituals, Candles, and External ReligionThe Orthodox Church also contains a heavy presence of ritualism. Murzin explained that many people approach religion primarily through external actions and sacred traditions: lighting candles, repeating prayers, making signs, or participating in liturgies. When Ukrainians from Orthodox backgrounds speak with him, their questions often sound like this:What candles do I light? How many candles? When do I light them?According to Andrii, the danger is that the focus can become centered on performing the correct rituals rather than understanding biblical truth or having genuine faith in Christ. Referencing passages such as John 4 and 1 Corinthians 10, he explained that biblical worship is not confined to church rituals or sacred buildings. Worship flows from truth, faith, love for God, and obedience in everyday life. Riitualism is a passive form of religion where outward performance replaces inward transformation.So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31Cultural Christianity in UkraineTheology has shaped entire societies. Andrii argued that religion profoundly influences a nation's mentality, values, and culture over generations. In Ukraine, many people identify strongly with Orthodoxy culturally while remaining disconnected from personal faith or biblical understanding. It doesn't actually really matter that much what you believe.Caleb noted that many Ukrainians attend church on holidays, participate in religious traditions, and identify as Orthodox while living lives largely untouched by Scripture or discipleship. For him, this revealed a major spiritual challenge facing Ukraine today: the difference between inherited religion and genuine faith.The Church in a Time of WarAs the conversation turned toward the war itself, Andrii asked believers around the world to continue praying for Ukraine. He spoke about soldiers on the front lines, prisoners of war, grieving families, and civilians who have lost homes, health, and loved ones. But he also emphasized the responsibility of the church during this historic moment.Please pray that the Ukrainian church would be sacrificial, caring, and actively involved in serving the Ukrainian people.Across Ukraine, churches continue feeding refugees, helping wounded soldiers, counseling grieving families, and sharing the gospel while air raid sirens and missile attacks remain part of daily life. For Caleb, the role of the church may become even more important after the war eventually ends.[When] victory comes and the church hasn't walked along with Ukrainians the whole way... it's going to be an empty victory.”The Gospel Still StandsThe conversation concluded with a reminder that earthly peace will always remain temporary. Political victories, military success, and rebuilt cities cannot ultimately remove humanity's deepest problem: sin and separation from God.True peace, Murzin explained, is found only in Christ. As war continues across Ukraine, questions about eternity, forgiveness, suffering, and hope are becoming impossible for many people to ignore. And in a nation surrounded by uncertainty, that message still offers something many people desperately long for - assurance.‍

Questions Covered: 02:20 – How culpable are people of other religions when it comes to not following Jesus? 09:42 – How did the Church select the popes before conclaves? When did it fall on the shoulders of the college of cardinals? 13:50 – Why do we have the books in the bible that we do? Why did they remove those books in the reformation? 21:57 – Which Church Father writings about Mary would you recommend for a Protestant? 23:47 – Why do Catholics believe that both species contain the body, blood, soul and divinity if the consecration separates them? 29:00 – If the Jews couldn’t kill Jesus, forcing them to send Jesus to be crucified, then why did they stone people? 41:07 – How is it that the Orthodox Church is considered in schism, but the Anglican Church is not? Seems like they have similar issues with unity with the Catholic Church. 48:42 – Do we know when St. Joseph died? Is there anything in the bible? 49:23 – On what level of reality does the eucharist change? 50:32 – What do you think are the weirdest things that Jesus taught?

Thomas Massie MAGA controversy explodes as Trump attacks the Kentucky libertarian Congressman. In this raw Neph to America episode, David Lee Corbo (The Raven) and Top Lobsta break down Massie's voting record, homesteading lifestyle, off-grid tech, Cato Institute funding, Israel lobby influence, and why MAGA turned on him during his re-election battle.Plus: Tucker Carlson & Owen Benjamin organic white-pill moment, Joe Rogan Andrew Schultz Book of Enoch & Dead Sea Scrolls talk, alien disclosures, UFOs, Freemasons, Demolay, Orthodox Church critique, Jim Bob drama, conspiracy vs reality, and unfiltered cultural commentary.Is Thomas Massie based or controlled opposition?Are these moments organic or theater? Real talk on faith, freedom, politics, and conspiracy.If you enjoy Nephilim Death Squad style commentary, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications.Support the show & get early access:https://www.patreon.com/NephilimDeathSquadMerch & Brohemian Grove tickets: topblobsta.com00:00 - Intro, Patreon, Merch & Brohemian Grove Tickets06:15 - Thomas Massie MAGA Controversy Begins11:40 - Who Is Thomas Massie? MIT, Off-Grid Homestead & Libertarian Roots19:25 - Massie's Voting Record, COVID Stance & Epstein Files27:50 - Trump Attacks Massie + Israel Lobby Influence36:10 - The Organic Tucker Carlson & Owen Benjamin Story (White Pill Moment)47:30 - Conspiracy Community Meltdown Over Tucker/Owen53:55 - Joe Rogan & Andrew Schultz on Book of Enoch & Dead Sea Scrolls1:05:20 - Alien Disclosures: Israel, US, Mars Bases & Gray Alien Video1:18:40 - Timothy Alberino (Daddy) on Aliens & Non-Intervention1:28:15 - Tim Burchett on UFO Files & Deep State Cover-Up1:35:50 - Orthodox Church Drama + Jim Bob Crash Out1:52:30 - Michael Heiser, Supernatural Bible & Church Schisms2:02:45 - Final Thoughts & ClosingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

Santa Virus because it's as fake as the Easter Bunny. David Lee Corbo (The Raven) and Top Lobsta break down the latest “outbreak” footage that looks EXACTLY like the staged China COVID hazmat videos, the same guy pushing vaccines on the ship who was pushing them in 2020, and why “Hanta” literally means “bullshit/lie” in Hebrew.We go full conspiracy bukkake on:• Economist Magazine 250th Birthday cover — cannons shooting the American cake, BRICS swords, melting ice, robotic dogs, Persian ships, soccer ball kickoff, dollar bills blowing away, and pharmaceutical pills everywhere• UFO/UAP “disclosure” slop — fake AI-generated CIA humanoid N-7 document, Japan confirming U.S. footage, Tim Burchett's “holy f*ck moment,” Anna Paulina Luna threatening the CIA over MKUltra & JFK files, Tulsi Gabbard office raid• NASA nuclear engineer Joshua found dead — Tesla crash, FBI investigation, two similar scientist deaths in weeks• Pastor scandals exploding right as disclosure hits — Perry Stone (12 women sexual harassment + suicide threat), Joseph Z “prophet,” and the February meeting domino effect• Orthodox Church beef — Peter the Rock, “upon this rock” debate, kissing dead bones, and why it matters during demonic deception rollout• MKUltra → Puharich → The Nine → UFO screen memories connection• King Charles announcing Digital ID while we're distracted by hantavirus + aliens  Plus live audience chaos, Nancy popping in, Top Lobster's latest merch, and zero filter as always.If you're tired of the slop, this is the episode that connects EVERY dot.Get early access, ad-free, private Telegram/Discord + merch discounts: patreon.com/nephilimdeathsquad Tickets for BroGrove / Bohemian Grove Day (Aug 8) → TopLobsta.comShirts & gear: TopLobsta.com0:00 – Intro + “Regular-sized dude, regular-sized hands, regular-sized dick” banter  2:15 – Welcome to Neph to America, cultural commentary for the end of days  3:40 – Patreon plug, overtime workers, Brogrove tickets (Aug 8 General Admission)  7:25 – Hantavirus renamed “Santa Virus” – son's story + controlled demolition analogy  11:10 – Economist Magazine 250th Birthday cover deep dive begins  14:50 – Cargo ship shooting cannons at America's birthday cake  17:30 – Crossed swords (Two of Swords tarot), downward graph, discontinued pennies  20:15 – Putin & Xi Jinping, BRICS economic war symbolism, cracked dollar sign  23:40 – Flying dollar bills + leaves (Leave the World Behind reference), gavel  26:10 – Boston Dynamics robot dogs + automatons, Persian ships & Polynesian hats  29:45 – Soccer ball kickoff prophecy + World Cup disclosure theory  33:20 – Pharmaceutical pills, syringes, melting ice cubes, wine spill – Q1/Q2 breakdown  37:05 – UFO Disclosure slop: fake AI-generated CIA “N-7 Non-Human Entity” document  42:30 – Pastor scandals explode same week as disclosure – Perry Stone (12 women) & Joseph Z  48:15 – Orthodox Church debate: “Upon this rock” – Peter the Rock vs revelation principle  54:40 – Kissing dead bones, institutional traps, and why you should still go to church  1:01:10 – Japan confirms U.S. UAP footage + Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara  1:05:50 – Tim Burchett “holy f*ck moment” clip + slow-roll disclosure strategy  1:10:25 – Anna Paulina Luna threatens CIA over MKUltra + JFK files raid on Tulsi Gabbard's office  1:16:40 – MKUltra → Puharich → The Nine connection & screen-memory abductions  1:22:15 – NASA nuclear engineer Joshua found dead – Tesla crash, FBI investigation  1:27:50 – Hantavirus cruise ship psyop footage – identical to 2020 China hazmat videos  1:33:10 – Same COVID vaccine guy now on Hantavirus ship reading from script (same shirt + hat)  1:38:45 – “Hanta” means “bullshit/scam” in Hebrew + gematria Easter eggs  1:43:20 – King Charles announces Digital ID while we're distracted by virus + aliens  1:47:30 – Mom's viral clips (Trump phone, knife-gun, reptile statue, tall whites AI slop)  1:53:10 – Gematria guy meltdown, Cole Allen White House, “nobody ever dies” flat-earther comedy  1:58:40 – Final plugs: Brogrove tickets, TopLobster.com merch, Patreon, no new friends policy  2:01:50 – Outro + “They bred with turtles of men” sign-offBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

In this episode of Living Incense, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the journey of Dian, a convert to the Orthodox faith. Dian shares her initial encounters with the church hierarchy, including meeting a bishop, and her early questions about Orthodox practices like kissing the cross and the role of tradition. She explains how her background in Bible study shaped her pursuit of answers within Scripture and how she came to understand the significance of church tradition and the writings of the Church Fathers, especially St. John Chrysostom. Fr. Matthias discusses common challenges faced by catechumens, the importance of commitment and discipline during the catechism process, and how the church supports new converts beyond baptism. They also address the differences in how converts from Protestant backgrounds and those less rooted in Scripture approach Orthodoxy. This conversation highlights the importance of the continuity of Apostolic teaching and the role of both Scripture and tradition in the Orthodox Church. #OrthodoxChristianity #CatechismJourney #ChurchTradition #OrthodoxFaith #ConvertStory #BibleAndTradition #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias 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

ABOUT THE EPISODEJoin David Schrock and Stephen Wellum as they interview Dr. Donald Fairbairn on his COA Longform Essay, "Eastern Orthodoxy: How Did It Emerge In History".SponsorThis month's sponsor is Grimke Seminary. Pastors are called to care for the church of God that God called them to. So why do seminaries require men to leave their church to pursue theological studies? At Grimké Seminary, you can get Christ-centered, theological training in the Reformed, Protestant tradition, without leaving your local church. They offer a range of pastoral studies for students of all backgrounds to serve your growth in ministry, from a Bachelor's to a Doctor of Ministry.To apply, go to grimkeseminary.org and use the code “christoverall” to have your application fee waived.Timestamps1:00 – Intro04:44 – How Dr. Fairbairn Got Interested in Eastern Orthodoxy07:33 – Was Dr. Fairbairn Ever Interested in Joining the Orthodox Church?09:08 – The Conversations Dr. Fairbairn Has Had with the Orthodox?11:12 – Where Has There Been Familiarity in Studying Eastern Orthodoxy?13:33 – An Introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy Through Western Eyes16:34 – The Four Stages of History of the Eastern Church20:32 – How Do the Eastern Orthodox See Themselves Connected to Church History?27:00 – How Does Tradition Function in Eastern Orthodoxy?30:32 – What Happens in the Fifth and Sixth Centuries?33:23 – Chalcedon, Nestorianism, and The Effects of Islam36:26 – Persecution and Movement During the Modern Era37:47 – The Footprint of the East in the West39:22 – Sponsor: Grimke Seminary40:22 – The Persian Split and Oriental Orthodox42:42 – Cyril's Mea Fuscous44:33 – Recommendations for These Periods of Time47:27 – 1054 and the Division of the East and the West52:57 – How Did the Filioque Controversy Contribute to the Division?56:43 – Was There Unity with Protestants Against the Papacy?59:30 – ‘Orthodoxies' Rather than a Universal Orthodox Church1:05:22 – What Actually Unites the Different Orthodox Churches?1:08:17 – Augustine in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition1:10:13 – Three Major Trajectories in the Early Church1:13:11 – Intrepreting the Fathers Through Origen1:16:05 – Encouragements to Men Considering Eastern Orthodoxy1:20:48 – Closing Thoughts1:21:33 – OutroResources to Click“Eastern Orthodoxy: How Did It Emerge in History?” – Donald FairbairnTheme of the Month: Go West, Young Men: Evaluating the Drift toward Eastern OrthodoxyGive to Support the WorkBooks to ReadThe Global Church–The First Eight Centuries: From Pentecost through the Rise of Islam – Donald FairbairnThe Story of Creed and Confessions: Tracing the Development of the Christian Faith – Donald Fairbairn and Ryan ReevesEastern Orthodoxy through Western Eyes – Donald FairbairnThe Eastern Christian Churches: A Brief Survey – Ronald Roberson

What if the biggest obstacle to understanding Christianity is not disbelief—but modernity itself?   In this episode, Buck chats with Dr. Zachary Porcu to discuss sacramental Christianity, the modern secular mindset, and why so many people today—even Christians—struggle to see reality the way the ancient Church did.   They explore the difference between treating Christianity as a system of ideas versus participating in it as a lived reality. The conversation dives into the nature of truth, the problem of interpretation, the meaning of the Trinity, the Fall of man, suffering, evil, and why the sacramental worldview of historic Christianity feels so foreign to the modern mind.   They also discuss the necessity of the Church, the priesthood, the sacraments, and why Christianity cannot be reduced to either "just me and my Bible" or vague spirituality detached from embodied worship and communion.   IN THIS EPISODE   * Why modern people misunderstand Christianity * The difference between text-based and sacramental Christianity * The meaning of "participatory" truth * The Trinity and the problem of "the one and the many" * Why modern culture struggles to understand love * The deeper meaning of the Fall * The origins of evil and suffering * Problems with modern Christian views of suffering * The necessity of the Church and priesthood * Why sacraments are more than symbols * Where the Bible fits within the life of the Church * Recovering a sacramental view of reality   ABOUT DR. ZACHARY PORCU   Zachary Porcu is the author of Journey to Reality and the host of the podcast The Roots of Everything.   Zachary earned his PhD in Church History at The Catholic University of America under the direction of Robin Darling Young. He holds additional degrees in Philosophy, Classics, and Interdisciplinary Humanities and has taught Greek, Latin, history, philosophy, and theology at private schools and universities on both the East and West coasts.   Zachary is a catechist at St. Andrew's Orthodox Church, an editor at St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, and a lecturer at St. Athanasius College.   LINKS   Journey to Reality by Dr. Zachary Porcu Ancient Faith Publishing 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!

Join Michaela Nikolaenko and me as we discuss how our view on spiritual warfare has changed. Michaela and I have a similar path; we are both ex-occultists and ex-Protestants and now newly Orthodox Christians. During our journey into the Orthodox faith, we both fell victim to misconceptions about spiritual warfare.As occultists, we both encountered demons. Not realizing what they truly were yet, we were tricked into believing they were our spiritual "friends," trying to utilize them on our path to healing. Once Christ came into our lives, like many new Christians, we fell into not only Protestantism but also charismatic teaching. This experience gave us a whole other deceptive view on what we initially believed spiritual warfare was. By God's grace, we both came to understand that what we had been taught about demons and spiritual warfare was not the truth, and we entered the Orthodox Church—the true church. Once there, we realized the true nature of spiritual warfare and that picking up your cross and following Christ meant an ongoing battle, but not with the eternal demons like we once believed—it was warfare within. A lifelong battle not just with demons, but against our passions and sin.Watch Video on YoutubeIf you enjoy this episode there is also a bonus chat where Michaela and I dive deeper into the topics discussed in this episode. Find it on The Friendship Membership. 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.comMain Topics:The reality of demons and demonic shapeshifting in spiritual warfareThe false origins of UFOs and alien encounters as demonic deceptionsThe importance of spiritual fathers, holy traditions, and the Orthodox approach to salvationThe spiritual significance of suffering, passions, and humility in our spiritual journeyHow to test and discern spiritual experiences through Orthodox spiritual practicesThe false promise of sinless perfection and the reality of ongoing spiritual struggleThe difference between subjective and objective grace in Orthodox spiritualityThe coming false alien invasion and the spiritual deception of the end times

Segment 1 • Derek asks: If God's promise to Israel remains an active hope today, is there a need to share the gospel with Jews? • Kyla wonders: Have Christian podcasts become a breeding ground for gossip, immaturity, and “heresy hunter” celebrities disconnected from the local church? • Nate asks: What should churches do when faithful preaching feels more like a seminary lecture than shepherding hurting people? Segment 2 • Anonymous asks: Are Christians actually called to one specific local church—or is church membership mostly personal preference? • Eddie asks: Do babies who die in the womb go to heaven—and can Christians be certain about it biblically? Segment 3 • Joe asks: How do you deeply desire marriage without turning a future spouse into an idol? Segment 4 • Anonymous asks: Can praying too much for someone you're dating become emotionally unhealthy—or even idolatrous? • Ralph asks: Why do Christians criticize Catholicism but rarely talk about the Orthodox Church? • Anonymous asks: Why does it feel like idols keep growing back in my heart no matter how hard I fight them? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Confused by the book of Revelation and end-times prophecy? In this short, focused episode, Steve Wood explains the three major views of the Millennium in Revelation 20, giving you a clear framework for understanding biblical prophecy. Learn why the Kingdom of God is often misunderstood, how early Christians viewed the Messianic Kingdom, and why the Present-Day (Realized) Millennium has been the historic view of the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and most Protestants. For the handout accompanying this episode and other resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

The Vatican and the Orthodox Church both issued warnings to the faithful that Christians face increased persecution in the Holy Land.Sponsored by Fidei Email:https://www.fidei.emailSources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration

Steve discusses the ongoing war in Iran and says the United States, despite incredible military success, seems to be stuck. Then, John Daniel Davidson joins the program to discuss Iran, his book "Pagan America," and other matters. In Hour Two, Theology Thursday discusses what the Orthodox Church believes and compares it to other branches of Christianity. TODAY'S SPONSORS: BIRCH GOLD: Text STEVE to 989898 PATRIOT MOBILE: https://patriotmobile.com/STEVE or call 972-PATRIOT for your FREE MONTH of service FAST GROWING TREES: https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Steve+Deace+Show code DEACE ANIMAL FARM: https://www.angel.com/animalfarm GEVITI: https://www.gogeviti.com/deace CHEF IQ: https://chefiq.com/ use promo code STEVE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allie engages in a theological debate on Mormonism with Jacob Hansen, who runs the Thoughtful Faith YouTube channel. Hansen, who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presents his religion as the true ecclesiastical priesthood with more similarities to Catholics or the Orthodox Church than to evangelicals. Allie and Jacob trade barbs on the Trinity, salvation, and whether humans, angels, and God are all the same species. Who is eligible for heaven? Is God all-knowing? Can believers become the gods of their own universe? Nothing is off the table in this civil yet educational discourse! Share the Arrows 2026 is on October 10 in Dallas, Texas! Tickets are on sale now at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠ Share the Arrows is sponsored by: A'del Natural Cosmetics: AdelNaturalCosmetics.com Range Leather: RangeLeather.com/ALLIE We Heart Nutrition: WeHeartNutrition.com Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Time Codes 0:00 Introduction 1:47 Mormonism & Apostasy 29:46 Is Jesus Christ God? 53:49 Do Mormons Aspire to Godhood? 1:06:05 Can God Change His Mind? 1:23:28 Is the Second Coming in Missouri? 1:26:34 Is Marriage Eternal? 1:29:59 What Do Mormons Consider Gospel? – Today's Sponsors: A'del | Visit AdelNaturalCosmetics.com and enter promo code ALLIE for 25% off your first-time purchase. Good Ranchers | If you go to ⁠⁠⁠GoodRanchers.com⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to any box of 100% American meat, you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. We Heart Nutrition | Check out We Heart Nutrition at ⁠⁠⁠WeHeartNutrition.com⁠⁠⁠ and use the code ALLIE for 20% off. EveryLife | Visit EveryLife.com and use promo code ALLIE10 to get 10% off your first order today! Seven Weeks Coffee | Experience the best coffee while supporting the pro-life movement with Seven Weeks Coffee; use code ALLIE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get up to 25% off your first order, plus your free gift! Episodes you may like: Ep 725 | Leaving Mormonism for Christianity | Guest: Lynn Wilder https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-725-leaving-mormonism-for-christianity-guest-lynn/id1359249098?i=1000590320441 Ep 416 | Once Saved, Always Saved? | Q&A https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-416-once-saved-always-saved-q-a/id1359249098?i=1000520439147 --- ► Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": https://alliebethstuckey.com/book ► Subscribe to the podcast: iTunes: https://apple.co/2UVssnP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2FwkXxj ► Connect with Allie on Social Media: https://twitter.com/conservmillen https://www.instagram.com/alliebstuckey/ https://facebook.com/allieBlazeTV/ ► Relatable merchandise — use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 04/27/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Proof Catholic and Orthodox Church are false/ Paul and Apostles had Apostolic Authority/ Give Account to God only/ Is Atheism coherent?/ Can we pray to the dead?/ The Gifts of the Spirit/ April 27, 2026

What counts as real music now? We talk faith, artistry, and the blurry line between authentic and fake.AI is rewriting the rules of music in real time and it's forcing all of us to ask a blunt question: can you still tell what's real? Jeremy Jeremiah of Cloud of Witnesses sits down with recording artist and producer Graham Sparkman (https://www.grahamsparkman.com/) to talk about how AI-generated vocals, prompt-written lyrics, and even “fake bands” are changing the music industry day by day, and why the glossy pop machine can feel less like creativity and more like a carefully managed false image.We sit down with recording artist and producer Graham Sparkman to talk about what AI is doing to modern music and why authenticity matters when image and technology can replace the real thing. We also share the stories behind Graham's Orthodox and folk recordings, including how faith shapes his creative choices and why he keeps his work off the stage.• AI in the music industry and the growing real versus fake problem• Pop stardom as a false image and the pull of audience idolatry• How recording technology always changes what counts as “cheating”• Streaming platforms, licensing, and the loss of true music ownership• The Moravian nativity folk song from Nativity Fire and filming inside a parish• Finding repertoire, translating lyrics, and making a folk song his own• Recording vocals under pressure with family life in the background• Cherubic Hymn arrangement choices and balancing voices through overdubs• Lestovka as a concept album tracing a journey into Orthodoxy• Where to find Graham's music and what he is producing nextFrom there, we get honest about the spiritual stakes. We talk about worship, the temptation of pride on a stage, and why Graham chooses to focus on making records instead of chasing live shows. We also dig into the economics behind streaming platforms, how “owning music” has turned into licensing, and why that shift hits independent artists especially hard.Then the conversation opens into beauty. Graham shares the story behind a Moravian nativity folk song from his Nativity Fire release, filmed inside his Orthodox parish, and the very real recording process behind it including a time-crunched “one take” vocal captured between family logistics. We also touch on Orthodox hymn arrangements, studio decisions that shape how a choir feels in your headphones, and Graham's concept album Listovka as a musical parallel to his journey into the Orthodox Church. He closes with where to find his work and a preview of a new liturgical recording project currently in the works.A nativity folk song from Moravia, filmed inside an Orthodox church, plus the wild story of a “one take” vocal recorded while the kids waited in the minivan.If you enjoyed this, subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and craft, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Find more of Graham's music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/graham-sparkman/1060209220https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yw5b4vDjPt1oA5DSSxzp5?si=DI6p3dq7QpK6i_7vpAHZZA&nd=1&dlsi=a90ef59203ce4f85Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Audio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.buzzsprout.comPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

The Orthodox Observer (GOA) published a provocative article noting the polarity between "cradle and convert," "evangelism and ethnicity," positing that this is "a tension as ancient as the Orthodox Church." Father Tom responds from an historical and Biblical perspective.

St. Nikolai's words from the mid-twentieth century are still relevant for American Orthodoxy today.

With the Pope once again in the global spotlight, questions about his authority—and the authority of the church he leads—are drawing renewed attention.Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim an unbroken line of leadership stretching back to the apostles. According to this view, today's bishops—and ultimately the Pope—stand in direct succession to the apostle Peter.But how strong is this claim?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines whether there is credible historical evidence for an unbroken chain of authority—and whether such a lineage, even if proven, would establish theological authority.Dr. Bernard discusses:The origins and development of apostolic succession claimsThe biblical role of Peter in the early churchThe difference between historical continuity and doctrinal authorityWhy apostolic teaching—not just succession—is essential to the identity of the churchThis timely episode brings clarity to a complex and often misunderstood topic, helping listeners evaluate competing claims through the lens of Scripture.If you've ever wondered how to assess claims of church authority—or what truly defines the New Testament church—this episode offers thoughtful, balanced, and biblical insight.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

H.E. Metropolitan Youssef examines common misconceptions about Christianity, focusing on the distinctions between Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant beliefs. He discusses the relationship between science and faith, addressing topics such as evolution, the Big Bang, and the simulation theory, highlighting the Orthodox perspective on these issues. Metropolitan Youssef explains the understanding of holy tradition in the Orthodox Church and its role alongside Scripture, contrasting it with Protestant claims that reject tradition. He clarifies misunderstandings surrounding the Protestant Reformation, priesthood, and church authority while emphasizing the continuity of Orthodox faith with the early Church. The conversation explores how tradition and Scripture have been preserved, interpreted, and sometimes altered throughout church history, providing insights into defending Orthodox beliefs against common critiques. #OrthodoxChristianity #ChristianTradition #FaithAndScience #ProtestantReformation #EvolutionAndFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias 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

As is tradition each year in the Orthodox Church, on this day we hear the blessed Paschal homily once preached by St. John Chrysostom.

A single sentence from a saint can inspire a whole generation, or mislead it. We open with the line many Orthodox Christians have heard, “Saint Paisios said America will become Orthodox,” then slow the story down to ask the question most of us skip: what was actually said, to whom, through what translation, and with what intent? That one case becomes a clear window into how patristic quotes and saint sayings spread online, especially when memes replace sources and confidence replaces context.Translations shape theology. We dig into why older patristic translations can smuggle in legalistic language, and why terms like “atonement” and “substitution” carry baggage.Cloud of Witnesses, Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and James St. Simon talk with Father Joseph Lucas about how patristic quotes get distorted and how to read the Church Fathers in context without turning memes into theology. We trace how the Orthodox Church leans on consensus, careful sourcing, and prayerful practice so our reading leads to repentance rather than argument.• the Saint Paisios “America will become Orthodox” quote and why its original context is more tentative• why unsupported “floating quotes” should not shape doctrine or spiritual decisions• authority in tradition through ecumenical councils and the consensus of the Fathers• reading individual Fathers through the lens of the wider patristic tradition• why Saint Augustine needs careful, contextual reading alongside the Greek Fathers• the difference between modern online apologetics and patristic apologetics with oversight• why ancient rhetorical attacks do not translate well to today's debates• how translation choices can import legalistic or forensic connotations• why “the theologian is one who prays” matters and how Saint Mary of Egypt models itPlease, if you haven't already, give this video a like. Let us know your thoughts down below. Subscribe if you want more content like this. If you haven't bought the book yet please go check it out I would recommend it highly. You can find this entire conversation at our Patreon right now.Father Joseph Lucas, author of How To Read The Holy Fathers, helps us build a practical framework for reading the Church Fathers and the wider Orthodox tradition responsibly. We talk about patristic consensus, why ecumenical councils carry unique weight, and why later “compiler” saints can guide ordinary readers toward what the Church has truly received. We also tackle tough edges like how to approach Saint Augustine carefully, how to think about figures like Origen, and why you cannot build a full Orthodox theology on one favorite author.We then turn to Orthodox apologetics today: what it gets right, what it risks, and why ancient debate tactics do not map neatly onto modern online arguments. We close with translation and theology language, including how certain English terms can carry legalistic baggage, and we return to the heart of the Fathers: theology that forms prayer, repentance, and transformation, beautifully embodied in Saint Mary of Egypt.That “famous” Church Father quote might be fake or twisted. We talk with Fr. Joseph Lucas about reading the Holy Fathers in context, spotting meme theology, and staying inside the Church's consensus.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Audio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.buzzsprout.comPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Does the Bible say anything about aliens, UFOs, or extraterrestrial life? In this episode of The Resilient Show, Chad Robichaux sits down with legendary father-son apologists Stuart and Cliffe Knechtle, who have spent 45 years debating atheists, skeptics, and students on university campuses across America, to tackle the questions Christians are afraid to ask.From UFO disclosures and Genesis 6 Nephilim to the Book of Enoch, biblical canon formation, and whether science contradicts Scripture, Stuart and Cliffe bring intellectual firepower and pastoral wisdom to topics most churches won't touch. They also open up about the shooting of their friend and fellow campus apologist, adapting their ministry under real threats, and what true resilience looks like when it's rooted in Christ.This conversation covers aliens in the Bible, the rapture debate, Project Blue Beam, faith and politics in America, the Orthodox Church movement among young men, the gospel presentation, the evidence for the resurrection, and why Jesus Christ is the only answer worth staking your life on.PRE-ORDER their new book "Demolishing Doubt" (releases May 19, 2026):https://a.co/d/02yuWzuTFollow Stuart & Cliffe Knechtle:https://www.youtube.com/@givemeananswerhttps://www.instagram.com/stuart_knechtlehttps://givemeananswer.org——Stay up-to-date with all things Resilient by subscribing to our Resilient Times Newsletter: https://resilienttimes.substack.comRESILIENT:Follow Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok:⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowLIVE RESILIENT STORE:https://shop.theresilientshow.comFollow Chad: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_officialhttps://x.com/ChadRoboSPONSORS:GoldCo: https://chadlikesgold.comSmith & Wesson: ⁠⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com⁠⁠Vortex Optics: ⁠https://vortexoptics.com⁠Gatorz Eyewear: ⁠⁠https://www.gatorz.com⁠⁠Allied Wealth: ⁠https://alliedwealth.com⁠BioPro+: ⁠⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/CHAD30⁠⁠BioXCellerator: ⁠https://www.bioxcellerator.com⁠SLNT: https://slnt.com------The Resilient Show is a proud supporter of military and first responder communities in partnership with ⁠Mighty Oaks Foundation⁠.

On October 28, 1917, just days after the Bolsheviks seized power, the great Council of the Russian Orthodox Church voted to restore the patriarchate, which had been abolished by Peter the Great two centuries earlier. The Council chose Tikhon (Bellavin), the son of a humble village parish priest, to be head of Russia's largest religious confession. At the time, the majority of Orthodox Christians were devoutly religious. Tikhon's vision of the Church, which he began putting into practice during his years as the Orthodox bishop of North America (1898-1907), was that of an organic body which welcomed the participation of all believers. The Bolsheviks had other ideas. They aimed to create a revolution that would be carried out by the state on behalf of the people. And they sought to eradicate religion as "superstition" and not only to disestablish the Church, but to destroy it altogether. Although the alternate Russia which Tikhon represented would be crushed by the superior force of the Bolsheviks, he helped navigate the Church through immense challenges so that, in the end, the Orthodox Church outlived the Soviet experiment. The People's Patriarch tells the story of the clash of visions for the new Russia in 1917 through the lens of the humble man chosen to lead the Church, whose life exemplifies the transformations within the Orthodox Church in late Imperial Russia and its fate during the Revolution. The People's Patriarch is the first critical biography of one of the twentieth century's most important Orthodox Christian leaders, based on an exhaustive use of previously untapped primary sources, including Tikhon's letters and encyclicals, previously classified documents from the top Bolshevik leadership and Soviet secret police, and materials from a dozen archives in five countries. Scott M. Kenworthy is Professor in the History Department at Miami University (Ohio), where he also teaches for the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and Religious Studies programs. Roland Clark is a Professor of Modern European History at the University of Liverpool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On October 28, 1917, just days after the Bolsheviks seized power, the great Council of the Russian Orthodox Church voted to restore the patriarchate, which had been abolished by Peter the Great two centuries earlier. The Council chose Tikhon (Bellavin), the son of a humble village parish priest, to be head of Russia's largest religious confession. At the time, the majority of Orthodox Christians were devoutly religious. Tikhon's vision of the Church, which he began putting into practice during his years as the Orthodox bishop of North America (1898-1907), was that of an organic body which welcomed the participation of all believers. The Bolsheviks had other ideas. They aimed to create a revolution that would be carried out by the state on behalf of the people. And they sought to eradicate religion as "superstition" and not only to disestablish the Church, but to destroy it altogether. Although the alternate Russia which Tikhon represented would be crushed by the superior force of the Bolsheviks, he helped navigate the Church through immense challenges so that, in the end, the Orthodox Church outlived the Soviet experiment. The People's Patriarch tells the story of the clash of visions for the new Russia in 1917 through the lens of the humble man chosen to lead the Church, whose life exemplifies the transformations within the Orthodox Church in late Imperial Russia and its fate during the Revolution. The People's Patriarch is the first critical biography of one of the twentieth century's most important Orthodox Christian leaders, based on an exhaustive use of previously untapped primary sources, including Tikhon's letters and encyclicals, previously classified documents from the top Bolshevik leadership and Soviet secret police, and materials from a dozen archives in five countries. Scott M. Kenworthy is Professor in the History Department at Miami University (Ohio), where he also teaches for the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and Religious Studies programs. Roland Clark is a Professor of Modern European History at the University of Liverpool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

On October 28, 1917, just days after the Bolsheviks seized power, the great Council of the Russian Orthodox Church voted to restore the patriarchate, which had been abolished by Peter the Great two centuries earlier. The Council chose Tikhon (Bellavin), the son of a humble village parish priest, to be head of Russia's largest religious confession. At the time, the majority of Orthodox Christians were devoutly religious. Tikhon's vision of the Church, which he began putting into practice during his years as the Orthodox bishop of North America (1898-1907), was that of an organic body which welcomed the participation of all believers. The Bolsheviks had other ideas. They aimed to create a revolution that would be carried out by the state on behalf of the people. And they sought to eradicate religion as "superstition" and not only to disestablish the Church, but to destroy it altogether. Although the alternate Russia which Tikhon represented would be crushed by the superior force of the Bolsheviks, he helped navigate the Church through immense challenges so that, in the end, the Orthodox Church outlived the Soviet experiment. The People's Patriarch tells the story of the clash of visions for the new Russia in 1917 through the lens of the humble man chosen to lead the Church, whose life exemplifies the transformations within the Orthodox Church in late Imperial Russia and its fate during the Revolution. The People's Patriarch is the first critical biography of one of the twentieth century's most important Orthodox Christian leaders, based on an exhaustive use of previously untapped primary sources, including Tikhon's letters and encyclicals, previously classified documents from the top Bolshevik leadership and Soviet secret police, and materials from a dozen archives in five countries. Scott M. Kenworthy is Professor in the History Department at Miami University (Ohio), where he also teaches for the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and Religious Studies programs. Roland Clark is a Professor of Modern European History at the University of Liverpool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

On October 28, 1917, just days after the Bolsheviks seized power, the great Council of the Russian Orthodox Church voted to restore the patriarchate, which had been abolished by Peter the Great two centuries earlier. The Council chose Tikhon (Bellavin), the son of a humble village parish priest, to be head of Russia's largest religious confession. At the time, the majority of Orthodox Christians were devoutly religious. Tikhon's vision of the Church, which he began putting into practice during his years as the Orthodox bishop of North America (1898-1907), was that of an organic body which welcomed the participation of all believers. The Bolsheviks had other ideas. They aimed to create a revolution that would be carried out by the state on behalf of the people. And they sought to eradicate religion as "superstition" and not only to disestablish the Church, but to destroy it altogether. Although the alternate Russia which Tikhon represented would be crushed by the superior force of the Bolsheviks, he helped navigate the Church through immense challenges so that, in the end, the Orthodox Church outlived the Soviet experiment. The People's Patriarch tells the story of the clash of visions for the new Russia in 1917 through the lens of the humble man chosen to lead the Church, whose life exemplifies the transformations within the Orthodox Church in late Imperial Russia and its fate during the Revolution. The People's Patriarch is the first critical biography of one of the twentieth century's most important Orthodox Christian leaders, based on an exhaustive use of previously untapped primary sources, including Tikhon's letters and encyclicals, previously classified documents from the top Bolshevik leadership and Soviet secret police, and materials from a dozen archives in five countries. Scott M. Kenworthy is Professor in the History Department at Miami University (Ohio), where he also teaches for the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and Religious Studies programs. Roland Clark is a Professor of Modern European History at the University of Liverpool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies

On October 28, 1917, just days after the Bolsheviks seized power, the great Council of the Russian Orthodox Church voted to restore the patriarchate, which had been abolished by Peter the Great two centuries earlier. The Council chose Tikhon (Bellavin), the son of a humble village parish priest, to be head of Russia's largest religious confession. At the time, the majority of Orthodox Christians were devoutly religious. Tikhon's vision of the Church, which he began putting into practice during his years as the Orthodox bishop of North America (1898-1907), was that of an organic body which welcomed the participation of all believers. The Bolsheviks had other ideas. They aimed to create a revolution that would be carried out by the state on behalf of the people. And they sought to eradicate religion as "superstition" and not only to disestablish the Church, but to destroy it altogether. Although the alternate Russia which Tikhon represented would be crushed by the superior force of the Bolsheviks, he helped navigate the Church through immense challenges so that, in the end, the Orthodox Church outlived the Soviet experiment. The People's Patriarch tells the story of the clash of visions for the new Russia in 1917 through the lens of the humble man chosen to lead the Church, whose life exemplifies the transformations within the Orthodox Church in late Imperial Russia and its fate during the Revolution. The People's Patriarch is the first critical biography of one of the twentieth century's most important Orthodox Christian leaders, based on an exhaustive use of previously untapped primary sources, including Tikhon's letters and encyclicals, previously classified documents from the top Bolshevik leadership and Soviet secret police, and materials from a dozen archives in five countries. Scott M. Kenworthy is Professor in the History Department at Miami University (Ohio), where he also teaches for the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and Religious Studies programs. Roland Clark is a Professor of Modern European History at the University of Liverpool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

A pastor told her to try AA (alcoholics anonymous) when she asked for spiritual help after a miscarriage. That moment pushed her to look for something deeper – see what she found.A lot of people aren't leaving church because they “don't believe” anymore. They're leaving because they feel spiritually hungry, tired of being sold a vibe, and unsure where to take real grief, real sin, and real questions.Cloud of Witnesses talks with Lavender of Lavender & Lanterns (https://www.instagram.com/lavenderandlanterns/) about the hunger for humility and reverence that pushes many Christians from non-denominational life toward Orthodox Christianity. We compare performance-style worship with the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, then get practical about visiting a parish, speaking with a priest, and learning the faith through lived tradition.  • moving from early faith in pregnancy to searching for deeper roots • why emotional worship and corporate church culture can feel spiritually thin • leaving churches that center politics and branding over Christ • grief after miscarriage and the need for pastoral care that is truly spiritual • the value of trained Orthodox clergy and the simple step of calling a priest • humility as a practice through confession and Forgiveness Sunday at Lent • reverence in worship and the question of when church became a show • first-time guidance for visitors including Vespers, coffee hour, and what to wear • women finding Orthodoxy online and questions about head coverings  We sit down with Lavender to talk about her path from a non-denominational background to Orthodox Christianity, and why reverent worship in the Eastern Orthodox Church felt like water in the desert. We get honest about the modern church experience: emotional hype, stage culture, screens and slogans, even politics bleeding into the sanctuary. Jeremy shares why these trends can quietly push people toward a tradition that refuses to treat worship like a product and instead forms people through prayer, repentance, and the stability of the Divine Liturgy.  Lavender also shares a painful turning point after a miscarriage, when she tried to seek spiritual counsel and felt redirected toward something purely “programmatic” instead of Scripture-soaked guidance and healing. From there we talk about why Orthodox priests are trained for long-term pastoral care, why “talk to a priest” is not a slogan but a lifeline, and how practices like confession and Forgiveness Sunday cultivate humility in a way that's hard to fake. We also cover practical “come and see” advice for first-time visitors, plus common questions women ask about modest dress and head coverings.Why do so many people feel modern church is more performance than worship? We talk incense, reverence, humility, and the simple advice that changes everything: talk to a priest.  Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdh Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnesses Find Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

“Immersive Attention:” Learning to fix a sustained gaze on Jesus during Holy Week … GUEST Josh Brown … Lead Pastor, Bellefield Presbyterian Church. Suffering: Teacher of wisdom … GUEST Rev Dr Dean Weaver ... Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church ... co-founder and former president of EduNations. Pascha: coming up the week after Easter (worshipping from midnight to 2:30 or 3am then feasting till dawn. Every Christian should do Pascha at least once in their life) … GUEST Frederica Mathewes- Green .. she's the author of "The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God," and "Welcome to the Orthodox Church: an Introduction to Eastern Christianity"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great and Holy Lent isn't a gloomy season or a spiritual trend. It's the Orthodox Church's tested way of turning back to Christ with clarity, humility, and real practices that reshape the heart. Archpriest Father John Kent Reimann discusses Lent as an honest invitation to pray with King David's words, “Search my heart, O Lord,” and to bring our lives into conformity with Christ and the life of the Church without losing the uniqueness of who God made us to be.Why are young people walking away from comfy megachurch vibes and toward ancient disciplines? We talk about why Orthodoxy keeps Lent, and why struggle can be healing with God's strength.Great and Holy Lent is our yearly reminder to let God search our hearts and to recommit our lives to Christ in a concrete way. We trace how Lent formed catechumens for baptism and why the same path still serves the whole Church as continual conversion and readiness for the Lord's coming. • Great and Holy Lent as heart-searching repentance and renewal • The forty-day fast as a biblical pattern shaped by Christ's wilderness fast • Lent's early role in preparing catechumens through daily teaching and Scripture • Baptism, chrismation, and first communion as the original Lenten destination • Lent as ongoing conversion for those raised Orthodox • Salvation as a process while we await the second coming and judgment • Bridegroom services and the call to stay watchful • Fasting, increased prayer, almsgiving, and hospitality as lived love • Young people seeking demanding spiritual practices over comfort • Following ancient disciplines with guidance from clergy and a spiritual father  We also explore the history behind the forty-day fast and why Lent became a focused season of preparation for catechumens. In the early Church, those preparing for baptism and chrismation met daily for Scripture and teaching, received the bishop's blessing, and then entered the Church through the sacraments and their first Holy Communion. That original purpose still explains so much about Orthodox Lent today: intensified prayer, more services, deeper catechesis, and a rhythm that forms people for sacramental life rather than quick inspiration.  From there, we connect Lent to the bigger Orthodox view of salvation as a process. We're not trying to “win” Lent; we're learning to live awake as we await Christ's second coming and the final judgment. Holy Week's bridegroom services sharpen that focus, calling us to be ready rather than careless, like the wise virgins who keep watch. We end with the practical pillars of Orthodox spirituality: fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and hospitality, lived with wise spiritual direction from clergy and a spiritual father. If you're drawn to ancient Christian disciplines or you're tired of being pandered to by comfortable religion, this conversation will help you understand why challenge can be healing when it's done with God's strength.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

Father Casey Jones is a priest of the Diocese of Venice, Florida. He currently serves as the pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and school in Naples, Florida. In Today's Show: What is the difference between temptation and consent to sin? What if our penance is too light? Does the Catholic Church view those who are neurodivergent as "pure of heart"? Does everyone need to go to purgatory? If a priest teaches something out of the Summa Theologica, would this be seen as teaching outside the Magisterium? What is the difference between the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church, and the Orthodox Church? Did the early disciples understand when Jesus said 'this is my body' at the last supper literally or symbolically? Why do Protestants typically wear a cross instead of a crucifix? Can Catholics support immigration enforcement resulting in deportations and the separation of the nuclear family?  Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

In this episode of Ancient Faith Presents, Melanie interviews Dr. Ramzi Khairallah, the North American chairman of The Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. They discuss the Order's history, Dr. Ramzi's role, and the purpose of the mission within the Orthodox Church.

Patrick takes listeners through questions of tradition and scriptural authority, responding directly to callers wrestling with Calvinist perspectives, confession in Orthodox churches, and the moral limits of self-sacrifice and war. He pulls in personal stories, sharp debate memories, and practical advice about the Eucharist and confession, threading clarity through every response. Patrick continues his conversation with Granger, from the end of the last hour, talking about where tradition gets its authority (00:21) John - Can my Catholic son go to an Orthodox Church for a Confession? (16:11) Anne - I wondered where I could look in the Catechism or somewhere else about ending my life by donating vital organs? (21:46) Sandra - A consecrated host fell on the floor. The communicant picked it up, but the spot on the floor was not covered. (34:52) Steven - Can you compare Matthew 5:28 and supporting a war that is unjust as defined by the Catholic Church? For example, is it a sin to support a war in my thoughts? (38:00) Reuben - I love Relevant Radio and I listen every day! (47:04)

On Hour 3 of today's show, Patrick continues to help John sort through a difficult situation involving his wife finding out that he was unfaithful, is adding something for Lent just as good as giving something up? In addition, Patrick offers insightful answers to other callers. (00:32) John - I was beaten up by my wife because she found some things in my past, including inappropriate conversations with other women and emotional affairs, spending money badly and adultery. I just left our apartment, and we have a 2-month-old with a heart condition. (13:02) Dante - Is adding something for Lent just as good as giving something up? Break 1 (20:58) Lisette - Should I try to avoid pregnancy? Break 2 (34:25) John - When is addiction to pornography a venial or mortal sin? (44:46) Patrick - I am half Greek Orthodox and Half Protestant: Regarding Baptism in the Orthodox Church do you have to be completely submerged. How do you deal with baptisms that aren't valid, and what does the Church say happens to them?

The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 243-248. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.