Podcasts about orthodox church

In this episode, I talk with Josh Lazie, a former bassist for Danzig, to talk about a reality many of us live with but rarely name: the persistent sense that something is missing. For years, he tried to fill that void with music, drugs, success, and the constant noise of the rock-and-roll lifestyle. For a time, those things worked. Eventually, they didn't. We talk honestly about what that world gave him, what it cost him, and the moment he realized that nothing he was chasing would ever make him whole. We explore the restlessness beneath addiction and ambition, the fear of stillness, and why silence can be more confronting than chaos. Now a catechumen in the Orthodox Church, he reflects on how faith didn't simply distract him from emptiness, but began to heal it—through discipline, repentance, and a reorientation of what it means to live fully. Sponsors: Harmony Icons: https://harmonyicons.com/counterflow  Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

National pride often comes from shared heritage—like a common language or ethnic background. Religious Nationalism can be seen in historical Russia, where being part of the Orthodox Church was considered key to being Russian, even if you spoke a different language, whereas Ethnic Nationalism is like modern Mongolia, where having the same Mongol background is what counts as national identity, even if people follow different faiths.—but for the small nation of Uruguay, that feeling of unity was forged not in a parliament, but on a soccer pitch. When the Uruguayan national team, La Celeste, stunned the world by winning the 1924 Paris Olympics, it was more than just a sports victory. That triumph created a profound, shared, and globally recognized national identity, transforming the soccer team into a powerful symbol that helped bond the country together in a way politics had struggled to achieve. Soccer’s ability to literally bring nations into existence has only grown with the growth and spread of the World Cup. Since 1930, the World Cup has become a truly global obsession. It is the most watched sporting event on the planet, and 211 teams competed to make it into the 2022 tournament. From its inception, it has also been a vehicle for far more than soccer. A tool for self-mythologizing and influence-peddling, The World Cup has played a crucial role in nation-building, and continues to, as countries negotiate their positions in a globalized world. Today’s guest is Jonathan Wilson, author of “The Power and the Glory: A History of the World Cup.” We look at history of the matches and goals, the tales of scandal and triumph, the haggling and skulduggery of the bidding process, and the political and cultural tides behind every tournament. Jonathan Wilson details not merely what happened but why, based on fresh interviews and meticulous research. The book is as much about the legends of the sport, from Pelé to Messi, as it is about the nations that made them, from Mussolini’s Italy to partitioned Germany to controversy-ridden Qatar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this stream I discuss the latest news regarding Greenland, Orthodox Church's response to Christian Zionism, latest from Davos and more! Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless

The alien cult, natural disasters, the Orthodox Church and more on Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

This holy defender of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church labored in the final days of the Byzantine Empire, when, pressed on all sides by the Turks, the Emperor in desperation sought union with (or rather submission to) the Papacy in hopes of obtaining aid from the West. It was St Mark who stood almost alone to prevent such a disaster to the Faith.   He was born in Constantinople in 1392 to devout parents. He received a thorough education and seemed destined for a secular career, but at the age of twenty- six he abandoned all worldly claims and became a monk in a small monastery in Nicomedia. Soon the Turkish threat forced him to return to Constantinople, where, continuing in the monastic life, he wrote a number of treatises on prayer and the dogmas of the Church. In time he was ordained priest, then, at the insistence of the Emperor John VIII Paleologos was made Metropolitan of Ephesus. The Emperor also prevailed on him to join the delegation which traveled to the Council of Florence to consider the reunion of the Orthodox Church and the churches under the Papacy. (Saint Mark went as exarch of the Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, who were unable to attend.)   The Greek delegation included the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople. All, including Metropolitan Mark, began with great hopes that a true union in faith might result from the Council, but as the sessions proceeded, it soon became clear that Pope Eugenius and his theologians were interested only in securing submission of the Eastern Church to the Papacy and its theology. The Metropolitan spoke forcefully against various Latin dogmas such as the filioque and Purgatory, but the Greek delegation, desperate for western aid, bowed to expediency and agreed to sign a document of Union which would have denied the Orthodox Faith itself. Saint Mark was the only member of the delegation who refused to sign. When the Pope heard of this, he said "The bishop of Ephesus has not signed, so we have achieved nothing!"   When the delegation returned to Constantinople, the signers of the false Union were received with universal condemnation by the people, while Metropolitan Mark was hailed as a hero. The churches headed by Unionists were soon almost empty, while the people flocked to the churches headed by those loyal to Orthodoxy. Saint Mark left the City to avoid concelebrating with the Unionist Patriarch. He was exiled by the Emperor to Lemnos, but was freed in 1442. He continued to oppose the Union until his repose in 1444. In 1452 the Union was officially proclaimed in Constantinople, but the hoped-for Western aid was not forthcoming, and the City fell to the Turks in 1453.

Angela Cory is a homeschooling mother of three who is thankful for her family's life in the Orthodox Church. Her husband is a new deacon, so now she's a Matushka. Recently, her family was honored to care for a foster child who has since transitioned back home.

Weekend Edition for January 10-11, 2026 Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Weekend Edition for January 10-11, 2026 Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

The Russian Orthodox Church, a longtime arm of the Kremlin, is running an intelligence operation targeting MAGA's Christian nationalism, to help turn America into a dictatorship.  This week's bonus show continues our conversation with Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman. She exposes a sweeping op by the Kremlin's church. You can read her investigation in the show notes. Russians, being white and Christian, get a pass that other terrorist regimes, like Iran, don't. We fact check their mind-hacking op, and also answer questions from Gaslit Nation listeners–like if Putin and Trump got in a fight, who would win?  Whether it's MAGA, the Kremlin, or the regime in Iran that looks on the verge of collapse, it's the same mind-hack everywhere: confuse, divide, and exhaust. The antidote is clarity, which can only be maintained through self-care. This weekend, be sure to find some time in nature, and be gentle on yourselves and others. We're all in this together, and we will overcome.  Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Discounted annual memberships are available. Become a Democracy Defender at Patreon.com/Gaslit Show Notes: Be sure to read Amanda Gorman's poem for Renee Good. It's here for those who don't have Instagram, where she originally posted it: https://bsky.app/profile/elizabethjacobs.bsky.social/post/3mbximyqaos23 Gil Duran on Thiel and Greenland: https://bsky.app/profile/gilduran.com/post/3mbx2lvjrec2h Russia's Orthodox Church and the Weaponization of Religion https://olgalautman.substack.com/p/insights-from-chapter-2-russias-orthodox?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=true  

In this episode, Buck sits down with Fr. Emmanuel Lemelson to discuss a recent event widely framed as a historic step toward Christian unity, and why, from an Orthodox perspective, it feels anything but unifying. Drawing from firsthand experience and deep ecclesial memory, the conversation explores why language of "unity" often masks unresolved (and unresolvable) theological differences between Rome and Orthodoxy. Together, they speak candidly about papal authority, conciliarity, modern ecumenism, and why converts are often the first to feel the spiritual consequences of institutional ambiguity. This is not a polemic but a sober conversation about truth, faithfulness, and what Orthodoxy cannot surrender without ceasing to be itself. For more from Fr Emmanuel, check these links: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Lemelson  Substack: https://lemelson.substack.com  Connect with @Lemelson on social media: https://facebook.com/lemelson  https://twitter.com/Lemelson  https://instagram.com/lemelson  https://tiktok.com/@fr_emmanuel_lemelson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuellemelson Sponsors: Fox n Sons Coffee: https://www.foxnsons.com  Code: BUCK15 Perfect Spiral Capital: https://PerfectSpiralCapital.com/counterflow Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by St Philaret of Moscow

THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by St Philaret of Moscow

​THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by St Philaret of Moscow

THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by St Philaret of Moscow

Fr. Evan answers your questions on his sermon for this week, advice for parents with children who are hesitant to convert to Orthodoxy, why the clergy sometimes have conflicting interpretations of the canons concerning the reception of converts, how icon veneration works from a practical perspective, the method of reception used in the case of Fr. Seraphim Rose, how biblical inerrancy works in the Orthodox Church, and more in this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

We were down a man this time. Our Anglican co-host, Miles Smith, was on the road which left  Korey Maas (Lutheran) and D. G. Hart (Presbyterian) trying to maintain pudcasting standards.  We had help from our colleague in the English Department, Jason Peters, who grew up Christian Reformed and switched to Eastern Orthodoxy.  We talked about the various strands of Orthodoxy in America, what the appeal may be to young men, and why confessional Protestants realign with the Orthodox Church. For perspective on the current appeal of Orthodoxy, see this piece from the New York Times.  The movement of some Lutherans into Orthodoxy about twenty-five years ago was related to the so-called Finnish interpretation of Luther.    As always, we depend heavily on the production abilities of the great Southern Presbyterian, @presbycast. 

St. Justin Popovic (+1979) the great Serbian theologian of the 20th century, explains the nature and veracity of God being Judge of all creation. "It is natural for the heavenly Sower," writes St. Justin, "who has abundantly sown the seed of eternal, divine truths in the earth of the human soul, to come and see how much of that seed has rotted in the mire of lust, been strangled by the thorns of passion or withered by the coals of sinfulness, and how much has grown and yielded divine fruit, and, also, to reap and winnow the ripe ears of corn."A reading from The Orthodox Church and Ecumenism by St. Justin Popovic, p. 85-88.NOTE: The meaning of Theanthropic: divine (in Greek theos = God) and human (in Greek anthropos = man); the Theanthropos = the God-Man, i.e. Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.

In this talk, taken from the Saint Macrina Lecture "Teamwork: Marriage is not 50/50 (It's 100/100)," Fr. Luke Carpenter (St. Philip's Orthodox Church in Souderton, PA) describes a theological understanding of marriage.

In this special mailbag episode of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan is joined by guest co-host Maria, an attendee of Ancient Faith's 2025 Lampstand Institute, to answer your questions about preparing for admission to seminary, the church's position on corrective baptism, how to prepare for frequent communion, understanding the Orthodox Church's self-identification as the One True Church, and the necessity of kissing icons to one's salvation.

My guest this week is Ben, host of Cleave to Antiquity. Formerly an associate pastor in a Protestant Evangelical church and active in online Protestant apologetics, Ben began to realize that many of the arguments he made against Orthodox theology and dogma didn't hold up. That realization forced him to confront some difficult truths and make major changes in his life. Today, Ben is a catechumen in the Orthodox Church. We talk about his journey, what led him to re-examine his assumptions, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Sponsor: Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Let's hear what the Ladies have to say about recent converts to the Orthodox Church, Himbos, Neo-Tradz and Thanksgiving Dinner with Kat Von Dee! STOP PAYING YT! Send Tips via Stream Labs: https://streamlabs.com/mironchucknow/tipOR Send me PayPal Bucks! https://paypal.me/2BITPODCAST?country.x=AU&locale.x=en_AUSupport the Show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/2BitPodcastGO BUY SOME COFFEE AT FOX AND SONS! www.foxnsons.comUse Coupon Code NOW to get 15% off all orders over $30 Follow Me:X: https://x.com/MironchuckNOWSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46drg48IIT4W4lDyRfkHFH?si=sAE_dgo5T_G10UpPnqHb_ASubstack: https://mironchucknow.substack.comContact: Mironchucknow@gmail.com

Fr. Evan answers your questions about how godparent/sponsor relationships work post-chrismation, developing an authentic belief in God's love, how one can ethically maintain a role as a Christian educator as a protestant discerning Orthodoxy, the Orthodox Church's position on the "8th Ecumenical Council," and more on this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

For a very breif time in 1991, Elder Ephraim (+2019) was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Compelled to address his reasons for joining the Synod, Elder Ephraim composed this statement explaining the position of ROCOR and its canonicity. His statement is valuable to all Orthodox Christians in today's struggle against the heresy of Ecumenism and for the unity of the Orthodox Church.0:00 Introduction1:52 Elder Ephraim's StatementThe inclusion of the introduction by the editors of Orthodox Tradition (Old Calendarists from Etna, CA) is neither to promote nor demote them. At minimum, their words provide valuable context and are appropriate in setting up the audience for their english translation of Elder Ephraim's original greek. It's up to the listener to draw their own conclusions about the Old Calenderists and more importantly, the words of Elder Ephraim.

The Church libs went silent the last couple years, possibly awaiting the current post for the reunion of Rome and the EP. With impeccable timing, the "ANTI-ORTHOBRO" attack has returned and since we are almost a decade in, it's time to respond. Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Order New Book Available here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY60LIFE for 60% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Dr Evo the Producer, Jay Dyer and Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join #entertainment #podcast #comedyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

Patrick explores cashless economies, challenges around taxation, socialism’s ripple effects on faith and family, and the wounds caused by political division. The episode moves from economic systems to fractured relationships, Catholic doctrine, and philosophical tactics, connecting political trends with everyday faith and forgiveness. Listener questions spark personal stories and practical advice, all threaded through Patrick's candid, sometimes witty exchanges. Audio: Why would the banks want to move away from cash? The only ones left with $100 is the banks https://x.com/rainmaker1973/status/1987139111568752874?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ (00:20) Audio: Economist Arthur Laffer - "If you tax people who work, and you pay people who don't work, do not be surprised if you have a lot of people not working." https://x.com/redpilldispensr/status/1986721172759748978 (02:25) Audio: Socialism is killing America. Every time the government makes something affordable and accessible, it becomes unaffordable. https://x.com/LibertyCappy/status/1986584384770572486 (04:55) Audio: I let politics ruin my relationship with my mother - https://x.com/onebaddude_/status/1987579620208656395?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ (08:02) Patrick in Denver, CO - Does going to an Orthodox Church fulfill one's Sunday Obligation? How can I persuade a Catholic not to do this? (25:18) Roger - I was listening on my drive to work, and you were discussing Marxism. Have you ever read 'Awake Not Woke'? (36:42) Theresa - Does Jesus give His future and present Body to the Apostles? (40:15) A listener shares the answers Grok thinks Patrick Madrid would give (47:52) Originally Aired on 11-10-2025

Hour 3 12/5/25 Guest-host John Harper welcomes Terry Mattingly to discuss recent conversions to Orthodoxy (1:00), the Orthodox Church (2:31), caller: why my child left the Church (14:05), and the stability of faith (19:59). Then, Mary FioRito covers an abortion lawsuit affecting both California and Texas (26:55). Then, John shares one of his Advent traditions (42:06). Links: https://tmattingly.substack.com/about https://eppc.org/author/mary_fiorito/ http://x.com/maryfiorito

This week we're talking Christian unity, sparked by the Pope's recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. We get into the real stuff: why Catholics and Orthodox Christians still aren't on the same page, what keeps them apart, and why Fr. Simon politely said “nope” to an interview with an Orthodox priest. We also get honest about the big roadblocks—history, theology, culture—and why love and truth actually matter if unity is ever going to be a thing. Plus, we chat about Catholic–Orthodox marriages, the traditions that shape both communities, and, of course, the absolute blessing that is "Sacos Tacos." Featuring: Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Tristan Farida

Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture GetReligion.orgThe post A New York Times Article, “Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing with Converts” – Terry Mattingly, 12/3/25 (3371) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

For the Love of Women: Uprooting and healing Misogyny in America … GUEST Dorothy Little Greco ... writer & photographer who lives outside Boston ... The author of "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. The Night Everything Didn’t Change.... GUEST Chris Martin ... author of “Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media” … and most recently, “The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead” … his substack is chrismartinfyi … Chris lives outside Nashville w his family. When Grief like Sea Billows Roll Through Your Holidays… GUEST Daniel Darling … author of several books, including ”The Dignity Revolution,” “The Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up in the Story of Jesus,” and “The Characters of Easter: The Villains, Heroes, Cowards, and Crooks Who Witnessed History's Biggest Miracle (newest book)” 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.

I Corinthians 4:9-16 St. John 1:35-51 In this homily for the Feast of St. Andrew, Fr. Anthony contrasts the world's definition of success with the apostolic witness of sacrifice, humility, and courageous love. Drawing on St. Paul's admonition to the Corinthians, he calls Christians to recover the reverence due to bishops and spiritual fathers, to reject the corrosive logic of social media, and to return to the ascetical path that forms us for theosis. St. Andrew and St. Paul's lives reveals that true honor is found not in comfort or acclaim but in following Christ wherever He leads — even into suffering and martyrdom.  Enjoy the show! ---- St. Andrew Day, 2025 The Orthodox Church takes apostolic succession very seriously; the preservation of "the faith passed on to the apostles" is maintained by the physicality of the ordination of bishops by bishops, all of who can trace the history of the ordination of the bishops who ordained them back to one or more of the apostles themselves.  You probably already new that.  But there is another part of that respect for the apostles that you may not know of: the ranking of autocephalist (i.e. independent) national Churches.  The Canons (especially those of the Council of Trullo) give prominence to the five ancient patriarchates of Rome (Sts. Peter and Paul), Constantinople (St. Andrew), Alexandria (St. Mark), Antioch (St. Paul), and Jerusalem (St. James).   St. Andrew travelled into dangerous barbarian lands to spread the Gospel, to include the Middle East, and, most notably, then North to the lands around the Black Sea; Ankara and Edessa to the south of the Black Sea in what is now Turkey, to the East of the Black Sea into the Caucuses, and up to the North of the Black Sea to the Scythian lands into what is now Ukraine.  That was his first journey.  After this, he returned to Jerusalem and then went on his second journey to Antioch, back up into the Caucasus, out to the land of the dog-headed people in Central Asia, down through what is now Afghanistan to the Arabian Sea, and then back up through Persia and finally into Greece, where he was martyred. He sacrificed so much for the Gospel and brought so many souls to salvation through the Christ he himself knew, both before and after His glorious Resurrection.  His virtue and sacrificial service allow God's grace to flow into the world and he serves as the patron of several countries, cities, and all Christians who bear variations of His name such as Andrew, Andrei, and Andrea. As Orthodox Christians, we should know his story, ask for his intercession, and imitate his witness.  And everyone, whether Christian or not, should respect his virtue.  But does it?  Does it even respect virtue?  Do we? As Saint Paul points out in today's Epistle, many of us do not.  And don't think the problem was just in Corinth; St. John Chrysostom's homilies on this epistle show that the people there were at least as guilty.  And that was in the center of Eastern Orthodoxy, during the time of alleged symphonia between the Church and State.  Should there be any doubt that we, too, allow the world to define the sorts of worldly things we should prioritize? After all … What is it that the world respects in a man?  What is it that the world respects in a woman?  Think for a second what it is that impresses you the most about the people you admire – perhaps even makes you jealous, wishing that you had managed to obtain the same things. I cannot read your minds, but if you are like most Americans, the list would certainly include: A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) These are some of the things that many of you are either pleased to enjoy, regret not having obtained, or, if you are young, are currently striving for. The Apostles Andrew and Paul, gave up the possibility for all these things to follow Christ.  Not because they wanted to; not because God made them; they gave up the life of worldly comfort and respect because – in a culture and time as messed up as theirs was – this is the only Way to live a life of grace and to grow in love and perfection. A long, healthy life, without chronic pain or major physical injury? Nope – gave it up. A life free of indictment, arrest, or imprisonment? Nope – gave it up. The respect, admiration, and popularity of their peers? No again. Money, a big house, a vacation house, and the ability to retire comfortably (and early) I don't think so (unless a prison in Rome and martyrdom count!). Because St. Paul is writing as an Apostle, instructing a parish that he was called to lead, it is tempting to put his sacrifices into the category of "things that clergy do".  And clergy certainly should follow their example.  While my example is not so bright, you may know that I gave up a life of wealth, admiration, and the possibility of a comfortable retirement so that I could serve as a priest.  God has blessed that and protected me from harm, but the opportunity costs are real, nonetheless.   And while I am a pale shadow of him (and he of Christ), I, like the Apostle Paul, did these things not because I wanted to (I liked my life then!) and not because God made me, but because in a culture and time as messed up as ours is, such a life of simplicity and complete service to others is the only Way I can live a life of grace and to grow in love and towards perfection in Christ. I have made some sacrifices, but I know other clergymen who – in our time – have given up more.  Their entire lives given over to sacrificial servce to Christ.  Who have become experts in both academic theology and the real theology of constant prayer.  Who have and continue to lead their dioceses and Churches through such difficult times.  And yet, who, like St. Paul, are not only reviled by the world, but even by Orthodox Christians.  Yes, to paraphrase St. Paul, we are so smart and educated that we can criticize and heap piles of coal on their heads because we know so much more than they do – because they, like St. Paul, are fools.  We can trash-talk them on social media and applaud others who lead the charge against them because they are so weak and we are so strong. How long does it take for a Patriarch's priestly ministry to make him respectable in our sight?  For us to respect him, or at least to forebear him? It must be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Kyrril who has been leading his Church and people through an incredibly difficult time, as he believes the West works to undermine his people's faith and traditional Christianity everywhere. It must also be more than 55 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about Patriarch Bartholomew, as he works amidst the persecution of the government in the place he lives to bring Christians and Christians who have long been divided into and towards the unity for which we pray daily and which our God desires us to work towards. It must be more than 42 years, based on the things I have heard and read us saying about our own Patriach John, who has seen his people and Church crucified and persecuted and who seeks to encourage the local authorities to protect the weak and the Church and people he serves (while leading the people he serves in the West to avoid the excesses of liberty).   I hope you feel the shame, if not your own personal shame for having participated in slandering and judging our bishops and patriarchs, then feel shame for seeing the world and those Orthodox Christians who are living by its rules attacking them and questioning their virtue. This is the same shame that St. Paul was trying to elicit in Corinth.  Do you feel the shame?  If not, then the world, probably through social media, has deadened your noetic senses.  It is time for repentance.   And like St. Paul, I have to tell you that – while few of you may be called to priestly or monastic service – all of us are called to reject those things that the world has led us to value, because all of these things are like barrier between us and the eternal joy and perfection we were called to enjoy. Listen to me, my brothers and sisters, as I repeat the words of St. Paul we so desperately need to hear:   "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  Therefore I urge you, imitate me."   We do not have St. Paul as our father, but we have one of his successors, Patriarch John, and those whom he has assigned to us, such as Metropolitan Saba, Bishop John, and even this, your unworthy servant.  Let's stop giving attention to those who attack Orthodox clerics and thereby sow division within the Church and undermine its witness to others. Let's give up our attachment to this world and its ways.  Let's give up everything worldly we love, follow Christ, and gain the things that are really worth our love, admiration, and sacrifice.

What is a human—dust and breath, body and spirit—without tearing ourselves in two? Deacon Anthony (St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, San Diego) joins Cloud of Witnesses with hosts Mario Andrew, Jeremy Jeremiah, and John for a rich, practical conversation on an Orthodox vision of the whole person and the mind (phronema) of the Church.We trace a path away from the twin traps of indulgence (living by our appetites) and denial (pretending we're already angelic), toward a fearless embrace of reality in Christ. Through Scripture, the Fathers, and stories from parish life, Deacon Anthony shows how God meets us in the tangible—mud on eyes, bread and wine, water and oil—to heal the heart and remake our lives.In this episode you'll hear:Body & Soul together: why the Incarnation means Christianity is never “purely spiritual” or “only physical.”The phronema (mindset) of the Church: how a Christian way of seeing reshapes what we notice, how we judge, and whom we love.Using God-given tools rightly: judge ourselves, not our neighbor; fear sin, not repentance; hate the illness, not the person.Confession as healing: real accountability, a spiritual father, and why naming sin breaks its power.Community over isolation: salvation is ecclesial and relational—you can't be saved on an island.Heaven & hell begin now: entitlement and isolation taste like hell; humility and communion taste like heaven.Saints as role models: why children (and adults) need holy examples more than celebrities.Eucharist & the senses: why worship that engages sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch anchors faith in reality.If “symbolic religion” has felt thin—or if modern “live-your-truth” scripts leave you empty—this conversation offers a hopeful, time-tested alternative: sacrament, repentance, and daily love that form the whole person in Christ.Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home 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!

This week we look at the controversial subject of Christian Nationalism...including Scotland qualifying for the World Cup; the Ashes; Tommy Robinson and Christianity;  What is Christian Nationalism;  Nick Fuentes; Putin and the Orthodox Church; The Covid Report; Piers Morgan apologises to Novak Djovic; Country of the Week - Papua New Guinea;  Steve Chalke on Christian Nationalism; James Watson and DNA';  Greg Sheridan; The Last Word Psalm 33. with music from the Proclaimers, Prelude,  West Papua Gospel; Coldplay; Choir of the Srentsky monastry.

Bishop Daniel talks like a Texas Protestant in terms of Church Planting and giving your heart to Christ, but actually he is a bishop in the Orthodox Church in India where his father was born. His native village close to where the Apostle Thomas landed almost two thousand years ago. But Bishop Daniel is not part of the old Malankar Syriac Church in India, but of the Believers Eastern Church founded by his father who was consecrated by an Anglican Bishop and studied with Southern Baptists before founding this new Orthodox Church. Continuing his father's work in evangelization, Bishop Daniel is the leader of GFA World, which works to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard it to five million people in sixteen counties from East Africa to Southeast Asia—and growing—across (what we might call) the Indian Ocean World. What I admire most about his method how the GFA uses missionaries from these countries so that it is not an outside imposition but a local initiative, compatriot to compatriot, neighbor to neighbor. The GFA World website. The Revolution in Missions book (free). 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

The New York Times just ran a piece about a wave of new converts to Orthodox Christianity in the US, especially among young conservative men, the so-called “Orthobros”. The trend is largely driven by hard-line influencers on YouTube and other social media platforms, and has put parishes in uncharted territory. George Demacopoulos, the co-director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into the “Orthobro” phenomenon and what it means for the church.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With ConvertsAn ‘exceptional' brand looking for a new identityMitsotakis: Greece aims for ‘win-win' with US without undoing China deals

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel – Luke 19:11-28 – While people were listening to Jesus speak, He proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So He said,”A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'” After He had said this, He proceeded on His journey up to Jerusalem. Bishop Sheen quote of the day

This episode Dr. Jenkins concludes his series on the Council of Nicaea and its implications for the Orthodox Church.

This episode Dr. Jenkins concludes his series on the Council of Nicaea and its implications for the Orthodox Church.

At every Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church, we pray for a painless, blameless, and peaceful end to our lives. Yet when the end comes, there is often fear, chaos, and guilt. Join the Louhs and their guest, Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, as he discusses his new book, available in the Ancient Faith Store.

At every Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church, we pray for a painless, blameless, and peaceful end to our lives. Yet when the end comes, there is often fear, chaos, and guilt. Join the Louhs and their guest, Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, as he discusses his new book, available in the Ancient Faith Store.

Today Dr. Anders answers your questions including: Why does God allow suffering? Why is it difficult to reunite the Orthodox Catholic & the Orthodox Church? And talks about Purgatory and more.

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

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

Patrick explores cashless economies, challenges around taxation, socialism’s ripple effects on faith and family, and the wounds caused by political division. The episode moves from economic systems to fractured relationships, Catholic doctrine, and philosophical tactics, connecting political trends with everyday faith and forgiveness. Listener questions spark personal stories and practical advice, all threaded through Patrick's candid, sometimes witty exchanges. Audio: Why would the banks want to move away from cash? The only ones left with $100 is the banks https://x.com/rainmaker1973/status/1987139111568752874?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ (00:20) Audio: Economist Arthur Laffer - "If you tax people who work, and you pay people who don't work, do not be surprised if you have a lot of people not working." https://x.com/redpilldispensr/status/1986721172759748978 (02:25) Audio: Socialism is killing America. Every time the government makes something affordable and accessible, it becomes unaffordable. https://x.com/LibertyCappy/status/1986584384770572486 (04:55) Audio: I let politics ruin my relationship with my mother - https://x.com/onebaddude_/status/1987579620208656395?s=46&t=m_l2itwnFvka2DG8_72nHQ (08:02) Patrick in Denver, CO - Does going to an Orthodox Church fulfill one's Sunday Obligation? How can I persuade a Catholic not to do this? (25:18) Roger - I was listening on my drive to work, and you were discussing Marxism. Have you ever read 'Awake Not Woke'? (36:42) Theresa - Does Jesus give His future and present Body to the Apostles? (40:15) A listener shares the answers Grok thinks Patrick Madrid would give (47:52)

Fr. Moses McPherson, an Orthodox priest, had released a few videos explaining his problems with Catholicism. Joe gives his response. Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer and one of you recently asked in the comments if I would respond to some attacks on the Catholic Church made by a Russian Orthodox priest in YouTuber. Father Moses McPherson. Now if you’ve never heard of him, father Moses is a Protestant convert to Eastern Orthodoxy. He was originally ordained as a priest of the Orthodox Church of America, but left that for some reason to become Rus...

Patrick talks to several callers and addresses listeners' questions including: Theresa wants to know about Ayurvedic Body diet and how Catholics might look at this, Cayden wants to know why the Orthodox Church has more books in their bible than Catholics, and Michaela wants to know, what are Dominicans and Franciscans? In addition, Vincent brings up King Charles's visit to the Vatican and wonders if this is a sign that England is coming back to the Catholic Church. Patrick explains whether this is or is not likely. Theresa - Do you know anything Ayurvedic Body type diet and if that is okay for Catholics to do? Lisette - I went to kneel for the Eucharist and I was told to get up. Cayden - Why does the Orthodox Church have more books in the bible than Catholics? Michaela - What are Dominicans or Franciscans? Adam - Do Seventh Day Adventists believe that Jesus and St. Michael are the same people? Vincent - King Charles of England visits the Vatican. Is this a sign that England is coming back it to the Catholic Church?

1. Khmelnytsky and the Russian Imperial Project The discussion begins with the 1888 statue of Bohdan Khmelnytsky in Kyiv, symbolizing the 200-year quest to dominate Ukraine. Khmelnytsky, a 17th-century Orthodox nobleman, led a rebellion against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to protect the Orthodox Church and create a proto-Ukrainian state. Unable to win against Poland, he swore allegiance to the Tsar of Moscow, leading Russians to celebrate him as the unifier of Ukraine and Russia. Khmelnytsky intended a military alliance, but the Tsars viewed it as Ukraine fully joining Russia, gradually dismantling Cossack freedoms. By 1783, coinciding with the US Peace of Paris, Catherine the Great formalized Russia's imperial project, expanding to the Black Sea and integrating Crimea. Russia treated Ukraine as a colonial project, calling it "New Russia" and inviting diverse European settlers, seeking to force these people to become Russian, which Ukrainians resisted, forming the core of ongoing conflict. 1859 ODESSA