Podcasts about orthodox church

What if the world's brightest engineers aren't just building smarter tools—but opening a door to something older, darker, and more sinister? In this episode of The Russell Moore Show, RDM sits down with Paul Kingsnorth—novelist, essayist, and former pagan turned Orthodox Christian—to talk about his searing new book Against the Machine: On the Unmaking of Humanity. Kingsnorth argues that the technologies we treat as neutral conveniences may, in fact, be spiritual weapons. The internet as a giant Ouija board. AI not as invention, but as invocation. It sounds insane—until you realize the people creating these systems admit they don't fully understand them either. In this conversation, Kingsnorth tells the unlikely story of his journey from Wiccan witchcraft to baptism in the Orthodox Church, why he believes our cultural obsession with screens, sex, and selfhood is a trap, and why Christians in particular must stop treating technology as just another tool. What if it's more than that? What if, in chasing progress, we've been summoning something we cannot control? This isn't your average hand-wringing about iPhones or social media. It's a bracing, unsettling, and oddly hopeful dialogue about how to remain human in an age increasingly hostile to humanity itself. Listen in if you've ever wondered: Why AI feels less like a tool and more like a presence How paganism and environmentalism can point toward, but never satisfy, the longing for God What the “four pillars of the machine” are—and how they're shaping us without our consent Whether resistance to the machine is possible, and how communities of faith might embody it Resources mentioned in this episode: Against the Machine: On the Unmaking of Humanity by Paul Kingsnorth Savage Gods by Paul Kingsnorth Buccmaster Trilogy by Paul Kingsnorth Paul's Essay, “The Cross and the Machine” Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com  Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV has made unity a central aspect of his pontificate from his papal motto to gathering with leaders from the Orthodox Church. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about how unity in Augustinian spirituality has pervaded Pope Leo's actions and sayings to build a more unified Church.St. Augustine and the Augustinians emphasize unity in their spirituality and charism. Pope Leo XIV's experience in Augustinian spirituality has led to his emphasis on unity in his pontificate. Pope Leo stresses unity in his meetings with Augustinians, Orthodox Church leaders, and to all Christians in his actions and his speeches.Notes:Access the Pope Leo XIV PortalOn Mission: Papal HistorySpirituality and Prayer Through Religious CharismMore episodes about The Pope From the Ad Infinitum blog:In the One, We Are OneMore blogs about Pope Leo XIV Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

For the past 15 years, George has served as the Dean of the Orthodox Church in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Earlier in his career he was senior engineer at the National Research Nuclear University and a manager in the research laboratory for Russia Research Institute of Information Technologies, in Moscow. How does a scientist become a man of the cloth? You can find out through this episode! Atomic Shepherd is his newest book, his 20th. He has had nine novels and 11 books on theology published. He is a member of the Writer's Union of Russia, and has had over 100 journal or newspaper articles published. Atomic Shepherd was shortlisted by the Dostoyevskiy Literary Award. He has been interviewed by Russian TV's First Channel, Spas, and Culture, as well as numerous Moscow radio shows. Zavershinskiy resides in Spain but holds dual citizenship in Ireland and Russia. He is fluent in Russian, Spanish, French, English, and Ancient Greek. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557319811295 Give this a listen!This episode, like all episodes of If This Is True, brings forth what drives creatives to do what they do. For more of this content and interaction, you can also go to my substack, coolmite25.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pope Leo XIV has made unity a central aspect of his pontificate from his papal motto to gathering with leaders from the Orthodox Church. Listen to Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C share more in this segment of the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, about how unity in Augustinian spirituality has pervaded Pope Leo's actions and sayings to build a more unified Church.St. Augustine and the Augustinians emphasize unity in their spirituality and charism. Pope Leo XIV's experience in Augustinian spirituality has led to his emphasis on unity in his pontificate. Pope Leo stresses unity in his meetings with Augustinians, Orthodox Church leaders, and to all Christians in his actions and his speeches.Notes:Access the Pope Leo XIV PortalOn Mission: Papal HistorySpirituality and Prayer Through Religious CharismMore episodes about The Pope From the Ad Infinitum blog:In the One, We Are OneMore blogs about Pope Leo XIV Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

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.

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.

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref 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

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

You're listening to a podcast by Lance Lambert Ministries. For more information on this ministry, visit www.lancelambert.org or follow us on social media to receive all of our updates.Click here to find the full audiobook for The Importance of Covering: In today's episode, we'll be listening to chapter 8 of the audiobook for The Importance of Covering by Lance Lambert. In this chapter, narrated by Michael Cross, Lance applies the covering concept specifically to women's head covering in church, arguing that sisters serve as a living symbol to remind the entire church about spiritual covering, divine order, and dependence on Christ's authority.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Lance Lambert: The Importance of Covering(00:00:37) - Covering the Women(00:06:11) - 3. The Significance of Head Covering(00:11:54) - Head Covering in the Orthodox Church(00:19:14) - Covering the Woman's Head(00:26:54) - Eve taken out of Adam(00:34:29) - The sacred testimony of the Church(00:40:52) - The headship of Christ(00:48:41) - The covering of the Woman's hair

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orthodox Choreographies: Boundaries, Borders and Materiality in Jerusalem's Old City (Gorgias Press, 2024) offers a comprehensive anthropological study of lived Christianity in Jerusalem's Old City, with a special focus on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Anastasis. Based on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, the study explores the experiences of the Rum Orthodox community, examining their internal dynamics and relationships with other Christian groups. Within the Church of the Anastasis, complex interplays emerge, as fragile legal agreements intermingle with ethnic and theological considerations, resulting in a complex reality of shared spaces and coexistence. A materialist lens is employed to study these dynamics, suggesting that the material aspects of religious practices play a crucial role in shaping borders and influencing perceptions of similarities and differences across them. Outside the Church's confines, in the Old City of Jerusalem, lay Christians, especially the local Palestinian Orthodox, engage in 'border-crossing practices', which often deviate from the Orthodox Church's approved practice. These practices reflect the flexible strategies local Christians adopt in their everyday lives in Israel, challenging established norms and boundaries. By capturing these dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into shared sacred spaces and offers a significant contribution to debates in the anthropology of Christianity and its material culture. Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

In this episode of Finding Freedom, John Odermatt welcomes Buck Johnson from the Counterflow podcast to discuss breaking away from mainstream narratives. They explore Buck's journey from atheism to Christianity and how faith, culture, and liberty intersect in today's world. Buck shares the pivotal moments that led him to the Orthodox Church and how recent events have sparked spiritual revival. The conversation delves into the dangers of materialism, the importance of tradition, and the role of community in turbulent times. John and Buck reflect on the impact of political disillusionment and the need to focus on eternal truths over fleeting political victories. They also discuss the power of forgiveness, especially in the wake of tragedy. The episode offers encouragement for those feeling lost or nihilistic, emphasizing the hope found in faith. Listeners are invited to connect, share their thoughts, and explore further resources. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview01:28 – Buck Johnson's Background and Podcasting Journey06:02 – From Atheism to Orthodoxy: Buck's Faith Story16:00 – COVID, Lockdowns, and Spiritual Awakening27:00 – Faith, Politics, and the Limits of Libertarianism38:00 – The Power of Forgiveness and Recent Tragedies45:00 – Navigating Nihilism and Finding Community55:00 – Final Thoughts, Plugs, and How to Connect Links & Socials: Buck Johnson's Counterflow Podcast: https://counterflowpodcast.com/ Counterflow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CounterflowPodcast Counterflow on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CounterflowPodcast Buck Johnson on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/buckrebel Dissident Media: https://dissidentmedia.net/ John Odermatt on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/johndermatt John Odermatt on Instagram: https://instagram.com/johndermatt Email John: john@lionsofliberty.com Fox and Sons Coffee: https://foxandsons.com/ (use promo code JOHN for 15% off $40+) Care about your liberty and future? Don't miss the Expat Money Online Summit, October 10–12, hosted by Mikkel Thorup of the Expat Money Show. It's free to attend and features top experts on protecting wealth, securing second residencies, lowering taxes, and owning property abroad. Upgrade for lifetime replay access and VIP panels with promo code LIONS for 20% off. We have a new show on Lions of Liberty! The Politicks Podcast! Be sure to subscribe to the standalone Politicks Podcast feed. This is the absolute best way to support the show! Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And remember, they're all Blood Suckers! Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed to listen to “Pursuit of Freedom,” which is a new podcast series where John shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter Rumble YouTube Instagram Telegram Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Finding Freedom, John Odermatt welcomes Buck Johnson from the Counterflow podcast to discuss breaking away from mainstream narratives. They explore Buck's journey from atheism to Christianity and how faith, culture, and liberty intersect in today's world. Buck shares the pivotal moments that led him to the Orthodox Church and how recent events have sparked spiritual revival. The conversation delves into the dangers of materialism, the importance of tradition, and the role of community in turbulent times. John and Buck reflect on the impact of political disillusionment and the need to focus on eternal truths over fleeting political victories. They also discuss the power of forgiveness, especially in the wake of tragedy. The episode offers encouragement for those feeling lost or nihilistic, emphasizing the hope found in faith. Listeners are invited to connect, share their thoughts, and explore further resources. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview01:28 – Buck Johnson's Background and Podcasting Journey06:02 – From Atheism to Orthodoxy: Buck's Faith Story16:00 – COVID, Lockdowns, and Spiritual Awakening27:00 – Faith, Politics, and the Limits of Libertarianism38:00 – The Power of Forgiveness and Recent Tragedies45:00 – Navigating Nihilism and Finding Community55:00 – Final Thoughts, Plugs, and How to Connect Links & Socials: Buck Johnson's Counterflow Podcast: https://counterflowpodcast.com/ Counterflow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CounterflowPodcast Counterflow on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CounterflowPodcast Buck Johnson on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/buckrebel Dissident Media: https://dissidentmedia.net/ John Odermatt on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/johndermatt John Odermatt on Instagram: https://instagram.com/johndermatt Email John: john@lionsofliberty.com Fox and Sons Coffee: https://foxandsons.com/ (use promo code JOHN for 15% off $40+) Care about your liberty and future? Don't miss the Expat Money Online Summit, October 10–12, hosted by Mikkel Thorup of the Expat Money Show. It's free to attend and features top experts on protecting wealth, securing second residencies, lowering taxes, and owning property abroad. Upgrade for lifetime replay access and VIP panels with promo code LIONS for 20% off. We have a new show on Lions of Liberty! The Politicks Podcast! Be sure to subscribe to the standalone Politicks Podcast feed. This is the absolute best way to support the show! Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And remember, they're all Blood Suckers! Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed to listen to “Pursuit of Freedom,” which is a new podcast series where John shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter Rumble YouTube Instagram Telegram Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Finding Freedom, John Odermatt welcomes Buck Johnson from the Counterflow podcast to discuss breaking away from mainstream narratives. They explore Buck's journey from atheism to Christianity and how faith, culture, and liberty intersect in today's world. Buck shares the pivotal moments that led him to the Orthodox Church and how recent events have sparked spiritual revival. The conversation delves into the dangers of materialism, the importance of tradition, and the role of community in turbulent times. John and Buck reflect on the impact of political disillusionment and the need to focus on eternal truths over fleeting political victories. They also discuss the power of forgiveness, especially in the wake of tragedy. The episode offers encouragement for those feeling lost or nihilistic, emphasizing the hope found in faith. Listeners are invited to connect, share their thoughts, and explore further resources. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview01:28 – Buck Johnson's Background and Podcasting Journey06:02 – From Atheism to Orthodoxy: Buck's Faith Story16:00 – COVID, Lockdowns, and Spiritual Awakening27:00 – Faith, Politics, and the Limits of Libertarianism38:00 – The Power of Forgiveness and Recent Tragedies45:00 – Navigating Nihilism and Finding Community55:00 – Final Thoughts, Plugs, and How to Connect Links & Socials: Buck Johnson's Counterflow Podcast: https://counterflowpodcast.com/ Counterflow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CounterflowPodcast Counterflow on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CounterflowPodcast Buck Johnson on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/buckrebel Dissident Media: https://dissidentmedia.net/ John Odermatt on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/johndermatt John Odermatt on Instagram: https://instagram.com/johndermatt Email John: john@lionsofliberty.com Fox and Sons Coffee: https://foxandsons.com/ (use promo code JOHN for 15% off $40+) Care about your liberty and future? Don't miss the Expat Money Online Summit, October 10–12, hosted by Mikkel Thorup of the Expat Money Show. It's free to attend and features top experts on protecting wealth, securing second residencies, lowering taxes, and owning property abroad. Upgrade for lifetime replay access and VIP panels with promo code LIONS for 20% off. We have a new show on Lions of Liberty! The Politicks Podcast! Be sure to subscribe to the standalone Politicks Podcast feed. This is the absolute best way to support the show! Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And remember, they're all Blood Suckers! Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed to listen to “Pursuit of Freedom,” which is a new podcast series where John shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow the Lions of Liberty: Twitter Rumble YouTube Instagram Telegram Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store for all of our awesome t-shirts, mugs and hats! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode introduces our series on Orthodox Christian virtue, beginning with the call to authentic masculinity. Fr. Anthony explains that true manhood is humble, courageous, and sacrificial, and can only be formed through living a life in fellowship with others. ------------- Introduction to our Series on Orthodox Christian Virtue Men's Group, Christ the Saviour in Anderson SC Fr. Anthony Perkins, 28 September 2025 Etymological note: the word “virtue” is from the Latin virtus, which means strength, manliness, and moral excellence.  The trick is not to redefine moral virtue around fallen concepts of manliness, but to regain the sort of masculinity that is, by its nature, both strong and godly (ie, holy). Why a Series on Orthodox Christian Masculinity? ·      Men struggle with the development of a proper goal and worldview that would allow them to thrive, specifically as Christian men. ·      Men increasingly lack sound role models and guides, but there are many influencers who would fill that role for all the wrong reasons and give bad advice. ·      This combination of high demand and unreliable supply means that everyone suffers; men who are called to be part of the solution to the problem of the world's pain instead increase it. ·      The Orthodox Church is the fullness of the faith, but has addressed this problem inconsistently (Note on the book “Why Men Hate Going to Church”).  It is great to have Orthodox influencers addressing the issue, but this happens at the expense of building the kind of community would and should naturally foster community.  Men can watch videos, listen to podcasts (do men even read books anymore?!), and increase their tribal commitment to virtue, but unless they are in the trenches with other men committed to the same goal and part of a system that blesses and supports the goal and its pursuit, this is idle posturing.  o   This is the problem of superficial mentorship: ideas without connection or skin in the game. (incomplete or bad ecclesiology).  It is both gnostic (because it is anti-incarnational) and Protestant (in that each person becomes their own guide, moving to the idea/guru that matches their inclinations rather than joining and submitting to something substantial and real). o   The temptation of clericalism.  Leaving all teaching and mentoring to the parish priest. (incomplete or bad ecclesiology) o   As on the internet, the men who might want to step up and fill this void may not be suited for it because they lack the proper temperament, manner of life, experience, or training.  (Self-selection is bad ecclesiology.) Remember Matthew 15:14b on the blind leading the blind. ·      This is NOT a series that is going to present THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF MASCULINITY ™ so that we can all adjust our minds to its reality.  Lord willing, it will teach the right ideas, but that is not how real spiritual formation happens. ·      It is a series that is part of our effort to create a community of men who not only understand masculine virtue and commit themselves to its achievement, but also one where we train and work towards that standard together.  So it includes NOT JUST ideas of manliness but intentionally develops scalable ecclesial institutions that incarnate the living of those ideas through the brotherly support, mentorship, encouragement, and accountability. Your role in the process: commitment to living a life of virtue in community with others. My role in the process and why I am the leader of our local chapter ·      Long-standing commitment to Christian virtue and all the sacrifices that entails; as well as the many blessings that have followed. ·      Married thirty-five years.  ·      A respected and decorated leader in the Army, community, and Church. o   Retired Military Intelligence Chief Warrant Officer with deployments throughout the world, to include two to Afghanistan. o   Three master's decrees: political science, divinity, and special education. o   Ordained as a priest in 2007, have been teaching seminary since 2008; and have served in multiple leadership positions in the national church and at seminary. ·      Trained and experienced in the concepts of teamwork, spiritual development, community, and theology. ·      A lifetime of experience teaching these concepts and discipling others to teach them in the military, academia, parishes, seminary, and on the internets. If I were into self-promotion or social media, these might get me a following; but the real reason that I am the leader of the process is ontological, that is to say baked into our reality: I am the legitimately and canonically ordained priest assigned by our bishop to the priest – that is to say the “elder” and pastor – of this parish.  This would be true even if I had never served in the military, taught at seminary, or enjoyed the benefits of a healthy marriage.  It is accepting the fact that we “go to war with the army and leaders we have, not the ones we want” that allows us to get traction in doing the work we are called to do.  We might gain a rudimentary understanding of what we are called to do and be as Christian men from our favorite Orthodox influencers on the internet, but if we are more attached to them and their virtual communities than the leaders and community in which we actually live, then we are setting ourselves up for failure.  The Church has been perfecting the saints for many centuries without the internet; it is foolishness to jettison that system in favor of one that has not been tested and is known to be skewed towards narcissism and exaggeration.  So here are the objectives of this series: ·      To provide a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christian Masculinity that each of us can defend and commit ourselves to. ·      To provide tools that will allow us to grow in personal holiness, first by dealing with our fallen “manly” temptations (anger, lust, gluttony, manipulation, and just checking out) and second by the acquisition of a peaceful, confident, and humble spirit. ·      To provide the tools – and not just the ideas! – to lead our family, communities, and parish. ·      To develop and intentional community of men, with mentorship, discipleship, and accountability. ·      That mentorship includes o   The expectation that every man will go to confession regularly and schedule meetings with his priest as necessary.  We should be going to confession AT LEAST FOUR TIMES A YEAR; the ideal is once a month. o   The development of horizontal friendships with other men IN THIS PARISH for encouragement, accountability, and the deepening of Christian love. o   Each of us will develop and maintain a relationship with a mentor.  You can have more than one mentor, just like you can go to more than one priest for confession, but the point is that salvation is LOCAL.  Again, you don't go to war with the army and leaders you want, but with the one we have.  The temptation is to Americanize ecclesiology through the internet and to turn the local stable of churches and paraliturgical communities into our very own spiritual buffet.  Didn't we say we wanted to give that way of thinking up when we became Orthodox? These mentors are: §  [NAME] §  [NAME] §  [NAME] §  [NAME] o   Why these?  §  They are old.  Let no man despise your youth, but a healthy culture has a special place and respect for gray beards.  Younger men are wonderful spiritual brothers and we should rely on them for such.  They can certainly be leaders in other ways, AND it is our job (and especially mine and the mentors) to disciple them so that they are able to do a better job than us when their beards turn gray.  This is within the spirit of having age requirements for formal ordination. §  They have been committed Orthodox Christians for a while.  This is important because it takes time for Orthodoxy to gain traction.  No one doubts the novice's commitment, but experience is required for mentorship.  Again, this is in line with the spirit of ecclesial norms: Canon Law prohibits the ordination of novices.  ·      Think of it as a kind of apprenticeship, but one where we are all already active life-smiths, but need a good system to help us improve the quality of our work. So what is Orthodox Christian Masculinity? ·      The way of a man committed to living out his faith humbly, courageously, and sacrificially in service to God, family, and community. o   Humble o   Courage (confidence) o   Sacrificially: DUTY!!!  Get up and do something!  Reliability.  “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” —Theodore Roosevelt We are doing great deeds together.  To the glory of God and the transformation of the world.. Future classes: Mentors are going to lead.  Spiritual discipline and asceticism.  How to build a strong and safe home.  Financial asceticism.  How to protect and serve the weak and vulnerable.  In the meantime, commit yourself to being a reliable and godly man.  Peaceful and strong.  Give up things that distract you and build up habits that will make you better.  Lead your family in prayer, lead them in going to church; encourage your friends to be godly and hold them accountable in private when needed, and live the kind of Cross-carrying life that transforms your souls towards perfection and brings peace and joy to those around you.  

In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Laura Thornton of the McCain Institute, David Smith of the Moldova Small Enterprise Alliance, and Corina Rebegea of Accountability Lab about Moldova's pivotal parliamentary elections. With Russia deploying disinformation, crypto scams, and even the Orthodox Church as tools of influence, the stakes extend far beyond Chisinau. The panel unpacks how this “multi-vector war” could reshape Moldova's democratic trajectory, impact Ukraine and Romania, and alter the balance of security across Europe.

The modern era has led to advancements in biblical studies, but also to numerous controversies resulting from modern biblical criticism. What is "biblical criticism" and does it have any benefits? How does the Orthodox Church understand the Bible and its interpretation?

How does the Orthodox Church understand the relationship between Scripture and tradition?What happens if someone tries to interpret Scripture apart from tradition?What does it mean that Communion is a union of the bridegroom and the bride?Support this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donateGrab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses: https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-clarifiedJoin the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig...Use Manychat to automate a quick DM! It's great for sending links fast.https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/nd14879vojabStan.Store—way better than Linktree! It lets me share links, grow my email list, and host all my podcast stuff in one place.https://join.stan.store/biblicallyspeakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate Rev'd Archpriest Michael Butler has been a priest for 30 years, serving parishes in Michigan and Ohio. He has a BA in archetypal psychology, an MA in theology, and a PhD in church history & patristics. He has taught at university and trained men for the diaconate. He has worked with the Foundation for Research in Economics and the Environment (Bozeman, MT), the Liberty Fund (Indianapolis, IN), and the Acton Institute (Grand Rapids, MI) on interdisciplinary work in environmentalism, economics, religion, literature, philosophy, politics, social justice, and natural law. For 30 years he has been interested in men's work, especially in the areas of rites of passage, masculine archetypes, sacred space/time, and initiation. He is always looking for ways that traditional Orthodox psychology, spirituality, and practice can help everyone today become the best they can be. He is married to Annette, his wife of 40 years, and has two grown sons. When he's not at home, or at church, or in conversation with someone over coffee, he'll likely be at the gym, pumping iron.Recommended reading from Fr. Michael Butler:The Orthodox Faith: Volume I–IV by Fr. Thomas Hopko — a concise, practical overview of doctrine, worship, and spirituality. - https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faithOrthodoxy and Natural Law — Lecture / writing by Fr. Michael Butler himself - https://rlo.acton.org/archives/56420-fr-michael-butler-orthodoxy-and-natural-law.htmlThe Spiritual Life and How to Be Attuned to It by St. Theophan the Recluse — a deeply pastoral guide to Orthodox spirituality. - https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Life-How-Be-Attuned/dp/0938635360Follow Biblically Speaking on Instagram and Spotify! https://www.instagram.com/thisisbiblicallyspeaking/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBPaQj...

Sunday after the Exultation of the Cross Galatians 2:16-20; St. Mark 8:34-9:1 On the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross, Fr. Anthony reflects on Christ's call to “take up your cross and follow Me.” Drawing on the imagery of military service, he shows how the Christian life demands selfless duty, not comfort, as we bear the Cross in love rather than mere suffering. He contrasts the marketer's dream of the radiant sun with the scandal of the Cross, explaining why the Church, in wisdom, sets the Cross—not the Sun—as its banner. In Christ, the Cross becomes not a sign of death, but the Tree of Life that transforms our pain into victory and joy. ___ Homily: the Cross and the SunThe Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross “Take up your cross and follow me” There are many ways to understand this command. Many take it as God's way of saying we need to put up with all the sufferings that our bodies give us.  That's true, but there's more to it that. I want to use the example of the soldier to explain how.  In the army, we would sing as we walked. It made the time go by more quickly, developed camaraderie, and taught us some valuable life lessons. One of the most popular went like this: 82nd patch on my shoulder, pick up your chutes and follow me, Airborne infantry, 10th Mountain patch on my shoulder, pick up your rucks and follow me, Mountain Infantry. That is what comes into mind every time I hear; “take up your cross and follow me”. The new verse might go something like this; Christ the Saviour patch on my shoulder pick up your cross and follow me, Christian infantry. Why is this useful? Think about it: what are these things that the soldiers are picking up? Why do they pick them up?  They use these things to battle the nation's enemies.  They use these things to protect their families and keep their nation safe.  Most of all, these things are used in selfless service and duty for something other than themselves. Why do we pick up the cross? For the same reason. Selfless service and duty for something other than ourselves. Is there suffering involved?  Yes. Soldiers suffer. But it's not about the suffering, it's about the love (call it duty, that's fine).  Yes. Christ suffered. But it's not about the suffering; its about the love. Is there suffering involved for us? Yes. But we don't count it as suffering. It is just the cost of doing what is right. The Cross: A marketer's nightmare Have you ever thought about the implications of having the Cross as our standard?  It isn't the kind of thing that a marketing team would come up with.  After all, who would market their product by saying, “Try this – it will cause a lot of pain!”  Marketers would have chosen the wonderful image of the Sun: it gives warmth, allows things to grow, and makes it so that we can see things as they really are.  Plus, in English at least, it is a homophone for “the Son”, so putting the “Sun of Righteousness” on our shields and chests could still be a witness of our reverence for Christ, our King and God. The Sun of Righteousness People love the sun.   I probably took it for granted growing up in the south, but after living in New England and other parts of the North for most of my adult life, I love and appreciate it even more now.  A sunrise after a long and difficult night gives new hope; a warm sun after a trying winter brings new life to tired bones.  Another tie-in that would make this a shoe-in for the marketing team is that we orient our churches to the East so that we can await the coming of the Messiah – again, the “Sun of Righteousness”.  The sun is such a huge part of our human subconscious, and it resonates with our Christian theology – surely it would be a better advertisement of the healing and resurrection power of the Church than a cross! Think about it!  The cross is the opposite of the sun.  The sun builds up life, the cross destroys it.  The sun gives comfort and warmth, the cross brings pain.  Everyone recognizes the value of the sun; the only ones who value the cross are tyrants and psychopaths – and they certainly don't want it for themselves.  The marketers wring their hands, wondering who could possibly be attracted by such a symbol! The Logic of the Cross of Christ So why the cross?  I have told you before that when the Orthodox Church reveals something to me that doesn't make sense, I rejoice because it means I am about to learn something new and grow as a Christian. [Leave aside the fact that non-human representations of Christ are problematic, e.g. the 82nd Canon of the Council of Trullo…] The Sun might have been the perfect emblem for us if we had not broken our covenant with God in the Garden of Eden.  Just as plants in the well-tended garden mature upwards towards the rays of the Sun, we were made to grow naturally towards the goodness emanating from the Christ.  Take a look sometime at the iconography from Genesis, chapter one.  There is a series by Michael Kapeluk available from the Ancient Faith Store, but the originals are in the chapel of St. Thomas at All Saints Camp in Northwestern PA, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on God's green earth.  Those icons provide a literal depiction of Christ in human form, bringing all the forms of creation into being (we recite this truth in the Creed every day; Christ is the one “through whom all things were made”).   Had we not chosen to grow according to our own will instead [a will that has become increasingly warped], we would have grown toward Christ from blameless simplicity into perfection, moving from blessing to blessing for all eternity.  So, to reiterate, the sun might have been a useful image for Christian theosis had we never fallen. This idea [of the Sun as our banner] is still attractive to us now because we want to pretend that the love God has for us is strong enough to grow us into joyful perfection all on its own.  We want to pretend as if we have no flaws that access to better sun and soil could not overcome.  The problem is, to continue the agricultural metaphor in the same way Jesus often did, [the problem is] that our roots are ruined.  They can grow nothing but nettles and weeds.  Without correcting the fatal flaws inherent within us, better soil and sunlight will only make for a bigger patch of poison ivy – it cannot turn that ivy into grape vines, wheat, or roses.  And even that result [that is, of bigger weeds] is only for the short term – Christ tells us what will happen to such weeds in the long term: they will be thrown into the fire (St. Matthew 13:30).   The Sun of Righteousness is a dead-end for weeds!  Our roots must be removed and our branches grafted to the True Vine in order for the rays and heat of the Sun of Righteousness to bring us everlasting growth and goodness.  Pruning is painful.  Grafting takes effort.  No one wants to do it, but the untended garden is a curse to your yard.  No one wants to do the work, but we know we have to.  So here's the segue: We must be grafted to the Tree of Life, and that Tree is the Cross. Why We Love the Cross The Cross is the work of salvation.  Putting to death the old man so that the new one can live in Christ – this is how we are transformed into perfection.  Yes, it will be painful.  Excising sin and unhealthy habits is not a lot of fun.  But it has to be done.  It's not a lot of fun to be patient and charitable in the face of hatred and stupidity, but that is the path of transformation.   We crucify our own sins, nailing them to the cross so that we can be forgiven and learn to live without them, but we are also crucified by a world that quickly turns against those who truly live in Christ and have Him living in them.   If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; (John 15:18-20a) If we desire salvation, if we desire joy, if we desire to do good, then we must sew on that patch, deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Christ.  Being a Christian is not easy – we are sinful and so is the world we live in – but it is the only right and rational thing to do.  If we are comfortable as Christians, then we aren't really trying.  The Cross is not comfortable, but it is our sign and symbol because it is the only path to victory. Epilogue All of you know pain.  All of you are tortured by crosses.  I have known you long enough to know the pain this world causes you.  For many of you, that pain and confusion has multiplied over the last couple of weeks.  Those crosses are real.  The pain they cause is real.  There is no end to the number of crosses in this world, but there is only one cross that saves, and that is the Cross of Christ.  We cannot choose what this world does to us, we cannot avoid the pain this world inflicts on us – but if we live our pain as Christ did on the Cross, our pain will transform us into invincible warriors and holy saints and this world into a garden of grace and delight.   All other crosses lead inexorably to death, but the Cross of Christ is the way of eternal peace and perfection.  

“Never Orthodox.” Famous last words.“I will never become Orthodox.”  And he meant it. He was days away from getting Sola Scriptura tattooed on his kneecaps—ink as conviction—when his closest friend, James St. Simon, entered the Orthodox Church. The line he'd sworn by began to wobble.What changed him wasn't a debate or a takedown. It was prayer.  Join Cloud of Witnesses discussion between Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, James St. Simon, and special guest, Orthodox Catechumen, Eddie.  “My heart has always been about prayer,” Eddie says. “My Protestant background told me to pray. Orthodoxy showed me how to pray.” He found “step one” clarity—morning and evening prayers, psalms on the lips, a simple rule that steadied the heart when emotions ran thin. Prayer moved from improvisation to communion.Others recognized the same hunger. James realized his spontaneous prayers had drifted into performance—aimed at people, not God. Mario found freedom from the anxious loop of “Am I saying enough? Am I praying right?” The ancient patterns didn't smother the Spirit; they formed the heart—Scripture-soaked, Christ-centered, time-tested.Then came the moment Eddie couldn't shake. During the Divine Liturgy, his two-year-old tried to make the sign of the cross—clumsy, sincere, unforgettable.“This is why Christianity outlasts civilizations and fashions,” Eddie reflects. “It isn't just for us—it's for them, when we're gone.”The man who almost branded Sola Scriptura into his skin is now learning the rhythms of ancient Christianity—not rejecting Scripture, but receiving it within the prayer-shaped life of the Church. The vow “never Orthodox” didn't end in an argument. It ended in adoration.If you've ever said your own version of “never,” or longed for a prayer life that's deeper than resolve and stronger than mood, Eddie's journey is your invitation. Look again at the ancient paths.Subscribe for more stories that bridge ancient faith and modern discipleship, and consider supporting us on Patreon for uncut conversations and extended testimonies.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 TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

​​A HOMILY of Fr David SmithSt Sophia's Orthodox Church in Syracuse, New Yorkfrdavidsmith.comstsophias.org

​​A HOMILY of Fr David SmithSt Sophia's Orthodox Church in Syracuse, New Yorkfrdavidsmith.comstsophias.org

​​A HOMILY of Fr David SmithSt Sophia's Orthodox Church in Syracuse, New Yorkfrdavidsmith.comstsophias.org

When the Beat Stopped: The One Who Found His Faith AgainBefore the hospital gowns and machines, Kyle David kept time for a living—a professional drummer and percussionist whose life moved in rhythm. Then a hurricane evacuation from New Orleans spiraled into a fight with COVID pneumonia, and the beat of everyday life stopped.What followed was a grueling medical odyssey: three hospitals, 50 days in ICU, a month-long coma, and moments when he was declared clinically dead—twice. Doctors said his only chance was a double-lung transplant. Airlifted to San Diego, Kyle spent nearly seven months learning to breathe, speak, and walk again.Somewhere in that long valley, Kyle's faith cracked. He prayed what felt like his last honest prayer:“Lord, either heal me miraculously now—or let me come home. I can't do this another day.”Silence seemed to answer back. For the first time, the drummer who had grown up with church in his bones felt the tempo of belief slipping away.Then came the moment he thought might be his last. During a brief outing from the hospital, Kyle's portable life-support machine failed. With a tracheostomy tube and seconds to spare, he rose from his wheelchair and shouted so nurses and his mother could hear:“Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.”If this was the end, he wanted his final words to be his clearest.Days later, a matching set of donor lungs became available. On March 3, 2022, surgeons performed the transplant that saved his life. Recovery was slow and humbling—scales and rudiments, but for breathing. Yet as his lungs healed, something deeper healed, too. The God who seemed silent in the ICU met him again—quietly, steadily, mercifully.Kyle describes what happened next as a re-tuning of his soul. The brushes became sticks; the metronome clicked again. His near-death season led him into the ancient prayers and steady rhythms of Eastern Orthodox worship, where he found a church that helped him rebuild his life in Christ with reverence, beauty, and community.“If I hadn't walked through that fire,” Kyle says, “I might never have discovered this path. My suffering became a blessing in disguise.”Kyle's story is more than a medical miracle. It's a testimony for anyone who's suffered long, doubted hard, and wondered if the music of faith was finished. God did not waste the silence. He used it to write a new song.Hear the full conversation on Cloud of Witnesses—Kyle's journey from a failing heartbeat to a living hope, from the edge of unbelief to a renewed confession of Jesus as Lord. Subscribe for more stories of lives transformed when grace meets the impossible.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 TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

St Maxim was born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1888. At this time all Orthodox Churches had been captured and subjected to the "Unia," by which, though keeping the Orthodox liturgical rites, they were united to the Roman Catholic Church. Many of the Carpatho-Russian people were ignorant of the change and what it meant; others were unhappy with it but, in their subject condition, saw no alternative. Maxim's farmer parents, at great personal sacrifice, obtained an education for him that enabled him to study for the priesthood at the Basilian seminary in Krakow. Here he discerned the un-Orthodox nature of the "Greek Catholic" training there and traveled to Russia, where he became a novice at the Great Lavra of Pochaev and met Archbishop Anthony (Khrapovitsky), who encouraged him in his quest for Orthodoxy. (Archbishop Anthony, after the Russian Revolution, became the first Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad). He entered seminary in Russia in 1905 and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1911.Metropolitan Anthony, knowing the hardships and persecutions that awaited any Orthodox priest in Austro-Hungary, offered to find Maxim a parish in Russia. But Maxim was already aware of the hunger for Orthodoxy among many of the Carpatho-Russian people; several people from his village had travelled to America and while there had attended Orthodox Churches and confessed to Orthodox priests. They begged him to return to his country and establish an Orthodox parish there.   When he returned to his native village of Zhdynia, the polish authorities, seeing him in the riassa, beard and uncut hair of an Orthodox priest, mocked him, saying "Look, Saint Nicholas has come to the Carpathians!" But the people of nearby Hrab sent a delegation asking him to set up an Orthodox parish in their village. This he did, setting up a house-church in the residence that the people gave him. Almost immediately, he and his people began to be harassed and persecuted, first at the instigation of "Greek Catholic" priests, then of the government. His rectory/church was closed, and he and several of his parishioners were repeatedly jailed, sometimes on trumped-up charges of sedition. (The Carpatho-Russian people were always suspected of pro-Russian political sympathies by the Austrian and Polish authorities).   Despite these persecutions, through Fr Maxim's labors a wave of desire for Orthodoxy spread through the region, with many Carpatho-Russians openly identifying themselves as Orthodox. The government issued orders to regional mayors to forbid those who had identified themselves as Orthodox to gather and, in 1913, appointed a special commissioner whose task was to force the people to return to Catholicism.   In 1914, war broke out between Russia and Austro-Hungary. Despite lack of any evidence that Fr Maxim had engaged in pro-Russian political activity — he once said "My only politics is the Gospel" — he was arrested and executed on September 6 by the Papal calendar, August 24 by the Church Calendar. He was denied any form of Church burial, and his father buried him with his own hands.   Following the First World War, Orthodoxy became legal in the new Polish Republic, and a monument was placed over Fr Maxim's grave in his home town of Zhdynia. In 1994, the Orthodox Church of Poland officially glorified St Maxim.

As Catholics, we're familiar with the seasons of the Church year. We know to mark the days of Advent and Lent. We know that Easter lasts fifty days and that Christmas, too, is more than just a 24-hour period of time. We know that we spend most of our time in days called ordinary — and of course, we're reminded of all of these seasons by the colors the priests wears at Mass. But here's a season you may have missed — it's a green season, yes. But I wouldn't call it ordinary. And right now, we're celebrating — we're in it! I'm talking about the Season of Creation. I know — it's not a liturgical season. But as of 2019, Pope Francis has invited us to mark this important moment of the year as a time to recall our Gospel mission to care for creation. The season begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and runs through October 4, which is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. What's more, the Season of Creation isn't just a Catholic thing. In fact, the Orthodox Church as been commemorating this season in some way since 1989. And so, the Season of Creation is a time not just to seek God out in the created world, but to do so in the company of others — people of other denominations, other faiths. We care for our common home, and we necessarily do so together. Today's guests are here to talk to us about this important season — and to invite us to participate in a Pilgrimages of Hope to mark both this particular moment on the calendar and this Jubilee Year. Dan Misleh is the founder of the Catholic Climate Covenant and has been working at this intersection of ecology and the Catholic church for decades. Prior to beginning the Covenant, he worked at the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Annie Fox is the provincial assistant for social ministry organizing in the Jesuits US West Province. She has more than thirteen years of grassroots organizing experience, and is passionate about interfaith relationship building. You'll hear Annie speak quite powerfully about the importance of these pilgrimages, and so as you listen, if you find yourself moved to organize one of your own, I hope you'll check out the links below. We have a lot of good stuff to resource you and your communities during this Season of Creation. Pilgrims of Hope for Creation: https://catholicpilgrimsofhope.org/ Catholic Climate Covenant: https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/ Video on Youth Pilgrims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucyABWXcYEQ Register for high school workshops: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVzdNfLoPggBfuttCulaP8q6SA0uQbo_DcwoB2g9Cog/edit?tab=t.0 Register for college and university workshops: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7aGaPyAgQSOP0O0y52xRSg#/registration More about the Season of Creation: https://seasonofcreation.org/about/

When to get help for your Marriage… 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. When will Meta stop trying to hurt Children? 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. GUEST Frederica Mathewes-Green … author of "The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God," and "Welcome to the Orthodox Church".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St. Matthew 19:16-26 (Rich Young Man) Hebrews 9:1-7 In this homily, Father Anthony reflects on the Gospel of the rich young man, reminding us that salvation is more than meeting a minimum standard—it is a lifelong journey toward holiness. He shows how Christ gently leads us beyond comfort, calling us to surrender our attachments, whether wealth, time, opinions, or fears, in order to live in love and trust before God. Through the practice of kenosis, or self-emptying, we learn to soften our hearts, grow in grace, and allow Christ to transform us into His likeness. NOTE: The prayer that Fr. Anthony references at the beginning of the homily is: "The Holy Spirt shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee." It is from St. Luke 1:35, with the Archangel Gabriel pronouncing this blessing upon the Virgin Mary.  As Fr. Anthony notes, the Orthodox Church uses this blessing liturgically during the Divine Liturgy.

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When Evangelical Zeal Meets Ancient Christianity: A Conversation Between FriendsWhat happens when two long-time friends—one a passionate evangelical content creator, the other a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian—sit down inside a church filled with ancient icons to talk about faith, history, and what it means to follow Jesus? In this compelling and heartfelt dialogue, David Latting and Ben Langlois (Orthodox Luigi) offer something rare: a conversation marked by both conviction and deep mutual respect.Though they come from very different traditions, David and Ben's friendship sets the tone for an honest, disarming exchange. David opens up about his spiritual journey—how intense theological debates with Muslims drove him to investigate church history, and how walking through ancient cathedrals awakened a hunger for something deeper than modern formulas. In a moment of raw vulnerability, he describes being moved to tears during an Orthodox liturgy, even while remaining rooted in his Protestant community. “I want to break that wall,” he says, referring to the misconceptions that often prevent evangelicals from seriously engaging with Orthodoxy.Ben responds not with defensiveness, but with clarity and grace. He explains Orthodox Christianity's understanding of apostolic succession, the theological meaning of icons as “windows into heaven,” and how salvation is seen not as a one-time event, but a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. His insights are never presented as a challenge to Protestant faith, but as an invitation to consider the historical richness of the early Church.Together, David and Ben reflect on the hunger many Christians feel today for worship that is Christ-centered, reverent, and historically rooted. They share a mutual concern about the rise of personality-driven church culture and discuss how liturgical structure and ancient rhythms offer spiritual depth that many young believers are longing for.What makes this conversation so meaningful isn't just the exchange of ideas—it's the way both men keep Jesus at the center. They demonstrate how friendship, humility, and shared love for the gospel can bridge even deep theological divides.Whether you're Protestant, Orthodox, or simply curious about the richness of Christian tradition, this conversation invites you to reflect more deeply on your own faith journey. Could exploring the ancient paths of the Church help you walk more closely with 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 TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

On this week's AP Religion Minute, the Orthodox Church in America prays for the Trump-Putin in Alaska. AP correspondent Walter Ratliff reports.

St. Isaac's counsel confronts the modern temptation toward self-promotion, verbal dominance, and the illusion of expertise. In a time when our culture prizes quick answers, visible influence, and a polished public persona, his words cut against the grain. He reminds us that the deepest authority is not rooted in rhetoric or clever disputation, but in the quiet radiance of a virtuous life. Humility, expressed in meek speech, modest bearing, restraint in judgment, and continual learning, guards the soul from the injury of familiarity and the snares of pride. For those in the spiritual life today, this means resisting the lure of proving ourselves in debates, curating our image for approval, or speaking beyond what we have truly lived. It is an invitation to clothe our knowledge in tears and fasting, to let the wisdom of the Church shape our vision, and to guard our minds from curiosities that puff up rather than purify. Such a way seems “small” in the eyes of the world, yet it opens the heart to the grace of God, the only true teacher. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:10:58 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 145. Paragraph 20 00:12:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 145, mid-page # 20 2nd paragraph on page 00:13:11 Zack Morgan: no 00:24:51 Anthony: This goes so much against the grain of the Classical Greek world: being a public person and a public corrector after the manner of Socrates 00:40:14 Anthony: I found the spirit of blasphemy is contagious from people who proclaim they are righteous but take delight in showing the faults of others. I wish I could shake it off. 00:40:25 Una: Any practical suggestions for those of us whose knees are shot and can't do prostrations anymore? 00:45:55 Ben: I think St. Seraphim of Sarov said something about continual prayer supplying for the inability to fast. Could one hope that the same could be said about an inability to perform other ascetical works, like prostrations? 00:54:02 Ren Witter: How does one discern when one's conscience differs from widely held beliefs in the Church because it is malformed, and when it differs but is in fact formed well? I am thinking of immediate, small things obviously, but also St. John Chrysostom, who experienced exile from the institutional Church, and who had such confidence in his own conscience that he could say “they have the churches, but we have the truth” ? 00:55:18 Anthony: Replying to "Any practical sugges..."   There's something about prayer being the highest ascetical work. Maybe in Evergetinos. 00:59:28 Mary

This week on The Narrative, CCV Policy Director Mike Andrews and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Pavel Unguryan and Diyana Gabyak to hear firsthand what's happening inside Ukraine and why Christians there are facing some of the fiercest persecution in recent history. From churches being shut down to believers being targeted for their faith, Ukraine's war is not only a battle for territory, it's a battle for the soul of a nation. Before the conversation, the guys share about the recent launch of the Christian Education Network and the leaders who came to Ohio this week to learn more about launching their own state networks. They also talk about the recent Supreme Court rumblings of overturning the Obergefell decision that legalized same-sex "marriage." MORE ABOUT PAVEL UNGURYAN Pavel Unguryan is a distinguished politician, public servant, and long-time leader within the Ukrainian Baptist Union. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Conservative Movement, a nationwide organization headquartered in Kyiv with branches across all 24 regions of Ukraine. The movement unites hundreds of thousands of citizens and fosters partnerships among more than 20 national religious associations, including Protestant organizations, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. MORE ABOUT DIYANA GABYAK Diyana Gabyak is an entrepreneur, faith-driven leader, and unwavering advocate for strong families, conservative values, and transformative leadership. With 25 years of experience as a worship leader, she has dedicated her life to faith, service, and uplifting others. She serves as a board member in multiple worldwide ministries, working tirelessly to support orphaned and foster children, rebuild lives, and create a future filled with hope and opportunity. Diyana and her husband, Vladimir, live in northern Ohio with their five children. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the Orthodox Church in America prays for the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. AP Correspondent Walter Ratliff reports.

Pro-Russian western people love to use 'tradition Christian values' when they argue their position. They mistakenly presume that what these values mean must be the same both for them and for Russians. This episode should clear any such delusions, because to the vatniks, they are no better than everyone else - in fact, western conservatives should abhor Russian 'traditional values' more than anyone else, as vatniks prefer their God-Emperor and Imperrium over, you know, Jesus. To the point that even the Orthodox Church itself - the proper one, that exists outside Russia - considers them blasphemers. So, grab your pitchforks and torches, put on your pointed had and let's burn some heretics, there's a LOT of blasphemy in this episode.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remembering Suffering and Resistance investigates the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in shaping memory politics in Serbia following the fall of Slobodan Milošević. It argues that in periods of societal instability, religious institutions mobilise their memory potential to reaffirm their public relevance. The study analyses the Church's mnemonic strategies—both liturgical and non-liturgical—within post-socialist, post-conflict, and post-secular contexts. By engaging in diverse commemorative practices, Hofmeister argues, the Church effectively reasserted its authority and legitimacy in Serbia's public sphere after 2000. Iva Glisic is a historian and art historian specialising in modern Russia and the Balkans. 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

Remembering Suffering and Resistance investigates the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in shaping memory politics in Serbia following the fall of Slobodan Milošević. It argues that in periods of societal instability, religious institutions mobilise their memory potential to reaffirm their public relevance. The study analyses the Church's mnemonic strategies—both liturgical and non-liturgical—within post-socialist, post-conflict, and post-secular contexts. By engaging in diverse commemorative practices, Hofmeister argues, the Church effectively reasserted its authority and legitimacy in Serbia's public sphere after 2000. Iva Glisic is a historian and art historian specialising in modern Russia and the Balkans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

Remembering Suffering and Resistance investigates the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in shaping memory politics in Serbia following the fall of Slobodan Milošević. It argues that in periods of societal instability, religious institutions mobilise their memory potential to reaffirm their public relevance. The study analyses the Church's mnemonic strategies—both liturgical and non-liturgical—within post-socialist, post-conflict, and post-secular contexts. By engaging in diverse commemorative practices, Hofmeister argues, the Church effectively reasserted its authority and legitimacy in Serbia's public sphere after 2000. Iva Glisic is a historian and art historian specialising in modern Russia and the Balkans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

What Does Femininity Look Like in the Orthodox Church?In a culture that often misunderstands tradition, Orthodox Christianity may seem, at first glance, like a “Christian fraternity” — rigid, exclusive, or overly male-centered. But as Ben and Ashley Langlois (popularly known as Orthodox Luigi and his wife) reveal in this heartfelt conversation, nothing could be further from the truth.Orthodoxy offers women a deeply rooted spiritual home—one that honors the unique dignity, strength, and calling of femininity in ways that may feel unfamiliar to many raised in Western expressions of Christianity.For many women, the journey into the Orthodox Church begins with hesitation. Some arrive simply to support a spouse or out of spiritual curiosity, only to find themselves quietly wondering, “What did I just get myself into?” But what often begins in uncertainty becomes a path to profound spiritual fulfillment. In Orthodoxy, they discover a Church that doesn't conform to modern trends, but instead reaches deep into the soul with its ancient beauty, reverence, and rhythms of grace.Here, femininity is not erased or sidelined, but transfigured. It finds its voice in sacred service, quiet strength, and spiritual motherhood. Women in the Church lead choirs, bake the communion bread (prosphora), create feasts for the saints, and nurture the life of the parish. Even practices that may seem strange at first—like veiling—take on new meaning. As one convert put it, “We cover what is holy and what is of value.”This transformation doesn't happen overnight. To embrace Orthodoxy often means learning to see the world through new eyes—to “think Orthodox.” Dr. Jeannie Constantinou's book Thinking Orthodox has become a trusted guide for many women making this transition, helping them understand the Orthodox “phronema” (mindset) and begin to live it out.And this faith isn't just personal—it's communal. Orthodox parishes are vibrant with shared life, centered not around programs or performances, but the Eucharist. After services, parishioners gather for meals that often stretch for hours. In those long conversations over food, true Christian fellowship takes root.Whether you're simply curious about Orthodoxy or wondering how to talk with your spouse about your growing interest in the ancient faith, this conversation between Ben and Ashley will meet you with honesty, encouragement, and hope.Join us as we explore what it means to be a woman of faith in the Orthodox Church—and how the ancient path still leads us home today. Subscribe now and become part of a community rediscovering the beauty of Christ's Church in the modern world. Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ 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 TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

GUEST Dorothy Littel 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. How Social Media shortens your Life ... 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”. The Feast of Christ's Transfiguration … GUEST Frederica Mathewes- Green … 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.

In a cultural landscape where moral ambiguity and deconstructed families often dominate the screen, Fantastic Four surprises with a radiant affirmation of traditional family values and the sacredness of life. Beneath its retrofuturistic flair and cosmic spectacle lies a profoundly human—and dare we say, Christian—story about sacrificial love, the dignity of motherhood, and the redemptive power of faith. Join Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and James St. Simon in this fun discussion.At the heart of the film is Sue Storm, portrayed not as a feminist caricature or action trope, but as a luminous embodiment of maternal virtue. Faced with an excruciating moral dilemma—whether to sacrifice her unborn child to save the world—Sue refuses to accept a utilitarian calculus that pits life against life. Her courage to say "no" to both evil and compromise resonates deeply with the Christian ethic: that every life is sacred, and that love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Her choice is not merely heroic—it's holy.Equally powerful is the portrayal of Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal. Rather than the tired stereotype of the aloof or foolish father, Reed is depicted as both brilliant and tender—a husband who listens, leads, and loves. Their marriage is a partnership of mutual respect and shared mission, echoing the biblical vision of man and woman as complementary reflections of God's image (Genesis 1:27).The film's most striking spiritual parallel may come through the Silver Surfer—a fallen messenger transformed by love and conscience. Once a herald of destruction, she embraces self-sacrifice to save others, offering a compelling image of redemption that echoes Christ's words: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).Even Galactus, the film's cosmic antagonist, serves as a cautionary symbol: a voracious void of endless consumption, mirroring the spiritual danger of living without purpose or communion. He is the anti-Christ figure—not in religious terms, but in the sense of being the embodiment of appetite without love, power without sacrifice.In an era where storytelling often strips heroism of moral clarity and downplays the beauty of family, Fantastic Four feels like a breath of fresh air—an invitation to remember that true strength is not found in spectacle or self-interest, but in the willingness to love, protect, and give.If this is the direction Marvel is heading, there is reason for hope. Hollywood, it seems, may be rediscovering what Scripture has always affirmed: that the greatest stories are the ones that mirror the greatest truths.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 TikTok.Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Before the American Revolution took off, a wealthy Virginian aristocrat named Philip Ludwell III made a bold and baffling decision—he became an Eastern Orthodox Christian. In an age where Catholicism was suspect and Protestant conformity was king, Ludwell’s journey into Orthodoxy was more than unusual—it was nearly unthinkable. In this special episode, we follow Ludwell’s story from Williamsburg to London, into the Orthodox Church, and through the tangled legacies of religion, property, slavery, and family that carried all the way to Texas and the Civil War. This is the forgotten story of the most unlikely Founding Father. #OrthodoxHistory #PhilipLudwell #AmericanReligiousHistory #EarlyAmerica #HistoryPodcast #PapacyPodcast #ColonialAmerica #OrthodoxChurch #FoundingFathersSupport the show:Buy me a coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/historyofthepapacyPatreon: http://patreon.com/historyofthepapacy Buy me a book: http://bit.ly/40ckJ8E Have questions, comments or feedback? Here are ways to contact me:Email Us: steve@atozhistorypage.comHow to listen: https://www.atozhistorypage.com/podcastMusic Provided by:"Sonatina in C Minor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Funeral March for Brass" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Crusade Heavy Perfect Loop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Agnus Dei X - Bitter Suite Kevin MacLeaod (incomptech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in Russia in 1836, he became one of the great Orthodox missionaries of modern times. As a boy, he resolved to become a missionary in the far East. With the counsel and blessing of Bishop Innocent of Siberia and Alaska, he went to Japan in 1861 and joined a small Russian mission there. Though the mission's official purpose was to minister to the Russian consular community, the consul-general who invited Hieromonk Nikolai hoped to bring the light of the Orthodox Faith to the Japanese people as well. Realizing that he could only hope to convert the Japanese people if they understood one another well, Fr Nikolai immersed himself in the study of Japanese thought, culture and language. Over the course of his life he translated most of the Bible and most of the Orthodox services into Japanese, and became a fluent speaker of the language. He encountered much resistance: Preaching of Christian doctrine was officially banned in Japan, and a Samurai once approached him with the words "Foreigners must die!" It was this same Samurai who later became his first Japanese priest. In 1880 he was elevated to Bishop of Japan. During the Russo-Japanese war he remained in Japan and labored successfully to overcome nationalist strife that might have harmed or destroyed the Church in Japan. He encouraged all his Japanese faithful to pray for the Japanese armed forces, though he explained that as a Russian he could not do so, and excluded himself from all public services for the duration of the war. He sent Russian-speaking Japanese priests to the prison camps to minister to Russian prisoners of war. At the time of his repose in 1912, after forty-eight years in Japan, St Nikolai left a Cathedral, eight churches, more than 400 chapels and meeting houses, 34 priests, 8 deacons, 115 lay catechists, and 34,110 Orthodox faithful. The Church of Japan is now an autonomous Orthodox Church under the mantle of the Moscow Patriarchate.

“Why isn't everyone Christian?” This episode explores the complexities of faith and belief, addressing questions such as why baptism in the spirit isn’t more prominent in Mass, the appropriateness of a Catholic music award show, and how to approach confession after a long absence. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:02 – Why don't we hear more about baptism in the spirit in Mass? 15:46 – Is it appropriate to have a Catholic music award show? 22:11 – Did God create everything we see now at the moment he created the heavens and the earth? 28:46 – How do I approach confession after many years of not going? 32:27 – Is there a summary of laws from the Old Testament that no longer apply to Christians? 38:43 – What is clothing etiquette for mass? 45:47 – A family member fell away from the faith into the Orthodox Church? Why do the Orthodox re-baptize Catholics? 50:37 – Mt. 16:19, if the Church is infallible then how do you explain selling indulgence and other corruptions? I’m not repeating myself

My guest this week is a priest monk who heads up the Orthodox Africa mission. He is Father Silouan Brown. We discuss what missionary work looks like in the Orthodox Church, the trials and tribulations Father Silouan has been through to get things going, the blessings from St. John Maximovich, and more. This is an edifying and touching discussion. To find out more about this mission, go here:  Sponsors: Fox n Sons Coffee: Code: BUCK15 Perfect Spiral Capital: Get the new Counterflow T-shirt before it sells out! Visit or send $30 via PayPal to buck@counterflowpodcast.com with your size and shipping address! Donate to the show here:   Visit my website:   Audio Production by Podsworth Media:   Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Proclus was the uncle of Hilarius; both were from Kallippi in Asia during the reign of Trajan. When Proclus was brought to be tried as a Christian, the judge asked him 'Of what race are you?' Proclus answered 'I am of the race of Christ, and my hope is in my God.' When the judge threatened to torture him, he said 'When you are afraid to transgress the Emperor's commands and risk falling into temporal punishment, how much more do we Christians fear to transgress against God's commands and fall into eternal torment!' When Proclus was given over to torture, his nephew Hilarius came forward and proclaimed 'I too am a Christian.' After torture, both were condemned to death; Proclus was crucified and Hilarius beheaded.   Imagine how the Orthodox Church would benefit if, when we were asked 'Of what race are you?' the first answer that came to mind was not 'I am Greek, Russian, Serbian...' but 'I am of the race of Christ!'

My guest this week has had a journey full of twists and turns on his way to the Orthodox Church. He was raised as a charismatic and became and avid reader. His intellectualism drove him to question his parents and their faith. Once they had no answers, he fell away from that faith. Join us as we take you through the journey that followed, including a stop at theistic satanism. The good news is that we end at a happy place. To contribute to Father Ignatius and our parish casket-building fund, or to order a casket, go here:   Sponsor: Fox n Sons Coffee: Code: BUCK15 Get the new Counterflow T-shirt before it sells out! Visit or send $30 via PayPal to buck@counterflowpodcast.com with your size and shipping address! Donate to the show here:   Visit my website:   Audio Production by Podsworth Media:   Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Author Joseph P. Farrell makes his first appearance on the show to uncover the hidden layers of the American Civil War you've never heard about. We discuss the strange case of mystery airships tied to the Sonora Aero Club and the cryptic art of Charles Dellschau. Farrell reveals how Lincoln's decision to issue greenbacks forced him into secret financial negotiations with Prussia, while France and England prepared for intervention—with troops staged in Mexico and Canada. Meanwhile, Russia, fresh from ending serfdom, warned the West: back the South, and we'll join the North—with warships to prove it. The conversation also explores the West's long war against the Russian Orthodox Church, religious corruption, and the deeper truth behind the phrase “those who bless Israel.” A powerful and eye-opening debut Please check out Joseph P Ferrell's Books: https://bit.ly/3GlSZYr Please subscribe to the new Tin Foil Hat youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@TinFoilHatYoutube Check out Sam Tripoli new crowd work special "Black Crack Robots" now for free. https://youtu.be/_FKugOeYaLc Check out Sam Tripoli's 2nd New Crowd Work Special “Potty Mouth” on YouTube for free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22j3Ds5ArjM Grab your copy of the 2nd issue of the Chaos Twins now and join the Army Of Chaos: https://bit.ly/415fDfY Check out Sam "DoomScrollin with Sam Tripoli and Midnight Mike" Every Tuesday At 4pm pst on Youtube, X Twitter, Rumble and Rokfin! Join the WolfPack at Wise Wolf Gold and Silver and start hedging your financial position by investing in precious metals now!  Go to samtripoli.gold and use the promo code "TinFoil" and we thank Tony for supporting our show. LiveLongerFormula.com: Check out LiveLongerFormula.com/sam — Christian is a longevity author and functional health expert who helps you fix your gut, detox, boost testosterone, and sleep better so you can thrive, not just survive. Watch his free masterclass on the 7 Deadly Health Fads, and if it clicks, book a free Metabolic Function Assessment to get to the root of your health issues. CopyMyCrypto.com: The ‘Copy my Crypto' membership site shows you the coins that the youtuber ‘James McMahon' personally holds - and allows you to copy him. So if you'd like to join the 1300 members who copy James, then stop what you're doing and head over to: CopyMyCrypto.com/TFH You'll not only find proof of everything I've said - but my listeners get full access for just $1  Want to see Sam Tripoli live?  Get tickets at SamTripoli.com: San Diego:  Sam Tripoli and Tin Foil Hat Comedy Live July 17th-19th https://americancomedyco.com/collections/sam-tripoli-live-july-17-19   Boston, MA:  Tin Foil Hat Comedy Night Headlines Nick's Comedy Stop  August 1st https://www.nickscomedystop.com/event-details/special-event-tin-foil-hat-comedy-with-sam-tripoli-and-eddie-bravo-live   Broadbrook Ct: Tin Foil Hat Comedy and Swarm Tank at 8pm on August 2nd https://broadbrookoperahouse.thundertix.com/events/246069   Please check out Joseph P Ferrell's internet: website: https://gizadeathstar.com     Please check out Sam Tripoli's internet: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/samtripoli Please Follow Sam Tripoli's Stand Up Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@SamTripoliComedy Please Follow Sam Tripoli's Comedy Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/samtripolicomedy/ Please Follow Sam Tripoli's Podcast Clip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolispodcastclips/   Thank you to our sponsors:  HIMS: No man wants to lose his hair, but for men, it's actually very common. And now with Hims, the solution is simple. Try Hims' hair loss solutions and you'll be joining hundreds of thousands of subscribers who got their flow back.  Start your free online visit today at Hims dot com slash TINFOILHAT.  That's hims.com/TINFOILHAT for your personalized hair loss treatment options. Hydro: Hydrow's kind of my secret weapon for a full-body workout. It hits like 86% of your muscles-arms, legs, core, all of it-and I can knock it out in 20 minutes. Super efficient, and it actually works. Skip the gym, not the workout-stay on track with Hydrow! For a limited time go to Hydrow dot com and use code TINFOILHAT to save up to $475 off your Hydrow Pro Rower during Hydrow's Memorial Day Sale! That's H-Y-D-R-OW dot com code TINFOILHAT to save up to $475. Hydrow dot com code TINFOILHAT. Mint Mobile: Switch to Mint and new customers can get half off an Unlimited plan until February 2. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, go to Mintmobile.com/tinfoil