Podcasts about Orthodoxy

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

We return to Constantinople to see what's been happening there as the seventh century progresses. First stop: the philosophical/theological synthesis of Maximus the Confessor, whose highly-apophatic synthesis of Late Platonist metaphysics and ascetic practices marks a milestone in the development of Christian `mysticism'.

This illustrious light of Orthodoxy in the Western Church was born in Gaul in 349, but his widowed mother took the family to Rome while he was still a small child. Brilliant and well-educated, he was made a provincial Governor in 375 and took up residence in Milan. In those days, the Arian heresy was still dividing the Church, despite its repudiation at the Council of Nicaea in 325. When the time came to elect a new Bishop in Milan, the Orthodox and Arian parties were so divided that they could come to no agreement on a new Bishop. When Ambrose came as Governor to try to restore peace and order, a young child, divinely inspired, called out "Ambrose, Bishop!" To Ambrose's amazement, the people took up the cry, and Ambrose himself was elected, though he tried to refuse, protesting that he was only a catechumen (it was still common in those days to delay Holy Baptism for fear of polluting it by sin). He even attempted to flee, but his horse brought him back to the city. Resigning himself to God's will, he was baptized and, only a week later, elevated to Bishop. Immediately, he renounced all possessions, distributed all of his money to the poor and gave his estates to the Church. Straightaway, he entered into a spirited defense of Orthodoxy in his preaching and writings to the dismay of the Arians who had supported his election. Soon he persuaded Gratian, Emperor of the West, to call the Council of Aquilea, which brought an end to Arianism in the Western Church. (Arianism, however, continued to prosper among the barbarian nations for many years; see the Martyrs of Africa, also commemorated today).   Several times the holy Bishop was called upon to defend the Church against domination by the secular powers. Once, putting down an uprising in Thessalonika, the Emperor Theodosius punished the city by ordering the massacre of thousands of its residents. When the Emperor later visited Milan and came to the Cathedral to attend the Liturgy, Saint Ambrose stopped him at the door, condemned his crime before all the people, forbade him entrance to the church and excommunicated him for eight months. The Emperor went away weeping, and submitted in humility to the Church's discipline. When he returned after long penance to be restored to Communion, he went into the sanctuary along with the clergy, as had been the custom of the Emperors since Constantine the Great. But again the holy Ambrose humbled him in the sight of all the people, saying "Get out and take your place among the laity; the purple does not make priests, but only emperors." Theodosius left without protest, took his place among the penitents, and never again attempted to enter the sanctuary of a church. (When the Emperor died, it was Bishop Ambrose who preached his funeral eulogy).   Saint Ambrose, by teaching, preaching and writing, brought countless pagans to the Faith. His most famous convert was St Augustine (June 15), who became his disciple and eventually a bishop. Ambrose's many theological and catechetical works helped greatly to spread the teaching of the Greek fathers in the Latin world. He wrote many glorious antiphonal hymns which were once some of the gems of the Latin services.   Saint Ambrose reposed in peace in 397; his relics still rest in the basilica in Milan.

This video is a clip of my stream "Why Orthodox Christianity Is the Future of America" If you would like to watch the entire stream please click the following link. https://youtube.com/live/r6lO7M0D82U Thumbnail and Clips: iPak Arts: https://linktr.ee/ipak_arts

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

"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine Empire, Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.   "When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them. Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)

In this conversation, Stewart Alsop sits down with Ken Lowry to explore a wide sweep of themes running through Christianity, Protestant vs. Catholic vs. Orthodox traditions, the nature of spirits and telos, theosis and enlightenment, information technology, identity, privacy, sexuality, the New Age “Rainbow Bridge,” paganism, Buddhism, Vedanta, and the unfolding meaning crisis; listeners who want to follow more of Ken's work can find him on his YouTube channel Climbing Mount Sophia and on Twitter under KenLowry8.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Christianity's tangled history surfaces as Stewart Alsop and Ken Lowry unpack Luther, indulgences, mediation, and the printing-press information shift.05:00 Luther's encounters with the devil lead into talk of perception, hallucination, and spiritual influence on “main-character” lives.10:00 Protestant vs. Catholic vs. Orthodox worship styles highlight telos, Eucharist, liturgy, embodiment, and teaching as information.15:00 The Church as a living spirit emerges, tied to hierarchy, purpose, and Michael Levin's bioelectric patterns shaping form.20:00 Spirits, goals, Dodgers-as-spirit, and Christ as the highest ordering spirit frame meaning and participation.25:00 Identity, self, soul, privacy, intimacy, and the internet's collapse of boundaries reshape inner life.30:00 New Age, Rainbow Bridge, Hawkins' calibration, truth-testing, and spiritual discernment enter the story.35:00 Stewart's path back to Christianity opens discussion of enlightenment, Protestant legalism, Orthodox theosis, and healing.40:00 Emptiness, relationality, Trinity, and personhood bridge Buddhism and mystical Christianity.45:00 Suffering, desire, higher spirits, and orientation toward the real sharpen the contrast between simulation and reality.50:00 Technology, bodies, AI, and simulated worlds raise questions of telos, meaning, and modern escape.55:00 Neo-paganism, Hindu hierarchy of gods, Vedanta, and the need for a personal God lead toward Jesus as historical revelation.01:00:00 Buddha, enlightenment, theosis, the post-1945 world, Hitler as negative pole, and goodness as purpose close the inquiry.Key InsightsMediation and information shape the Church. Ken Lowry highlights how the printing press didn't just spread ideas—it restructured Christian life by shifting mediation. Once information became accessible, individuals became the “interface” with Christ, fundamentally changing Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox trajectories and the modern crisis of religious choice.The Protestant–Catholic–Orthodox split hinges on telos. Protestantism orients the service around teaching and information, while Catholic and Orthodox traditions culminate in the Eucharist, embodiment, and liturgy. This difference expresses two visions of what humans are doing in church: receiving ideas or participating in a transformative ritual that shapes the whole person.Spirits, telos, and hierarchy offer a map of reality. Ken frames spirits as real intelligible goals that pull people into coordinated action—seen as clearly in a baseball team as in a nation. Christ is the highest spirit because aiming toward Him properly orders all lower goals, giving a coherent vertical structure to meaning.Identity, privacy, and intimacy have transformed under the internet. The shift from soul → self → identity tracks changes in information technology. The internet collapses boundaries, creating unprecedented exposure while weakening the inherent privacy of intimate realities such as genuine lovemaking, which Ken argues can't be made public without destroying its nature.New Age influences and Hawkins' calibration reflect a search for truth. Stewart's encounters with the Rainbow Bridge world, David Hawkins' muscle-testing epistemology, and the escape from scientistic secularism reveal a cultural hunger for spiritual discernment in the absence of shared metaphysical grounding.Enlightenment and theosis may be the same mountain. Ken suggests that Buddhist enlightenment and Orthodox theosis aim at the same transformative reality: full communion with what is most real. The difference lies in Jesus as the concrete, personal revelation of God, offering a relational path rather than pure negation or emptiness.Secularism is shaped by powerfully negative telos. Ken argues that the modern world orients itself not toward the Good revealed in Christ but away from the Evil revealed in Hitler. Moving away from evil as a primary aim produces confusion, because only a positive vision of the Good can order desires, technology, suffering, and the overwhelming power of modern simulations.

Beneath the surface, Israel is fighting for the soul of its religion — and most of us don't even see the battle lines. In this episode of Madlik Disruptive Torah, Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz are joined by Professor Adam S. Ferziger to explore the quiet revolution reshaping Israeli Judaism. Drawing on his new book, Agents of Change, Ferziger reveals how American Modern Orthodoxy—its values, institutions, and worldview—has profoundly influenced Religious Zionism and the broader Israeli religious landscape. From the tension between nationalism and modernity to the emergence of a new Israel-born generation, we uncover the cultural, political, and spiritual crossroads Israel now faces. Beneath the surface, Israel is fighting for the soul of its religion—and American Jews are playing a bigger role than anyone expected. Key Takeaways American Modern Orthodoxy Has Become a Quiet Force in Israeli Judaism Israeli Religious Zionism Is Splitting Into Two Distinct Paths Israel's Next Generation of Leaders Will Be Religious — But Neither Haredi or National Religious Timestamps [00:00:00] Jacob returns from exile with wealth, family, and a new identity; exile reframed as productive, not just punishment. [00:01:00] Intro to Professor Adam Ferziger and his book Agents of Change about American Jews reshaping Israeli Judaism. [00:02:00] Host sets the frame: modern Orthodoxy's influence on Israeli religious life, education, feminism, and LGBTQ inclusion. [00:03:00] Ferziger's personal story: gap year yeshiva, Aliyah in 1987, building family and rabbinic life in Kfar Saba. [00:04:54] Early political snapshot: the failed "Meimad" experiment and how Anglo moderates felt marginal and deviant. [00:06:36] Shift in the 2000s: religious-Zionist camp diversifies; modern Orthodox voices gain legitimacy and visibility. [00:09:05] Explaining American Modern Orthodoxy: Torah plus general culture, YU, day schools, Rav Soloveitchik's synthetic model. [00:14:10] Rise of "Hardal": nationalist-Haredi style religiosity, stricter halakha, and a more redemptive, messianic Zionism. [00:21:45] The "agents of change": eight American rabbis/educators whose Israeli students indigenize and radicalize their ideas. [00:34:15] Why this matters beyond religion: "Israeli Judaism" and how moderate Orthodox trends may shape Israel's future leadership. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Sefaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/692993 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/ Adam Ferziger's Book https://nyupress.org/9781479817559/agents-of-change/  

Unity sounds simple until you try to build it without a shared center. We take listeners inside the lived tension of modern Protestant life: a movement born from reform that still reforms itself into new churches, new brands, and new streams whenever conviction collides with leadership and local control. From the Reformers' early disagreements to today's non-denominational megachurches, hosts Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and Michael trace how authority, interpretation, and personality shape the health of congregations—and why splits feel inevitable when a pastor retires or launches a fresh vision down the street.We examine why Protestant unity remains elusive, especially for Dillon Baker, host of The Protestant Gentleman, (https://www.youtube.com/@theprotestantgentleman/videos) how non-denominational structures fuel repeated splits, and why so many seekers turn to older, historic forms of Christianity. We share lived stories, weigh online apologetics trends, and offer practical next steps rooted in church history.• the claim that Protestantism functions as serial reformations• structural fragility in non-denominational leadership models• real case of a founding pastor splitting a congregation• growth versus true flourishing in church life• online apologetics momentum and confidence gaps• questions to test practice against early Christian history• counsel to study church history before choosing a church• invitation to explore Orthodox parishes as a concrete stepAlong the way, we unpack a candid story of a founding pastor pushed to retire who planted a new church and took half the congregation, and we ask what that choice demands of ordinary people. Are they comparing preaching styles, or discerning which community is more biblically faithful? We zoom out to the online apologetics landscape where prominent voices admit Protestants are “losing” the debate on history and continuity. That candor points to a deeper hunger: believers want a faith that is ancient, coherent, and recognizable across centuries, not just persuasive proof texts. The guiding question becomes, Where have Christians practiced this?We offer a practical path forward. Start with church history: the first centuries, the councils, the formation of canon, and the worship life that carried the Gospel through persecution and empire. Test present practices against the witness of the early Church. Many seekers find themselves drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy for its conciliar authority, sacramental life, and stable doctrine—less an escape from Scripture than a home where Scripture, tradition, and worship live together. Whether you remain Protestant or explore Orthodoxy, you'll leave with sharper questions, clearer criteria, and a stronger sense of what flourishing looks like beyond weekly attendance numbers.If this conversation helps you or someone you love, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review with the biggest question you're wrestling with right now. Your voice shapes where we go next.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Orthodoxy by proxy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent years, many observers have noted a quiet shift within Mormon communities: a decline in strictly orthodox adherence and a rise in what some call “cultural Mormons.” While orthodox members continue to ground their identity in traditional doctrine and practice, growing numbers of people maintain a connection to Mormon heritage, values, and community without fully embracing institutional expectations or literal belief. This shift reflects broader social trends—such as increased access to information, changing family dynamics, and evolving views on identity—that allow individuals to reinterpret their relationship with faith. The result is a more diverse spectrum of Mormon experience, where cultural belonging and personal spirituality often coexist alongside, or apart from, orthodox belief.Mormonish is joined by Unoriginal Jim to unpack all the nuance of orthodox v. cultural Mormons!Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast!***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you'd like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: mormonishpodcast@gmail.com

Msgr. Pope and Father Larry join Bill to discuss the Pope's recent visit with leaders from Orthodoxy and Islam and they address a recent NCR article on young priests leaving ministry

In this stream I discuss the latest news regarding attacks on Orthodoxy in America, the radicalization of Muslims in the West, and the continued broken promises of the Trump Administration. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless

Step past the beige sparse walls and into a Sunday that sparks big questions about worship, history, and truth. Jeremy Jeremiah reacts to the video that walks you through an LDS sacrament meeting—from the first hymn to the closing prayer—and hold its practices up against the standards of historic Christianity. Along the way, we unpack why a service that looks like a college lecture can feel familiar, why borrowed hymns matter more than they seem, and how bread and water signal a deeper break with the ancient Eucharistic faith.We walk through a full LDS Sunday service, from hymns to sacrament, and compare it with historic Christian worship. Along the way, we challenge the classroom model of church and invite listeners to examine claims of continuity, sacrament, and truth.• tour of an LDS chapel and layout• critique of borrowed hymnody and history• sacrament of bread and water contrasted with Eucharist• talk-centered format versus sacramental worship• breakdown of Sunday school and primary programs• analysis of American church growth dynamics• invitation to explore historic Orthodox ChristianityWe take time to examine the structure: youth speakers delivering short talks, adults cycling through classes, and children moving between singing time and instruction. The building tells a story too: chapel, classrooms, nursery, and a cultural hall that doubles as a gym, all optimized for programs and teaching. That order can be comforting, but we ask whether a church centered on talks can replace a church centered on sacrament. If the early Church guarded the Eucharist as the heart of worship, what does it mean when the centerpiece is reimagined with plastic cups and water?This episode makes a strong claim: form reflects belief. The symbols you see—or don't see—the bread and wine you receive—or don't—shape what you believe about Christ, grace, and the church's purpose. We explore why Orthodox Christianity insists on continuity with the apostles, the fathers, and the councils; why creed, liturgy, and iconography are not add-ons; and why a living tradition offers more than inspiration—it offers participation in the life of God. Whether you're LDS, curious, or wrestling with where to belong, this is an invitation to test claims by worship as much as by words.If this conversation challenged you or sparked new curiosity, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest question or insight. Your feedback helps more seekers find thoughtful, honest conversations about faith and the church.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

What's up, dudes? Advent is here, and it's time to prepare for Christmas! Fr. Thom Crowe from ‘Tis the Podcast is here with me to discuss the differences between Catholic and Orthodox Advent liturgies!How long is each one? Which one omits parts of the Ordinary? Are they both strict fasts? We get into all of it! There are striking similarities and glaring differences. The sanctoral and temporal cycles overlap, and function as a weak analogy of the hydrostatic union.The West has more structural variation and variable parts parts, but the East has the stricter fast. We delve into the Mass/Divine Liturgy and the Office/Hours. After that, we tackle popular Advent devotions from both traditions. St. Nicholas definitely gets some play!Gloria in excelsis? Nope. Te Deum? Uh uh. Benedicamus Domino? Definitely! So grab your folded chasuble, switch it out for a broad stole, and chant along to this episode on Catholic and Orthodox Advent liturgies!'Tis the PodcastFB: @tisthepodcastBlueSky: @tisthepodcast.bsky.socialIG: @tisthepodcastFB Group: Tis the Podcast GroupGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

He was born in Constantinople in 715 to pious parents named John and Anna. His mother had prayed often to the most holy Theotokos to be granted a son, and received a revelation from our Lady that she would conceive the son she desired. When the child was born, she named him Stephen, following a prophecy of the Patriarch St Germanos (commemorated May 12). Stephen entered monastic life as a youth, and so distinguished himself in asceticism and virtue that the hermits of Mt Auxentius appointed him their leader at a young age.   'During the reign of Constantine V (741-775), Stephen showed his love of Orthodoxy in contending for the Faith... Besides being a fierce Iconoclast, Constantine raised up a ruthless persecution of monasticism. He held a council in 754 that anathematized the holy icons. Because Saint Stephen rejected this council, the Emperor framed false accusations against him and exiled him. But while in exile Saint Stephen performed healings with holy icons and turned many away from Iconoclasm. When he was brought before the Emperor again, he showed him a coin and asked whose image the coin bore. "Mine," said the tyrant. "If any man trample upon thine image, is he liable to punishment?" asked the Saint. When they that stood by answered yes, the Saint groaned because of their blindness, and said if they thought dishonouring the image of a corruptible king worthy of punishment, what torment would they receive who trampled upon the image of the Master Christ and of the Mother of God? Then he threw the coin to the ground and trampled on it. He was condemned to eleven months in bonds and imprisonment. Later, he was dragged over the earth and was stoned, like Stephen the First Martyr; wherefore he is called Stephen the New. Finally, he was struck with a wooden club on the temple and his head was shattered, and thus he gave up his spirit in the year 767.' (Great Horologion)

He was born in Constantinople in 715 to pious parents named John and Anna. His mother had prayed often to the most holy Theotokos to be granted a son, and received a revelation from our Lady that she would conceive the son she desired. When the child was born, she named him Stephen, following a prophecy of the Patriarch St Germanos (commemorated May 12). Stephen entered monastic life as a youth, and so distinguished himself in asceticism and virtue that the hermits of Mt Auxentius appointed him their leader at a young age.   'During the reign of Constantine V (741-775), Stephen showed his love of Orthodoxy in contending for the Faith... Besides being a fierce Iconoclast, Constantine raised up a ruthless persecution of monasticism. He held a council in 754 that anathematized the holy icons. Because Saint Stephen rejected this council, the Emperor framed false accusations against him and exiled him. But while in exile Saint Stephen performed healings with holy icons and turned many away from Iconoclasm. When he was brought before the Emperor again, he showed him a coin and asked whose image the coin bore. "Mine," said the tyrant. "If any man trample upon thine image, is he liable to punishment?" asked the Saint. When they that stood by answered yes, the Saint groaned because of their blindness, and said if they thought dishonouring the image of a corruptible king worthy of punishment, what torment would they receive who trampled upon the image of the Master Christ and of the Mother of God? Then he threw the coin to the ground and trampled on it. He was condemned to eleven months in bonds and imprisonment. Later, he was dragged over the earth and was stoned, like Stephen the First Martyr; wherefore he is called Stephen the New. Finally, he was struck with a wooden club on the temple and his head was shattered, and thus he gave up his spirit in the year 767.' (Great Horologion)

What is a human—dust and breath, body and spirit—without tearing ourselves in two? Deacon Anthony (St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, San Diego) joins Cloud of Witnesses with hosts Mario Andrew, Jeremy Jeremiah, and John for a rich, practical conversation on an Orthodox vision of the whole person and the mind (phronema) of the Church.We trace a path away from the twin traps of indulgence (living by our appetites) and denial (pretending we're already angelic), toward a fearless embrace of reality in Christ. Through Scripture, the Fathers, and stories from parish life, Deacon Anthony shows how God meets us in the tangible—mud on eyes, bread and wine, water and oil—to heal the heart and remake our lives.In this episode you'll hear:Body & Soul together: why the Incarnation means Christianity is never “purely spiritual” or “only physical.”The phronema (mindset) of the Church: how a Christian way of seeing reshapes what we notice, how we judge, and whom we love.Using God-given tools rightly: judge ourselves, not our neighbor; fear sin, not repentance; hate the illness, not the person.Confession as healing: real accountability, a spiritual father, and why naming sin breaks its power.Community over isolation: salvation is ecclesial and relational—you can't be saved on an island.Heaven & hell begin now: entitlement and isolation taste like hell; humility and communion taste like heaven.Saints as role models: why children (and adults) need holy examples more than celebrities.Eucharist & the senses: why worship that engages sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch anchors faith in reality.If “symbolic religion” has felt thin—or if modern “live-your-truth” scripts leave you empty—this conversation offers a hopeful, time-tested alternative: sacrament, repentance, and daily love that form the whole person in Christ.Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Though he has not been glorified by the Church, Fr Lazarus was a pioneer and exemplar of Orthodoxy in the West.   He was born in England in 1902. In his early manhood he moved to western Canada, where he worked as a farm laborer for several years. While working in Alberta, he sensed a call to become a missionary and went to an English missionary college for five years.   Sad to say, our sources are unclear about how he came to the Orthodox faith from this unlikely beginning. But in 1934 he spent seven weeks on Mt Athos, then lived as a monk in Yugoslavia. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Theophan (Russian Orthodox Church Abroad), then sent to Palestine to serve the Russian Mission in Jerusalem.   In 1948, the new State of Israel gave the Mission's property to the Soviet Union and the mission was left dispossessed. Fr Lazarus served as priest to the Russian Convent in Aïn Karim and Transjordan, then was sent to India in 1952, where he helped in Orthodox missionary work for twenty years. Several of his books and translations, such as his biography/study of St Seraphim of Sarov, were written while he lived in India. While there, he met Mother Gavrilia of Greece, whose beautiful biography Ascetic of Love includes good descriptions of him during his life in India. Though very strict in his Orthodoxy, he was flexible in externals: in India he wore a white rather than a black cassock, because black clothing had offensive connotations to the Indian people.   In 1972 Fr Lazarus was called to Greece, then in 1974 to Australia, where he served for nine years. In 1983 he moved to California in answer to call from Fr Peter Gillquist to assist members of the former 'Evangelical Orthodox Church' in their move to Orthodoxy. In 1989 he moved to Alaska, where he continued this work. He reposed in Eagle River, Alaska in 1992. Following is an excerpt from an account of his last days by members of his community in Eagle River:   "Father always signed his name with TWA, "Traveling With Angels". A few days before his death, after battling cancer many years, faithfully using the Jesus Prayer as the medicine for his affliction, the Archangel Michael appeared to help him. His final journey homeward had begun, TWA... 'the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' (2 Timothy 4: 6-8)."

Though he has not been glorified by the Church, Fr Lazarus was a pioneer and exemplar of Orthodoxy in the West.   He was born in England in 1902. In his early manhood he moved to western Canada, where he worked as a farm laborer for several years. While working in Alberta, he sensed a call to become a missionary and went to an English missionary college for five years.   Sad to say, our sources are unclear about how he came to the Orthodox faith from this unlikely beginning. But in 1934 he spent seven weeks on Mt Athos, then lived as a monk in Yugoslavia. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Theophan (Russian Orthodox Church Abroad), then sent to Palestine to serve the Russian Mission in Jerusalem.   In 1948, the new State of Israel gave the Mission's property to the Soviet Union and the mission was left dispossessed. Fr Lazarus served as priest to the Russian Convent in Aïn Karim and Transjordan, then was sent to India in 1952, where he helped in Orthodox missionary work for twenty years. Several of his books and translations, such as his biography/study of St Seraphim of Sarov, were written while he lived in India. While there, he met Mother Gavrilia of Greece, whose beautiful biography Ascetic of Love includes good descriptions of him during his life in India. Though very strict in his Orthodoxy, he was flexible in externals: in India he wore a white rather than a black cassock, because black clothing had offensive connotations to the Indian people.   In 1972 Fr Lazarus was called to Greece, then in 1974 to Australia, where he served for nine years. In 1983 he moved to California in answer to call from Fr Peter Gillquist to assist members of the former 'Evangelical Orthodox Church' in their move to Orthodoxy. In 1989 he moved to Alaska, where he continued this work. He reposed in Eagle River, Alaska in 1992. Following is an excerpt from an account of his last days by members of his community in Eagle River:   "Father always signed his name with TWA, "Traveling With Angels". A few days before his death, after battling cancer many years, faithfully using the Jesus Prayer as the medicine for his affliction, the Archangel Michael appeared to help him. His final journey homeward had begun, TWA... 'the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' (2 Timothy 4: 6-8)."

Harry Maryles is the author behind the blog Emes Ve-Emunah (which is now also released as a Substack publication). For many years he has written extensively and prolifically on issues of Halacha (Jewish law), hashkafa (Jewish philosophy), and contemporary matters affecting Orthodoxy. He does not shy away from sensitive or controversial issues, and his columns are just excellent. I've very much enjoyed reading his column and we have even interacted from time to time. He is a rabbi and holds a psychology degree, and also publishes essays and commentary for news-and-analysis outlets such as The Times of Israel. If you want to read his fascinating posts, here is a link to his BLOG, where he has been posting for many years, and here is a LINK to his new Substack, where you can subscribe to get his postings via email.

What if reverence isn't a feeling you chase, but a reality you enter?This episode follows a grateful former Protestant named Michael from his upbringing all the way to a first Divine Liturgy in a small Orthodox chapel on a military base in Okinawa—and the quiet discoveries that happened along the way. Join Cloud of Witnesses hosts Jeremy Jeremiah and Mario Andrew as we move through warm family memories, the culture shock of military life, and the slow drift that happens when belief outruns practice. Then the trail turns: an old-school YouTube series on church history, the Jordan River baptismal site, a striking painting of confession, and even a meme about the Theotokos—little breadcrumbs pointing toward something older, deeper, and strangely familiar.What we explore (without the debate club tone):Icons, saints, Mary—through the Incarnation: not add-ons, but practices that flow from God made flesh and the Church's unbroken life.A reframing question: instead of “Were the early Fathers really Christians?” try “Would they recognize our faith as theirs?” That single question reshapes how we think about worship, authority, sacraments, and belonging to a parish that actually forms us.Worship reimagined: the first Liturgy lands as awe-filled, ordered, communal—not performance or preference but the Church at prayer.Accountability & spiritual fatherhood: why guidance matters when culture pulls hard—and how confession, obedience, and community keep us real.Vocation with roots: plans for law school and faithful presence in public life, now steadied by a tradition that tells you who you are.Gratitude without amnesia: love for Scripture and prayer received in Protestant homes, alongside honesty about what felt missing—continuity, reverence, and a daily rule of life.If you've felt restless—church-hopping, yearning for weight and continuity—this conversation offers a gentle map: the ancient path is not a museum; it's a living way that teaches hearts to pray, minds to think with the Church, and bodies to worship with all the senses.Listen & share. If this resonates, subscribe and send to a friend who's searching. In your review, tell us the one question you'd ask the early Church—what would you hope they recognize in your faith?Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Every generation faces the pull to drift from orthodoxy—to chase the thrill of false teaching or to be carried along by the cultural tide. And every generation must be reawakened to the true thrill of orthodoxy: the wonder and surprise found in rediscovering the electrifying paradoxes at the center of the Christian faith. In this episode, Dr. Jeff talks with Trevin Wax about his book The Thrill of Orthodoxy. Wax turns the tables on the idea that Christian doctrine is narrow or outdated. Drawing from the church's historic creeds, he explains what orthodoxy is, why we can trust it, and how we often wander from it. By revealing how heresies always shrink the truth—elevating one idea at the expense of the whole—Wax shows that false teaching is ultimately dull and predictable, while orthodoxy is where the real adventure begins. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources 

In today's episode, Tim Whitaker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Josh Porter, author of 'How to Die: Chaos, Mortality, and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship.' They explore the complexities of Christian discipleship, the rejection of Christian nationalism, and the importance of inclusivity within the faith. Josh's Website | Joshuasporter.com Chapters 06:14 The Premise of 'How to Die' and Christian Discipleship 11:44 Navigating Christian Nationalism and Cultural Contexts 20:41 Understanding Christian Discipleship in Modern Times 27:52 The Complexity of Queer Inclusion in Christianity 34:13 Orthodoxy and the Evolution of Beliefs 51:43 Bringing Heaven to Earth: A Call to Action ____________________________________________________ TNE Podcast hosts thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of faith, politics, and justice. We're part of the New Evangelical's 501c3 nonprofit that rejects Christian Nationalism and builds a better path forward, rooted in Jesus and centered on justice.  If ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work or get involved, visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thenewevangelicals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Orthodoxy too Complicated for the Average Christian? by St. Mark ATL

Loneliness & Misinformation: Sean and Rick unpack new research linking rising loneliness, especially among young adults, to increased susceptibility to conspiracy theories and online misinformation, emphasizing the need for real community and diverse conversation partners.Tesla's ‘Robot Army': They discuss Elon Musk's ambitious plan to deploy one million humanoid robots, raising concerns about work, human purpose, and the worldview assumptions behind a future where “work becomes optional.”How Movies Get Rated: The hosts explore newly revealed insights from the film ratings board, explaining shifting standards around nudity, marijuana, violence, and how Christians can think more deeply about film beyond simple PG-13/R labels.Orthodox Christianity's Surprising Growth: A major feature covers why young men are increasingly drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy for its beauty, tradition, masculinity, and supernaturalism, and how this trend fits into broader signs of spiritual renewal in the U.S.Listener Questions: Unpacking the millennial reign of Christ.Helping someone who is struggling with pedophilia.Understanding the theological significance of rainbows in today's culture.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Is the Non-Denominational Church Even A Church?  What do you think?If you love Jesus and hunger for something older, deeper, and steadier than the non-denominational scene, this conversation is for you.Cloud of Witnesses hosts Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and first time, special guest host Michael, weigh the spectacle of modern worship against the historic shape of the church and ask a hard question with charity: are non-denominational congregations churches, and are they the church Jesus founded. Personal stories, doctrine, and authority guide a candid look at formation, sacraments, and accountability.We look gratefully at what many non-denom churches do well—zeal for the gospel, real hospitality to seekers—while asking a harder question: what actually makes a church the Church Jesus founded? From there we explore how that answer shapes worship, formation, and accountability over a lifetime.What we unpack (high level):Experience vs. endurance: how production-heavy services can spark decisions but fail to grow deep roots.Doctrine & discipleship: why “results” metrics quietly displaced catechesis, repentance, and the classical pattern of spiritual growth.Sacraments at the center: communion, baptism, confession—not as add-ons, but as Christ's appointed means of grace.Authority that can correct: the difference between a movement built on personalities and an institutional church with bishops, priests, and deacons in apostolic succession.Oversight & ordination: what happens when there's no higher court to address error—or to restore a fallen leader.Belonging vs. floating: why “me and Jesus” Christianity leaves people spiritually unparented and communities fragile.This isn't a hit piece—it's an appeal to fullness. If your faith feels powerful but thin, if leadership turnover keeps resetting the vision, or if you're curious about ancient paths that have held through centuries, we point toward a visible, sacramental, and accountable church life that forms believers for the long haul.Listen, share, and discuss with a friend who's asking the same questions. If this helped you think more clearly about church and discipleship, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so others can find the show.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Decades of consensus around the so-called climate catastrophe are now running into new economic, technological, and geopolitical realities. Mix in AI and its unprecedented demand for large-scale electricity generation, and we have a global climate conversation that demands to be reckoned with. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down how the foundations of decades of “green orthodoxy” […]

He was born in Irenopolis, one of the "Ten Cities" of Asia Minor. Though his parents wanted him to marry, he entered monastic life as a young man, and struggled for many years, living in reclusion under the guidance of a wise spiritual father. One day, while in prayer, he was carried away to Paradise and experienced the blessedness that the redeemed will know at the general Resurrection. The vision seemed to him only to last for an hour, but he learned from his disciple that he had been in ecstasy for four days.   Aware that the Enemy can appear as an angel of light, and that we should be suspicious of seeming revelations, he sought the counsel of his Abbot, who reassured him, and told him to give thanks to God by continuing in his ascetic labors.   Soon, he was told by revelation that he was to go forth into the world, living without an earthly home, to uphold the Orthodox faith, which was then under attack by the Iconoclasts. He traveled through Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and Constantinople again, laboring in defense of the Faith and working many miracles. Usually he would stay with poor people who welcomed him into their houses, though it was forbidden by law to receive an Orthodox monk (that is, one who defended the Icons). In his last few years, afflicted by illness, he settled in Constantinople, where he reposed in peace in 832, just before the end of iconoclasm and the restoration of Orthodoxy. Since 1490, his incorrupt relics have dwelt at the Monastery of Bistritsa in Romania, where they continue to be a source of miracles for the many pilgrims who come to venerate them.

He was born in Irenopolis, one of the "Ten Cities" of Asia Minor. Though his parents wanted him to marry, he entered monastic life as a young man, and struggled for many years, living in reclusion under the guidance of a wise spiritual father. One day, while in prayer, he was carried away to Paradise and experienced the blessedness that the redeemed will know at the general Resurrection. The vision seemed to him only to last for an hour, but he learned from his disciple that he had been in ecstasy for four days.   Aware that the Enemy can appear as an angel of light, and that we should be suspicious of seeming revelations, he sought the counsel of his Abbot, who reassured him, and told him to give thanks to God by continuing in his ascetic labors.   Soon, he was told by revelation that he was to go forth into the world, living without an earthly home, to uphold the Orthodox faith, which was then under attack by the Iconoclasts. He traveled through Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and Constantinople again, laboring in defense of the Faith and working many miracles. Usually he would stay with poor people who welcomed him into their houses, though it was forbidden by law to receive an Orthodox monk (that is, one who defended the Icons). In his last few years, afflicted by illness, he settled in Constantinople, where he reposed in peace in 832, just before the end of iconoclasm and the restoration of Orthodoxy. Since 1490, his incorrupt relics have dwelt at the Monastery of Bistritsa in Romania, where they continue to be a source of miracles for the many pilgrims who come to venerate them.

A man climbs a ladder to hang drapes and slips into a lifetime's truth: he's been decorating emptiness. We sat with Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich and asked hard questions about status, ritual, and the kind of love that only shows up when it costs.Quick story snapshot (Tolstoy): Ivan Ilyich, a successful judge with a “proper” life, suffers a fatal illness after a trivial accident. As pain strips away his self-deception, society's politeness rings hollow—only the servant Gerasim meets him with honest compassion. In his final hours Ivan sees that a life ordered around comfort and appearances cannot save; repentance and self-giving love can.What we explore (through an Orthodox lens):Marriage as sanctification, not transaction—a place where pride dies and love learns to serve.Rituals with a why—why liturgy and household habits either form us or numb us.Seeing with others' eyes—how wives, husbands, converts, and cradle faithful re-read the same text and grow empathy.The bruise as a parable of sin—ignored at first, spreading quietly, distorting how we see those closest to us.Gerasim's ordinary holiness—humility, patience, and joy as the persuasive answer to “main-character energy.”Recovering a shared moral language—how myth and realism help us talk about death, judgment, and mercy in an age of “my truth.”Takeaway: Don't wait for a deathbed to choose communion over isolation. Read bravely, examine your ladders, and practice the love that moves first—especially when it costs.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Decades of consensus around so-called climate catastrophe are now running into new economic, technological, and geopolitical realities. Mix in AI and its unprecedented demand for large-scale electricity generation, and we have a global climate conversation that demands to be reckoned with. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down how the foundations of decades of “green orthodoxy” are shifting on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “The people who have been the avatars of climate change, never suffer the consequences of their own ideology. Barack Obama said the planet would be inundated pretty soon, if we didn't address global climate change. Why would he buy a seaside estate at Martha's Vineyard or one on the beach of Hawaii if he really did believe that the oceans would rise and flood his multimillion-dollar investment? “The inconsistency of the global warming narrative, the self-interest in the people who promote it, and the logic that they have not presented, empirically, the evidence that would convince us that we have to radically transform our economies on the wishes of a few elites that do not have the evidence, but do have a lot of hypocrisy in the process.” (0:00) Introduction (0:58) Shifting Perspectives on Climate Change (2:28) Global Skepticism (5:12) Geopolitical Factors (6:16) Third World Demands (8:30) Hypocrisy Among Climate Change Advocates (9:49) Conclusion

In this deeply pastoral and wide-ranging conversation, Buck chats with Metropolitan Jonah to discuss the surge of interest in Orthodox Christianity, the spiritual formation of newcomers, and the timeless wisdom the Church offers to a restless modern world. From the inner life of the believer to practical struggles facing parishes today, this episode provides both clarity and compassion for anyone seeking to understand Orthodoxy more deeply — or walk it more faithfully. Sponsors: Perfect Spiral Capital: https://PerfectSpiralCapital.com/counterflow Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Hour 3 for 11/19/25 Father Simon continues his conversation about why young men are interested in Orthodoxy (1:55). Topics: the filioque (4:33) and feminization of the Church (7:55). Then, Beverly Willett covers the issues with no-fault divorce (16:21). Topics/callers: irreconcilable differences (22:55), why no fault should be changed (35:07), marriage challenges (37:52), national security issues (44:20). Link: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5578816-erika-kirk-can-fulfill-charlies-dream-by-working-for-divorce-reform/

Hour 2 for 11/19/25 Drew and Brooke pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (1:00). Then, Fr. Richard Simon covers why young men are attracted to Orthodoxy (28:08). Caller: I have become Orthodox (39:29), Latin Mass (44:05), and my grandson wants to be Orthodox (46:40). Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/us/orthodox-christianity.html

“Do Some Orthodox Traditions Allow for Multiple Marriages?” This episode explores the nuances of Catholic and Orthodox relations, addressing questions like which Church Fathers and Councils support the Papacy, the historical split between the two churches, and how to respond to those drawn to Orthodoxy. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:55 – What Fathers and Councils should I read that support the Papacy? 11:26 – Who led the parting of the Orthodox church with the Catholic church? What was the key disagreement? 16:15 – How can I respond to someone who feels that they are being led from Catholicism into Orthodoxy? 30:00 – Do some Orthodox traditions allow for more than one marriage? 40:40 – Are we allowed to take communion if a Catholic attends an Eastern Orthodox Church? 42:41 – Does it affect our Salvation if we don't believe in a Catholic church teaching? 52:22 – What is the difference or similarity between Eastern Orthodox or Catholics disagree with their leaders’ teachings?

Today we have a CHILL CHAT SESSION: We continue the series with part 4 on symmetrical and asymmetrical christology, logos-sarx christology, composite hyspotasis and tertium quid.  @OrthodoxShahada  and  @OrthodoxDavid  Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip David's key talk is here https://youtu.be/Gm_GRzu-BR0 Qai substack is here https://orthodoxshahada.substack.com/p/oriental-monophysites-do-not-understand-a2b https://orthodoxshahada.substack.com/p/st-basil-completely-refutes-oriental Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Order New Book Available here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join #comedy #podcast #entertainmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

Alex Sorin has been creating some fire apologetics vids and today he joins me to cover his recent talks, upcoming debates and his path to Orthodoxy. Alex is here  @Alex_Ortodoxie  Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Order New Book Available here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join #comedy #podcast #entertainmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

In this teaching, I discuss the reality of the power of darkness in a rational way and talk about how religion and secularism hijack our true identity and prevent us from experiencing our Divine Human Identity.

“Why stay Catholic if Orthodox have valid sacraments and papacy?” This episode explores the unique aspects of Catholicism, addressing questions like the interpretation of Jesus’ image in Catholicism compared to Orthodoxy and whether it’s acceptable to disagree with a priest on teachings. Join us for a thoughtful examination of faith and tradition. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:51 – Why stay Catholic if the Orthodox have valid sacraments? 12:25 – The images of Jesus tend to be the same in Orthodox Churches. Why does His image seem to be up for interpretation in Catholicism? 17:14 – Is it ever okay to disagree with your priest about a Catholic teaching? 19:50 – Since Catholics need to believe in the Papacy, how can the Orthodox be in communion? 29:25 – Why is it a big deal that the Orthodox don't accept the Papacy since they accept everything else? 36:30 – Why is there an emphasis on the need to believe in the Assumption or the Immaculate conception? 44:30 – Why would it matter if you are Orthodox or Catholic, if we both can be in heaven? 49:37 – How can one Pope claim he couldn't add the filioque to the creed and another claimed he could?

Jeremy Jeremiah, Orthodox Christian, and host of today's Cloud of Witnesses episode, reacts and responds to Dillon Baker of The Protestant Gentleman podcast (https://www.youtube.com/@theprotestantgentleman) testimony that he, Dillon, is leaving the Non-Denominational church, and why.What if the Sunday you know has drifted far from the church you need? We follow a thoughtful journey out of a non-denominational megachurch toward a rooted, reverent, and sacramental vision of Christian life. The conversation starts with authority and structure: why do so many churches teach different things, and who decides? From sola scriptura to elder boards with conflicting interpretations, we unpack how fragmentation becomes normal when there's no visible, historic body to anchor doctrine and practice.We trace the journey out of a non-denominational megachurch toward a historic, sacramental, and accountable expression of the church. Along the way we examine authority, discipleship, pastoral care, reverence, and why communion belongs at the center.• identifying fragmentation born of solo interpretation and weak structures• contrasting seeker models with worship for the baptized• reclaiming the pastor as present shepherd, not executive• rejecting a popular gospel that mutes sin and judgment• restoring reverence through sacred space, symbols, and creeds• embracing participatory liturgy over passive consumption• naming the limits of unformed community group leadership• elevating communion and baptism as the church's heartbeat• counting the relational cost of leaving and discerning next steps• inviting conversation about apostolic continuity and unityFrom there, we move into discipleship and the true purpose of Sunday. If church is designed as a seeker venue, believers become spectators and the gospel gets softer. We make the case that the gathered church should be for the baptized—shaping souls through confession, accountability, and the ordinary disciplines that form resilient Christians. That priority reframes the pastor's role from CEO to shepherd and challenges the assumption that charismatic leadership and scalable programs equal spiritual health.Reverence takes center stage as we explore the power of sacred space, ancient hymns, creeds, and participatory liturgy. This isn't about aesthetics; it's about recognizing the holiness of God and recovering practices that have carried the church for centuries. The climax lands on the sacraments, especially communion. We consider the real presence, why the Lord's Table once stood at the heart of worship, and what is lost when a sermon becomes the main event. Along the way, we count the cost of leaving a beloved community and open a path toward unity with a church that offers accountability, depth, and apostolic continuity.If you're wrestling with megachurch hype, soft preaching, or surface fellowship, this conversation offers a map back to depth and stability. Listen, share with a friend, and then tell us: what anchors your worship—stage or altar? Subscribe for more thoughtful, tradition-aware conversations and leave a review to help others find the show.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Open calls and questions and challenges on any topic! TAG, philosophy, metaphysics & MORE! Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Order New Book Available here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join #comedy #podcast #entertainmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

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

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

In this stream I discuss read an article posted on Orthodox Ethos by G.M. Davis critiquing the book Antisemitism: History and Myth by Robert Spencer. Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. God Bless Read the article Here: https://www.orthodoxethos.com/post/is-god-an-antisemite

Find this episode on YouTube: Ceremonial magician Justine Alter talks and what a talk it is. Extremely fascinating (terrifying?) look into what is happening just out of site. After a life of being a psychic, extreme artist, and cult leader Justine converted to Orthodoxy. Her story is wild.Discover “Outside of the World” at New Martyr Press: https://www.newmartyrpress.com/books/blog-post-title-two-3ykj9✒ Substack: johnheersftf.substack.comⓧ https://x.com/johnfromftf

This interview was recorded on May 13th. Join us for a conversation with Trevin Wax, the Vice President of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board, former missionary to Romania, writer for TGC, and founding editor of The Gospel Project. Trevin Wax has also written numerous books, such as 'The Thrill of Orthodoxy', 'Gospel Centered Teaching', and 'The Gospel Way Catechism', and is the host of the podcast 'Reconstructing Faith'.

It's time to build your family's future on a foundation of true health and freedom. Join us at Future Foundations—because your future generations deserve the best start to the mission that will outlive us… Check it out here. Use code FREEDOM25 for 25% off!    Whether you're looking for tinctures, topicals or teas or a deeper connection to your INNATE healing capacity, Noble Task Homestead is here to serve you. Join the movement. Visit NobleTaskHomestead.com/noblestan today and enjoy a 10% discount on your order.   San Diego area residents, take advantage of our special New Patient offer exclusively for podcast listeners here. We can't wait to experience miracles with you! Welcome to a new episode of the Future Generations Podcast, where host Dr. Stanton Ham welcomes back Dr. Stuart Fischbein, a pioneering OBGYN who transitioned from a highly medicalized birth model to a more holistic, midwife-collaborative approach. This episode delves deep into the critical issues surrounding childbirth, medical interventions, and the profound impact of birth experiences on mothers, babies, and families. Listeners interested in healthcare, birth practices, medical reform, and those seeking alternative perspectives on childbirth will find this conversation both enlightening and transformative.   Highlights: "How we give birth matters... to the baby's long term health, the mother's long term health, and the relationship between her and her partner."   "No midwife gets rich, no midwife drives a Porsche."   "It's not about intentions. It's about outcomes."   "Nature didn't decide on that timetable. Man decided on that."   "Everything they say is mockable. It's almost a parody of itself."   Timestamps: 00:01 Introduction 01:06 Medical Journey Begins 10:45 Midwifery Transformation 14:21 System Critique 19:21 Birth Trauma Insights 29:06 Provider Burnout 38:13 Intervention Realities 48:27 Insurance Trap 1:00:51 Birth Planning Wisdom 1:10:05 Freedom and Family   Resources:   Remember to Rate, Review, and Subscribe on iTunes and Follow us on Spotify!   Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantonhom  Website: https://futuregenerationssd.com/    Podcast Website: https://thefuturegen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanhomdc  Stay Connected with the Future Generations Podcast:   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futuregenpodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuregenpodcast/    Links:    https://www.thehivemethod.co/ https://www.instagram.com/thehivemethod.co   About: Dr. Stuart Fischbein is a veteran obstetrician who took a hard turn away from the hospital system to support natural, physiological birth in collaboration with midwives. After decades inside the system, he got fed up with the way modern obstetrics treats birth like a medical emergency instead of a natural human event. Today, he's one of the few OBs who still attends home births, including breech and twin deliveries .. things most doctors won't even consider. He's the host of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, where he and midwife Blyss Young talk openly about birth freedom, informed consent, and what's broken in the maternity care system. Dr. Stu's become a voice for autonomy, skill preservation, and true informed choice … especially for parents who want to reclaim birth as a sacred, empowering experience.   The desire to go off grid and have the ability to grow your own food has never been stronger than before. No matter the size of your property, Food Forest Abundance can help you design a regenerative layout that utilizes your resources in the most synergistic and sustainable manner. 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Fr. William Rock, FSSP, serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained in October of 2019 and serves as a regular contributor to the FSSP North America Missive Blog. In Today's Show: What are the moral duties of a married man towards his wife and children? Advice for living a one-income trad lifestyle Does it matter what material a scapular is made of? Can catechisms become out of date? Can Catholics invest in the stock market? Should we keep blessed items stored with non-blessed items?  Is Mary "omni-present" like God?  What does being a "perfect society" mean? How do I convince my Protestant friend to join the Catholic church over Orthodoxy? Why were the Leonine prayers suppressed?  Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!