Podcasts about Theotokos

"Saint Seraphim was born in the town of Kursk in 1759. From tender childhood he was under the protection of the most holy Mother of God, who, when he was nine years old, appeared to him in a vision, and through her icon of Kursk, healed him from a grave sickness from which he had not been expected to recover. At the age of nineteen he entered the monastery of Sarov, where he amazed all with his obedience, his lofty asceticism, and his great humility. In 1780 the Saint was stricken with a sickness which he manfully endured for three years, until our Lady the Theotokos healed him, appearing to him with the Apostles Peter and John. He was tonsured a monk in 1786, being named for the holy Hieromartyr Seraphim, Bishop of Phanarion (Dec. 4), and was ordained deacon a year later. In his unquenchable love for God, he continually added labours to labours, increasing in virtue and prayer with titan strides. Once, during the Divine Liturgy of Holy and Great Thursday he was counted worthy of a vision of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who appeared encompassed by the heavenly hosts. After this dread vision, he gave himself over to greater labours.   "In 1794, Saint Seraphim took up the solitary life in a cell in the forest. This period of extreme asceticism lasted some fifteen years, until 1810. It was at this time that he took upon himself one of the greatest feats of his life. Assailed with despondency and a storm of contrary thoughts raised by the enemy of our salvation, the Saint passed a thousand nights on a rock, continuing in prayer until God gave him complete victory over the enemy. On another occasion, he was assaulted by robbers, who broke his chest and his head with their blows, leaving him almost dead. Here again, he began to recover after an appearance of the most Holy Theotokos, who came to him with the Apostles Peter and John, and pointing to Saint Seraphim, uttered these awesome words, 'This is one of my kind.'   "In 1810, at the age of fifty, weakened by his more than human struggles, Saint Seraphim returned to the monastery for the third part of his ascetical labours, in which he lived as a recluse, until 1825. For the first five years of his reclusion, he spoke to no one at all, and little is known of this period. After five years, he began receiving visitors little by little, giving counsel and consolation to ailing souls. In 1825, the most holy Theotokos appeared to the Saint and revealed to him that it was pleasing to God that he fully end his reclusion; from this time the number of people who came to see him grew daily. It was also at the command of the holy Virgin that he undertook the spiritual direction of the Diveyevo Convent. He healed bodily ailments, foretold things to come, brought hardened sinners to repentance, and saw clearly the secrets of the heart of those who came to him. Through his utter humility and childlike simplicity, his unrivalled ascetical travails, and his angel-like love for God, he ascended to the holiness and greatness of the ancient God-bearing Fathers and became, like Anthony for Egypt, the physician for the whole Russian land. In all, the most holy Theotokos appeared to him twelve times in his life. The last was on Annunciation, 1831, to announce to him that he would soon enter into his rest. She appeared to him accompanied by twelve virgins martyrs and monastic saints with Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Theologian. With a body ailing and broken from innumerable hardships, and an unspotted soul shining with the light of Heaven, the Saint lived less than two years after this, falling asleep in peace on January 2, 1833, chanting Paschal hymns. On the night of his repose, the righteous Philaret of the Glinsk Hermitage beheld his soul ascending to Heaven in light. Because of the universal testimony to the singular holiness of his life, and the seas of miracles that he performed both in life and after death, his veneration quickly spread beyond the boundaries of the Russian Empire to every corner of the earth. See also July 19." (Great Horologion)   July 19 is the commemoration of the uncovering of St Seraphim's holy relics, which was attended by Tsar Nicholas II.   Saint Seraphim's life became a perpetual celebration of Pascha: in his later years he dressed in a white garment, greeted everyone, regardless of the season, with "Christ is Risen!" and chanted the Pascha service every day of the year

Full Text of Readings [DAY TITLE] The Saint of the day is Mary, Mother of God The Story of Mary, Mother of God Mary's divine motherhood broadens the Christmas spotlight. Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God's invitation conveyed by the angel (Luke 1:26-38). Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43, emphasis added). Mary's role as mother of God places her in a unique position in God's redemptive plan. Without naming Mary, Paul asserts that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). Paul's further statement that “God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!'” helps us realize that Mary is mother to all the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Some theologians also insist that her motherhood of Jesus is an important element in God's creative plan. God's “first” thought in creating was Jesus. Jesus, the incarnate Word, is the one who could give God perfect love and worship on behalf of all creation. As Jesus was “first” in God's mind, Our Lady was “second” insofar as she was chosen from all eternity to be his mother. The precise title “Mother of God” goes back at least to the third or fourth century. In the Greek form Theotokos (God-bearer), it became the touchstone of the Church's teaching about the Incarnation. The Council of Ephesus in 431 insisted that the holy Fathers were right in calling the holy virgin Theotokos. At the end of this particular session, crowds of people marched through the street shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!” The tradition reaches to our own day. In its chapter on Mary's role in the Church, Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church calls her “Mother of God” 12 times. To learn more, visit our Seven Days with Mary page. Reflection Other themes come together at today's celebration. It is the Octave of Christmas: Our remembrance of Mary's divine motherhood injects a further note of Christmas joy. It is a day of prayer for world peace: She is the mother of the Prince of Peace. It is the first day of a new year: Mary continues to bring new life to her children—who are also God's children.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Send us a textWe explore why calling Mary Theotokos protects the truth of the Incarnation and how her yes leads us to the Eucharist. Scripture, the Council of Ephesus, Old Testament types, Cana, and the liturgical year form one clear path from Nazareth to the altar.• Mary as Theotokos grounded in Scripture• Council of Ephesus safeguarding Christ's unity• Old Testament types pointing to Mary and the Eucharist• Mary as Ark, Queen Mother, and living tabernacle• Cana as Eucharistic sign and model of obedience• Liturgical feasts that unite Marian devotion and Communion• Ecumenical insights and hope for Christian unity• Invitation to join our mission and grow Eucharistic faithBe sure to click the link in the description for special news itemAnd since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit journeysoffaith.com website todayOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site! Lowest Prices and Higher discounts up to 50% Free Shipping starts at $18 - Express Safe Checkout ...

In this special mailbag edition of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan is joined by guest co-host Alexis Pappas to answer your questions on the appropriateness of private prayer in communal prayer spaces, if one's job can be salvific, how to prepare oneself when receiving frequent communion, why the icons of the Theotokos depict her as older than her actual age at the time of the Nativity, the differences between ancestral and original sin, how to emotionally navigate a family conversion to Orthodoxy without a spouse participating, and more!

The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve St. John's, Lafayette Square Washington, DC Release date: 29 December 2025

00:00 Intro/lead in from previous episode02:49 Icon of The Nativity, concentric circles09:05 She Isn't Looking At Her Baby?!13:00 We Are Joseph, Trying to Understand18:18 Everyone Has Doubts, We Can't Stay There22:06 Joseph As Exemplar for Masculinity29:29 There is Doubt & There is Doubt33:31 Overcoming Sin Is Target Practice35:50 Bethlehem is The Church39:30 Wanting to Believe, Over Time, Changes Us45:25 Who Is The Hairy Old Man?48:01 When Jesus Talked to Job About Doubt51:53 Listen to God, Not Lies56:20 Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Mankind!57:49 Is Mary Beckoning to Joseph?62:03 Closing thoughts & outroIn this second half of our conversation with friend of the show, iconographer Nick Papas, we turn primarily to Christmas, while continuing to explore the relationship between the Old Testament icon of The Tree of Jesse & the icon of The Nativity of Our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ.If you would like access to the spreadsheet which details the relationship of the figures on the tree to Jesus or The Theotokos, please contact us so we can provide it to you.Reference materials for this episode:  - Nick's work    - https://www.saintdemetriuspress.com   - https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Papas.StudioScripture citations for this episode: - Genesis 18: Sarah laughed - Isaiah 11: The Peaceful Kingdom prophecy of The Messiah - Luke 1: Zechariah doubts the birth of John & Mary is amazed at the birth of Jesus - Luke 24: The Road to Emmaus - Romans 15; references Isaiah 11#advent #christmas #nativity #iconographyThe Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon KeesParadosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://twitter.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcastIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2023

In this episode, we read Luke 1:39-56, noting its link with Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 2, and David's joy in the Ark's homecoming in 2 Samuel 6. The blessing, humility, and perspective of the Theotokos on what constitutes true might is a perfect complement to our preparation for the Nativity.

Efezjanie byli poruszeni. Ich wielką świątynię Artemidy spalił kiedyś szewc, Herostrates, w akcie czystej żądzy sławy. Teraz przyszedł wyrabiacz namiotów, apostoł Paweł, i twierdzi, że Artemida nie jest boginią, a bogowie stworzeni rękami ludzkimi są niczym. To uderzało nie tylko w wiarę, ale i w dochody rzemieślników wytwarzających posążki bogini. Wybuchły rozruchy. Zgromadzeni ludzie przez dwie godziny krzyczeli: “Wielka jest Artemida Efeska!” (Dzieje 19:34). Tak Biblia opisuje działalność Pawła w Efezie. Ale jak powstało to miasto i wielka świątynia Artemidy?Legendarne początki Efezu są związane z Amazonkami. To właśnie one miały ustawić pierwszą drewnianą podobiznę tej bogini. Artemida miała wiele cech przypisywanych Amazonkom. W mitologii jest on przedstawiana z łukiem i kołczanem. Była zarówno łowczynią jak i opiekunką zwierząt. Unikała mężczyzn, a wielu z nich zabiła. Później jej symbolem stała się pszczoła czyli królowa matka. Świątynię Artemidy zbudował słynny z bogactwa król Lidii Krezus. Ta świątynia była uznawana za jeden z 7 cudów świata.W Efezie mieszkał filozof Heraklit. Jest on znany z wypowiedzi, że wszystko płynie, nic nie stoi w miejscu, jest w ciągłym ruchu. Inna słynna osoba z Efezu to szewc Herostrates. Postanowił unieśmiertelnić swoje imię przez spalenie Artemizjonu czyli świątyni Artemidy. Został skazany na śmierć oraz na zapomnienie. Jego imię usunięto z wszystkich dokumentów w Efezie. Jego imię zapisał jednak historyk z innego miasta i tak przetrwało do naszych czasów. Ten szewc spalił świątynię zbudowaną przez Krezusa.Artemida nie była jedyną boginią matką czczoną przez Efezjan. Archeolodzy znaleźli w Efezie także dowody na istnienie tam świątyni Izydy czyli egipskiej bogini matki. Zachowały się stamtąd posągi Izydy karmiącej piersią małego Horusa. Inna bogini matka, którą czczono w Efezie to frygijska Kybele czyli bogini płodności. Zauważmy, że były to różne boginie matki, które czczono w tym jednym mieście. Wydaje się, że to jest ta sama bogini czczona pod różnymi imionami. Pojawia się ona także w Biblii.W Jeremiasza 7:18 czytamy: “Dzieci zbierają drwa, a ojcowie rozniecają ogień; kobiety ugniatają ciasto, aby wypiekać placki dla królowej niebios, cudzym bogom wylewa się ofiary z płynów, aby mnie obrażać”. Prawdopodobnie chodzi o kananejską boginię Asztarte (Isztar). Znaleziono egipskie dokumenty określającą ją jako “królową niebios Asztarte”. Czy jednak Asztarte jest podobna do Artemidy, bogini Amazonek?W 1 Samuela 31:10 czytamy: “Zbroję zaś jego złożyli w świątyni Asztarty, a jego zwłoki powiesili na murze Bet-Szeanu”. Zwycięskie trofea zwykle umieszczano w świątyniach bożków, którym przypisywano dane zwycięstwo. Wydaje się, więc, że Filistyni traktowali Asztarte nie tylko jako boginię matkę, ale także jako boginię wojny. Zauważmy jakie to podobne do efeskiej Artemidy, która była zarówno boginią matką jak i wojowniczką. Wprawdzie nie można tego udowodnić, że to ta sama bogini, ale podobieństwo jest uderzające. Podobnie zrobili później Rzymianie swoich bogów upodobnili do ich greckich odpowiedników.Wydaje się, że w Efezie doszło do synkretyzmu. Połączono kult amazońskiej bogini Artemidy z kultem frygijskiej Kybele oraz egipskiej Izydy. W czasach rzymskich Artemida była przedstawiana była z wieloma piersiami jak egipska Izyda. Nie była to już tylko boginka amazonek. Na tym polega synkretyzm czyli łączenie wierzeń. Apostoł Paweł wszędzie głosił, “że nie są bogami ci, którzy są rękami zrobieni” (Dzieje 19:26). Jednak tylko w Efezie spotkało się to z tak wielką reakcją. Ludzie byli tam bardzo przywiązani do kultu bogini matki Artemidy.W Efezie znajdował się teatr, który był największy w Azji Mniejszej czyli na terytorium dzisiejszej Turcji. Był używany nie tylko do wystawiania sztuk. W Dziejach 19:39 czytamy: “I napełniło się miasto wrzawą, i ruszyli gromadnie do teatru, porwawszy z sobą Gajusa i Arystarcha, Macedończyków, towarzyszów Pawła”. Jak widać właśnie tam odbywały się wiece. Czytamy, że gdy trzeba było coś obgadać wszyscy gromadnie ruszyli do teatru. Ale odbywały się tam też być może walki.Apostoł Paweł w 1 Liście do Koryntian 15:32 napisał: “Jeśli ja na sposób ludzki walczyłem z dzikimi zwierzętami w Efezie, jaki z tego dla mnie pożytek? Jeśli umarli nie bywają wzbudzeni, jedzmy i pijmy, bo jutro pomrzemy”. Niektórzy bibliści twierdzą, że to przenośnia. Inni skłaniają się ku temu, że Paweł naprawdę walczył w Efezie z jakimiś zwierzętami. Jeżeli to prawda to mogo się to wydarzyć w wielkim teatrze, który mógł pomieścić około 25 tys. ludzi. Ale jak wyglądała historia chrześcijaństwa w Efezie?W Dziejach Apostolskich 18:19 czytamy, że Paweł a wraz z nim małżeństwo Akwilasa i Pryscylli przybyli razem do Efezu. Jednak zaraz kolejne wersety mówią o tym, że Paweł odpłynął z tego miasta. Akwilas z żoną tam pozostał i między innymi sprawił, że chrześcijaninem został Apollos, Żyd z Aleksandrii. Można chyba powiedzieć, że to właśnie to małżeństwo zapoczątkowało ewangelizację w Efezie. Później jednak Paweł wrócił.W Dziejach 19:10 czytamy o działalności Pawła w Efezie: “I działo się to przez dwa lata, tak że wszyscy mieszkańcy Azji, Żydzi i Grecy, mogli usłyszeć Słowo Pańskie”. Potrafił on przekonywać, o czym świadczy werset z Dziejów Apostolskich 19:19, gdzie czytamy o nowonawróconych, którzy zniszczyli własne księgi czarnoksięskie warte 50 tys. srebrnych drachm. W tekście greckim jest mowa o sztukach srebra. Jeżeli były to drachmy jak przetłumaczono to w Biblii warszawskiej to każda taka drachma była zapłatą za dzień pracy robotnika.Dalsza część 19 rozdziału Dziejów Apostolskich opisuje rozruchy ludzi, który wołali: “Wielka jest Artemida Efezjan!” Wywołał je Demetriusz, którego słowa o Pawle zacytowano w Dziejach 19:26, gdzie czytamy: “Widzicie też i słyszycie, że ten Paweł nie tylko w Efezie, lecz nieomal w całej Azji namówił i zjednał sobie wiele ludzi, mówiąc, że nie są bogami ci, którzy są rękami zrobieni”. Nawet przeciwnicy mówili o tym, że Paweł przekonał “wielu ludzi”. Czy to tą sytuację opisywał Paweł gdy mówił o walce z dzikimi zwierzętami? Niektórzy bibliści się ku temu skłaniają.Zauważmy, że Paweł miał wielu współpracowników. Kiedy pierwszy raz odwiedził Efez na krótko pozostawił tam Akwilasa i Pryscylę. Później postąpił tak samo. W 1 Liście do Tymoteusza 1:3 czytamy: “Gdy wybierałem się do Macedonii, prosiłem cię, żebyś pozostał w Efezie i żebyś pewnym ludziom przykazał, aby nie nauczali inaczej niż my”. Potem w 2 Liście do Tymoteusza 4:12 pisał: “A Tychikusa posłałem do Efezu”. Później z więzienia w Rzymie napisał List do Efezjan. Co wiemy o trudnej sytuacji Pawła w Efezie?Niestety jesteśmy zdani na domysły. Paweł pisał do Koryntian, że walczył z dzikimi zwierzętami. Później w 2 Liście do Tymoteusza 1:18 pisał o Onezyforze: “jak wiele usług oddał mi w Efezie, ty wiesz najlepiej”. O Akwilasie i Pryscylli napisał w Rzymian 16:4 gdzie czytamy: “Którzy za moje życie szyi swej nadstawili, którym nie tylko ja sam dziękuję, ale i wszystkie zbory pogańskie”. Nie pada tutaj nazwa miejsca, gdzie oni ryzykowali życie dla apostoła, ale być może także chodzi o Efez.Później Efezem najwyraźniej zajmował się apostoł Jan. W księdze Objawienia rozdziałach 2 i 3 są zawarte listy do 7 zborów - pierwszym z nich jest właśnie Efez. W Objawieniu 2:1-7 jest mowa o tym, że w tym zborze osłabła miłość, ale odrzucili nauki sekty Nikolausa. Ta grupa jest wspomniana jeszcze w liście do Pergamonu, który znajdował się na północ od Efezu także w Azji Mniejszej. Chodzi więc pewnie o jakąś lokalną sektę, ale to są tylko przypuszczenia.Ciekawa jest późniejsza historia tego miasta mocno związana z interpretacją tekstu biblijnego. W 431 roku cesarz Teodozjusz II wezwał biskupów na trzeci sobór powszechny do Efezu. Wcześniej na pierwszym soborze w Nicei uznano boskość Jezusa. Teraz przedmiotem obrad była nie “boskość Maryi”, lecz kwestia chrystologiczna: czy Maryję można nazywać Matką Bożą (Theotokos), ponieważ urodziła Jezusa Chrystusa, który jest prawdziwym Bogiem i prawdziwym człowiekiem.Wybór Efezu jako miejsca obrad od dawna nasuwa skojarzenia kulturowe, ponieważ miasto było ważnym ośrodkiem kultu bogiń-matek: Artemidy Efeskiej, egipskiej Izydy oraz anatolijskiej Kybele. Zachowały się dość dokładne sprawozdania z przebiegu soboru efezkiego i nigdzie nie pojawia się argument, że skoro lud czcił boginie-matki, należy dać mu chrześcijańską Matkę Bożą. Niemniej po ogłoszeniu tytułu Theotokos mieszkańcy Efezu wyszli na ulice z pochodniami i skandowali na cześć biskupów, którzy ogłosili tę doktrynę, co pokazuje, jak silnie decyzja teologiczna rezonowała z lokalną pobożnością.Widzicie też i słyszycie, że ten Paweł nie tylko w Efezie, lecz nieomal w całej Azji namówił i zjednał sobie wiele ludzi, mówiąc, że nie są bogami ci, którzy są rękami zrobienihttp://biblia-online.pl/Biblia/Warszawska/Dzieje-Apostolskie/19/26Dzieci zbierają drwa, a ojcowie rozniecają ogień; kobiety ugniatają ciasto, aby wypiekać placki dla królowej niebios, cudzym bogom wylewa się ofiary z płynów, aby mnie obrażaćhttp://biblia-online.pl/Biblia/Warszawska/Ksiega-Jeremiasza/7/18Zbroję zaś jego złożyli w świątyni Asztarty, a jego zwłoki powiesili na murze Bet-Szeanuhttp://biblia-online.pl/Biblia/Warszawska/1-Ksiega-Samuela/31/10I działo się to przez dwa lata, tak że wszyscy mieszkańcy Azji, Żydzi i Grecy, mogli usłyszeć Słowo Pańskie.https://biblia-online.pl/Biblia/Warszawska/Dzieje-Apostolskie/19/10A niemało z tych, którzy się oddawali czarnoksięstwu, znosiło księgi i paliło je wobec wszystkich; i zliczyli ich wartość i ustalili, że wynosiła pięćdziesiąt tysięcy srebrnych drachm.https://biblia-online.pl/Biblia/Warszawska/Dzieje-Apostolskie/19/19

00:00 Intro/Catching up together04:48 Pairing Old & New Testament Icons11:42 Fr Symeon tells a story17:12 Adoption, grafting, Friendsgiving & the cherry on top24:05 Saint Paul explaining the reality of Israel in Romans34:07 The secret in The Nativity icon about Joseph & Mary37:37 The presence of The Son at both ends of The Tree of Jesse41:10 Saint Paul at Mars Hill, is the problem life or death51:15 The importance of physicality & mental stillness55:09 Closing thoughts & outroA Shoot from The Stump of Jesse - S7E15In this special Advent themed conversation we again welcome friend of the show, iconographer Nick Papas to help us dive deep into the relationship between the Old Testament icon of The Tree of Jesse & the icon of The Nativity of Our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ.If you would like access to the spreadsheet which details the relationship of the figures on the tree to Jesus or The Theotokos, please contact us so we can provide it to you.Reference materials for this episode:  - Nick's work    - https://www.saintdemetriuspress.com   - https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Papas.StudioScripture citations for this episode: - Genesis 18: Sarah laughed - Isaiah 11: The Peaceful Kingdom prophecy of The Messiah - Luke 1: Zechariah doubts the birth of John & Mary is amazed at the birth of Jesus - Luke 24: The Road to Emmaus - Romans 15; references Isaiah 11#advent #christmas #nativity #iconography The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon KeesParadosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://twitter.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcastIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2023

This month, Cynthia and Molly weigh in on six ways to wait with purpose and hope based on what we can learn from the Theotokos, the shepherds, and the Israelites this nativity season.

This month, Cynthia and Molly weigh in on six ways to wait with purpose and hope based on what we can learn from the Theotokos, the shepherds, and the Israelites this nativity season.

Today Fr. Philip reflects on the Gospel reading of the healing of the crippled woman and how following the holy example of the Theotokos can heal our bent over, corrupted spirit. You can find his blog with this reflection and more in written form at https://easternchristianinsights.blogspot.com

🌍 ¿Te has preguntado por qué la figura de una madre virgen o una diosa madre es central en tantas religiones? En este video, hacemos un viaje espiritual a través de culturas y épocas para descubrir el poderoso arquetipo de la Madre de Dios. No hablamos solo de la Virgen María del cristianismo, sino de un símbolo universal presente desde la antigüedad. 🔍 Exploraremos juntos: • Isis, la diosa madre egipcia que amamantó a faraones y resucitó a Osiris. • Devī o Parvati en el hinduismo, madre de dioses poderosos como Ganesha. • Māyā, la madre de Buda, y su milagroso nacimiento. • La Virgen María y su papel como Theotokos ("portadora de Dios"). • Figuras mesoamericanas como Coatlicue, madre de Huitzilopochtli. • La conexión sorprendente: ¿Por qué todas encarnan amor, sacrificio, creación y un vínculo único entre lo humano y lo divino?

Our beloved holy Father Nicholas is, along with St George (and second to the All-holy Theotokos), probably the best-loved Saint of the Church. His numberless miracles through the ages, on behalf of the countless Christians who have called on him, cannot be told.   He was born in Lycia (in Asia Minor) around the end of the third century, to pious Christian parents. His love of virtue, and his zeal for observing the canons of the Church, were evident from his infancy, when he would abstain from his mother's breast every Wednesday and Friday until the evening. From early youth he was inclined to solitude and silence; in fact, not a single written or spoken word of the Saint has come down to us. Though ordained a priest by his uncle, Archbishop Nicholas, he attempted to withdraw to a hermit's life in the Holy Land; but he was told by revelation that he was to return home to serve the Church publicly and be the salvation of many souls.   When his parents died, he gave away all of his inheritance to the needy, and thereafter almsgiving was his greatest glory. He always took particular care that his charity be done in secret. Perhaps the most famous story of his open-handedness concerns a debt-ridden man who had no money to provide dowries for his daughters, or even to support them, and in despair had resolved to give them into prostitution. On three successive nights the Saint threw a bag of gold into the window of the man's house, saving him and his daughters from sin and hopelessness. The man searched relentlessly to find and thank his benefactor; when at last he discovered that it was Nicholas, the Saint made him promise not to reveal the good deed until after he had died. (This story may be the thin thread that connects the Saint with the modern-day Santa Claus).   God honored his faithfulness by granting him unparalleled gifts of healing and wonderworking. Several times he calmed storms by his prayers and saved the ship that he was sailing in. Through the centuries he has often done the same for sailors who call out to him, and is considered the patron of sailors and all who go to sea.   He was elected Bishop of Myra not long before the great persecutions under Diocletian and Maximian (c. 305), and was put in prison, from which he continued to encourage his flock in the Faith. When the Arian heresy wracked the Church not long after Constantine came to the throne, St Nicholas was one of the 318 Bishops who gathered in Nicea in 325. There he was so incensed at the blasphemies of Arius that he struck him on the face. This put the other bishops in a quandary, since the canons require that any hierarch who strikes anyone must be deposed. Sadly, they prepared to depose the holy Nicholas; but in the night the Lord Jesus and the most Holy Theotokos appeared to them, telling them that the Saint had acted solely out of love for Truth, not from hatred or passion, and that they should not act against him.   While still in the flesh, he sometimes miraculously appeared in distant places to save the lives of the faithful. He once saved the city of Myra from famine by appearing to the captain of a ship full of grain, telling him to take his cargo to the city. He appeared in a dream to Constantine to intercede for the lives of three Roman officers who had been falsely condemned; the three grateful soldiers later became monks.   The holy bishop reposed in peace around 345. His holy relics were placed in a church built in his honor in Myra, where they were venerated by throngs of pilgrims every year. In 1087, after Myra was conquered by the Saracens, the Saint's relics were translated to Bari in southern Italy, where they are venerated today. Every year, quantities of fragrant myrrh are gathered from the casket containing his holy relics.

In this episode, Stephen Boyce and Pat May examine the Second Council of Constantinople (553), the Fifth Ecumenical Council, convened under Emperor Justinian I during the Three Chapters Controversy. We explain the condemnation of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, and the Letter of Ibas, the reaffirmation of Chalcedonian Christology, and the council's defense of Mary as Theotokos and her perpetual virginity. We also cover the dramatic Pope Vigilius controversy, his resistance, arrest, eventual submission, and the lasting impact of the council in both the East and West.#SecondCouncilOfConstantinople #FifthEcumenicalCouncil #ChurchHistory #EcumenicalCouncils #ConstantinopleII #ByzantineChurch #Justinian #PopeVigilius #ThreeChaptersControversy #StephenBoyce

It is a meeting of the moms. Two expectant mothers – one old, one young. One is six months along; the other, newly pregnant. The fact that either of them is expecting is totally unexpected! Both are pregnant when neither one of them should be under normal circumstances. But these circumstances are anything but normal. Zechariah and Elizabeth are expecting a miracle child in their old age. Joseph and Mary are expecting a miracle child while Mary is a virgin.This is also the first meeting of the two baby boys the moms are carrying inside them. The great Son of David – from Joseph and Mary - is in the house of Aaron's son – from Zechariah. Hidden within the wombs of the two women are the Christ and the forerunner of the Christ. These are two miraculous babies. John born to a woman well beyond childbearing. Jesus born to a virgin. Elizabeth is bearing the prophet to prepare the way for the Most High God. Mary is bearing the Most High God sent to redeem the world.While she is there visiting her older cousin, Elizabeth, Mary breaks into song. It is a joyful canticle we call the "The Magnificat." This Advent, we'll be looking at three Bible songs of Christmas – The Magnificat, The Benedictus, and The Gloria in Excelsis. Their Latin titles show their long history of usage within the Christian Church.Mary begins, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord" (Luke 1:46). In Latin its, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum." The first word – "Magnificat" – is where we get the title for this canticle. Canticles are sacred songs drawn from biblical texts. To "magnify" is to "make great." Think of a magnifying lens. It's not that a magnifying lens makes the thing you're looking at any larger than it actually is. When you magnify something, it occupies more of your vision. It's all you can see.Mary sings that her soul magnifies the Lord. She couldn't make the Lord any greater than he already is. God's greatness occupies her vision. Mary serves as a good example for us. God's greatness should occupy our vision, not just during these winter holidays, but all the time. But we do have special Advent and Christmas services specifically so we can pause, meditate, and magnify what God has done for us in sending his Son in the flesh as the Son of Mary. Then we join with Mary in singing her song of praise."And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant" (Luke 1:47-48). Mary is not without sin, like the Roman Catholic Church teaches. She's a sinner who calls her Son her "Savior." We also are not without sin. We rejoice that God our Savior came as the Seed of Eve and the Son of Mary."Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name" (Luke 1:48-49). Mary is newly pregnant, yet she realized that God had already done great things for her … and in her. Elizabeth had just said of her much younger cousin, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42). All generations would call Mary blessed for she was granted the great privilege and the awesome honor of being the mother to the Son of God. Mary has rightly been called "Theotokos" – "Mother of God." At the same time, God was doing great things for everybody else who would benefit from the birth of this Child. That's us!"His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50). Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. From generation to generation, sinful people deserve destruction, death, and damnation. Instead, God's mercies are new every morning from generation to generation, century after century (Lamentations 3:23). Even though we deserve hurt and harm, God instead helps us in our distress. Though we should be punished for our misdeeds, God grants us forgiveness. Though we should have God's eternal wrath poured out on us, we are daily bathed in the mercy of God. God provided the ultimate answer to all our woes in this little Child in Mary's womb. That's why Mary is singing. She sees this Child as the great fulfillment of God's mercy toward humanity."He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the lowly." (Luke 1:51-52). Mary is singing how God acts toward humanity with a twofold action. God brings down the proud and he lifts up the humble. God works through his Law and Gospel. To those who are proud in themselves – like the Pharisee boasting in the temple – God will scatter them to the winds. To those who feel like they are in control – rulers of their own destiny – God will cast them down from their thrones. To those who are rich in the pleasures of this life – like the rich man who ignored poor Lazarus – God will send them away empty. This is how God deals with all those who are secure in themselves, who feel they are good enough people, so they have no use for a Savior. God preaches the Law to them. They refuse to listen. So, he will bring those arrogant souls down.The proud and the rich – these are the enemies of God. He will bring them low. The proud and rich – I hope that's not us. But at times, it certainly is."He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty" (Luke 1:53). The humble and hungry – these are the friends of God. I pray that this is us all the time. We have a lot to be humble about. The knowledge of our sinfulness should humble us. We have nothing to brag about before God. We know how full of sin we are. We know how often we accidentally stumble into sin. We also know how often we purposefully run headlong into sin.But when we humble ourselves with God's Law, then God lifts us up as the lowly. God's mighty arm lifts up those who are too weak to save themselves – that's us.We are also the hungry. We hunger for God's righteousness served on a platter. We can't make this meal on our own. God must prepare it for us. That's what Christmas is all about. God fills the hungry with good things. Those good things come in the form of this baby, God incarnate, the Lord in the flesh. He is God's gift of righteousness. Christ's righteousness covers over our sinfulness. His perfection replaces our imperfection. His holiness envelops our unholiness. We are filled up and satisfied with God's great Christmas present – the Lord almighty wrapped in cute little baby skin.What Mary is singing about here is what is sometimes called the "Great Reversal." It is the great change in position that God will accomplish in the sending of his Son. The high and mighty will be brought low. The poor and lowly will be lifted up. Just the opposite of the way the world sees things. God brings this reversal in Mary's Son – the Christ Child.Jesus Christ came in his own Great Reversal. God's Son came from the heights of heaven to be born the lowly child of Mary. He laid aside his glory. He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. God's Son came in the flesh so he could be brought low and then be lifted up on the cross. Forty days after his glorious resurrection, God's Son was lifted up to his rightful place at God the Father's right hand upon his heavenly throne.This is how Jesus Christ strikes down our high and mighty enemies – sin, death, and the devil. These proud rulers are brought low, scattered, and sent away empty – as empty as the tomb from which Christ arose. Now Christ reigns from his glorious throne with all his enemies under his feet. This is a promise of the Great Reversal for all of us who suffer from this unholy trinity of our enemies. Mary sings that this has already been accomplished by the Savior residing within her womb.Mary concludes her Magnificat, "He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever" (Luke 1:54-55). Mary praises the Lord for being faithful to his promises, faithful to his covenant, faithful to his Word. God had promised Abraham, "In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice" (Genesis 22:18). God continued his promise of the Seed from Eve, through Abraham, through and David, and now within Mary. Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of the promised Seed of the Woman.By faith in the Word made flesh in her womb, Mary was able to grasp the inconceivable, the invisible, and the eternal things of the Lord. As we join with Mary in singing her Magnificat, may we also grasp the inconceivable, the invisible, and the eternal things of the Lord. In this Christ Child, the lowly are lifted up. In this Christ Child, God's mercy extends from generation to generation. In this Christ Child, God has come to the aid of his people. So let us sing, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Amen.Let the name of the Lord be blessed, from now to eternity. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised (Psalm 103:2-3). Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/the-magnificat-the-song-of-mary/

What does it mean to call Mary the “Mother of God”? In this episode, Greg dives into the ancient debate at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) over the term Theotokos and why it's a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy. Far from just being about Mary, this doctrine safeguards the truth of the Incarnation—that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Greg unpacks common Protestant objections, addresses misunderstandings, and explores how Theotokos shapes Catholic theology and liturgy today. Whether you're curious about Catholicism or deepening your faith, this episode will challenge you to see Jesus in a new light. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

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)

Today Fr. Philip encourages us as we continue on our journey through the Nativity season. Father weaves together the parable of the Rich Fool and the life of the Theotokos, demonstrating how one who follows God should be rich. You can find his blog with this reflection and more in written form at https://easternchristianinsights.blogspot.com

Today Fr. Philip encourages us as we continue on our journey through the Nativity season. Father weaves together the parable of the Rich Fool and the life of the Theotokos, demonstrating how one who follows God should be rich. You can find his blog with this reflection and more in written form at https://easternchristianinsights.blogspot.com

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!

Fr. Evan answers your questions on the Orthodox position on the priesthood of all believers, how to deepen our relationship with the Theotokos as a mother figure, if an Eastern Orthodox can believe in one nature of Christ, how one can move their faith from their head to their heart, and more on this episode of Orthodoxy Live!

Fr. Evan answers your questions on the Orthodox position on the priesthood of all believers, how to deepen our relationship with the Theotokos as a mother figure, if an Eastern Orthodox can believe in one nature of Christ, how one can move their faith from their head to their heart, and more on this episode of Orthodoxy Live!

When the holy and most pure child Mary (Mariam or Miriam in Hebrew) reached the age of three, her parents, the righteous Joachim and Anna, fulfilled the vow they had made to dedicate her to God. Going in procession with a company of maidens carrying torches, they presented their child at the Temple in Jerusalem, where Zecharias the High Priest took her under his care, blessing her with these words: "The Lord has glorified thy name in every generation; it is in thee that He will reveal the Redemption that he has prepared for his people in the last days." He then brought the child into the Holy of Holies — something completely unheard-of, for under the Law only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy Place, and he only once a year on the Day of Atonement.   (In the icon of the feast, the maidens who accompany the Theotokos are shown bare-headed, as was customary for unmarried girls; but the Theotokos herself, though only three years old, wears the head-covering of a married woman to show her consecration to God.)   The holy Virgin lived in the Temple for the next nine years, devoting herself entirely to prayer. In this time she attained the utter purity of heart befitting the destined Bearer of the Most High; she became in her own person the fulfilment and condensation of all of Israel's faithfulness. Saint Gregory Palamas says that, when the Theotokos entered the Holy of Holies, the time of preparation and testing of the Old Covenant came to an end for Israel, which was now ready, in the blessed Virgin, to bring forth the Savior.   When Mary approached marriageable age, she was entrusted to the chaste widower Joseph to guard her. (The Prologue says that a life of intentional virginity was unknown among the Hebrews, so the righteous Joseph undertook the forms of marriage so as not to cause scandal among the people.)   "Wherefore the Church rejoices and exhorts all the friends of God for their part to enter into the temple of their heart, there to make ready for the coming of the Lord by silence and prayer, withdrawing from the pleasures and cares of this world." (Synaxarion)

When the holy and most pure child Mary (Mariam or Miriam in Hebrew) reached the age of three, her parents, the righteous Joachim and Anna, fulfilled the vow they had made to dedicate her to God. Going in procession with a company of maidens carrying torches, they presented their child at the Temple in Jerusalem, where Zecharias the High Priest took her under his care, blessing her with these words: "The Lord has glorified thy name in every generation; it is in thee that He will reveal the Redemption that he has prepared for his people in the last days." He then brought the child into the Holy of Holies — something completely unheard-of, for under the Law only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy Place, and he only once a year on the Day of Atonement.   (In the icon of the feast, the maidens who accompany the Theotokos are shown bare-headed, as was customary for unmarried girls; but the Theotokos herself, though only three years old, wears the head-covering of a married woman to show her consecration to God.)   The holy Virgin lived in the Temple for the next nine years, devoting herself entirely to prayer. In this time she attained the utter purity of heart befitting the destined Bearer of the Most High; she became in her own person the fulfilment and condensation of all of Israel's faithfulness. Saint Gregory Palamas says that, when the Theotokos entered the Holy of Holies, the time of preparation and testing of the Old Covenant came to an end for Israel, which was now ready, in the blessed Virgin, to bring forth the Savior.   When Mary approached marriageable age, she was entrusted to the chaste widower Joseph to guard her. (The Prologue says that a life of intentional virginity was unknown among the Hebrews, so the righteous Joseph undertook the forms of marriage so as not to cause scandal among the people.)   "Wherefore the Church rejoices and exhorts all the friends of God for their part to enter into the temple of their heart, there to make ready for the coming of the Lord by silence and prayer, withdrawing from the pleasures and cares of this world." (Synaxarion)

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Macy English to play Knowing Faith Theological Trivia. Grab a pen and paper to play along!Questions Covered in This Episode:The Story of the Bible:Name the four gospels.In what waters did Naaman wash in to be healed of leprosy?Who in the Old Testament prefigures Christ as both priest and king?True or False: King Saul was from the tribe of Judah.Which prophet's scroll records the story of the valley of dry bones?Spiritual Belief:What does the word “Trinity” describe?The Nicene Creed says the Son is “begotten, not made.” What heresy does that refute?Which ecumenical council affirmed Mary as Theotokos or the “God-bearer”?Which heresy claimed Jesus only appeared to have a human body?What Latin term captures the Reformation truth that faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone?Spiritual Formation:What word means “to become more like Christ”?According to John Owen, sanctification involves the mortification of ___ and vivification of ___.True or False: The Greek word for “fruit” of the Spirit in Galatians 5 is plural.Who first popularized the phrase “means of grace” to describe habits that grow believers?Which Reformation theologian taught that true knowledge of God leads to knowledge of self?Bonus Round:Who was the left-handed judge who killed the Moabite king Eglon with his sword?Guest Bio:Macy English is the Owner & Principal Consultant of English Media, where she helps businesses with all things sales & marketing. She is a lover of people, culture, marketing, and health, and she strives for all that matters in life. Macy and her husband, JT, live in Arvada, CO, with their two kids and love to travel.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Deep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join the show with a TEXT here!A former Protestant apologist has flipped the script: once a defender of sola scriptura, he now argues that the church's authority supersedes Scripture. In this episode we watch his video, unpack his central objections to sola scriptura, and trace how his new ecclesial framework reshapes his understanding of dogma.We'll move from close reaction to careful analysis, testing his claims against historical and theological standards and then putting one of the canons from Nicaea II under the microscope to show where an ecclesial-first approach clashes with a Scripture-centered view of authority.This episode is for anyone interested in doctrinal controversies, patristic authority, or the Protestant–Catholic/Eastern conversation—pastors, students, and curious listeners alike. Grab your Bible, bring a snack, and settle in!

As we continue our discussion of the difficulty in integrating the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evengalion of Jesus, The Christ, the Orthodox Christian way of life, into contemporary western culture, Jim & Fr Symeon take the opportunity to discuss "the other side". Last conversation we defined & critique "woke" as the civil religion of the so-called Left. This time we will define & critique "Make America Great Again" as the civil religion of the so-called Right. The reason we wish to critique it is because it uses Christian language but is not Christian. And yet we can end the episode with the hymns to The Theotokos which call her a military leader, proclaiming our victory & the establishment of our way of life. Find out why this isn't about theocracy & isn't about violence, by tuning in!Scripture citations for this episode: - Genesis 1 & 2   - Creation as a battle against chaos & death - Genesis 11   - Tower of Babel - Galatians 5:16-26   - Fruits of The SpiritThe Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon KeesParadosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://twitter.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcastIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2023

Fr. John LoCoco joins Patrick to discuss Marian Dogmas What are Dogmas? (2:45) why are Maran Dogmas important for Catholics? (8:30) Mary the Mother of God. (15:57) Naser - I am a Muslim: Muslims are the only religion in the world who recognize Jesus as a prophet. It is hard for us Muslims to see Mary as mother of God also since God can't have mothers (23:22) Break 1 (25:37) Perpetual Virginity of Mary. (32:53) Tom - AS a catechist, Can father add clarity to share ways I can share the element of mystery? The Assumption, Theotokos. (37:37) Break 2 (39:52) The Immaculate Conception. (44:37) The Assumption of Mary. Why does the Catholic Church teach about Doctrinal Development?

His Hebrew name is Jacob. He was a close kinsman of Christ, and was therefore called, according to the Jewish usage of the time, his "brother." Some accounts say that he was a child of Joseph by his first marriage; others accounts say that he was the son of Joseph's brother Cleopas and his wife Mary, who was first cousin of the Theotokos. He took the Nazirite vows of one completely consecrated to God according to the Law, and from a young age he was called "the Just" by his people. He is called James the Lesser in Scripture (Mark 15:40) to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, who is called the Greater. The Apostles appointed him first Bishop of Jerusalem. It was he who presided at the earliest Council of the Church in Jerusalem, where he resolved the problem of how gentile converts should be received into the Church (see Acts 15). He wrote the New Testament Epistle, addressed primarily to Jewish converts to the Faith, that bears his name. About the year 62, he ascended to the peak of the Temple in Jerusalem on Passover, and there bore witness to Christ so effectively that the people cried out "Hosanna to the Son of David." At this, the Scribes and Pharisees, fearing that all the people would be converted to Christ, cast him down to the ground. By God's grace, he survived long enough to rise, kneel and pray, like his Master, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He was then clubbed to death by one of the scribes.

His Hebrew name is Jacob. He was a close kinsman of Christ, and was therefore called, according to the Jewish usage of the time, his "brother." Some accounts say that he was a child of Joseph by his first marriage; others accounts say that he was the son of Joseph's brother Cleopas and his wife Mary, who was first cousin of the Theotokos. He took the Nazirite vows of one completely consecrated to God according to the Law, and from a young age he was called "the Just" by his people. He is called James the Lesser in Scripture (Mark 15:40) to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, who is called the Greater. The Apostles appointed him first Bishop of Jerusalem. It was he who presided at the earliest Council of the Church in Jerusalem, where he resolved the problem of how gentile converts should be received into the Church (see Acts 15). He wrote the New Testament Epistle, addressed primarily to Jewish converts to the Faith, that bears his name. About the year 62, he ascended to the peak of the Temple in Jerusalem on Passover, and there bore witness to Christ so effectively that the people cried out "Hosanna to the Son of David." At this, the Scribes and Pharisees, fearing that all the people would be converted to Christ, cast him down to the ground. By God's grace, he survived long enough to rise, kneel and pray, like his Master, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He was then clubbed to death by one of the scribes.

43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.consummatisque diebus, cum redirent, remansit puer Jesus in Jerusalem, et non cognoverunt parentes ejus. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.Existimantes autem illum esse in comitatu, venerunt iter diei, et requirebant eum inter cognatos et notos. 45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.Et non invenientes, regressi sunt in Jerusalem, requirentes eum. 46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.Et factum est, post triduum invenerunt illum in templo sedentem in medio doctorum, audientem illos, et interrogantem eos. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.Stupebant autem omnes qui eum audiebant, super prudentia et responsis ejus. 48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.Et videntes admirati sunt. Et dixit mater ejus ad illum : Fili, quid fecisti nobis sic? ecce pater tuus et ego dolentes quaerebamus te. 49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business?Et ait ad illos : Quid est quod me quaerebatis? nesciebatis quia in his quae Patris mei sunt, oportet me esse? 50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.Et ipsi non intellexerunt verbum quod locutus est ad eos. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.Et descendit cum eis, et venit Nazareth : et erat subditus illis. Et mater ejus conservabat omnia verba haec in corde suo.To commemorate in liturgy the fifteenth centenary of the Council of Ephesus (held in A.D. 431), which vindicated the title of Theotokos or "Mother of God" for our Lady, Pope Pius Xi in the year 1931 instituted this Feast to be observed by the whole Church.

Patrick takes heartfelt questions from callers wrestling with scrupulosity, confession anxiety, and misunderstandings about Catholic teaching on celibacy and sin. He shares practical wisdom, weaving in scripture and personal encouragement, as listeners reveal their own struggles with temptation, family faith conflicts, and daily spiritual challenges. His perspective brings clarity and reassurance to those unsure about where they stand with God or how to approach difficult conversations in faith. Laura (email) - I'm not sure if I am behaving too scrupulous or not. (00:44) Jim - My son went to a Baptism where there was a married priest. This confuses me. I feel discouraged that married men can't become priests. (11:49) Patricia - Is the Farmer's Almanac demonic? (21:16) Allan - What is the Theotokos? Is Mary divine? (25:21) Nick - My Church offers confession every day. If I have a strong temptation, is that appropriate to take to confession? (27:52) Pat - You said that priests cannot marry because of their choice. Do married priests still have to practice celibacy and can they get remarried? (37:43) Maria - I am trying to evangelize a Muslim, and he does believe He is a prophet. How do I explain to Muslims that Jesus died and rose again? (45:11)

It is a striking fact, though often overlooked, that from the earliest days of the Church, the Virgin Mary was not merely honoured as the Mother of our Lord, but held up as the model of Christian faith itself.This wasn't because early Christians confused her with Christ, or wished to place her above Him. Rather, they saw in her something the modern world too often misses: a life fully and freely surrendered to God. Before she carried Christ in her womb, she had already welcomed Him in her heart.When the angel Gabriel came to her, he did not offer a polite suggestion. He declared a divine reality: “You will conceive and bear a son.” No theological debate, no careful exposition, only a moment of decision. And Mary's response—“Be it unto me according to thy word”—was more than agreement. It was the first, purest act of discipleship in all of Christian history. From that moment, the Church understood something profound: Mary is not the exception to the Christian life; she is its pattern.Long before St. Peter dropped his nets or St. Paul fell from his horse, Mary had already said yes to God. She believed when belief came at a cost. She trusted when she did not understand. She obeyed when the path was unclear. And when all others had fled the cross, she remained.This is why the earliest Christians honoured her—not as a goddess, not as a distant symbol, but as the first and truest disciple. They called her Theotokos, “God-bearer,” not to exalt her above Christ, but to defend the truth of the Incarnation: that God truly became man, and did so through the willing obedience of a human being.Mary shows us what it looks like when humanity is fully open to God. Not proud. Not self-sufficient. Not scrambling to control. But open. Receptive. Willing. We are not called to be her, but we are called to follow her. And most of us, it must be said, are not likely to become apostles, prophets, or martyrs. But we are all called to do what she did: to listen for the voice of God—and to respond, not with delay or demands, but with faith.If the Fall began with Eve's “no,” then redemption begins with Mary's “yes.” In that yes, history turned, Heaven touched Earth, and the Word became flesh. She did not work miracles. She did not preach sermons. She simply gave herself to God—and in doing so, gave the world its Saviour. Her faith was quiet, but unshakable. Hidden, but world-changing. And if we have eyes to see it, her life offers us not a relic to revere, but a path to walk. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

He was probably the first Bishop of Athens, ordained by the Holy Apostle Paul himself. St Dionysius (see October 3) describes St Hierotheos as his teacher and friend "after Paul." With St Dionysius, St Hierotheos was miraculously brought by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present with the Apostles at the Dormition of the Theotokos. He reposed in peace.

He was probably the first Bishop of Athens, ordained by the Holy Apostle Paul himself. St Dionysius (see October 3) describes St Hierotheos as his teacher and friend "after Paul." With St Dionysius, St Hierotheos was miraculously brought by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present with the Apostles at the Dormition of the Theotokos. He reposed in peace.

On October 1, 911, during the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise, an all-night vigil was being held at the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God in Constantinople, with many of the faithful crowding the church. St Andrew the Fool for Christ (commemorated tomorrow, October 2) was standing at the back of the church with his disciple Epiphanius. At around four in the morning, the most holy Theotokos appeared above the people, clothed in resplendent garments, surrounded by indescribable radiance, and holding a veil in her outstretched hands, as though to protect all the people. St Andrew said to Epiphanius 'Do you see how the Queen and Lady of all is praying for the whole world?' Epiphanius replied 'Yes, Father, I see it and stand in dread.' This wonderful event is recorded in Epiphanius' life of St Andrew. Because of it, the Church keeps an annual feast on this date.   Note: This feast is particularly well-loved in the Slavic churches. In 1960, the Greek church transferred its observance to October 28, in memory of the Mother of God's protection of the Greek forces holding the Albanian front against Italy in 1940. St Romanos the Melodist of Constantinople (556)

On October 1, 911, during the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise, an all-night vigil was being held at the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God in Constantinople, with many of the faithful crowding the church. St Andrew the Fool for Christ (commemorated tomorrow, October 2) was standing at the back of the church with his disciple Epiphanius. At around four in the morning, the most holy Theotokos appeared above the people, clothed in resplendent garments, surrounded by indescribable radiance, and holding a veil in her outstretched hands, as though to protect all the people. St Andrew said to Epiphanius 'Do you see how the Queen and Lady of all is praying for the whole world?' Epiphanius replied 'Yes, Father, I see it and stand in dread.' This wonderful event is recorded in Epiphanius' life of St Andrew. Because of it, the Church keeps an annual feast on this date.   Note: This feast is particularly well-loved in the Slavic churches. In 1960, the Greek church transferred its observance to October 28, in memory of the Mother of God's protection of the Greek forces holding the Albanian front against Italy in 1940. St Romanos the Melodist of Constantinople (556)

October 1st, 2025:  Carmelites & Our Lady; Holy Protection of the Theotokos - Protecting Us in this Spiritual Warfare; Great Littleness; Bl Francis Cichi of Pesaro; St Remigius, Anger & the Wedding Garment; Protection of the Theotokos - Run to Your Mother

The holy Apostle was, by the world's reckoning, the nephew of our Savior, since his mother Salome was the daughter of St Joseph the Betrothed. Called 'the beloved disciple,' St John was the only one of Christ's disciples to follow Him to the Cross. He was entrusted by the Savior with the care of the most holy Theotokos, and became like another son to her, providing for her care until the day of her repose. He preached the Gospel of Christ throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. During the persecutions of the Emperor Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, where he was subjected to various tortures; but when he emerged from these miraculously unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation. After the death of Domitian, he returned to Ephesus and there wrote his Gospel and Epistles. He reposed in peace at a great old age. When his disciples later opened his grave, they found that his body was not there. He is called the Theologian because of the sublimity of theological expression in his New Testament writings.

The holy Apostle was, by the world's reckoning, the nephew of our Savior, since his mother Salome was the daughter of St Joseph the Betrothed. Called 'the beloved disciple,' St John was the only one of Christ's disciples to follow Him to the Cross. He was entrusted by the Savior with the care of the most holy Theotokos, and became like another son to her, providing for her care until the day of her repose. He preached the Gospel of Christ throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. During the persecutions of the Emperor Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, where he was subjected to various tortures; but when he emerged from these miraculously unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation. After the death of Domitian, he returned to Ephesus and there wrote his Gospel and Epistles. He reposed in peace at a great old age. When his disciples later opened his grave, they found that his body was not there. He is called the Theologian because of the sublimity of theological expression in his New Testament writings.

'Our righteous Father Sergius was born in Rostov, north of Moscow, about the year 1314. Named Bartholomew in baptism, he was brought up in Radonezh, and at the death of his parents he withdrew to the wilderness to become a monk. It is notable that without having been trained in a monastery, he was of such a spiritual stature as to be able to take up the perilous eremitical life from the beginning, without falling into delusion or despondency. When he had endured with courage the deprivations of the solitary life, other monks began to come to him, for whom he was made abbot against his will. On the counsel of Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, he organized his monks according to the cenobitic life, appointing duties to each. While Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev, and the other righteous Fathers before Sergius, had established their monasteries near to cities, Sergius was the leader and light of those who went far into the wilderness, and after his example the untrodden forests of northern Russia were settled by monks. When Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy was about to go to battle against the invading Tartars, he first sought the blessing of Saint Sergius, through whose prayers he was triumphant. Saint Sergius was adorned with the highest virtues of Christ-like humility and burning love for God and neighbor, and received the gift of working wonders, of casting out demons, and of discretion for leading souls to salvation. When he served the Divine Liturgy, an Angel served him visibly; he was also vouchsafed the visitation of the most holy Theotokos with the Apostles Peter and John. He was gathered to his Fathers on September 25, 1392. At the recovery of his holy relics on July 5th, 1422, his body and garments were found fragrant and incorrupt. His life was written by the monk Epiphanius, who knew him.' (Great Horologion)

'Our righteous Father Sergius was born in Rostov, north of Moscow, about the year 1314. Named Bartholomew in baptism, he was brought up in Radonezh, and at the death of his parents he withdrew to the wilderness to become a monk. It is notable that without having been trained in a monastery, he was of such a spiritual stature as to be able to take up the perilous eremitical life from the beginning, without falling into delusion or despondency. When he had endured with courage the deprivations of the solitary life, other monks began to come to him, for whom he was made abbot against his will. On the counsel of Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, he organized his monks according to the cenobitic life, appointing duties to each. While Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev, and the other righteous Fathers before Sergius, had established their monasteries near to cities, Sergius was the leader and light of those who went far into the wilderness, and after his example the untrodden forests of northern Russia were settled by monks. When Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy was about to go to battle against the invading Tartars, he first sought the blessing of Saint Sergius, through whose prayers he was triumphant. Saint Sergius was adorned with the highest virtues of Christ-like humility and burning love for God and neighbor, and received the gift of working wonders, of casting out demons, and of discretion for leading souls to salvation. When he served the Divine Liturgy, an Angel served him visibly; he was also vouchsafed the visitation of the most holy Theotokos with the Apostles Peter and John. He was gathered to his Fathers on September 25, 1392. At the recovery of his holy relics on July 5th, 1422, his body and garments were found fragrant and incorrupt. His life was written by the monk Epiphanius, who knew him.' (Great Horologion)

He was a peasant named Hilarion in the district of Vologda, and lived a simple, laboring life until he began to lose his sight. Not despairing, Hilarion went to all the churches nearby and asked that services of intercession be offered for him. One day, during the Divine Liturgy, Hilarion beheld a man in white clothing who told him that his name was Cosmas, blessed him, and told him that he would soon be healed. The next day Hilarion was going to church again and the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian appeared to him along with an icon of the Mother of God. A voice from the icon said that the people must cleanse the place where he stood and erect a cross there. Upon venerating the icon, Hilarion was instantly and completely healed. Returning to his village, he joyfully told what had happened. The villagers cleansed the place, as commanded in Hilarion's vision, set up a cross, and built a chapel to house the icon, which began to work many miracles. When the bishop learned of these events, he determined to found a monastery on that spot, and made Hilarion the first monk, giving him the name of Joseph. Saint Joseph spent the next thirty years there in prayer and great asceticism: he would spend the winter nights without sleep, standing in prayer before the miraculous icon of the Theotokos. He reposed in peace and was buried in the chapel that he and his fellow-villagers had built years before.

He was a peasant named Hilarion in the district of Vologda, and lived a simple, laboring life until he began to lose his sight. Not despairing, Hilarion went to all the churches nearby and asked that services of intercession be offered for him. One day, during the Divine Liturgy, Hilarion beheld a man in white clothing who told him that his name was Cosmas, blessed him, and told him that he would soon be healed. The next day Hilarion was going to church again and the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian appeared to him along with an icon of the Mother of God. A voice from the icon said that the people must cleanse the place where he stood and erect a cross there. Upon venerating the icon, Hilarion was instantly and completely healed. Returning to his village, he joyfully told what had happened. The villagers cleansed the place, as commanded in Hilarion's vision, set up a cross, and built a chapel to house the icon, which began to work many miracles. When the bishop learned of these events, he determined to found a monastery on that spot, and made Hilarion the first monk, giving him the name of Joseph. Saint Joseph spent the next thirty years there in prayer and great asceticism: he would spend the winter nights without sleep, standing in prayer before the miraculous icon of the Theotokos. He reposed in peace and was buried in the chapel that he and his fellow-villagers had built years before.