Podcasts about Theotokos

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.

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

Part 17- This is the seventeenth and final installment of my first book “The Constant Procession.” Ukrainian churches during the times of the USSR were kept alive thru immigrants to North America. Last Chapter- Apparition sites offer hope for a timeless mode of being and the “constant procession” continues… Listen from the beginning- Episode 461- Part 1 NOTE: These final chapters were written before the current war between the Ukraine and Russia broke out. The time period I wrote about began in 1922 when the Ukraine was totally controlled by the USSR. In 1991, the USSR broke into the numerous independent countries that included the Ukraine. Russia became the most powerful country in the region and at that point in time.   Chapter 28 continues to describe this earlier time period when Ukrainian churches were under siege during the times of the USSR's religious suppression. However, it was Ukrainian Immigrants to North America who kept them going during this suppression. The final chapter is about apparition sites where the Virgin Mary has appeared. They offer hope for a timeless mode of being for those in the constant procession... There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com    

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)

Part 16- This is the sixteenth installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! Medjugorje, does not come to mind as a vacation spot. But it has inspired visiting pilgrims to spread the Madonna's words. For young people, who have not lived more than thirty years, this area of the world is typically not on their radar. For those who have lived a bit longer, there remains a dark mental imprint. A remembrance that recalls brutality inflicted on people within this region as they experienced civil war in the 1990's. Fighting caused by the breaking up of Yugoslavia. For me, the news reporting during that period of the civil war did little to help explain the confusing jumble of puzzling information that ominously included atrocities, genocide and war crimes. Yet this area is where the Madonna appeared. She offered to the world a surprising counterpoint to humanities deeds. It's amazing to me that even during that civil war, pilgrims from around the world continued to converge on Medjugorje, which seemed to be located in the middle of the warfare.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com  

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.

Part 15- This is the fifteenth installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! The Virgin Mary appears at Medjugorje in Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) in June 1981. Her earliest messages reinforce Gospel teachings by Christ on ways to live: “Love God and Neighbors, Faith, Prayer and Fasting.” “These are how a person can ‘return to God' and enjoy the ‘fullness of life.” Meanwhile a Pope and a President find renewed clarity of purpose as they recover from assassination attempts and continue to live on the ‘pointy edge of the sword.' The Communist Governments in Poland and East Germany become the focus of their attention.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

Mary embodies the Church and each of her members through her title “Theotokos.” She shows us how we are called to “bear God” in our own lives.

Today Fr. Philip offers a reflection on the Nativity of the Theotokos, and the lessons from it that we can use to help embrace our struggles. You can find his blog with this reflection and more in written form at https://easternchristianinsights.blogspot.com/.

Part 14- This is the fourteenth installment from my book “The Constant Procession.” You'll hearing it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments Time Magazine's proclaims ‘God is Dead.' Situations around the world seem to prove it. Riots across the USA over the Vietnam War and Racial Injustice… A ‘6-Day War' in the Middle East. This history seems strangely current.  But it was also at that time when the Virgin Mary decided to appear in Egypt… And became a welcomed symbol of Peace.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

What do we know about Mary from the New Testament scriptures? What do the episodes of her life recorded in the Gospels and Acts reveal about her character and vocation and that of her son Jesus?Support us on Patreon for Member access to our special podcast series where we go in depth on books of the Bible. Ongoing season: Exodus. You will also gain access to the entire archive of Season 1: The Gospel of John.Apply for Saint Paul's House of FormationEmail usMusic by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications Word & Table Episode Index

Part 13- This is the thirteenth installment from my book “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! Chapter 22 continues with the Virgin Mary and Sister Lucia: “If you pay heed to my requests, Russia will be converted and there will be peace.  Chapter 23-A Society Without God. Soviet demands include citizens watching each other and a banning of freedoms, suppressing liberty and banning Bibles.  Chapter 24- Hot Pursuit in a Cold War- “The Great Return” found fierce resistance in France. In Hungary however, the procession yielded fruit.    There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

Part 12- This is the twelfth installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! By the end of WWI, among those who died on the battlefields were the best and brightest of that generation. This suddenly created a vacuum of natural leaders across the world.  Nihilism followed and brought on the attitude that “anything goes.”  The “Roaring Twenties” became the “Great Depression” that became WWII. But then, a Marian apparition from long ago brought hope through a phenomenon known as "Our Lady of the Great Return" in France during that horrific war.  It brought people hope and became an 'endless procession' as people marched behind a very special statue of the Virgin Mary across France.   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

In the final part of their Dormition series on the Life of the Theotokos, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore the details of her passing from earthly life.

Catholics call her the Queen of Heaven. The Orthodox call her Theotokos, the God-bearer. Both traditions pray to her, sing hymns to her, and ask for her intercession. But here's the question: Is Mary truly meant to be our mediator—or have centuries of devotion blurred the line between honoring the mother of Jesus and worshiping her? Where did these beliefs come from, when did they start, and how do they stack up against Scripture? On our next episode, we're asking: does Marian devotion deepen faith in Christ—or distract from Him?

Part 11- This is the eleventh installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as the “Fatima apparitions” are some of the most amazing appearances of the Madonna to be witnessed by a wide audience of people from all walks of life. They occurred in Fatima, Portugal in the year 1917 over a 6-month period.   And also, you can purchase my 2nd book, "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com  

The Third "Feast of the Savior" in August While the Lord was preaching in Palestine, his fame reached a king Avgar of Edessa, who suffered from leprosy. Avgar sent a messenger named Ananias to ask whether the Lord could heal his illness. The king also charged Ananias, if he was unable to bring back Jesus Himself, to bring back a likeness of Him. When Ananias found Jesus, the Lord told him that he could not come to Edessa since the time of His passion was at hand. But he took a cloth and washed His face, miraculously leaving a perfect image of His face on the cloth. Ananias brought the holy image back to the king, who reverently kissed it. Immediately his leprosy was healed, save for a small lesion that remained on his forehead. Later the Apostle Thaddeus came to Edessa, preaching the gospel, and Avgar and his household were baptized, at which time his remaining leprosy vanished. The king had the holy likeness mounted on wood and displayed above the city gate for all to revere. But Avgar's grandson returned to idolatry, and the Bishop of Edessa had the image hidden in the city wall to prevent it from being defiled. Many years later, when the Persian king Chosroes besieged Edessa, the Bishop Eulabius was told in a vision to find the sealed chamber, whose location had been forgotten. The holy icon was found, completely incorrupt, and by its power the Persian army was driven off. In the year 944 the image was brought to Constantinople and enshrined in the Church of the Theotokos called the Pharos. This is the event commemorated today.

Dormition Of The Theotokos(Friday August 15th 2025AD) by Duchovny Dom Monastery

On the Cross, the Lord charged the Apostle John to care for His holy Mother. The Apostle settled her in a house in Jerusalem, where she lived for the rest of her days on earth, praying and offering counsel and encouragement to the Apostles. In her old age, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that in three days' time she would enter into her rest. Giving thanks to God, she hastened to the Mount of Olives where she prayed continually, preparing herself to meet the Lord. Meanwhile, the Apostles, scattered in various parts of the earth, were caught up in clouds and miraculously brought by the holy Angels to Jerusalem, so that they might all be with the Theotokos at her repose. After she had blessed them, she gave up her soul to God. The Apostles buried her with all honor, solemnity and joy at Gethsemane. The Apostle Thomas, who was delayed (again!) by God's providence, arrived on the third day and went to her tomb, intending to honor her. But when the Apostles opened her grave, they found her holy body gone and only the winding-sheet remaining. That evening the Theotokos appeared to them surrounded by angels, and said to them, 'Rejoice: I will be with you always!'. Thus they learned that she had been bodily translated to heaven, anticipating the general resurrection of all. Her age at her repose is not known, but many say that she was about sixty years old.

In part two of their Dormition Fast series on the life of the Theotokos, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore the role of the Theotokos during the years of her Son's public ministry, and look at what she did and where she went after He ascended to heaven.

Part 10- This is the tenth installment of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! Chapter 18 goes into the apparitions at Our Lady of Lourdes with seer Bernadette Soubirous in the year 1858. These were years of heady times when the intellect and behavior of humanity was valued above those of the Holy Trinity. The Virgin's message? “Turn from Deadly Sin.” Also in this podcast is her appearance in the Ukraine, just before the start of WWI. There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com  

In this stream I film maker and author Robert John Hammond to discuss his book Beloved Disciple, which discusses the relationship between St. John and the Theotokos. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless

As we begin the Dormition fast, we will spend some time learning about the Theotokos along with Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger. In this episode, we learn about the miracle of her birth, how she spent her childhood, and what prepared her to answer with the "yes" that changed the world.

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 408The Saint of the day is Dedication of Saint Mary Major BasilicaThe Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary's title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome's seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine's era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity. St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal churches in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter's, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary's, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her later life. One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica's dome every August 5. Reflection Theological debate over Christ's nature as God and man reached fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos, “Mother of God,” insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus. Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named “Mother of Christ” in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against their bishop's refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, “Theotokos! Theotokos!” Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Part 9- This is the ninth installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments! The Virgin Mary brings hope to Paris and the French people with the Miraculous Medal. Then the LaSalette Apparition. Pope John Paul II said that the Madonna's message there revealed that “Divisions are repairable.”   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

The recent American Eagle advertisements featuring Sydney Sweeney have sparked intense public reaction, but amidst the noise, a deeper conversation is being overlooked—one that speaks to the heart of Christian discipleship in our image-driven culture.  Join Jeremy Jeremiah and James St. Simon as we discuss this cultural issue head on.Rather than getting swept up in ideological debates or surface-level controversies, we invite believers to reflect on what Scripture teaches about beauty, modesty, and the dignity of the human person. The human body is a gift from God—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)—but how we present that gift reveals whom we serve.In today's culture, where marketing often trades in provocation and the reduction of persons to visual consumption, Christians are called to something higher. The lives of women like Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, and above all, the Theotokos—the Virgin Mary—remind us that true beauty is inseparable from virtue. Their strength, humility, and faithfulness reveal a radiance that no advertisement can replicate.Modesty, in the Christian tradition, is not about shame or repression. It is about reverence—for oneself, for others, and for the God who made us. As St. Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our bodies are not commodities to be marketed, but sacred vessels meant for glory, love, and service.Marriage itself, the first covenant established by God, points us beyond mere physical attraction toward a deeper union of souls, grounded in sacrificial love and spiritual communion.As followers of Christ, we are called to rise above the culture wars and bear witness to a Kingdom where beauty is not exploited but honored, not flaunted but cherished. Let us strive for a vision of womanhood and manhood rooted in holiness—not in trends, but in timeless truth.Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how we, as Christians, can respond with grace, clarity, and conviction in a world that often forgets the sacredness of the human form. Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Part 8- This is the eighth installment of a free reading of my 1st book entitled “The Constant Procession.” You'll hear it for free from cover to cover in 15-minute podcast segments this summer! This episode continues with apparitions of ‘Our Lady in Laus' with seer Benoit Rencurel. Then the tragic years of blood during the French revolts from 1793-1830. A time when humanity believed itself better than God. Until Rue de Bac, when the Virgin appeared. Next is the apparition of the “Panagia,” found on the Greek island of Tinos known as  'Our Lady of Good Tidings.'   There are links, photos and more about this on my website. Pray for this war in the Middle East to end. Also, Pray for the People of Ukraine. There are links for ways to support them on my website: NikosSteves.com   I have written a contemporary novel with Christian themes entitled "The Very Fine Light" Preview it for FREE and/or purchase "The Very Fine Light" at Amazon.com   I value feedback through the comments section on my website, NikosSteves.com Or via email at NikosSteves@gmail.com Constant Procession tells of key apparitions of the Virgin Mary since she passed on from the world and how she serves humanity through Christianity. The origin of these podcasts began with my first book, The Constant Procession. Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at NikosSteves.com

Renunciation: The word has certain connotations that are often tied to deprivation or unhappiness. What we find in the writings of the great ascetics, St. Isaac especially, is something quite different; the weaning of ourselves from the things that we are attached to in the world in order to become more attached to God, to what endures and fills the soul with consolation and strength.  For example, we are called to embrace the practice of vigils, to rise during the night to pray and thereby humbling the mind and the body. Yet Isaac does not see this as costly but rather as restorative and promising consolation in times of trial and affliction. It is in silence, often deepest during the night and free of distraction, that we are able to listen to God and receive what he desires to give us.  Likewise, we are to persevere in spiritual reading while we dwell in stillness. We let go of the hectic pace of society and the busyness into which we often thrust ourselves in order to taste the sweetness of the wisdom of the scriptures and the fathers. Perhaps more challenging, we are told that we are to love poverty. We are to willingly let go of material goods and radically simplify our lives. In doing so, Isaac tells us, the mind remains collected and is secured from wandering. We often become anxious about our worldly security and protecting what ilwe have come to possess. We become driven to spend more time focused on the things of this world than we are pursuing the life of virtue and prayer. In a similar vein, Isaac tells us to detest superfluity so that our thoughts might remain untroubled. Again, filling our lives with things, activities, work or social engagements steals from us solitude and the silence that is born from it. Surrounded constantly by the noise and the affairs of the world we begin to experience intense anxiety and depression seeing only the presence of chaos and violence that makes one question reality and the value and purpose of life.  Part of the beauty of reading the desert fathers is that they reveal to us the beauty and the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by the blood of Christ.  Their lives and their writings fill the heart with hope in a dark world and set the soul on fire to to embrace what has been promised us by our Lord. To God be the glory unto ages of ages. Amen. --- Text of chat during the group:  00:04:19 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 143, first short paragraph, 6 00:12:49 cameron: The names again please 00:14:56 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 143, first short paragraph, 6 00:14:59 cameron: Monk and monastery 00:15:13 cameron: Thank you. 00:20:52 Myles Davidson: Replying to "P. 143, first short ..." “Honor the work of vigil…” 00:21:55 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 143, first short paragraph, 6 00:32:20 James Hickman: For years I've found myself waking up against my will, then over the years (more recently, and not always!) seeing it as a gift. But when I have an icon on my wall, I find it a grace when I lay there awake in bed and make simple prayer of the heart, simple acts. This seems valuable. I'll be ok to hear if there's more expected than this. Objectivity is desired here. Work in progress here. 00:33:05 David: I have a prayer book that has a Greek orthodox evening prayer and in the ending it says "we sing to you in the night- Holy, holy holy are you oh God, through the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on me". Is this a practice when one begins a vigil? When I do wake I always try to say it but was not sure if it is something formal in vigils? 00:35:59 Jessica Imanaka: Several Trappist monks I know have said they don't need as much as sleep as medical science dictates. The deceased abbot used to say that prayer reduces the physical need for sleep. Whenever I go on retreat, praying the full office, I just can't sleep as much. My body doesn't want to. 00:36:13 Anthony: On waking up at night....some people say 3am is the devil's hour, so it's advisable to pray then.  I think that gives way too much focus on the devil's? Or is this real Christian tradition? 00:40:58 Myles Davidson: The noonday devil was a desert father thing 00:41:11 Nicholas B. Besachio: What does St. Issac say about demonic attacks on Faith. 00:41:26 Rebecca Thérèse: Christ died on the cross at 3pm so Satanists say a black mass at 3am, that's why some people refer to it as the devil's hour 00:42:30 Bob Čihák, AZ: Catholic apologist Jimmy Akin did a Mysterious World session # 98 on “Sleep” which I found helpful. Cf. http://jimmyakin.com/ . 00:43:45 Thomas: I have heard priests say not to pretend to be monks what do they mean by this, because we should imitate them 00:46:06 Una: Reacted to "Catholic apologist..." with

Is Mary truly the Mother of God? In this video, Christian Barrett unpacks the biblical and historical meaning behind the title "Theotokos," and explains why many Protestants may feel uncomfortable using it, but should use the appropriate title given to Mary. He also examines the Catholic Marian Dogmas and notes how they extend beyond Scripture.Make sure to subscribe on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@EmetMinistry For more resources, visit emetministry.org Follow us: on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/emetministries/profilecard/?igsh=Z2c5NnA1dTJhN20y  on Spotify:⁠  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-fold-disciple/id1505547928 on Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-fold-disciple/id1505547928 my reading list:⁠  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/74696644-christian-barrett Chapters:00:38 – Why Protestants Struggle Calling Mary the Mother of God01:33 – What It Means for Mary to Be the Theotokos05:45 – Marian Dogmas: What's True, What's NotWhether you're Catholic, Protestant, or just curious, this video will help you understand who Mary is—and what she isn't—from a biblical worldview.#MaryMotherOfGod#Theotokos#ProtestantVsCatholic#CatholicDoctrine#BiblicalMary#MarianDogmas#ChristianTheology#IsMaryDivine#BibleTeaching#FalseDoctrine#WhoIsMary#ChristianApologetics#ScriptureAlone#MotherOfJesus#CatholicVsProtestant

The Sunday for the Fourth Ecumenical Council Titus 3:8-15; Matthew 5:14-19 Note: the recording includes a few seconds when Fr. Anthony's mind went apophatic and he forgot a critical detail.  Real life is like that sometimes!   First Council: Nicea in 325 (vs. Arius) "And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made:  Who for us men and our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man;  And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;  And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;  And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end." Second Council: Constantinople in 381 (defend the Holy Spirit). Finished our Creed; Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, Resurrection, Life in the age to come. Third Council: Ephesus 431 (vs. Nestorius – she gave birth to the man Christ; Christotokos). Jesus Christ was fully God and fully Man. Because Jesus was true God of true God, the Virgin Mary gave birth to God; thus she should be called Theotokos.  Fourth Council: Chalcedon in 451 (vs. Nestorianism and the Abbot Eutyches and the Alexandrian Patriarch Diasocurus (recent robber council) The Fathers accepted the message sent by Pope Leo, which Dioscorus had abstained from reading at his robber Council in Ephesus. In the message, The Pope distinguishes clearly between the two natures, emphasizing the presence of the two natures in one hypostasis. Among the most important conclusions of the Council was that Christ is “perfect God and perfect Man. A true God and a true Man. Equal to the Father in Godhead and equal to us in humanity, like us in everything except in sin. He was begotten from the Father as God pre-eternally and in the last days He was born of the virgin Mary the Mother of God (Theotokos), according to humanity. He is one. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lord who must be confessed in two natures united without confusion nor change, without division nor separation. He was not divided into two persons but he has always been the Only Begotten God the Word and the Lord Jesus Christ”.  In this Chalcedonian definition, the Fathers of the Council re-emphasized the Creed. They also emphasized two other important things: ·      The unity of the person in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is indicated in the “he is one and the same”. The Lord Jesus Christ is One. He is the Word of God eternally born from the eternal Father before the ages, and born from Mary in humanity. ·      That the two natures in Christ sustain their properties amidst the unity of the person. The word became Flesh assuming all the Human Nature except “sinning”, without giving up or abandoning his Divine Nature. Application The Church Fathers chose a gospel to be read in relation to this Council. It is Christ's saying: “You are the light of the world”.  Not just the physical light, but the spiritual light. One of the things that the spiritual light is that we can be full of it ourselves; that we can carry God within us and He can become the light through which we see one another. Not the light of ego or self-confidence; this is a shortcut which will lead us into division (heresy); not the heresy of Nestorius or Eutechius, but the witness of a proud and divisive spirit that actually drives the self and others away from the true light – even while using pious words of Scripture and the Fathers.  This true light is helps us see one another. The Lord says after that: “let your light shine on people so that they can see your work and glorify your Father in the heavens”. This is done not by pious strutting or false humility; but by the way we see and connect with others in the light; by the way we avoid being contaminated by giving in to the dark tempations of the world; and by sharing the same kind of sacrificial light that the Source of Light did when He became perfect man. That is how we can live as a real family with God in heaven as our Father. We avoid sin; and we love one another. This way we can make God's Will come true. The gospel which we heard was chosen to describe the Holy Fathers (whose number is 630) of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon. These Fathers were the light of the world in both their time and ours as well. We abide by their teachings which were handed down to us. By their teachings we are able to avoid the darkness of heresy. Let us be like them. Let them be our example and model, through Christ, who lives in them, that He might dwell in us too. See https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/1155/ for a more thorough treatment.

"In Kazan, in 1579, the nine-year old Matrona, whose parents' home had burned down in a fire, had a dream in which she beheld an icon of the Theotokos and heard a voice commanding her to recover this icon from the ashes of the ruined house. The icon was found wrapped in an old piece of cloth under the stove, where it may have been hidden during the Tartar invasions. The icon was finally brought to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, where it became renowned for the healings that the Mother of God wrought through it for the blind... The icon of Kazan is one of the most beloved icons of the Mother of God in Russia." (Great Horologion)

Fr. Evan answers your questions about the Orthodox position on human suffering, the distinction between praying to the Theotokos and praying to God, the meaning of "taking up our cross," and more in this episode of Orthodoxy Live!

All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Subscribe to the Heidelcast! Browse the Heidelshop! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Earlier in the Catechism, we unpacked Mary as the Mother of Jesus. Now, we look at what it means for Mary to be the Mother of the Church. Fr. Mike makes it clear that, when he entrusts his disciples to Mary, his Mother, from the Cross, he's entrusting us to her as well. Today's readings are from Catechism paragraphs 963-970. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

For those with any lingering doubts or questions, the Catechism offers five reasons for Mary's perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike digs into each reason and explains what each of them means for us as spiritual sons and daughters of our Immaculate Mother. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 502-511. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism tackles a few important issues regarding Mary, the mother of God—her motherhood, her virginal conception of Jesus, and her perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike reminds us that, regardless of the opinions of translators and modern theologians, our Faith steers us towards a correct understanding of our Blessed Mother. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 495-501. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism introduces us to Mary's Immaculate Conception and explains why God preserved her “immune from all stain of original sin.” Fr. Mike answers a common question asked in response to this revelation: “Why didn't God just preserve us all from original sin?” His answer might surprise you. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 490-494. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.