So why are Orthodox Christians fasting the weeks leading up to Christmas while other Christians are having parties and good food?

So what is the monastic life all about? Legalism? Works based salvation? Matthew explores this topic in today's episode.

Matthew talks about what all Christians can learn from monastics, and encourages us to develop a relationship with a monastery.

Matthew is taking a step of faith into a new ministry endeavor including a church plant. Listen in on his audio Christmas newsletter.

If our choice of churches is based on how they make us feel, are we really interested in worship?

Matthew compares the role of an Evangelical Protestant pastor with that of an Orthodox priest.

Matthew teaches us lessons from the life of St. Herman of Alaska, a life of simplicity, purity, and commitment.

Matthew just returned from Alaska where he spoke at Eagle River Institute on the topic of Discovering the Will of God. His next few episodes will feature that lecture.

This is part 2 of Matthew's 4 part lecture delivered at Eagle River in Alaska.

This is part 3 of Matthew's lecture at Eagle River in Alaska.

And here is the 4th and concluding part of this talk from Eagle River in Alaska.

Matthew encourages us to contemplate the sobering Parable of the Last Judgment, because what will happen to us at that moment is being decided right now.

Matthew offers his reflections on our proneness toward sin, and God's relentless pursuit of us. 12:53

The saints of the Church, whose icons we venerate, lived the life of God, meeting him face to face. They teach us how to have this life.

In part one of this four-part series, Matthew outlines the problem that exists with pluralism in Christianity.

In part two of this four-part lecture, Matthew examines the "We all worhip the same Jesus" theory and shows why it is a fallacy.

In part three of four, Matthew shows the contradictions between various interpretations of Christ, thereby tearing down the notion of pluralism.

In the final part of this series, Matthew shows how unity is not only possible, but already exists.

Matthew contemplates the crowd at Christ's crucifixion and how only one understood what was truly happening.

Matthew examines the Orthodox Church's beliefs concerning the Scriptures and its teachings regarding Holy Tradition.

Matthew continues his examination of sola scriptura and contrasts it with the Apostles decision regarding the circumcision of gentiles.

Matthew notes how Eastern Orthodox Christians possess both the light (scriptures) and the path (ascetic, sacramental experiences).

Fr. John summarizes the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in just two words.

Fr. John tells us that faith is an active expression where we offer, fill, untie, explain, rise, walk, and follow.

Fr. John reminds us that "we are not God," and that it is better to use discernment in situations where we do not know the whole story than to leap to judgment.

In this new 10 part series, Fr. John introduces his topic which relates the necessity of intercessory prayer to the world circumstances we face.

In part 2, Fr. John connects the opening prayers of the Divine Liturgy to the real life issues facing our world. He begins with a typical family preparing for church on a typical Sunday morning.

In our Divine Liturgy we pray "In peace let us pray to the Lord." We all want peace but what does it mean to be a peace maker?

In the 3rd litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for the "good estate of the holy churches of God." This is a global as well as a local prayer for our parishes. As we take in new members to our parishes, what are our responsibilities to them?

In the 4th litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for this Holy House, and those with faith, fear, and reverence enter therein.

In the next litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for our Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Fr. John tells us why this is so important.

Fr. John Oliver asks difficult questions in the wake of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Fr. John now reflects on the litany for those in civil authority and our armed forces.

All around the world there are droughts, famine, and disease. How do our intercessory prayers at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings touch the people impacted by them?

Fr. John reminds us that while we all seek from another person to be fully known and fully loved, this is something that only God can give.

As Fr. John continues through the litanies of the Divine Liturgy he reminds us of the quote, "we are saved together but we are damned alone."

In this final reflection on the petitions in the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John gives some alarming statistics of those "in tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity."

Fr. John relays a story about a Monk in Greece struggling with alcohol and relates it to the Psalmist's words and the words of the Paschal hymn, "Let God Arise and Let His Enemies Be Scattered."

As we begin the Advent Fast, Fr. John Oliver reflects on the chasm that divides us from the Divine and the uniqueness of Christianity in bridging that gap.

Each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers and stores gear up for the busiest day of the shopping year. Fr. John reflects on what drives the passion for that day and how it relates to our quest for peace.

The words that come out of our mouths have a direct connection to the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us.

A talk Fr. John Oliver gave at a symposium titled "God's Books: Reading Scripture in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam" held at the Murfreesboro Mosque in November.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the importance of keeping justice, mercy, and faithfulness preeminent, as opposed to foolish controversies, genealogies, and dissension.

What are your goals for 2014? Lose weight? Save more? Stop smoking? Get organized? Fr. John would like to remind us of the one goal that surpasses all others.

As our culture grows more and more accepting of things that trouble us as Orthodox Christians, Fr. John Oliver shares the example of St. Paul to guide our response.

Fr. John sees our sexuality as a gift from the Divine Logos.

In part 3 of his series on same sex marriage, Fr. John reflects on what a civil right is and how that applies to the question of same same unions.

How does the Faith proclaim when life begins? It might surprise you and help inform you as some of you go to the polls tomorrow.

Working together as Christians can be a challenge which is why Fr. John encourages us to examine a maxim that has stood the test of time. In Essentials, Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In all things, Charity.

Fr. John notes the deeper meanings of remembrance and of giving thanks.