The 5th century brought much controversy, schism, and anathemas but the Church survived. Some of these divisions exist even today.

Fr. Tom reads from and comments on this 2nd century historical Christian letter to the unknown Diognetus.

In Part 9 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 3rd Ecumenical Council.

Is it possible to really see Christ and God as they are? Did the Disciples have an advantage over us because they lived with Christ? Fr. Tom explores these questions in light of the resurrection!

In Part 10 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 4th Ecumenical Council.

In the 6th Century, three individuals played a huge role in forming and influencing the ecclesiastical structure of the Church. They were the Emperor Justinian, Pope Gregory the Great of Rome, and Dionysius the Areopagite. Fr. Tom deals with the first 2 here and the third in the next episode.

In his continuing series on Bishops, Fr. Tom takes up where he left off in the last episode by concentrating on the influence of the writings attributed to but not actually from Dionysius the Areopagite.

On the Sunday after Ascension and before Pentecost, the appointed Scripture readings for the Divine Liturgy have striking similarities between the Apostle Reading (Acts 20) and the Gospel (John 17:1-13). Read these 2 "farewell addresses" and then listen to Fr. Tom's teaching that he recorded in his study following the Liturgy.

Fr. Tom reflects on the icons associated with Pentecost and the Trinity.

During this season of Pentecost, it is important to understand the controversy surrounding the procession of the Holy Spirit. Is it just semantics or is there doctrinal substance to the rejection of the filioque clause in the Creed by the Orthodox Church?

To what lengths will a true saint go to defend pure doctrine? Fr. Tom tells the incredible story of St. Maximus and St. Martin.

Fr. Tom begins looking at the 102 Canons of the "Quinisext" or 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils sometimes referred to as the Council in Trullo. Maximus the Confessor is affirmed and many Patriarchs and Popes are anathematized.

How does Orthodoxy view the gifts of the Holy Spirit and in particilar the phenomenon of speaking in tongues? Fr. Thomas Hopko explores the New Testament teaching on the charismatic gifts.

Fr. Tom continues looking at the 102 Canons of the "Quinisext" or 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils sometimes referred to as the Council in Trullo. Today he talks about the laws concerning relationships with the Jews and the marital relationships of clergy.

Fr. Thomas talks about one of the most important books in his library and strongly encourages everyone to read it for an eye opening revelation on today's society as we know it. The Abolition of Man by CS Lewis.

As Fr. Tom continues talking about the canons found in the Council of Trullo, he looks today at those canons that speak about issues like the selling of sacraments, clergy behavior, and the settlement of controversies.

What are the canons about clergy marriage? What should the clergy wear out on the street? Why is water mixed with wine in the Eucharist? These and other issues are addressed in this episode with Fr. Thomas Hopko.

The canons under discussion today by Fr. Tom deal with the rank and place of hierarchical sees and how that is affecting the structure of the Church today.

On this 10th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Fr. Tom Hopko looks at the problem of evil and how we are to understand it as Christians.

As Fr. Tom continues his reflections on this historic council, he today speaks about monasticism, baptism, and marriage.

Some interesting canons are discussed in today's program including a canon against feigning insanity!

As Christians, how do we explain tragedy, earthquakes, floods, and evil? Fr. Tom takes an in depth look at the nature of God's dealing with the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

As Fr. Tom continues his look at the so called Quintisext councils, the issues of church attendance and mixed marriages are among the topics addressed.

Fr. Tom Hopko highly recommends a book by Dee Pennock titled Path to Sanity: Lessons from Ancient Holy Counselors on How to Have a Sound Mind.

What is the Orthodox teaching about remarriage after adultery? What about re-baptism of one brought into the Church? Fr. Tom talks about this and more in today's episode.

Fr. Tom is frequently asked about personal prayer and how the Orthodox Christian should approach the life of prayer at home.Today's episode gives practical and biblical direction particularly as we begin the Nativity Fast.

In this final episode on the so called Council in Trullo or the 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils, Fr. Tom completes his commentary on the 102 canons. This includes the issue of not kneeling in church on Sunday, how to bring in Christians from other denominations, the creation and consumption of pornography, and more.

On November 30, we celebrated the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. On that day, Fr. Tom reflected on this great apostle as well as some of the legends that surround him. In particular, he talks about the dubious history of Andrew's alledged founding of the Church in Constantinople.

An intense and violent period in Church history surrounded the veneration of icons. Learn about those who gave their lives for the preservation of this important physical demonstration of the Incarnation as well as those Bishops who sided with with the iconoclasts and were later identified as heretics.

Fr.Tom asks us to heed the scriptures and use our words carefully. Specifically he identifies several terms that are often incorrectly used in Orthodoxy today.

The Orthodox Church is the Church of the 7 Councils and the 7th one is far more important than some would believe. Learn about the importance of Icons as well as the importance of the Holy Scriptures.

Fr. Tom is exploring the canons of the 7th Ecumenical Council held in Nicea and today talks about bishops who are appointed by secular heads of state as well as the frequency and nature of the meetings of bishops.

Fr. Tom continues his look at the canons of the 7th Ecumenical Council including those that have to do with the books written by the iconoclasts, relics in the altar, and the financial affairs of the Church.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of our Lord, Fr. Tom reflects on the childhood of Jesus. What we know, what we don't know, and what we can surmise.

The canons discussed today deal with church property, those who would be set apart to read in the divine services, and the appropriate clothing for bishops and clergy.

As we begin the Lenten fast, Fr.Tom reflects on the 40 days Christ spent in the desert being tempted by Satan. Learn how some churches actually promise things that Christ rejected in the desert.

Fr. Tom concludes his look at the 7th Ecumenical Council with the canons dealing with building shrines or chapels and monastic discretion.

What can we say and not say about God? Fr. Thomas Hopko confirms one thing we can say and that is God is faithful.

Fr. Tom has received several e-mails asking about the development of the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. In this 2 part talk, he gives us the history and elements of this well-loved service of the Church.

In part 2 of Fr. Tom's reflection on the Pre-Santified Liturgy, he talks about a mis-guided practice from the previous centuries of denying the gifts to children or the mentally impaired.

Today, Fr. Tom brings us part 1 of 2 talks about the difficult 9th century in Church history. This is the backstory that often gets simplified but is important in understanding why we don't have unity today.

What do the Scriptures and the Fathers say about fidelity in marriage, sex outside of marriage, or same-sex marriage? Fr. Tom gives extensive teaching on this subject in today's episode.

In part 2 of Fr. Tom's reflections on the tumultuous 9th century, he talks about the missionary work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and the controversies over language and control of the slavic nations.

In Psalm 118 (119 in the Hebrew text), every verse references the commandments or precepts of God. As Christians, how are we to look at God's commandments in the light of Christ and His "New Commandment?"

Fr. Tom continues to comment on the events of the 9th century concentrating today on St. Photius the Great and his relationship to Rome and the Filioque.

Fr. Tom reflects on the very important 10th Century (the 900's) and the conversion of Prince Vladimir.

Recently Fr. Thomas Hopko visited and spoke at the well known and evangelical based Wheaton College. While he appreciated and was honored by the opportunity, it caused him to reflect on the evangelical movement from an Orthodox Christian perspective. His thoughts will be of value to Orthodox and Evangelicals alike.

St. Symeon the New Theologian holds great importance for Church hierarchy and structure as it relates to his teaching about the relationship between the Clergy and the holy monastics.

If you have ever wanted a deeper understanding of the Great Schism of 1054, this podcast will be of great interest to you. Fr. Thomas explores the religious and political environment of the 11th century and the people involved.

St. Paul's letter to the Romans is critical to understanding the Gospel of Christ. In this episode, Fr. Thomas gives us a helpful overview of this letter and its central theme.