god and spiritual

The True, Visible Church: Is it Eastern Orthodox? Part II

Here’s Part II of Kevin and Steve's fascinating interview with Fr. Tom on the True Church. Lots here to digest, friends! Download it and put it on your favorite player to listen to over and over. Have fun!




god and spiritual

Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Relations: Where Does It Go From Here?

Fr. Ted Pulcini, ex-Roman Catholic and now Eastern Orthodox priest and long-time Orthodox participant in Orthodox-Catholic ecumenical dialog, discusses the Vatican's recent document on the doctrine on the Church. He and Kevin Allen discuss the timing of its publication, what it really means, what it says about the current and future state of relations between the two oldest branches of Christianity, and what the divisive issues are.




god and spiritual

Serving Christ in the poor and needy as Orthodox Christians

Kevin Allen interviews Peter Jordan, the son of the founder of Fred Jordan Mission, a major Los Angeles skid row ministry, and a recent convert to the Eastern Orthodox Church.




god and spiritual

The Last True Rebellion

Why are 'sub-culture' youth embracing Orthodox Christianity? Find out in this interview with "Death to the World" 'zine editors and converts, John Valadez and Marina Crissman!




god and spiritual

Recovering the Scandal of the Cross

Kevin and Steve discuss the rich array of interpretations of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross with Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Dr. Joel B. Green, of Asbury Theological Seminary (Methodist-Wesleyan), and why the reduction of this variety to a single, exclusive view of the atonement - "the "penal substitutionary model" - poses its own scandal, one that is foreign to the New Testament! Buckle up your seat belts!




god and spiritual

GOD: Essence and Energies

In this program, Steve and Kevin conduct this fascinating interview with professor and author Dr. David Bradshaw--professor of Philosophy and the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Bradshaw explains for us the distinction between God’s “Essence and Energies”. Understanding this distinction is the key to a major difference between eastern and western Christianity. You should listen to this two or three times--trust us!




god and spiritual

St John Chrysostom in the 21st Century

The 1600Th anniversary of the repose of Saint John Chrysostom - one of Orthodoxy's most venerated church fathers, theologians, moralists, and liturgists - was September 14Th. To commemorate the special occasion, Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen spoke with Chrysostom scholar and pastor of Saint Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California, Father Josiah Trenham, about the venerated Saint's enduring legacy.




god and spiritual

Harry Potter - Friend or Foe?

Please note: The opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Ancient Faith Radio or Conciliar Press. In this hour long special edition program, Steve McMeans welcomes two guest co-hosts, Mary Braun and Andrew Honore! Our guest today is John Granger, a noted Harry Potter expert - www.HogwartsProfessor.com. Mr. Granger has traveled about the country speaking about these books, his predictions since they were being written, and their place in the canon of English Literature. Warning - if you have not read the latest Harry Potter book and don't want to know the plot, be aware that it is revealed in the discussion.




god and spiritual

The New Orthodox Faithful: Why Evangelical Christian University Graduates Are Becoming Orthodox

The Orthodox Church is seeing an influx of graduates from Evangelical Christian colleges and universities, exploring traditional forms of historic Christianity. In this program Kevin Allen discusses this trend with two graduates of BIOLA University (Jesse Cone and Michael Unruh) who were recently chrismated.




god and spiritual

From Campus Crusade To Constantinople

The journey of the "Evangelical Orthodox" into canonical Orthodoxy. In 1987 2,000 Evangelicals were brought into the Antiochian Orthodox Church en masse after years of searching for the "phantom Church". One of the group's leaders, Fr Jon Braun, talks about the journey, college campus ministry and the challenges and victories of the past 20 years.




god and spiritual

‘Classic Evangelical' Discovers Ancient Faith

Join host Kevin Allen in his interview with Ancient Faith Radio founder and Chief Operating Officer of Conciliar Media Ministries, John Maddex, about his fascinating journey to the ancient faith of Orthodoxy after 30 years as a evangelical radio executive and self-professed "classic Evangelical Protestant Christian"!




god and spiritual

Taking It To The Streets - An Interview With IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantifilou

He served in war-torn Bosnia and Kenya before he turned 40! Now he heads Orthodoxy’s largest charitable and humanitarian aid organization – International Orthodox Christian Charities. Meet Constantine M. Triantifilou, IOCC’s Executive Director, as he speaks about a career and vocation of service. (Don’t hold it against him – he’s also a Boston Red Sox fan!)




god and spiritual

Raised By The “Hell's Angels” - Adopted By His Guardian Angel

Raised by the Hell’s Angel’s motorcycle gang as a youth, John Franklin lived a hell on earth before submitting to Christ and discovering The Orthodox Church while serving a third-term in prison. A story of (continuing) repentance and the grace and mercy of God, this is one you won’t want to miss!




god and spiritual

Leaving Rome

Dr. Mary Ward (PhD.), a life-long member of the Roman Catholic Church and professor of Theology at a major Jesuit University, tells us why she left the church of her youth and joined the Orthodox Church (Greek jurisdiction) as an adult.




god and spiritual

Church Growth Orthodox Style

Orthodox priest Fr. Wayne Wilson shares the encouraging story of the growth of one of the fastest-growing parishes in the Antiochian archdiocese and the lessons he has learned along the way.




god and spiritual

Illumined Heart Christmas Special

Kevin Allen talks with Fr. Tom Hopko about the significance of the incarnation.




god and spiritual

Multiple Orthodox ‘jurisdictions' in America: Status quo or scandal

Orthodox churches in America are separated into multiple ‘jurisdictions’ based on ethnic-national lines. Antiochian priest Fr Josiah Trenham (PhD.) speaks frankly and passionately about the subject and its implications, both spiritual and pastoral. Everyone may not agree with his perspective, but it raises important questions for the future of Orthodoxy in America!




god and spiritual

Is There A “Revolving Door” In The Orthodox Church

Are converts coming into the Orthodox churches only to leave through a “revolving door” due to a lack of spiritual nourishment? Theologian Dr. Bradley Nassif’s controversial article on the subject (“Reclaiming the Gospel”) is the subject of this frank and hard-hitting interview.




god and spiritual

Orthodox Administrative Unity - What Is Holding Us Back?

In this special 1 hour edition of The Illumined Heart, Kevin talks with Charles Ajalat. Mr. Ajalat is a powerful voice for Orthodox unity with a great deal of pan-Orthodox leadership experience. Currently chancellor and board member of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, he was also the architect of the historic Ligonier Meeting of Orthodox bishops in 1994—the first meeting of all twenty-nine bishops in North America. He is the founder of a Los Angeles law firm specializing in tax and litigation matters, and a graduate of Harvard University and the Law School at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. More resources on this topic: Again Magazine (Winter 2003) Kevin's interview with Fr. Josiah Trenham Metropolitan PHILIP's keynote address at Antiochian Convention in Montreal (2007)




god and spiritual

Orthodox Administrative Unity - Part 1

This is the same interview with Charles Ajalat only broken up into 2 parts for easier download.




god and spiritual

Orthodox Administrative Unity - Part 2

And here is part 2 of the interview. Each one is about 30 minutes.




god and spiritual

Hardcore Christian rock ‘n roll star finds ancient faith!

Ex-member of the hard-core Christian rock band East West (2002 Dove Award Winner!) speaks about the Christian Contemporary Music Industry, the reality of touring life on the road, the spiritual and physical exhaustion that eventually led him to examine his faith and eventually discovery of the Eastern Orthodox Church.




god and spiritual

Western Monastic Spirituality

How old is monasticism in the west? Are there historic connections between eastern and western monasticism? What does the western monk strive to achieve? Is the praxis similar for the western (Roman Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) monk? These are questions Kevin asks Fr. Simon O'Donnell (OSB), a Benedictine monk (and former novice master) of 42 years at Saint Andrew Abbey, Valyermo, California.




god and spiritual

The Pressures of Life on the College Campus

With recent tragedies on college and university campuses, Kevin discusses college life today with Fr. Kevin Scherer, the Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Fellowship on this weekend's Illumined Heart.




god and spiritual

A Conversation With Met. Kallistos Ware On The Sacramental Life

Today Kevin's guest host on the program is Father Steve Tsichlis, Senior Pastor of Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, California. Fr Steve's special guest for this exclusive Illumined Heart interview is His Eminence, Metropolitan KALLISTOS [Ware]. Their topic is: UNDERSTANDING THE SACRAMENTS. Saint Paul’s recently hosted His Eminence, Metropolitan KALLISTOS to Southern California, for a two-day, packed-house seminar to the general public titled, “Drawing Closer to the Savior: The Sacramental Life”. CD’s of this seminar are available for purchase by calling St Paul’s Church Office at 949.733.2366. You can also contact them on St Pauls’ website: www.stpaulsirvine.org.




god and spiritual

Kevin Speaks With The Rabbi About Judaism And Christianity

This week Kevin re-conneects after 35 years with his old college dorm neighbor, Conservative Jewish Rabbi Alan J.Iser, about Judaism, the Jewish roots of Orthodox Christianity, and how religious Jews understand the Torah verses what Christians interpret christologically in this frank interview. Rabbi Iser is the spiritual leader of Congregation OR SHALOM in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. 44:05




god and spiritual

Desert Wisdom In The City

Listen in on this sublime conversation between renowned spiritual elder Father Zacharias (Zakarou), spiritual child of Elder Sophrony, and Kevin's guest host Father Josiah Trenham, senior pastor of St Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California. This is one you won't want to miss!




god and spiritual

From Rastafari to Orthodoxy!

Join Kevin in this fascinating conversation with Michael Wilson, former Rastafarian and radio reggae music D.J., about his journey from the Rastafari religion to the holy Orthodox Church! (31:27)




god and spiritual

Collateral Damage: Iraq's persecuted Christians

As many as 30%+ of Iraqi's 4.2 million displaced refugees are Christian. They are being persecuted from all sides of the conflict. Amal Morcos of IOCC recently returned from Syria and Lebanon and reports first hand on what the U.N. calls "the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world."




god and spiritual

Finding The Right Partner For Life

Kevin speaks with author Fr. Dn. Stephen Holley about how Orthodox Christians ought to approach finding the right marriage partner. Dn. Stephen is the author of "How Do I Find The Right Partner For Life", published by Light and Life.




god and spiritual

Surprised by Christ

Father James Bernstein, author of the newly-released "Surprised by Christ: My journey from Judaism to Orthodox Christianity", speaks about his conversion from Judaism to Orthodoxy and why he believes Orthodox Christianity is the "fulfillment" of biblical Judaism.




god and spiritual

My Journey From Witchcraft To Orthodoxy - Part 2

Kevin continues his discussion with former Wicca priestess, Sara Hillis. At the end of the interview, he references her music which can be found at http://www.artistopia.com/sarahillis.




god and spiritual

One Marriage - Two Churches: Loving Your Spouse Into The Orthodox Church

A common dillemma for inquirers into the Orthodox Church is either disinterest or outright hostility to the idea of Orthodoxy by their spouse. In this edition Kevin speaks with a couple who lived this scenario. Meet Bruce and Lynn Marie Heying and learn about their family dynamic and what made Lynn Marie decide to follow Bruce into Orthodoxy seven years later.




god and spiritual

Orthodox Christians Encountering Muslims

In this edition Kevin and Fr Ted Pulcini talk frankly about Orthodox Christian - Muslim dialogue and how Orthodoxy can best communicate its ineffable Truth to Muslims in a way that will resonate. Fr Ted's recently published booklet is titled Face to Face: A Guide for Orthodox Christians Encountering Muslims.




god and spiritual

By Way of Kosovo

Hunter Haynes, midwest policeman and self-proclaimed "nominal Presbyterian", spent a year in Kosovo (then part of Serbia) as a United Nations peacekeeper. The experience changed his life. Find out why in this compelling interview!




god and spiritual

Calvin Forum Moderator Becomes Orthodox

Kevin interviews Robert Meyering, the former moderator of the Calvin Forum, now Orthodox Christian.




god and spiritual

Mystery and Sacramentality: East and West

In this encore presentation, Kevin talks with Fuller Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paraskeve (Eve) Tibbs about the essential differences between the ways the Christian East and West understand the fundamentals of the faith, worship, and sacraments. A great introduction to East-West Christian distinctives!




god and spiritual

Toward An American Orthodox Church - Encore Presentation

If you missed it the first time, here is another opportunity to hear this very frank and open conversation with Charles Ajalat, the Chancellor of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in North America. It is about an hour long but worth the investment of your time!




god and spiritual

Is There A “Revolving Door” In The Orthodox Church

In this encore presentation, Kevin's guest is Dr. Brad Nassif. Are converts coming into the Orthodox churches only to leave through a “revolving door” due to a lack of spiritual nourishment? Theologian Dr. Bradley Nassif’s controversial article on the subject (“Reclaiming the Gospel”) is the subject of this frank and hard-hitting interview.




god and spiritual

Christians Suffering in Iraq - Encore

Kevin’s guest in this summer encore presentation is Amal Morcos of IOCC who reports on her trip to Syria and Lebanon.




god and spiritual

My Journey From Hare Krishna to Christ - Part One

Hear the fascinating story of Patrick Lansdowne, a 7-year Hare Krishna Temple devotee, about his journey to Christ and the Orthodox Church. In Part One of the interview, Patrick and host Kevin Allen discuss the Hare Krishna sect's unique metaphysics and practices (within Hindusim) and how and why Patrick adopted them! Do any of them "prefigure" Christ?




god and spiritual

From Hare Krishna to Christ - Part 2

Today we bring you part 2 of Kevin's interview with Patrick Landsdowne.




god and spiritual

The role of the layperson in the Orthodox Church

In this edition of the Illumined Heart, pioneering radio host of "Our Life In Christ" Steve Robinson talks with Kevin about the role, opportunity and challenges of lay (person) "ministry" within the Orthodox Church. Is the Orthodox Church so clerically oriented that there isn't room for lay ministry? Listen and find out in this frank interview!




god and spiritual

The Mountain of Silence—Part One

Kevin Allen interviews Kyriakos C. Markides, author of The Mountain of Silence and Gifts of the Desert, talks about his life, his books, and his spiritual journey. This interview--you're going to want to listen to over and over...!




god and spiritual

The Mountain of Silence—Part Two

Kevin Allen continues his fascinating interview with Kyriakos C. Markides, author of The Mountain of Silence, Gifts of the Desert, and many more. Is it possible that Part Two could be better than Part One? You be the judge!




god and spiritual

Father Seraphim Rose - Spiritual Father

Join Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen on his pilgrimage to Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery, Platina, California to talk with its Abbot Fr. Gerasim and Fr. Seraphim Rose legacy-keeper and biographer Monk Damascene. September 2nd marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of Fr. Seraphim Rose. In part 1 of this 3 part series, Kevin is in the cell constructed by Fr. Seraphim and now occupied by Monk Damascene where he talks with the monk about his spiritual father. For more information about the books published and distributed by the monastery, visit their website.




god and spiritual

Fr. Seraphim Rose - The Man, The Struggler

Enter once again into the rustic cell of Fr. Seraphim Rose with Kevin Allen as he talks with Fr. Damascene, the biographer and spiritual child of Fr. Seraphim. This is part 2 of a 3 part series and provides a unique glimpse into the life of a man who many say will someday be venerated as a Saint.




god and spiritual

Fr. Seraphim Rose - Prayer and Orthodox Spirituality

In the conclusion of our 3 part series commemorating the 25TH anniversary of the repose of Fr Seraphim (Rose), Kevin Allen is seated on a wooden bench overlooking a panoranmic view of Mt. Yolla Bolly with the Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, Fr. Gerasim. Listen for valuable lessons (as well as birds chirping!) on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting from a spiritual child of this venerated American monk and writer.




god and spiritual

156: Orthodox & Evangelical Relations: Where are we?

Dr Bradley Nassif, a “pioneer of Orthodox-Evangelical Dialogue” talks with host Kevin Allen about “where things are” formally and informally between The Orthodox Church and Evangelical Christians. Kevin asks the question: “What is an Evangelical?”




god and spiritual

155: Immortality of the soul or Resurrection of the Dead?

In this episode, Kevin and Father Steven C. Kostoff discuss two views of the afterlife that separate the New Age/Eastern/Gnostic from the central historic Christian belief.