We look at the Psalms, the purpose of the Torah for the Hebrew people, and the story of David dancing before the ark to illumine the theme of liberty seen in our readings for this coming Divine Liturgy.

We consider, by means of the Book of Wisdom 17, how paralysis takes different shapes in John 5, Acts 9 and Luke 24: some conditions in which humans have closed themselves off from God, but many others that the Lord heals by His power.

This week we hear the apostle Paul’s vulnerable plea to his congregation, and are reminded to pray and encourage our pastors (bishops, priests, deacons) as they work together with Christ, taking on his suffering for our sake, that we might be effective ministers in the world. (2 Cor 6:1-11; Psalm 68/69; Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

"Saint Cecilia" and "Saint Barbara" from Saints: Lives and Illuminations, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, read with permission by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

"The Parable of the Sower, from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Ten Virgins" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Talents" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Rich Fool" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Prodigal Son" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Good Samaritan" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Merciless Servant from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Unjust Judge" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Vineyard Workers" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Two Sons" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wicked Tenants" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wedding Feast" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Fruitless Fig Tree" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Healing the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Healing of the Paralytic," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Saint Paraskevi of Rome," from Women of Faith, written by Calee M. Lee, illustrated by Lisa Graves (Xist Publishing, 2015)

"Saint Barbara," from Women of Faith, written by Calee M. Lee, illustrated by Lisa Graves (Xist Publishing, 2015)

"Saint Tamara, Queen of Georgia," from Royal Saints: A coloring book with stories of saintly royalty throughout the history of Christianity (Draw Near Designs). Saints drawn by Marian Adams. Stories & Borders by Abigail Holt. Layout by Caroline Gann.

60. Book 1: "Paradise Lost" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas translated by Rev. Spencer T. Kezios (Narthex Press, 2005) (12.13 mins) Book 2: Ella's Story: The Duchess Who Became a Saint by Maria Tobias, Chapter 6 (Conciliar Press, 2004) (begins at 13:00, duration 21.47 mins)

"The Healing of the Paralytic" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005)

"The Parable of the Loving Father" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005)

Fr. Ted reminds us that, "Christ is always in front of us," and that spiritual healing is readily available.

Fr. Ted reminds us of the deep connections between the Old and New Testaments and then shares some of the prophecies that were fulfilled by the healing of the blind man.

Fr. Ted reminds us that those who call themselves Christian should not act like other people.

It is very, very dangerous to commune without the proper preparation.

Fr. Ted encourages us to consider the story of the paralytic who had no one to help. How are we living our Orthodox faith in a way that personally serves those in need?

Fr. Ted calls us to an active life of prayer rather than only reaching out to God when we need something from Him.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to endure the struggles of life during Holy Week in order to see Christ's glorious resurrection.

Fr. Chad discusses The Manhattan Declaration, "a call of Christian conscience" that he helped produce, and defends Orthodox participation in such cultural manifestos.

St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary confers an honorary doctorate on Christos Yannaras at its 2010 Fall Academic Convocation.

Well-known theologian, composer, and author Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, Chairman of the Department of External Relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, delivered an academic address at St. Vlad's on November 8, 2014, on the topic of primacy in preparation for the 2016 Great and Holy Council. He was also given an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

As we have learned, “the theologian is one who prays.” While that is certainly important, it’s not the only characteristic of true theologians. There’s more to it than that—much more. In this episode, Dn. Michael considers ten characteristics of true theologians. Surprisingly, they’re relevant to all Orthodox Christians not just theologians.

Padre Nicolás predicó que una fe con dudas es una fe que crece. Una fe fuerte va siempre a tener preguntas para conocer Dios mas y aumentar nuestra fuerza espiritual. (Hebreos 11:24-40) Fr. Nicholas preached that a faith with doubts is a faith that grows. A strong faith always has questions in order to know God more and increase our spiritual strength. (Hebrews 11:24-40)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia de la paciencia. Nuestros metas toca tiempo y vamos a tener exito con Cristo cuando perseveramos. (Juan 5:1-15) Fr. Nicholas preached about the importance of patience. Our goals take time and we have success with Christ when we persevere. (John 5:1-15)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre debemos prepararnos para un cielo que va a estar más fantástico y grande que podemos imaginar. (1 Corintios 1:10-18) Fr. Nicholas preached about how we should prepare ourselves for a heaven that will be more fantastic and amazing than we can fathom. (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

Padre Nicholas predice que con nuestro espíritu, podemos embrazar las maravillas de Dios. Porque sabemos que hay varias cosas que no podemos explicar, pero sabemos que funciona. John 3:13-17 Fr. Nicholas preaches that with our spirit, we can embrace the wondrous works of God. Because we know that there are many things we cannot explain, but we know they work. John 3:13-17

Padre Nicholas predice que nos debemos prepararnos para el reino, para el rey, y para el cielo. Galatas 2;16-20 Fr. Nicholas preaches that we must prepare ourselves for the kingdom, for the King, and for heaven. Galatians 2:16-20

Padre Nicholas predice que aveces pensamos que estamos en control. Pero Dios está en control. Lucas 13:10-17 Fr. Nicholas preaches that sometimes we think we are in control. But God is in control. Luke 13:10-17

El Padre Nicolás predicó sobre cómo Cristo conquistó el Paríso para nosotros. Father Nicholas preached on how Christ conquered Paradise for us.

El Padre Nicolás predicó cómo debemos prepararnos para recibir a Cristo resucitado en nuestras vidas. Father Nicolás preached how we should prepare to receive the risen Christ in our lives.

Fr. Evan welcomes another guest co-host tonight: Fr. Ted Paraskevopoulos. Fr. Ted is heard on AFR with his iSermon and Fr. TedTalks podcasts. They field listener questions on the role of pain and suffering, making your home an Orthodox home, liturgical translations, and, from both of them, a statement of what makes Orthodoxy so special.

Dn. Paul Zaharas is the Chancellor of the Denver Metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. He is also on the board of IOCC. Together with Fr. Evan Armatas they field questions on stem cells, toll houses, icons depicting Judas, and more.

Dn. Mark enumerates the things you'll need to have ready to prepare a body for burial and explains what to expect when you encounter a dead body.