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)

He was born in Thessalonika around 1300; his mother was a convert from Judaism. He entered monastic life, first at Mt Sinai, then at the Great Lavra on Mt Athos. The so-called "Hesychast controversy" was then raging, and St Philotheos became one of the firmest and most effective supporters of St Gregory Palamas (November 14) in his defense of Orthodoxy against western-inspired attacks on the doctrines of uncreated Grace and the possibility of true union with God. It was St Philotheos who drafted the Hagiorite Tome, the manifesto of the monks of Mt Athos setting forth how the Saints partake of the Divine and uncreated Light which the Apostles beheld at Christ's Transfiguration. In 1351, he took part in the "Hesychast Council" in Constantinople, and wrote its Acts. In 1354 he was made Patriarch of Constantinople; he stepped down after one year, but was recalled to the Patriarchal throne in 1364. He continued to be a zealous champion of undiluted Orthodoxy, writing treatises setting forth the theology of the Uncreated Energies of God and refuting the scholastic philosophy that was then infecting the Western church. Despite (or because of?) his uncompromising Orthodoxy, he always sought a true, rather than political, reconciliation with the West, and even worked to convene an Ecumenical Council to resolve the differences between the churches. This holy Patriarch was deposed in 1376 when the Emperor Andronicus IV came to the throne; he died in exile in 1379.   St Philotheos composed the Church's services to St Gregory Palamas. He is not listed in the Synaxaria, but is venerated as a Saint in the Greek church.

Chaplain Sarah and Fr. Adrian reflect upon the significance of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15) for those who are keeping vigil for a loved one. You can watch Chaplain Sarah deliver her sermon on the "Icon of the Dormition" at St. Mary Orthodox Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts by clicking here.

Fr. Andrew exhorts us to hear Mary's call to draw near to her holy Son.

Fr. John discusses the importance of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on December 26.

Fr. John Oliver considers the mystery of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, that is known most fully in the heart.

Jesus cast the demons into the swine. What did that sound like? Fr Joseph, with help from the children of St Joseph Church, and a potent dish of Hopko, explains.

In this episode, recorded at the 2017 meeting of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, Fr. Michael Kon, a priest of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and a Substance Abuse Counselor, discusses his conversion to Orthodox Christianity (from Judaism) and the lessons he has learned as a bi-vocational priest. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Anthony and Fr. John (Sts. Peter and Paul in Carnegie, PA) get caught up for the first time since the "Anaxios - Christmas Gifts Shopping Hour." They discuss Fr. John's first Pascha in his new parish, Fr. Anthony's last Pascha before his big move, and how awesome it was to have an Anaxios Laser Spear (TM) at Friday Presanctified's (the challenge is real!). Along the way, they share some thoughts on how to manage and lead parishes through change and how our current ecclesial troubles affect the balance of our evangelical witness. Enjoy the show!

Listen as Dn. Nicholas talks about Ivan Ilyin, the benefit of reading fiction (even for priests!), the role of Orthodoxy in developing healthy creativity, and what Russian culture has to offer Orthodox Christians in America. Enjoy the show!

In this interview, Fr. Anthony and Dn Nicholas talk about the rhythms of Lent and how a gentle asceticism may cultivate more lasting changes than the most stringent fasting and an over-packed liturgical calendar. Along the way, Dn Nicholas shares wisdom on how this same general approach builds a lasting and self-propagating harmony (even among tenors who often sing flat). We hope you enjoy this calm and gentle conversation. Enjoy the show!

Fear and anger, however, seem to trump common sense and faith in God. Fear and anger open in us a floodgate of animal passions making it seem appropriate to demonize (or de-humanize) those we disagree with. Fear and anger release our inner muskox ready to trample those who are less clear thinking than we are, less concerned for liberty or the common good than we are, less eager to create a just and safe society than we are—or at least that’s how it appears to us. And we don’t have time to listen, truly listen, to one another. Fear and anger create urgency so that we don’t have time to listen, we don’t have time to care, we don’t have time to be Christians.

The girls take on one of the latest trends sweeping the nation: tidying up! They discuss the relationship between physical clutter and spiritual clutter, the importance of joy, and the need to give thanks to Christ for all things. They close with their Top 5 Organization Tips and Tricks.

Like the Theotokos, we are called to welcome Christ into our own lives and become the Temple of God.

Fr. Philip LeMasters reflects on the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Fr. Philip LeMasters reflects on the Feasts of the Transfiguration of our Lord and the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Fr. Philip LeMasters speaks about our God-given purpose in life on the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

We are certainly in a spiritually rich time of year in the life of the Church. Having begun the fast in preparation for the Dormition of the Theotokos, we are now also anticipating the Transfiguration of the Lord, when Peter, James, and John beheld His divine glory on Mount Tabor. As with all the feasts of the Church, the point is not simply to remember what happened long ago, but instead to participate personally in the eternal truth made manifest in these celebrations. And that means nothing less than being transfigured ourselves by our Lord’s gracious divine energies as we come to share more fully in His restoration and fulfillment of the human person as a living icon of God.

Most Americans know Tchaikovsky as the composer of the delightful dances contained within the Nutcracker Ballet. As Fr. John Strickland shows, however, there is much more to be heard in their melodies, and little that was delightful about the emotionally agonized life behind them. Using selections from a variety of works, he explores how the romantic agony came for Tchaikovsky in his boyhood and thereafter never departed. Special attention is given to an analysis of the famous Sixth Symphony, nicknamed Pathetique. First performed just days before the composer's abrupt death, the work brings the generation of the romantics to a heart-rending and emblematic conclusion.

Recorded on March 17, Fr. John remembers Fr. Thomas Hopko who reposed on March 18, 2015. May his memory be eternal. These links were referenced: Fr. John's reflection soon after Fr. Tom's repose Fr. Tom's lecture on Understanding the Cross Funeral homily by Fr. John Behr

Fr. John shares some reflections on the death of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko.

Fr. John Parker speaks about the life of Fr. Thomas Hopko, this being the liturgical anniversary of his repose, and his reflections on the Cross. Listen to Fr. Tom's reflections here: *Part 1*Part 2*Part 3*Part 4

This week Edith Humphrey considers the Dormition and Translation (Assumption) of the Holy Theotokos, using Old Testament passages as well as the book of Revelation in order to clarify why Holy Mary’s death as well as her assumption glorify the Lord Jesus, in an “echo” of the gospel.

Phil. 2:5-11, Luke 10: 38-42, Luke 11: 27-28 appear to be odd readings for the celebration of Holy Mary. Let’s consider, with the help of Isaiah 45 and St. John Chrysostom why they are so very “meet and right” in remembering the humble one who has been made “more honorable than the cherubim and more glorious than the seraphim.”

We think about the profundity of this well-known hymn that focusses upon the Incarnation, looking to passages in Isaiah and Daniel, as well as the New Testament.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 13, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 20, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 27, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until October 4, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until October 11, 2013.

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

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

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

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

"The Apostle Thomas Sees the Ascension of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

Nikola and the Monk written by Dessi Jackson, illustrated by Lydia Grace Kadar-Kallen (Quis Ut Deus Press, 2016)

18. Book 1: The Dormition of the Theotokos from the series The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elayne, now Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2004) Book 2: Snuggles: The Bunny who Helped Me Find God by Myra T. Johnson (Conciliar Press, 2007) Book 3: To Plant a Cross: The Story of Saint Kosmas Aitolos Who Fought a War with Words by Angeline Eliakopoulos, part one (Destro Publishers, 2004: 773 561 2332)

21. Book 1: The Nativity of the Theotokos from the series The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elayne, now Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2003) Book 2: My Orthodox Counting Book: A Multi Cultural Way to Stimulate Curiosity About Faith by Maria Khoury (CDK Publications) Book 3: To Plant a Cross: The Story of Saint Kosmas Aitolos who Fought a War with Words by Angeline Eliakopoulos, part four and final installment, chapters 8-9 (Destro Publishers, Chicago, Illinois , 2004 - 773-561-2332)

32. Book 1: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2003) Book 2: Halloween Town by Dennis Eugene Engleman (Regina Orthodox Press) part two

110. The Dormition Of The Theotokos from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elaine (Conciliar Press, 2004)

112. The Nativity of the Theotokos from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elaine (Conciliar Press, 2003)

Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, theologian and writer answers listener questions ranging from the valdity of the "charismatic" gifts (a fitting question for Pentecost Sunday!),to the Christian basis for the animal rights movement!

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!

In this monthly segment, Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary Fr. Tom Hopko answers listener questions ranging from theories of the Atonement, to Biblical higher-critical theory.

This is the 2nd in our monthly installments of Q&A with Fr. Tom on a variety of subjects related to our faith and Orthodoxy. In this episode he tackles questions about pre-destination and Mary. This feature will be heard the last Sunday of every month.

The Proskomide, or the leavened bread that is offered to God, and the accompanying Proskomide prayers, form the essential first part of the Divine Liturgy, taking place well before the arrival of the parishoners to the scheduled service. In this program we attempt to convey some of the significance of the Proskomide and the preparation required for its use. In the Proskomide, the whole of the Kingdom of God - those on earth and in heaven - is commemorated; the Incarnate Lord, the One Sacrifice, the One Bread, the One Body of Christ.

Fr. Evan welcomes co-host and dear friend Fr. George Dokos to join him in answering listener questions tonight.