An audio snapshot of CSR Session One, 2015—with a montage of Serenade Night. Ya Boy!

Using Hebrews 5:1 as his text—"For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins"—Fr. Joseph speaks of the manly beauty of St Raphael.

Fr. Joseph entertains questions from young people at Camp St. Raphael—proving, Darwin's Theory notwithstanding, that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

An audio snapshot of CSR Session One, 2016—with a montage of Serenade Night. Ya Boy!

An audio snapshot of CSR Session One, 2017—with a montage of Serenade Night. Ya Boy!

An audio snapshot of CSR Session One, 2018—with the complete Serenade Night (beginning at 29:07). Ya Boy!

In this episode, Fr. Anthony interviews iconographer Lynette Hull of the Prosopon School (prosoponschool.org). She shares her thoughts on what happens when parishes compromise on icon composition and style, how missions should prioritize their collection of icons, and why it is important that priests immerse themselves in the production (and not just the study and veneration) of icons. She also shows considerable restraint as she works around Fr. Anthony's (attempts at) humor. Enjoy the show!

"What enraptures us today determines how we will experience the rapture of the last day no matter when or how that takes place."

This week, the guys decided to talk about their first overtly Christian piece of art: Josh Garrels’ album, Love & War & the Sea In Between. They discuss the unique power of poetry and music to speak our hearts, the struggle and necessity of facing our own brokenness, and the tension between what we see and what we hope for. They close with their Top 5 Western Christian Church Hymns.

To rise up, take up our beds, and walk home requires obedience to Christ’s commands, but not a legalistic obedience in the sense of following a code for its own sake. Instead, this obedience is like following the guidance of a physician or therapist who makes clear to us what we must do in order to regain health and function for our bodies.

Fr. John introduces the principle of heavenly orientation and then explores actual forms of art, beginning with iconography.

Fr. John discusses the development of Christian hymnography.

In this, the first episode of the Paradise and Utopia video edition, Father John provides a video lecture from his office in Puget Sound, showing, with the use of powerful, full-color icons such as those of Andrei Rublev, how hesychasm inspired some of the greatest art in the history of eastern Christendom.

In this special edition of Paradise and Utopia, Fr. John Strickland responds to a recent review of the first two volumes of his book series. In it, he notes the failure to consider the books on their own terms. He uses the opportunity to elaborate what he considers a healthy vision of Christian historiography, one that supports what many consider the need for a "re-enchantment" of modern culture.

Fr. John Parker begins a short series showcasing the lives and impact of OCMC missionaries, especially the role of mission work in Africa.

41. Book 1: "Friend of the Holy Spirit: St. Seraphim of Sarov." A short story for children by Katherine Bolger Hyde. The Handmaiden, Vol 11, No.4, Fall. (Conciliar Press, 2007) Book 2: Katie Visits a Monastery, by Elizabeth Saxild (St. Nectarios Press, 1998)

St. Seraphim's Beatitudes: Blessings for Our Path to Heaven by Daniel Marshall (St. Innocent Press, 2008)

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.

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.

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.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to combine the "best" of classic Orthodox Christian spiritual "therapies" (praxis) with modern psychological modalities in therapy? In the first of the new fall line-up, Kevin speaks with Orthodox professor and therapist, Dr. Philip Mamalakis about the ground-breaking work in this area he is pioneering. The web site for Dr. Philip that was mentioned in the interview can be found HERE.

Pornography has become a social, spiritual, and physical epidemic in the world. Andrew's first podcast is part one of a series of conversations which will identify the real issues we must face in dealing with pornography from an Orthodox Christian perspective. This first episode in that series talks about pornography, iconography, and idolatry. A transcript of this episode is available HERE.

Andrew continues from the last episode about unfaithfulness being the characteristic act of immorality by exploring how pornography is a rejection of the ultimate significance of marriage. Read a transcript HERE.

In episode 4, Andrew helps us understand the transformation that takes place when we begin to see iconographically instead of pornographically. The transcript can be accessed HERE.

Andrew reminds us that we can use our creativity in cooperation with God’s creative power or we can use it apart from God. Read the transcript HERE.

The scourge of pornography use in our society is also itself an image — an image that manifests certain unpalatable realities of our culture and relationships. Read a transcript HERE.

What’s a good time to have such a conversation? Well, it shouldn’t just be a one-off conversation… it should be an ongoing dialogue and discussion. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript HERE.

In part three on this series on the end times Steve and Bill discuss the Father's ancient wisdom of being silent on things that are difficult to interpret in the Bible then go on to discuss difficult topics about the end times. In this program they discuss the Rapture, dispensationalism and the place of the Church in God's plan of salvation, and Christian Zionism, all hinges on the door of many Protestant end time theories. They summarize how the Creed addresses all of these interpretations.

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)

Fr. Seraphim joins Fr. Evan to tackle questions and also talks about the founding of the first Orthodox monastery in the Celtic Isles of Scotland in a thousand years. Hear Fr. Seraphim on his own podcast, too: Through a Monk's Eyes.

Fr. Apostolos concludes the miniseries of sermons about the Divine Liturgy. He encourages the faithful to work through their understanding about the intricacies of the Liturgy in the laboratory of corporate prayer in the Church.

Fr. Apostolos delivers a homiletic overview of the many Scriptural passages describing the "money trap" and the strict charges given by God in Holy Writ regarding justice and equity.

Fr. Tom discusses the false ideas surrounding religion today and how one truly comes to know Christ in the Church.

Dr. Rossi identifies the the alarming statistics and the alluring dangers of Internet Pornography.

In part 2, Dr. Rossi gives some practical advice to those who are struggling with internet pornography or those who provide counseling.

Dr. Rossi discusses therapy in the Orthodox tradition as well as some advice on choosing a therapist.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Carla Thomas, M.D., Trustee of St. Vladimir's Seminary, on the topic of using music as a healing therapy. Dr. Thomas is a Family Practice physician, Board Member of Orthodox Prison Ministry, member of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black and parishioner at St. Luke Orthodox Church in Anniston, Alabama (OCA).

Fr. Philip LeMasters, a professor of religion at McMurry University, argues that the shocking statistics on the number of female college students who are victims of rape provide a window on the moral and spiritual corruption of our society.

John's guest is Fr. Daniel Marshall talking about a new Orthodox book for children called St. Seraphim's Beatitudes available from St. Innocent Press.

Attention all Orthodox homeschool families: There's a new resource available that could make your homeschooling curriculum more robust and meaningful! Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. James Taylor, the founder and director of St. Raphael Orthodox Online Homeschool.

Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. James Taylor, the founder and director of the St. Raphael Orthodox Online Home School. The school has just finished its first year of operation, and registration has begun for the summer session, which will feature four new course offerings.

Once again, Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. James Taylor, the founder and director of the St. Raphael Orthodox Online Homeschool. It's not too late to register for the fall term!

On a new Ancient Faith Presents, Fr. Anthony Michaels, priest at St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, speaks at the Fall Diocesan Meeting of the Antiochian Diocese of Toledo. The lecture is titled "Iconography, Iconoclasm, and the Theology of Personhood."

Dr. Chrissi Hart talks about her children's book and reads the book as part of the interview. An announcement is also made about a new children's book reading feature coming to Ancient Faith Radio

Fr. Chad Hatfield tells us about the upcoming 32nd Annual Alexander Schmemann Lecture on the campus of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. The speaker will be Bishop Nicholas of Brooklyn talking about the life and ministry of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. This year is the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Raphael.

Bobby Maddex interviews iconographer Kh. Erin Kimmett about how to help your child start training to become an iconographer. She also tells us about her iconography workshop that takes place in the summer at Antiochian Village.

We interview Alexei Krindatch, the Research Coordinator of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, about a new map posted to the Assembly website titled "Orthodox Bishops and Parishes in the United States."

Bobby Maddex interviews Alexei Krindatch, the Research Coordinator of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, about a new report titled "Fast Questions and Fast Answers About the Geography of Orthodoxy in America."