The themes of exile and return are prominent throughout the entire narrative of the Bible. Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise. The Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt until Moses led them back to the Promised Land. The kingdoms of Israel and Judah went into exile in Assyria and Babylon, respectively, with only Judah returning home. The Jews endured a kind of exile when the Romans occupied their land and longed for restoration through a new King David. Our Lord provided the true restoration of a kingdom not of this world, leading all with faith in Him back to Paradise through His Cross and glorious resurrection. The canon of the New Testament concludes with the Revelation or Apocalypse, which portrays the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, the joyful fulfillment of all things in Him.

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.

In this episode, Fr. John interviews Fr. Jason Foster, pastor of Holy Nativity Orthodox Mission in Shreveport, LA. Fr. Jason is doing amazing and catalytic missionary work in Louisiana.

Fr. John reflects on a few experiences at Costco, and then about Clemson and Christianity.

Fr. John Parker welcomes Fr. David Morrison, priest at St. Anthony's in Bozeman, Montana. They discuss his spiritual journey to the faith. You can find out more about St. Anthony's at orthodoxbozeman.org.

Consider how the gospel readings from various jurisdictions for this Sunday clarify St. Paul’s difficult retort to St. Peter in Galatians concerning the Law, faith, and the faithfulness of Christ, and how the OT clarifies the meaning of the phrase “Son of God” used in all these passages!

The story of the “little man” Zacchaeus (Luke 19:10) is illuminated as we consider a psalm concerning the “sons of Abraham” (1 Chronicles 16:7-14) and the vision of the victorious “Son of Man” (Dan. 7:12-14; 17-18) who came to rescue those who were lost. 1 Timothy 4:8-15 then encourages the entire Christian community (not simply those who are leaders) to grow in godliness, representing the Lord to those who are around us.

Luke 15:11-32; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Hosea 14:1-9; Isaiah 55:1-7

We read the stories of the Holy Martyr George (celebrated this Sunday April 23, along with St. Thomas Sunday) in the light of Job, Isaiah and Revelation 12, seeing him as a mirror to our victorious Lord, who cleansed the chaotic waters of all that lurked there, and trampled down death by death.

This week we consider the Paschal epistle reading, Acts 1:1-8, in the light of Genesis 1-2; Genesis 30-50, Romans 8:22-25. We see the importance of time to God, as well as the fruitfulness of waiting, even in unpleasant or difficult circumstances.

The apostle’s appeal for unity is beautifully exemplified in the life of Joseph, and poignantly pictured in the Psalm about oil on Aaron’s beard. May God’s appeal, pattern, and picture help us to unity in this time of disagreement. (Ephesians 4:1-6, Genesis 37-50, Psalm 132/3)

This week we look at the short but challenging chapter fifteen of Revelation, in the light of Exodus 40:35; 2 Ch/Kingdoms 7:2-3; Isaiah 6:4; and Ezekiel 1:22;10:4; 44:4. We consider how judgment is an essential characteristic of the holy God, not at odds with divine love, and meditate upon the difficult phrase “the wrath of God.”

This week we consider Canticle 7 (Dan 3:25-56), which details Azariah’s confession, and the beginning of his song with the three friends. Here we see the themes of human praises based on understanding, the importance of God’s glory, and God’s merciful justice as he keeps covenant with us, looking also to 2 King 19:15-20:6 and Genesis 22:15-18.

Sweet Song: A Story of Saint Romanos the Melodist by Jane G Meyer, illustrated by Dorrie Papdemetriou (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2013)

"The Parable of the Prodigal Son" 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)

"Saint James, Son of Zebediah," from The Disciples of Christ, Illustrated Biographies, by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Saint James," from The Disciples of Christ, Illustrated Biographies, by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

38. Book 1: Song of the Talanton by Claire Brandenburg (Conciliar Press, 2007) Book 2: Extracts and prayers from Hear me: A Prayerbook for Orthodox Teens, compiled by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2007)

68. Book 1: "Jacob and His Sons" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas translated by Rev. Spencer T. Kezios (Narthex Press, 2005) (10.24 mins) Book 2: Saint Innocent of Alaska, Apostle and Missionary by Sarah Elizabeth Cowie Chapter 7 (Conciliar Press, 2005) (begins at 11:07, duration 8.55 mins)

Fr. Ted speaks about the feast of Theophany. He explains that in both Nativity and Theophany, God reveals Himself to man.

Fr. Ted talks shares his thoughts on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.

Fr. Ted explains how the Triodion prepares us to run the marathon of Great Lent.

What we mean by humility and witnessing for Christ here in the Western world is a far different thing from what Christians are experiencing in the Middle East.

Fr. Ted calls us to become like the Father who was ready and willing to welcome those who return to the life of the Church, rather than the big brother who was judgmental towards his returning brother.

Kevin and Steve interview Fr. Wayne about some hard to ask questions about Lent.

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!

Guest: His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the West. Feeling the mid-Lent blahs, or are the Lent "purple demons" out in force? Perhaps you are not "feeling" anything and wondering what the purpose of the Church's injunctions to pray, fast and give alms are supposed to cause in us during Great Lent and Pascha? Well you're not alone! Kevin asks H.G. JOSEPH these very questions in this encouraging and consoling interview.

In this program we discuss the topic of "personal prayer" in the Orthodox Tradition. Liturgical (corporate) and personal prayer are tightly linked together because the goal of all prayer is, ultimately, union with God. To "pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17) is to live every moment consciously in the presence of God and to "take every thought captive to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). The Fathers teach that when we set ourselves to pray seriously, we enter the arena of spiritual warfare with the hosts of Satan whose aim is to keep us from God. As in all things, the Orthodox Christian succeeds in prayer through humility and simplicity - and the Jesus Prayer and the prayer rope are our aids in making our lives, as Paul Evdokimov says, "prayer incarnate."

We continue the series of interviews with Fr. Jonah. In part one of this interview we discuss a variety of topics that relate to the Orthodox view of the healing of the human person. Monasticism is but one of the ways that we are healed, but all of the spiritual disciplines and "methods" boil down to life within a community, whether it is a monastery, a marriage, a family or a parish. We are also trying some new sound file formats to attempt to fix the 49 minute podcast cut off problem. So, if our podcast listeners can let us know if THIS program plays all the way through we'd appreciate it!

In part two of the conversation with Father Jonah we discuss the relationship of monasticism to the "normal" Christian life. The life lived in the Gospel is universally applied to all Christians, has the same goal and foundation, but is lived out in various ways.

In part four of our discussion of relics, we tackle the nature of God and the nature of the human being and how we can "know" a person. What is the relationship of "nature" to a "person"? What is an "energy"? How are a nature's energies expressed? The proper definition of nature, energy and personhood form the cornerstone for a proper definition of salvation and the goal of our existence in God.

What can be learned from the Orthodox Mission to Alaska? How should the spirit of the early Church in the Roman empire inspire the life of a new parish? Saint Vladimir’s Seminary President Fr. Chad Hatfield offered insights and practical advice on mission planting at Holy Theophany Russian Orthodox Church in Bergen, Norway on December 6, 2019. The talk was organized in part by St. Vladimir's Alumnus Fr. Theodor Svane (’15) and the parish Fr. Theodore serves, Annunciation of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Mission Parish, also in Bergen.

Dn. Michael begins a new series discussing the book Beginning to Pray by Anthony Bloom.

Dn. Michael continues his discussion of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray. He emphasizes the importance of humility when approaching our Lord in prayer.

Dn. Michael discusses chapter 3 of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray . He borrows Nike's slogan and urges all of us, when it comes to prayer, to "Just Do It."

Dn. Michael continues his discussion of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray . This week he looks at chapter 4.

Dn. Michael concludes his study of Anthony Bloom's book, Beginning to Pray.

Dn. Michael begins a new series on living "in, but not of" the world. He is using four texts from the St. Vladimir's Popular Patristics series. This week he covers C.S. Lewis's introduction to the St. Athanasius work On the Incarnation.

Joel Miller stands in for Dn. Michael and continues the series "In But Not Of." In today's lesson, Joel teaches on the life of St. Athanasius.

Dn. Michael continues his series," In But Not Of," and discusses chapter one of On the Incarnation.

Dn. Michael discusses chapter two in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson four in his series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael discusses chapter three in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson five in his series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael discusses chapter four in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson six in his series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael discusses chapter five in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson seven in his series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael discusses chapter six in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson eight in his series "In But Not Of."

Guest lecturer Joel Miller discusses chapter seven of St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson nine in Dn. Michael's series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael discusses chapter eight in St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson ten in his series "In But Not Of."

Dn. Michael concludes his discussion of St. Athanasius's book On the Incarnation. This is lesson eleven in his series "In But Not Of."

Between now and Christmas, Dn. Michael Hyatt teaches a short series entitled Peace on Earth. In this episode he focuses in on unresolved conflict at home, work, and church and the tools given to us by God to avoid them.