Fr. Evan discusses the context of chapter 14, as well as its theme—suffering.

Fr. Evan discusses the anointing at Bethany.

Fr. Evan discusses Judas's betrayal and how to read the Scriptures.

Bishop Athanasios of Kisumu and Western Kenya offers a reflection on mission work in Africa and Christian life.

Fr. Evan examines the preparations needed for the Passover meal.

Fr. Evan discusses the Eucharist.

Fr. Evan discusses the Eucharistic meal/Passover and the institution of the Eucharist.

Fr. Evan continues discussing the Eucharist.

Fr. Evan discusses three prophecies and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Fr. Evan discusses the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Fr. Evan discusses the first trial of Christ.

Fr. Evan continues his discussion of the first trial of Christ.

Fr. Evan discusses Peter's cowardice and denial and introduces Mark 15.

Fr. Evan discusses salvation and the second trial of Christ.

Fr. Evan discusses the second trial of Christ before Pilate.

Fr. Evan discusses the moment when Jesus Christ is crucified outside of the gates.

Fr. Evan continues his discussion of the Crucifixion of Christ.

Fr. Evan discusses the death of Christ.

Fr. Evan discusses the death and burial of Jesus.

Fr. Evan continues his discussion of the burial of Christ.

Fr. Evan introduces chapter 16.

Fr. Evan discusses the shorter ending of Mark’s Gospel, the Resurrection, and the Empty Tomb.

Fr. Evan discusses verses 1-5 of Mark 16.

Fr. Evan concludes his discussion of the Gospel of Mark.

In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks with Dylan Pahman (Research Fellow, Acton Institute) about what we can learn about virtue and markets playing Magic the Gathering. Then, after lamenting the lack of economic literacy among some theologians and clergy, Dylan addresses some of the major objections some Christians have with markets, liberal democracy, and international trade. He makes the case that they will not automatically cultivate virtue, but can be compatible with Orthodoxy. You can read the works referenced at acton.academia.edu/DylanPahman.

It seems whenever there is a crisis, people begin to see possible predictions and warnings about such times in the scripture. And certainly Christ does warn us to be prepared for the End, and to recognize that various tribulations and “wars and rumours of wars” would be the ongoing signs that the End is near. However, the scriptures themselves also tell us that we are already in the Last Days. That is, from the time of the Apostles we have been in the “last hour,” and already “many antichrists have come” (1John 2: 18). For just as the Kingdom of Heaven is near (at hand) at all times, so too, the End is always near.

Fr. John gives an account of the atmosphere in Italy in which Orthodox and Roman Catholic delegates met to discuss the possibility of union in the middle of the fifteenth century. Only one of the Orthodox would refuse to sign the resulting Treaty of Union, Saint Mark of Ephesus.

Fr. John Parker gives his second reflection on his participation on the Faith Encouraged Live inaugural call-in program and shares four marks of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

This weekend, as we take our leave of this dramatic time of year, we consider readings from several Orthodox jurisdictions, amplified by passages in the Psalter and the Torah. Ephesians 4:7-13, Psalm 67/68:18, Matthew 4:12-17 and John 21:1-14 show us both the global and the intimate, or personal nature, of the Light that has made its mark upon the entire cosmos, and on each one of us.

During this difficult time, we consider wisdom concerning the role of angels, the humble strength of our Lord Jesus, the peace that cannot come through “sons of men,” and the marks of the Lord that are to be seen on us, as they were on the apostle Paul. (Hebrews 2:2-10; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 6:2-24; Galatians 6:11-18)

"Saint Mark the Evangelist," from The Four Evangelists by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

The whole point of the Christian life is to stay on course. Sin is deviating from that course.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds, Torrey Honors professor at Biola University, talks about Christianity and Culture.

Stories from St. John the Compassionate Mission written by Brother Luke.

Third Sunday of the Great Fast

Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast

Holy Myrrhbearers - Third Sunday of Pascha

Membership in the Body of Christ is not like being a member of any human organization. Fr Tom teaches us the words of our Lord which clearly state that begin a joined to Him requires total commitment. (Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross)

In the gospel reading for the second Sunday of Great Lent, Christ heals a man of debilitating paralysis. But Fr Tom reminds us that Jesus reveals something even more important, that He forgives sins as the eternal Son of God. (Second Sunday of Great Lent - Healing of the Paralytic)

On the Third Sunday of the Great Fast, the Church places the precious cross of our Lord in the midst of the temple for our veneration and contemplation. Fr Tom reminds us that the scriptures present the cross as a sign both of comfort and of judgment, encouraging us to fulfill the Lenten effort to take up our cross and follow Christ. (Veneration of the Precious Cross)

We can all relate to the father who cries out to Jesus, "help my unbelief!" But Fr Tom teaches us that focusing on the unchanging promises of God will keep us faithful.

The cross of Christ is the ultimate sign of God's love for his creatures. Fr Thomas reminds us that the cross is also a sign of the path that awaits us: our own cross. (Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross)

We can often take membership in the church for granted, wrongfully thinking it's just another organization. Fr Thomas reminds us that our calling is not just to be a member, but a disciple, a follower of Christ. (Second Sunday after Pentecost)

With the words, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem," the Lord Jesus Christ invites all of us to journey with Him to His Passion. Fr Thomas teaches us that the ransom that Christ freely pays on our behalf saves us from sin and death, but also allows us to freely follow Him.

In a powerful message on the value of faith, Fr Thomas reminds us that forgiveness is the most important healing we'll ever receive.

Every age has its own errors, says Fr. Lawrence Farley, and in every age, therefore, the Church faces a different set of challenges, distortions, and lies. Today voices are raised calling for the landmarks regarding the nature of gender and sexuality to be moved.

This week, Archimandrite Irenei examines a text by St. Mark the Ascetic in which the Christian is enjoined to "give himself entirely to the Cross," undergoing "with joy" the abasement that it brings. Do we live our lives in this way? Can we claim to be what St. Mark terms "true Christians"?

Fr. Pat explains the significance of the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark and what it says about faith.

Jesus is our Holy One, our Mediator, and our Brother.