Frederica is at the 40th anniversary conference of Birthright, International in the Chicago area and recorded an interview with Doris Asante of Birthright, Ghana. Doris was also selling handmade jewelry and stoles to raise money for Birthright in Ghana and she invited correspondence if you are interested in purchasing or donating.

Frederica revisits two of her previous podcasts with some additional reflections as the result of some email she received from listeners.

How does Scripture treat the themes of light, darkness and shadow? Is light always "good" and dark always "evil"? What began as a friendly debate with emerging church leader Leonard Sweet results in an instructive study by Frederica on this topic.

Ever noticed how your thoughts seem to impact your day in a big way? This week, Christian explores this phenomenon, pointing toward how our thoughts also impact other people.

What does this miracle of Christ tell us about the blind man, about God, about Jesus and ultimately, about us?

Today, Fr. Thomas Hopko reflects on the nature of our thoughts and emotions in this fallen world.

Fr. Thomas Hopko takes one last look at the phrase "Relax, God is in Control" and provides information on additional material he has written and spoke about regarding this general topic. Here is the list: Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West by Met. Kallistos Ware And from his Speaking the Truth in Love series: Pain and Suffering The Wrath of God The Wrath of God - Part 2 Anger and Wrath in Human Life On Sadness and Grief in Christian Life Theological Reflections on Calamity Does God Play Favorites? Predestination, Providence, and Prayer Understanding Evil - 9/11 Remembered God and the World Sandy Hook God and Death

Dr. Constantinou explains the Christian Passover, including the typology of Christ as the Lamb.

Dr. Constantinou answers more questions from listeners and then discusses chapter 16 of Leviticus, focusing on the Feast of Yom Kippur.

Dr. Constantinou consults St. John Chrysostom on the responsibilities of both the priesthood and the episcopacy, as well as on what the priest and the bishop are supposed to be like.

Dr. Jeannie Constantinou introduces the eschatological prophecies of Daniel and continues with chapter two of the Book of Daniel.

There is a trite answer to the question: How do Orthodox Christians evangelize? Keep the doors open, the lights on, the floors swept, and the priest paid. Fundamentally, this is correct; paying the bills is essential to the life and health of a community, and “come and see” will always be our most effective clarion call. Yet, while existence is paramount, it is not evangelism. In this episode, Fr. Joseph offers some ideas that have proven effective for revitalizing, invigorating, and sustaining a healthy parish—consider it “in-house evangelism.”

Fr. Joseph visits with Fr. James Guirguis and the fine folks of St Raphael Mission in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, on their first Family Night of 2018.

Fr Joseph asks parishioner Jeff Anderson why he finds the Samaritan Woman, St Photini, so special. (Talk about a "come to Jesus" moment!)

Fr. John shares from Romans 6:18-23.

Fr. John speaks about humility (James 4:1-10).

Fr. John shares from Matthew 5:13-16.

Fr. John shares from Psalm 111.

Fr. John Whiteford speaks on the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, and the importance of repentance in understanding our relationship with Christ.

Fr. John Whiteford returns to the study of Psalm 118, by looking at verses 105-112.

Fr. John Whiteford speaks on Zephaniah 3:14-20. The victory has been won!

Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the gospel reading from John, Chapter 8.

Fr. John Whiteford speaks on Psalm 50:10-12.

Fr. John Whiteford preaches from Luke 13:10-17.

Fr. John Whiteford preaches from Psalm 11 (10).

Fr. John Whiteford encourages us with the words of Psalm 26:1-6.

Fr. John Whiteford preaches from Luke 13:10-17.

Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the story of Jacob selling his birthright to his brother Esau, and helps us understand it through the lens of our lives today. (Genesis 25:19-34)

Fr. John Whiteford calls us to believe and live the true Orthodox faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-16)

There is a huge difference in trying to be something and living either the realization that you ARE something. It changes your motivation and your attitude about who you are. Well, you ARE the light of the world.

Isn't it interesting after the Lord blessed Peter and his partners in their fishing business, Peter saw himself as a sinful man and asked the Lord to leave him? But that's the risk of standing so close to the Light. It reveals who you really are! But Christ invites us to be close to Him without fear or shame and allow His Light to set us free!

The Gadarene Demoniac had been reduced to an animal existence by his misuse of his freedom. Jesus comes and heals him and he is finally in his right mind. Are you in your right mind?

St. Paul warns the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Jesus Gives us the 5 fold Ministry of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers to help us get used to the Eternal Light of His presence so we will enjoy being with Him!

In Orthodoxy we often hear and read about the Uncreated Light of God. What is this Uncreated Light? Can we experience this Divine Light or is it something only Saints can experience? Join Michael as he explains certain Scriptures that illuminate our understanding of God’s Uncreated Light, and shares thoughts and experiences that demonstrate how all of us can partake of the Divine Light and experience the Transcendent in our ordinary daily lives.

Join Michael as he uses science and examples in everyday life to discuss order and disorder, why it is important to understand what they mean spiritually, and how we must be deliberate and committed in our choices to be holy and grow in Christ.

CDC reports that suicides have increased 25% since 1999 in nearly every state and recent celebrity suicides have cause a renewed focus on this issue. The CDC report further lists reasons, warning signs, and who this is affecting most. What can everyday ordinary Orthodox Christians do, who are not clergy or mental health professionals, to help combat this tragedy. Join Michael Haldas as he shares his personal experience and offers some thoughts on this topic.

Join Michael as he uses Scripture and a well-written article to discuss the slippery slope of letting the words “our thoughts and prayers” become synonymous for non-action.

Inspired by the conditions of the coronavirus, but not about the virus itself, Michael reflects on why either our transcendent or immanent mindset makes a huge difference on how we cope with such trying circumstances.

Many of us have read the book Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus which is packed with holy wisdom. However, our thoughts gives rise to our actions, and our actions in turn reflect our thoughts. We are held to account by God for both what we think and what we do. Join Michael as he discusses the relationship to thoughts and actions, how we often entertain and get seduced by the wrong thoughts, and can make philosophy, psychology, and even theology and excuse to not have the right thoughts or take the right actions.

Join Michael as he discusses the complementary nature of light and darkness, how both are under God’s control, and how we can understand this to maintain hope during tough times, grow in faith, and shine the Light of Christ to others.

Join Michael in a discussion about what it means to create “heat” without “light” and how ego driven self-motivation and self-focus is poisoning society, and what we should be mindful of not to be contributors to this.

Fr. Seraphim was in Paris shortly after the November 13 attacks. He reflects on what our response as Christians should be. How do we hold on to our Christianity? What is our role as peacemakers? He reminds us that we fight for is not of this world.

Fr. Seraphim reads the final section of the booklet On Prayer. The full text can be found at mullmonastery.com.

Two summers ago (when people still travelled) I met a lady on the ferry who had come to the Isles all the way from North America because 'God told me to visit Scotland'. Apparently, God had told her to visit many places in the world and she was looking forward to wherever He would send her on her next holiday. This lesson is based on a very different story about St Macarius the Great who one day received the thought of leaving his cell to go and pray in the desert. After he waited for FIVE YEARS, fighting in prayer to discern if this is the will of God, he then went into the desert.

Why can't we just focus on the spiritual side of life and live as spiritual beings? Why is the Church so keen that we should learn to control our bodies and their passions? Does God even care what we do with our bodies?