What if magic were real? The guys explore the new Disney feature film, "Onward." They explore the truth in stories, the challenges of a disenchanted world, and the ways Disney films present love.

The guys explore the beautiful new documentary film, "New Men." They explore the challenge of staying in one place, whether monastic life is a higher calling, and struggles of the Christian life. You can find the film at newmendoc.com.

“It takes strength to resist the dark side. Only the weak embrace it.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi After talking with Ancient Faith's John Maddex about the current financial situation and opportunities (please support the guys' virtual Regatta team here: https://afm.kindful.com/lifeboat-2020/the-supplicants), Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez explore the recently-concluded Star Wars animated series: The Clone Wars. They discuss why Star Wars TV shows have been better than the recent movies, the depth of the characters (both old and new), and what the failings of the Jedi Order can teach us as Christians.

"And even in this not particularly flattering light, you are without a doubt the five and a half most wonderful wild animals I've ever met in my life. So let's raise our boxes - to our survival.” – Mr. Fox The guys explore the Wes Anderson film: "Fantastic Mr Fox." They discuss art, what our "real" nature is, and the way we can only be truly united in our diversity.

“Don't kill me.” - George Floyd The guys were going to talk about the Netflix series: Bonfire of Destiny. But important things are happening. And we, as a nation and a Church, need to talk about them. Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez have a tough conversation about the unjust slaying of George Floyd on May 25 and the protests that have developed since. They discuss race in America, violence and virtue, and the theology of the cross.

The girls discuss the classic 80's film, The Breakfast Club. They discuss issues of identity, generational sin, and the community of God's Kingdom.

"Wherever I go, he goes." Steve and Christian watched season 2 of the amazing Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian." The guys discuss the difference between tradition and traditionalism; the empire's evil; and discerning the Way. Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on the Astoria Food Pantry, a neighborhood mutual aid project that provides high-quality fresh food to 200 people per week. In 2021, they plan to both continue the programs that they started in 2020 and expand operations to some new projects to serve the community. Learn more on their website: https://www.astoriafoodpantry.com.

"Cool. Cool cool cool." Steve and Christian watched the classic comedy series, "Community." The guys discuss plot-driver vs character-driven Christianity, unconditional love, and the importance of the table. Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on "Reconciliation Services," non-profit serving in Kansas City, MO. Desiring to accept the challenge to “love thy neighbor,” they approach each person with dignity and love, seeing them as made in the image of God. Their programs strategically address community needs for affordable food access, safe environments to gather to combat social isolation and build positive community connections, and increased access to social and mental health services that lead to improved health and self-sufficiency. Learn more on their website: rs3101.org

"I'm Santa Claus, Teddy, not Yoda." Steve and Christian watched the delightful holiday movies, "The Christmas Chronicles" and "The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two" The guys discuss Santa Claus, pastoral care, the struggle to determine our identity, and a sacramental view of the world. ​ Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on the FOCUS North America, a national movement of Orthodox Christians, united in faith and joined by a desire to provide action-oriented and sustainable solutions to poverty in communities across America. FOCUS has operations and youth volunteer experiences in more than 20 cities in the United States. Learn more on the parish website: https://focusnorthamerica.org/ ​

"I don’t want to survive, I want to live!" Steve and Christian watched the classic Pixar film, "WALL-E." The guys discuss sacraments, the earth, and magical thinking.

The girls and their special guest discuss the two classic short stories, touching on themes such as how our thoughts determine our lives, generational sin, and the Harrowing of Hades.

Steve and Christian are back to continue their discussion on the new Christianity Today podcast, "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill." They explore authority, culture wars, and celebrity. christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill Additional Resource: markdejesus.com/14-signs-spiritual-abuse Subscribe to "Pop Culture Coffee Hour" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things from pop culture as we seek to open ourselves to Christ and His saving work in our lives. It's Orthodox Christian engagement with today's culture.

The girls discuss the novel, A River Enchanted. They touch on how music has power, how love means trust and loyalty, and how home provides comfort. Plus, what they're cooking for meatfare week!

Christina and Steve watched the new film about Saint Nektarios, "Man of God." Spoilers ahead! They explore struggle, salvation, and the choice to live as faithful Christians.

It's been a wild ride, and now, after seven years, Christina, Steve, Emma, and Christian gather for the final episode Pop Culture Coffee Hour. They discuss the high points of the last 200 episodes, play some games, and have a whole lot of laughs. Listener voicemails and blooper reels abound in this series finale. Join the Wonder Twins and Headscarf Mafia as they lovingly say goodbye to the podcast and the faithful thirteen. All this and the introduction of a brand new, canine-based childhood curriculum. Agni Parthene (Dance & Do Not Sin Remix) was written and produced by Jim John Marks of Generative Sounds; this song and his other works can be found at generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com.

In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. "Part Two: How Jesus Christ lived on Earth, and What He Suffered for Us." pp 11-16. For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 2.

In his second report from Istanbul, Fr. John is sitting on the roof of his hotel reflecting on the Muslim call to prayer which is heard five times daily. He wonders about our own devotion to prayer in comparison.

Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares practical ways about getting involved in missions.

Fr. John continues to share from Jerusalem, and he talks about the Church of St. James.

Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome Lyra, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the second half of their concert, in which they perform some traditional folk music.

Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.

Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about St. Nikephorus the Leper. Learn more about St. Nikephorus at https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicephorus_the_Leper. Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.

Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about Olga, a woman he met at the conference who is editor of the Russian magazine, Foma. Learn more about Foma. Learn more about the conference.

Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He introduces Orthphoto.net. Learn more about the conference.

2 Peter 1:20-2:9; Mark 13:9-13.

2 Peter 2:9-22; Mark 13:14-23.

2 Peter 3:1-18; Mark 13:24-31.

1 John 1:8-2:6; Mark 13:31-14:2.

Hebrews 7:7-17; Luke 2:22-40.

1 John 2:18-3:10; Mark 11:1-11.

1 John 3:11-20; Mark 14:10-42.

1 John 3:21-4:6; Mark 14:43-15:1.

1 John 4:20-5:21; Mark 15:1-15.

2 John 1:1-13; Mark 15:22-25, 33-41.

3 John 1:1-15; Luke 19:29-40, 22:7-39.

Jude 1:1-10; Luke 22:39-42, 45-23:1.

Jude 1:11-25; Luke 23:2-34, 44-56.

Joel 2:12-26; Joel 3:12-21.

Zechariah 8:7-17; Zechariah 8:19-23.

Genesis 1:1-13; Proverbs 1:1-20.

Genesis 1:14-23; Proverbs 1:20-33.

Genesis 1:24-2:3; Proverbs 2:1-22.

Genesis 2:4-19; Proverbs 3:1-18.

Genesis 2:20-3:20; Proverbs 3:19-34.

Genesis 3:21-4:7; Proverbs 3:34-4:22.

Genesis 4:8-15; Proverbs 5:1-15.

Genesis 4:16-26; Proverbs 5:15-6:3.

Genesis 5:1-24; Proverbs 6:3-20.

Genesis 5:32-6:8; Proverbs 6:20-7:1.