When a new presbyter is ordained, he's told to "guard the Church." Does he do that by building walls around it? Or by sharing it with the world?

This week we're responding to another viewer question. Does a love of theology and academic study somehow contradict the mysticism of the Faith? We approach God as complete human persons, and that includes our minds. Reading and studying theology can be a great thing, but it should also be a part of our larger life in Christ. God is more than an idea we think about: He's a person we encounter.

Faith is often treated as a secret, private thing. But if we really believe that we know the way to eternal life in Christ, would we really keep that hidden from others?

What do young people need from the Church? Let's ask them! Andja and Maria, high school seniors and the hosts of the Orthodox Life Hacks podcast, join Steve to reflect on ministry for, with, and by young people.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 If your parish suddenly disappeared, would anyone notice? Are we living out the Gospel in our neighborhoods and communities? Because we believe the same things that the first Christians taught. But do we act like them? Last week, we talked about the importance of prayer. But we can't forget almsgiving in our spiritual practice. We've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you work through how you can better love your neighbor. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/be_be_bee_148 Questions you might be struggling with, that we'll touch on in the video: How do we act like Christians? How do I love my neighbor? How to act like a Christian? What is unchristian like behavior? What are Bible rules to live by? What is social justice in Christianity? What does the Bible say about social justice? What is social justice really mean? Social justice and the Gospel? Why do young adults leave the Church? Why do people quit going to Church?

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) What this Episode is About: The Pharisee fasted, prayed, and gave to the poor. He did all the right things we're supposed to do. So what exactly did he do wrong? The Triodion Period begins with the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee to ground us in the righteousness of God rather than our own pride and delusion. Because, like the Pharisee, we don't always see ourselves clearly. We can easily lead ourselves astray. Self-deception happens when we turn inward, trusting in ourselves and our own abilities to evaluate our own righteousness, especially against the perceived lack of righteousness (or even just rightness) in others. And the antidote to this self-deception is to turn to someone outside of us who can redirect our hearts and minds toward the One who Is. Not a false teacher, but a true teacher. Just like Saint Paul guided Saint Timothy. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn: https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee165

“Nothing makes us so like God, as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” (Saint John Chrysostom) The Greek word for forgiveness means "sharing the same space." At the doorstep to Great Lent, we're given the opportunity to both seek and offer forgiveness. Forgiveness Sunday (especially Forgiveness Vespers) is our chance to overcome resentments and share the same space with both God and neighbor. So that, together, we can journey to salvation and an experience of God's Kingdom. Because right and wrong is about more than what’s right or wrong for you. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee168 .

In light of the more negative news recently about the decline of Christianity and in particular Orthodox Christianity, we present a balanced perspective which showcases three successful parishes in the Greek Archdiocese. Joining Kevin are Fr. Lou Christopulos, Fr. Theodore Dorrance, and Fr. Evan Armatas.

Imposters and Evil Men!

100lbs of spices - a glorious waste of spices! Your prayer and service - a glorious "waste" also but you'll find yourself experiencing the Resurrection!

St. Photini was going about her daily business - probably things had been going wrong (otherwise why would she be there at such a hot time of day?). What happened next was that her life was completely changed. You too: allow for the Lord to come to you in your everyday life - the result will be surprising!

Two people entered the Temple. One said "What a lucky God you are to have a follower like me!" The other said "What a lucky man I am to have a God like You!"

Menial service turns out not to be menial at all. Acts 6: 1 - 7, Mark 15: 43 - 16: 8

Matthew introduces us to the most outlandish figure in the history of Orthodoxy in America. Learn more HERE.

So, one of the first rules of “Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” is, “take each item in one’s hand, and ask, “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. …and while I love Marie Kondo’s rule, I think you should take this one step further. Don’t just apply […]

Germany's Alexander Zverev claims a straight-set win over home favourite Ugo Humbert to clinch his first Paris Masters title.

We know that clarity cures busywork. We also know that action brings clarity. When you’re stuck and lacking clarity, take action and just get started. But don’t get lost doing busywork disguised as procrastination.

Ex-Wales wing Jess Kavanagh and chair of the Cardiff supporters body CF10 Rugby Trust Lynn Glaister express frustration at the latest WRU row involving the women's game.

The first minister wants the Treasury to compensate voluntary bodies, GPs, universities and care providers.

The woman said she had stolen £10,500 to help a daughter who was under paramilitary threat over a debt.

Jersey aims to "strengthen ties within education, sport and culture" with Antigua and Barbuda.

The move aims to improve online safety for children with more education for parents.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said he hopes Trump will not bring "uncertainty" to US/Irish business relations.

Alliance pays tribute to its "ground-breaking" and "trailblazing" former assembly member, Anna Lo.

CPRE Surrey is opposing planning permission given to University of Surrey to build a solar facility.

Jake Doyle is playing for a different rugby club every weekend to raise money for a support group.

The Cobblers' Community Trust will receive £27,000 to help boost the confidence and wellbeing of children.

Community services could be lost in the wake of the Budget, a charity tells MPs.

Community groups say they are being asked to put plans in place for terrorism, bombs and drones.

Paul Waring birdies the final two holes to win the Abu Dhabi Championship by two shots from fellow Englishman Tyrell Hatton.

Dr Noweed Ahmad performs life-changing surgery that allows deaf people to hear.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal bosses appeal for help funding the maintenance of the network.

The successful candidate will fly one of its Airbus H145 helicopters, Yorkshire Air Ambulance says.

Cambridge United manager Garry Monk will make a late decision on whether striker Shayne Lavery is fit to return in Saturday's derby with Peterborough United.

My Life My Choice founder Michael Edwards is recognised during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The former boss of Derbyshire Community Transport has been reflecting on the charity's demise.

Eco groups call for a mining firm to "break its silence" over a coal mine.

Micky Beckett charged £10 a ticket in the raffle for the ILCA 7 dinghy he used to compete.

Horatio Chapple’s mother Olivia talks about Horatio’s Garden.

A teenager explains how therapeutic groups for children, helped by Children in Need, supported her.

Norwich midfielder Gabriel Forsyth will not need surgery on a knee injury but will be out for more than a month.

A Norwich disability group thanks a charity for making a city beauty spot more accessible.

Yesterday Yahoo! and Mozilla announced a new 5 year partnership to make “Yahoo the default search experience for Firefox in the United States on mobile and desktop”. The deal will make Yahoo! the default search experience on Firefox in …