After a season of elections, an inauguration, the State of the Union address, as well as social and political unrest, Fr. Thomas Hopko explores an ancient Christian perspective on the rights identified in the Declaration of Independence.

Fr. Tom says the 14th Century situation in Constantinople is critical to understanding the Church today.

Fr. Tom sees a significant reality at this midpoint of Great Lent after the Sunday of the Cross.

In a 6 part reflection, Fr. Tom Hopko examines the first three days of Holy Week and the significance of the scripture and verses as we prepare for Great and Holy Pascha. In this first episode, he gives an overview of the 3 days and the services we will be a part of.

In part 2, Fr. Tom reflects on the Bride, the Bridegroom, and the garments. Why was the man with no wedding garment cast out?

Next is the parable of the fig tree and the imagery of leaves and fruit.

Then we have Joseph and his brothers showing us through this intricate biblical story, the imagery of Christ and His Passion.

In the 5th episode, Fr. Tom reflects on the conflicts between Christ and the leaders of the day.

Finally, Fr. Tom looks at the Harlot and Judas depicting two diverse models for the treatment of The Christ.

After several months, Fr. Thomas continues this series with a reflection on the 1st half of the 15th century and the further declarations of the Roman Catholic Church.

As the series on the structure and organization of the Church continues, Fr. Thomas reflects on the famous Council of Florence and the Orthodox participation and rejection of the Council.

One of the most significant events in Church history was the fall of Constantinople. Fr. Thomas helps us understand the the years immediately following the fall.

From Constantinople we go to the Church in Kiev and Rus from the 10th to the 13th Centuries.

Fr. Thomas Hopko calls the Reformation one of the most impactful periods of Church history on Orthodoxy. Learn about how the Orthodox were influenced by Roman Catholic and Protestant thinking.

In this very helpful theological discourse, Fr. Thomas Hopko states that the trinitarian understanding of God is absolutely essential to the Christian faith.

Fr. Tom talks about what happened in the 17th Century, when Orthodoxy in both Constantinople and Ukraine were influenced by non Orthodox thinking.

As we approach the mid-point of Great Lent, Fr. Tom reflects on the purpose of this season in the Church year.

Fr. Thomas talks about the writings of Archbishop François Fénelon, a Roman Catholic writer from the 17th century. Fr. Tom was particularly taken with Fénelon's spiritual writings surrounding Lent.

In light of all of the discussion about the Ecumenical Patriarch meeting with the Pope, Fr. Tom offers some of his experiences with the World Council of Churches.

A commonly used word today is "awesome." But, given its meaning today, Fr. Tom asks if it is the appropriate word to use in our Divine Liturgy.

As many know, Kevin Allen recently announced his retirement from his interview program, Ancient Faith Today. After listening to an interview Ancient Faith Radio did with Kevin announcing his departure, Fr. Tom shares his own thoughts on the state of American Orthodoxy.

Fr. Tom takes up his series on the bishops and structure of the Church and moves to the 19th Century fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.

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

One of the most influential and revered figures of 19th-century Orthodox Russia was St. Philaret of Moscow. Fr. Tom also speaks about Leo Tolstoy.

In this second episode, Jeannie explores how the Fathers of the Church viewed Scripture and what that should mean to us today when we open the pages of the Bible.

Pres. Jeannie continues her analysis of how we study the Scriptures through the lens of the Fathers.

How does the Orthodox view of the Fathers of the Church differ from the Roman Catholic view? What about St. Augustine? What is his role in the Orthodox Church as it relates to the study of the Bible? These questions and many more are addressed in this week's episode.

Today, Jeannie begins a significant study of the trials and crucifixion of Jesus leading up to Holy Week. This is part 1.

Pres. Jeannie continues her teaching on the Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus with today's episode divided into two parts for easier download. This is the first part with the second part above.

And this is the second half of part two on the Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus.

In this extensive two-part episode, Jeannie explores the crucifixion of Christ. Be prepared to learn a lot!

Here is the second half of Dr. Constantinou's study of the crucifixion.

As Jeannie continues her intro to the Bible lessons, she helps us understand biblical interpretation and the school of Alexandria.

Jeannie continues looking at the influence of Alexandria and in particular Origen on the early interpretation of Scripture.

Jeannie continues her Intro to the Bible series with a lesson on the interpretive School of Antioch and St. John Chrysostom.

Jeannie continues her look at the interpretive style of Antioch and in particular St. John Chyrsostom. Listen for how his name is to be pronounced!

In her final look at the Church Fathers and their interpretation of the Scriptures, Jeannie looks at St. Ambrose.

Today Jeannie concludes her introduction to the Bible with a look at the two best known Latin Fathers of the Church.

Did God really harden Pharaoh's heart? Dr. Constantinou answers this question and more as she continues her new series on Exodus.

Dr. Constantinou continues her new series on Exodus, this time focusing on the ten plagues of Egypt.

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of the Temple at Jerusalem.

Dr. Constantinou discusses the Jewish laws of ritual purification in connection with some of the Orthodox customs associated with women.

Dr. Constaninou takes a break from her series, "Introduction to the Bible," and addresses the very important topic of "doubt."

This is lesson number 80 in Dr. Constantinou's series, "Introduction to the Bible." She continues her discussion of Joshua.

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of the prophecies of the Incarnation.

Dr. Constantinou highlights a number of key passages from the book of Isaiah.

Dr. Constantinou addresses (among other things) one of the most famous verses from Ezekiel that is particularly popular among Orthodox Christians.

Dr. Constantinou addresses predestination and more in her continuing discussion of Ezekiel.

Dr. Constantinou concludes her series of special lessons by praising the good, hard working clergy who serve our the Church.