The resurrectional-dismissal Theotokion in tone four is replete with theological mystery, and itself calls attention to the Mystery of mysteries—the God-Man who died for our sake. We look to the entire sweep of the Old Testament, as well as the epistles, to clarify its words.

This week we consider an unusual Theotokion that addresses our Lord instead of holy Mary. We plumb its theological riches by means of revisiting Genesis 1-2; Hosea 8-13, and Daniel 13, as well as the Christ-hymn of Colossians 1:15-20.

This joyful and profound hymn is understood more fully by contrasting Mary’s “yes” to Eve’s rebellion, by seeing the Incarnation as the beginning of the new creation, and by seeing the parallel between David’s joyful procession with the Ark to Bethlehem, and the Holy Virgin carrying our Lord into that same city for our salvation. (Genesis 1-3, 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, Genesis 22:18)

We think about the profundity of this well-known hymn that focusses upon the Incarnation, looking to passages in Isaiah and Daniel, as well as the New Testament.

This week we consider a deceptively simple hymn to holy Mary, reading it in the light of Daniel, the Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah. We see her place in salvation history, and how she shows in her person our own living hope.

On Jan 18, we sing the dismissal Theotokion in tone 5. Its deep theology may be unpacked by reference especially to the prophet Ezekiel and Psalm 130/131, as well as by the book of Revelation and some of the fathers of the Church.

With this podcast, we complete our study of the eight resurrectional-dismissal hymns for the Theotokos, reading the Theotokion that we will sing for the feast of St. Gregory the Theologian on January 25th. We are helped in understanding this lyrical hymn by several passages in the NT, but also by returning to Genesis, Deuteronomy, Hosea, and Psalm 138/139. Here we see the wonder of the God who seeks and finds, and calls all of the cosmos to rejoice as He shows His glory.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until August 9, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 13, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 20, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until September 27, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until October 4, 2013.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until October 11, 2013.

"The Nativity of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Entrance of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Annunciation of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Dormition of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Apostle Thomas Sees the Ascension of the Theotokos," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

18. Book 1: The Dormition of the Theotokos from the series The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elayne, now Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2004) Book 2: Snuggles: The Bunny who Helped Me Find God by Myra T. Johnson (Conciliar Press, 2007) Book 3: To Plant a Cross: The Story of Saint Kosmas Aitolos Who Fought a War with Words by Angeline Eliakopoulos, part one (Destro Publishers, 2004: 773 561 2332)

21. Book 1: The Nativity of the Theotokos from the series The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elayne, now Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2003) Book 2: My Orthodox Counting Book: A Multi Cultural Way to Stimulate Curiosity About Faith by Maria Khoury (CDK Publications) Book 3: To Plant a Cross: The Story of Saint Kosmas Aitolos who Fought a War with Words by Angeline Eliakopoulos, part four and final installment, chapters 8-9 (Destro Publishers, Chicago, Illinois , 2004 - 773-561-2332)

32. Book 1: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2003) Book 2: Halloween Town by Dennis Eugene Engleman (Regina Orthodox Press) part two

110. The Dormition Of The Theotokos from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elaine (Conciliar Press, 2004)

112. The Nativity of the Theotokos from The Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Sister Elaine (Conciliar Press, 2003)

Fr. Ted warns us against forming preconceived notions about people without getting to know them.

Subdeacon Immanuel speaks about the new fresco Icon of the Theotokos of the Sign written by Efrem Carrasco on the wall behind the altar at St Aidan’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Fr. Gregory's homily on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Fr. Dn. Christopher preaches on the Nativity of the Theotokos.

People who are not Orthodox are surprised when they are told that we only have two doctrines concerning the Blessed Mary in spite of the prominence she is given in our worship.

Deacon Emmanuel gives the sermon on the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple.

Dr. Rossi shares his reflections on the life and ministry of the Theotokos.

Dr. Albert Rossi continues his musings about the real life experiences of the Theotokos.

Dr. Albert Rossi muses about the life of the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, "the Great Example".

This week, we consider the testimony of St Jacob on the dialogue between the Mother of God and the Archangel Gabriel, as he draws a parallel and contrast to the dialogue between Eve and the serpent in Eden.

In this season of Christ's incarnate coming in the flesh, we take a moment to reflect, through the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, on the role of the Virgin Theotokos in the nativity of the true God, Jesus Christ.

In this season of Christ’s incarnate coming in the flesh, we take a moment to reflect, through the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, on the role of the Virgin Theotokos in the nativity of the true God, Jesus Christ.

Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth from Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, IL.

Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth from Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, IL, speaks about the Dormition of the Theotokos.

In conjunction with the publishing of Heaven Meets Earth, Ancient Faith Ministries, in partnership with Dr. Bradley Nassif, has produced a series of short audio talks on the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. As we begin the Church year, here are Dr. Nassif's thoughts on the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Bobby Maddex interviews Peter Schweitzer, a board member of the new Most Holy Theotokos Rescuer of the Perishing Orthodox assisted-living facility, located in Clearwater, Florida.

Bobby Maddex interviews Peter Schweitzer, a member of the board of directors of Most Holy Theotokos: Rescuer of the Perishing, an Orthodox assisted-living facility for Orthodox Christians nearing the end of life, located in Clearwater, Florida. Peter is here today to update us on the progress of the facility and to tell you about an opportunity to help support this important ministry.

Fr. Pat contrasts the childhood dedication and life of Mary with that of Hannibal.

The heart of Feast of the Annunciation is evangelism in its most perfect reception, by a Woman who hears and believes the proclamation of the Gospel.

EOTech EFLX Mini Reflex Sight at $249.99 out the door after a coupon code at check out. You save $249.00+ off....

Washington — Instead of relying on generational labels such as “millennial” and “baby boomer” to help inform workforce management decisions – including those related to safety and communication – employers and managers should focus on workers’ individual situations and needs, concludes a recently published report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The protein trend has promised to continue at a steady pace, with interest in, and consumption of, plant proteins increasing at record levels. This is due in large part to the rapid expansion in consumer demand for meat, dairy, and seafood analogs. But alongside the growth in protein as a whole ingredient, the various parts that make up a protein molecule are not being ignored. 

After losing family members to gun violence, Charity Adeoti discovered her passion for making a difference. Learn how this graduate of the Floor Covering Education Foundation 10-week installation program aims to inspire youth to get off the streets to pursue careers—and successful futures—in flooring.