What does the Bible say about the Church? How did the first Christians understand the Church? How did (and does) the Church fit into God’s plan for man’s salvation?

On this dual feast of the Sunday after the Nativity and the Proto-martyr Stephen, Fr. Andrew draws parallels between the two stories.

Using the images of the Exodus, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick shows how the Hebrews were freed from slavery not just to the Egyptians but to their gods. And with that freedom, they worship the one true God by using the Ark of the Covenant within the Tabernacle, prefigurations of the Holy Theotokos, whose Nativity is being celebrated.

Fr. Cyprian Sas of All Saints (GOA) in Peoria, IL, leads College Conference Midwest's final session on the process of salvation, discussing how other faiths might view salvation and how we might speak to those faiths.

"But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant"- Matthew 20:26 The All-Stars series continues with guest Athena Vlamis, a senior at Kennesaw State University and Georgia District Student Leader for OCF. In this podcast, Tasya and Athena talk about Athena's leadership role in a new Pan-Orthodox initiative, the Connect Conference. The college seniors also discuss servant leadership, using our talents for the glory of God, the role of young adults in the church, the foundation OCF has laid in their lives, the importance of living as an Orthodox in day-to-day life, and more.

In this episode, Danielle and Jeanine dive into understanding Christ-centered relationships. They discuss where to find these relationships, their benefits, and why it’s helpful to maintain them with other young adults

Matthew is forced to reject Western punishment theories because of one simple fact: God, by nature, does not change.

In this segment, Matthew notes the true nature of God's "wrath."

Matthew explains how experiencing God requires two elements - asceticism and the mysteries, or sacraments.

Matthew examines the Western Charismatic movement.

Matthew outlines the problems inherent in a relationship with God based on rational contemplation or imagination.

Matthew points out how the difference between the God of the Old and New Testaments is actually our own spiritual maturing.

Matthew looks at the history of God's actions towards us to see if "legal" theories hold water.

In this segment, Matthew outlines the "ransom theory" of salvation subscribed to by the early Church.

This week, Matthew outlines three ways that the remnants of Augustine's philosophy infect even those who are trying to return to an intimate experience with God.

Matthew continues his discussion of Augustine and his views on predestination.

Matthew shows how a misunderstanding of the story of the Garden of Eden leads to a misunderstanding of our relationship with God.

Looking more closely at the Augustinian view of God, Matthew examines the concept of "original sin".

Matthew answers those sects that subscribe to an "annihilation doctrine".

In this segment, Matthew differentiates between the Eastern view of God as opposed to Augustine and the West.

Matthew Gallatin continues his examination of the differences between the Eastern and Western Churches, specifically their perspective on the nature of God.

Matthew reveals how the second obstacle to overcome in Western philosophy is in finding intimacy with God.

Matthew gives us the third obstacle between western believers and the experience of pre-Augustinian Christianity—misconceptions about the nature of the Church.

Matthew concludes his series by noting how the rationalism and idealism of western culture prevents seekers from recognizing the true Church.

In this segment, Matthew contrasts the mystical experience of the Eastern Church with the rational philosophy of the West.

Matthew examines the wrathful deeds of the loving God.

Matthew explains that the Eastern Christian view of punishment lies not in God's actions towards sinners, but in the sinners' reaction to God's love.

Matthew reveals that God shows redemptive love, not vindictive vengeance, to those he punishes—especially to children.

If our choice of churches is based on how they make us feel, are we really interested in worship?

Matthew compares the role of an Evangelical Protestant pastor with that of an Orthodox priest.

Matthew examines the Orthodox Church's beliefs concerning the Scriptures and its teachings regarding Holy Tradition.

Matthew continues his examination of sola scriptura and contrasts it with the Apostles decision regarding the circumcision of gentiles.

Matthew notes how Eastern Orthodox Christians possess both the light (scriptures) and the path (ascetic, sacramental experiences).

After a long break, Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne return to tackle relationships and how to renew them in your family, at work, and in your parish.

The chat room was hopping tonight as Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne talk about how to deal with difficult relationships during this holiday season. They couldn't get to all the questions and their prepared remarks so look for part two on January 9, 2018.

Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh have found that relationship issues are common to all of us and tonight they tackle the problem again. Great interaction on the phone with callers and in the chat room. You don't want to miss this episode.

Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh spend the hour talking about our relationships and how we can strengthen them. Listen for some very practical tips!

While Dr. Roxanne was out of town, Fr. Nicholas Louh continued from the last show talking about making our relationships more healthy.

Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne welcome special guest Dr. Philip Mamalakis, author of the popular parenting book "Parenting Toward The Kingdom."

Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh give us some very practical input on making and fulfilling promises in our relationships.

Fr. Evan discusses the formation of the New Testament canon and the authorship of the Gospel of Mark.

Fr. John shows how participation in God's sacraments are a necessary part of our salvation.

Fr. John Oliver describes the purpose of our ascetic disciplines as believers - to be set free and partake in the glory of God!

Fr. Joseph, in this Sunday morning sermon, announces the pending changes to the worship services of St. George, Houston. Well, kinda ...

On a summer's day thirty years ago, three college kids set out on rafts for an 8-hour tour. But it was the punctured egos (more so than a raft's hole) that owe thanks to the Wolf River.

Fr. Joseph interviews the Development Director, Presbytera Shyla Hadzellis and her husband, Fr. Nicholas, about OCF and their presence at the recent GOA Clergy-Laity Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fr Joseph reminisces about Metropolitan Philip prior to the Trisagion for the Departed at St Joseph Church, Houston, on the Sunday of the Cross, March 23, 2014.

Fr Joseph confesses his gluttony and lack of wisdom—also known as his trip to Lebanon.

In this interview, Fr. Anthony and Dn. Michael Abrahamson talk about the relationship between a healthy parish culture, worship done well (to the glory of God), and evangelism. Along the way, they talk about funerals, the organic development of local worship melodies, and the simple joy of shared service. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry Linsinbigler talks with Fr. Anthony about the moving, standing, kneeling, and sitting postures of prayer and worship that Orthodoxy prescribes, some of the confusion that surrounds them, and what they do for the believers who participate in them.The article they discuss is found at https://christinourmidst.com. Enjoy the show!