There are well over 1 million Americans who classify themselves as Orthodox Christians. And while fundamental theological beliefs and practices are very similar, we do not always speak with one strong and unified voice. On top of that, our Orthodox Patriarchs identified a Canonical anomaly in the way Orthodoxy has evolved operationally in the United States. This led some of our distinguished Patriarchs to want to resolve this anomaly and address our lack of unity. The result was the formation of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops. Its stated mission is to preserve and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church, and its goals include: 1. promoting Church unity in the United States; 2. strengthening the common pastoral ministry to all the Orthodox faithful and a common witness to all those outside the church; and 3. the organization of the Orthodox Church according to Canonical tradition. Ten years after its formation, what do you know about the Assembly of Bishops and what this distinguished group of over 55 Orthodox Hierarchs are working on? Tonight's program is devoted to a more thorough examination of the Assembly’s accomplishments and plans. Bill's guests include Metropolitan Gregory of the American Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese and the current Secretary of the Assembly, Mark Arey its first Secretary, and Nicholas Anton its Director of Operations.

Tune in this week to Stewardship Calling as host Bill Marianes talks with Fr. Evan Armatas about his new book, Reclaiming the Great Commission. In his book, Fr. Evan provides a roadmap for parishes to diagnose and remove barriers and get back on track.

Orthodoxy in America is in revival, and that makes it a lively place to be. In other times and places revival has been a temporary state, so it can’t be expected to last forever. At the moment, though, it’s a great time to become Orthodox.

Frederica speaks with the Orthodox Christian Book Club about the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the topic of prayer.

Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the services for the 5th week of Great Lent and their final emphasis on penitence and repentance.

In this last week of Great Lent, Father Thomas connects the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with Christ's raising from the dead of the actual Lazarus.

The week before Pascha begins with the Bridegroom Matins. Christ is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride, joined in perfect unity through His crucifixion.

Fr. Thomas examines the Mystery of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and how it led to the re-creation of the world.

With the Feast Day of the Beheading of St. John approaching (August 29), Fr. Thomas examines the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer, John.

In commemoration of the Feast of his beheading, Fr. Tom continues his discussion of the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer, John.

Fr. Thomas continues his examination of Passion Week with Jesus' teachings on the final judgment.

In the 6th Century, three individuals played a huge role in forming and influencing the ecclesiastical structure of the Church. They were the Emperor Justinian, Pope Gregory the Great of Rome, and Dionysius the Areopagite. Fr. Tom deals with the first 2 here and the third in the next episode.

What can we say and not say about God? Fr. Thomas Hopko confirms one thing we can say and that is God is faithful.

Fr. Tom continues to comment on the events of the 9th century concentrating today on St. Photius the Great and his relationship to Rome and the Filioque.

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.

Fr. Thomas reflects on what it means to say "In peace let us pray to the Lord." What is the significance of this peace?

Fr. Thomas continues to talk about the Great Litany at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. In particular the "union of all men" and "the fear of God."

As he continues his commentary on the Great Litany, Fr. Thomas reflects on the prayers for the bishops, presbyters, and deacons.

As he continues to look at the Great Litany which begins the Divine Liturgy, Fr.Tom examines the petitions for the president, the country, those in civil authority, and our armed forces.

Fr. Thomas reviews the important elements of the last episode and then begins talking about the prayers in the Great Litany for "seasonable weather." Don't miss his little side trip when he talks about God's role in storms, tragedies, and disasters in light of our prayers.

Continuing his look at the first Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Tom explores what it means to pray concerning wrath, danger, and need. Also included is a helpful reflection on the most frequent phrase in the Liturgy: "Lord, have mercy."

Calling to remembrance - let us commend ourselves. Fr. Tom speaks about the liturgical use of the word "remember" and how it relates to God and our salvation.

In this final reflection on the Great Litany, Fr. Thomas talks about the exclamation made at the end. He also talks about silent prayers and audible prayers in the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. Tom now gets to the offertory procession with the Bread and the Wine which will be offered and then consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Eucharistic Anaphora of the Divine Liturgy.

In this podcast Fr. Tom begins his reflections on the words and actions of the Great Entrance with the Bread and Wine to the Altar Table.

Fr. Tom offers a very helpful explanation of what we are actually offering in the procession of the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. Tom completes his reflections on the Great Offertory Entrance of the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. John shares about the life of St. Catherine the Great.

Fr. John shares about the Canaanite Woman from Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30.

Fr. John shares from Matthew 13:44-52.

Fr. John Whiteford shares about the life of St. Basil the Great and his godly family.

Fr. John talks about the life of the greatmartyr Euphemia and the impact she had on the church community after her repose.

Fr. John Whiteford talks about the Great Commission that Christ gave to his disciples, from Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 24:44-49.

Fr. John Whiteford reminds us to keep our trust in the Kingdom, and not to invest our efforts and hope in earthly leaders and possessions.

Fr. John Whiteford speaks about St. Mary of Egypt and how she opened her heart up to God's great mercy in order to become the great saint she is today. He reminds us that we must emulate St. Mary of Egypt by opening up our own hearts to put God first in our lives.

Fr. John Whiteford recounts the significance of the family life in making saints.

Great Lent is a holy and sacred time of year yet we can turn it into a secular practice and experience if we are not careful. Join Michael as he discusses our understanding and participation in Lent, and how to avoid subtle ways that lead us to experience Lent less than how we should.

Not the virus, not the vaccines, not ecumenism, not any other enemy of choice: the greatest danger to our salvation and the trigger of the destruction of this world is our SIN We are the ones who can destroy ourselves and our world, but we are also the ones through whom the world can be saved. Christ has already opened that door for us. A world without love can have no future, but one drop of Love can redeem ALL.