We consider the story of Lazarus (John 11:1-45) in the light of Hebrews 12:28-13:8, 2 Maccabees 7 and Daniel 12, seeing how this story confirms the importance of the body, and looks forward to the great Resurrection of Pascha, in which we hope to share when our LORD Christ returns.

We meditate upon Psalm 92/3, of which three poignant verses are recited in Saturday Great Vespers, with the help of the blessed Augustine, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Genesis 3, and Isaiah 51:9.

This week we consider Psalm 19 LXX (20 Hebrew Text), the “royal beginning” to Matins, in which we are taught confidence in King Jesus, who ruled even from the cross. We are helped in our reading by several ancient commentaries, Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 7-8, and Hebrews 7, all of which show gratitude for the LORD’s actions in raising us up and glorifying us with Him.

We move on in this episode to consider the second royal psalm of Matins, Psalm 20 LXX/21 Hebrew, and see it in the light of Psalm 36/37, as well as 2 Samuel 3. Amazingly, the glory that the LORD Jesus shares with His Father makes its mark on us, as well!

This week we consider the structure of LXX Esther in general, and hone in on its introductory and concluding vision and Interpretation (,Esther 1:1a-1l; 10:3a-3k) which put the agency of God front and center for us to praise! We are helped by considering parallels and differences with Job 40-41; Daniel 1, 7-8, Luke 1:46-55, Rev. 12, and Psalm 15 LXX/16MT: 5-7.

In this episode, we read Esther 4: 4:17a-x, which contains the remarkable prayers of Mordecai and Esther. We see these in the context of salvation history by reference to Psalm 1, Psalm 150-151, Daniel 3:2-45; 2 Kings/4 Kingdoms 19:14-19, Nehemiah 1:5-11, and the instruction of ancient theologians.

To help us celebrate five years of "Readings from Under the Grapevine," we asked our child listeners to send us a story about their favorite saint. The three winning stories are "Mary" by Julia Jackson, age 3; "The Lady of Light" by Anna Rahal, age 9; and "Saint Brigid" by Maria Jackson, age 10. Each child wins a copy of their favorite Orthodox Christian book.

The Littlest Altar Boy by Jenny Oehlman, illustrated by Grace Brooks (Conciliar Press, 2012).

Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent, "Saints Joachim and Anna and The High Priest Zacharias," by Elissa Bjeletich, illustrated by Jelena Jeftic (Sebastian Press, 2017).

"Queen Esther," from Royal Saints: A coloring book with stories of saintly royalty throughout the history of Christianity (Draw Near Designs). Saints drawn by Marian Adams. Stories & Borders by Abigail Holt. Layout by Caroline Gann.

4. Chrissi reads The Blackbird's Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland by Jenny Schroedel (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2004) and Basil's Search for Miracles by Heather Zydek (part 2) (Conciliar Press, 2007)

34. Book 1: The Life of Saint Nicholas The Wonder-Worker by Nina Seco (St. Nectarios Press, 1994) Book 2: Christ in the Old Testament: Prophecy Illustrated compiled and edited by Thomas Hopko (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2002)

Fr. Ted reminds his fellow priests that they can easily fall into hypocrisy along with the Pharisees.

Fr. Ted speaks of the danger in placing too much emphasis on miracles.

Fr. Ted explains why we should have our homes blessed every year.

Fr. Ted gives a crash course on Orthodoxy to 71 students from Canadian Mennonite University.

Fr. Ted explores the hierarchy of deacon, priest, and bishop.

The priest is simply the vehicle by which Christ moves us from one place to another.

An estrangement occurs the longer we stay away from our spiritual family.

This is a recording of a presentation Fr. Ted gave at the annual clergy retreat.

Fr. Ted differentiates the deacon's vestments from those of the reader and the priest, and then explains why vestments are worn.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos shares the story of Fr. Nicola Yanney, of blessed memory, as he calls us to pursue life in Christ even in the face of danger and illness.

Questions evangelicals want to ask the Eastern Orthodox, with Fr. Michael Reagan.

Continuing the discussion with Fr. Michael Reagan, about questions evangelicals have for the Orthodox.

Kevin and Steve interview Fr. Wayne about some hard to ask questions about Lent.

Kevin and Steve ask about former Episcopalian priest, Alice Linsley's journey to Orthodoxy.

This interview recounts the fascinating story of the dramatic conversion to Christ (from Orthodox Judaism) and the spiritual journey of a co-founder of the messianic Christian group, "Jews for Jesus" as he finds his way "home" to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

How old is monasticism in the west? Are there historic connections between eastern and western monasticism? What does the western monk strive to achieve? Is the praxis similar for the western (Roman Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) monk? These are questions Kevin asks Fr. Simon O'Donnell (OSB), a Benedictine monk (and former novice master) of 42 years at Saint Andrew Abbey, Valyermo, California.

In this encore presentation, Kevin talks with Fuller Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paraskeve (Eve) Tibbs about the essential differences between the ways the Christian East and West understand the fundamentals of the faith, worship, and sacraments. A great introduction to East-West Christian distinctives!

What began as a conversation with Fuller Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paraskeve (Eve) Tibbs over coffee, becomes an interview on the essential differences between the ways the Christian East and West understand the fundamentals of the faith, worship, and sacraments. A great introduction to East-West Christian distinctives on this encore presentation of The Illumined Heart with Kevin Allen!

The Death To The World crew reports back on their week at Cornerstone 2009 - the largest Christian rock festival in the world. This is the third year DTTW has set up shop in the exhibitors area as an Orthodox outreach at this largely Evangelical youth gathering. John Valadez, Gary Allen and Julia Gatalskaya report to host Kevin Allen that the 'times they are a' changing' in the world of contemporary Christian youth, reflecting a broader trend towards ancient faith!

A Study of the Paralytic in Mark Chapter 2 Sometimes the world appears to be so divided and its people so alienated from one another, that it seems like it would take a miracle to fix it and bring us all together again! And yet, this is exactly what Christ came to do. Likewise, the purpose of the Church, which is His body, is to re-unite in itself the world, which has been pulled apart by sin. Drawing on the healing narratives of the Gospels, the sayings of early Church Father, St. John Chrysostom, and contemporary Orthodox thinker Fr. Alexander Schmemann, Steve and Bill examine the causes of division, and discuss how we are healed, and the fragmented cosmos is put back together again in the person of Christ.

Music featured on Our Life of Christ

Steve and Bill got invited to fill in for the vacationing Andrew Tallman, the afternoon drive time talk show host on 1360 KPXQ, the Phoenix area SALEM evangelical radio station. It is a two-hour show from 5 to 7pm, so we are posting the first hour of the program this week and the second hour next week.

What accounts for the differences between the Eastern and Western churches? Many things of course, but primarily the development in the West - through those such as Anselm and Aquinas - of an emphasis on human reason and intellect in the pursuit of theological understanding. Returning briefly to our discussion of Rome and the Eastern Church, we contrast rationalism with the Eastern tradition that bows to the Mystery of the Incomprehensible, that proclaims that "theologians" are pure in heart through love of God (the eastern Church grants the title of Theologian to only three Saints in all of Church History), and we begin to see how steeped our modern culture and we ourselves are in scholastic thinking.

Fr. Chad spoke to the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood last month on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture. We have broken it up into three parts and bring you part 1 today.

Today we bring you part two of Fr. Chad Hatfield's talk at the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood in June on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture.

Here is the third and final part of Fr. Chad's address to the Serbian Clergy about how we should look at the ministry of the priesthood in today's society.

The Very Rev. Dr. John H. Erickson, former seminary Dean (2002-2007), speaks at the first annual "Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture" at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary on September 15, 2013.

In a presentation centering on Christian identity, Archimandrite Zacharias, a monk of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Tolleshunt Knights by Maldon, Essex, England, inspired an audience of more than 100 people with what he termed "domestic theology," that is, "simple things, in Church life that bear profound consequences. Father Zacharias, a disciple of Father Sophrony (of blessed memory) who was a disciple of St. Silouan of Mount Athos, emphasized the importance of each Christian becoming a living temple of God, but in particular, priests.

One of the most important theologians working in the Orthodox Church today, Dr. Elizabeth Theokritoff recently lectured at St. Vladimir's Seminary on theological images describing human personhood and our role in creation.

Before moving on to the remaining chapters, Dn. Michael and Gail address questions from AFR listeners by email as well as from the audience. They are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

As sinners, how are we to look at ourselves? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

The concept of “phronema” (a mindset, approach, stance, or way of thinking) is inescapable. Everyone has one. However, the phronema of the West is very different from that of the East. In this episode, Dn. Michael unpacks the two major expressions of the Western phronema: Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. While they seem very different, they are more similar than you might think.

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia de la vigilancia. Llegando para la Pascua, sea atentos para evitar los diablitos. (Hebreos 1:10-2:3) Fr. Nicholas preached about the importance of vigilance. Approaching Pascha let us be attentive in order to avoid the little demons of the world. (Hebrews 1:10-2:3)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la firmeza de la fe, y esta firmeza va a mantenerte cuando la gente trata a quitar tu creencia en Jesús Cristo. No vamos a dejarlos a engañarnos. (Lucas 8:5-15) Fr. Nicholas preached about the firmness of the faith and how this firmness will maintain you when people try to take away your belief in Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 9:6-11)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre que Dios abre Su corazón para nosotros y nos da una Amistad mejor que cualquier amistad. Debemos recibir esa Amistad con amor. (Juan 7:37-52, 8:12) Fr. Nicholas preached about how God opens his heart unto us and gives us a friendship greater than any and all friendships. We should receive this friendship with love. (John 7:37-52, 8:12)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre como debemos compartir con el mundo nuestra alegría de la satisfaccion que tenemos en Cristo. Porque Dios nos da muchos dones, incluyendo a animar a las personas. (Romanos 12:6-14) Fr. Nicholas preaches about how we should share our happiness with the world of the satisfaction we have in Christ. Because God gives us many blessings, including the ability to encourage others. (Romans 12:6-14)