The feast whose season we now in is called “Theophany” or (in many places) “Epiphany”. This latter is not so much an English word as it is a transliteration of a Greek word, epiphaneia. It is often rendered “appearance” in the English versions, though this rendering can be misleading. One can have a small or insignificant appearance. For example, a person can have a brief cameo appearance in a movie (such as Alfred Hitchcock famously did in his movies), appearances so brief and insignificant as to be missed by inattentive eyes.

I am told that during a very interesting and well-run radio show about deaconesses, it was agreed (or at least widely thought) that Phoebe, mentioned famously in Romans 16:1, was a deaconess. But was she?

In my last episode, I examined Paul’s words in Romans 9 and their bearing upon the classic Reformed teaching about predestination—i.e. the notion that before the creation of the world God had already chosen some to be saved and some to be damned, and that these choices were based solely upon His sovereign will, and that furthermore, our human choices to accept or reject Christ were simply the outworking of God’s primordial decisions. Those whom He chose to be saved He would draw to Himself so that they would accept Christ, and those whom He had chosen for damnation He would harden so that they would reject Christ. Those teaching this often refer to Paul’s words in Ephesians 1 in support of their views, so we will examine that passage here.

Fr. Apostolos invites the faithful to complete the journey from the gates of Jerusalem and Christ's triumphal entry to Golgotha and the borrowed tomb that could not hold the Lord of Life.

Fr. Apostolos talks about the key of humility that unlocks God's grace.

Sermon on the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross (I Corinthians 1:18-24; John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35)

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Beginning of the Lenten Triodion

On Friday, October 29, 2010, St Nicholas Church in McKees Rocks/Pittsburgh was vandalized. The assailants smashed through a stained glass window, ripped down a royal door, and overturned a candle stand. Fr Tom reminded his flock that though these trials may come, no one can take away the gift of our faith in God. (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)

The Creed which we profess states that God created things "visible and invisible." Fr Tom reminds us that there is an invisible warfare constantly being waged on us, and we must be prepared by putting on the whole armor of God.

On this first Sunday of Lent we celebrate the historical Triumph of Orthodoxy over the Iconoclasts. Fr Tom reminds us that we also need an ever-present Triumph of Orthodoxy in our lives to fulfill the evangelical call of Christ. (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

As we begin preparing our hearts for the annual Lenten journey, the Church presents us with the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Fr Tom reminds us that fulfilling God's commandments should not be a cause for pride, because humility teaches us that we are only doing our duty to Him as unprofitable servants.

Before we enter into the Passion Week, the Holy Church gives us the festal celebration of our Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem. Fr Tom reminds us that, like Christ, we are to remain faithful and joyful on the way to, or in the midst of, the various crosses that we might face in our life.

Technology has become so pervasive that many people are now enslaved to their smartphones, constantly looking down into them! Fr. Thomas reminds us that, like the woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity, the Lord heals us so that we can look up to see the gift of life in Christ. (22nd Sunday after Pentecost)

Sometimes Christians unfortunately feel burdened by the frequent call to worship. Fr Thomas reminds us that worship is not only one thing we do as Christians, it is the very purpose of our life: to constantly give thanks to God.

The feast of Theophany heralds the light which overcomes all darkness. Fr. Thomas reminds us that this darkness, which is present in many places in our life, is destroyed by the truth and life of Christ himself.

At the feast of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ, we celebrate much more than a historic event. Fr Thomas teaches us that we participate in the beginning of the re-creation of the world by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

As we continue the celebration of Theophany, the baptism of Christ, the Church turns our attention to the grace which is given to us "according to the measure of Christ's gift." Fr Thomas teaches us that Christ fills the universe with Himself so that we also can be by grace what He is by nature.

Fr. Tom calls to remembrance all of the ways that Christ fulfills the prophecy of the Old Testament - especially how He fulfills the role of King David.

Fr. Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America brings us a preparatory message in anticipation of Great Lent: observe the religious practice of the Church like the pharisee, but beg our Lord for the humble heart of the publican.

Listen as Fr. Tom reminds us that the Sunday of Orthodoxy is about so much more than icons alone . . . it is about the triumph of truth.

We are to point to Christ and not ourselves as we prepare the way for others to receive Him; we decrease that Christ might be glorified in and through us.

Fr. Christopher gives the sermon on the Triumph of Orthodoxy.

Fr. Christopher preaches on the events of the Baptism of Christ.

Fr. Christopher preaches on the Good Samaritan.

Why does the Orthodox Church call Moses a prophet and set aside a day in the Church calendar to remember him? Fr. Emmanuel addresses that question in today's sermon.

Fr. Gregory considers St Constantine and his role in ending 300 years of persecution of the Christian Church by the Roman Empire. Today is about Church history, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

After Fr. Gregory Hallam speaks to the children, Fr. Emmanuel Kahn gives the sermon for Pascha as we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ.

Fr. Emmanuel Kahn gives the sermon after Fr. Gregory Hallam speaks to the children. If we wish to understand the will of God for each of our lives and be filled with the Holy Spirit, we need to ask the Lord for that understanding and empty ourselves of whatever is blocking us from experiencing “the good days” that the Lord has prepared for us.

Bobby Maddex interviews Melinda Johnson, the author of the new AFP chapter book Shepherding Sam.

Fr. Wilbur takes us through Psalm 28(29) where the prophetic vision of the worship of the Trinity is made manifest.

In this prophetic Psalm, we have a song filled with love and a Psalm which gave theme to Hebrews 10. See the incarnation of Christ in this beautiful hymn of the Church.

Dr. Rossi identifies the the alarming statistics and the alluring dangers of Internet Pornography.

In part 2, Dr. Rossi gives some practical advice to those who are struggling with internet pornography or those who provide counseling.

Dr. Rossi interviews Fr. Nicholas Andruchow, Associate Director of Project Mexico.

Listen to this beautiful interview with Alexis, an Orthodox Christian living with schizophrenia and someone who has a relationship with Christ which is a powerful witness to the love of God.

Dr. Albert Rossi interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis on the 2018 Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR) Conference titled "Compliance and Resistance: Discerning the Spirit". This year's conference will be held on November 8-10 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cultural Center in Somerset, New Jersey.

Dr. Albert Rossi interview Dr. Alexis Vien, an Orthodox physician who has been working in a New York City hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Albert Rossi reflects on St. Paul's words in Philippians, chapter 4.