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The Blindness of a Saint (Sermon June 9, 2013)

On this Sunday, Fr. Andrew tells us that we may be spiritually blind to the Light of the World.




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The Acceptable Year of the Lord: Time and Orthodox Christianity (Sermon Sept. 1, 2013).

On this Sunday, Fr. Andrew reminds us that in Orthodoxy there is a purpose for history, and with this New Year in the Orthodox Church, we can participate in the Acceptable Year of the Lord.




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The Church in the Bible: The Body of Christ in the Holy Scriptures

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?




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The Church after the Bible: The Body of Christ after the Apostles

What impact did the written New Testament have on the early Church? How did the early Church develop along with the Bible? Finally, how does the New Testament faith community compare with the Church today?




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The Orthodox Christian and Public Discourse: Racism, Bullying, Intolerance and the Media

How do the media determine public discourse? Are bullying, racism, etc., the biggest problems of our day? Are these things common or becoming bigger problems? What is at the root of these behaviors? Why do people bully? Why do they have racist attitudes? What makes people intolerant? What should we as Orthodox Christians do when we encounter these behaviors in others? What should we do when we are tempted to engage in them ourselves? What are some spiritual strategies for preparing to encounter these behaviors in others, in ourselves, or in discussion?




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Spiritual Renewal and the Healing of the Blind (Sermon May 25, 2014)

On this Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Andrew explores how our spiritual sight can be healed and we can move from being only institutionally related to the Church to fully engaged in its life.




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St. Sisoes and the Bible (Sermon July 6, 2014)

On the feast of St. Sisoes the Great, Fr. Andrew comments on how St. Sisoes was able to understand both death and life through the story of the Holy Scriptures.




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Healing our Money Problem (Sermon Nov. 16, 2014)

On this feast of the Apostle Matthew the former tax collector, Fr. Andrew discusses how he was healed of his problem with money and how we may be, as well.




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Blessing the Waters (Sermon Jan. 11, 2015)

On this Sunday after Theophany, Fr. Andrew discusses why the Church blesses the waters in celebration of the feast.




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Lenten Evangelism #1: The Publican and Pharisee (Sermon Feb. 1, 2015)

On this first Sunday of the Triodion, Fr. Andrew begins his 10-part sermon series on evangelism and the Lenten Triodion, showing how humility is the key to making a good beginning.




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Why Did God Make Him Blind? (Sermon May 17, 2015)

On this Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Andrew discusses how all things are a gift from God meant for salvation—even blindness.




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You Bleed Just to Know You're Alive (Sermon Sept. 13, 2015)

On this Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross, Fr. Andrew discusses the 'virtual' worlds we live in and how we seek life in the midst of fakeness.




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Orthodox Christian Morality in Public:  Reflections on Sexuality and Bioethics

What is a person? Is our culture confused about what a person is? What is morality? What does it mean to be moral? How does sex fit in? What about homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research and assisted suicide? How should we as Orthodox Christians live regarding these matters? How should we talk to our family and friends about them? How should we talk to the wider society about them? Should we engage in political action over them?




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A Failure at Prayer: On the Publican and Pharisee (Sermon Feb. 21, 2016)

On this Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, Fr. Andrew asks whether it is possible to be a failure at prayer. The answer is yes.




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The Blind Man and Lawrence of Arabia (Sermon June 5, 2016)

On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Andrew marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt and discusses it in terms of spiritual blindness.




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Is Faith Like in the Bible Even Possible? (Sermon July 2, 2017)

Using the example of the centurion, who believes that Jesus will heal his servant with just a word, Fr. Andrew asks if that kind of faith is even possible in our own age.




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“Blessing”: Does It Actually Mean Anything? (July 8, 2018)

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick tells us we use the word 'blessing' all the time in religious talk. But does it mean anything other than just good religious vibes? And what about 'blessing' God Himself?




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Whose Bible Is It?

Speaking at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick asks the question 'Whose Bible Is It?' He presents four different paradigms for Scriptural interpretation through specific examples from multiple traditions, wrapping up with an Orthodox example and giving general principles for how the Orthodox Church reads the Bible.




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The Acceptable Year of the Lord (Sept. 1, 2019)

With the Church New Year (the Indiction), Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses why the Church set Sept. 1 as its new year and also what time means for the Christian and how we use it for our growth in the knowledge of God.




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Icons and Idols: Was God Invisible Before the Incarnation? (Mar. 8, 2020)

On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses how idols are radically different from icons, based both on man's encounters with the visible God before and after the Incarnation and also on a thorough understanding of how idolatry actually works.




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The Invisible Children

Today we're excited to be sharing a recent interview with the roadies from Invisible Children, a non-profit organization that is changing the world. Listen to find out how you can find your place in the world of activism and social justice. Theme music: "Burn Out Bright" by Switchfoot from their 2006 album "Oh! Gravity." Used by permission.




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Orthodox Apologetics: The Problem of Evil

Mathew Monos once again interviews Fr. Brendan Pelphrey—this time about the Problem of Evil.




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Orthodox Apologetics: The Bible

Do Orthodox Christians believe in the Bible? On the first episode of the new season of the OCF podcast, media student leader Dan Bein asks Fr. Brendan Pelphrey this question and more.




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Preparing for Lent: The Publican and The Pharisee

In this episode, Danielle and Fr. Timothy get deep into understanding humility and its importance for our Lenten journey.




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CrossRoad Roundtable, Part 1

In Part 1 of this two part series, Danielle and her fellow CrossRoaders reflect on who they were as Orthodox Christian high school students four years ago, their mindset going into CrossRoad, and what they gained from their CrossRoad experience. CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way.




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CrossRoad Roundtable, Part 2

In this episode, Danielle continues her conversation from last week with six of her fellow CrossRoaders. From this 10 day institute, they discuss how CrossRoad opened up a new means of wrestling with deep questions and how this new skill has affected them in their lives post-CrossRoad.




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The Bible And Predestination - Part 1

Matthew returns again to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination and examines its merits in light of St. Paul's letters to the Ephesians and to Timothy.




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The Bible And Predestination - Part 2

How can St. Paul's use of the term "all men" be interpreted as "some men"? When it's used to erroneously support the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. This week, Matthew shows how.




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The Bible And Predestination - Part 3

In the final chapter of his series, Matthew conclusively shows St. Paul's meaning behind his use of the term "predestined."




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The Parable of the Last Judgment

Matthew encourages us to contemplate the sobering Parable of the Last Judgment, because what will happen to us at that moment is being decided right now.




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Raising Saints and Blueprints for the Little Church

Dr. Roxanne Lowe interview Elissa Bjeletich, the author of Blueprints for the Little Church and the host of the podcast Raising Saints.




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Luke, Conclusion of the Parable of the Good Samaritan

Final lecture on the Parable of the Good Samaritan.




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Black Friday and the Desires of the Heart

Each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers and stores gear up for the busiest day of the shopping year. Fr. John reflects on what drives the passion for that day and how it relates to our quest for peace.




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The Priesthood: Biblical, Crucible, Miracle

Fr. John shares his reflections on the priesthood in anticipation of the 2016 Antiochian Archdiocese Clergy Symposium to be held at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA.




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We Are Responsible For The World

Fr. John offers a reflection on the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico.




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Actionable

Fr. John Oliver offers hope for those suffering with anxiety in a crazy world.




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Serving from the Depths of Bliss

Fr. John Oliver shares a remarkable story of service to inspire us to joyfully use our gifts in service of others.




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Blame Game

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins.




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Bless Your Heart - Smallah, Smallah, Smallah

What do you get when you mix the language and culture of the South with the long and rich heritage of the "Old Country?" Get ready to smile in this encore presentation!




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Ewnay Yearay At Bill's Bible, Bait & Tackle

Did you ever try to find something even remotely Orthodox in your local superstore, gift shop, or bible book store? Chances are, you'll find all manner of things purporting to be spiritual, religious, new-fangled and Christian -- though nary even a wall calendar reflecting the Ancient Faith. Besides, what should you do when you do find one?




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“The Blindside” (in Syria)

Fr. Joseph's not much of a movie buff, but he was recently "blindsided" in Syria. This special 30-minute episode details his recent pilgrimage to Syria, and a certain "Paul" whom he kept bumping into while there. You'll need to listen all the way to the end to discover the answer to a question he's now asked: "Why did you go to Syria?"




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They Will Know We Are Christians By Our ... Blogs?

What's the difference between Orthodox Christians' participation on the Internet and, say, secular scoundrels? Sometimes, it seems, not much. Fr. Joseph admits his foot's been in his mouth but his tongue's still in his cheek; in other words: "Let's be careful out there!"




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Bill's Bible Bait & Tackle Calendar

Did you ever try to find something even remotely Orthodox in your local superstore, gift shop, or bible book store? Chances are, you'll find all manner of things purporting to be spiritual, religious, new-fangled and Christian -- though nary even a wall calendar reflecting the Ancient Faith. Besides, what should you do when you do find one?




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Illuminated Backboard, Digital Blackboard

A chubby tween grows into the full stature of a backyard basketball hot dog, while his skinny friend perfects flawless boredom at the free throw line; and an upcoming Orthodox Education Webinar to boot!




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House Blessing, Shaun Cassidy & The Exorcist

Fr Joseph ventures into the chaos of mass house blessings with the Sign of the Cross, two Shaun Cassidy fans, and one former Exorcist!




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The Kingdom of God? You're Going to Hell! (Blogs)

What's the difference between Orthodox Christians' participation on the internet and, say, secular scoundrels? Sometimes, it seems, not much. In this encore episode, Fr. Joseph admits that his foot has been been in his mouth but his tongue is still in his cheek. in other words: "Let's be careful out there!"




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Judge Joseph in Double Jeopardy

Joseph, a priest, is called. The question is: Is he guilty?




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From Bible Belt to Belleville: Orthodixie in Ontario

Fr. Joseph speaks in Belleville, Ontario, at a seminar hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Lovely folks, lovely place. But like many of us, they have their work cut out for them—keeping Orthodox Christianity ALIVE in that little place. Here follows a few snippets from our time together.




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Houston, We Have a Bathroom Problem?

Houston made the news recently—a story involving local legislation, "gender confusion," and restrooms. Fr Joseph, who ironically often wears a "dress" to the Men's Room, rants about . . . something else?




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Clergy Can Be Funny, But Teachable?

From handling serpents rightly to singing services wrongly—not to mention girl crushes, bike crashes, and the lack of clairvoyance—the clergy of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America have tales to tell.