bl The Blindness of a Saint (Sermon June 9, 2013) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-14T22:32:15+00:00 On this Sunday, Fr. Andrew tells us that we may be spiritually blind to the Light of the World. Full Article
bl The Acceptable Year of the Lord: Time and Orthodox Christianity (Sermon Sept. 1, 2013). By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-14T22:51:53+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Church in the Bible: The Body of Christ in the Holy Scriptures By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-14T23:39:35+00:00 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? Full Article
bl The Church after the Bible: The Body of Christ after the Apostles By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-14T23:40:28+00:00 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? Full Article
bl The Orthodox Christian and Public Discourse: Racism, Bullying, Intolerance and the Media By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T01:31:16+00:00 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? Full Article
bl Spiritual Renewal and the Healing of the Blind (Sermon May 25, 2014) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T04:53:51+00:00 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. Full Article
bl St. Sisoes and the Bible (Sermon July 6, 2014) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T05:00:55+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Healing our Money Problem (Sermon Nov. 16, 2014) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T14:06:59+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Blessing the Waters (Sermon Jan. 11, 2015) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T14:18:56+00:00 On this Sunday after Theophany, Fr. Andrew discusses why the Church blesses the waters in celebration of the feast. Full Article
bl Lenten Evangelism #1: The Publican and Pharisee (Sermon Feb. 1, 2015) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T14:24:37+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Why Did God Make Him Blind? (Sermon May 17, 2015) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-15T17:58:49+00:00 On this Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Andrew discusses how all things are a gift from God meant for salvation—even blindness. Full Article
bl You Bleed Just to Know You're Alive (Sermon Sept. 13, 2015) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-09-30T03:23:42+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Orthodox Christian Morality in Public: Reflections on Sexuality and Bioethics By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-01-18T23:07:21+00:00 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? Full Article
bl A Failure at Prayer: On the Publican and Pharisee (Sermon Feb. 21, 2016) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-02-28T04:57:36+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Blind Man and Lawrence of Arabia (Sermon June 5, 2016) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-08-26T01:03:12+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Is Faith Like in the Bible Even Possible? (Sermon July 2, 2017) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2017-08-04T04:53:50+00:00 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. Full Article
bl “Blessing”: Does It Actually Mean Anything? (July 8, 2018) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2020-01-23T21:44:02+00:00 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? Full Article
bl Whose Bible Is It? By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2020-01-23T22:15:31+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Acceptable Year of the Lord (Sept. 1, 2019) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2020-01-23T22:41:25+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Icons and Idols: Was God Invisible Before the Incarnation? (Mar. 8, 2020) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2020-03-25T22:31:44+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Invisible Children By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2011-03-13T20:59:31+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Orthodox Apologetics: The Problem of Evil By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-03-02T17:15:00+00:00 Mathew Monos once again interviews Fr. Brendan Pelphrey—this time about the Problem of Evil. Full Article
bl Orthodox Apologetics: The Bible By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-10-11T13:05:48+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Preparing for Lent: The Publican and The Pharisee By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2022-02-13T13:56:01+00:00 In this episode, Danielle and Fr. Timothy get deep into understanding humility and its importance for our Lenten journey. Full Article
bl CrossRoad Roundtable, Part 1 By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2022-03-18T21:52:00+00:00 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. Full Article
bl CrossRoad Roundtable, Part 2 By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2022-03-27T02:57:46+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Bible And Predestination - Part 1 By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2010-07-18T18:20:13+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Bible And Predestination - Part 2 By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2010-08-07T18:24:46+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Bible And Predestination - Part 3 By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2010-09-03T20:41:17+00:00 In the final chapter of his series, Matthew conclusively shows St. Paul's meaning behind his use of the term "predestined." Full Article
bl The Parable of the Last Judgment By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2021-12-30T19:11:13+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Raising Saints and Blueprints for the Little Church By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2017-10-11T01:18:21+00:00 Dr. Roxanne Lowe interview Elissa Bjeletich, the author of Blueprints for the Little Church and the host of the podcast Raising Saints. Full Article
bl Luke, Conclusion of the Parable of the Good Samaritan By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2022-09-17T14:32:48+00:00 Final lecture on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Full Article
bl Black Friday and the Desires of the Heart By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2012-11-29T17:21:38+00:00 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. Full Article
bl The Priesthood: Biblical, Crucible, Miracle By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2016-06-03T20:04:46+00:00 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. Full Article
bl We Are Responsible For The World By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2017-12-20T01:30:03+00:00 Fr. John offers a reflection on the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico. Full Article
bl Actionable By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2021-02-25T18:42:02+00:00 Fr. John Oliver offers hope for those suffering with anxiety in a crazy world. Full Article
bl Serving from the Depths of Bliss By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2023-12-23T06:03:00+00:00 Fr. John Oliver shares a remarkable story of service to inspire us to joyfully use our gifts in service of others. Full Article
bl Blame Game By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2024-10-04T05:01:00+00:00 Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins. Full Article
bl Bless Your Heart - Smallah, Smallah, Smallah By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-20T22:35:16+00:00 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! Full Article
bl Ewnay Yearay At Bill's Bible, Bait & Tackle By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-23T01:41:57+00:00 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? Full Article
bl “The Blindside” (in Syria) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-23T02:06:36+00:00 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?" Full Article
bl They Will Know We Are Christians By Our ... Blogs? By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-25T03:37:17+00:00 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!" Full Article
bl Bill's Bible Bait & Tackle Calendar By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-25T04:11:47+00:00 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? Full Article
bl Illuminated Backboard, Digital Blackboard By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-25T04:24:32+00:00 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! Full Article
bl House Blessing, Shaun Cassidy & The Exorcist By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-25T04:25:19+00:00 Fr Joseph ventures into the chaos of mass house blessings with the Sign of the Cross, two Shaun Cassidy fans, and one former Exorcist! Full Article
bl The Kingdom of God? You're Going to Hell! (Blogs) By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-25T04:42:22+00:00 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!" Full Article
bl Judge Joseph in Double Jeopardy By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-26T01:43:05+00:00 Joseph, a priest, is called. The question is: Is he guilty? Full Article
bl From Bible Belt to Belleville: Orthodixie in Ontario By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-26T01:44:20+00:00 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. Full Article
bl Houston, We Have a Bathroom Problem? By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2014-11-26T01:53:58+00:00 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? Full Article
bl Clergy Can Be Funny, But Teachable? By www.ancientfaith.com Published On :: 2015-04-09T20:39:22+00:00 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. Full Article