In this final episode of Part 2 of the podcast, Fr. John discusses the catastrophic wars that broke out in western Christendom during the Reformation age. These wars, along with other forces unleashed by developments in the Reformation and earlier, would ultimately result in the loss of Christianity's legitimacy, leading to the rise of a modern, secularized form of Christendom centered upon the experience of utopia.

In this episode Father John describes some of the most noteworthy effects of the Protestant Reformation on Western Christendom, emphasizing the decline of a sacramental basis for civilization and the rise of a primarily moral one.

Fr. John Strickland talks about the newly released book The Age of Paradise. The book is available at store.ancientfaith.com.

Fr. John Parker reflects on the Myrrhbearing woman and the healing of the paralytic. There are two types of messages in sharing our faith: the preaching of Jesus as the Son of God and personal testimony of what God has done in our lives. He asks for listener feedback regarding this sentence describing the Myrrhbearers, "They went and told no one because they were afraid." What keeps us from boldly proclaiming Christ? (Email Fr. John at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/**/.)

St. John Chrysostom sets the tone for us, showing us how to receive riches from our readings for this Sunday, the Sunday of the paralytic. Both John 5:1-15 and Acts 9:32-42 relate stories that are concrete fulfillments of the prophecy in Micah 4:1-7 that God would call those on the margins of society, including the disabled, as part of his “remnant,” to give glory to Him.

We consider, by means of the Book of Wisdom 17, how paralysis takes different shapes in John 5, Acts 9 and Luke 24: some conditions in which humans have closed themselves off from God, but many others that the Lord heals by His power.

This week we hear the apostle Paul’s vulnerable plea to his congregation, and are reminded to pray and encourage our pastors (bishops, priests, deacons) as they work together with Christ, taking on his suffering for our sake, that we might be effective ministers in the world. (2 Cor 6:1-11; Psalm 68/69; Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

"The Parable of the Sower, from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Ten Virgins" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Talents" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Rich Fool" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Prodigal Son" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Good Samaritan" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Merciless Servant from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Unjust Judge" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Vineyard Workers" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Two Sons" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wicked Tenants" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Wedding Feast" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Parable of the Fruitless Fig Tree" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Healing the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Healing of the Paralytic," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"Saint Paraskevi of Rome," from Women of Faith, written by Calee M. Lee, illustrated by Lisa Graves (Xist Publishing, 2015)

60. Book 1: "Paradise Lost" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas translated by Rev. Spencer T. Kezios (Narthex Press, 2005) (12.13 mins) Book 2: Ella's Story: The Duchess Who Became a Saint by Maria Tobias, Chapter 6 (Conciliar Press, 2004) (begins at 13:00, duration 21.47 mins)

"The Healing of the Paralytic" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005)

"The Parable of the Loving Father" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005)

Fr. Ted reminds us that, "Christ is always in front of us," and that spiritual healing is readily available.

Fr. Ted reminds us of the deep connections between the Old and New Testaments and then shares some of the prophecies that were fulfilled by the healing of the blind man.

Fr. Ted reminds us that those who call themselves Christian should not act like other people.

It is very, very dangerous to commune without the proper preparation.

Fr. Ted encourages us to consider the story of the paralytic who had no one to help. How are we living our Orthodox faith in a way that personally serves those in need?

Fr. Ted calls us to an active life of prayer rather than only reaching out to God when we need something from Him.

Well-known theologian, composer, and author Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, Chairman of the Department of External Relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, delivered an academic address at St. Vlad's on November 8, 2014, on the topic of primacy in preparation for the 2016 Great and Holy Council. He was also given an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Padre Nicolás predicó que una fe con dudas es una fe que crece. Una fe fuerte va siempre a tener preguntas para conocer Dios mas y aumentar nuestra fuerza espiritual. (Hebreos 11:24-40) Fr. Nicholas preached that a faith with doubts is a faith that grows. A strong faith always has questions in order to know God more and increase our spiritual strength. (Hebrews 11:24-40)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia de la paciencia. Nuestros metas toca tiempo y vamos a tener exito con Cristo cuando perseveramos. (Juan 5:1-15) Fr. Nicholas preached about the importance of patience. Our goals take time and we have success with Christ when we persevere. (John 5:1-15)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre debemos prepararnos para un cielo que va a estar más fantástico y grande que podemos imaginar. (1 Corintios 1:10-18) Fr. Nicholas preached about how we should prepare ourselves for a heaven that will be more fantastic and amazing than we can fathom. (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

Padre Nicholas predice que nos debemos prepararnos para el reino, para el rey, y para el cielo. Galatas 2;16-20 Fr. Nicholas preaches that we must prepare ourselves for the kingdom, for the King, and for heaven. Galatians 2:16-20

Padre Nicholas predice que aveces pensamos que estamos en control. Pero Dios está en control. Lucas 13:10-17 Fr. Nicholas preaches that sometimes we think we are in control. But God is in control. Luke 13:10-17

El Padre Nicolás predicó sobre cómo Cristo conquistó el Paríso para nosotros. Father Nicholas preached on how Christ conquered Paradise for us.

El Padre Nicolás predicó cómo debemos prepararnos para recibir a Cristo resucitado en nuestras vidas. Father Nicolás preached how we should prepare to receive the risen Christ in our lives.

Fr. Evan welcomes another guest co-host tonight: Fr. Ted Paraskevopoulos. Fr. Ted is heard on AFR with his iSermon and Fr. TedTalks podcasts. They field listener questions on the role of pain and suffering, making your home an Orthodox home, liturgical translations, and, from both of them, a statement of what makes Orthodoxy so special.

Dn. Mark enumerates the things you'll need to have ready to prepare a body for burial and explains what to expect when you encounter a dead body.

Listen to excerpts from this past Sunday's bulletin at St. John the Compassionate Mission, serving the most vulnerable in Toronto.

Fr. Apostolos shares on the Sunday of the Paralytic. "Once healed and loosed from his paralysis, the paralytic took up his mat and started walking. So too must we shake off whatever form of spiritual paralysis has us in its grip and start walking actively, energetically, and intentionally in the Holy Orthodox faith God has given us."

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost