This is part 2 to last week's special video episode, on the revolution of art during the Italian Renaissance.

In this special edition of Paradise and Utopia, Fr. John Strickland responds to a recent review of the first two volumes of his book series. In it, he notes the failure to consider the books on their own terms. He uses the opportunity to elaborate what he considers a healthy vision of Christian historiography, one that supports what many consider the need for a "re-enchantment" of modern culture.

In this second half of his response to a recent review of his books, Fr. John Strickland discusses his use of scholarly sources (The Age of Division required more than three hundred and fifty of them). He also reflects on how criticisms of his sources and his arguments may have been provoked by the unconventional way in which he tells the story of Christendom.

In this introduction to the final part of Paradise and Utopia, Fr. John reads the prologue to his recently released book, The Age of Nihilism: Christendom from the Great War to the Culture Wars. The episode introduces the nihilistic philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and the role compositions by Richard Wagner played in his formation. Included are musical excerpts of the latter's famous "Wedding March" and "Ride of the Valkyries."

In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heavenby Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. "Part One: The Blessings that Jesus Christ has granted Us by His Death," pp 8-11. For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.

In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. "Part Two: How Jesus Christ lived on Earth, and What He Suffered for Us." pp 11-16. For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 1.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 2.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 3.

Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares about the Incarnation and missions.

Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares practical ways about getting involved in missions.

Fr. John begins to discuss his pilgrimage to Jerusalem and how it is important to visit the locations talked about in the New Testament.

Fr. John continues to share from Jerusalem, and he talks about the Church of St. James.

Fr. John talks about the history of the church in Jerusalem, and the holiness of the tomb of Christ.

Fr. John comments about the amount of faith in Jerusalem and urges us to pray fervently.

Fr John reflects on Liturgy at the Tomb of the Lord in Jerusalem

Fr John discusses a visit to the remarkable church built on the site of the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch--a church recently discovered and under excavation in near Bethlehem. The church contains one of the largest baptismal fonts found in Israel.

Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome LYRA, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the first half of their concert.

Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome Lyra, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the second half of their concert, in which they perform some traditional folk music.

We read the difficult chapter of Revelation 9, looking to Job, Ezekiel 9:3-8, the words of Jesus (Luke 21:18), and the wisdom of some early commentators in order to help us consider the problem of evil, placed alongside our omnipotent and loving God.

We read Revelation 13:11-18 in light of current interpretation (even among Orthodox readers), the fathers, and LXX Daniel “Bel and the Dragon,” 12b: 1-42. This chapter is not significant for identifying in our day the figure numbered 666 nor the mark of the beast. Instead, it prepares us for faithfulness, the possibility of exclusion or even martyrdom, and sober worship of the God of all.

This week we read Revelation 21:1-8, understanding it in the light of Isaiah 65-66, Colossians 1:19-20, Eph 3:10, 2 Pet 3:12-13, and Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:22: 13:14. With the angels, we are astonished that God promises to renew heaven and well as earth, and has already begun this transformation in the Holy Spirit.

In this final episode of “Light from the Canticles,” we contemplate the Song of Simeon, also known as the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32), with help from select fathers, Genesis 26:26-30, 2 Samuel (Kingdoms) 20:41-42, Isaiah 54:10, and Nehemiah 8:3. The elder Simeon’s song of blessing and gratitude becomes ours as we remember the fulfillment of God’s promises, and rejoice in the Incarnate One, who has brought us release from sin and death. Next episode we will start a series on the Psalms sung at Vespers, in the Divine Liturgy, and in our daily readings: “Light from the Psalms.”

In this episode, we enter into Daniel 3:51-90, in which the three youths give voice to the whole of creation, which praises God. We also wonder at the appearance of the glorious Man, who prefigures the humility and love of our Lord, descending to the depths to save us from death and sin ( 1 Peter 3:18-20). Listeners are encouraged to read the entire song, which is prominent in our Paschal liturgy and has been sung for centuries by the Church.

Children's Bible Reader, part two, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Adam and Eve turn away from God" "Cain and Abel" "The wickedness of people destroys the earth"

Children’s Bible Reader, part three. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "People continue to sadden God" "A shepherd trusts in God" "Abraham and Sarah have a son"

Children’s Bible Reader, part four. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Isaac marries Rebecca" "Two different brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part five. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Jacob has a strange dream" "Jacob marries Rachel" "Jacob leaves Laban"

Children’s Bible Reader, part six. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Jacob wrestles with God" "The two brothers reconcile" "Joseph and his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part seven. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph is sold by his brothers" "Joseph arrives in Egypt" "Joseph interprets dreams"

Children’s Bible Reader, part eight. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph and Pharaoh" "Joseph's brothers come to Egypt"

Children’s Bible Reader, part nine. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph's brothers return to Canaan" "Joseph welcomes his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part ten. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The silver cup" "Joseph forgives his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part eleven. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The people of Israel suffer in Egypt" "A mother saves her son" "Moses must leave"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twelve. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "God calls Moses" "Moses returns to Egypt" "Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh"

Children’s Bible Reader, part thirteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "God sends disasters to Egypt" "God sends the worst plague of all"

Children’s Bible Reader, part fourteen, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The Israelites leave Egypt" "The Israelites cross the Red Sea" "God provides for His people"

Children’s Bible Reader, part fifteen, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Water from the rock" "Moses on Mount Sinai" "The Ten Commandments" "The golden calf"

Children’s Bible Reader, part sixteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Moses speaks again with God" "The tent of meeting and the Ark of the Covenant" "Aaron and his sons become priests"

Children’s Bible Reader, part seventeen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Moses is near Canaan" "Forty years in the desert" "The healing snake" "Moses dies"

Children’s Bible Reader, part eighteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The walls of Jericho fall" "The Promised Land" "Judges" "Deborah"

Children’s Bible Reader, part nineteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Gideon" "Samson"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Ruth and Naomi" "Samuel the prophet"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-one. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Saul becomes a king" "Saul and David" "David and Goliath"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-two. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "David and Jonathan" "David saves Saul's life" "David the King" "David's Psalms"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-three. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "King Solomon" "The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon" "Wise Words of Solomon" "The prophet Elijah"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-four, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Elijah and Baal's prophets" "The prophet Isaiah" "The prophet Jeremiah" "Jonah and the big fish"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-five, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Jonah goes to Nineveh" "Daniel and his friends" "The three friends are thrown in the furnace" "Daniel in the lion's den" "Daniel tells of the coming of the Savior"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-six, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Expecting the Savior" "Elizabeth and Zechariah" "The angel visits Mary" "The angel visits Joseph" "Mary visits Elizabeth" "The birth of John" "The birth of Jesus"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twenty-seven, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The wise men" "Simeon and Anna" "The escape to Egypt" "Jesus comes to the temple" "John the Baptist" "The Baptism of Jesus"