The details we know from St. Joseph of Arimathea's participation in his community, including its governance, show him to be a man who was fully in his world but not of it. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses his example and how to apply it ourselves.

On the feast of St. Columba of Iona, Fr. Andrew shares a scene from his life in which a pagan's baptism changes a piece of the world. He also shares another incident from the saint's life in which he uses his prophetic gift to help two men into the Kingdom of Heaven.

On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick asks the question: What does it mean to be a saint? And the answer he explores is: The saint is one who has come home. So what does that mean?

On the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses their eschatological future as enthroned on twelve thrones, judging Israel, the nations and even angels, and explaining that we are also called to the same enthronement.

Using St. Paul's comments about the Law of Moses in Gal. 3-4 especially in light of the Apostolic Council of Acts 15, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick argues that history is not just important for the Christian but actually necessary to Christian theology.

With the Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick tells the story of how God showed up at the meeting and also meditates on what happens when we actually expect Him to show.

Using St. Paul's language about 'zeal not according to knowledge' (Rom. 10:2), Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick points out that our zeal is often for sacrificing to false gods, even when we may not see it that way, and gives direction on how to redirect that zeal for sacrifice toward the one true God Jesus Christ.

Every day, we make hundreds of small choices that train us for selfishness. How does that affect our behavior, and how do we train ourselves to be like Christ instead? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explores some of our everyday experiences and what they mean for eternity.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick compares the account of the Prophet Daniel and the idol Bel (Baal) in the Old Testament to the Feeding of the 5000 in the New. What does it mean when we have to feed our gods?

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.

Using the images of the Exodus, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick shows how the Hebrews were freed from slavery not just to the Egyptians but to their gods. And with that freedom, they worship the one true God by using the Ark of the Covenant within the Tabernacle, prefigurations of the Holy Theotokos, whose Nativity is being celebrated.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick asks: Is it any wonder that, since the shaping of the world into order from formlessness and void in Genesis was begun with a light shining in the darkness, that the coming of Christ into this broken world of chaos and horror would also be begun with a star shining in the darkness?

Speaking on the raising of the son of the widow of Nain, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick gives us the 'backstory' on what it means when God visits His people and about how we can be prepared for this visitation.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick preaches on the feast of St. Jacob of Hamatoura, who had been forgotten and yet made himself known again, telling what it means that God gives us saints and why He does so.

'God loves a cheerful giver.' We might take that as an ironic thing to say, especially since we usually don't feel like giving -- especially our money. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick opens up what this 'cheerfulness' is about and Who it comes from and why.

Sometimes, we wish God would just show up so that He would remove all our doubts and we could believe in Him without question. But what are we really asking for? What would happen? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses this question in light of the Gospel of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick highlights a passage from a speech by Patriarch John X of Antioch that emphasizes the integrative character of the Christian life, giving over all things to God and thus becoming whole, including some extra notes about how Orthodoxy is neither anti-intellectual nor elitist.

With the parable of the Rich Fool, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explores where life really comes from and why feeling deep feelings about God is not the same thing as loving Him.

Abraham is called by God out of Ur of the Chaldees, a descendant of the civilization founded by the first murderer Cain. Yet when he reached the Promised Land, he lived in tents. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses why and how this relates to Christmas and to us.

On the Eve of Theophany, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick charges straight ahead into dragon territory, discussing what it means to confront the dragons in the water and also asking: Why don't we seem to see dragons any more?

Using the Gospel of the Ten Lepers, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discusses how leprosy put the lepers outside society, how their healing has a purpose beyond physical health, and how that relates to the Kingdom of God and the immortality of its citizens.

With the parable of the Publican and Pharisee, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick shows how the Pharisee was actually an idolater. He adds further comments on the nature of idolatry and why it always turns back toward the self.

Fr. Tom Hopko speaks at the first main session of the 2009 OCF College Conference held in December.

Metropolitan Jonah speaks at the second main session of the 2009 OCF College Conference held in December.

Metropolitan Jonah with part 2 of his talk at the third main session of the 2009 OCF College Conference held in December.

Metropolitan Jonah with part 3 of his talk at the fourth main session of the 2009 OCF College Conference held in December 2009.

Today we conclude our 3-part series entitled "Heaven Ain't Up, Hell Ain't Down" with a challenging Q&A; session. Theme music: "Burn Out Bright" by Switchfoot from their 2006 album "Oh! Gravity." Used by permission.

Today we continue our a 3-part series entitled "Heaven Ain't Up, Hell Ain't Down." Theme music: "Burn Out Bright" by Switchfoot from their 2006 album "Oh! Gravity." Used by permission.

Speakers from College Conference 2011 at Antiochian Village offer their reflections.

OCF Podcast Student Leader Kassiani Mamalakis introduces the focus and themes of this year's collection of podcasts geared toward Orthodox Christian college students.

In this episode, Danielle speaks about St. Morwenna with Laura Jansson, contributor to the book Seven Holy Women. They discuss the significance of prayer, vulnerability, and struggle within the faith, and how we can apply lessons from St. Morwenna's life to our own Orthodox journey.

Today, we talk about summer plans for the podcast. We also begin a 3-part series entitled "Heaven Ain't Up, Hell Ain't Down." Plus, we go over how YOU can help OCF in a HUGE way. Theme music: "Burn Out Bright" by Switchfoot from their 2006 album "Oh! Gravity." Used by permission.

Matthew continues his discussion of Augustine and his views on predestination.

Matthew answers those sects that subscribe to an "annihilation doctrine".

What God really wants from us is a living connection. A joining with our beings. Just believing that doesn't make it happen.

Lines were open for this episode allowing listeners to ask the questions on their minds. The Louh's fielded questions about pornography addiction, gossip, healthy meditation, and more.

After an interview about the upcoming Connect Conference in October in Atlanta, Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh catch up on email and recorded questions.

Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh share ways we can practice looking at the world through the lens God gives us.

Fr. Evan discusses Jesus's confrontation with the Pharisees.

Fr. Evan introduces the themes and outline of the fifth chapter of Mark and begins an explanation of the healing of the Gadarene demoniac.

Fr. Evan discusses the beheading of St. John.

Fr. Evan begins a discussion of Jesus walking on water.

Fr. Evan concludes his discussion of chapter 7, introduces chapter 8, and addresses the feeding of the 4,000.

Fr. Evan discusses Jesus’s first prophecy of His passion, introduces Mark 9, and provides opening remarks on the Feast of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration).

Fr. Evan continues his introduction of the Transfiguration.

Fr. Evan concludes his discussion of the Transfiguration and begins an explanation of Elijah.

Fr. Evan discusses faith and the second prophecy of Christ's passion.

Fr. Evan discusses overcoming sin.

Fr. Evan continues his discussion of overcoming sin.

Fr. Evan concludes his discussion of overcoming sin.