Fr. Thomas talks about the writings of Archbishop François Fénelon, a Roman Catholic writer from the 17th century. Fr. Tom was particularly taken with Fénelon's spiritual writings surrounding Lent.

In the next in his series on Church organization and structure, Fr. Tom talks about 17th Century Russia and the influences of Patriarch Nikon and the Old Believer schism.

In this fascinating episode, Fr. Tom talks about the tragic influence of Peter the Great and the further westernization of the Orthodox Church in Russia.

Fr. Tom takes up his series on the bishops and structure of the Church and moves to the 19th Century fall of the Ottoman Empire.

We hear the phrase "God is in control" and may even use it from time to time when trying to make sense of a difficult situation. Fr. Thomas Hopko evaluates that phrase and challenges us to rethink it.

Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.

Fr. Tom returns to the subject of his recent episode "God Is In Control. Yes or No?" He responds to the listener feedback and clarifies his thoughts on the subject.

For the next few podcasts, Fr. Tom will be looking at the important 19th century in Russian Orthodox history. He recommended several books but in particular these three. The Heart of Russia by Scott M. Kenworthy The Making of Holy Russia by Fr. John Strickland Russian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution by Vera Shevzov

Fr. Thomas Hopko takes one last look at the phrase "Relax, God is in Control" and provides information on additional material he has written and spoke about regarding this general topic. Here is the list: Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West by Met. Kallistos Ware And from his Speaking the Truth in Love series: Pain and Suffering The Wrath of God The Wrath of God - Part 2 Anger and Wrath in Human Life On Sadness and Grief in Christian Life Theological Reflections on Calamity Does God Play Favorites? Predestination, Providence, and Prayer Understanding Evil - 9/11 Remembered God and the World Sandy Hook God and Death

In his continuing series on bishops and Church organization, Fr. Thomas speaks about various clergy figures from that time. He references the book My Life's Journey: The Memories of Metropolitan Evlogy.

One of the most influential and revered figures of 19th-century Orthodox Russia was St. Philaret of Moscow. Fr. Tom also speaks about Leo Tolstoy.

Today Fr. Tom speaks about the famous author Anton Chekhov from 19th-century Russia.

Today Presvytera Jeannie begins her in depth study of the trials of Jesus at the hands of the Jewish rulers.

Jeannie continues her series on the trials and crucifixion of Jesus with part two of the Jewish trial.

In this extensive two-part episode, Jeannie explores the crucifixion of Christ. Be prepared to learn a lot!

Here is the second half of Dr. Constantinou's study of the crucifixion.

Today, Jeannie begins a short series on the resurrection of Christ.

Part 2 of Dr. Constantinou's series on the resurrection of Christ.

Part 3 of Jeannie's series on the resurrection of Christ.

Here is the next episode in the series on the resurrection of Christ.

Part 5 of Pres. Jeannie's study on the resurrection of Christ.

Jeannie continues her helpful and fascinating series on the resurrection of Christ.

This is the final lesson in the resurrection series. Next week Jeannie begins a brand new series called "Introduction to the Bible," and you won't want to miss it.

As we get closer and closer to studying the book of Genesis, Jeannie helps us understand the techniques of patristic interpretation.

Jeannie continues her lesson on how the early Church interpreted the Scriptures.

Pres. Jeannie continues her lesson on patristic interpretation beginning with an explanation of exegesis vs. eisegesis.

Following a very helpful and instructive series of lessons providing an introduction to the Bible, Jeannie today begins her study of Genesis.

Today, Jeannie begins her verse by verse study of Genesis but starts with an interesting story about her experience at the recent meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Jeannie continues in Genesis chapter 1 with the story of creation.

Earth, Sun, the firmaments, and all of creation. God saw that it was good.

Today Jeannie looks at what may be the most important verse in the Old Testament if not the entire Bible.

Jeannie continues her examination of "image and likeness" by looking at the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism and Christian Science.

Jeannie is in Genesis chapter 2 but begins with a listener's question that is probably representative of many other listeners as well.

Jeannie explores the teaching of St. John Chrysostom on the Garden of Eden.

Jeannie continues her study in the book of Genesis with a look at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

In this 100th episode of her "Introduction to the Bible," Dr. Constantinou explains (among other things) the connection between St. John the Baptist and the Prophet Elijah.

Dr. Constantinou explores the prophecies of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection in Isaiah 53.

Dr. Constantinou continues her exploration of the prophecies found in Isaiah 53.

Dr. Constantinou explains why God sent the prophets and then reads and discusses the very beginning of Isaiah.

Dr. Constantinou examines the famous "call narrative" of Isaiah, particularly the prophet's vision of heaven.

Dr. Constantinou cites St. John Chrysostom on biblical language, reminding us that while the scriptures are always true, they are not always meant to be descriptive. She then examines Isaiah's vision of the seraphim flying and singing the thrice-holy hymn.

Dr. Constantinou discusses the failure of the Jews to listen to the prophets and the importance of the correlation between the death of Christ and the destruction of the Jewish temple.

Dr. Constantinou explains why the Jews won't believe that Christ is the Messiah.

Dr. Constantinou discusses the most famous prophecy of Isaiah: "The virgin shall conceive and bear a son."

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of the most famous prophecy of Isaiah: "The virgin shall conceive and bear a son."

Dr. Constantinou discusses the Virgin Birth according to the teachings of the Church Fathers.

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of the prophecies of the Incarnation.

Dr. Constantinou begins discussing Isaiah 9 and then shares the Christmas homily of St. John Chrysostom.

Dr. Constantinou examines Isaiah 45 and particularly the verse that seems to imply that God is the source of evil.

Dr. Constantinou concludes her series of special lessons by praising the good, hard working clergy who serve our the Church.