Fr. Thomas Hopko explains how our acts, especially our prayers, are included in God's predestination based on His foreknowledge, and how our free-will actions, particularly our prayers, contribute to God's providence in our lives.

Fr. Tom reflects further on the letter he received asking if God played favorites particularly as it relates to the canonization of saints.

Fr. Tom continues his series on Darwin and Christianity with some musings on God and Creation.

What are some of the misunderstandings and misgivings about miracles, and how does that relate to natural science and Christian theology?

On August 6, we will celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord, and Fr. Thomas Hopko helps us understand the pivotal nature of this event in Christian history.

This is the next-to-last episode in the Darwin series.

On August 15, the Church celebrates the Dormition of the Mother of God. Fr.Tom explores the theology associated with this Feast and the implications on our own resurrection.

Fr. Thomas Hopko gives one Orthodox Christian's understanding of unity.

Fr. Thomas Hopko reflects on one of the twelve great feasts of the Church.

In the third part of his series on reading the Bible, Fr. Tom discusses the various English language translations that are available and offers his recommendations.

In his continuing series on the Bible, Fr. Tom addresses the problem of God's violence against people and the war and violence that is prevalent in general in the Old Testament.

In a new episode, Fr. Thomas Hopko presses the question on the Incarnation of Christ - do we REALLY believe it?

Fr. Tom reads from and comments on this 2nd century historical Christian letter to the unknown Diognetus.

In his continuing series on Bishops, Fr. Tom takes up where he left off in the last episode by concentrating on the influence of the writings attributed to but not actually from Dionysius the Areopagite.

On the Sunday after Ascension and before Pentecost, the appointed Scripture readings for the Divine Liturgy have striking similarities between the Apostle Reading (Acts 20) and the Gospel (John 17:1-13). Read these 2 "farewell addresses" and then listen to Fr. Tom's teaching that he recorded in his study following the Liturgy.

During this season of Pentecost, it is important to understand the controversy surrounding the procession of the Holy Spirit. Is it just semantics or is there doctrinal substance to the rejection of the filioque clause in the Creed by the Orthodox Church?

Fr. Thomas talks about one of the most important books in his library and strongly encourages everyone to read it for an eye opening revelation on today's society as we know it. The Abolition of Man by CS Lewis.

In this final episode on the so called Council in Trullo or the 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils, Fr. Tom completes his commentary on the 102 canons. This includes the issue of not kneeling in church on Sunday, how to bring in Christians from other denominations, the creation and consumption of pornography, and more.

As we begin the Lenten fast, Fr.Tom reflects on the 40 days Christ spent in the desert being tempted by Satan. Learn how some churches actually promise things that Christ rejected in the desert.

Fr. Thomas often receives email asking him about the Orthodox view of redemption including the topics of God's wrath, the payment of a ransom, punishment, guilt, and salvation. Listen to this episode but also refer to his Names of Jesus series where many of these themes are addressed.

Fr. Thomas Hopko calls the Reformation one of the most impactful periods of Church history on Orthodoxy. Learn about how the Orthodox were influenced by Roman Catholic and Protestant thinking.

Today, Jeannie begins a significant study of the trials and crucifixion of Jesus leading up to Holy Week. This is part 1.

Pres. Jeannie continues her teaching on the Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus with today's episode divided into two parts for easier download. This is the first part with the second part above.

And this is the second half of part two on the Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus.

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 brand new series on the Bible, so this would be a good time to subscribe and download so as not to miss any of the episodes.

How are we to understand words like "inspired" and "inerrant" when it comes to the Holy Scriptures?

Jeannie continues her discussion about the inspiration and veracity of the Bible.

To talk about how we got our Bible we have to start with the oral tradition.

As Jeannie continues her series on the Introduction to the Bible, she begins a three-part subset on Bible manuscripts.

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and what do we need to know about them?

As Scribes copied the biblical texts, what affect did this process have on words, phrases, or theology?

In her continuing series entitled Introduction to the Bible, Jeannie looks at the Septuagint and the influence of Greek thought and culture.

As the Intro to the Bible series continues, Jeannie begins a discussion of the canon of Scripture beginning with the Hebrew texts.

In this episode, Jeannie continues her discussion of the canon of Scripture and why the Old Testament is different in the Protestant Bible.

Now that we have learned about the Old Testament canon, Jeannie turns her attention to the New Testament.

Jeannie provides an explanation of why it is so important to study the canon of Scripture and to hold the line on what the Church has approved.

We have a mid-week supplemental lesson from Jeannie today with helpful information about the "Christian" and "Gnostic" apocryphal books and why they were rejected by the Church.

In this second supplemental lesson, Jeannie continues her teaching on the apocryphal books, in particular, the Gnostic gospels.

In her concluding lesson on the canon of Scripture, Jeannie discusses the books of the Bible that were included by the Church and why.

Today, Jeannie talks about the many and various translations and versions of the Bible

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.

As Jeannie continues her intro to the Bible lessons, she helps us understand biblical interpretation and the school of Alexandria.

Jeannie continues looking at the influence of Alexandria and in particular Origen on the early interpretation of Scripture.

Today, Jeannie looks at two of the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa.

Jeannie continues her Intro to the Bible series with a lesson on the interpretive School of Antioch and St. John Chrysostom.

Jeannie continues her look at the interpretive style of Antioch and in particular St. John Chyrsostom. Listen for how his name is to be pronounced!