A martyr for Christ is someone who has good reasons to live, but a better reason to die.

Fr. John begins a four part series on the virtue of failure by describing the inevitability and purpose of failure.

Fr. John continues his series (Part 2) by redefining failure and describing the ways that we react to our own failures.

Fr. John continues his series (Part 3) by reflecting on the goal of interior renewal.

Fr. John completes his series (Part 4) by describing how failure can become a servant of God for the renewal of our lives.

Again using the teachings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John warns us of the dangers present in front of our very noses!

Fr. John, with help from St. Nicodemus, shows how to guard the sense of taste and the tongue.

Do clothes make the man? Fr. John, with help from Saint Nicodemus, might beg to differ.

Fr. John notes the shift in society from text to image and warns of the power of images on the soul.

Fr. John shows how participation in God's sacraments are a necessary part of our salvation.

During the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Fr. John reflects on the mystery that is Mary.

Fr. John exhorts his listeners (despite being a published author himself) to read the saints first.

Fr. John Oliver interviews Kurt and Nancy Harris who share their story of how God brought them into the Orthodox Church. The Harris' will in turn interview others in this new series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.

The death of St. Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr tells us about how she lived her life lived long before her martyrdom.

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 1)

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 2)

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 3)

What do these three have in common? Listen as Fr. John reflects on the power and beauty of the Psalter.

"There is nothing in this world more glorious, more precious, or more precarious than the human soul." Within the first few hundred years of Christian history, the Roman Empire experienced at least two devastating health epidemics. Fr. John shares with us a powerful example of how the early Christians demonstrated the worth of the soul, as well as a love stronger than fear, as they ministered to those in deep need during these times of great crisis.

With this podcast, Fr. John begins a new series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, a work which examines the five human senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and the role that each one plays in acquiring or losing salvation.

Fr. John continues his series on Society and The Soul, presenting us with St. Nicodemus' vision of man as "a kind of royal palace, built by the superb architectural skill of an omniscient Creator."

In Part Three of the ongoing series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, Fr. John discusses the five senses and their relationship to the will.

Fr. John discusses why we are enslaved to pleasure, as explained originally by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.

Using the writings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John discusses how the eye can lead to sin or spiritual peace.

Fr. John discusses the teachings of St. Nicodemus on listening to music.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the connection between Creation and the Cross.

What do you get when you mix the language and culture of the South with the long and rich heritage of the "Old Country?" Get ready to smile in this encore presentation!

Due to some pretty sweet connections, Fr. Joseph is allowed a peek at the upcoming summer blockbuster, ORTHO-MAN! Is there a role for Acrivia Man? Economia Man? What would an Orthodox superhero wear? Was Popeye Greek Orthodox? Some answers, and some questions begging your help, all in this week's podcast.

In this week's Ortho-Man sequel, Fr. Joseph can't understand the movie, gets knocked out, smells garlic, dreams of Popeye, quotes St Nicholai of Zica and ponders the mysterious identity of Psssst Man.

In the third and final episode of Ortho-Man, Fr. Joseph is led down a dark hallway by a mysterious stranger who reveals to him the similarities of Underdog, Batman, Pink Panther, Indiana Jones, Buzz Lightyear and ... Ortho-Man.

While "rugged individualism" may be a cultural trait, it sure won't save you; and although blindness is a serious handicap, Converts may insist on being in the driver's seat. Whether we want it or not, American Orthodox Converts need help.

Interviews and arguments, struggles and slogans, one thing's certain: Orthodoxy ain't easy -- and that's no small thing. Or, is it?

From rumors and whispering campaigns, to flattery and praise, the Church is able to weather any storm. However, the temptations may prove too much for the fair-weather (or even the foul-weather) faithful laity and clergy. In this episode, Fr. Joseph meets Mr. B. Al "Buba" Zeebop and his devilish operation.

"These days, Orthodox Christianity is becoming known on the highways and byways, even in the hills and the hollers. But let's not get lazy. Let's not squander this opportunity." Fr. Joseph thinks everyone should have the opportunity to hear about -- even come home to -- the True Faith (and click here to visit the SmallTown Heroes he speaks about at their web site).

With help from his daughter, Fr. Joseph tries to stay on pitch while singing Dan Idzikowski's "Superchristological and Homoousiosis".

An all points bulletin has just issued: "There's an Orthodox White Boy in Syria!" (But, while Fr Joseph's away, we hope you'll enjoy this episode from the "Best Of" archives.)

Father Joseph talks about possible titles for his forthcoming book: a humorous look at Orthodoxy in America. NOTE: For those keeping score, during the course of this podcast the following words will be mentioned: sycophant, bishops, titles, convivial, cult and Antiochian.

In our last episode: a Roman Catholic priest, two Orthodox clergymen, a Baptist boy and an Episcopalian gal, along with a Greek layman—unexpectedly—share a Thanksgiving campfire. In the end, Fr Joseph asked: "What do you think happens?" This week, an answer (provided almost entirely from AFR listeners).

A blatantly commercial message for Fr. Joseph Huneycutt's new book, "We Came, We Saw, We Converted" (Conciliar Press). It's a humorous look at a book that takes a humorous look at Orthodoxy. But what else would you expect from the Orthodixie?

In this special edition of Orthodixie, John Maddex interviews Fr. Joseph about his new Conciliar Press book, We Came, We Saw, We Converted.

Fr. Joseph recounts the expelling of demons from the home of a parishioner. (Kinda, sorta.) "More at eleven ..."

Suffering from a case of Lenten white boy funk, Fr Joseph revisits the Orthodox Urgent Care Hospital. (He also promises next week's podcast will be on The Tonight Show!)

As many of you know, an historic gathering took place this past week in New York City: All of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops (at least a goodly number of them) met to discuss matters which pertain to the Church in the Americas. The Orthodixie Podcast had a Man on the Street for the proceedings but, as this podcast is only updated about once a week,some of the information you are about to hear may seem contrary to other reports, or it may be a bit dated, or, frankly, it may be flat out untrue. (But have fun identifying the snippets of music in the podcast.)

Fr. Joseph interviews the Development Director, Presbytera Shyla Hadzellis and her husband, Fr. Nicholas, about OCF and their presence at the recent GOA Clergy-Laity Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Can you imagine for a moment that all this revealed religion stuff is really, really real? Imagine, if you will, the Theotokos pondering things, like: Where is Christ the Savior? Fr. Joseph imagines and ponders his way toward answers in Part One of this special episode, "live" and edited, from Christ the Savior church in the Windy City.

Since it is well known that he is a priest from the "Old Country," Fr. Joseph may want to be careful about offending the Farmer in the Dell or Mr. MacDonald. (This is Part 2, from Christ the Savior Church, Chicago.)

With the New Year 2011, Fr Joseph looks back at some stranger moments of 2010 on the Orthodixie Podcast. (It all began when he went bar hopping with Jesus.)

There is perfect freedom in Christ, but when it comes to the church: don't cross your legs, leave your crumbs, or even bring your gum! Fr Joseph rehearses a few of the dos and don'ts of temple worship.

Fr. Joseph speaks at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver's Clergy-Laity Conference, hosted by St George Greek Orthodox Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico. (He was going to title the talk "What Does a Greek Look Like?"—but then again, what DOES a Greek look like?)

Studies show that no matter how many people get on an elevator, riders move around to allow the same amount of space between themselves and each of the others. Some elevator riders stare at the numbers, some continue conversations, and others start superficial ones. Uh oh, someone just asked about Orthodoxy! You've got about 30 seconds (and a $100 prize riding on it); what do you say?