With this podcast, we complete our study of the eight resurrectional-dismissal hymns for the Theotokos, reading the Theotokion that we will sing for the feast of St. Gregory the Theologian on January 25th. We are helped in understanding this lyrical hymn by several passages in the NT, but also by returning to Genesis, Deuteronomy, Hosea, and Psalm 138/139. Here we see the wonder of the God who seeks and finds, and calls all of the cosmos to rejoice as He shows His glory.

This week we read Acts 6:1-7, the story of the selection of the first deacons, in light of Ephesians 4:10-13, Exodus 18:19-21, Numbers 17 and Deuteronomy 34:9. We rejoice in the wonder of how authority works in the Church, with every member given the Holy Spirit, while we offer our leaders special honor as they help us on the road to full maturity in Christ.

We read Acts 11:19-30, our epistle for this Sunday, by means of a Jewish text, 2 Esdras 10:21-23, and in the light of Psalm 43 (MT 44) and Genesis 22:15-18. The Christian Diaspora is understood by Luke as used by God for the growth and maturity of his people, and not simply as an occasion for great lament. This insight contrasts with Jewish responses to the earlier Diasporas caused by Assyria and Babylon, for we know that God turns even martyrdom and dislocation to His purposes: He is the One who tramples down death by death.

This week we consider Paul’s spirited words in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, seeking to understand the importance of Holy Tradition, the apostles who saw Jesus, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, in the light of Daniel 12, Genesis 49, Exodus 1, and Ezekiel 47-48.

During this difficult time, we consider wisdom concerning the role of angels, the humble strength of our Lord Jesus, the peace that cannot come through “sons of men,” and the marks of the Lord that are to be seen on us, as they were on the apostle Paul. (Hebrews 2:2-10; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 6:2-24; Galatians 6:11-18)

This week we read Revelation 19:1-10 in the light of Isaiah 61:10, Genesis 3:21, Matthew 16:27, and 1 Peter 5:5, noting that the praises of God are undergirded by substantial reasons, that we are called to cooperate in our salvation, and that we have been blessed in a way that confers unimaginable dignity upon human beings.

The final section of the book of Revelation leads us to a sense of deep mystery, yet satisfaction. We read Rev 22:8-21 in the light of Deut 30:19; Genesis 1-3; Deut 30:19; Daniel 8:26, 12:14.

In our final episode of this series, we take a “bird’s eye” view of the entire book, considering its structure, and how that fills out the central theme of the Apocalypse—the loving Victory of Christ, who includes us in God’s ongoing plan to recover His creation. Our hearts are grasped by this unusual book, if read in this light. Hearers are invited to join Edith for a new series after Thanksgiving, focused on the “canticles” of the Church.

This week we consider Canticle 7 (Dan 3:25-56), which details Azariah’s confession, and the beginning of his song with the three friends. Here we see the themes of human praises based on understanding, the importance of God’s glory, and God’s merciful justice as he keeps covenant with us, looking also to 2 King 19:15-20:6 and Genesis 22:15-18.

This week we read the first part of Canticle 9 (Luke 1:46-55); interpreting it in the light of Hannah’s song, David’s joy in the Ark of the Lord (2 Sam/2 Kingdoms 6:9-15) 2 Cor 10:15, and Gen 22:17-18. Her humility and joy are models for us as we learn to “magnify” the Savior.

Today we read the fourth of the six Psalms recited by the priest at the beginning of Matins, Psalm 86 LXX/87 MT. With help from Joshua 2, John 4:14 and 7: 37-39, and Galatians 4:26-7, we unpack this psalm that celebrates the glory of Zion—a city founded by the LORD in the Old Testament, and that points towards an even more glorious heavenly city, to which we are called as citizens.

Sober joy is the atmosphere of the second group of ascent songs, based on Psalms LXX 122-124 (MT 123-125). While aware of human need, we also meditate upon the security found among the people of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and the whole world, helped in our thinking by Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 8:26-27.

We finish this study of the Orthros Ascent Songs by reading Psalm 131-133 (LXX)/132-134 (MT) in the light of Holy Week, 2 Samuel (2 Kingdoms) 6-7, and several Church Fathers. Our final scene is that of harmony with Christian brothers and sisters from every tribe and nation, and peace with God, as we bless His name in the heavenly sanctuary.

This week we read Psalm 50 (MT 51) in the light of 2 Kingdoms/2 Samuel 11-12 and Romans 5:12-17. This famous confession leads us to explore what some consider poetical theological hyperbole, and the question of ancestral sin.

In this episode we read Esther 3:13a-g, 5:1-13 LXX, and 8:12a-I, considering the royal decrees of the king, the dramatic scene where Esther enters his presence without invitation, and the misinformation about the Jewish people which he finally rejects. We are helped in seeing the significance of these fascinating scenes by recourse to Psalm 85/6, Phil 2:5-11, and 1 Timothy 2:1-2

76. Book 1: "The Birth of John" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005) (5.28 mins) Book 2: The Life of Saint Constantine and his Mother, Saint Helena by Euphemia Briere part two and conclusion (St. Nectarios Press, 2003) (17.06 mins)

Bearing the Saint, Conclusion, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Keeper of the Light: Saint Macrina the Elder, Grandmother of Saints by Bev Cooke, illustrated by Bonnie Gillis (Conciliar Press, 2006), Conclusion.

Stranger Moon, a novel by Heather Zydek, Conclusion (Moth Wing Press, 2012)

Children’s Bible Reader, part forty and CONCLUSION, 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 trip to Rome" "Paul writes many letters" "God's new world"

The Feast of the Annunciation, by Lily Parascheva Rowe, illustrated by Roland J. Ford (St. Stylianos Books)

St. Moses the Ethiopian, part one, written and illustrated by Fr. Jerome Sanderson (Christ the Saviour Brotherhood Publishing, 2002).

St. Moses the Ethiopian, part two, written and illustrated by Fr. Jerome Sanderson (Christ the Saviour Brotherhood Publishing, 2002).

St. Moses the Ethiopian, part three, written and illustrated by Fr. Jerome Sanderson (Christ the Saviour Brotherhood Publishing, 2002).

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 1: Daily Prayer.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 2: Prayers in Time of Trouble.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 3: Prayers of Thanks.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 4: Prayers for Family, Friends, and Enemies.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 5: Prayers for the Dead

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 6: Preparation for Confession.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 7: Praying with the Saints and Angels .

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 8: Pray like a King.

The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos for Children by Georgia and Helen Hronos, (Light and Life Publishing, 1990). This audio is only available until October 11, 2013.

The Nightmare Tree: A Tale of Mysterion, Chapter twenty-three and conclusion, by Richard Rene (Coteau Books for Kids, 2007).

The Feast of the Annunciation by Lily Parascheva Rowe, illustrated by Roland Ford (St. Stylianos Books, 2012).

The Edge of Mysterion, a note on the world of Mysterion, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Lethes 1, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter One Lethes, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Two, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Three, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Four, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Five, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Six, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Seven, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Eight, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Nine, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Ten, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Eleven, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Lethes II, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)

The Edge of Mysterion, Chapter Twelve, by Richard Rene (Conciliar Press, 2011)