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Prayers to the Saints - Part 4: State of the Dead, cont'd.

In the final program of the series on "Prayer to the Saints" we continue the discussion of the state of the departed from the Scriptures. In many enigmatic passages we find the foundations for why the Church affirms the "Communion of the Saints" as including both those "in Christ" on earth and the "departed in Christ." Within these passages we find the rationale for believing that those who have gone before us do stand before the throne of God and intercede on our behalf because of our prayers to them.




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Sola Scriptura and Tradition - Part 1

Part one of a four-part series on sola Scriptura. Steve and Bill discuss Hank Hanegraaff's (The Bible Answer Man) Christian Research Institute's piece on "What Think Ye of Rome" in which Norman Geisler and Ralph MacKenzie defend sola Scriptura. In this series of programs they show how and why the anti-Roman Catholic arguments for sola Scriptura do not fit within an Orthodox framework.




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Sola Scriptura and Tradition - Part 2

Part two of a four-part series on an Orthodox response to the doctrine of sola Scriptura.




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Sola Scriptura and Tradition - Part 3

Part three of the four part series on "Sola Scriptura".




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Sola Scriptura and Tradition - Part 4

Part four of a four part series on "Sola Scriptura".




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Trinity, Incarnation and Sacrament - Part 2

In part two of the series, we discuss different world views and philosophies that the Incarnational and Trinitarian Christian dogmas confront. We continue to discuss the importance of clear and precise dogma and what has happened to the concept of "sound doctrine" in the modern Christian world.




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The Creeds and the Sacramental Life - Part 3

In part three, we discuss the importance of the Creedal statements of the early Church. Are the dogmatic formulations of Trinity and Christology philosophical minor details for scholars or are they the very foundation of how we define EVERYTHING. Are Creeds divisive, intolerant and pointless or are they the basis for real unity in Truth?




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The Creeds and the Sacramental Life - Part 4

In Part 4 we continue the discussion of the Creeds and the 7 Ecumenical Councils. In a broad survey of the first eight centuries we discuss why the Councils called and the specific issues the 7 Councils dealt with. Then we ask, "What practical application do the ancient Councils have for modern Christians?"




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The Creed, Trinity, Incarnation, and the One Church Part 5

In part 5 of the series we continue the discussion of the importance of the Creeds, Christology and the incarnation of God in establishing the nature of the Church as the body of Christ. In this program we talk with Father John McCuen, a former Episcopal priest, about the nature of the "one, holy and apostolic Church" confessed in the Nicene Creed. Is it invisible? Is it "spiritual"? Is there still "one Church"?




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The Trinity, Incarnation and Nature of the Church- Part 6

We continue the discussion of the nature of the Church and the self understanding of the Orthodox Church as being the "one true Church". How does this concept fit within the modern concepts of the "mystical" or "invisible Church"? We also discuss the early Christological heresies and how they relate to the modern concepts of the Church.




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Trinitarian Anthropology: Being as Communion - Part 7

In Part 7 of the series we discuss the "practical application" of the dogma of the Trinity. While all "orthodox" Christian churches affirm the dogma of the Trinity virtually none of them can really tell a believer why it is important to our salvation. If we are created in the image of God, then the Trinity is at the core of our being and defines not only God, but the human being and the nature of our salvation in Christ.




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Incarnation, Sacrament and Salvation - Part 8

In Part 8 of the series we discuss the foundations of a "sacramental world view" based on the dogmas of the Incarnation and Trinity. How does God relate to creation and thus to the human being through the Incarnation and how does this manifest itself in the sacramental life of the Church?




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Incarnation, Sacrament and Salvation - Part 9

In the ninth part of the series on forming an Orthodox world view, Steve and Bill continue the discussion of the sacramental world view in light of the Incarnation and Trinity.




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Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 1

In the next three programs we deal with the Perpetual Virginity of Mary. This series is taken from our live broadcasts at KPXQ 1360 in Phoenix, AZ.




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Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 2

In this program we continue the discussion of the Church's teachings regarding the perpetual virginity of Mary. This program was from originally broadcast live in December 2004 on KPXQ in Phoenix, AZ




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Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 3

This is the final program of the three-part series on Mary from our audio archives of our live program on KPXQ Phoenix. In this program we discuss several misconceptions about Mary and her place within the Christian Church through the ages.




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Divine Liturgy Part 5: Lay Aside All Earthly Cares

The bread and wine, the gifts of the people, have been moved from the table of preparation (prothesis table) to the altar in the Great Entrance. In this program we further discuss the Cherubic Hymn in which we are admonished to "lay aside all earthly cares" as we confront the reality of the heavenly Kingdom and the unity of all believers both in heaven and on earth who confess "Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided." We enter a liturgical dialogue with the priest as we contemplate the greatness of the grace of God who accepts from us sinners our gifts in order to return them to us as the Body and Blood of His Son. In this liturgical dialogue we acknowledge our life in the Trinity, the love and unity of the Church, the glory of God, our gratitude to God for His mercy and the awesome and fearful prospect of taking the "fire of divinity" into our human flesh in the Eucharist.




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Relics Part 3: Essence and Energies

After a two-month disappearance, Steve and Bill resurface and finally record part three of the series on "Relics." In this program they discuss the Orthodox view of God and how the creation can literally "participate in God," or, as St. Peter says, be a "partaker of the divine nature." How can the infinite God who says, "You cannot see my face and live," also promise that "the pure in heart shall see God"? The distinction between the essence and energies of God is one of the fundamental dogmas of the Orthodox faith and gives us a vision of our union with God which is ultimately our salvation.




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Relics Part 4: Persons, Essence and Energies

In part four of our discussion of relics, we tackle the nature of God and the nature of the human being and how we can "know" a person. What is the relationship of "nature" to a "person"? What is an "energy"? How are a nature's energies expressed? The proper definition of nature, energy and personhood form the cornerstone for a proper definition of salvation and the goal of our existence in God.




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Trinity, Incarnation and Sacrament: Dogma - Part 1

This is the first part of a nine-part series on forming an Orthodox world view that is founded on the dogmas of the Trinity, Incarnation, and sacrament. In part one we discuss the concept of "dogma" or doctrine. Is dogma important? How can we talk to modern people who believe they don't believe in "dogma"?




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Revitalizing Our Priestly Ministry in a Post Christian Culture - Part 1

Fr. Chad spoke to the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood last month on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture. We have broken it up into three parts and bring you part 1 today.




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Revitalizing Our Priestly Ministry in a Post Christian Culture - Part 2

Today we bring you part two of Fr. Chad Hatfield's talk at the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood in June on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture.




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Revitalizing Our Priestly Ministry in a Post Christian Culture - Part 3

Here is the third and final part of Fr. Chad's address to the Serbian Clergy about how we should look at the ministry of the priesthood in today's society.




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New Eve, New Passover, New Life - Part 2

At a recent retreat in Denver, Fr. Chad gave two timely lectures coinciding with recent feasts of the Nativity of the Theotokos and the Exultation of the Precious and Life Giving Cross. We have broken it up into four podcasts, and here is part 2.




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New Eve, New Passover, New Life - Part 3

Fr. Chad begins his second lecture, but our third part of his talks, at St. Mark's in Denver. St. Mark's is a Western Rite parish in the Antiochian Archdiocese.




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New Eve, New Passover, New Life - Part 4

Here is the 4th and final part of this series delivered at St. Mark's in Denver.




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Treasure in Romanian Orthodoxy

Fr. Chad talks with visiting Romanian theologian Mihail Neamțu about the future of Orthodoxy in America, the treasures of Romanian Orthodoxy and the effects of communism in Eastern Europe. At the end, Fr. Chad recommended the following book: Bearers of the Spirit: Spiritual Fatherhood in Romanian Orthodoxy.




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St. Vladimir's Seminary 2008 Report

In this podcast, the Chancellor of the Seminary, Fr. Chad Hatfield talks about the year just completed, the financial picture and some myths that need to be dispelled.




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Conversion of the Heart

This is the first of four Lenten meditations delivered by Archpriest Chad Hatfield at the seminary's annual Pure Week retreat.




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Women Disciples of the Lord: Part Two

Mat. Juliana Schmemann, the widow of Fr. Alexander Schmemann, former dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, delivers a speech via video titled "The Joy to Serve."




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Women Disciples of the Lord: Part Three

Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes Fitzgerald, an Orthodox theologian, pastoral counselor, and licensed psychologist, delivers a speech titled "Eve, Mary, and Us."




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Women Disciples of the Lord: Part Four

Dr. Mary Ford, Assistant Professor of New Testament at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary, delivers a speech titled "Light from the Past on Vocations Today."




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Orthodox Perspectives on Peace, War, and Violence

The Very Rev. Dr. Philip LeMasters speaks at the St. Vladimir’s Seminary 2011 Orthodox Education Day.




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Realities of Life in Orthodox Christian Mission Churches

Fr. John Parker, the new chairman of the OCA's Department of Evangelization, describes how his parish, Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, went from having a handful of believers to being a lively and growing body of Christ.




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Great Lent: Gift of God in Christ: Part 1

Touching upon all the gifts that the season of Great Lent offers for spiritual growth, Fr. John Behr, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, delivers four reflections on the emergence of life through suffering, brokenness, and death. With astute attention to the teachings of Scripture and the Fathers, Fr. John centers on the necessity of dying for true life in Christ—life eternal—to emerge.




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Great Lent: Gift of God in Christ: Part 2

Touching upon all the gifts that the season of Great Lent offers for spiritual growth, Fr. John Behr, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, delivers four reflections on the emergence of life through suffering, brokenness, and death. With astute attention to the teachings of Scripture and the Fathers, Fr. John centers on the necessity of dying for true life in Christ—life eternal—to emerge.




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Great Lent: Gift of God in Christ: Part 3

Touching upon all the gifts that the season of Great Lent offers for spiritual growth, Fr. John Behr, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, delivers four reflections on the emergence of life through suffering, brokenness, and death. With astute attention to the teachings of Scripture and the Fathers, Fr. John centers on the necessity of dying for true life in Christ—life eternal—to emerge.




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Great Lent: Gift of God in Christ: Part 4

Touching upon all the gifts that the season of Great Lent offers for spiritual growth, Fr. John Behr, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, delivers four reflections on the emergence of life through suffering, brokenness, and death. With astute attention to the teachings of Scripture and the Fathers, Fr. John centers on the necessity of dying for true life in Christ—life eternal—to emerge.




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Mary, Mysteries, and Mission: Part Two

At the annual Lenten Retreat for SVOTS Seminarians, Fr. Chad Hatfield, the Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, discusses three assured paths to spiritual renewal as we participate in the Great Fast: Mary and the Incarnation, the Mysteries of Baptism and the Eucharist, and our vocation to Mission. This is part two of four presentations.




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Mary, Mysteries, and Mission: Part Three

At the annual Lenten Retreat for SVOTS Seminarians, Fr. Chad Hatfield, the Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, discusses three assured paths to spiritual renewal as we participate in the Great Fast: Mary and the Incarnation, the Mysteries of Baptism and the Eucharist, and our vocation to Mission. This is part three of four presentations.




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Mary, Mysteries, and Mission: Part Four

At the annual Lenten Retreat for SVOTS Seminarians, Fr. Chad Hatfield, the Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, discusses three assured paths to spiritual renewal as we participate in the Great Fast: Mary and the Incarnation, the Mysteries of Baptism and the Eucharist, and our vocation to Mission. This is part four of four presentations.




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Chancellor Addresses Poverty Conference at SVOTS

Fr. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor and CEO of St. Vladimir's Seminary, explains the reasoning behind the school's upcoming conference on poverty.




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Poverty Conference One

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow and noted author Jay Richards was the keynote speaker at the Conference on Poverty, May 31 - June 1, 2013, at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Co-hosted by the Acton Institute, the event featured speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who offered fresh ideas for Orthodox Christians on how to effectively minister to the poor. Other speakers and panelists included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, St. Vlad's alumnus and officer in the National Council of Churches; Seminary Trustee Dr. Nicholas Pandelidis; Fr Philip LeMasters, Dean of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University in Abilene, TX; Michael Miller of the Poverty Cure at Acton; John Couretas of Acton; and director of FOCUS North America in Pittsburgh, Subdeacon Paul Abernathy.




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Poverty Conference Two

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow and noted author Jay Richards was the keynote speaker at the Conference on Poverty, May 31 - June 1, 2013, at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Co-hosted by the Acton Institute, the event featured speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who offered fresh ideas for Orthodox Christians on how to effectively minister to the poor. Other speakers and panelists included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, St. Vlad's alumnus and officer in the National Council of Churches; Seminary Trustee Dr. Nicholas Pandelidis; Fr Philip LeMasters, Dean of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University in Abilene, TX; Michael Miller of the Poverty Cure at Acton; John Couretas of Acton; and director of FOCUS North America in Pittsburgh, Subdeacon Paul Abernathy.




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Poverty Conference Three

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow and noted author Jay Richards was the keynote speaker at the Conference on Poverty, May 31 - June 1, 2013, at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Co-hosted by the Acton Institute, the event featured speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who offered fresh ideas for Orthodox Christians on how to effectively minister to the poor. Other speakers and panelists included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, St. Vlad's alumnus and officer in the National Council of Churches; Seminary Trustee Dr. Nicholas Pandelidis; Fr Philip LeMasters, Dean of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University in Abilene, TX; Michael Miller of the Poverty Cure at Acton; John Couretas of Acton; and director of FOCUS North America in Pittsburgh, Subdeacon Paul Abernathy.




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Poverty Conference Four

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow and noted author Jay Richards was the keynote speaker at the Conference on Poverty, May 31 - June 1, 2013, at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Co-hosted by the Acton Institute, the event featured speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who offered fresh ideas for Orthodox Christians on how to effectively minister to the poor. Other speakers and panelists included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, St. Vlad's alumnus and officer in the National Council of Churches; Seminary Trustee Dr. Nicholas Pandelidis; Fr Philip LeMasters, Dean of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University in Abilene, TX; Michael Miller of the Poverty Cure at Acton; John Couretas of Acton; and director of FOCUS North America in Pittsburgh, Subdeacon Paul Abernathy.




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75th Anniversary Gala - Part 1

On November 7, 2014, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a banquet at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle, NY. Guest speakers included Fr. John McGuckin and Bishop Basil. Several surprise announcements were made and can be read about HERE. We've broken the evening into 3 segments. This is part 1.




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75th Anniversary Gala - Part 2

Part 2 of the 75th Anniversary Gala.




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75th Anniversary Gala - Part 3

Part 3 of the 75th Anniversary Gala.




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The Call of God: Part 1

Here is the first of Archpriest John Behr's four meditative talks to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary's community during the first two days of Great Lent on the topics "Our Response to the Call of God," "Holding Our Tongue," and "Holding Our Mind." Father John, the Dean of St. Vladimir's, was this year's leader of the rigorous annual retreat that marks the beginning of the Great Fast for seminarians, faculty, and staff at St. Vladimir's.