Many people view theology as a dry, academic pursuit. In the Orthodox tradition, however, we understand theology as talking to God, not merely talking about Him. In this episode, we look at the three saints in the church’s history who bear the title “Theologian.” Their examples show us what true theology is and how to make it part of our Christian experience.

Tradition is the foundation of Orthodox Christianity. It permeates everything we believe and do. But when Orthodox Christians talk about Tradition, they mean something different that Protestants or Roman Catholics. In this episode, we consider five questions about Tradition, including what it is and what it’s not

We’ve seen the important role Tradition plays in the shaping of our phronema. But what role does the Bible play in its development? To answer that question, we consider Holy Scriptures from three perspectives: Inspiration, Interpretation, and Instruction. We also look at how Tradition and Scripture relate to each other.

An Orthodox Phronema sits on a three-legged stool: Tradition, Scripture, and the Fathers. In this episode, we consider the role of the Fathers. Specifically, we answer several questions about them: Who are they, why are they important, and how do they relate to Scripture and Tradition.

As we have learned, “the theologian is one who prays.” While that is certainly important, it’s not the only characteristic of true theologians. There’s more to it than that—much more. In this episode, Dn. Michael considers ten characteristics of true theologians. Surprisingly, they’re relevant to all Orthodox Christians not just theologians.

In this study, Dn. Michael wrap up his series on Thinking Orthodox. He summarizes the book, by looking at How Jesus Christ is the epitome of an Orthodox phronema. He considers seven truths about developing an Orthodox mindset.

Domingo 23 de Febrero Pd. Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia del ayuno y como Dios es el único quien puede darnos vida eterna. I Cor. 8:13-9:2 Sunday February 23 Fr. Nicholas preached about the importance of fasting and how God is the only one who can give eternal life. I Cor. 8:13-9:2

Padre Nicolás predicó que nosotros debemos asumir que cada persona quiere recibir la salación por la Iglesia Ortodoxo. Y nosotros vamos a predicar la salvación por nuestras acciones de amor. (Hebreos 2:2-10) Fr. Nicholas preached that we should assume that every person wants to receive salvation through the Orthodox Church. And we preach this salvation through our actions of love. (Hebrews 2:2-10)

Padre Nicolás predicó sobre todos las oportunidades que el Espíritu nos da. Unas oportunidades son a ser feliz, a tener amor, y a festejar que tenemos hoy. (Hechos 11:19-26, 29-30) Fr. Nicholas preached about the many opportunities that the Holy Spirit gives us. A opportunity to be happy, to feel love, and to celebrate what we have today. (Acts 11:19-26, 29-30)

Carta: Heb 11: 9-10, 32-40, Evangelio Mt 1: 1-25 El Padre Nicholas predicó unirse a Cristo y hacer su voluntad. Letter: Heb 11: 9-10, 32-40, Gospel: Mt 1: 1-25 Father Nicholas preached to join Christ and do his will.

El Padre Nicolás predicó sobre la importancia del ser. Father Nicolás preached on the importance of being.

Our minds get bombarded with unwelcome thoughts but what can we do with them? Molly shares what has been helpful to her.

Steve begins a four part series on "Capital Punishment". In Part One he chronicles his work with emotionally disturbed children and the beginning of his shift from radical pacifism to a reconsideration of the death penalty.

In the second part of the series Steve discusses the Flood as the dividing line in human history in regard to the meaning of death, fear and capital punishment. Did the Mosaic Law abrogate the covenant with Noah? What do the atheist and the Christian have in common in regard to capital punishment?

In Part 3 of the series, Steve begins a discussion of the Church and State. How do we view Judaism as a theocracy? Is Jesus anti-death penalty? What is the purpose of civil authority? Is the State constrained to function on the level of the Gospel and should it?

What are the pitfalls of a "Christian State"? Can or should the State govern according to the Gospel? Can "forgiveness of enemies" be a valid principle of civil order? What do the Fathers of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches say about the relationship of Church and State in regard to civil order and capital punishment?

This week Steve discusses the woman taken in adultery, would Jesus "flip the switch" on the electric chair, and should evildoers be given life in prison in hopes that they will eventually repent?

Is the death penalty really a deterrent? Is there a need to kill evildoers if we can keep society safe through the prison systems? Is punishment a primitive concept not fit for modern enlightened society?

Why does God allow imperfect and fallen human beings make life and death decisions? Have Christians permitted the atheists to define our doctrines? Who has a greater problem justifying being against the death penalty, the Christian or the atheist? What does iconography have to do with the death penalty? All this and more...

They say "Clothes make the man"... Steve gives up his Hawaiian shirt and learns a hard lesson.

In this podcast Steve references an article he wrote for AGAIN Magazine on the Orthodox Church and same sex attraction. In it he shares the results of several interviews with Orthodox men and women who shared their backgrounds and experiences as homosexuals before and after becoming Orthodox Christians.

In Part Two Steve answers email from listeners in a Question/Answer format.

Steve interviews Fr. Meletios Webber, the Abbot of St. John's Monastery, on what the "grace of the priesthood" bestows on a man and what the priest's authority and role is in the life of the parish and in his relationship with his parishoners as his spiritual children.

You'd think by now that people would figure out that what is hip, cool and relevant today will elicit LOL's on YouTube 30 years from now. What does this mean for Orthodox Christians, cultural relevance and evangelism?

Steve continues his interview with Fr. Meletios Webber and they discuss the role of the parish priest as a Father/confessor, confession and counseling, penances, clairvoyance and much more.

Steve finishes his interview with Fr. Meletios and discusses spiritual directors, accountability groups and obedience.

In response to Rob Bell's controversial book Love Wins, Steve ventures into the world of video and gives a short summary of the difference between the mainstream Protestant view of salvation and an Orthodox view. Listen to the short audio introduction below, then watch the video.

Steve discusses working in an office environment, the disease of being awesome, black robes, fake humility, the illusions of self-employment, and the importance of donuts.

Steve discusses the realities of becoming Orthodox, being Orthodox, and staying Orthodox.

On this special OCF edition of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan takes calls from college students ranging from why we cross ourselves the way we do to why so much money is spent on altar decor that could be spent on the poor.

John Maddex joins Fr. Evan in this pre-recorded Pascha edition of Orthodoxy Live. Fr. Evan give some reflections on the resurrection and then addresses some of the backlog of questions that have come in.

In this special episode of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan welcomes John Maddex into the studio and they give an overview of the Lenten Triodion and Great Lent itself. This is a perfect primer for the newly Orthodox or the inquirer. Learn about the history and current significance of Great Lent and how to best prepare for it.

In this special pre-recorded edition of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan Armatas and John Maddex discuss the first part of Holy Week including Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, and the Bridegroom.

In part two of this special pre-recorded Holy Week edition of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan Armatas and John Maddex discuss Holy Wednesday thorough Saturday as well as Great and Holy Pascha.

Fr. Evan chats with four different listeners on a variety of topics. Especially interesting is his conversation with Ed from the UK on science and Christianity.

What is Personhood? Should we read the Philokalia? What about using force to protect our families? These questions and more were on the minds of Fr. Evan's listeners tonight.

As the Paschal season winds down, Fr. Evan takes calls and email questions on a variety of topics including "How do we deal with the struggles of life and embrace them instead of dismissing them?"

A fast-moving show beginning with guest Fr. Lawrence Farley addressing questions about Bible prophecy. Then calls from listeners ranging from the biblical character Potiphar to apostolic succession.

Interesting questions called in as well as pre-recorded including "what is the status of our marriages in heaven?"

Fr. Evan catches up on email questions plus a call about the closing phrase of the Lord's Prayer.

A nice variety of topics tonight including the intercessions of the Theotokos, dialog with the Roman Catholics, and how we react to various styles and approaches in Orthodox parishes.

Among the questions raised for Fr. Evan tonight were: Difference between compassion and love? Discerning God’s will in certain situations. A healthy description of spiritual fatherhood.

What do you do when you need to dispose of a sacred image? Can sacraments be performed in an unconsecrated church? What is the Orthodox view of transubstantiation? Fr. Evan answers these questions and more on a new "Orthodoxy Live."

Non stop phones tonight as Fr. Evan tackles a wide range of questions including ecumenical dialog, the Trinity, and the Evil One.

How do the saints hear our prayers? Why was Jesus so hard on Judas? Plus a call from the United Arab Emirates!

Fr. Evan discusses universal salvation, the symbol of the cross, and more!

On this episode of Orthodoxy Live, Fr. Evan answers questions from listeners on a variety of topics including contemporary Christian music, monastic titles, and more.

Lots of calls and questions on this episode! A nine-year-old asks about shapes of crosses, a teenager about old calendar and new calendar, and much more.

It was non-stop calls for this program as Fr. Evan talked with a listener who is joining the Roman Catholic Church, a 17-year-old catechumen, a 12-year-old boy, and several more.

Fr. Evan welcomes His Grace Bishop Athanasios of Kenya to join him and even answer some of the listener questions.