on

The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

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




on

English Translations of the Bible

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.




on

The Incarnation - Do We Really Believe It?

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




on

Bishops - Part 4: In the Age of Constantine

In his ongoing series on bishops, Fr. Thomas explores the fourth century under the Emperor Constantine.




on

Bishops - Part 5: The Canons

Fr. Tom looks at the fourth century canons concerning bishops and clergy.




on

Bishops - Part 6: The Other Canons

Fr. Tom talks about the other canons of the fourth century in addition to the Council of Nicaea.




on

Bishops - Part 7: Martyrs, Monks, and Holy Bishops

In this next episode of the series on Bishops, Fr. Tom reflects on 4th century Bishops, Monks, Martyrs, and Saints.




on

The One True Church

What do the Orthodox mean, when in the Creed we confess, "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church"? As we approach the Sunday of Orthodoxy, this is a good time to explore that question with Fr. Thomas Hopko.




on

Bishops - Part 8: 5th Century Controversies

The 5th century brought much controversy, schism, and anathemas but the Church survived. Some of these divisions exist even today.




on

Bishops - Part 9: The Canons of the 3rd Ecumenical Council

In Part 9 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 3rd Ecumenical Council.




on

Bishops - Part 10: The Canons of the 4th Ecumenical Council

In Part 10 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 4th Ecumenical Council.




on

Bishops - Part 12: Dionysius the Areopagite

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

Exploring the Scripture Readings from the Sunday After Ascension

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.




on

Icons and Pentecost

Fr. Tom reflects on the icons associated with Pentecost and the Trinity.




on

Bishops - Part 15: The Council in Trullo (continued)

Fr. Tom continues looking at the 102 Canons of the "Quinisext" or 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils sometimes referred to as the Council in Trullo. Today he talks about the laws concerning relationships with the Jews and the marital relationships of clergy.




on

The Abolition of Man

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.




on

Bishops - Part 16: The Council in Trullo (continued)

As Fr. Tom continues talking about the canons found in the Council of Trullo, he looks today at those canons that speak about issues like the selling of sacraments, clergy behavior, and the settlement of controversies.




on

Bishops - Part 17: The Council in Trullo (continued)

What are the canons about clergy marriage? What should the clergy wear out on the street? Why is water mixed with wine in the Eucharist? These and other issues are addressed in this episode with Fr. Thomas Hopko.




on

Bishops - Part 18: The Council in Trullo (continued)

The canons under discussion today by Fr. Tom deal with the rank and place of hierarchical sees and how that is affecting the structure of the Church today.




on

Bishops - Part 19: The Council in Trullo (continued)

As Fr. Tom continues his reflections on this historic council, he today speaks about monasticism, baptism, and marriage.




on

Bishops - Part 20: The Council in Trullo (continued)

Some interesting canons are discussed in today's program including a canon against feigning insanity!




on

Bishops - Part 21: The Council in Trullo (continued)

As Fr. Tom continues his look at the so called Quintisext councils, the issues of church attendance and mixed marriages are among the topics addressed.




on

Bishops - Part 22: The Council in Trullo (continued)

What is the Orthodox teaching about remarriage after adultery? What about re-baptism of one brought into the Church? Fr. Tom talks about this and more in today's episode.




on

Personal Prayer

Fr. Tom is frequently asked about personal prayer and how the Orthodox Christian should approach the life of prayer at home.Today's episode gives practical and biblical direction particularly as we begin the Nativity Fast.




on

Bishops - Part 23: The Council in Trullo (conclusion)

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.




on

Bishops - Part 24: 8th Century Iconoclasm

An intense and violent period in Church history surrounded the veneration of icons. Learn about those who gave their lives for the preservation of this important physical demonstration of the Incarnation as well as those Bishops who sided with with the iconoclasts and were later identified as heretics.




on

The Temptation of Jesus

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.




on

Radical Monogamy

What do the Scriptures and the Fathers say about fidelity in marriage, sex outside of marriage, or same-sex marriage? Fr. Tom gives extensive teaching on this subject in today's episode.




on

Bishops - Part 34: The Influence of St. Symeon the New Theologian

St. Symeon the New Theologian holds great importance for Church hierarchy and structure as it relates to his teaching about the relationship between the Clergy and the holy monastics.




on

Fr. Thomas Hopko - Sandy Hook and Our Response

After listening to an AFR Commentary by Fr. Lawrence Farley and a sermon by Fr. Andrew Damick, Fr. Thomas offers some additional and personal thoughts on the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. We also encourage you to listen to the comments by Fr. Tom Soroka.




on

Bishops - Part 40: Patriarch of Constantinople in the 14th Century

Fr. Tom says the 14th Century situation in Constantinople is critical to understanding the Church today.




on

Bishops - Part 43: The Fall of Constantinople

One of the most significant events in Church history was the fall of Constantinople. Fr. Thomas helps us understand the the years immediately following the fall.




on

Redemption in Christ

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.




on

Peace on Earth

In his Christmas reflection, Fr. Thomas examines what "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men" means and what it doesn't mean.




on

Bishops - Part 48: The Reformation and its Impact on Orthodoxy

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.




on

Bishops - Part 49: 17th Century Calvinistic and Roman Influences on Orthodoxy

Fr. Tom talks about what happened in the 17th Century, when Orthodoxy in both Constantinople and Ukraine were influenced by non Orthodox thinking.




on

Archbishop Fenelon and Great Lent

Fr. Thomas talks about the writings of Archbishop François Fénelon, a Roman Catholic writer from the 17th century. Fr. Tom was particularly taken with Fénelon's spiritual writings surrounding Lent.




on

Met. Anthony Bloom's Homily on the Cross

During this week as we venerate the cross of Christ, Fr. Tom Hopko shares a sermon by Met. Anthony Bloom on the cross and our sin.




on

Fr. Tom Reflects on Kevin Allen's Retirement

As many know, Kevin Allen recently announced his retirement from his interview program, Ancient Faith Today. After listening to an interview Ancient Faith Radio did with Kevin announcing his departure, Fr. Tom shares his own thoughts on the state of American Orthodoxy.




on

God Is In Control - Yes or No?

We hear the phrase "God is in control" and may even use it from time to time when trying to make sense of a difficult situation. Fr. Thomas Hopko evaluates that phrase and challenges us to rethink it.




on

Bishops - Part 53: The Impact of the 19th Century on Clergy and Laity

Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.




on

God Is In Control - Revisited

Fr. Tom returns to the subject of his recent episode "God Is In Control. Yes or No?" He responds to the listener feedback and clarifies his thoughts on the subject.




on

Relax, God is in Control - Final Thoughts

Fr. Thomas Hopko takes one last look at the phrase "Relax, God is in Control" and provides information on additional material he has written and spoke about regarding this general topic. Here is the list: Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West by Met. Kallistos Ware And from his Speaking the Truth in Love series: Pain and Suffering The Wrath of God The Wrath of God - Part 2 Anger and Wrath in Human Life On Sadness and Grief in Christian Life Theological Reflections on Calamity Does God Play Favorites? Predestination, Providence, and Prayer Understanding Evil - 9/11 Remembered God and the World Sandy Hook God and Death




on

Bishops - Part 57: Anton Chekhov

Today Fr. Tom speaks about the famous author Anton Chekhov from 19th-century Russia.




on

The Trials and Crucifixion - Part 1

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




on

The Trials and Crucifixion - Part 2 (a)

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.




on

The Trials and Crucifixion - Part 2 (b)

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




on

The Crucifixion of Christ - Part 1

In this extensive two-part episode, Jeannie explores the crucifixion of Christ. Be prepared to learn a lot!




on

The Crucifixion of Christ - Part 2

Here is the second half of Dr. Constantinou's study of the crucifixion.




on

Introduction to the Bible - Lesson 1: Overview

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.