A talk Fr. John Oliver gave at a symposium titled "God's Books: Reading Scripture in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam" held at the Murfreesboro Mosque in November.

An old proverbs says, "When you light a torch for another, you illumine your own path too."

Together, we are connected by the forgiveness we all need.

"Life is full of small opportunities to baptize these inevitable daily pains in the mystery of the cross."

Fr. John answers a question at once innocent and terrifying.

Fr. John shows how Holy Week answers the question of "What happened?" between Christ's entry into Jerusalem and His glorious Resurrection.

Fr. John notes the differences between problems and crosses to bear.

Fr. John examines how the advent season prepares us for the Nativity of Christ.

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.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on what it means for God to speak a Word, and how our own words can drip with the honey of truth and love.

Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unhealthy family patterns that we have been handed through birth and have a choice whether we carry them into our future.

Fr. John Oliver reminds us of what lies ahead of us during Holy Week for our salvation.

Fr. John Oliver journeys through the hate behind Holy Week.

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

Fr. John discusses the importance of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on December 26.

Fr. John Oliver considers the mystery of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, that is known most fully in the heart.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on what makes us truly happy.

Fr. John Oliver deepens our understanding of what is meant by "freedom."

Fr. John Oliver explains why we need the "Four S's" to energize our lives.

Fr. John Oliver talks about integrity.

So, what would it look like if suddenly the country was swept up in the popularity of Orthodoxy. Brace yourself for Fr. Joseph's vision!

We've all heard "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Fr. Joseph finds that hard to believe. Then again, some things which are hard to explain serve as cures for our unbelief. Is that by coincidence?

This week's episode, not nearly as exciting as visuals of a major hurricane slamming a major city, is a personal reflection on former Houston guests: Gustav, Katrina, Ike and Rita.

Has the latest news about the election, international struggles and the economy got you down? Well, take heart and fear not -- for the frost, my friends, is on the pumpkin!

What does a root canal, a story from Greek mythology and the OCA have in common?

Tackling the differences among the Gregorian, Julian, and Appalachian Calendars concerning the date of Christmas is nothing new -- and can be quite the tongue twister.

"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).

Whether it was the invite to his 30-year high school reunion, or the fantasy that he was losing his hearing, one thing's for certain: Nothing clears Disco like an oil change. Fr Joseph reminisces about the dance floor—whilst lying on the floor—at Jiffy Lube®.

With the help of a prophecy of the fourth or fifth or fourteenth -- or fifteenth -- century, one thing's for certain: We are one day closer to the End of Time today than we were yesterday. But, in this 19th, oops, 20th, er, 21st century ... who's counting? In this episode Fr Joseph has a "come to Jesus meeting" with a modern day self-proclaimed "relevant prophet" in the hills of East Tennessee.

Did you ever try to find something even remotely Orthodox in your local superstore, gift shop, or bible book store? Chances are, you'll find all manner of things purporting to be spiritual, religious, new-fangled and Christian -- though nary even a wall calendar reflecting the Ancient Faith. Besides, what should you do when you do find one?

A Roman Catholic priest, two Orthodox clergymen, a Baptist boy and an Episcopalian gal, along with a Greek layman—unexpectedly—share a Thanksgiving campfire. What do you think happens?

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).

Recently, Fr Joseph had the good fortune to enjoy some warm spring days in the Northeast at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he spent the weekend teaching, preaching, and hanging out with some wonderful young people at what's known as The Kids' Cafe.

What's the difference between Orthodox Christians' participation on the Internet and, say, secular scoundrels? Sometimes, it seems, not much. Fr. Joseph admits his foot's been in his mouth but his tongue's still in his cheek; in other words: "Let's be careful out there!"

Did you ever try to find something even remotely Orthodox in your local superstore, gift shop, or bible book store? Chances are, you'll find all manner of things purporting to be spiritual, religious, new-fangled and Christian -- though nary even a wall calendar reflecting the Ancient Faith. Besides, what should you do when you do find one?

As Fr. Joseph leaves St. George Church and heads west to St. Joseph's, he muses on past "Sons of St. George" and wonders if there really ever was a "Redneck in Ramallah."

The number of Orthodox Christians in America is greatly inflated in a recent survey; an anonymous Orthodox comments on a Christian caterpillar; and a Muslim converts to Christianity thanks to antidoron -- all this and more as Fr. Joseph reads letters from AFR listeners.

The entries are in, the votes have been tallied—thanks to all who participated! We have three "winners"—Erin, Alex, and Adam—a kid's story, and some kids telling stories.

A chubby tween grows into the full stature of a backyard basketball hot dog, while his skinny friend perfects flawless boredom at the free throw line; and an upcoming Orthodox Education Webinar to boot!

Everyone from Nero to Kissinger to Osama to GaGa has been believed to be the Antichrist. The weekly Bible study group at St. Joseph Church, Houston, is about to learn from—I mean, of—another one.

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?

Fr. Danislav Gregorio visits the Orthodixie studio to plug his latest publishing efforts, a series of Great Books that cover bachelor fasting, Orthodox evangelism, patience, and mindless middle-aged mishaps (among other things—perhaps even the most important thing).

Fr Joseph—in his previous life—rolled yards, bent forks, painted water towers, and was, on more than one occasion, killed by his father. (Some of which is actually true.) In the end, hats off to fear!

What's the difference between Orthodox Christians' participation on the internet and, say, secular scoundrels? Sometimes, it seems, not much. In this encore episode, Fr. Joseph admits that his foot has been been in his mouth but his tongue is still in his cheek. in other words: "Let's be careful out there!"

What caused the Steelers' dynasty in the seventies? (Of course it was Fr. Joseph.) What caused 35,000 folks to pray the "Our Father" in a football stadium? (Of course it was the Supreme Court.) Tim Tebow caused quite a stir in the NFL. (Only the Perfect makes perfect.) And Fr. Joseph takes a bow (but how do you say "hiatus"?).

Ever thought of a sermon while chasing a cigarette-smoking dog named S-s-s-tan out behind a mosque on a Sunday morning? (Well, Fr Joseph is not sure he has either.)

A long time ago, in a parish far, far away . . . It is a period of church war. Ortho-Nerds, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the Nominal Ecclesiarch. During the struggle, Ortho-Nerd spies managed to steal secret plans to the Ecclesiarch's ultimate weapon, the Death Pew . . . (Also in this episode, Fr Joseph says: geek, dork, loser, dweeb, tetragrammaton, gamer, and emo.)

Stephen King writes the news? Delivers the newspaper? Either times are hard or the news is horrible! If it's both, what are we to do about it?

In this episode, which features a guest appearance by Fr. Danislav Gregorio, Fr. Joseph intends to show a vagabond who's boss! Hard to explain, but it doesn't quite turn out as planned.