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Our Wounds Are Our Gifts

Dr. Albert Rossi considers how the wounds that we experience in life can actually be gifts which offer us opportunities to draw closer to God.




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We Are Not Alone

Dr. Albert Rossi reminds us that we are not alone in this life.




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Where Are God's Hands?

Dr. Rossi reflects on how we are Christ's presence in the world.




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Are Feelings Real?

Dr. Rossi reflects on the reality and impermanence of feelings.




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Aren't You Supposed to Hate Me?

The recent vote in North Carolina outlawing same-sex marriage prompted this commentary from Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick about Calvinism and the politics of the damned.




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Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

Fr. Lawrence Farley reviews Reza Aslan’s book Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, calling it "a tired rewriting of the same nonsense that pseudo-scholars have been churning out for some time now."




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What God Has Prepared

Fr. Lawrence Farley uses the Scriptures to describe what awaits us in the world to come.




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Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

Chaplain Patrick Tutella. the Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries (OCPM), and Kory Warr, OCPM's Chairman of the Board, talk about Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday, which takes place every year on the sixth Sunday of Pascha.




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Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

The Assembly of Bishops has designated this coming June 9 as Prison MInistry Awareness Sunday for all Orthodox Churches. With this in mind, we interview Dn. Jeff Smith, the leader of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) team at the state prison in Concord, Massachusetts. Click here to learn how you can support OCPM or call 610-777-1552.




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We Are Superman

Bobby Maddex interviews Kevin Bryce, the Orthodox director of a feature-length documentary film titled We Are Superman that chronicles the revitalization of a troubled street corner in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.




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Why Young People Are Leaving the Church and What to Do About It

Seraphim Danckaert of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, speaks at the Second Annual Lenten Lecture and Fundraising Reception hosted by the Center for Orthodox Thought and Culture at Eastern University on March 12, 2017.




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The Life-Giving Cross: Marriage, Parenting, and Caregiving

Elissa Bjeletich, author of Blueprints for the Little Church and the host of the AFR podcast "Raising Saints," speaks at The Holy Taxiarchai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles, Illinois.




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How Should Orthodox Parents Talk to Their Kids About Homosexuality?: Part Two

One of the extremely complicated issues with which Orthodox parents must contend these days is that of homosexuality. How do we talk to our kids about same-sex desires and relationships and how do we do so with the sensitivity, nuance, and frankness that the topic requires? At the request of Carole Buleza, the Director of the Antiochian Department of Christian Education, Bobby Maddex once again interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis, an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, about how to talk about marriage, intimacy, and homosexuality with your children. This is part two!




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Dn. Marek Simon, the New Executive Director of OCF

Bobby Maddex interviews Dn. Marek Simon, the new Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Fellowship.




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How Should Orthodox Parents Talk to Their Kids About Homosexuality?

One of the extremely complicated issues with which Orthodox parents must contend these days is that of homosexuality. How do we talk to our kids about same-sex desires and relationships and how do we do so with the sensitivity, nuance, and frankness that the topic requires? At the request of Carole Buleza, the Director of the Antiochian Department of Christian Education, Bobby Maddex interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis, an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, about how to talk about marriage, intimacy, and homosexuality with your children.




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Dr. Andrei Psarev, Professor at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary

Bobby Maddex, the Director of Digital Media for Ancient Faith Ministries speaks with Dr. Andrei Psarev, a professor of Russian church history and Canon Law at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary. Dr. Psarev shares about his new project; This Day in the History of the Orthodox Church. Please visit https://www.patreon.com/rocorstudies for more information.




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Parenting Toward the Kingdom: A Companion Guide

Bobby Maddox, the Director of Digital Media for Ancient Faith Ministries, interviews Dr. Philip Mamalakis, author of the Ancient Faith publishing book Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian Principles of Child Rearing, about the book's new Companion Guide.




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Parenting Toward the Kingdom: A Companion Guide - Part Two

Bobby Maddex interviews Kendra Hunter, Kristina Tartara, and Stephanie Petrides, the authors of the new companion guide to Dr. Philip Mamalakis's book Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian Principles of Child Rearing, publishing by Ancient Faith Publishing.




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Holy Myrrh-bearers Sunday

Fr. Pat explains how the myrrh-bearing women contemplated the mysteries of the Church.




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How are We to Live

If we are justified by faith, if we live in the Holy Spirit, and if Christ is our Lord, then what should our lives be like? Fr. Pat looks at Paul's exhortations to the believers at Rome.




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And We Share Her Vocation

On the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Fr. Pat offers reflections about the Mother of Our Lord: her presence in the early church, earliest references to her in the Scriptures, and about the Marian quality of the people of God.




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We Are Drawn to Him

"The religious impulse is as natural to human beings as the intake of oxygen." In this homily based on the story of the Publican and the Pharisee in Luke 18, Fr. Pat reflects upon the soul's innate attraction to God.




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The Vigilant Care of the Soul

A certain mindset of vigilance is an essential part of the transmission of the Gospel. We do not simply hand on the Gospel, but we hand on that sense of vigilance and care that is essential to its reception. Fr. Pat Reardon compares Biblical vigilance with that of other traditions.




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Three Temptations that are Opposed to the Holy Spirit

The Christian must guard against anything antithetical to the Holy Spirit, whom, in 2 Corinthians 1, Paul calls the downpayment and guarantee of salvation. Fr. Pat considers three such things which should be of special concern given the world in which we live.




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Justification: Ongoing, Internal, and Shared

Preaching from Galatians 2:16-20, Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon reflects upon justification through faith.




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The Bearers of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)




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A Celebration of Spiritual Warfare

Fr. Pat takes a closer look at the true meaning of Hanukkah.




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How Are We to Live?

Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon discusses Paul’s response to the Gentile converts in Galatia being compelled by Jewish Christian teachers to live according to Jewish customs.




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Can Any Good Come Out of Nazareth?

Using as a jumping-off point the Parable of the Vineyard in Matthew 21, Fr. Pat asks the same question asked by Nathaniel in John 1.




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A Letter from Caesarea

Paul transforms his prison cell into a hub of missions work. The text is Colossians 3:4-11.




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What Do You Share?

We share things that are important to us. Do we ever share God with our family and friends?




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Share the Faith in 2015

It's a brand new year, a chance to look back on where we've struggled and look ahead to how we can improve. How can we draw closer to God in 2015, and share Him with the world?




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How to Prepare for Pascha

Great Lent is the time we prepare for Pascha, and the first weeks of the Triodion Period prepare us for Lent. These weeks help us understand how we should prepare for Pascha: that our main goal is not to individually "become better," but to to re-establish our relationships with God and neighbor.




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Why Christians Care for the Environment (with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew)

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Fr. John Chryssavgis join Steve to explore why caring for the environment is part of our role as Christians and priests of creation.




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You Are What You Eat (feat. Christian Gonzalez)

You've heard it before: you are what you eat. That's most true when we eat Holy Communion. Christian joins Steve to consider the amazing insights that Fr Alexander Schmemann offers in "For the Life of the World."




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You Are What You Love (feat. Christian Gonzalez)

Last week, Steve and Christian talked about how receiving Holy Communion forms us into Christ's Body. This week, they reflect on the ways our good habits can build a "second nature" and form us into the people God made us to be.




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What if Your Parish Disappeared?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 If your parish suddenly disappeared, would anyone notice? Are we living out the Gospel in our neighborhoods and communities? Because we believe the same things that the first Christians taught. But do we act like them? Last week, we talked about the importance of prayer. But we can't forget almsgiving in our spiritual practice. We've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you work through how you can better love your neighbor. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/be_be_bee_148 Questions you might be struggling with, that we'll touch on in the video: How do we act like Christians? How do I love my neighbor? How to act like a Christian? What is unchristian like behavior? What are Bible rules to live by? What is social justice in Christianity? What does the Bible say about social justice? What is social justice really mean? Social justice and the Gospel? Why do young adults leave the Church? Why do people quit going to Church?




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Are You Struggling to Pray?

"For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21) Sticking to our daily prayer rule can be tough! But why? We'll explore the simple reason prayer can feel crammed into our day rather than a natural part of it. And we'll offer a simple way to help you transform wasted moments into opportunities for connection with God. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you focus on how you can act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee150




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Is Self-Care Selfish?

But He would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” (Luke 5:16) #WorldMentalHealthDay can help raise awareness about the importance of self-care. But does this mean self-indulgence? Is taking care of your health a selfish thing that Christians should avoid? Aren't we called to sacrifice everything for God and neighbor? We'll look at the example of Jesus Himself and the powerful words of St Isaac the Syrian to see why Christian self-care is actually selfless. Because, when we care for ourselves, it puts us in a position to love more deeply. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic and Covid. We can still Be the Bee and Live Orthodoxy even in the toughest times. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee153




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The Meaning of Christmas (and How to Share It)

“What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men....” (St John Chrysostom) In the Church, we call Christmas "the Nativity According to the Flesh of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ." Because it's the day we celebrate the very Son of God taking on flesh and becoming human for our sake: the Lord's Incarnation. This is when we celebrate the coming of the Philanthropos, the "Lover of Mankind." A season when we are called to be philanthropists ourselves and be a loving, healing presence in a troubled and mixed-up world. Christmas spirit is more than a theme we see in movies like "The Christmas Chronicles." It's something we can share in our everyday lives: in concrete ways for the life of the world. Christ is Born! Glorify Him! As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn: https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee161




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You are a Child of God (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.” (1 Corinthians 6:9) The Prodigal Son left the warmth and safety of his Father's house and joined himself to people that left him empty. And, when he returned, his Older Brother refused to welcome him. We often focus on the incredible mercy that the Father shows (which is important). But it may be more helpful to focus on how both the Prodigal Son and Older Brother forgot who they are. Because we, too, can easily forget that we are children of the Father. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn: https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee166




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How Will You Be Judged? (Judgment/Meatfare Sunday)

“O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public.” (Kontakion of Judgment Sunday) In this Episode: 00:00​ What is Judgment Sunday? 01:14​ How Will We Be Judged? 03:50​ Causing Others to Stumble 05:40​ Love and Judgment 06:54​ My Brother is My Life 09:29​ When Right is Wrong What this Episode is About: In Matthew 25, Jesus offers a prophetic word on the Day of Judgment, when He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Yet this isn't a private judgment, focused on our own private religiosity. It's based on the way we treat other people. In fact, Jesus tells us that, when we love others, we are actually loving Him. And, when we despise others, we're actually despising Him. Because right and wrong is about more than what’s right or wrong for you. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn: https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee167




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Sharing the Space of Salvation (Forgiveness/Cheesefare Sunday)

“Nothing makes us so like God, as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” (Saint John Chrysostom) The Greek word for forgiveness means "sharing the same space." At the doorstep to Great Lent, we're given the opportunity to both seek and offer forgiveness. Forgiveness Sunday (especially Forgiveness Vespers) is our chance to overcome resentments and share the same space with both God and neighbor. So that, together, we can journey to salvation and an experience of God's Kingdom. Because right and wrong is about more than what’s right or wrong for you. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee168 .




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David Daleiden - The Man Behind the Planned Parenthood Exposé

In this special edition of Ancient Faith Today, Kevin speaks, in this extensive interview, with David Daleiden, the director of the Center For Medical Progress, the pro-life activist organization that planned and produced the ​exposé videos that have shaken the abortion industry in the United States.




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Cheesefare - for a blessed Lent!

Pray, Forgive, Fast, Give Alms, Don't Judge!




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Because you are Baptised!

Are you baptised? Are you hoping to be baptised? Then this is for you!




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Ephratha, prepare thyself




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Christ the Career Wrecker!




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God's Ways, God's time, and God's priorities are not ours.




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So what are YOU going to do?