In the next litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for our Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Fr. John tells us why this is so important.

Fr. John Oliver asks difficult questions in the wake of the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Fr. John now reflects on the litany for those in civil authority and our armed forces.

All around the world there are droughts, famine, and disease. How do our intercessory prayers at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings touch the people impacted by them?

As Fr. John continues through the litanies of the Divine Liturgy he reminds us of the quote, "we are saved together but we are damned alone."

In this final reflection on the petitions in the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John gives some alarming statistics of those "in tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity."

Each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers and stores gear up for the busiest day of the shopping year. Fr. John reflects on what drives the passion for that day and how it relates to our quest for peace.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the importance of keeping justice, mercy, and faithfulness preeminent, as opposed to foolish controversies, genealogies, and dissension.

St Gregory Palamas said, "Every argument has a counter-argument, but who can argue against life."

"The soul can not know peace unless she prays for her enemies. If you will pray for your enemies peace will come to you." St. Silouan the Athonite

The purpose of your life is to become by grace what God is by nature.

The struggle is what we bring to God, only what we bring, because deliverance his His job.

Fr. John illustrates how Christians are those who reach out to people in pain

Fr. John shares his speech from the The National March for Marriage in Washington D.C., and reflects upon his experience with the counter demonstration.

"Heaven is the experience of the illuminating energy of God. Hell is the experience of the burning energy of God. The one sun has two properties. It can illumine, and it can blind. It can warm, and it can burn."

"Like a scared child on the first day of school, fear turns us into isolated, self-protective individuals. Like an ever-tightening cocoon."

Every Sunday morning, the six Psalms of Matins carries us on a descent into our brokenness and ascent with a cry of faith. Gently taking us on the way of the cross.

The Transfiguration of Jesus shows us the purpose of human life and how to taste of the incomparable heavenly banquet.

The story of Baker Sullivan reveals the importance and significance of the life of prayer.

Fr. John begins a four part series on the virtue of failure by describing the inevitability and purpose of failure.

Fr. John continues his series (Part 2) by redefining failure and describing the ways that we react to our own failures.

Fr. John continues his series (Part 3) by reflecting on the goal of interior renewal.

Fr. John completes his series (Part 4) by describing how failure can become a servant of God for the renewal of our lives.

For those of us who cannot go, work or provide, Fr. John notes that we can still contribute in the most important way.

Fr. John notes that as we accept the mercy of God, that mercy is proof that God accepts us.

Are our physical bodies evil? Are they good? Fr. John explores these questions in light of Christ's Transfiguration.

Fr. John examines the life and faith of the Holy New Martyr and Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

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

Fr. John offers a reflection on the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico.

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

Fr. John explains how all the Church's words are full of grace and truth—an example for us all as we celebrate the birth of the Word.

Fr. John shows how the Bible's answer to "What must I do to be saved?" differs from the world's.

Fr. John Oliver reminds us that the Christian heart wants to taste of the incomparable heavenly banquet of the Kingdom of God.

Fr. John Oliver describes the purpose of our ascetic disciplines as believers - to be set free and partake in the glory of God!

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.

As Orthodox Christians in a non-Orthodox culture, we have questions: Who are we? What is "the Church"? What is our relationship to friends and family of other faiths? What is ecumenism? Who will be saved? In this special edition of Hearts and Minds, Fr John Oliver offers a few reflections.

Fr. John Oliver offers three questions that help us trace the root of both the good and the bad in our lives. Am I being loving? Am I being accepting? Am I being appreciated?

Fr. John Oliver explores the four cycles or rhythms that are embedded in nature and in the Church.

Fr. John Oliver paints a hope-filled picture of the healing power of forgiveness.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the unique features in each friendship.

Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unbelievable news that sends us searching for more.

In his first podcast, Fr. John reflects on his midnight vigil outside a prison in Tennessee.

Fr. John gives an instructive comparison of two divergent worldviews.

Jesus said "the kingdom of God is taken by force" and sometime it feels like a battle to allow ourselves to love one another as God intended.

We might think we know exactly what God is and should be but is that not a certainty loaded with risk?

What would be worth standing in line for if that line was 4 miles long? Fr. John gives us a lesson in perspective and treasure in this week's episode.

Love for God is love for the earth and love for the earth is love for our neighbor.

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

"There is nothing in this world more glorious, more precious, or more precarious than the human soul." Within the first few hundred years of Christian history, the Roman Empire experienced at least two devastating health epidemics. Fr. John shares with us a powerful example of how the early Christians demonstrated the worth of the soul, as well as a love stronger than fear, as they ministered to those in deep need during these times of great crisis.

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