Fr. Ted gives the Sunday of Forgiveness a new name: the Sunday of Miracles.

Fr. Ted reminds us that more important than our sinfulness is the mercy of God.

Fr. Ted reminds us that in order to experience the fruits of our labors, we must go through many trials and tribulations.

Fr. Ted reminds us that, "Christ is always in front of us," and that spiritual healing is readily available.

Fr. Ted reminds us that parents are children's first and primary teachers. Therefore, Orthodoxy should be lived out at home in order to become a part of a child's life.

Fr. Ted cautions us against the popular notion of spirituality without religion.

Fr. Ted provides an interesting definition of the word "miracle," explaining that instead of abnormal, a miracle is actually true to our original nature.

As the new Sunday school year begins, Fr. Ted reminds parents that we are our children's primary teachers.

Fr. Ted discusses the spiritual importance of icons, citing the Seventh Ecumenical Council.

Fr. Ted challenges us to give away the best of our possessions, rather than just what we can not use for ourselves.

Fr. Ted speaks of the danger in placing too much emphasis on miracles.

Fr. Ted explains that the Spirit of Truth always brings understanding, and most importantly, offers a message of love.

Fr. Ted explains that it is possible to be a good person and a bad Christian simultaneously.

Fr. Ted reminds us that we must cultivate our internal spiritual lives with patience in order to grow as Christians.

Fr. Ted reminds us that icons affirm that God really did come in the flesh.

Fr. Ted argues along with the ancient Greeks that you can't philosophize back into infinity. There comes a point when you have to believe in something.

Fr. Ted reminds us that while the worldly spirit changes with time, the truth of the Church endures forever.

Fr. Ted addresses the trend to cultivate ourselves in our careers but not in our spirituality.

Fr. Ted shares his Paschal homily. Christ is risen!

Fr. Ted reminds us that it is impossible for us to be Christians without the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Ted shares his homily from the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ.

The most important part of the Paschal service is not the Holy Light, but rather the Divine Liturgy in which we receive Holy Communion.

Fr. Ted points out that the Spirit of God always brings people together, brings understanding, brings Truth, and brings love.

Always remember that God went through everything that we are asked to go through and more.

Fr. Ted reminds us that our first call is to be truly Christian.

Sometimes even our families can become idols—especially when we place worldly cares ahead of Christ.

Fr. Ted calls all Orthodox Christians to prayer and humility as the Holy and Great Council begins.

Fr. Ted calls us to the right usage of Holy Water rather than an idol that replaces a life lived in Christ.

Fr. Ted calls us to take up our Cross during Lent by intensifying our efforts to grow more deeply in the image of Christ.

Fr. Ted reflects upon the power of prayer to protect our heart or nous at the center of our being from the passions and influences of the world.

Fr. Ted invites to cultivate the full life that is ours in Christ through Baptism and Chrismation - enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth.

In this first episode of his new series, Fr. Ted looks at all of the prayers associated with the very beginning of life.

Fr. Ted shares the story of St. Fanourios and reflects upon the Gospel reading about Jesus' interaction with the Rich Young Ruler.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains two traditions of Orthodox Christians during Pascha: Marking our homes with the Sign of the Cross, and the greeting Christos Anesti!

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the healing of the paralytic.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the miracle of Jesus walking on the water, drawing Peter into this miracle in synergy with him.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the significance of the spiritual calendar and the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains how we acquire the mind of Christ, by living in Christ through the life of Church.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to keep focused on the eternal kingdom even in the midst of the distractions of this life.

Mother Frederica Mathewes-Green, well-known author and public speaker, discusses the Christian life. Kevin and Steve ask her about prayer, forgiveness, and to mark our inaugural show--the Illumined Heart!

Continuing discussion with Mother Frederica Mathewes-Green, Kevin and Steve delve deeper into what it means to live life as an Orthodox Christian. Just in time for Lent!

Kevin and Steve ask about former Episcopalian priest, Alice Linsley's journey to Orthodoxy.

Visit the "holy mountain" of Mt. Athos, and join in the quest for a spiritual elder with acclaimed poet and author Scot Cairns, who reads selections from his newly-released book and talks with two-time pilgrim to the holy mountain, Kevin Allen!

He served in war-torn Bosnia and Kenya before he turned 40! Now he heads Orthodoxy’s largest charitable and humanitarian aid organization – International Orthodox Christian Charities. Meet Constantine M. Triantifilou, IOCC’s Executive Director, as he speaks about a career and vocation of service. (Don’t hold it against him – he’s also a Boston Red Sox fan!)

How old is monasticism in the west? Are there historic connections between eastern and western monasticism? What does the western monk strive to achieve? Is the praxis similar for the western (Roman Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) monk? These are questions Kevin asks Fr. Simon O'Donnell (OSB), a Benedictine monk (and former novice master) of 42 years at Saint Andrew Abbey, Valyermo, California.

As many as 30%+ of Iraqi's 4.2 million displaced refugees are Christian. They are being persecuted from all sides of the conflict. Amal Morcos of IOCC recently returned from Syria and Lebanon and reports first hand on what the U.N. calls "the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world."

Kevin’s guest in this summer encore presentation is Amal Morcos of IOCC who reports on her trip to Syria and Lebanon.

Join Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen on his pilgrimage to Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery, Platina, California to talk with its Abbot Fr. Gerasim and Fr. Seraphim Rose legacy-keeper and biographer Monk Damascene. September 2nd marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of Fr. Seraphim Rose. In part 1 of this 3 part series, Kevin is in the cell constructed by Fr. Seraphim and now occupied by Monk Damascene where he talks with the monk about his spiritual father. For more information about the books published and distributed by the monastery, visit their website.

In the conclusion of our 3 part series commemorating the 25TH anniversary of the repose of Fr Seraphim (Rose), Kevin Allen is seated on a wooden bench overlooking a panoranmic view of Mt. Yolla Bolly with the Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, Fr. Gerasim. Listen for valuable lessons (as well as birds chirping!) on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting from a spiritual child of this venerated American monk and writer.

Host Kevin Allen speaks with Father Steven Tschlis about the role of the spiritual guide - father or mother - in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and how such a guide may differ from one's parish priest or sacramental confessor. Should we look for a "spiritual father or mother" in a monastery? What role does the parish priest play? These and other questions will be addressed in this conversation.