Ancient Faith Ministries

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 16m

Orthodox Christian, Autistic author, publisher, and faith educator, Summer Kinard, shares her family's intimate experiences as Autistics and offers practical theological insight and encouragement. How are Autistic people like flower bees? Listen and learn!

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 36m

In this wide-ranging conversation, Sarah interviews Deacon (soon-to-be Priest) Giorgi Lomsadze, a third-year M.Div. student from the Republic of Georgia. Dn Giorgi shares his path beginning with studying medieval Georgian literature in his home country, to bringing his family to New York to undertake a Master of Arts to better understand liturgical theology as a way to further his academic career, and then, through his experience of the liturgical life at seminary, discovering his calling to priestly ministry. Giorgi also shares the joy and beauty of raising a family immersed in the community and chapel life at seminary, talks about his hopes for his future parish assignment, and gives his thoughts on the challenges and benefits of experiencing Orthodoxy online.

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 45m

The prayer of the father of the demon-possessed boy, “I believe, help my unbelief,” (Mk 9.24) is an example for us of how we ought to prayer, says Fr Vincent Temirov. It is the humility and faith in our words, not the “multiplicity” or complexity of our words in prayer, that are most pleasing to God. St John of the Ladder, commemorated on this fourth Sunday of Lent, instructed us not to use “falsely wise words” in prayer, as “it is often the simple and uncomplicated whispering of children that rejoices our Heavenly Father.” Fr Vincent also emphasizes the gospel lesson about prayer and fasting–not only does it benefit our own souls, but it is also an act of love for others.

Apr 17, 2024 • 21 min

St. Gregory Palamas believed in beholding through prayer the uncreated energies of God. A young volunteer reveals to the community that this is not one quick event that pierces the soul. It is rather an encounter for the whole day.

Apr 16, 2024 • 3h 25m

Did the early Church understand the words of Christ to Peter as giving unique powers or special privileges to Peter? How, when and why did the Roman Church develop its theology of papal supremacy? What did the early Fathers say about the keys to the kingdom of heaven?

Apr 10, 2024 • 21 min

Frank (or Isaac, in the Church), a regular member of the community, passed away suddenly near the end of March. A mixup with his phone provided the community with the chance to learn of his passing, and opened the door for his daughter to share her grief with others who also loved her father.

Apr 10, 2024 • 54 min

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, professor of New Testament at Holy Cross School of Theology, on the biblical and theological understanding of God the Father, helping to reorient us to a healthier relationship with our heavenly father and earthly fathers.

Apr 9, 2024 • 2h 40m

Our examination of Peter's confession and Christ's blessing continues. Was Peter ever the bishop of Rome? Did the Lord's words give Peter and all bishops of Rome universal jurisdiction over the entire Church? What did the holy Fathers say about Christ's words?

Apr 8, 2024 • 6h 24m

Join Bobby Maddex, Jerry Minetos, and Samuel Heble as they journey to Greece to experience firsthand the monasteries, sketes, and churches of both Thessaloniki and Mount Athos. In partnership with Orthodox Tours, the three travelers—all employees of Ancient Faith Ministries—present listeners with the highs and lows of pilgrimage, as well as what they should expect on their own potential journeys to Greece and the Holy Mountain. For more information about Orthodox Tours, please visit orthodoxtours.com.

Apr 5, 2024 • 2h 43m

In reading about the healing of paralytic let down through the roof by his friends, the Very Rev. Dr Bogdan Bucur encourages us to also consider the damaged roof. Perhaps we in the Church have to accept some sort of discomfort in order to open ourselves to experience Christ’s healing power. Reading this gospel on the Sunday of St Gregory Palamas, famous for his treasured theological writings on the essence and energies of God, we must also remember that all theology points to this living God who acts in the lives of each and every one of us, calling us to Himself and healing us through forgiveness of our sins.

Apr 4, 2024 • 3h 16m

Most of us know about the so-called Great Schism, which tragically divided the Christian Church between East and West in 1054. But there was an earlier division in the 5th century, following the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451, which clarified how Jesus is both God and Man. Charges of heresy were brought, anathemas were proclaimed, and communion was broken. Which Churches did not accept the decision of the Council and the subsequent three Councils that followed? Today they are known as the Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Coptic, Armenian, Syrian, Malankara, Eritrean, and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. What specifically separates us theologically? Are there reasons to hope that we are closer to these believers than we thought? What efforts have been made to better understand each other in recent decades? On this special edition of Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex examine the causes of our division and consider what any path to unity might involve. Panelists include: Bishop (Dr.) Daniel (Findikyan) Dr. Peter Bouteneff Christine Chaillot Dr. David Ford Dr. Emmanuel Gergis Dr. Chad Hatfield Dr. Michael Ibrahim Rev. Dr. Joseph Lucas Dr. Sam Noble Rev Dr. Timothy Thomas

Apr 2, 2024 • 3h 9m

Peter's acknowledgment of the true identity of Jesus, led to him receiving a new name and a blessing. The Catholic Church has used this verse to support its papal supremacy doctrine. Is Peter the Rock on which the Church is built, or is it something or someone else?

Mar 30, 2024 • 1h 45m

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we remember the restoration of the veneration of the holy icons within the Orthodox Church in the 8th century, after decades of bloody iconoclasm. Yet this first Sunday of Lent is not called the “Sunday of Icons,” points out Fr Vincent Temirov. This is because the theology of the icon summarizes everything that the Church teaches about the person of Jesus Christ. The icons are also symbols of the glory of the kingdom of God, holy images that help us meet the community of the saints in prayer, and a blessed reminder that we are supposed to strive to follow Christ in the way we live, to be living icons of him and to see his image in all the people around us.

Mar 26, 2024 • 3h 6m

When the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign from heaven, why did he reject their request? Is it unacceptable to ask God for a sign? Is a sign the same as a miracle? What role should miracles play in supporting our faith?

Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 44m

In this month’s episode, Cynthia and Molly dive into Lent! Specifically, they explore the perspective of Lent as a “spiritual adventure,” and share practical tips for entering more fully into this beautiful season repentance.

Mar 20, 2024 • 47 min

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with three mothers who helped to develop activities and discussion questions from their parenting groups that evolved into the publication of this new workbook.

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 44m

As Orthodox Christians prepare to enter the Great Fast, the Very Rev. Dr Alexander Rentel reminds us to contemplate anew the reason for our fasting. We fast, not because God requires or needs us to fast, but because, through fasting in faith and humility, we learn to turn away from our sins and towards Christ and His Kingdom.

Mar 20, 2024 • 20 min

A question recently posed at the mission caused Fr. Nicolaie to recall an experience he had when he was a teacher in Romania; and to reflect on how we each have our very own occasional "Emmaus" roads.

Mar 20, 2024 • 38 min

Bobby Maddox, the Director of Digital Media for Ancient Faith Ministries, interviews Fr.Patrick Viscuso, the president of the brand new Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America. Pleae visit www.oclsna.org to learn more about the Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America

Mar 19, 2024 • 2h 57m

One of the most uncomfortable scenes in the gospels is when a Canaanite woman follows Jesus, begging for his help. First, he ignores her. Then he insults her. Why? The story is actually a wonderful one, with great spiritual lessons that are especially useful as we begin Lent.