Ancient Faith Ministries

Jan 16, 2024 • 3h 9m

The Lord's teachings were enigmatic at times, especially when He used parables. He said, "Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." This sounds strange and unfair. Did the Lord truly want people not to understand him?

Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 51m

In this inaugural episode of the relaunch of the Voices of St Vladimir's podcast, we hear from Dr. Albert Rossi, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services and most senior faculty member at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Dr. Rossi is beloved by generations of seminarians and well-known to the wider Orthodox world through his podcast Becoming a Healing Presence, his books, and his many, many speaking engagements at parishes, conferences, and youth events over the years. In this conversation, Dr. Rossi speaks with Sarah Werner about his life, conversion process, his relationship with his dear departed wife, his close friendship with Fr. Thomas Hopko, his reflections on his many years at St. Vladimir's Seminary counseling students, and his favorite reading recommendations. Listen now to encounter Dr. Rossi in a one-on-one setting as he shares stories and wisdom from his many years of caring ministry in the Church.

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 38m

On the feast of St Nicholas of Myra, the Rev. Dn Dr Vitaly Permiakov describes the venerable hierarch as a “living image of that one and only High Priest, according to the order of Melchizedek...our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life on the tree of the Cross.” For St Nicholas, the life of a bishop was not one of high position or honor, but that of service in unceasing intercession. St Nicholas is remembered not only for his charity and care for his flock, but also for his boldness and courage in interceding for those who were wronged, for denouncing injustice and corruption, and for doing everything in his power to protect his people.

Jan 10, 2024 • 36 min

Both Hector and Mohamed share their wisdom, encouraging each person to use their God-given creativity and humbly open their hearts, in order to build community and open the door to holiness.

Jan 9, 2024 • 3h 2m

One of Matthew's major themes is acquiring the Kingdom of Heaven. Chapter 13, the mid-point of the five main sections of Matthew's gospel, is entirely devoted to this single topic. Here Matthew gathers all of Jesus' parables on the Kingdom of Heaven for our instruction.

Jan 3, 2024 • 41 min

The silence of God at Nativity invites the caring community to action and change.

Dec 26, 2023 • 1h 43m

The story of the young rich ruler who could not distribute his wealth and follow Christ reminds us that we are all guilty of a similar failure to recognize that all things ultimately belong to God, says the Very Rev. Vincent Temirov. The lesson in this gospel account is not that the wealthy are inherently unable to reach the Kingdom of Heaven, but that anyone who clings to treasure on earth rather than building up treasure in heaven is in danger of shutting themselves out of the Kingdom. We must trust that everything we receive in this life is to be offered back to God for His glory.

Dec 22, 2023 • 2h 38m

This month, Molly and Cynthia visit with Elissa Bjeletich-Davis to talk about Behold a Great Light, in light of the coming nativity. Then they talk to Dr. Vasilike Rauch about how to protect our hearing, and the ramifications our hearing has on our entire body. Plus, Molly revisits an old favorite book on housekeeping, and helps us take the stress out of our chores and add more joy to our weeks.

Dec 22, 2023 • 2h 44m

Dr. Jenkins welcomes back Dr. Joshua Moritz to the podcast where our duo dives into the question of the resurrection of the body, one of the fundamental teachings of our faith. Our co-hosts investigate what all the resurrection entails, what the body is that shall be raised, and how our raised bodies relate to the body of our Lord.

Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 5m

In the final episode of Walking an Ancient Path, Lynnette ponders the words of Bishop Kallistos Ware as she struggles with practicing the Jesus Prayer. She examines the reasons the Church emphasizes "the Prayer" as well as ways to incorporate it into our lives as we press forward together in Christ. Thanks!

Dec 20, 2023 • 28 min

The community welcomes a friend who reminds them of the woman "bent over for eighteen years" in St. Luke's Gospel. The ones who are unnoticed are a priority for God.

Dec 19, 2023 • 2h 32m

In examining the healing of the woman who had been bent over for 18 years, the Very Rev. Dr Bogdan Bucur asks us to consider the symbolism behind her unique ailment. For almost two decades, she was only able to see the ground beneath her; she was unable to lift her gaze and look toward heaven, suggesting that she was also spiritually unable to look toward God and offer praise. The first thing she did upon receiving the Lord’s healing was give thanks and praise to the Lord. Conversely, the first thing the surrounding Pharisees did upon witnessing the miracle was dispute the timing of the healing, as it had happened on the Sabbath. Fr Bogdan urges us to avoid the “religious” tendency to regard the letter of the law over mercy toward our fellow brothers and sisters.

Dec 19, 2023 • 2h 55m

The gospel reading on the Sunday before Christmas concerns the genealogy of Jesus. The Scriptures refer to his brothers and sisters. Who were these people? What do we know about them? Why do Christians disagree about their identity and about the ever-virginity of Mary?

Dec 13, 2023 • 23 min

Pres. Melanie shares a reflection on Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, as it relates to the Nativity Season, Caregiving, and learning to serve Christ in every person we encounter.

Dec 13, 2023 • 25 min

One story of a clinical depression sufferer's progress within the context of a welcoming community.

Dec 13, 2023 • 40 min

One of the most beloved icons of the Orthodox Church, the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a wonderful example of "theology in color." In this episode, Lynnette talks about various elements in the icon and the lessons they have to teach us.

Dec 12, 2023 • 2h 55m

The image of Jonah was ubiquitous in the early Church and remains frequently referenced in Orthodoxy. The statement is deeper than we realize, and Christ's citation of Jonah also reveals His own specific technique of scripture interpretation that the Orthodox still follow.

Dec 6, 2023 • 39 min

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Cindy Karos of FaithTree Resources on their new program for parents and families. This resource combines online videos and a workbook to help families become energized and enthused at the blessings that are presented to us through the main liturgical service of our faith.

Dec 5, 2023 • 2h 36m

The Lord warns us that on Judgment Day, we will account for every idle word we utter. Why are mere words so important? We will discuss this...and just a little more about the sin against the Holy Spirit.

Nov 30, 2023 • 2h 34m

Josh David Jordan, is a filmmaker and convert to Orthodoxy from St Seraphim Cathedral. Dallas is working on a movie about an abbott who is a fool-for-Christ. Josh got a lot of critical praise for his first movie, "This World Won't Break," which was screened at festivals around the world and won many awards. It is streaming now on every platform. Thanks to the positive response to "This World Won't Break," Josh was able to draw Hollywood professionals from every discipline to "El Tonto." It's an impressive film and I think will do much to introduce people everywhere to Orthodoxy. https://www.eltontoporcristo.com