Comparing Married Life and Monastic Life
In Orthodox Christianity, both marriage and monasticism are understood to be vocations. Each of these two great callings can be a pathway to God, and both are holy and sacred. Listen now as Fr. Nicholas Apostola draws on his memories of Romanian monastics in exile during the Communist period to...
Truth Telling
Truth telling can be life-changing, dangerous, liberating. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that we will know the truth, and “the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32). Listen in as Aristotle Papanikolaou talks with us about truth telling and how it influences our understanding of ourselves, sin,...
What do you know about the Nicene Creed?
Fr. Thomas Hopko joins us to talk about the Creed we Orthodox recite every Sunday in church. Although most of us have memorized it, there is always more to learn about its origins and its meaning, both in church history and in our life of faith. For example, did you...
Poems about the Theotokos
In this final episode in preparation for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Fr. David Smith shares two of his favorite poems on the Theotokos: Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Of the Death of Mary, Three Pieces,” and Gerard Manley Hopkins’ “The Blessed Virgin Compared to the Air...
In a New York State of Mind
Jessie Beddoe, one of our teen contributors at OCN, shares the story of a special experience she had during a visit to New York City. What started out as a day of vacation adventure became a chance to explore the deepest instincts of her living faith. Posted by the Orthodox...
Miracles, the Scripture, and Salvation
“If you believe in Jesus Christ for your salvation, do you remember what convinced you to do so?” Thus begins this interesting episode of Harmony of Thunder. Fr. David Smith speaks about Scripture and Miracles, and how Salvation came to us by the Word and was confirmed by God. Posted...
Saint Gregory Palamas Makes a Surprising Point
Every now and then, one comes across a sermon that has something genuinely surprising in it. On this episode of Harmony of Thunder, Fr. David looks at a sermon by Saint Gregory Palamas that has an unexpected point to make. Posted by the Orthodox Christian Network. You can find the...
Humble Prayer
This fascinating conversation about prayer begins with these words: “Snow can never emit flame. Water can never issue fire. A thorn bush can never produce a fig.” Find out what saint said these words about prayer and what they have to do with your heart and how you speak to...
Thomas Sunday
Keith Massey, PhD, presents a reflection on Thomas Sunday. The Apostle Thomas is habitually late to important events. But it’s all part of God’s plan. Posted by the Orthodox Christian Network. You can find the Orthodox Christian Network on Google+.
Readings for Palm Sunday
Fr. Steven Ritter finishes his look at the Sunday readings of Lent with this week’s episode on Palm Sunday. The readings are Philippians 4:4-9 and John 12:1-18. St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9 Brethern, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your...
Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt
This week, Fr. Steven Ritter looks at Hebrews 9:11-14 and Mark 10:32-45 as he continues his special Lenten series on the Sunday readings. The Epistle to the Hebrews 9:11-14 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made...
Sunday of John Climacus
Fr. Steven Ritter continues his reflections on the Sunday readings of Lent, this week reflecting on Hebrews 6:13-20 and Mark 9:17-31. St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20 Brethern, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself,...
