Dormition of the Theotokos, Part 2
Listen to this second part of the series on the sermon of Patriarch Modestus on the Dormition of the Theotokos. Orthodox Christians know that great spiritual benefits come to us when we celebrate the feasts of the church, especially the Dormition, the feast that we precede with a 14 day...
Dormition of the Theotokos, Part 1
This podcast begins a 4-part series looking at one particular sermon, “An Encomium on the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, Mary, Mother of God and Ever Virgin by our Father the Holy Modestus, Archbishop of Jerusalem.” This Orthodox podcast series will help Orthodox Christians as we progress through the...
Saint John Chyrsostom Exhorts Us to Pay Attention to the Sermon
Few people, sitting down with friends to watch a major sports event, would remind each other to pay attention. When we are being entertained, it isn’t hard to pay attention. But how many of us can muster the same attentiveness during the sermon in church? In this episode, Fr. David...
Does the Sermon Matter?
What is a sermon? Is it a sacrament? Is it a liturgical act? If not, why is it important? A sermon is very important, but it is just as important that we understand what it is and what we are to receive from it. Fr. David Smith shares what St....
Christian Struggles Then and Now
On Harmony of Thunder, Fr. David tells the story of two Christians who have stood up in the public sphere for what they believed – one in the courts and one in the media. Would St. Basil the Great have done the same thing? Would he approve of Christians demanding...
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...
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...
St. Gregory Palamas and The Prodigal Son
St. Gregory Palamas preached a sermon on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and interpreted the parable according to a very complex method. Listen to Harmony of Thunder to hear Fr. David explore a great sermon by a great saint of the faith.
Zacchaeus, Sin, and Salvation
St. Gregory Palamas paints a picture of Zacchaeus (St. Luke 19:1-10) as a man who wanted both sin and salvation, the old law and the new testament, riches and poverty. Listen to this week’s Harmony of Thunder as Fr. David Smith explores St. Gregory Palamas’ remarkable sermon and reveals the...
The Eucharist
On Harmony of Thunder, we hear the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem expounding the fact that the Eucharist is in fact the Body and Blood of Christ, a doctrine so central to our Faith.
Interpreting the Gospel of John
In honor of St. John Chrysostom’s Feast Day on November 13, we will explore that great Saint and Preacher’s excellence in homilies. On Harmony of Thunder, we will hear his interpretation of the Gospel of John. Posted by the Orthodox Christian Network. You can find the Orthodox Christian Network on Google+.
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