OrthoAnalytika (Orthodox Podcast)

20100926  The Cross, Christianity and ET. Fr. Anthony describes the ontology of the Cross, shares some ET news and mail, and describes how various Christian theologians respond to the gauntlet thrown down by anti-Christians about the alleged incompatibility between Christian theology and the existence intelligent extra-terrestrial life. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20100926_Cross.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 2:57pm EDT

20100905 Labor, Rest, Science, Religion, and the Compatibility of ET's and Christianity

In this show, Fr. Anthony describes the virtue of labor and rest; responds to some mail; talks about recent news involving science and religion (to include Hawking's statement about the irrelevancy of God); and responds to the claim that Christianity and the existence of intelligent Aliens are incompatible. Enjoy!
Shownotes at www.orthoanalytika.org
Direct download: 20100905_Gauntlet.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

Fr. Anthony talks about the wedding feast, talks about the Truth, shares some interesting news, and interviews Dr. Demetra about the relationship between exercise and spirituality.

Direct download: 20100829_Feast.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony condemns ingratitude; clarifies his comment about "ethnic cemetary clubs";  shares thoughts on some interesting Church, Crunchy, Gadget, and Science news stories; and talks about "push" and "pull" conversion factors. 

Direct download: 20100822_Ingratitude.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, dedicated to the Youth of our diocese, Fr. Anthony shares three observations about Christ's warning about the camel and the eye of the needle; shares an interview about the All Saints Camp "Mommy and Me, Daddy and Me" encampment.

Direct download: 20100815_Youth.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony joins St. Paul in comparing the life of the Christian to a house; talks about what the intelligence leak might mean for our government; and rants about the effect technology is having on our ability to pursue "the good life".

Direct download: 20100801_Technology.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks more about humility, nationalism and unity, and has an interview with Fr. Peter Preble about St. Colomba monastery in Southbridge, MA.

Direct download: 20100725_Monasticism.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks about the responsibilities of Christians to bear the burdens of the weak, interviews Sbdn. Nicholas about his paranormal experiences, and concludes his series on the theology of ghosts.

Direct download: 20100711_Responsibility.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks about the need for true freedom using the Cossacks and Minutement as examples and interviews Cheryl Madden (Order of St. Olha) on the Holodomor.

Direct download: 20100704_Holodomor.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Fr. Anthony talks about the time in between and begins his series on the Orthodox Theology of Ghosts.

Direct download: 20100516_Ghosts.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. ANthony talks about sin and suffering, spiritual warfare, and nationalism.

Direct download: 20100509_Suffering.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition of Orthoanalytika, Fr. Anthony asks whether we would rather be put into the sheep pool or be healed by Christ; points out the disarming power of the incarnate Word; answers the mail on deacons & Communion; comments on the news; and finishes with a short bit on scarcity.

Direct download: 20100502_Paralytic.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony tells us what the Myrrhbearers can teach us about love; answers a question about gay marriage; talks about politics and religion; and reacts to a couple of articles on unity, culture, and assimilation.  Enjoy!

Direct download: 20100418_Myrrhbearers.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition of Orthoanalytika, Fr. Anthony likens Great Lent (and especially Holy Week) to a Pilgrimage. The mail question is whether we should forgive people who refuse to repent. After the local news, he shares some thoughts on an Orthodox political economy. 

Direct download: 20100321_pilgrimage.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony talks about how asceticism leads to joy; talks about strange noises in the studios; and describes how to live without sin and begin to love (and all in about an hour!). We also shortened the exit blurb a bit. Enjoy! Show notes are available at www.orthoanalytika.org.

Direct download: 20100314_ladder.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony bookends the show talking about the need to embrace Orthodox mysticism as the path to theosis. Show notes are available at www.orthoanalytika.org

Direct download: 20100228_mysticism.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives:  This week, Fr. Anthony talks about why icons (and theology) are important; compares Great Lent to the 2 mile race; shares some mail and local news; provides some encouragement for toilers; and interviews Fr. Dn. Boris about the Sunday of Orthodoxy in Boston and an interesting visit during an evening service. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20100221_orthodoxy.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives:  In this edition, Fr. Anthony shares HMH Patriarch Bartholomew's Lenten Epistle, answers mail about forgiveness, talks about local news, suggests a Christian ending for the movie Avatar, and finishes with some thoughts on Orthodox Leadership.

Direct download: 20100214_forgiveness.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives:  In this edition, Fr. Anthony compares the prodigal's brother to satan and warns us to avoid his fate; answers a question about "Universal Salvation"; shares some news - including an article about Orthodoxy and Life on Mars; and concludes with an episcopal epistle on Great Lent.

Direct download: 20100131_Prodigal-new.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives: In this edition, Fr. Anthony discusses how Orthodox can thwart the strong temptation of the Pharisee; talks about language and the Word; shares some news; and finishes with a word of encouragement for those who care for the terminally ill.

Direct download: 20100124_Publican.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives: In this edition, Fr. Anthony shares some thoughts about the mystical and practical implications of Theophany and interviews the Director of Youth Ministry for the UOC-USA, Natalie Kapeluk-Nixon on raising (and protecting) young saints. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20100117_Theophany.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

From the archives:  In this edition, Fr. Anthony uses black socks to help share the wonder of the Nativity, talks about the news, and talks about how Orthodoxy understands the paranormal. He looks forward to your feedback (father.anthony@yahoo.com).
Direct download: 20100110_Nativity.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archival "Sunday before the Nativity" edition, Fr. Anthony reads the Nativity Epistle from the Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops outside Ukraine; shares some interesting news stories; interviews Fr. Peter Preble (AFR: "Shepherd of Souls"); and finishes up talking about death and dying. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20100103_death.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archival edition, Fr. Anthony talks about the gratitude of the Samaritan leper, share's St. Paul's lesson, talks about the news, and finishes with advice to seminarians.

Direct download: 20091220_Bad_Science.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archival episode, Fr. Anthony continues to present St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, talks about recent news, shares his top 30 paranormal movie picks, and exhorts everyone to quiet down and get ready for the Nativity.

Direct download: 20091213_Paranormal.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archival episode, Fr. Anthony encourages everyone to join St. Paul in prison, goes over the scientific and international news, and explains why he is a priest in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Direct download: 20091129_Sentence.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archive edition, Fr. Anthony shares the steps needed to enjoy the fruits Christ promised to all who love Him. He also answers the mail about "Authentic" Ukrainian Christianity, the martyred priest, Daniel, the global warming e-mail scandal, and the paranormal.

Direct download: 20091122_Program.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archival edition of OrthoAnalytika, Fr. Anthony provides an apology for Baptismal Liturgies, shares some news from Ukraine, and describes how the Baptismal Liturgy he celebrated was structured.

Direct download: 20091115_Baptism.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archive edition, Fr. Anthony talks about what St. Paul's condemnation of the Judaizers has to do with us today; discusses news (including advice on how to react to H1N1); and provides a brief summary of the talk he gave on the Resurrection Prokimena.

Direct download: 20091108_Segregation.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost archvie edisode of OrthoAnalytika, Fr. Anthony attempts to provide an Orthodox way to understand and thrive in a pluralistic world. He also briefly covers the news and gives a summary of the talk on spiritual warfare that he gave at the recent UOC-USA clergy conference. Rumors are that Pawlo snuck in a "bonus track" at the end of the show.

Direct download: 20091101_Pluralism.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost episode from the archives, Fr. Anthony talks about how to give up our tyrannical desire to control (or worry) and become the kind of "cheerful giver" that allows for salvation through Christ. He also talks about local news, autocephaly in Ukraine and America, and gadgets. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20091011_Giving.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 1:51pm EDT

In this long lost episode from the archives, Fr. Anthony answers mail about stigmata, 40 day memorials, crosses w/ crescents, and nostalgia. He also gives a preview of an upcoming talk on the Harmony of the Spheres and Prokemin, interviews a participant in the recent Pani Matka Retreat, and talks about a recent personal struggle.

Direct download: 20091004_Stigmata.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this long lost episode from the archives, Fr. Anthony gives a homily on Light and Rationality; interviews Fr. Dn. Boris about his ordination; and gives a homily on the Cross and the meaning of suffering. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20090927_Cross.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony again asks us to listen to the real God - not the mundane one we have created, then he answers the mail, talks about the news, and ends with a discussion of equilibria and Afghanistan. NOTE: this one runs a bit long!

Direct download: 20090913_Feasting_GI_Joe_and_Afghanistan.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

This week I talk about how we act as the vinedressers in the parable of St. Matthew 21:33-42; then answer the mail about discernment and culture, podcasts, and curses; he was going to talk about a lot more... but ran out of time!

Direct download: 20090906_Ignorance.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony explores why St. Paul worries that our faith might be "in vain", then talks about the news, some movies (Haunting in Connecticut and Caprica), and how we need to sanctify both ourselves and our communities.

Direct download: 20090830__Vanity_and_Communitarianism.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this podcast, Fr. Anthony continues with his lessons on St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, answering the question "what does clergy compensation have to do with humility?"; then answers the mail; talks a little about his personal health care decisions; discusses local news; then finishes with some of his thoughts on nostalgia and evangelism.

Direct download: 20090823__Principle_Symphonia_and_Nostalgia.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition I talk about bishops in the context of St. Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians, then answer the mail, then interview Mark Meschisen about his recent missionary trip to Ukraine. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20090816_Bishops.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony stresses the need to build your body-temple well; answers mail about autocephaly, scripture, and health care; guest hosts Pawlo's segment on Living Green; talks a bit about local goin's on; and finishes with his thoughts on what the flap over Confederate Birthers really means for us.

Direct download: 20090809__Temples_Three_Little_Pigs_and_Confederate_Birthers.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition I talk about the need for unity, interview diaconal candidate Sbdn. Borislav, listen to Pawlo talk about ways to conserve water (outhouses!?), and rant about health care, zoning, and autocephaly.

Direct download: 20090802_Division.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Because I was at the UOL Convention over the weekend, this edition follows a different format: in place of a homily/lesson, I talk about my calling to the priesthood. It also includes an interview with Yuri Hladio, a young Orthodox Christian man from Canada; and the next in Pawlo "Zhitozalenko" Amerikanchuk's series on "Living Green".

Direct download: 20090726_Convention.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition: Stubbornness and even anger can be a virtue, but only if they are used to defend the right thing. Which standard are you rallying around - if it isn’t the Cross of Christ, then you are defending the wrong hilltop!  Also: Pawlo talks about how to be a better steward of time and Fr. Anthony talks about the goings-on in Woonsocket.

Direct download: 20090719_Battle.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition Fr. Anthony compares confessing Christ to confessing your doctor's prognosis. Pawlo calls in his Green Segment and talks about sound. Fr. Anthony finishes up this edition talking about the local and national news. Enjoy!
Direct download: 20090712_Belief.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony celebrates Independence Day, introduces a new segment, "Living Green w/ Pawlo", and talks about the news.

Direct download: 20090705_Freedom.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony gives a homily on the "Lamp of the Eye" and "Serving Two Masters" (St. Matthew 6: 22-33); then goes on to develop this theme and how faulty vision affects our lives, our parishes, and our country. Enjoy!

Direct download: 20090628_Hammer.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Fr. Anthony talks about the need to be charitable regarding the intentions of those who hurt and offend us; and then extends his views on the instrumentality of historical symbols to include melodies (and in particular the Western Christian standard: "For all the saints").

Direct download: 20090614__For_all_the_Saints.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Fr. Anthony talks about the utility of God's language, how to learn it, and shares some of the music from Sunday's Liturgy and Kneeling Vespers service.

Direct download: 20090607__Pentecost_and_the_Language_of_Love.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

This edition talks about the perfect communication between Christ and His Father; and uses the metaphor of the war deployment to help us understand how we can have joy in difficult times.  During the last half of the podcast, Fr. Anthony talks about living green and looking for vacation homes.

Direct download: 20090531__Joy_and_Unity.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

On this edition, the homily touches on the themes of blindness (Gospel lesson), language (Sts. Cyril and Methodius), and sacrifice (Memorial Day), but the real feature is the music from the Divine Liturgy.  The consensus favorite?  The Paschal Tropar near the end will have you bouncing with the tenors/basses as thy sing "the tombs" (FWIW, there are several good Ukrainian versions of this tropar in both Ukrainian and English).  Enjoy!

Direct download: 20090524__Blindness_Language_Sacrifice_and_Music.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony talks about how we should want more than the muddy water the world offers us; the news on the AF/PK COIN, increases in unwed births, and post-Paschal habits; a discussion of Orthodox historiography; and an interview with Pawlo Amerikanchuk on the history and culture of the Autonomous Cossack Sich of Rusivka.

Direct download: 20090510_Paralytic.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

After a brief talk on sanctification via mundane works, Fr. Anthony talks about the recent consecration at St. Nicholas in C'ville, VA, the insurgency in Pakistan, and the HINI virus.

Direct download: 20090503__Myrrhbearers_Sunday.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this podcast, Fr. Anthony talks about the need for belief in something real; and continues his conversation with Pawlo Amerikanchuk about life in the Autonomous Sich of Rusivka (the Capital of All-Rus).

Direct download: 20090426__St._Thomas_and_Q__A_w__Pawlo_Amerikanchuk.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony interviews an Ukrainian Orthodox, Pavlo Amerkanchuk, from a longstanding settlement of Ukrainian Cossacks in the Appalachians. He shares a bit about the history of Ukrainian immigration to the Appalachians and sings a traditional cossack Easter song.

Direct download: 20090419__PASCHA.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony contrasts the worldly view of church with what it looks like in the light of Christ.  Then he answers some questions on Church unity, the rite of Churching, and whether we can get sick from Communion.  The show ends with a short plug on how much there is to love about Lent.

Direct download: 20090412__Palm_Sunday.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony talks about Ukrainian culture, St. Mary of Egypt and the need for repentance, what the Annunciation teaches us about the value of unborn life, the politics of Church unification, and his return from Afghanistan.

Direct download: 20090405__Culture_Unity__St._Mary_of_Egypt.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this edition, Fr. Anthony talks about belief, local news, and how singing with a friend in Afghanistan reaffirmed his belief in Christ and His Church.

Direct download: 20090329__Help_My_Unbelief.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this podcast I discuss the deals we make with the devil, share some local Lenten music, discuss the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, go over some of the material from this past week's parish and seminary classes***, and share the latest installment about meeting God in Afghanistan.  I hope you enjoy it!

*** Includes a little bit on how our instinct for comformity helps and hurts us; and the role of St. Petro Mohila in the Orthodox Church.

Direct download: 20090322__Of_Whom_are_YOU_Ashamed_.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this podcast, I discuss the encounter of the paralytic with Christ and how it informs our own; talk about international, national, and local news; and finish with the beginning of a series on my Lent in Afghanistan.

Direct download: 20090315__Where_do_You_meet_God_.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this podcast, I describe encounters with Christ, ranging from Nathaniel, to Volodymyr, to Woonsocket, to three young Muslims who visited St. Michael's this past Sunday.

Direct download: 20090308__Encounters_with_Christ.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Part I:  A world made in Love rewards forgiveness with happiness (now and forever).  Part II:  Kyivan notions of stewardship were informed by its agrarian paganism; what is ours informed by?

Direct download: 20090301__Forgiveness.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Gravity and the consequence of poor decisions.

Direct download: 20090222__Gravity_and_Love.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Scientific Support for Humility: in this parable, God describes how humility is blessed and how pride is not.

Direct download: 20090208__Publican_and_the_Pharisee.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Jesus’ message of forgiveness was radical; designed to restore community to Himself as God, and through this; restore community among all God-fearing people. 

Direct download: 20090201__Zacchaeus_Sunday.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

In this episode, Fr. Anthony riffs on St. Paul's claim to the first among sinners.

Direct download: 20090125__Chief_of_Sinners.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

The importance of Baptism in the Christian life.

Direct download: 20090118__Baptizing_the_World.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

I believe that honest seekers will always end up at Christ. His presence, indeed the reality of the entire Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), are so foundational that they cannot help but infiltrate every system of philosophy, every religion; and pull on every human heart.

Direct download: 20090111__Following_the_Star_-_what_will_they_find_.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Why do we read the geneology of Christ the Sunday before Nativity?  Fr. Anthony tries to explain.

Direct download: 20090104__Saying_the_Names.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

The Lord is inviting you now to accept His salvific grace; to be freed from your sin, to be granted life in abundance, and to feast with the saints and angels in His loving presence.  Also, Fr. Anthony talks about the Old Calendar.

Direct download: 20081228__Are_you_coming_to_the_Feast_.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081221  St. Nicholas lived in perilous times, when the faith was under attack from several directions. He thrived despite the challenges because he had followed St. Paul’s advice. He had put on the breastplate of righteousness, shod his feet with the Gospel, buckled on the shield of faith, and put the helmet of salvation; and held firmly to the sword of truth. This whole armor of God allowed him to persevere against the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness.

Direct download: 20081221_Armor_of_God.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081214  You cannot serve two masters (St. Matthew 6: 24). There is only one master worth having, and that is Jesus Christ. He is better than money, sexual gratification, meanness, and pride. These might bring comfort during this lifetime, but it is Christ that beings eternal life and following His commandments that bring true satisfaction and joy today. Do what every saint has already done: give up everything you have and follow Him. Because through Him all things are possible.

Direct download: 20081214_No_Reserve_Domain.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081207  How to improve your life during difficult financial times by overcoming consumer-addiction.

Direct download: 20081207_Thriving_on_the_Cheap.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081130  Now, like anyone who is away from their homeland, we never feel quite right where we are. There is always the nagging sense that we were made for something else, something better; that the world itself is not quite right. We try to satisfy that longing with various things; you know the litany.

Direct download: 20081130_Wall_of_Separation.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081123  What does it mean that “by grace you have been saved?” What is the role of “faith?” What is the role of “good works.” What, exactly, do we need to do to be saved? Just believe in Christ? Just be a good person, doing “good works”?

Direct download: 20081123_Holding_on_to_the_Rope.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081116  Today we have a foretaste and proof of something that you must always keep in your mind. Something that will bring comfort to you in sorrow and strength when you are weak: that Christ is coming to resurrect all the dead, that He comes to restore everyone to complete health of soul and body, and, at the same time, to restore us to perfect health in community with one another.

Direct download: 20081116_Healing_on_the_Way.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081109  Living a Christian life involves more than confessing Christ as your Saviour. It even involves more than partaking of the Mysteries and prayers that He offers us through His Church. It involves developing and routinizing a way of life that is thoroughly grounded in His teaching, how else are we to become Christ-like if we do not implement His teachings?

Direct download: 20081109_Orthodoxy_and_Money.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081102  Why should we listen to St. Paul? Wasn’t he “just a man”? There are lots of teachers out there, many of whom teach a different, easier, version of the Gospel. Why treat his opinions as any more valuable than these others? Our generation is not the first tempted to trade St. Paul’s teachings about the Christ for others. The Galatians were tempted to do this.

Direct download: 20081102_Why_Should_We_Trust_Him.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081026  We cannot live life in joy without God. We cannot truly enjoy our relationships with one another unless we ourselves and those relations are grounded in the Truth.

Direct download: 20081026_Orthodoxy_as_the_Good_Ground.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081019  Are you one of those people whose financial problems keep you up at night? Is money what keeps you from enjoying life? Is it what poisons your mind so that you know only stress and hopelessness? St. Paul has an answer for you: give cheerfully.

Direct download: 20081019_Regaining_Our_Sense_of_Touch.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081012  God is Light: the purest perfection. The purest joy. The purest love. The purest beauty. The purest peace. He desires that we join Him in that light. That we become pure joy, pure love, pure beauty, and pure peace. That we transcend the sin and darkness of this broken world to live now and eternally in abundant and rational bliss.

Direct download: 20081012_Our_Great_Counselor.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20081005  In these financial times, when people have taken our economy to the brink of destruction with bad loans and risky investments, it might be tempting to sympathize with the servant who buried his talent. But this is not a story about going into debt (which scripture routinely criticizes as unhealthy and dangerous), or about about taking on risk in an attempt to satisfy hedonistic desires for riches or property; or even about mortgaging the future to satisfy illicit desires now. This is a story about taking stock of what we have, rolling up our sleeves, and getting to work.

Direct download: 20081005_Now_is_the_Time.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080928  This is a difficult world. There are so many of us who are sick. There are so many of us that are hurting. Not just sick and hurting from physical ailments and pain, but also mentally and spiritually. We are a wounded people. And among almost all of us, there is the mistaken belief that we should bear our pain in secret. While there is a time and a place for stoicism, this is not it. Despite what the world teaches us.

Direct download: 20080928_Jars_of_Clay.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080921  In the birth of Mary, you have a juxtaposition of weakness and strength; the weakness of the elderly and heretofore barren Joachim and Anna, [and] the weakness of their newborn babe; with the strength of God and the inexorable tide of history leading through their small efforts to the grand climax of the world’s remaking.

Direct download: 20080921_Humility_and_Offering.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080914  In this Gospel lesson, the Lord is trying to open up the eyes of His audience, to help them understand that He is the Son of God, and that the natural way to receive Him is with repentance and gratitude. He does this through a parable and scriptural interpretation.

Direct download: 20080914_Grateful_Service.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080907  What a wonderful day to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ! In fact, could there be anything better than gathering together here in this beautiful temple and offering the first few hours of this new week in communal praise of God? No, brothers and sisters, this love that you feel – for one another and for Our Lord – is what we are made for and the thing that perfects us.

Direct download: 20080907_Just_Follow_Me.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080831  Do you want to be healed of your spiritual infirmity?  If you want to be freed from your sins, then you must forgive others. If you refuse to forgive, then you cut yourself off from your brother and, in your lack of love and compassion, you cut yourself off from God and everything good.

Direct download: 20080831_Forgive_or_Die.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080824  Whom do you trust to guide your decisions? St. Paul or Madison Avenue?  I can certainly tell you which one is most influencing the hearts and minds of this community, our neighbors, our families, and our friends! If you want to see where someone’s heart is, look to how they spend their time and how they spend their money.

Direct download: 20080824_StPaul_or_Madison_Avenue.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080817  The main lesson from today’s Gospel [at least for today] is NOT that Christ walked on water – although through this, He demonstrated once again His power over nature – but rather His interaction with Peter and the disciples. For it is not surprising that God can do amazing things – anyone with eyes to see must be struck by His Power and Glory – but that God cares for us as His own children.

Direct download: 20080817_Saved_from_the_Storm.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080810  During these campaign seasons, it is easy to get wrapped up in what the government can or cannot do for us and those whom we love, but we cannot forget the more fundamental truth that the fight to vanquish what really ails the world is not against oppression, or war, or even hunger, but the sin that gives rise to them.

Direct download: 20080810_Feed_the_World.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080803 Today St. Paul is “preaching to the choir”. Have you heard this term? During these Summer months, this term is especially appropriate – so many people are traveling that there have been Sundays when we literally have more folks in the choir loft than down here in the pews. St. Paul knows his audience and their great faith – so he shares a lesson with them that will challenge them where they are; a challenge that is equally appropriate to us here today.

Direct download: 20080803_Preaching_to_the_Choir.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080720  St. Paul wants the God-fearing men of his day to be saved, but he is worried. He says that they have “zeal for God” (which is a good thing), but not according to knowledge (which is a bad thing). He is not talking about people who skip prayers and services, but those have made religion the center of their lives. They have made religion the center of their lives, but, “being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10: 3).

Direct download: 20080720_Culture_and_its_Value.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080713  A homily on the need to rise above our passions and share the "water of life" with a thirsty world.

Direct download: 20080713_pass_the_straws.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080706  There is much anxiety in the world today. Gas prices have gone up, stressing already tight budgets. The locomotive growth of India and China, with the resultant demand for oil suggests that this trend will continue. Money problems in turn put stress on the family, an institution that has suffered from decades of assault – and is now showing serious signs of weakness. The normalization of pre-marital sex, divorce and illegitimacy is a logical – if misguided – attempt by society to find a new equilibrium.

Direct download: 20080706_Lillies_of_the_Field.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080629  This homily was given at All Saints Camp (UOC-USA) in Emlenton, PA, during the middle Sunday of the two-week Church School Camp.

Direct download: 20080629_All_Saints_Ukraine_Camp.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080622  Today we celebrate the “great cloud of witnesses” that surround us, encouraging us to ”run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2).

Direct download: 20080622_All_Saints.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080615  The Holy Spirit is hard to understand – we know and confess that God is “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – One God”. But what is this Holy Spirit?

Direct download: 20080615_Pentecost.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080609  Today, on the Sunday before Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. Like so many things in our Holy Orthodox Faith, the central place given to this – and all the Ecumenical Councils – places us in direct contrast to the world.

Direct download: 20080609_Ecumnical_Council.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Today is the second of a series of podcasts based on a class we teach here at St. Michael’s, called “Our Faith: Orthodox Christianity at St. Michael’s”. This set of classes is designed to explore Orthodox Christianity as it is practiced at St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As such, it will cover the fundamental tenets of our faith as they are lived in our personal lives, our homes, our community, and our parish. The rest of the classes will be published as time permits.

Direct download: 20080603_ABCs_of_Orthodoxy.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080601  A homily on the man born blind, the Sabbath, and spiritual sight.

Direct download: 20080602_Blind_Man.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080521  This is a recording of a class given at St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the topic of marriage.

Direct download: 20080521_Marriage.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

20080518  Do you want to be healed? What is your answer? If you do, then believe in Jesus Christ, repent of your sins, accept his care. But do not stop there - remember that Christ commands the man He healed to “Sin no more;” that is, to change his life. If you do this, blessings will follow in your life and the world around you will be changed.

Direct download: 20080518_Paralytic.mp3
Category:Orthodox Podcast -- posted at: 12:00am EDT