May 6, 2015 Length: On the Third Sunday of Pascha we are called to remember the healing of the Paralytic 38 years sick. Jesus asks him a question and confronts him with a command: "Do you WANT to be healed?" and "Take up your pallet and walk." The power of desire and obedience challenges us [...]
May 3, 2015 Length: The Sunday of the Myrrhbearers shows us some courageous women who, even when faced with an impossible task (who will roll the stone away) nevertheless kept on going to minister to the Lord. But even when they were confronted with the empty tomb and the news of the Lord's resurrection, they [...]
January 13, 2015 Length: 31:20 One of the most influential and revered figures of 19th-century Orthodox Russia was St. Philaret of Moscow. Fr. Tom also speaks about Leo Tolstoy.
December 16, 2014 Length: 36:05 In his continuing series on bishops and Church organization, Fr. Thomas speaks about various clergy figures from that time. He references the book My Life's Journey: The Memories of Metropolitan Evlogy. Play now
Transcript Dear friends and auditors of Ancient Faith Radio, especially those of you who have been listening to this very controversial podcast, which I never thought would be so controversial when I criticized the expression “Relax, God is in control”— when I criticized the “relax” part and the “God being in control” part. The word [...]
October 29, 2014 Length: 41:25 For the next few podcasts, Fr. Tom will be looking at the important 19th century in Russian Orthodox history. He recommended several books but in particular these three.The Heart of Russia by Scott M. KenworthyThe Making of Holy Russia by Fr. John StricklandRussian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution by [...]
October 23, 2014 Length: 40:31 Fr. Tom returns to the subject of his recent episode "God Is In Control. Yes or No?" He responds to the listener feedback and clarifies his thoughts on the subject.
October 16, 2014 Length: 35:44 Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.
October 6, 2014 Length: 37:52 We hear the phrase "God is in control" and may even use it from time to time when trying to make sense of a difficult situation. Fr. Thomas Hopko evaluates that phrase and challenges us to rethink it.
Transcript We continue now our reflections on bishops and church structural organization in Orthodox Church history. I want to deal today with the 19th century, and particularly today with the Orthodox Churches in the Ottoman Empire, because this century witnessed the decomposition of the Ottoman Empire, and ultimately its total demise that would be coming [...]