Ancient Faith Presents

John Maddex catches up with IOCC representatives Nicholas Chakos (Development Officer) and Vasi Jankovich (Outreach Coordinator) at the Antiochian Archdiocese convention in Palm Desert to get a glimpse of the work of IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) worldwide.

John talks with Howard Lange about the 2009 Orthodox Conference on Missions and Evangelism being held at Antiochian Village on Labor Day weekend September 4-7.

Our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Gaza are coping with the after-effects of the recent war. IOCC correspondent Chrysanthe Loizos files this report produced by Ancient Faith Radio. Learn how this tiny, embattled community is moving forward with the help of IOCC.

Bobby Maddex interviews Chaplain Patrick Tutella, the executive director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), about OCPM's 2009 Convocation (July 28-30), the purpose of which is to bring together the many Orthodox clergy and laity from throughout North America who are practicing prison ministry or who are interested in practicing prison ministry.

Listen to our interview with Dirk Lackovich-Van Gorp in Jerusalem with International Orthodox Christian Charities and learn about IOCC's work to bring much needed aid to the embattled region of Gaza. Call 1-877-803-4622 if you would like to help.

The traveling AFR microphone was in Minneapolis recently with Fr. Tom Soroka of The Path. He was a guest speaker at St Mary's Cathedral in Minneapolis and while there, interviewed three individuals about an active local prison ministry. The director's name is Paul Hatjistilianos, and the other two volunteers are Sandra Anderson and Rick Wagner.

At the close of the recent All-American Council of the OCA, John caught up with Fr. Steven Voytovich, Chairman of the Deptartment of Institutional Chaplaincy in the OCA as well as a couple of the Department chaplains. Learn about the growing ministry of Orthodox chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices.

John's guest is Fr. Daniel Marshall talking about a new Orthodox book for children called St. Seraphim's Beatitudes available from St. Innocent Press.

Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth from Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, IL.

An interview with Dr. Richard Toensing, composer of a new CD from Cappella Romana which includes 12 NEW Orthodox Christmas carols!

Learn about a new initiative from His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP to start two new women's monsteries in North America. We talk with Project Director Fr. John Anderson.

John interviews Dr. Chrissi Hart, author who wrote of the story of the miraculous events surrounding how the very first icon of the Mother of God, painted by the Evangelist Luke himself, moved from the emperor's palace in Constantinople to a new home on the island of Cyprus. A wonderful book for children published by Conciliar Press. And as a special treat, at the end of the interview, Chrissi reads her book for us! Make sure your children are listening every week to Readings from Under the Grapevine with Chrissi Hart.

International Orthodox Christian Charities has a long history of providing needed assistance in Jerusalem and the West Bank. IOCC correspondent Chrysanthe Loizos files this report produced by Ancient Faith Radio.

Enjoy a conversation between Matthew Gallatin of the Pilgrims from Paradise podcast and Fr. Tom Soroka of The Path as they discuss converts, cradles, monasteries, and living the life of a Christian.

Fr. Eric Tosi is the General Secretary for the Orthodox Church in America and he talks with us about the logistics of the upcoming All-American Council in Pittsburgh November 10-13. Please note, the main hotel is full but an overflow hotel is available if you plan on attending.

On November 10-13, the Orthodox Church in America will convene its 15th All-American Council in Pittsburgh. It is a significant event as a new Metropolitan will be elected. Ancient Faith Radio is honored to be the official media partner for the Council and will be there in November to make the sessions available for those who cannot come. We will also bring you the announcement of the new Metropolitan as well as an interview with him. In a series of interviews leading up to November 10, we will talk with various representatives of the OCA in anticipation of this historic event. In this first interview we talk with Fr. Andrew Jarmus, the Director of Ministries and Communications for the OCA and provide some basic information about the event including the process followed in electing a new Metropolitan.

Learn about a wonderful and free service for choir directors and choir members organized by Fr. Sergius - music director at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary and Monastery. The web site is orthodoxtwopartmusic.org.

Listen to an interview with Bev Cooke about her new book from Conciliar Press: Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania. This is the true story of a princess who later became Mother Alexandra, the founder of the Holy Transfiguration monastery in Ellwood City, PA.

Hear the story of Fr. Samuel Haddad who grew up with Orthodox roots but turned a different direction only to come back to Orthodoxy later in life. It's a fascinating story!

In part two, Archbishop Job shares an archpastoral reflection on 9/11.

At a 9/11 memorial program on Thursday evening, September 11, 2008, OCF Executive Director Fr. Kevin Scherer shared these thoughts. The program was held at St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, IL.

As the conflict between Russia and Georgia intensifies, IOCCis on the scene providing aid to the displaced and refugees. We interview Amal Morcos, Director of Communications at International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Amal Morcos of International Orthodox Christian Charities reports on the work of IOCC in the troubled areas of Lebanon.

Why is Orthodoxy the noted exception when it comes to the declining interest in religion by men? Noted author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green tells us in this hard hitting 45 minute talk.

We talk with Alexander Lingas about this new beautiful 2-CD production from Cappella Romana. Also available from Liturgica.

Fr. Pat Reardon's newest book on Genesis is the topic of our conversation as we explore the beginnings of Salvation history. The book is entitled Creation and the Patriarchal Histories and is published by our sister ministry, Conciliar Press.

Learn about the first response team from IOCC to the flood ravaged areas of the midwest as we talk with Fr. Haralambos (Bob) Fox who is on assignment in Cedar Rapids, IA. To support the IOCC flood relief effort, go to their WEBSITE.

A conversation with Kenneth Kidd from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center about the training OCMC provides on the mission field. You can support this work by going to the OCMC web site.

Learn how you can support Orthodox seminaries as we interview the Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America - Fr. Alexander Garklavs. You can send your gift for this special appeal to: The Orthodox Church in America PO Box 675 Syosset, NY 11791

Howard Lange, secretary of the Missions and Evangelism Department of the Antiochian Archdiocese, interviews Fr. Peter Gillquist on the 30th anniversary of Again Magazine.

Hear from Iraqi refugees living today in Damascus, Syria. In this report produced by Ancient Faith Radio and filed by IOCC Director of Communications Amal Morcos, learn how IOCC is reaching out to them with school tuition, vocational training, and emergency supplies.

The latest volume in Fr. Lawrence Farley’s Orthodox Bible Study Companion Series, Shepherding the Flock: The Pastoral Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle to Timothy and to Titus, combines a fresh, literal translation of the pastoral epistles with verse-by-verse commentary written"for the average layman, for the non-professional who feels a bit intimidated by the presence of copious footnotes, long bibliographies, and all those other things which so enrich the lives of academics" (from the series introduction).

This 52-minute interview with Fr. Luke Veronis will deeply touch your heart. He compiled and edited Lynette's Hope which journals Lynette Hoppe's battle with cancer. Lynette, along with her husband Nathan and their two children, was a missionary with OCMC in Albania. Included in this podcast is the audio from her last public speech given 10 days before she died.

Learn about a book series from Conciliar Press for children teaching them about Christ and the Theotokos in Old Testament stories.

We are saddened by the problems being faced by our Orthodox Church in Alaska. The Church has sent Archbishop Nathaniel and Bishop Tikhon on a fact-finding mission. The clergy in Alaska are invited to meet with these hierarchs but many can't afford the travel. St. Andrew House Center for Orthodox Christian Studies is making funds available for that travel. Our interview is with the Treasurer, Dean Calvert. To donate, go to the St. Andrew House web site.

Learn about Orthodox missions work in the country of Finland!

Shortly after the new complete Orthodox Study Bible came out, Fr. Peter Gillquist, Randy Elliott from Thomas Nelson Publishers and John Maddex from Ancient Faith Radio traveled together to the three major Orthodox seminaries to give complimentary copies to the seminarians. This is the story of that trip. If you haven't ordered your copy of the new Orthodox Study Bible yet, we encourage you to do so today! Click HERE for more information.

Almost three years after the hurricane that devastated the Gulf Coast, families are still living in temporary housing. IOCC and Orthodox volunteers around the country have been building new homes in Louisiana as part of a special program to provide aid to the region. Listen now to one participant as she journeys to America's embattled Gulf Coast as part of an IOCC work team. If you want to be involved, call 1-877-803-IOCC or visit the IOCC website.

Learn about this beautiful new CD recorded in English and available from St. John of San Francisco Monastery

Sunday, March 9, not only marks the beginning of Great Lent but it is also designated as Mission Sunday for 2008. Listen to our interview with Fr. Martin Ritsi and be encouraged by the missionary endeavors of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.

Our guest is Fr. Eric Tosi, Chairman of the Department of Evangelization at the Orthodox Church in America. Learn about the grant program to help establish Orthodox missions in the US.

Want to travel and serve the Church at the same time? Then consider joining one of the many OCMC Mission Teams this summer and serve in places like Alaska, Albania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Romania, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.

Our guest is Fr. Martin Ritsi, Executive Director of OCMC, who recently talked by phone with Archbishop Makarios of Kenya. Learn how you can help our Orthodox brothers and sisters by designating a gift to help provide relief. Information is on their web site or you can send a check to: Orthodox Christian Mission Center Re: Kenya Crisis Collection P.O. Box 4319 St. Augustine, FL 32085-4319

Olivia Morton is a 17-year-old Orthodox teen who gives us a report on her experience in New York with OYO (Orthodox Youth Outreach)

Hear the story of a young Romanian businessman who came back to his Orthodox roots. Meet Silviu Gansca from Chicago.

Listen to the update on IOCC's relief work in Greece with the Development Director of IOCC, Dan Christopulos and staff member Dimitrije Djukic.

An interview with Dr. Nancy Barrow, an MD with a specialty in psychiatry, and a talented vocalist. Nancy has produced her own Christmas CD and does all of the vocals herself! You can purchase the CD here.

Learn about this new and important resource designed to address social and moral concerns in our society from an Orthodox perspective. We talk with Fr. Hans Jacobse about the newly established American Orthodox Institute..

Ninos Oshaana of OrthodoXCircle joins us for an update on the social networking site for Orthodox Christians.

When the Evangelical Orthodox Church came into canonical Orthodoxy 20 years ago, not all parishes were ready. This is the story of one such parish coming along much later in their history. Find out why and what they are up to now.