Ancient Faith Today Live

Father Thomas responds to Samuel Farag's continuing series, "Eastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Scripture," in which he calls the Orthodox Christian teachings regarding Mary "Mariolatry." Are Orthodox Christians guilty of idolizing Mary, as he charges?

Social media posts noting the unprecedented number of conversions to Orthodox Christianity are increasing. Far from obscure, marginal voices on YouTube, Protestant thought leaders are speaking out about the trend with alarm. We'll respond to their claims.

God commanded that holy objects be covered, acknowledging their holiness and maintaining the mystery revealed. But if the curtain of the temple was torn in two, why do we Orthodox Christians still use a curtain? Why veil sacred objects? And what about head coverings?

The difference in emphasis between the Hebrew Masoretic text of Isaiah 53 and the Greek Septuagint is significant. Could this be the reason why the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement seems so out of place to Orthodox Christians?

While over 76,000 Canadians used the MAID program (Medical Assistance in Dying) to end their life, Switzerland's Sacro (suicide) Pod is now being designed to hold couples. What is the Orthodox Christian view of medically assisted euthanasia?

The Roman Catholic church's liturgical reforms continue to meet passionate resistance 60 years later. We'll review the state of their reforms to help us distinguish between the natural development of Orthodox liturgical practice and a destructive agenda-driven reform.

Pastor Samuel Farag, a former Coptic Christian, has partnered with American Gospel Films to create a 10-part series, "Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Scripture." Fr Thomas will respond to their episodes against the veneration of icons.

Fr. Thomas responds to an address by Vassa Larin about the term 'Orthodox." Larin claims that misuse of basic terms like "orthodoxy," "church," and "canonicity" are causing distortion of the Faith and require further clarification. What does she mean by "reclaiming" and "clarifying" these terms?

Rhett McLaughlin fueled the the deconstruction movement, destroying people's faith in Christ. Now he says he has the answer to save Christianity.

Pastor Samuel Farag, a former Coptic Christian, has partnered with American Gospel Films to create a 10-part series, "Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Scripture." Fr Thomas will respond to their episodes against the veneration of icons.

Director Yelena Popovic joins us live to discuss her latest film, Moses the Black. Set in the inner-city of Chicago, this major film brings the powerful story of the fourth century's notoriously violent thief turned saintly desert ascetic to a worldwide audience.

Both the Scriptures and the Creed speak of Jesus as being seated at the right hand of the Father. Why is this small, misunderstood phrase so important?

The Church frequently refers to the Holy Fathers, both in the services and in her theology. Why is this contribution of the patristic period so crucial to the Church's life?

Fr. Thomas answers a recent video published by New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman. We'll also have an opportunity to answer your questions on any subject.

When we think of Old Testament prophecy, we usually think of Jesus' fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. But Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, is also prophesied in key portions of the Old Testament.

The nature of heaven and hell according to the Orthodox Tradition.

We'll cover the Roman Papal visit to the Patriarchate of Constantinople and discuss the upcoming Rebooting Ecumenism conference in England by Orthodox scholars.

The growth of Islam in Western countries like the US and UK is rapidly changing the public square. From elected Muslim civic leaders to cities permitting the public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer, is the West's Christian heritage at risk?

Fr. Thomas reviews the recent Vatican document on Mary, which seems to reverse course on some commonly held Roman Catholic teachings.

Fr. Thomas responds to Samuel Farag's continued false claims against Orthodox Christianity regarding authority and his own cited motivations.

Social media has become a common way to promote Christianity, and much of it isn't very good. Fr. Tom responds to some of TikTok's worst takes on Christianity.

500 years after the Protestant Reformation, the doctrine of sola scriptura continues to shackle the mindset of Evangelicals, locking them into distorted doctrines and practices. What is the weakness of sola scriptura, and how does Orthodox Christianity view the Bible?

Thousands of people are becoming Orthodox Christians. It's an amazing journey of discovery and growth. But what happens after we join? Is the journey over?

What is the Orthodox understanding of the Israel of God as presented in the scriptures and taught by the Church? Is it a place? A people? Who is chosen?

Yet another failed prediction of the supposed "rapture of the church" has come and gone. What's the Orthodox Christian teaching on the rapture? What about the great tribulation? The third temple? The millennial reign of Christ? We're talking all things last things!

There is a widespread assertion, even among certain Orthodox Christians, that the so-called traditional or nuclear family is not a Christian concept and is even denounced by Jesus. What's the truth about family according to the Orthodox tradition?

A deeply divided political atmosphere in the US has produced cutting, accusatory rhetoric on both sides. This has increasingly resulted in a violent end. Lex Kohn, author of the new book, "Loving Our Enemies Through Seasons of Bitterness," joins Fr. Tom to discuss.

The rapid development of AI is being hailed by many as mankind's most promising achievement in the modern era. Some have deemed it "The Way" of the future. Has science finally created its god?

Tradition: guardrail or gateway? An important battle for the integrity of the Faith is taking place and at the heart of it is the nature of Tradition. Is Tradition a safeguard or does it give birth to new ideas?

Why do Evangelicals reject Liturgy as dead ritualism? Learn how Orthodox Christianity defends Liturgy as the way in which we join in the cosmic victory of Christ over sin, death, and the Devil.

Pastor Samuel Farag, a former Coptic Christian, is partnering with American Gospel Films to create a 10-part series, "Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Scripture." Fr. Thomas will respond to the first episode, "Is Eastern Orthodoxy Promoting a Different Gospel?"

Orthodox worship and doctrine strongly affirm the one God as a triune God, a trinity of persons. But the understanding of this foundational teaching is often ignored, misunderstood, or even denied among others who claim to be Christian. How can we defend this essential doctrine clearly?

Unitarian Universalists claim to be open-minded in their search for spiritual truth. But can the truth about God be so ambiguous?

The so-called Mainline Protestant churches have experienced a dramatic decline in membership from their former position as the standard-bearers of American religious life. What lessons can Orthodox Christians learn from their plight?

Author and filmmaker Robert John Hammond discusses his latest work, American Orthodox, a visually rich and compelling documentary about spiritual discovery, sacred places, and finding the ancient Christian faith on American soil.

Bro culture has entered the Orthosphere, and their brash self-assuredness is attracting some young men, but critics complain of bullying and chauvinism. How can we all mature in faith and Christian love? Paul Lloyd Robson of Maniphesto joins the conversation.

The recent rise in young people embracing the Orthodox Christian faith has led some to ask why young women aren't entering at the same rate as young men. Is the answer a rising interest in divination and paganism?

On Sunday evening, June 22, 2025, a terrorist at St Elias Orthodox Church in the Dweilaa neighborhood of Damascus killed at least 22 worshippers and injured 63. Why is martyrdom prominent in the life of the church, and what can we learn from it

Fr. Thomas is joined by Joshua Sherman as they respond to objections to the Orthodox Christian faith made by the former Orthodox priest, Joshua Schooping.

Many non-Orthodox churches are appealing to emotion by using charismatic forms and expressions. What's the Orthodox view of things like speaking in tongues, faith healing, and prophetic words of knowledge?

Even with the increased number of people entering the Orthodox Church, some individuals abandon the faith. What are the reasons people consider leaving, and how can we respond?

Orthodox Christianity does not permit the cremation of Orthodox believers. Why is the burning of the bodies of departed Orthodox Christians wrong? Fr. Tom examines this practice from a scriptural and patristic perspective.

Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem claims that he has been sent by God as the Advocate (parakletos) [Holy Spirit?] promised by Jesus. What should Orthodox Christians make of these false claims? Let’s consult the Scriptures and the Fathers.

Are Protestant and Roman Catholic thinkers inching toward Orthodox Christianity? Fr Thomas is joined by special guest, Joshua Sherman, as they address the proposals made in the book, Beyond the Salvation Wars, and the responses to it.