Ancient Faith Today Live

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.

The Resurrection of Christ is the central doctrine of the Christian faith. What happens if you get it wrong?

Fr. Tom offers a reflection on the Pope's recent passing, and on the office of the papacy from an Orthodox perspective.

What happened on the cross, and after Jesus died on the cross? What do we know about the period of time between the crucifixion and the resurrection? Fr. Tom will discuss these questions in preparation for Holy Week.

Some Protestants say that the offering of sacrifices ceased at the cross. Others say that Jesus is sacrificed again and again. What's the truth about the Eucharist and sacrifice?

A recent essay suggested that the evolution to English as the prevailing Liturgical language in Orthodox parishes in America, "intentionally or accidentally, contributed to xenophobia" in the United States. What's the Orthodox tradition when it comes to liturgical language?

March 18 marks the 10th anniversary of the falling asleep of Fr Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir's Seminary, author of numerous books, and popular speaker and podcaster. Join us as we look at the legacy of one of America's most impactful Orthodox teachers.

What's the truth about Penal Substitutionary Atonement according to the Scriptures and expounded by the Fathers?

The "He Gets Us" campaign is a billion dollar ad blitz, presenting Jesus as a palatable everyman who is nice, very nice. Is that a problem?

Our pets are beloved household companions. What does Orthodox Christianity teach about animals and the Kingdom of God?

How did the idea of gender transitioning become so commonplace in our time, and what is the Orthodox Church's teaching on gender? Fr. Tom takes on this topic of much discussion this week.

Is the Orthodox Church too permissive when it comes to divorce and remarriage?

In the advent of Kat Von D's move towards Orthodoxy, alternative rock vocalist, Lacey Sturm, discusses the surprising movement to Traditional Christianity for a growing number of non-traditional performing artists and personalities.

We remember the life of one of the most influential Orthodox leaders of the 20th century, +Archbishop Anastasios. Through his unwavering zeal for Orthodox missions, he was a profound example of faithfulness and love for the entire world. Missionary Nathan Hoppe joins Fr. Tom as a guest. Memory Eternal!

Americans are noticing growing interest in Orthodoxy, but not everyone is happy about it. Protestant online apologists are saying that Orthodoxy doesn't fit Western culture and people are just attracted to the Church's aesthetics.

The idea that liturgical worship is foreign to the early church isn't a new claim. However, a new series of videos claim that early Christians gathered to meet, but not to worship.

Orthodox Christians pray to the Saints to ask their intercession before God. Some dismiss the practice as communicating with the dead. What's the truth from the Scriptures and Tradition?

This Orthodox Moment: Timely Trend or Fleeting Fad? • Parishes around the United States are seeing an unprecedented number of inquirers and converts. The secular press is noting the movement and the online apologists of various religions are fighting back. What's really going on here and where is all this headed?

Maintaining Christian unity has been a problem since the time of the Apostles. Moreso, in the modem age, traditional Christianity is decried as intolerant. What's the truth about Orthodoxy?

The American holiday of Thanksgiving is upon us. What things are you thankful to God for? Share your thoughts with us!

Some are concerned about an American movement called Christian Nationalism. How should we react to it as Orthodox Christians?

What are the ethical and religious issues around technologies that medically enhance fertility and pregnancy?

Election Day Special! • Should Orthodox Christians be concerned with politics? Where is the dividing line between politics and religion?

Abortion is one of the most divisive issues in America. Are there ever situations where an abortion is acceptable from an Orthodox Christian standpoint? Share your perspective in the live chat on YouTube.

NEW AIRING TIME • Oklahoma is the latest American state which has mandated teaching the Bible as part of the public school curriculum. Before 1962, most American public schools regularly taught and supported religious education. Is this a good idea?

NEW AIRING TIME • Last week's show examined the current trend of Gen Z women abandoning religious adherence at a greater rate than previous generations. We'll continue to look at the role of conflicting worldviews and the widening gap between young women and young men.

Statistical studies show that Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) has a growing gender divide, especially in religious adherence. While young men are becoming more religious, young women are less so. What's causing this and what can be done about it, if anything?

NEW AIRING TIME • In our pluralistic society, the idea of an exclusive religious truth is difficult for people to accept. Even some Orthodox and Roman Catholic leaders have, at times, asserted that the diversity of religions is willed by God. Do all religions lead to the one God?

Ancient Faith Today Live - Important Conversations About Topics That Matter To Orthodox Christians Calling all Questions for AFTL Open Talk tonight! Text 412-206-5012 send an email to [email protected], or comment in the live chat to talk with Fr. Tom on the hot topics of the day

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Stavros Akrotirianakis, author of the new book, "Blessed is the Kingdom: Reflections on the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom," helping us to understand appreciate the eucharistic mystery.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Daniel Hinshaw, author of Journey to Simplicity: The Life and Wisdom of Archimandrite Roman Braga, who suffered persecution for Christ in communist Romania.

Fr Thomas is joined by author and advocate, Katie Breckenridge, to talk about the tragic downstream impact on familes and children of easy access to abortion, surrogacy, IVF, and other reproductive technogies eroding the traditional family structure.

Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex will dive into the topic of Universalism and speak with Orthodox panelists who fall into one of three categories: Confident Universalists, Hopeful Universalists, and those who say Universalism was condemned as a heresy. We read in Scripture that God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). But we also read that It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There are those who claim that, since Christ died for all, we can be assured that all will indeed be saved and not face eternal condemnation. This is called “universalism” or “apocatastasis.” Was this teaching condemned by the Church? Who among the Church Fathers embraced universal salvation?

We're opening the phone lines and reading your comments live on a variety of recent topics important to you, including deaconesses, Orthodox unity, and other hot topics! Join us live! Topics of discussion : 1) Deaconesses 2) Orthodoxy Unity

OCMC's longest serving missionary, Nathan Hoppe, joins Fr Thomas to talk about his life bringing the Orthodox Christian Faith to Muslims and atheists in Albania.

Matthew Riley joins Fr Thomas to talk about the importance of parents having hard conversations with children and how to do it with compassion, concern, and love.

Dr Cyril Jenkins joins Fr Thomas to discuss the erroneous Evangelical biblical views which lead to theological and eschatological heresies.

Orthodox priest, Fr John Souza, shares his journey as a former Reformed pastor to the fullness of the truth in the Orthodox Church. He'll also answer objections often posed by Protestant apologists.