Ancient Faith Today Live

Biblical scholar Fr. Stephen De Young discusses the often misunderstood textual traditions of the Old Testament. Why do the Hebrew and Greek versions differ? Do we have one authoritative OT text as Orthodox Christians?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Lawrence Farley to discuss the place of the Psalms in the life of Orthodox Christians and how we can best understand them.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Jesse Cone, Headmaster of the new Saint Constantine School of Pittsburgh, to talk about the value of philosophy in education, religion, and everyday life

The Orthodox Deaconess – Full Length Interviews On Jan 30, 2024, Ancient Faith Today released an audio documentary entitled The Orthodox Deaconess: Examining the Call for Restoration. In that 1 hour and 45 minute documentary there were 16 diverse voices heard representing Orthodox Christians who were both in favor and opposed to the restoration. In this episode of Ancient Faith Today, you will be able to hear the complete interviews or comments of all 16 individuals. The timestamps below will help you find the ones you are most interested in hearing. As we mentioned in the documentary, our goal was to provide a forum for responsible, respectful discussion that furthers the Ancient Faith Ministries’ mission to educate, edify, and evangelize. While we never intend to present material that is not in line with the teachings of the Orthodox Church, there are topics where the Church does not have a unified stated position. And this is true of this topic. People have conflicting opinions about the history and function of the female diaconate and whether that role should be restored today. In light of that you need to know that we at Ancient Faith do not necessarily endorse the opinions of all the people we interviewed. We do however express our gratitude for their willingness to speak to us. 00:01:42 Metropolitan Saba 00:27:05 Dr. Edith M. Humphrey 01:08:05 Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost 01:38:11 Fr. Stephen De Young 02:41:52 Dr. John Panagiotou 03:16:20 Dr. Valerie Karras 04:42:55 Dr. Jeannie Constantinou 05:30:00 Dr. James Skedros 06:19:00 Fr. Lucas Christensen 07:33:11 Fr. Alexander Lebedeff 07:48:47 Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos 08:37:28 Mother Christophora 08:54:06 Dr. Sarah Byrne-Martelli 09:24:10 Fr. Joseph Lucas 09:49:53 Frederica Mathews-Green 10:06:40 Dr. Mary Ford

⁠The story of the Orthodox Deaconess is largely unknown today. When did they exist, and what was their function? In recent decades, there has been a call for restoring the female diaconate, causing no small debate between Orthodox proponents and opponents.⁠ In the first special edition of Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex take a deep dive into the topic with a full-length audio documentary, which will feature scholarly experts from both sides of the issue and reflect upon the views shared and what we can conclude about the Church’s wisdom on this issue today.

Fr. Thomas is joined by former Methodist pastor Matthew Riley, who shares the story of his family's journey to the Orthodox Church, his own healing from addiction to pornography, and his ministry to encourage those who are seeking wholeness from sexual brokenness.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Alexis Baldwin to discuss the Orthodox Christian understanding of giving and receiving blessings. Using the Scriptures and Patristic sources, they will also comment on a recent, widely publicized statement, which caused uncertainty and confusion.

Josh and Lacey Sturm join us for our first show of 2024 to discuss Lacey's new solo album, "Kenotic Metanoia," their summer reunion with Flyleaf, and their continued witness to the truth of the gospel of Christ.

Author Dr Bradley Nassif joins Fr Thomas to dicuss his recent interview featured in the Evangelical publication, Christianity Today, and his outlook regarding Evangelicalism and Orthodoxy.

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Paul Jannakos as they discuss the goals and challenges of Nativity season and how we can enter the festal period with joy and purpose.

Fr. Paul Hodge, Fr. Paul Wesche, and Fr. William Rettig join Fr. Thomas to discuss a focused effort to evangelize North and South Dakota, which are experiencing unprecedented economic growth. What's involved in presenting Orthodox Christianity in an intentional way?

Fr Lawrence Farley joins Fr Thomas to discuss his new book, "Living Faith: An Orthodox Christian Conversation with Evangelicals" and how we can best present the truth of the Orthodox faith to those who are seeking.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Fr. Michael Oleksa to discuss the recent decision to glorify Matushka (Mother) Olga of Alaska as the first woman Saint of North America. Fr. Nicholas served the Church in Alaska for 32 years and encountered her and her family.

Fr Thomas welcomes representatives of the CrossRoad Institute to discuss their transformative program that helps High School Juniors and Seniors to deepen their Orthodox Christian identity.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) to discuss popular writer and figure, Fr. Seraphim (Rose) of Platina. What were the challenges of his time and how can we benefit from his writings today?

Fr Thomas welcomes Fr Paul Jannakos to discuss the issue of emotions and how they can help or hinder our spiritual life.

Fr Thomas discusses the history of the modern ecumenical movement and its decline with Frs Basil Biberdorf and Edward Henderson.

Fr. Thomas meets with the previous and new cohorts of the Orthodox Volunteer Corps to talk about their experiences, plans, and expectations.

Fr Thomas speaks with Fr Daniel Daly about his new book, "The Choice of Orthodoxy: The Church - One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic." They discuss his own spiritual journey and his experience in bringing people to the truth of the Orthodox Faith.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Brett Parshall, CEO of Techneosis, to discuss the increasing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives and our response as Orthodox Christians.

Fr Thomas speaks with evangelist, pastor, and author Fr Jon Braun about his Christian life, his entrance into the Orthodox Church, and his extensive and impactful ministry.

Fr. Thomas is joined by author Andrew Williams to discuss his new book, From Object to Icon: The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World.

Fr. Thomas is joined by three former Jesus Movement followers who eventually became Orthodox priests.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Paul Jannakos to share the latter's reflections on the Orthodox Church in Romania.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Protodeacon Patrick Mitchell to discuss the history of the ancient role of deaconess and to respond to the current movement to ordain women to the diaconate.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Alex Nicolozakes, MD, to discuss the moral decline in American medical practice from an Orthodox Christian perspective.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Justin Havens to discuss the fruitful work in bringing the Orthodox Christian Faith to LDS-heavy Utah County, the home of Brigham Young University.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Dr. Edith M. Humphrey to discuss the question: if Christ and the Holy Spirit make God immediate to us, why do we ask prayers of each other and of the Saints?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Jonathan Bannon as they discuss how to welcome the spiritually hungry with the truth and love of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Herman Garrison about the rising interest in transgenderism and Orthodox Christianity's response regarding human nature and sexuality.

Fr Thomas talks with former Pentecostal, Fr Jeremy McKemy, about life in the Holy Spirit as Orthodox Christians and how we should view the modern charismatic movement.

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Photius Avant about the Orthodox Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit and why we do not accept the Western teaching of the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son.

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Jonathan Ivanoff to discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article chronicling the significant movement of conversions to the Orthodox Faith in America.

Fr Thomas talks with author Robin Phillips about his new book, Rediscovering the Goodness of Creation: A Manual for Recovering Gnostics, along with Dr Phillip Cary. How is Gnosticism deeply embedded within heterodox Christian thought and practice?

Fr Thomas speaks with Fr Alexander Koranda about integrating deeply into the Church.

Fr. Thomas brings Raymond Vincent back to discuss his recent video, "Out of Darkness," about his conversion to Orthodoxy.

Fr. Thomas speaks with composer, Kurt Sander, about the impact Orthodox Christian music is making in the world of music and about his own compositions for the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak of the Polish Orthodox Church to talk about Orthodox Youth throughout the world. How do Orthodox young people, especially in Europe, relate to each other during times of strife and war?

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. David Wooten about deepening our faith in Christ through the season of Great Lent.

Fr Thomas talks with Fr Stephen Freeman about his new book, Face to Face: Knowing God Beyond Our Shame. What is the role of shame in our life and culture? How do we deal with shame in a Christian manner?

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Evangelos Pepps to talk about mission work. The Orthodox Church is still tiny in America. How can we share the faith effectively and establish more Orthodox missions?

Fr. Thomas speaks with scholar and author, Fr. Steven Bigham, about the veneration of icons in early Christianity. What is the evidence for iconography and the honor shown to their subjects?

Rock musicians Josh and Lacey Sturm join Fr Tom to talk about music, family, being faithful to Christ, and staying grounded in the Orthodox Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas welcomes John Heitzenrater, Headmaster of Chrysostom Academy in Eastern Pennsylvania. Can classical education protect our children from the educational, cultural, and moral decline ailing our society?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Justin Patterson as they discuss the Orthodox position on the sanctity of life. Why are we adamant that abortion is wrong? And what about other moral issues regarding human life?

Fr. Thomas is joined by author and scholar Dr, Stephen Bullivant to dicuss his new book, Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America. What accounts for the trend in American society of people leaving religious belief entirely, and what can be done about it, if anything?

Fr Thomas welcomes Fr John Wehling to talk about the Baptism of Christ. What is the difference between Theophany and Epiphany? And why do we bless water on this feast day? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show on Tuesday, January 10 at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT at 1-855-AF-RADIO

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin to discuss their recent pilgrimage to Lithuania, their new AFR documentary, and the place of pilgrimage in the life of Orthodox Christians. What is the history of making pilgrimages and why are they still important to us? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show.

Fr. Thomas talks with Stephen Lloyd-Moffett, author of the book, Beauty for Ashes, an inspiring chronicle of the spiritual transformation of an entire town in Greece. Once riddled with scandal, it became one of the most spiritually vibrant areas of Greece. What is the power of transformation for us and for our church communities?

Fr. John Parker of St. Tikhon's Seminary joins Fr. Thomas to discuss the issue of who teaches the Orthodox Faith. Is everyone with a webcam a reliable teacher? Who can you trust? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO!