Ancient Faith Today Live

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Alexander Rentel, Assistant Professor of Canon Law at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, to discuss the way converts are received into the Orthodox Church. What does ancient Church history teach us and how does it inform our current practices? Why are there varying practices within the Orthodox Church?

Fr. Thomas interviews Zachary Wingerd and Brad Hoff, authors of the new book Syria Crucified: Stories of Modern Martyrdom in an Ancient Christian Land as they discuss the plight of Syrian Christians in their war-torn homeland.

Priest and Licensed Counselor Fr. Paul Jannakos returns to Ancient Faith Today Live to speak with Fr. Tom about marriages in crisis and how, from an Orthodox Christian standpoint, couples can find healing and salvation in their relationship.

Fr Thomas speaks with Youth Directors Fr David Subu and Danielle Geeza about how to engage youth in the Church through meaningful relationships and experiences in order to grow their faithfulness in Christ

Fr. Thomas speaks with several former members of the Jehovah's Witnesses about their journey to the Orthodox Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Kyra Limberakis and Michael Sider-Rose of the Orthodox Volunteer Corps which immerses young adults in a one-year program of service, formation, community, and church. The burgeoning OVC will provide a transformative experience to form Orthodox Christian young adult leaders.

Fr. Thomas broadcasts live from the joint meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America in Cleveland, OH, to discuss with the participants how the Church, bishops, clergy, and laity work together to make decisions and chart a path forward together in council.

Fr. Tom Soroka speaks with Fr. Justin Havens, priest at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, about his amazing ministry to members of the LDS community.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. John Mark Reynolds of the St. Constantine School in Houston, TX, and Bishop Thomas (Joseph) Ed.D. as they discuss the growing interest in Classical Education for Orthodox Christian students and the vision for the St. Constantine School to expand to other cities across the United States.

Biblical scholar and author Dr. Edith Humphrey joins Fr. Tom as they discuss the role of imagination in the formation of faith. In the great tradition of myth, writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have planted seeds of faith in millions of readers through fiction based in revelation. Dr. Humphrey introduces her new book Beyond the White Fence written for tweens and teens to encounter great heroes of the Faith

Fr. Thomas welcomes the authors and illustrator of the new 101 Orthodox Saints published by Ancient Faith.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Demetrios Harper, PhD, to discuss maintaining unity and truth in the Body of Christ during the divisive era of COVID. What are the theological, moral, and practical considerations for Orthodox clergy and laity as we continue to navigate a path forward?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Vladimir Morosan as they discuss the impact of the recently departed Fr. Sergei Glagolev, a prominent church musician and composer of Orthodox music. They will examine his pastoral and musical ministry, and play excerpts of his hymns which are outstanding examples of the living tradition of Orthodox music in our time.

Fr. Thomas speaks with scholar, author, and historian Dr. Russell Martin about the relationship between the Orthodox Church and monarchy. How did the church relate to the state under the sovereign rule of a monarch? What were the political and religious ramifications? How can Orthodox Christians in modern democracies understand this important part of our history?

Fr. Thomas interviews Dr. Cassandra Oehler, MD, an infectious disease specialist and an Orthodox Christian, about the coronavirus and the new vaccines aimed at eliminating it.

Fr Michael Carney joins Fr Thomas to discuss his recent pilgrimage to Ireland. Fr Michael walked in the places of the earliest Irish saints who were important Christian witnesses in the undivided Church. During the show Fr. Michael graciously offered a tri-fold printout of St. Patrick's Breastplate. If you would like it you may email him at villagepriest at gmail.com.

Fr. Thomas speaks with Sarah Brangwynne and Sasha Rose Oxford to discuss their new book, A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul During Baby's First Forty Days, and how these crucial days after giving birth can become a time of refreshment, holiness, and growth.

Author and blogger Melissa Elizabeth Naasko joins Fr Thomas to talk about the Orthodox Christian practice of fasting and feasting. Why do we fast so much and how can we embrace the Orthodox way of eating with our busy lives?

Mission priest and media expert Fr. John Peck joins Fr. Thomas as they talk about the unprecedented number of seekers and conversions to the Orthodox Christian faith during the recent pandemic and how parishes can prepare themselves for the next wave of converts.

Fr. Thomas broadcasts live from the OCA's Diaconal Vocations Program Practicum in Santa Rosa, CA, to speak with program leaders and participants about serving God in the Church. Are you discerning a vocation to serve?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Gregory Hogg and Fr. Basil Biberdorf as they discuss their journey to Orthodox Christianity and answer objections to Orthodoxy by Lutheran apologists.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, talks with Fr. Thomas about the towering work and enduring legacy of liturgical theologian Fr. Alexander Schmemann, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Philip Mamalakis, President of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, to talk about the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and the Medical Arts. How should Orthodox Christians approach modern medicine? How can Orthodox Christian medical professionals best serve Christ and humanity?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Simeon B. Johnson of Alaska as they discuss what we can learn from the work of St. Herman and the first Orthodox missionaries to North America.

Fr. Thomas speaks with Nicholas Petrogeorge and Fr. John Brown of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry about the imperative ministry of healing and reconciliation for prisoners, and how the fullness of the Orthodox Faith can bring hope to the incarcerated.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Aleksander Wasyluk of orthphoto.net to talk about capturing the beauty of Orthodoxy with photography. He will also highlight the 2021 OrthoPhoto Awards competition which will judge outstanding photographs in various categories including the recent COVID crisis. Details at awards.orthphoto.net

Fr. Tom is joined by Dr David Ford of St Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary as they discuss the sacrament of marriage and how a husband and wife can seek holiness in the bond of matrimony.

Fr. Thomas is joined by priest and licensed counselor Fr. Paul Jannakos as they discuss the sad struggle that afflicts people of every walk of life and how they can carry the cross of mental illness with patience and dignity.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Hieromonk Herman (Majkrzak) of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery as they discuss entering into the fullness of the Paschal Mystery through the incredible beauty of Orthodox worship.

Fr Thomas is honored to welcome His Excellency Charles J. Chaput, Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia. They will discuss His Excellency's latest book, Things Worthy Dying For: Thoughts on a Life Worth Living. In it, Archbishop Chaput writes about the most important questions of life: why are we here and how can we live and die meaningfully? He reflects on our modern appetite for consumption and individualism and offers a penetrating analysis of how we got here, and how we can look to our roots and our faith to find purpose each day amid the noise of competing desires.

Fr. Thomas talks with Professor of Sytematic Theology Dr. Peter Bouteneff about the Orthodox understanding of redemption and the message of the cross of Christ.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Daniel Lattier as they respond to the growing number of videos from Roman Catholic apologists on the internet challenging the Orthodox Faith.

Fr. Tom Soroka welcomes Professor Dr. David Bradshaw to discuss the teaching of St. Gregory Palamas. How are we to understand the difference between the essence and energy of God. What is uncreated grace? Listen for a clear and down to earth explanation.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Paul Jannakos, a professional counselor and Orthodox priest, as they discuss the disturbing rise of anxiety and suicides during the pandemic, especially among teenagers. What solutions does Orthodox spirituality provide to help calm us?

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Michael Carney as they discuss the purpose of the Great Lenten season and how to make the most of our Lenten journey.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Peter Paproski to talk about the history of the Divine Liturgy and why it is the central act of worship and thanksgiving for Orthodox Christians.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Joseph Lucas as they talk about the spiritual warfare that every Christian is called to undertake through the spiritual disciplines. Books mentioned on the show: Unseen Warfare Prayer in the Unseen Warfare Victory in the Unseen Warfare Virtue in the Unseen Warfare

We are in a world of cyber threats, hacking, and security breaches on our personal information. What can be done? Fr. Tom Soroka welcomes a Cyber Forensic Specialist to the show.

Fr Tom speaks with Deacon Luke Loboda about expanding parish ministries through the role of the Deacon.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Kevin Kallsen, commentator and Publisher of Anglican Ink, to talk about the state of the Anglican communion.

Dr. John Burgess, a scholar of the Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian Orthodox Church, joins Fr. Tom to discuss the lessons we can learn today from dissidents who speak against authoritarian regimes.

Accomplished iconographer Vladimir Grygorenko talks with Fr. Tom about the use and development of iconography in the Orthodox Church.

Fr. Thomas discusses Orthodoxy's role in addressing the rapid social and political changes in society with commentator and pastor Fr. Daniel Greeson.

Fr. Thomas welcomes special guest Archbishop Melchisedek (OCA) as they discuss defending the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. They also examine the growing number of groups who say they accept Jesus as Messiah but reject the Trinity.

Fr. Tom talks with history professor Dr. William Tighe about common myths surrounding the celebration of the birth of Christ.

What do Orthodox Christians believe about Mary and what role does Mary play in salvation history? Author Fr. Stephen Freeman joins Fr. Tom Soroka as they discuss "The Ark of God: Mary and the Christian Faith."

Fr. Thomas discusses ways to keep youth engaged in the Church and growing in Christ with his guests Catherine Golitzin, Fr Alexander Koranda, and Fr Jonathan Lincoln.

How can we train our children in the Orthodox Christian faith? Fr. Tom welcomes author and teacher Fr. Michael Shanbour to talk about effectively catechizing children to form them in Christ.

Fr. Tom Soroka is joined by Chris Vlahonasios for a conversation about the world of Orthodox filmmaking.

What does it mean to "think Orthodox"? What are the unspoken and unexplored premises and presumptions underlying what Christians believe? Fr. Tom welcomes biblical scholar Dr. Jeannie Constantinou to talk about her new book Thinking Orthodox: Understanding and Acquiring the Orthodox Christian Mind.