Frederica Here and Now

Frederica reads "On the Ascension" by St. Romanos the Melodist.

Fredrica interviews Polly Hillier, the Director of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, about the story behind the shrine.

Frederica defends the character of St. Thomas, whom we commemorate on the Sunday after Pascha.

On this encore presentation of "Frederica Here and Now," Frederica introduces us to a beautiful "precedent dispute"—an argument in song—between the cherub who guards paradise and the good thief.

Frederica continues her reading from St. Romanos the Melodist as we approach Holy Week. Today the gripping and sobering narrative on the one who betrayed Jesus. See her earlier episode for information about the source.

As we approach Holy Week, you won't want to miss this powerful reading by Frederica of the Lamentation of the Theotokos written by St. Romanos the Melodist and translated by Fr. Ephrem Lash. It was taken from the book On the Life of Christ: Kontakia, published in 1994.

On Fridays during Great Lent, it is the tradition of the Church to sing a hymn to the Theotokos known as the Akathist. These beautiful words were penned by St. Romanos the Melodist, and today Frederica reads her own translation of this inspiring hymn taken from her book, Lost Gospel of Mary.

Having received much feedback on her November 9, 2011, episode, Frederica reflects again on the subject of gay rights.

Frederica recounts her recent dream about waiting to learn the basis on which God will judge human beings.

Frederica addresses miracles, sharing a few that she herself has experienced, and then concludes with a song on the topic by her son David.

Frederica interviews Dn. Mark and Mat. Elizabeth Barna, authors of A Christian Ending: A Handbook for Burial in the Ancient Christian Tradition, published by Divine Ascent Press.

Frederica discusses the fiction book Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives, written by the neuroscientist David Eagleman, as well as the non-fiction book A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.

Frederica interviews her musician son David Mathewes about music composition, as well as his new CD titled Magnolia.

Frederica examines a statement by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales about reinstating the Friday fast.

Frederica recommends the book Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo.

Frederica discusses the subject of same-sex attraction, explaining that whether or not it's genetic is beside the point.

Frederica questions the wisdom of giving to the poor without asking any questions.

Frederica examines the relatively recent phenomenon of men and women expecting their best friends to be their spouses.

Frederica reviews the film Higher Ground, directed by and starring Vera Farmiga.

Frederica reads an essay she wrote for Beliefnet.com in 2006.

Will September 11, 2001, become just another date that children have to memorize? If so, does it really matter?

Frederica uses the recorded comments of a Buddhist monk to examine the similarities and differences between Orthodox and Buddhist beliefs, particularly as they relate to anger and forgiveness.

Frederica interviews her son, the newly ordained Fr. Steve Mathewes, about the process of writing homilies.

Frederica reviews the final Harry Potter movie—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two.

Frederica reviews the film Larry Crowne, written by, directed by, produced by, and starring Tom Hanks.

Frederica speaks at the annual "Donors' Dinner" for St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto about the power of beauty in worship and the Divine Liturgy.

Frederica explains to the leader of a week-long Protestant retreat why she would not want to speak at the event again.

Frederica explains the true role that Christ's death and resurrection play in our salvation.

In this podcast, Frederica is interviewed at Bryan College about cultural issues, liturgical worship, and her faith.

Frederica speaks on Orthodox worship at Southern Methodist College in Spartanburg, SC.

Frederica urges us to focus on the truly important aspects of our Orthodox Faith, rather than getting distracted by politics, scandals, or gossip.

On this encore presentation of Frederica Here and Now, Frederica Mathewes-Green reads from St. Romanos the Melodist about the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

Frederica speaks on the abortion issue at the Festival of Orthodox Christianity, hosted by North Texas Orthodox Missions in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Frederica speaks to students of OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

Frederica discusses the difference between forgiveness and enabling.

Frederica interviews Tim Mehok of Saints Peter & Paul OCA Church in Lorain, Ohio. Tim is a catechumen and is blind. He talks with Frederica about what Orthodox churches could do to make their worship, parish life, and websites more accessible to the visually impaired.

Frederica discusses the life and work of St. Nina and explains the special connection her parish has with this early Christian saint.

Frederica shares the findings of some recent articles on scientific objectivity, including one which indicates that scientific test results don't always replicate consistently.

Frederica shares an email exchange regarding the Orthodox view of Scripture.

Frederica discusses a possible trend in film of wrapping a conservative message in vulgar jokes and nudity. As examples, she looks to the movies Love, Actually; Knocked Up; and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Frederica shares with us the special prayer entitled "Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children."

Frederica reads from three homilies of Fr. George Calciu. The book, Fr. George Calciu: Interviews, Homilies and Talks, is currently available through Saint Herman Press.

Frederica interviews Fr. Hans Jacobse about a formal debate he had with atheist Matthew Dillahunty regarding morality. She also shares a recipe for vegan pancakes!

Frederica reads the children's book Yellow and Pink by William Steig.

Frederica and her husband Fr. Gregory discuss the pilgrimage they will be making to Russia in July of 2011—a trip that you can take with them via Orthodox Tours.

Frederica discusses the Protevangelion.

A reading of the "Lost Gospel of Mary" (Frederica's name for it), from her book of that title. The scholarly name is "the Protevangelion of James" (or "protevangelium" in Latin). It is a timely story for Nativity Fast because it covers the Virgin's life from her conception through the birth of Christ and the slaughter of the innocents.

Frederica shares her thoughts on Kristin Lavransdatter, a novel by Norwegian author and Nobel Laureate Sigrid Undset.

Frederica shares her perspective on the legalization of gay marriage.

Frederica shares an email she received which triggered thoughts on the important relationship between community and economy.