Hearts and Minds

Fr. John Oliver reminds us that we work out our salvation in the individual particulars of our own lives.

Fr. John Oliver explores the desire to change one's life.

Fr. John Oliver discusses our responsibility to the lonely.

Fr. John Oliver invites us to think about how we would treat others if we had our own little island.

Fr. John Oliver talks about integrity.

Fr. John Oliver explains why we need the "Four S's" to energize our lives.

Fr. John Oliver shares a remarkable story of service to inspire us to joyfully use our gifts in service of others.

Fr. John Oliver deepens our understanding of what is meant by "freedom."

Fr. John Oliver tells the story of the unsung hero of the Apollo 13 mission.

Fr. John Oliver explains how we can repel the Holy Spirit, and how we can become alive in the Holy Spirit instead.

Fr. John Oliver reflects on what makes us truly happy.

Fr. John Oliver wonders what might happen if we were to reach out for vital connection and deep healing.

Fr. John Oliver considers the mystery of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, that is known most fully in the heart.

Fr. John Oliver helps us to understand why life can be so hard, and how to find joy in the midst of the struggle.

Fr. John Oliver helps us to discover where true freedom lies.

Fr. John Oliver considers whether blessings can be found in the midst of the unexpected suffering of mental illness.

Fr. John Oliver asks whether an Orthodox Church can truly welcome all who come no matter their spiritual illness.

Fr. John discusses the teachings of St. Nicodemus on listening to music.

Fr. John notes how Orthodox Christians see things in an iconographic way-- the images are connected to the larger reality they represent.

Using the writings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John discusses how the eye can lead to sin or spiritual peace.

Fr. John discusses why we are enslaved to pleasure, as explained originally by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.

In Part Three of the ongoing series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, Fr. John discusses the five senses and their relationship to the will.

Fr. John continues his series on Society and The Soul, presenting us with St. Nicodemus' vision of man as "a kind of royal palace, built by the superb architectural skill of an omniscient Creator."

With this podcast, Fr. John begins a new series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, a work which examines the five human senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and the role that each one plays in acquiring or losing salvation.

Fr. John discusses the importance of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on December 26.

"There is nothing in this world more glorious, more precious, or more precarious than the human soul." Within the first few hundred years of Christian history, the Roman Empire experienced at least two devastating health epidemics. Fr. John shares with us a powerful example of how the early Christians demonstrated the worth of the soul, as well as a love stronger than fear, as they ministered to those in deep need during these times of great crisis.

"Are we almost there yet?" How many times will that question be asked this holiday weekend? Fr. John explores the passing of time from a Christian perspective as we travel our journey of salvation.

The integrated Christian possesses a pro-life view that sees the environment as life giving and worthy of protection and a pro-environment view that sees the womb as an environment and worthy of protection.

This is part one in a series exploring the connection between abortion and the environment.

In part 2 of his 3 part series, Fr. John explores further the Orthodox worldview that connects all of creation to our relationship with the Creator.

What do these three have in common? Listen as Fr. John reflects on the power and beauty of the Psalter.

Love for God is love for the earth and love for the earth is love for our neighbor.

What would be worth standing in line for if that line was 4 miles long? Fr. John gives us a lesson in perspective and treasure in this week's episode.

When reviled, we bless. When insulted, we forgive - St. Paul

We might think we know exactly what God is and should be but is that not a certainty loaded with risk?

We all have one. But what should it be? Fr. John explores the tapestry of our lives and those intrusions that can interupt the pattern.

Jesus said "the kingdom of God is taken by force" and sometime it feels like a battle to allow ourselves to love one another as God intended.

Traveling down I-75 on his way to a Parish Life Conference, Fr. John reflects on the tradition he is passing on to his children as well as the Great Tradition of the Faith.

Fr. John compares the worldviews of Joni Erickson Tada and Christopher Reeve.

Fr. John gives an instructive comparison of two divergent worldviews.

In his second podcast, Fr. John helps us define a Christian worldview and how it should change the way we process life around us.

In his first podcast, Fr. John reflects on his midnight vigil outside a prison in Tennessee.

Fr. John Oliver journeys through the hate behind Holy Week.

Fr. John Oliver helps us see ourselves through the eyes of the Myrrh-bearing Women.

Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unbelievable news that sends us searching for more.

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 3)

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 2)

Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 1)

Fr. John Oliver helps us to answer the question, "Who am I?", by redirecting us to the I AM.ham

Fr. John Oliver shares a story about a group of demons discussing how best to lead humans astray, the opportunity for repentance through the mercy of God.