Light Through the Past

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins looks at the sad and unedifying episode of St. John Chrysostom's interaction with St. Epiphanius, a confrontation that occurred almost as a prelude to the Synod of the Oak, and left both our fathers in God embittered.

This week we dive further into the life of St. John Chrysostom and Dr. Jenkins at last gets to the events that precipitated St. John's banishment from Constantinople. This episode we look at the controversy surrounding the "tall" brothers.

This week we continue looking at St. John as Bishop of Constantinople. In this episode Dr. Jenkins looks at St. John's relationship with the wandering Bishop and orator, Severian of Gabala and its implications for the disaster of the Synod of the Oak. Dr. Jenkins also begins discussing the background of the coming storm involving Theophilus of Antioch.

This week Dr. Jenkins continues his study of St. John Chrysostom looking at the tumultuous years of 399-400 and the terror to the imperial throne that was the Goth general Genais, and how it seemed on St. John was able to deal with him.

In this episode Dr. Jenkins discusses Constantinople and its environment, and St. John and his uneasy relationship with the imperial city.

This episode Dr. Jenkins takes a break from St. John Chrysostom to reflect upon one of his Graduate Advisors, the Byzantine historian, Prof. Papadakis. Prof. Papadakis as a humble but brilliant teacher set Dr. Jenkins feet firmly on the path to Orthodoxy and his pursuit of the Church.

A riot in Antioch at the beginning of Lent, 387, set the whole city in a panic over the impending imperial judgment. At this time St. John Chrysostom preached a series of sermons that would place him to the fore in the mind of key imperial officials, and set the stage for his eventual elevation as the bishop of Constantinople.

This week Dr. Jenkins continues his look at our father among the saint, John Chrysostom. Dr. Jenkins specifically looks at St. John's first year as priest, and the themes of his sermons, which was the main duty that fell to him as the priest of the Golden Church in Antioch.

This episode Dr. Jenkins reviews some of the key texts from St. John's years as a deacon. Though different in subject matter and purpose, these texts still carry some common themes and give us information about St. John's life as a deacon, and introduce us to themes that shall be part of his life as priest and bishop.

This episode Dr. Jenkins covers the harrowing years of St. John's life when he left Antioch for the life of a monastic upon the expulsion of his bishop, Meletios, from Antioch. He would return upon the restoration of Meletios in 378. St. John's ordination to the diaconate in 381 was followed by the repose of his beloved bishop about a month later.

This week Dr. Jenkins turns east to begin what will be several episodes on the life and ministry of St. John Chrysostom, beginning with his early life, his conversion to the faith, and the start of his vision for what the life of the Christian entailed. Last week to register for doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 For St. John's short work comparing a king to a monk, see http://tinyurl.com/kingandmonk.

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues to look at our Father among the Saints, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. This week, working off of last week's episode on St. Athanasius and St. Hilary of Poitiers, Dr. Jenkins looks at St. Ambrose's relationship with the Emperor Theodosius, and how St. Ambrose's view of the kingdom as a sacramental reality worked itself out. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 See luxchirsti.wordpress.com for text for the last few episodes.

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues to look at our Father among the Saints, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. This week, working off of last week's episode on St. Ambrose on the Sacraments, we look at how the sacramental theology of St. Ambrose's predecessors as bishops, Saints Athanasius and Hilary, framed their responses to the interference of the Empire in the life of the Church. This sets the stage for next week's episode on St. Ambrose and Theodosius the Great. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 See luxchirsti.wordpress.com for text for the last few episodes.

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues to look at our Father among the Saints, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. This week we take a look at the basis of St. Ambrose's sacramental theology, what it entailed, and most of all, what it means for the life of the faithful. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 See luxchirsti.wordpress.com for text for the last few episodes.

This Episode we return again to St. Ambrose, this week looking at his defense of Nicaea, but also of the freedom of the Church from the interference of imperial power, a major issue in his life and thought, which we will see as well with regard to the emperor Theodosius. Episode info and the texts can be found at Lux Christi. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023

This Episode we return again to St. Ambrose, this week looking at his defense of Nicaea, and major issue in his life and thought. Episode info and the texts can be found at Lux Christi. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023

This episode Dr. Jenkins looks at St. Ambrose and the Church's confrontation with paganism, particularly over the removal of the Statue of Victory in Rome. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 For today's quoted texts: https://wordpress.com/post/luxchristi.wordpress.com/1196

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues looking at the Trinitarian controversy by exploring the respective views of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory the Theologian on the Holy Spirit. For information on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 For today's quoted texts: https://wordpress.com/post/luxchristi.wordpress.com/1196

This episode Dr. Jenkins looks at the 2nd Ecumenical Council, how it happened, the role of the emperor, and why St. Gregory the Theologian wasn't exactly all that happy with it. Info on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Info on Rule of Faith: https://tinyurl.com/RuleofFaith

This episode Dr. Jenkins answers questions on what we can and cannot "learn" from history, what happens when people attempt to use history against the Faith, and where does Tradition enter into our minds as we defend the Faith once given to the saints. Info on Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Info on Rule of Faith: https://tinyurl.com/RuleofFaith

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues looking at both the question of the Trinity and the life and thought of St. Basil the Great, one of the most celebrated of the early Church fathers. Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Orthodoxy & Ed conference: tinyurl.com/OrthodoxEDU

Dr. Jenkins looks this week at the life and ministry of St. Basil the Great, and the intellectual and theological uncertainty that was his world, and why we should think of our father among the saints indeed as great. For upcoming events regarding the St. Basil Society, see the following: Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Orthodoxy & Ed conference: tinyurl.com/OrthodoxEDU Florovsky Campaign: tinyurl.com/DonateFlorovsky

This episode, Dr. Jenkins finishes his discussion of Apollinarius by looking at St. Gregory's Antihereticus. For upcoming events regarding the St. Basil Society, see the following: Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Orthodoxy & Ed conference: tinyurl.com/OrthodoxEDU Florovsky Campaign: tinyurl.com/DonateFlorovsky

In this episode Dr. Jenkins continues his investigation of Apollinarianism by looking first at the life of St Gregory of Nyssa, and then at St. Gregory's Letter to Theophilus of Apollonaris. For the content of the letter: luxchristi.wordpress.com. Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Orthodoxy & Ed conference: tinyurl.com/OrthodoxEDU Florovsky Campaign: tinyurl.com/DonateFlorovsky

The week Dr. Jenkins Continues with the Apollinarian controversy, looking at three letters by St. Gregory the Theologian. The letters will be posted to luxchristi.wordpress.com. Doxamoot: tinyurl.com/doxamoot2023 Orthodoxy & Ed conference: tinyurl.com/OrthodoxEDU Florovsky Campaign: tinyurl.com/DonateFlorovsky

Dr. Jenkins in this episode examines the life of one of the great saints of the Church in St. Gregory the Theologian, whose defense of the Faith against Apollinarianism (to be discussed next week) proved crucial. The Vicissitudes of his life are this episodes subject. Details on Doxamoot can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2ajczyna On Orthodoxy & Education here: https://tinyurl.com/3u6nvxph And the Florovsky fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/2ncjupea

Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of Apollinaris, the heretic often sandwiched between Arius and Nestorius, but whose error was not too different than theirs. Information on the St. Basil Fundraiser for publishing Fr. Florovsky's works can be found here: https://www.givesendgo.com/G9XBA?sharemsg=display. And Doxamoot tickets are here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-of-the-darkness-one-great-thing-to-love-doxamoot-2023-tickets-602985244097

This week Dr. Jenkins begins a discussion of the heresy of Apollinarianism, a heresy touching the question what does it mean that the Word became Flesh. Far more than just an ancient error, it has champions even today. Information on this episode can be found at luxchristi.wordpress.com, and information on Doxamoot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-of-the-darkness-one-great-thing-to-love-doxamoot-2023-tickets-602985244097?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

This episode Dr. Jenkins takes a look at the Life of St. Mary of Egypt with regard to reordering our thoughts and desires, with some side thoughts on The Way of the Pilgrim. As always, notes on this episode can be found at luxchristi.wordpress.com, and information on Doxamoot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-of-the-darkness-one-great-thing-to-love-doxamoot-2023-tickets-602985244097.

This episode Dr. Jenkins examines how the Church at the time of the Arian controversy saw itself in relation to the state, and addressed the matter of the emperor's place in the Church. Notes for this episode can be found at luxchristi.wordpress.com. Info on Doxamoot can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-of-the-darkness-one-great-thing-to-love-doxamoot-2023-tickets-602985244097?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

This week Dr. Jenkins looks at St. Athanasius's Life of Antony, and at St. Antony the Great himself. As always, show notes can be found at luxchristi.wordpress.com. The Florovsky Fundraiser is at https://www.givesendgo.com/G9XBA?sharemsg=display.

This episode Dr. Jenkins concludes his look at the life and thought of St. Athanasius, his final years in Alexandria, and his contribution to the growing controversies over what it meant that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The show notes to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. The preserving Fr. Florovsky fundraiser can be found at https://www.givesendgo.com/G9XBA?sharemsg=display. For St. Gregory’s Oration on St. Athanasius: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310221.htm For St. Athanasius’ letters: To Epictetus, https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2806059.htm. And to Adelphius: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2806060.htm

This episode Dr. Jenkins continues his look at the life and thought of St. Athanasius, his return to Alexandria after his exile in Rome, the councils held (on both sides) to address (and aggravate) the controversy, and the breakthrough of the Council at Alexandria in 362. The show notes to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. The preserving Fr. Florovsky fundraiser can be found at https://www.givesendgo.com/G9XBA?sharemsg=display. Information on the Summer Scholars Program on Tolkien is at https://templeton.eastern.edu/academics/summer-scholars-program.

In this episode Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of St. Athanasius, looking at his time of exile in Rome, the councils held (on both sides) to address (and aggravate) the controversy, and the issues involved that come into sharper focus in these years. The show notes to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/. Dr. Jenkins recent interviews with Fr. Reardon and the Cialinis can both be found at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/pathacademy”

In this episode Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of St. Athanasius, treating the initial struggles with the Arianist Eusebian party, and his first two exiles from Alexandria. The show notes to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/. Dr. Jenkins recent interviews with Fr. Reardon and the Cialinis can both be found at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/pathacademy.

This episode Dr. Jenkins begins our look at one of the Church's most memorable and important saints, one remembered at the Intercessions during Matins, St. Athanasios. Dr. Jenkins begins with some introductory thoughts on recent (and some not-so-recent) studies of St. Athanasios, and situates him the fourth-century Roman world whose middle years he dominated. Show notes can be found at luxchristi.wordpress.com. More information of the Summer Scholar Program on Tolkien with Dr. Jenkins and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick can be found at https://templeton.eastern.edu/academics/summer-scholars-program.

“In this episode Dr. Jenkins begins year two of Light Through the Past by taking in a broad view of the decades of the fourth century that comprise the Arian controversy. The show notes to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/, and Dr. Jenkins recent presentation on the Troubadours at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF6MWkVC7DI”

In this episode Dr. Jenkins takes an in-depth look at Saint Constantine the Great. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In this episode Dr. Jenkins continues to weigh in on the Council of Nicaea and the Nicaean Crisis, what occurred at the Council, who were some of the chief players, and what was the immediate implications of the Council’s acts. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In this episode Dr. Jenkins weighs in on the Council of Nicaea and the Nicaean Crisis, what were the events that lead up to it, and who were some of the chief players. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/

This week Dr. Jenkins replies to emails from listeners.

In this episode Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of the origin of the Trinitarian controversy and addresses exactly what it was the Arius believed, and gives some thoughts on why the Church in righteous and just horror recoiled from the nice, rational religion. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In today's episode Dr. Jenkins at last gets to the Nicene controversy, and begins by discussing how recent historians of theology have framed the questions that surround this tumultuous time, beginning with John Henry Newman's 1833 book (later revised) The Arians os the Fourth Century. The books referenced and links to them on Amazon, along with show notes, can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins concludes his detour from the Trinitarian controversy to tackle the questions and problems surrounding the so-called conversion of St. Constantine. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins continues his detour from the Trinitarian controversy to address further the Great Persecution and the Conversion of St. Constantine. Specifically this episode, we look at the question of what exactly was the Church, these Christians, that St. Constantine would attach himself to? The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins continues his circuitous and long detour from the Trinitarian controversy to address matters pertaining to the Great Persecution, the third of several episodes on this topic. While the persecution begins in AD 303, the great persecution was not empire wide, nor was its ferocity evenly distributed, but it was clearly marked by two periods. We shall treat the first period today. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

“In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins continues his detour from the Trinitarian controversy to address matters pertaining to the Great Persecution, the second of several episodes on this topic. While the persecution begins in AD 303, events and confrontations happened before it that clearly signaled its approach, and this week we look at the story of the Martyrdom of the Theban Legion. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.”

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins takes a detour from the Trinitarian controversy to address matters pertaining to the Great Persecution, an event that demands several episodes in and of itself; but which is also a necessary precursor to the Arian controversy and the Council of Nicaea. While the persecution begins in AD 303, events and confrontations happened before it that clearly signaled its approach. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/.

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of Trinitarian thought prior to the Council of Nicaea, and this week investigating St. Dionysius of Alexandria and the controversy with his namesake in Rome, Pope St. Dionysius. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can find the most recent issue of Rule of Faith and subscribe at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/

In today’s episode Dr. Jenkins continues his discussion of Trinitarian thought prior to the Council of Nicaea, focusing on the Schismatic Novatian, who, before he entered into schism, had written a treatise on the Holy Trinity. The show notes and the texts quoted and alluded to in this episode can be found at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/. You can check out Rule of Faith at https://stbasilcotc.org/journal/. You can order through donation Patterns for Life at https://patternsforlife.org/ (click on the Donate link under 'Buy Now')