Speaking the Truth in Love

In light of the debate in the Roman Catholic Church about divorce and re-marriage, Fr. Tom offers the Orthodox view of this topic as well as an explanation of the fundamental difference in how marriage is viewed in Orthodoxy. We are so happy to have Fr.Tom back recording podcasts. Please continue to pray for him.

Today Fr. Tom speaks about the famous author Anton Chekhov from 19th-century Russia.

One of the most influential and revered figures of 19th-century Orthodox Russia was St. Philaret of Moscow. Fr. Tom also speaks about Leo Tolstoy.

In his continuing series on bishops and Church organization, Fr. Thomas speaks about various clergy figures from that time. He references the book My Life's Journey: The Memories of Metropolitan Evlogy.

Fr. Thomas Hopko takes one last look at the phrase "Relax, God is in Control" and provides information on additional material he has written and spoke about regarding this general topic. Here is the list: Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West by Met. Kallistos Ware And from his Speaking the Truth in Love series: Pain and Suffering The Wrath of God The Wrath of God - Part 2 Anger and Wrath in Human Life On Sadness and Grief in Christian Life Theological Reflections on Calamity Does God Play Favorites? Predestination, Providence, and Prayer Understanding Evil - 9/11 Remembered God and the World Sandy Hook God and Death

For the next few podcasts, Fr. Tom will be looking at the important 19th century in Russian Orthodox history. He recommended several books but in particular these three. The Heart of Russia by Scott M. Kenworthy The Making of Holy Russia by Fr. John Strickland Russian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution by Vera Shevzov

Fr. Tom returns to the subject of his recent episode "God Is In Control. Yes or No?" He responds to the listener feedback and clarifies his thoughts on the subject.

Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.

We hear the phrase "God is in control" and may even use it from time to time when trying to make sense of a difficult situation. Fr. Thomas Hopko evaluates that phrase and challenges us to rethink it.

Fr. Tom takes up his series on the bishops and structure of the Church and moves to the 19th Century fall of the Ottoman Empire.

As many know, Kevin Allen recently announced his retirement from his interview program, Ancient Faith Today. After listening to an interview Ancient Faith Radio did with Kevin announcing his departure, Fr. Tom shares his own thoughts on the state of American Orthodoxy.

During this week as we venerate the cross of Christ, Fr. Tom Hopko shares a sermon by Met. Anthony Bloom on the cross and our sin.

A commonly used word today is "awesome." But, given its meaning today, Fr. Tom asks if it is the appropriate word to use in our Divine Liturgy.

This is part two of Fr. Tom's paper on what Orthodoxy would expect from Rome before communion would be restored.

As promised in his last episode, Fr. Thomas shares with us the paper he wrote in 2005 outlining what the Roman Catholic Church would need to do to unite with the Orthodox. He broke it up into two parts and this is part one.

In light of all of the discussion about the Ecumenical Patriarch meeting with the Pope, Fr. Tom offers some of his experiences with the World Council of Churches.

In this fascinating episode, Fr. Tom talks about the tragic influence of Peter the Great and the further westernization of the Orthodox Church in Russia.

In the next in his series on Church organization and structure, Fr. Tom talks about 17th Century Russia and the influences of Patriarch Nikon and the Old Believer schism.

Fr. Thomas talks about the writings of Archbishop François Fénelon, a Roman Catholic writer from the 17th century. Fr. Tom was particularly taken with Fénelon's spiritual writings surrounding Lent.

As we approach the mid-point of Great Lent, Fr. Tom reflects on the purpose of this season in the Church year.

Fr. Tom talks about what happened in the 17th Century, when Orthodoxy in both Constantinople and Ukraine were influenced by non Orthodox thinking.

In this very helpful theological discourse, Fr. Thomas Hopko states that the trinitarian understanding of God is absolutely essential to the Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas Hopko calls the Reformation one of the most impactful periods of Church history on Orthodoxy. Learn about how the Orthodox were influenced by Roman Catholic and Protestant thinking.

We have just finished the month of January where many of the heroes of the Faith are remembered. One of them is St. Maximus the Confessor who paid a price for resisting bishops and emperors when he thought they were promoting false doctrine. Fr. Tom teaches us what can we learn from this humble and brave saint.

The 16th Century was pivotal for the Orthodox Church in Russia which is during the reign of Ivan the Terrible and also the period when the Russian Church was given autocephaly.

In his Christmas reflection, Fr. Thomas examines what "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men" means and what it doesn't mean.

Fr. Tom talks about the important 15th century in the lands of Rus at the time of the sacking of Constantinople by the Turks.

Fr. Thomas often receives email asking him about the Orthodox view of redemption including the topics of God's wrath, the payment of a ransom, punishment, guilt, and salvation. Listen to this episode but also refer to his Names of Jesus series where many of these themes are addressed.

In this episode, you will learn about the relationship between the Church in the Russian lands and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople in the 14th Century.

From Constantinople we go to the Church in Kiev and Rus from the 10th to the 13th Centuries.

Fr. Thomas comments on the often used phrase "The Slippery Slope" and cautions about the assumptions made when using it.

One of the most significant events in Church history was the fall of Constantinople. Fr. Thomas helps us understand the the years immediately following the fall.

As the series on the structure and organization of the Church continues, Fr. Thomas reflects on the famous Council of Florence and the Orthodox participation and rejection of the Council.

After several months, Fr. Thomas continues this series with a reflection on the 1st half of the 15th century and the further declarations of the Roman Catholic Church.

Fr. Thomas gets down to basics with this episode by saying everything the ancient Christian Church believes about the world, society, nature, sex, humanity, and everything else comes down to its view of God and death.

In this episode, Fr. Tom talks about how we should view the practice of medicine and medication from an Orthodox Christian perspective.

Finally, Fr. Tom looks at the Harlot and Judas depicting two diverse models for the treatment of The Christ.

In the 5th episode, Fr. Tom reflects on the conflicts between Christ and the leaders of the day.

Then we have Joseph and his brothers showing us through this intricate biblical story, the imagery of Christ and His Passion.

Next is the parable of the fig tree and the imagery of leaves and fruit.

In part 2, Fr. Tom reflects on the Bride, the Bridegroom, and the garments. Why was the man with no wedding garment cast out?

In a 6 part reflection, Fr. Tom Hopko examines the first three days of Holy Week and the significance of the scripture and verses as we prepare for Great and Holy Pascha. In this first episode, he gives an overview of the 3 days and the services we will be a part of.

Fr. Tom sees a significant reality at this midpoint of Great Lent after the Sunday of the Cross.

Fr. Tom says the 14th Century situation in Constantinople is critical to understanding the Church today.

After a season of elections, an inauguration, the State of the Union address, as well as social and political unrest, Fr. Thomas Hopko explores an ancient Christian perspective on the rights identified in the Declaration of Independence.

During Great Lent, the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is prescribed in Orthodox Churches. Fr. Tom appeals for the audible use of that prayer for the blessing and edification of all.

As we approach Great Lent, Fr. Thomas has a helpful book to recommend entitled Letters to Spiritual Children by Abbot Nikon.

Following his recent podcast on the virtue as well as the pitfalls of zeal, Fr. Thomas talks about where our zeal should be focused. He uses a 19th century book entitled The Arena by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov to help us understand.

Fr. Tom now turns his attention to the late 12th to early 14th centuries to talk about the Church in Serbia and Bulgaria and their relationship with Constantinople.

After listening to an AFR Commentary by Fr. Lawrence Farley and a sermon by Fr. Andrew Damick, Fr. Thomas offers some additional and personal thoughts on the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. We also encourage you to listen to the comments by Fr. Tom Soroka.