Speaking the Truth in Love

There are radical differences in John's baptism, the baptism that Jesus' disciples were doing before Jesus was crucified, and the baptism that came afterward. Fr. Tom helps us understand how our baptism is a baptism with fire.

Father Thomas Hopko remembers the last days of Fr. Alexander Schmemann on the 25th anniversary of his falling asleep in our Lord Jesus Christ. May his memory be eternal.

Fr. Tom expounds on one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament.

Fr. Tom spoke at the 40th Anniversary of the consecration of the chapel at the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA, on September 27, 2008. In this lecture he reflects on 40 years of Orthodoxy in North America.

Fr. Thomas concludes his series by reflecting on what it means to be a Christian in America today.

Fr. Hopko outlines how the Church fared in the 20th century in lands that were not traditionally Orthodox.

Fr. Tom looks at the Church in the 20th century, especially in Communist countries.

Fr. Tom discusses how the Orthodox Church fared in Russia before the revolution.

Fr. Thomas examines the four centuries of Muslim rule over Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Fr. Tom examines the fifth through fifteenth centuries.

Fr. Tom looks at the Roman-Byzantine empire of the fourth century.

What does it mean to be a Christian and to live in this world? To answer that question, Fr. Tom examines the ancient New Testament Church.

With the meaning of life no longer explored on our college campuses, Fr. Thomas reflects on a piece he wrote on that subject 18 years ago. (Click here to purchase Education's End, which Fr. Tom recommends in the podcast and Click here to purchase a used copy of the Life book which includes Fr. Tom's essay.)

Fr. Thomas recreates the homily from earlier in the month on Christ's parable of forgiveness by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/**/ of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Ottawa. (If you e-mail Fr. Maxym, please note the Canadian spelling of "saviour" and the ".ca" domain extension.)

Fr. Tom reflects on why there is sickness, suffering, and death in our world.

Fr. Tom reflects on our spiritual labors while sitting in his office on Labor Day.

Fr. Thomas examines the life of the prominent Russian Orthodox dissident, writer and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who passed away just last month (Click here to order the "Solzhenitsyn Reader" recommended by Fr. Tom).

Fr. Thomas relates the story of the icon not made by hand which is celebrated each August after the Dormition of the Theotokos. Could it actually be the shroud of Turin?

Fr. Tom couldn't let the Church Year end without looking back on the inspiring feasts during its last month, August.

Fr. Thomas concludes his three-part lecture on teaching doctrine given in June 2008 at the Met. Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa.

We continue with part two of Fr. Thomas' three-part lecture on teaching doctrine given in June 2008 at the Met. Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa.

Ancient Faith Radio is proud to present a three-part lecture on teaching doctrine by Fr. Thomas given in June 2008 at the Met. Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa.

Father Thomas reveals how icons are painted and the proper procedure for placing them in the church building.

Fr. Tom takes a close look at the psalmody of the Church and its use in Orthodox worship.

Fr. Thomas examines how we ask the Mother of God and saints to pray on our behalf, and the misunderstood prayer for them to "save" us.

As an epilogue to his series on the language of God, Fr. Tom explains these technical, theological terms used by the Church.

In the final part of his series, Fr. Tom reflects on the metaphors and similes for God.

This time, Fr. Thomas speaks of the Activities and Actions of God.

Fr. Tom continues his discussion, this time focusing on the Divine Attributes of God.

Fr. Thomas begins a four-part series on naming God and the language and words we use in the process.

Fr. Thomas explains the two ways the Holy Trinity are depicted in icons.

Fr. Thomas examines the Holy Trinity, which leads to the answer to Christ's question, "Who do you say I am?"

With the Apostles' Fast at hand, Fr. Thomas reflects on the practice and rules for fasting.

Fr. Thomas shows how we are all called to be Saints and examines the many different kinds of Saints.

The day after Pentecost is the Feast of the Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Church and Fr. Thomas uses it to examine more closely the "Spirit who proceeds from the Father."

Fr. Thomas looks at the roots of Pentecost-- the coming of the Spirit-- in Old Testament worship.

Fr. Thomas takes a closer look at the seventh Sunday of Pascha - the Sunday between Ascension and Pentecost.

What does this miracle of Christ tell us about the blind man, about God, about Jesus and ultimately, about us?

Fr. Thomas outlines a hypothetical commencement address he would give to graduates of all faiths and beliefs, then blesses us with his actual address last year to the graduates of St. Vladimir's.

Comparing the two sources for readings during the Paschal season-- the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John.

Fr. Thomas enumerates the seven great messianic signs of Jesus in St. John's Gospel, focusing on the healing of the paralytic at Bethesda.

Fr. Thomas examines who the myrrh-bearing women were and clears up some misconceptions about Mary Magdalene in the process.

Fr. Thomas uses the Paschal icon as an opportunity to clear up some misconceptions about Sheol/Hades and Gehenna/Hell.

Fr. Thomas examines the Mystery of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and how it led to the re-creation of the world.

The week before Pascha begins with the Bridegroom Matins. Christ is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride, joined in perfect unity through His crucifixion.

Fr. Thomas takes a closer look at the "Celebration of the Kingship of Christ."

Fr. Thomas explores the ultimate Messianic sign from the Gospel of St. John.

In this last week of Great Lent, Father Thomas connects the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with Christ's raising from the dead of the actual Lazarus.

Fr. Thomas contrasts the story of the fallen, then raised Mary of Alexandria with that of another Mary - the Theotokos.

Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the services for the 5th week of Great Lent and their final emphasis on penitence and repentance.