Ancient Faith Today Live

Authors and speakers Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh and Dr. Roxanne Louh join Fr Thomas to talk about the seven statements of our Lord Jesus Christ from the cross. These last words of Christ offer hope to all who seek healing in the darkest moments of life.

Two Natures: Examining Chalcedon and Communion What specifically separates us theologically from the Oriental Orthodox Churches? Are there reasons to hope that we are closer to these believers than we thought? What efforts have been made to better understand each other in recent decades?

How can Orthodox Christians address compulsive sexual behaviors in their lives and the lives of their family members? Fr. Kosta Petrogeorge is a certified Sexual Addiction and Trauma therapist and will answer your questions live. Text questions to 412-206-5012 anytime.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Dr. Zachary Porcu to discuss how one can turn from having a secular worldview to a sacramental worldview, embracing reality as it truly is. Journey to Reality, Dr. Porcu's book on this topic, just released last Tuesday!

Biblical scholar Fr. Stephen De Young discusses the often misunderstood textual traditions of the Old Testament. Why do the Hebrew and Greek versions differ? Do we have one authoritative OT text as Orthodox Christians?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Lawrence Farley to discuss the place of the Psalms in the life of Orthodox Christians and how we can best understand them.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Jesse Cone, Headmaster of the new Saint Constantine School of Pittsburgh, to talk about the value of philosophy in education, religion, and everyday life

⁠The story of the Orthodox Deaconess is largely unknown today. When did they exist, and what was their function? In recent decades, there has been a call for restoring the female diaconate, causing no small debate between Orthodox proponents and opponents.⁠ In the first special edition of Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex take a deep dive into the topic with a full-length audio documentary, which will feature scholarly experts from both sides of the issue and reflect upon the views shared and what we can conclude about the Church’s wisdom on this issue today.

The Orthodox Deaconess – Full Length Interviews On Jan 30, 2024, Ancient Faith Today released an audio documentary entitled The Orthodox Deaconess: Examining the Call for Restoration. In that 1 hour and 45 minute documentary there were 16 diverse voices heard representing Orthodox Christians who were both in favor and opposed to the restoration. In this episode of Ancient Faith Today, you will be able to hear the complete interviews or comments of all 16 individuals. The timestamps below will help you find the ones you are most interested in hearing. As we mentioned in the documentary, our goal was to provide a forum for responsible, respectful discussion that furthers the Ancient Faith Ministries’ mission to educate, edify, and evangelize. While we never intend to present material that is not in line with the teachings of the Orthodox Church, there are topics where the Church does not have a unified stated position. And this is true of this topic. People have conflicting opinions about the history and function of the female diaconate and whether that role should be restored today. In light of that you need to know that we at Ancient Faith do not necessarily endorse the opinions of all the people we interviewed. We do however express our gratitude for their willingness to speak to us. 00:01:42 Metropolitan Saba 00:27:05 Dr. Edith M. Humphrey 01:08:05 Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost 01:38:11 Fr. Stephen De Young 02:41:52 Dr. John Panagiotou 03:16:20 Dr. Valerie Karras 04:42:55 Dr. Jeannie Constantinou 05:30:00 Dr. James Skedros 06:19:00 Fr. Lucas Christensen 07:33:11 Fr. Alexander Lebedeff 07:48:47 Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos 08:37:28 Mother Christophora 08:54:06 Dr. Sarah Byrne-Martelli 09:24:10 Fr. Joseph Lucas 09:49:53 Frederica Mathews-Green 10:06:40 Dr. Mary Ford

Fr. Thomas is joined by former Methodist pastor Matthew Riley, who shares the story of his family's journey to the Orthodox Church, his own healing from addiction to pornography, and his ministry to encourage those who are seeking wholeness from sexual brokenness.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Alexis Baldwin to discuss the Orthodox Christian understanding of giving and receiving blessings. Using the Scriptures and Patristic sources, they will also comment on a recent, widely publicized statement, which caused uncertainty and confusion.

Josh and Lacey Sturm join us for our first show of 2024 to discuss Lacey's new solo album, "Kenotic Metanoia," their summer reunion with Flyleaf, and their continued witness to the truth of the gospel of Christ.

Author Dr Bradley Nassif joins Fr Thomas to dicuss his recent interview featured in the Evangelical publication, Christianity Today, and his outlook regarding Evangelicalism and Orthodoxy.

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Paul Jannakos as they discuss the goals and challenges of Nativity season and how we can enter the festal period with joy and purpose.

Fr. Paul Hodge, Fr. Paul Wesche, and Fr. William Rettig join Fr. Thomas to discuss a focused effort to evangelize North and South Dakota, which are experiencing unprecedented economic growth. What's involved in presenting Orthodox Christianity in an intentional way?

Fr Lawrence Farley joins Fr Thomas to discuss his new book, "Living Faith: An Orthodox Christian Conversation with Evangelicals" and how we can best present the truth of the Orthodox faith to those who are seeking.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Fr. Michael Oleksa to discuss the recent decision to glorify Matushka (Mother) Olga of Alaska as the first woman Saint of North America. Fr. Nicholas served the Church in Alaska for 32 years and encountered her and her family.

Fr Thomas welcomes representatives of the CrossRoad Institute to discuss their transformative program that helps High School Juniors and Seniors to deepen their Orthodox Christian identity.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) to discuss popular writer and figure, Fr. Seraphim (Rose) of Platina. What were the challenges of his time and how can we benefit from his writings today?

Fr Thomas welcomes Fr Paul Jannakos to discuss the issue of emotions and how they can help or hinder our spiritual life.

Fr Thomas discusses the history of the modern ecumenical movement and its decline with Frs Basil Biberdorf and Edward Henderson.

Fr. Thomas meets with the previous and new cohorts of the Orthodox Volunteer Corps to talk about their experiences, plans, and expectations.

Fr Thomas speaks with Fr Daniel Daly about his new book, "The Choice of Orthodoxy: The Church - One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic." They discuss his own spiritual journey and his experience in bringing people to the truth of the Orthodox Faith.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Brett Parshall, CEO of Techneosis, to discuss the increasing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives and our response as Orthodox Christians.

Fr Thomas speaks with evangelist, pastor, and author Fr Jon Braun about his Christian life, his entrance into the Orthodox Church, and his extensive and impactful ministry.

Fr. Thomas is joined by author Andrew Williams to discuss his new book, From Object to Icon: The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World.

Fr. Thomas is joined by three former Jesus Movement followers who eventually became Orthodox priests.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Paul Jannakos to share the latter's reflections on the Orthodox Church in Romania.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Protodeacon Patrick Mitchell to discuss the history of the ancient role of deaconess and to respond to the current movement to ordain women to the diaconate.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Alex Nicolozakes, MD, to discuss the moral decline in American medical practice from an Orthodox Christian perspective.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Justin Havens to discuss the fruitful work in bringing the Orthodox Christian Faith to LDS-heavy Utah County, the home of Brigham Young University.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Dr. Edith M. Humphrey to discuss the question: if Christ and the Holy Spirit make God immediate to us, why do we ask prayers of each other and of the Saints?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Jonathan Bannon as they discuss how to welcome the spiritually hungry with the truth and love of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Herman Garrison about the rising interest in transgenderism and Orthodox Christianity's response regarding human nature and sexuality.

Fr Thomas talks with former Pentecostal, Fr Jeremy McKemy, about life in the Holy Spirit as Orthodox Christians and how we should view the modern charismatic movement.

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Photius Avant about the Orthodox Christian doctrine of the Holy Spirit and why we do not accept the Western teaching of the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son.

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Jonathan Ivanoff to discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article chronicling the significant movement of conversions to the Orthodox Faith in America.

Fr Thomas talks with author Robin Phillips about his new book, Rediscovering the Goodness of Creation: A Manual for Recovering Gnostics, along with Dr Phillip Cary. How is Gnosticism deeply embedded within heterodox Christian thought and practice?

Fr Thomas speaks with Fr Alexander Koranda about integrating deeply into the Church.

Fr. Thomas brings Raymond Vincent back to discuss his recent video, "Out of Darkness," about his conversion to Orthodoxy.

Fr. Thomas speaks with composer, Kurt Sander, about the impact Orthodox Christian music is making in the world of music and about his own compositions for the Divine Liturgy.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak of the Polish Orthodox Church to talk about Orthodox Youth throughout the world. How do Orthodox young people, especially in Europe, relate to each other during times of strife and war?

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. David Wooten about deepening our faith in Christ through the season of Great Lent.

Fr Thomas talks with Fr Stephen Freeman about his new book, Face to Face: Knowing God Beyond Our Shame. What is the role of shame in our life and culture? How do we deal with shame in a Christian manner?

Fr. Thomas speaks with scholar and author, Fr. Steven Bigham, about the veneration of icons in early Christianity. What is the evidence for iconography and the honor shown to their subjects?

Fr Thomas is joined by Fr Evangelos Pepps to talk about mission work. The Orthodox Church is still tiny in America. How can we share the faith effectively and establish more Orthodox missions?

Rock musicians Josh and Lacey Sturm join Fr Tom to talk about music, family, being faithful to Christ, and staying grounded in the Orthodox Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas welcomes John Heitzenrater, Headmaster of Chrysostom Academy in Eastern Pennsylvania. Can classical education protect our children from the educational, cultural, and moral decline ailing our society?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Justin Patterson as they discuss the Orthodox position on the sanctity of life. Why are we adamant that abortion is wrong? And what about other moral issues regarding human life?

Fr. Thomas is joined by author and scholar Dr, Stephen Bullivant to dicuss his new book, Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America. What accounts for the trend in American society of people leaving religious belief entirely, and what can be done about it, if anything?

Fr Thomas welcomes Fr John Wehling to talk about the Baptism of Christ. What is the difference between Theophany and Epiphany? And why do we bless water on this feast day? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show on Tuesday, January 10 at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT at 1-855-AF-RADIO

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin to discuss their recent pilgrimage to Lithuania, their new AFR documentary, and the place of pilgrimage in the life of Orthodox Christians. What is the history of making pilgrimages and why are they still important to us? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show.

Fr. Thomas talks with Stephen Lloyd-Moffett, author of the book, Beauty for Ashes, an inspiring chronicle of the spiritual transformation of an entire town in Greece. Once riddled with scandal, it became one of the most spiritually vibrant areas of Greece. What is the power of transformation for us and for our church communities?

Fr. John Parker of St. Tikhon's Seminary joins Fr. Thomas to discuss the issue of who teaches the Orthodox Faith. Is everyone with a webcam a reliable teacher? Who can you trust? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO!

Fr. Thomas welcomes author Georgia Briggs to discuss her latest novel, The Fullness of Joy, and her previous powerful work, Icon. What motivates her stories that feature deep encounters with Truth and Love and that reach far beyond their intended audience? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO!

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr Andrew Geleris to talk about his new book, Money and Salvation. What is the scriptural and patristic teaching about financial giving and why are some Orthodox Christians and clergy so hesitant to openly discuss this important topic? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO

On Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Thomas meets with the inaugural cohort of the Orthodox Volunteer Corps live from their communal home in Pittsburgh. How is it going so far? What is their work like? Are they growing in the Faith? Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO

On Ancient Faith Today, Fr. Thomas speaks with award-winning Orthodox Christian author-illustrator Vesper Stamper to discuss her presentation of the biblical story of Cain and Abel to a contemporary audience in her compelling new book, Berliners. Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO!

On Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Thomas welcomes Biblical Scholar, Dr Edith Humphrey, as they discuss the Orthodox Christian understanding of male and female for the inaugural episode of a new occasional series, According to the Scriptures. Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Paul Jannakos as they discuss the Orthodox Christian path to acquiring God-pleasing virtues.

This week on Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Thomas welcomes iconographer and teacher, Raymond Vincent, as they discuss the biblical arguments for icons and their veneration. Text your comments and questions anytime to 412-206-5012 or give us a call during the live show at 1-855-AF-RADIO

Fr Thomas welcomes Fr Evan Armatas, author of "Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Roadmap to Parish Health," as they discuss how Orthodox parishes can fulfill their true purpose to thrive and grow.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Stephen De Young, author of the book and podcast, "The Whole Counsel of God," as they discuss biblical knowledge among Orthodox Christians. How can we encourage and increase knowledge of the deep well of Orthodox scriptural content and tradition?

Fr. Thomas welcomes special guest, His Grace Bishop Alexei of Alaska, to discuss the history and contemporary life of Orthodoxy in Alaska. What are the gifts that the Alaskan Church has given to the world and what are the challenges of being an Orthodox Christian in the vast Alaskan landscape?

Fr. Thomas speaks with Dr. Ioana Popa, MD, about the problem of caregiver burnout. How does one deal with fulfilling the extensive demands of those in need without falling into physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion?

Fr. Thomas welcomes licensed clinical social worker Susan Zacharia-Sanders to discuss helping those who struggle with suicidal thoughts and supporting families affected by it.

Fr Thomas welcomes special guest, His Grace Bishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, as they discuss the history and role of the bishop in the Church. Why are bishops necessary and what do they do?

Fr Thomas welcomes political philosopher, Dr Kevin Vallier, to discuss the erosion of trust in institutions and among people in today's society. Is the decline inevitable or avoidable?

Fr. Thomas speaks with Deacon Theodore Saclarides, who is an accomplished surgeon with decades of experience. What are the spiritual dimensions of making life and death decisions as a surgeon? How does faith inform the work of medical healing and treatment?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Michael Butler to discuss the recent surge of young men inquiring into the Orthodox Christian faith. What's behind this recent interest, and how can we respond appropriately?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Amy Scheuring, Executive Director of Women's Choice Network, to discuss the implications of the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. What work remains to be done? How do we respond to those who claim that women's rights are being eroded?

Fr. Thomas speaks with former Evangelicals who "deconstructed" their faith in God, taking long and circuitous paths to Orthodox Christianity.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Paul Jannakos to talk about the sacrament of Confession. What is the purpose of Confession? Do we have to confess to a priest? How can we prepare properly to make our confession meaningful?

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Jeremy Davis, author of the new book Welcoming Gifts, to discuss the meaning of sacrifice in the Bible, the purpose of Christ's sacrifice, and what the sacrifice means for us today.

Fr. Thomas speaks with Presbytera Maria Koulianos, Principal of the St. Raphael School, an online classical academy that provides supportive services to Orthodox homeschooling families. What has caused the rapid rise of homeschooling, and how can students receive an effective classical education at home?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Alexander Cadman and Joe Kormos, co-chairs of the online Parish Development Forum on June 17, to discuss strengthening Orthodox Christian parishes and how to connect personal talents and gifts with effective ministry opportunities.

Fr. Tom welcomes Dr. Bradley Nassif, author of The Evangelical Theology of the Orthodox Church, to discuss how we can nourish the proclamation of the Gospel in our parishes and how to share the Gospel according to the Tradition of the Church

What are the common questions from inquirers and objections from detractors about the Orthodox understanding of the Virgin Mary? Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Michael Carney and Brendan Murphy to discuss and clarify these important doctrines.

Is there biblical and patristic precedent for "traditional family values," or is the phrase just a political talking point? What does family mean according to Orthodox Christianity? Fr. Tom is joined by author and commentator Fr. Lawrence Farley as they discuss this important topic

Fr. Thomas is joined by Phillip Stoffregen, who left his position as a Reformed pastor to embrace Orthodox Christianity, as they discuss Calvinism and Reformed Theology. How can Orthodox Christians effectively answer the five points of Calvinism? Is Orthodox Christianity biblical?

Fr. Thomas welcomes New Testament scholar Dr. Edith M Humphrey to discuss the Apocalypse in the Orthodox tradition. How do we interpret the book of Revelation and other scriptural apocalyptic writings? How do we understand the end of all things as Orthodox Christians? Due to technical issues this is a 20 min partial recording.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Justin and Matushka Tamara Patterson to talk about the challenges of catechizing new Orthodox Christians. How do we move beyond teaching mere doctrine to create an Orthodox worldview and a lasting faith?

Fr Thomas welcomes licensed therapist, Fr Paul Jannakos, to talk about Orthodox Christianity and the treatment of mental health. Is there anything good about modern psychotherapeutic methods?

Fr Thomas speaks with catechumens who are in the process of converting to the Orthodox Faith. What brought them to Orthodoxy? How is the process going? What has been most difficult about the journey? What can we learn from their stories?

On a special Thursday daytime edition of Ancient Faith Today, Fr. Thomas speaks with Yelena Popovic, director of Man of God, the movie about St. Nektarios of Aegina which will be playing in theaters across the United States on Monday, March 21, 2022

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Seraphim Solof to discuss the relationship between the Church and the Old Testament. How do we understand the Ten Commandments and the Law? How can we answer those who are attracted to the burgeoning Hebrew Roots Movement?

Historian Fr. John Strickland, author of the Paradise and Utopia series of books, returns to continue his conversation with Fr. Thomas about the cultural aspects of the Great Schism and how Orthodox Christianity understands the West and its churches

Historian Fr John Strickland, author of the "Paradise and Utopia" series of books and podcast, joins Fr Thomas to speak about the cultural aspects of the Great Schism and how Orthodox Christianity understands the West and its churches.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Alexander Rentel, Assistant Professor of Canon Law at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, to discuss the way converts are received into the Orthodox Church. What does ancient Church history teach us and how does it inform our current practices? Why are there varying practices within the Orthodox Church?

Fr. Thomas interviews Zachary Wingerd and Brad Hoff, authors of the new book Syria Crucified: Stories of Modern Martyrdom in an Ancient Christian Land as they discuss the plight of Syrian Christians in their war-torn homeland.

Priest and Licensed Counselor Fr. Paul Jannakos returns to Ancient Faith Today Live to speak with Fr. Tom about marriages in crisis and how, from an Orthodox Christian standpoint, couples can find healing and salvation in their relationship.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. John Dresko, President of the Orthodox Church Capital Improvement Fund (OCCIF), to speak about the Orthodox understanding of our financial resources and how we can become good stewards of the gifts God has given us

Fr Thomas speaks with Youth Directors Fr David Subu and Danielle Geeza about how to engage youth in the Church through meaningful relationships and experiences in order to grow their faithfulness in Christ

Fr. Thomas speaks with several former members of the Jehovah's Witnesses about their journey to the Orthodox Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Kyra Limberakis and Michael Sider-Rose of the Orthodox Volunteer Corps which immerses young adults in a one-year program of service, formation, community, and church. The burgeoning OVC will provide a transformative experience to form Orthodox Christian young adult leaders.

Fr. Thomas broadcasts live from the joint meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America in Cleveland, OH, to discuss with the participants how the Church, bishops, clergy, and laity work together to make decisions and chart a path forward together in council.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. John Mark Reynolds of the St. Constantine School in Houston, TX, and Bishop Thomas (Joseph) Ed.D. as they discuss the growing interest in Classical Education for Orthodox Christian students and the vision for the St. Constantine School to expand to other cities across the United States.

Biblical scholar and author Dr. Edith Humphrey joins Fr. Tom as they discuss the role of imagination in the formation of faith. In the great tradition of myth, writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have planted seeds of faith in millions of readers through fiction based in revelation. Dr. Humphrey introduces her new book Beyond the White Fence written for tweens and teens to encounter great heroes of the Faith

Fr. Thomas welcomes the authors and illustrator of the new 101 Orthodox Saints published by Ancient Faith.