Frederica reflects on an article on the tragedy in Haiti that she just recently read in the Weekly Standard and then comments on the questions of some listeners about her Avatar review.

Listen Now:

Frederica reviews the James Cameron film Avatar, arguing that it is not the pantheism but the predictable story line that should give us pause.

Listen Now:

Frederica speaks at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, about Orthodox spirituality and the Jesus Prayer.

Listen Now:

Frederica reflects on fasting and the rigor involved in all ascetic practices.

Listen Now:

Frederica recounts the history of her patron saint, whose feast day is February 1st.

Listen Now:

Frederica speaks at Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax, Virginia, about her book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews her daughter-in-law Jocelyn about her work as a wedding photographer. Click HERE to view Jocelyn's work.

Listen Now:

This is part two of a pair of special episodes of Frederica Here and Now. It features Frederica Mathewes-Green speaking at the Mother of God Orthodox Church in Princeton, New Jersey, about her new book The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer That Tunes the Heart to God.

Listen Now:

This is part one of a pair of special episodes of Frederica Here and Now. It features Frederica Mathewes-Green speaking at the Mother of God Orthodox Church in Princeton, New Jersey, about her new book The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer That Tunes the Heart to God.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Dn. Barnabas Powell, the former pastor of a Pentecostal church, about his conversion to Orthodoxy.

Listen Now:

Frederica exchanges recollections with her fellow parishioners of the much-beloved Fr. George Calciu.

Listen Now:

Frederica reads an article by Keith Drury that addresses why people in their fifties and sixties do not worship in a lively manner.

Listen Now:

Frederica reads the introduction to her new book The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer That Tunes the Heart to God, published by Paraclete Press.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Joe Canby, an auto mechanic who doubles as a funeral director, about bringing funerals back into the Church.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Kh. Tamera Pelikan, whose husband is the only Orthodox chaplain in Afghanistan.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews an anonymous parishioner from St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, Colorado, about his experiences with St. Seraphim of Sarov.

Listen Now:

Frederica examines the concept of non-violent resistance. Should we refuse to exercise any earthly power?

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Fr. Evan Armatas, priest at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, Colorado, about the St. Nectarios Education Fund.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Daniel Buxhoeveden, an Orthodox scientist who just recently received a Templeton grant to establish an Institute for Science and the Orthodox Church. Please note that Frederica experienced technical difficulties while recording this episode. We apologize in advance for its poor audio quality.

Listen Now:

Frederica explains why she doesn't wear makeup and then plays a song on the subject written and performed by her son David.

Listen Now:

Frederica is interviewed by her friend Katherine Mowers about how to really listen to other people.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Terry Mattingly, columnist, professor of journalism, and founder of getreligion.org, about the heath-care debate, particularly with regard to end-of-life issues.

Listen Now:

Will September 11, 2001, become just another date that children have to memorize? If so, does it really matter?

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews her son Stephen, a seminarian at Holy Cross and a part-time piano tuner, about the musical concept of temperament.

Listen Now:

Frederica welcomes a new grandson and looks back at a very eventful summer.

Listen Now:

Imagine the blessed Theotokos in old age being cared for by St. John the Evangelist. That is the image Frederica beautifully portrays for us in today's podcast for the Feast of the Dormition. Read more of her thoughts on the Virgin Mary in her newest book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Listen Now:

Frederica examines those books in her library that are difficult to categorize, but that also contain insights that have helped her understand the culture.

Listen Now:

Frederica explains the impact of technology on publishing and the distribution of the news.

Listen Now:

Frederica discusses the book The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios by Dionysios Farasiotis.

Listen Now:

Frederica explains why the pro-choice position stems not from logic, but from a desire to appear cool.

Listen Now:

Frederica tackles "the problem of evil" in an essay that was originally written for Beliefnet.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Jerry Fischer, the state of Maryland's apiary inspector.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews a convert to Orthodoxy from Hinduism.

Listen Now:

Frederica reviews the new animated Pixar film Up.

Listen Now:

Part two of Frederica's speech at the University of Maryland.

Listen Now:

In part one of a speech delivered at the University of Maryland, Frederica answers the question, "Does religion destroy your intellect?"

Listen Now:

Frederica describes how much more profound the world must have been when death lurked around every corner.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Fr. Innocent Dresdow, the pastor of Resurrection Cathedral in Kodiak, Alaska.

Listen Now:

In this episode, recorded shortly before Christmas, Frederica explains why it's important to protect ourselves and our families from consumerism.

Listen Now:

In this episode, Frederica reminds us that all that we buy is not ours but God's

Listen Now:

In addition to treating us to a recording of the Holy Cross choir singing a beautiful rendition of this favorite hymn of Pascha, Frederica digs into the words of the hymn and its significance.

Listen Now:

In this final reading from St. Romanos the Melodist, Frederica gives a dramatic interpretation of the dialog between Hell and the Serpent. Please see the first post in this series for information about the source and how you can obtain it.

Listen Now:

As we continue through Holy Week, Frederica reads the narrative of Peter's denial of Christ from St. Romanos the Melodist.

Listen Now:

Last week we enjoyed Frederica's beautiful reading of the St. Romanos Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos. This week we have a special treat. In an extended edition of Frederica Here and Now, Frederica gives us a line by line commentary on the hymn taken from her book, "Lost Gospel of Mary".

Listen Now:

Frederica continues her reading from St. Romanos the Melodist as we begin Holy Week. Today the gripping and sobering narrative on the one who betrayed Jesus. See her earlier episode for information about the source.

Listen Now:

On Fridays during Great Lent, it is the tradition of the Church to sing a hymn to the Theotokos known as the Akathist. These beautiful words were penned by St. Romanos the Melodist and today Frederica reads her own translation of this inspring hymn taken from her book, "Lost Gospel of Mary."

Listen Now:

As we approach Holy Week, you won't want to miss this powerful reading by Frederica of the Lamentation of the Theotokos written by St. Romanos the Melodist and translated by Fr. Ephrem Lash. It was taken from the book "On the Life of Christ: Kontakia", published in 1994 and available from Eighth Day Books.

Listen Now:

Frederica interviews Mother Agapia, the sister of George Stephanopoulos. The two talk about the Service of the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which Mother Agapia has witnessed in person.

Listen Now:

Frederica teases out the many possible translations from the Greek of the Prayer of St. Ephraim.

Listen Now:

Frederica elaborates on the Canon of St. Andrew, a very repentant and soulful prayer that is also incredibly rich and complex.

Listen Now:

Frederica reads an article she wrote on abortion that was published in the National Review Online.

Listen Now:

Frederica muses on the "gatekeepers"?those who determine what the public reads, hears, and sees.

Listen Now:

Frederica adds a quick final thought to her discussion of the Gergesene Demoniac.

Listen Now:

In this episode, Frederica discusses the importance of the unknown man whose demons were cast into pigs by Jesus. This tormented individual went on to preach that Christ is indeed the Messiah.

Listen Now:

Frederica discusses the "downward spiral" of sin?how it can progress in steps, separating us from God.

Listen Now:

Frederica shares an essay she wrote that was based on Revelation 6:9-10. In it, she describes the breathtaking moment when the attendees of the Council of Nicaea?most of them martyrs?were venerated by the Emperor Constantine.

Listen Now:

Sometimes it is okay not to have an opinion, especially when it interferes with your spiritual life.

Listen Now:

Frederica explains how she learned to stop doubting and trust the Theotokos.

Listen Now:

Today we are eavesdropping on a coffee hour conversation between Frederica and Mary Klopcic, mother of 10 in a family of 12! This one will not only inspire you but make you appreciate your Orthodox faith even more!

Listen Now:

Frederica and her guest Tom Kehayes are in the car trying to find the van service to take her to the airport. In between getting lost a couple of times, they discuss the remarkable circumstances that led to the building of St. Innocent Orthodox Church (OCA) in Macon, GA. The structure is an exact replica (externally) of a 6th century church in Tbilisi! You will be encouraged to hear how God provided!

Listen Now:

Today Frederica is at the Hermitage of the Holy Cross in Wayne, WV with her guest Fr. Seraphim. Who should be a Monk and how does the monastic life contribute to the salvation of us all?

Listen Now:

Frederica is at the coffee hour in her own parish today with her guest Dn. Tom Braun as they discuss ways to make yourself more valuable on the job.

Listen Now:

Frederica begins the New Year in the offices of International Orthodox Christian Charities speaking with Development Officer Nick Chakos. Learn more about the work of this important humanitarian organization serving Christ around the globe.

Listen Now:

Don't miss this rich and inspiring encore reading by Frederica of the entire Nativity Kontakion written by St. Romanos the Melodist and translated by Fr. Ephrem Lash. It was taken from the book On the Life of Christ: Kontakia, published in 1994 and available from Eighth Day Books.

Listen Now:

Frederica comments on a recent interview in the US Catholic with Donna Freitas called Sex, Lies and the Hookup Culture. Is there hope for a turn around in society where romance trumps casual sex? In this episode, Frederica references her essay on the Disney Women and how they have changed over the years.

Listen Now:

Today Frederica is outside for coffee hour at St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Church in Jacksonville FL. She is talking with Fr. Ted Pisarchuk about the growth of his parish and what he has learned in the process.

Listen Now:

Today we catch up with Frederica in York, PA at a banquet at St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church. She is sitting with Fr. Elias Yelovich, priest at the mission parish of St. James the Apostle near Baltimore. Once a year on October 23, they celebrate the Liturgy of St. James. Learn about this ancient liturgy and how it is celebrated.

Listen Now:

There's a good chance you have never heard of the type of music expression Frederica discusses today around the kitchen table with her son Steve Mathewes and daughter-in-law Jocelyn. Steve is a musicologist and has just come from a "High Zero" music show.

Listen Now:

Frederica recorded a presentation by IOCC Development Director Nick Chakos and provides it for us this week on her podcast.

Listen Now:

The Double T Diner is the scene of Frederica's conversation with Archbishop Lazar, Abbot of the All Saints of North America Monastery in British Columbia. While waiting for their food to arrive, they have an insightful discussion about parish life.

Listen Now:

Today, Frederica looks at the CS Lewis classic - Miracles. Even if you have read this book, you won't want to miss Frederica's reflections on it!

Listen Now:

What is the influence of fashion on thought? A question addressed by Lewis in his Screwtape Letters and just another example of a writer who beats other writers to the punch with their great writing skills.

Listen Now:

Frederica is riding in the back seat of a Camry driven by Fr. Ted Stylianopoulos and Presv. Faye. Listen in on this instructive conversation about God's love, and the western view of wrath and justice compared to how it is viewed in Orthodoxy. Also, be sure to listen to the 2 postscripts at the close of today's episode!

Listen Now:

Frederica returns to the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina to talk with the pastor, Fr. John Parker. Fr. John has demonstrated that you can effectively engage your local community on matters of faith.

Listen Now:

Today we get a fascinating tour of a new temple built in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Frederica is with Architect Andrew Gould (http://andrewgoulddesign.com) as they walk through Holy Ascension Orthodox Church (http://www.ocacharleston.org).

Listen Now:

Here is the 3rd and final part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. Part 1 was posted on September 4 and Part 2 on September 17.

Listen Now:

Here is the 2nd part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. Part 1 was posted on September 4.

Listen Now:

On the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, Frederica reflects on the role of God's judgement and repentance.

Listen Now:

This is the first part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. We have broken it up into 3 sections and next time will be part 2. The talk was delivered at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa. They recently held a conference that they called "The Sheptytsky Institute Study Days."

Listen Now:

Frederica is in Anchorage at the Alaska Native Heritage Center today talking with Orthodox convert Steve Alvarez and is interrupted only once by Alaskan wildlife!

Listen Now:

Do all religions worship the same God? Frederica doesn't like the way the question is posed. Find out why in this episode.

Listen Now:

This week as we think about the Transfiguration of our Lord, Frederica has some interesting reflections on a particular icon of the Transfiguration from the apse of St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai. To view the icon, click HERE for a large image, and HERE for a smaller one.

Listen Now:

Today we present an interview Frederica conducted with Fr. Stephen Wojcichowsky, director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa. They recently held a conference that they called "The Sheptytsky Institute Study Days", and Fr. Tom Hopko and Frederica were among the speakers.

Listen Now:

At the close of a recent talk Frederica gave, she recalls a movie she saw about World War I and the love for the brother in the trench with you on the right and on the left. She reminds us that we are saved in community.

Listen Now:

What's the one thing missing from the newest animated offering from Pixar? Listen to today's episode to find out.

Listen Now:

Frederica enjoys a conversation with Basil Athas, the very colorful member of Holy Cross who seems to be the most memorable character in Frederica's book Facing East. He is now 77, and residing in a nursing home, where he vocally evangelizes everyone in reach!

Listen Now:

This week those of us in the United States celebrate Independence Day and Frederica joins in expressing her thankfulness for this country and democracy. But, is democracy a "one size fits all" concept for the world?

Listen Now:

Frederica is at the 40th anniversary conference of Birthright, International in the Chicago area and recorded an interview with Doris Assante of Birthright, Ghana. Doris was also selling handmade jewelry and stoles to raise money for Birthright in Ghana and she invited correspondence if you are interested in purchasing or donating.

Listen Now:

A sweaty Sub-Deacon comes in from the hot sun and working in the garden for a glass of iced tea and a conversation with Frederica about Orthodox campus ministry at the Naval Academy and St. John's College.

Listen Now:

Prince Caspian, Lord of the Rings, Gone With the Wind - which was better, the book or the movie?

Listen Now:

Today we eavesdrop on a kitchen table discussion with daughter Meagan (with a little help from 20 month old Michael who thought the microphone looked tasty!) as they discussed Michael's 6 year old brother Adam and the still mysterious condition known as Autism. For a picture of Adam and Frederica's article from an earlier posting on Beliefnet, here is a LINK.

Listen Now:

Frederica revisits 2 of her previous podcasts with some additional reflections as the result of some email she received from listeners.

Listen Now:

It levels the playing field as much as anything does and all of us either are or will face it - it's old age. Frederica reflects on this inevitable fact of life.

Listen Now:

How does scripture treat the themes of light, darkness and shadow? Is light always "good" and dark always "evil?" What began as a friendly debate with emerging church leader Leonard Sweet results in an instructive study by Frederica on this topic.

Listen Now:

Frederica's guest is Fr. George Johnson from Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Beltsville, MD. They are at a "Shape-note" choral festival hosted at Holy Apostles and Fr. George, who is a participant in this a cappella choral expression, helps us learn more about it.

Listen Now:

Frederica recalls Forgiveness Vespers from a few weeks back which reminds her of a Garrison Keillor story about the effects of sin.

Listen Now:

What might God be planning for America given the rampant infiltration of sin, abortion and depravity? Frederica has adjusted her thinking on this after a rather strange "awakening."

Listen Now:

Frederica speaks on many college campuses - both secular and Christian. You may be surprised by her observations related to the Christian colleges!

Listen Now:

He was a Lutheran pastor and was severely persecuted for his faith by communists in Romania. He is Rev. Richard Wurmbrand and Frederica has a rare recording of his voice singing a hymn to the Theotokos that he wrote himself. Frederica makes reference to an article in Again Magazine about Pastor Wurmbrand and you can download and read it by clicking HERE.

Listen Now:

Drawing on some literary classics, Frederica grieves the loss of the value of character in our modern society.

Listen Now:

Don't know who Hannah Montana is? Ask any pre-teen girl! From her article in First Things, Frederica reflects on the popularity of this entertainment phenomenon.

Listen Now:

In honor of St. Valentine's Day, Frederica offers a fragrant bouquet to the men in the audience.

Listen Now:

Frederica received some helpful corrections from a couple of listeners on her Roe v Wade podcast which posted on Jan 23.

Listen Now:

What is the relationship between our feelings and our faith? Is there a place for emotion in our theology?

Listen Now:

Frederica talks about the modern day quest for the "real" Jesus and examines The Quest of the Historical Jesus by Albert Schweitzer. It is the question for the ages - What Think Ye Of The Christ?

Listen Now:

January 22 marks the 35th anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States despite all of the facts demonstrating the presence of life at conception. You don't want to miss this powerful commentary! To read more from Frederica on this topic, you will want to pick up Real Choices published by Conciliar Press.

Listen Now:

Frederica takes us to the door of The Golden Corral where she is about to begin work on her new book. What she observes, however, is an American epidemic.

Listen Now:

This is part 2 of the fascinating report given in the car by Shamassey Ina about her trip to Rome. Keep your eyes on the road because the ladies do get a little lost in this episode!

Listen Now:

Frederica is in the car today with 2 friends and struck up a conversation with one of them about her trip to Rome. They had so much to talk about, it is divided into 2 parts with part 1 today and part 2 next week.

Listen Now:

Their number and identity is not clear but their intention was unmistakable - to worship the newborn King.

Listen Now:

So what about this star in the east? How important is it that we insist it be a real astronomical star?

Listen Now:

Don't miss this rich and inspiring reading by Frederica of the entire Nativity Kontakion written by St. Romanos the Melodist and translated by Fr. Ephrem Lash. It was taken from the book On the Life of Christ: Kontakia, published in 1994 and available from Eighth Day Books.

Listen Now:

Frederica previewed the new movie starring John Cusack - Grace is Gone - and offers this analysis.

Listen Now:

Frederica likes the new Disney movie, Enchanted and provides an enchanting review for our AFR listeners.

Listen Now:

The poor in many other countries often rely on skills handed down to them by their ancestors. But what about the poor in America?

Listen Now:

Why do some people feel that "converts" to Orthodoxy are so obnoxious? Today Frederica reflects on the practices of some Orthodox Christians compared with the path to spiritual healing that Orthodoxy represents.

Listen Now:

Frederica is in the 4th floor apartment of a friend who recently came to Orthodoxy from the Mennonite church and participated in an excursion to the middle east with a group intent on apologizing to eastern faiths for the Crusades.

Listen Now:

We are strolling with Frederica through a cemetery on the campus of the seminary she attended several years ago.

Listen Now:

This week we catch Frederica in her car driving to Washington DC and reflecting on the differences between the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches when it comes to the involvement of men.

Listen Now:

Recycled molecules and atoms from the foundation of the world present a wonderful perspective on the shed blood of Christ.

Listen Now: