Fr. Tom teaches on this significant feast at the beginning of the Nativity season.

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God grieves, we grieve, and life is often permeated with sadness. What does this mean when we also contemplate the "joy" of the Christian life?

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As we are in the beginning days of the Nativity fast, Fr. Tom takes us on a journey from the Presentation of Mary in the Temple to Theophany. Fr. Tom referenced a couple of resources: Winter Pascha by Fr. Tom Hopko Putting Christmas Back into Christ-CD series by Fr. Tom Hopko

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Having just celebrated the Feast of the Angels, Fr. Tom asks - Who are the angels and the demons? Were the demons created evil? Can they repent? Get the answer to these questions and much more in this episode.

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Following his two part series on the Wrath of God, Fr. Tom turns his attention to our own anger and wrath and how that differs from God's.

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Fr. Thomas continues to get listener feedback on his teaching on God's wrath. In this follow-up lesson, he explores further how the Scriptures and the Fathers express this difficult concept as compared to the hellenistic and platonic views sometimes expressed through history.

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Fr. Tom Hopko addresses an issue that he gets the most email about - how are we to understand the wrath of God and how does it relate to our salvation?

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Whether you celebrate it on October 1 or on October 28 (traditions differ), you will enjoy Fr. Thomas' account of how the Mother of God protected a Constantinople church from an invading army, and how that inspires our own worship.

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Sitting in his study, Fr. Tom reflects on the past 50 years of the Orthodox Church. August marked the 46th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

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Celebrating one of the twelve great feasts of the Church (Click here to view the children's choir Fr. Thomas mentions in the podcast).

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Fr. Tom follows up on his thoughts on suffering and pain by looking specifically at the events of 9-11-2001.

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Throughout the history of the Church, there have been moments of scandal and disappointment with various hierarchs of the Church. How are we to respond as faithful Orthodox Christians? Fr. Tom shares his reflections.

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Fr. Thomas teaches about the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

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September 1 marks the beginning of the Church year and Fr. Tom Hopko is meditating on the meaning of times and seasons in Church life.

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In commemoration of the Feast of his beheading, Fr. Tom continues his discussion of the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer, John.

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Fr. Tom speaks with 2 students and a leader in the Crossroad program.

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With the Feast Day of the Beheading of St. John approaching (August 29), Fr. Thomas examines the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer, John.

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Fr. Tom interviews the leaders of the Crossroad program at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA. Crossroad is intended to help High School students discern their life callings, matching their personal gifts with the needs of the world. His guests are Ann Bezzerides, Mary Long, and Dan Belonic. He referenced in this interview his very informative AFR podcast series on the Church and State. After clicking the link, go to the series which started on September 25, 2008. In the next program, Fr. Tom will interview some of the participants in Crossroad.

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In his final interview series from Albania, Fr. Tom talks with John and Alex from the Resurrection School of Theology in Albania.

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In his continuing interview series from Albania, Fr. Tom interviews four US missionaries including full time OCMC missionary Pamela Anastasia Barksdale.

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The next interview from Albania is with veteran OCMC missionary Nathan Hoppe. Fr. Tom references a recording of Nathan's late wife Lynette made only a week or two before she died. That recording was featured on AFR in an interview with Fr. Luke Veronis and can be heard HERE. You can purchase Fr. Luke's book by clicking HERE. For Lynette's pictorial album about the re-birth of the Church in Albania, click HERE.

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Fr. Thomas took the traveling Ancient Faith Radio microphone with him to Albania and captured several fascinating interviews there. Today we begin with this wonderful conversation between Fr. Tom and Archbishop Anastasios where we will learn about the circumstances that brought the Archbishop there as well as the current work going on in this country on behalf of the Church. To learn more about the Orthodox Church in Albania and, in particular, the mission work taking place there through the Orthodox Christian Missions Center, go to the OCMC WEBSITE.

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Fr. Thomas shows how, despite his persecution of the early Church, St. Paul was indeed an Apostle-- by having seen the risen Lord and through his suffering.

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Fr. Thomas discusses "the rock" upon whom Christ built His Church and St. Peter's role in that early Church.

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What is this current fasting period all about? We reach back into the archives and re-introduce this helpful teaching from Fr. Tom originally given last year.

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

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Psalm 77 (76 in the Septuagint) is the basis of a favorite hymn in the Orthodox Church - Who Is So Great A God As Our God? Our God is the God Who Works Wonders!

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

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Fr. Thomas rejoices in the enthronement of the crucified One, raised and glorified.

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Fr. Tom is on the road and chats with Fr. Steve Tsichlis of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, CA. Learn about and be encouraged with this outreach minded parish and priest.

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Fr. Thomas looks at the Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Pascha-- a miraculous sign that at first glance doesn't seem to involve a miracle.

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

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Fr. Thomas examines who the Myrrhbearing Women were and clears up some misconceptions about Mary Magdalene in the process.

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Father Thomas educates us on why the Sunday a week after our Lord's Resurrection is also called Antipascha.

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

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On this, the greatest of all Feast Days, Fr. Thomas explains what we, as Orthodox Christians, know for certain about Jesus Christ.

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Fr. Thomas continues his examination of Passion Week with Jesus' teachings on the final judgement.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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Fr. Thomas contrasts the story of the fallen, then raised Mary of Alexandria with that of another Mary-- the Theotokos. 17:16.

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Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the services for the 5th week of Great Lent and their final emphasis on penitance and repentance. 18:38.

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Fr. Thomas starts with a review of the Gospel reading of Mark for the Fourth Sunday of Lent and transitions to the 5th Sunday explaining how reigning with our Lord is dependent on suffering with Him.

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It is at this point in our Lenten journey that the Church contemplates the instruction of St. John Climacus and his Ladder of Divine Ascent. Fr. Tom takes us step by step through this treasure and makes it practical for us non-monastics!

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On March 25, exactly 9 months before Nativity, the Church celebrates the Annunciation to the Theotokos that she will be the Mother of God. God's declaration through the angel Gabriel, however, had a contingency attached. Listen to find out what it was.

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On the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, we concentrate on the Cross of Christ and Fr. Tom helps us understand what it means to take up our cross.

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Looking for an inspiring book to read during Lent? Try the Bible! Fr. Tom specifically recommends certain books of the Bible during this season.

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On the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent we remember St. Gregory Palamas and Fr. Tom instructs us on why he is so important in our theology about knowing the unknowable God.

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You won't find a more concise and helpful explanation of why Orthodox Christians keep and venerate icons.

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Fr. Hopko continues his series on the names of Jesus, this time focusing on the name Christ, which means "the anointed one." Next week, he will revisit the appellation Son of God.

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Fr. Tom considers the act of asking for forgiveness, as well as who it is we hurt when we sin.

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Fr. Tom reflects upon the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, one of the two themes of Forgiveness Sunday.

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Fr. Tom discusses Christ's divinity. Jesus is human, yes, but he is also God!

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Fr. Tom reflects upon Matthew 25:31 - 46, the Parable of the Last Judgment

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Fr. Tom traces the history of America's secular religion, paying particular attention to that religion's cherished patriarchs and dogmas, in a special podcast dedicated to this week's President's Day.

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A brand new series! Each episode, Fr. Tom will address one of the names of Christ. He begins by examining "Jesus," which means "God saves."

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Fr. Thomas takes a second look at the story of The Prodigal Son, this time focusing on the meaning of The Father's House.

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In the first of two meditations on the story known as The Prodigal Son, Fr. Tom takes a look at the three characters in the drama.

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Fr. Tom teaches on the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee as we prepare for the Lenten season.

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Fr. Hopko explains that this feast marks the end of the Winter Pascha and the beginning of the season of repentance.

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What do Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom mean to the Orthodox Church? Try "light, wisdom, and pastoral care." Fr. Hopko explains why we celebrate these unique and holy men.

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As we bring the month of January to a close, Fr. Tom thinks back on the spiritual fathers we have celebrated during this month in particular, St. Anthony. The following resources were recommended: Saying of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical CollectionTranslated by Sister Benedicta Ward The Arena: An Offering to Contemporary Monasticism by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov The Philokalia Ladder of Divine Ascent Symeon the New Theologian: The Discourses St. Maximus the Confessor: The Ascetic Life, The Four Centuries on Charity St Athanasius: The Life of St. Antony Love's Immensity: Mystics on the Endless Life by Scott Cairns Orthodoxy Alive 2008 Sessions 1-3 presented by Fr. Thomas Hopko available on St George Orthodox Christian Cathedral website

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Fr. Tom recorded this on Jan 21 - the day after the inauguration of President Barak Obama and the day before the March for Life in Washington DC. He draws on Scripture, Tradition and St. Maximus to help us know how to react to rampant abortions in our world.

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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.

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Fr. Tom came down sick just before Theophany this year so he offers this very helpful meditation a few days after the feast.

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Enthroned on high with the Eternal Father and Your divine Spirit, O Jesus, You willed to be born on earth of the unwedded handmaid, your Mother. Therefore You were circumcised as an eight-day old Child. Glory to Your most gracious counsel; glory to Your dispensation; glory to Your condescension, O only Lover of mankind.

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The Angel told the Theotokos "You will call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sin." Fr. Tom explores the significance of that Name as well as its origins.

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Fr. Thomas Hopko presents a meditation on how the liturgical services of Christmas and Epiphany pattern those of the Christ?s Holy Pascha of Easter.

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What is the significance of all of those "begats" in the Gospel lesson just before Nativity? Fr. Tom breaks it down for us in the current episode.

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On the 1st two Sundays before Christmas, we commerate and sing about all of the faithful throughout the ages who prepared for the birth of Christ. Fr. Tom references the book "Surprised by Chris"t by Fr. A. James Bernstein which is available from Conciliar Press.

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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.

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We are invited like Philip invited Nathaniel to ?come and see?, really see as we fix our hearts and minds on Christ the Savior during this paschal lenten season.

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

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Fr. Tom encourages us to remember the place of gratitude and thanksgiving in the Christian life and tells us how we can go deeper and higher into the meaning of gratitude.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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Fr. Tom examines the fifth through fifteenth centuries.

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Fr. Tom looks at the Roman-Byzantine empire of the 4th century.

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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.

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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.)

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Fr. Thomas recreates the homily from earlier in the month on Christ's parable of forgiveness by Fr. Maxym Lysack 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).

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

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Think Labor Day is past? Not until Fr. Tom reflects on our spiritual labors.

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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).

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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?

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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."

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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Father Thomas educates us on why the Sunday a week after our Lord's Resurrection is also called Antipascha.

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Fr. Thomas examines who the Myrrhbearing Women were and clears up some misconceptions about Mary Magdalene in the process.

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

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

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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.

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

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