Episodes
Monday Mar 25, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 29
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #29
pg. 19
Monday Mar 18, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 28
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #25
pg. 19
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 27
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #25
pg. 19
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 26
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #26
pg. 18-19
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Sunday of the Paralytic 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
AI-Generated Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of his friend's medical ordeal, a priest explores the parallel between medical diagnoses and spiritual health reviews during the fasting season in this enlightening podcast titled "Fasting Season: A Spiritual Examination and Road to Healing". He discusses the vital importance of recognizing spiritual ailments and submitting to the spiritual healing offered by Jesus Christ.
Just as a medical examination can uncover hidden diseases, the fasting season serves as an opportunity to unearth spiritual diseases. Spiritual paralysis, as drawn from the story of the healing of a paralyzed man in the Bible, is likened to the disconnection from God resulting from sin. This paralysis stagnates Christian life and yields indifference towards spiritually enriching practices such as constant prayer and helping others.
This state of spiritual paralysis breeds troubles and evils in our lives, a revelation drawn from a tragic tale of a 13-year-old boy who, feeling trapped in a dysfunctional family devoid of God's presence, committed a horrendous crime. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a connection with Christ and living a life consistent with Christian morals.
Despite the devastation sin can cause, the narrator emphasizes that belief in Christ offers healing from spiritual paralysis. Through confession, repentance, and active efforts to identify and eliminate the roots of spiritual ailments, one can experience God's abundant mercy and deliverance from sin. Drawing from the wisdom of St. Isaac the Syrian, this homily encourages listeners to embrace the power of repentance to create a more fruitful Christian life, not just for themselves but also for those around them.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
AI-Generated Synopsis
In this enlightening discussion, we delve into the significance of the First Sunday of Great Lent which celebrates the triumph of pure faith over iconoclastic malfeasance in Church history. By living in the modern age, we're free from battling iconoclastic illusions and can instead cherish the presence of icons in our lives.
The sermon posits us, the faithful, as living icons radiating the presence of God and spreading His divine message. It suggests that the Church sees us embodying these divine icons, speaking to the world about the grace of God. Yet, human imperfections often overshadow the inherent beauty and purity that God hopes for us to convey. The unfortunate reality is that many have lost sight of their divine essence, covering it with the mundanities and distractions of worldly life.
This narrative takes an inspiring turn within the story of a pilgrim who visited the monastery established by St. Seraphim of Sarov. The tale of an old, dirt-covered icon restoring its glorious brilliance merely through prayer serves as a metaphor powerful enough to impact the lives of many. It emphasizes the futility of employing force or arguments in transforming lives, reminding us about the transformative power of God's grace.
One priest's narration about small miracles unfolding in his parish introduces a profound teaching. Even when people fail to discern the fruits of their ascetic struggle, healing is happening. Relationships are mending, work life is achieving harmony, and peace is being restored. This corroborates that our earnest prayers and spiritual practices are at work, even if we fail to see the visible improvement.
Restoring the purity of our inner icon is an ongoing process, extending till our last breath on earth. It may require patience, determination and a quiet acceptance that outcomes may not always be instantly visible. The process of spiritual cleansing influences not only us but also positively impacts our surroundings and loved ones.
This journey of spiritual illumination urges us, especially during the period of Great Lent, to submit ourselves to the Lord and enter the realm of deep, sincere prayer. It professes that consistent spiritual practices help cleanse the damaged icon within us, making us the embodiment of God's omnipresence and graced presence on earth. Such is the power and glory of Jesus Christ!
Monday Feb 26, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 25
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #25
pg. 19
Monday Feb 19, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 24
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #24
pg. 18-19
Monday Feb 12, 2024
St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic 23
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
The Philokalia
Volume 2
St. Theodoros The Great Ascetic
A Century of Spiritual Texts #23
pg. 18
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Sunday of Cheese-Fare 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Recognizing and grappling with human passions from a spiritual standpoint is often misunderstood and underestimated. In this enlightening sermon, you will revisit the concept of ‘passions’. From a societal vantage point, passions suggest an intense desire or enthusiasm, feelings that fuel many of our worldly pursuits. However, the real work begins when we shift from worldly passions to the Church’s interpretation of passions: powerful impulses and appetites dominating the soul.
Within the spiritual realm, some passions are widely referred to as the 'Seven Deadly Passions': pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. But how do these passions manifest and lead us to sin? We learn about the process of sin development, with anger used as an example. This exploration is followed by the concept of overcoming passions, focusing particularly on transforming anger into meekness – the path to salvation.
A deeper understanding of the virtue of meekness in line with Christ's teachings forms a crucial part of the homily. According to Christ, 'blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' The homily delves into the transforming power of meekness, its value in your spiritual life, and its potential to completely uplift your life choices.
The sermon also emphasizes the importance of confession, self-reflection, and persistence in the fight against passions. The sermon ends with a call to perseverance, encouraging you not to back down in the face of defeat. Remember, the pursuit of passionlessness is not just about winning but continuing the fight for spiritual liberation.