Approaching the Wardrobe

Beautiful Unbelief: Why Should We Believe and Follow the Apostles?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:47:47 +0000

Unbelief can lead us to solidify why we can trust the Apostolic Orthodox Church.

Rhythm vs. Repetition: The Unique Liturgical Cycles of the Orthodox Church

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:16:15 +0000

This discussion with a returning guest explores how the highly accessible spiritual life in Orthodoxy prevents boring liturgical repetition.

The Spiritual Monsters of Great Lent

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:07:41 +0000

After tying up some loose ends from the previous episode, Jeff shares thoughts from Saint Anthony the Great identifying the spiritual battles going on in our souls in the Orthodox life.

Why I’m Orthodox and Not Catholic

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:16:11 +0000

The humble heart of Pope Francis and memories of John Paul II have Jeff contemplating good things in Catholicism, but also why there is a certain “heaviness” to it and why he became Eastern Orthodox instead.

It’s Not an “F” Word: Fasting as a Human Being

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:12:59 +0000

Many have misconceptions about the Great Fast. Our ascetic efforts are simply meant to lead us to the blessed state that comes from having a softened heart toward God. Jeff shares thoughts from His Eminence Archbishop Joseph’s visit to his parish and the book The Lenten Spring.

The Redemptive Love of the Woman

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:27:14 +0000

Continuing with thoughts from the book The Sacrament of Love and imagery from Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Jeff contemplates the unique value of womanhood in our lives.

Womanhood Venerated in Orthodoxy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:50:35 +0000

The redemptive role of the female is an often overlooked treasure in the life of the Orthodox Church. Inspired by thoughts from the author Paul Evdokimov and the film The Kid with a Bike, Jeff shares thoughts on the beauty of womanhood and motherhood in the ancient Christian faith.

Early Church Comfort Concerning Authority Structure in Orthodoxy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:37:45 +0000

“Where did all these positions come from?” is a question many ponder concerning the Orthodox Church. Jeff contrasts the modern crisis of authority in Christianity with the Biblical roles of authority.

Early Church Comfort Concerning Orthodoxy, Part 3

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:30:41 +0000

The Mother of God is an uncomfortable subject for many coming to Orthodoxy. It is necessary to have “a mind for mystery” when it comes to understanding Mary, the Theotokos. Jeff looks for the mind of the early church in this episode.

Early Church Comfort Concerning Orthodoxy, Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:13:24 +0000

Close communion with the saints was normal in the Apostolic Church. Ante-Nicene Christian records demonstrate that the practice of honoring and appealing to the saints have been accepted since the beginning.

Early Church Comfort Concerning Orthodoxy, Part 1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:08:37 +0000

Apostolic tradition guided the early believers. This is the foundation for modern Orthodox Christianity as well.

An Unexpected Journey: The Hobbit and Orthodoxy, Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:55:20 +0000

“Counting the cost” is a difficult step in following Christ and in coming to Orthodoxy. Contemplating Bilbo Baggins's calling and decision, Jeff explores how we have to suffer, and how we will be greatly rewarded.

An Unexpected Journey: The Hobbit and Orthodoxy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:40:25 +0000

Drawing on the opening chapter of The Hobbit, Jeff explores the theme of “uncomfortable Orthodoxy.”

Obedience, Listening, and Leadership in Orthodoxy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:55:47 +0000

The example of His Beatitude Ignatius IV and the wisdom from Mother Raphaela inspire thoughts on healthy obedience and leadership.

A Ballet Evening

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:39:22 +0000

Who said sanctification would be easy?

The Spruce That Survived Sandy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 07:29:13 +0000

Walloped by unexpected trauma, Jeff contemplates the love of Christ found in the Orthodox Church.

The Magical Mystery Tour: Stop #3

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:28:54 +0000

Jeff explores the mystery of our unrecognized royal identity in the life of Christ and how this relates to Orthodoxy.

The Magical Mystery Tour: Stop #2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:38:45 +0000

Mark Twain penned the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction.” Here Jeff discusses some strange non-fiction in the life of faith.

The Magical Mystery Tour: Stop #1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:25:33 +0000

Orthodoxy can seem merely formal and rigid, especially to outsiders. Jeff begins to explore mystical elements and accounts that enhance the faith of many. A contemporary account of a Saint Spyridon experience is shared in this episode.

Missing the “Extra” Services

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:59:25 +0000

Services outside of Sunday Divine Liturgy are often weakly attended. Jeff discusses the issues involved, the potential effect on inquirers to Orthodoxy, and some benefits in participating.

Matter Matters: The Saints and the Things Meet Us Halfway

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:04:19 +0000

Does venerating saints and things in Orthodoxy detract from the pure worship of God? Jeff shares readings from different places and times, considering how we need the physical things and people to touch the Kingdom of God.

Matter Matters: We Venerate . . . Period

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 06:38:23 +0000

Jeff explains how all people naturally venerate.

Matter Matters: Freedom Through Physical Engagement

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:06:42 +0000

Jeff explores how our physical activities solidify our identity and provide a constant means of sharing our burdens with God.

Matter Matters: Joy Through Physical Engagement

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:37:28 +0000

Jeff explains that interacting physically brings us an increased awareness of God’s presence, along with comfort and heartfelt communion.

It Is About the Stuff, and We’ve Been Robbed!

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:56:23 +0000

God has always chosen to sanctify and empower physical things for His Glory and our transformation. Orthodox Christians are able to glorify God with the rich physical practices of the ancient faith.

It’s Kind of About the Stuff: Saint Spyridon, Lesser Known Accounts—Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:08:57 +0000

Are the “things” of Orthodoxy essential to what’s most important in the Christian faith? Jeff continues to explore this topic while contemplating Saint Spyridon’s spiritual lessons for us.

It’s Not About the Stuff: Saint Spyridon, Lesser Known Accounts—Part 1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:52:15 +0000

Can the beautiful things in Orthodoxy get in the way of what’s most important? Jeff begins to explore the life of St. Spyridon and his spiritual lessons for us.

Interview with an Artist, Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:33:56 +0000

The interview continues here as Jim describes his experience with western Catholicism, strange things in Orthodoxy, and the beauty in everyday Orthodox life. Jeff concludes by sharing thoughts from Saint Isaac.

Interview with an Artist, Part 1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:46:35 +0000

From Christian to commune to Roman Catholicism to Emergent, and finally finding home in Orthodoxy: Welcome to the life and times of Jim John Marks.

So You Want to Become Orthodox and Be a Priest?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 06:58:44 +0000

Jeff identifies some misunderstandings concerning the priesthood and probes motives people have when desiring to be ordained.

Aurora, Colorado, Young People, and Christianity

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:46:57 +0000

Young people in this postmodern world are often perplexing to adults. This episode explores elements of tragedy, hope, and connection points we can have with contemporary youth.

The Seeming “Wildness of God” and His Sovereignty

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:46:09 +0000

It’s sometimes hard to see how “all things work together for good” in God’s sovereignty. It’s scary when we see that evil things are allowed to happen. We question whether God really cares about us individually in midst of His bigger plans. Orthodoxy embraces all aspects of the Christian experience, including the events that seem to make no sense.

Thoughts from Those on the Journey

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 06:54:06 +0000

God is at work in profound ways, in a wide variety of people who are being drawn to the ancient faith. This episode explores thoughts found in comments, feedback, and conversations with people who are approaching Orthodoxy.

Seeing the Sovereignty of God in Our Circumstances

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:48:22 +0000

Seeing God’s intimate involvement in our “circumstances” leads us to a deeper appreciation of His sovereignty. While on the road, Jeff shares some readings from saints and experiences of seeing God at work in the details of life.

What’s Cool About the Frozen Chosen: Reformed Christianity

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:33:47 +0000

Reformed or Calvinist Christians are often given a bad rap from other Christian groups due to generalizations and misunderstandings. An unbalanced mindset concerning the sovereignty of God can keep us from trusting and resting in His grace and lead to an unhealthy faith. In this episode, Jeff attempts to offer a balanced Orthodox perspective on the subject.

People

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:48:55 +0000

This episode explores the difficulty of truly loving people in Christian service instead of merely manipulating or impressing them. Relating to people with a pure heart is a challenge for everyone; however, in different faith traditions, it takes on different forms. True Orthodoxy leads us to see all others as united to each of us, and we are challenged to practice a more genuine, selfless love for others.

Weddings and Love: Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 06:15:09 +0000

Weddings are a sensitive time for all who are involved. Orthodox Christians often face unique challenges in relating to non-Orthodox weddings in a Godly manner, as they long to see sanctity emphasized in this monumental life event. However, it can be a significant point of contact with others. Jeff recounts a recent wedding experience, and the tensions involved in relating to others from an Orthodox perspective.

Weddings and Love: Part 1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:44:53 +0000

The sacrament of marriage in our modern culture is almost a lost art. This two-part series tackles the challenge of focusing on the Godly aspects of love, weddings, and marriage outside of the Orthodox Church. Part one emphasizes romance as a gift from God, and introduces the concept that marriage must go beyond a mere lifelong commitment to enter the realm of true Orthodoxy.

Planting, Waiting, Growth

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:18:11 +0000

Chrismations normally follow a long, slow pilgrimage toward Orthodoxy. Loving believers who want to see spiritual growth in family members or friends also wait, planting spiritual seeds and praying. The great saints have learned to wait for good things, and so must we. Jeff contemplates the challenges and rewards of waiting in Orthodoxy.

A Sad Face Is Good for the Heart

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:06:38 +0000

Sadness and struggle are often “out of place” in modern Christianity. Jeff explains that Godly sorrow is embraced on the journey toward true Orthodoxy, where we find that a “sad face is good for the heart.”

Being a “Nobody” and a “Somebody”

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:47:40 +0000

Jeff describes his final jump into Orthodoxy and what God used to bring him there. He also explores how we need to give up trying to be a “somebody” and learn instead to become a “nobody."

Memory Eternal: Death and the Communion of the Saints

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:11 +0000

Jeff describes how encounters with Proto-presbyter Joseph Kreta, on both sides of the veil of death, help him and his fellow parishioners embrace the loving fellowship shared in the “communion of the saints.”

The Magic and Mystery

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:57:20 +0000

C. S. Lewis’s popularity and insights are a testimony to how people are longing for magic and mystery within the material world. Jeff explores how the Orthodox faith integrates the spiritual and physical realms into one cohesive experience and is thus the gateway to fulfilling those desires.

Natural Life

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:47:41 +0000

What does Bob Marley and the Protestant missions world have in common? What does this have to do with Orthodoxy? The journey continues with more stories and insights, focusing on the desire for natural beauty in interacting with God and people.

Un-sacred Alienation

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:41:59 +0000

In this second episode, the journey continues. After meditating on the “sacred beginning” introduced in episode one, as well as on sacraments outside of the Orthodox Church, Jeff describes the darker side of the “do it yourself” western Christian mindset. This episode begins the process of contrasting some of the modern “holes” in the Christian world with the treasures of the ancient faith.

The Sacred Journey Begins

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Jeff Wisniewski and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:02:44 +0000

The sacred journey toward Orthodoxy is introduced in this episode. Here the listener can develop a stronger understanding and love for those who long for the treasures of the ancient faith.