Glory to God

History, Post-Modernism and Orthodoxy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:50:39 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks at length about the place of Orthodoxy within the modern world. Orthodox history is unknown to most Americans but has something to say to them and to help them in the healing of their own culture.

Do You Hate Your Father?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:01:53 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at several of Christ's difficult sayings and what they mean. Why is it permissible to call a priest "Father"?

Everything is in Motion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:50:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers a meditation on the Father's understanding that everything is in motion. What does this mean for the direction of our lives?

Justice Enough?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 18:34:42 +0000

The desire for justice is infinite - because such a desire is one of the passions. Fr. Stephen looks at the problems created by wrong thinking on the topic of justice.

Life in a Sacramental World

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:10:32 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at our role as "priests of creation" in a world understood as sacrament.

The Sacrament of the Heart

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:03:22 +0000

"The whole world is a sacrament," according to Patriarch Bartholomew. Fr. Stephen explores what this means as he examines the Eucharist in the Scriptures.

Rational Sheep and the Word of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 01:32:24 +0000

When the Church's hymns describe us as "rational sheep," what does it mean? Fr. Stephen offers this meditation on language and humanity. Language is part of our deepest nature - and it is a reflection of God.

Speaking to the Heart

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:55:23 +0000

Fr. Stephen completes his series on the true and false self, with thoughts on how we can go about "speaking to the heart."

Evangelism and the Ego

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:54:31 +0000

In his recent series on the true and false self, Fr. Stephen looks at evangelism of the heart.

Yet Not I

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:31:24 +0000

Fr. Stephen continues to look at issues between the false self and our true life in Christ.

The Death of the Moral Man

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:47:56 +0000

Fr. Stephen continues with the topic of the battle between the true self and the false self, looking this week at what it means to be "moral."

The True Self and the Story of Me

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:25:58 +0000

The true self is "hid with Christ in God," St. Paul tells us. What then is the "self" that we live with every day? Fr. Stephen looks at how we create our own identity and how we should seek our true self in Christ.

A Secular Death

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:36:03 +0000

Our modern world is increasingly finding ways to avoid the uncomfortable reality of death. Orthodoxy faces death directly and sees within it the triumph of Christ and His affirmation of His good creation.

The Invisible Christian

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 23:51:40 +0000

One of the temptations of our secular age is the public drive to make religious faith a "private" matter. Fr. Stephen looks at this tension within our culture and the importance of the Christian public response.

The Disappointment of Religion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 18:48:13 +0000

Our feelings and desires are trained by our culture to seek satisfaction. In our spiritual life, we often need to learn how to be disappointed. Fr. Stephen looks at the "disappointment of religion."

To Know What You Cannot Know

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:55:15 +0000

The goal of the Christian life is true knowledge of God (Jn. 17:3). Fr. Stephen speaks about the mysterious character of this knowledge.

The Secret Life

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:13:48 +0000

What is the soul? Fr. Stephen speaks about the "secret life" and the mystery of our selves.

The Christian Crisis

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:55:27 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the crisis of a "Churchless" Christianity

Smashing Icons

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:15:17 +0000

On the first Sunday of Great Lent, Orthodox Christians celebrate the return of icons to the Churches. Fr. Stephen looks at the spirit of icon smashing that occasionally infects Christians and various political movements and contrasts it with the spirit of authentic Christianity.

The Sacrament of Mercy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:18:56 +0000

God engages our world in concrete, practical ways. These "sacraments" are a means of sharing in the Divine Life. Fr. Stephen speaks about the "sacrament" of mercy.

The Song of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:04:19 +0000

St. Gregory of Nyssa speaks of man both as singer and song. Fr. Stephen explores how we are the "song of God."

Waking Up

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:47:21 +0000

Drawing on a passage from the writings of the Elder Sophrony, Fr. Stephen looks at the spiritual importance of "waking up." St. Paul reminds us, "Arise, O Sleeper, awake from the dead..."

Forty Days Before Christmas - Why We Fast

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:12:08 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the very heart of fasting - not the foods - not the 'how to's' - but why we fast.

“The Great Cloud of Witnesses”

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:45:45 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the meaning of the "Great Cloud of Witnesses" whom St. Paul describes as surrounding us as we go about the struggle of the Christian life.

In the Shadow of Death

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:58:54 +0000

Fr. Stephen, having experienced a time of grief in the loss of his father, writes about the faith of Pascha and what it is to which we should look as we await our reunion with those we love.

The Unnecessary God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:53:19 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at what it means to live in a relationship of love and freedom, and the problems it creates for our ideas of what is and is not necessary.

The Unknown God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:49:14 +0000

Fr. Stephen focuses on what we mean when we say, "I know God," and what we do not mean. We must know God - it is our salvation - but what does it mean?

Choice, Existence and God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:13:35 +0000

Fr. Stephen considers what it means to be a "convert" to the Orthodox faith within the context of modern American culture.

Getting Past Religion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:08:38 +0000

Fr. Stephen suggests that the heart of our faith and our relationship with God can be found more quickly in such things as music and beauty. We often seek to substitute language about religious doctrine in the place of these more primary expressions of our Christian life.

The Things We All Share

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:00:40 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the concept of anadoche - the spiritual communion and responsibility we have in one another's lives.

The Hard Reality of the Kingdom of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:24:24 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the teaching of Christ on love for enemies and sets it in its proper spiritual context.

The Exchange that Awaits Us

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 01 May 2011 19:45:52 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the difference between feast days as mere events of the calendar and the reality of the Kingdom of God that awaits us in the Feasts.

The Temptations Of Church

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:15:20 +0000

Fr. Stephen examines what it means that the Church is the nexus of the crucified Christ's love.

The Scandal Of Salvation

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:23:02 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at particular points within the gospel teaching that are sometimes "scandalous," that is a "rock of stumbling" for believers. He examines how important these points are and how essential for our salvation.

Living In-Between

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:31:25 +0000

Many efforts are made to convince modern Christians that they live "in between" Christ's first coming and His second - and that this "in between" period is somehow different and requires new understandings of the gospel. Fr. Stephen refutes this false understanding and describes where it is we now live.

You Never Pray Alone

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:10:54 +0000

Human beings have their true existence only in communion with God. Our prayer is also a communion - both with God and the whole Church.

Why Would Anyone Want To Forgive An Enemy?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:00:45 +0000

The forgiveness of enemies is a commandment of Christ and yet something we find almost impossible to do? Why has Christ asked such a thing of us?

Now That We Have Come To The End Of The World

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:59:18 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the implications for the "end of the world" found in Christ's preaching and incarnation - and what they mean for us.

Mere Existence And The Age To Come

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:00:22 +0000

What is it that we hope for? Fr. Stephen suggests that there is a true life that can only be had in Christ - which is far more than mere existence.

Existence And Truth

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:41:31 +0000

Fr. Stephen examines the association between existence and truth as set forth in the work of a number of modern Orthodox writers, as well as the Fathers.

Knowing What We Do Not Know

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 13:00:21 +0000

To know God is the essence of the Christian life according to Scripture - though how we know God is sometimes difficult to describe. Fr. Stephen looks at the moment of hesitation with the words "nevertheless" and "and yet" and the room they provide for such knowledge to be acquired.

The Tree Heals The Tree

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 13:00:32 +0000

The use of allegory within the Scriptures and the hymns of the Church provides this meditation on how, in Christ, nothing is wasted.

Treasure In A Box

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 02:42:28 +0000

Fr. Stephen uses the image of a treasure in a box to describe the problems of a purely "historical" approach to the Christian faith.

Time And History

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:00:24 +0000

Returning to a topic that is often mentioned on Glory to God, Fr. Stephen suggests that Christianity is not just a "historical" religion, but something far more.

Giving And Receiving

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:00:14 +0000

Human beings were created to offer all of creation up to God in an act of thanksgiving. Fr. Stephen explores this life of praise.

The Double Mystery Of The Cross

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 03:34:06 +0000

Reflecting on a sermon of St. Gregory Palamas, Fr. Stephen looks at the significance of the Cross as reflected in the writings of the fathers.

You Are Not A TV Show

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:36 +0000

Our digitalized world has created what we now call "virtual reality." The reality that we are called to know is not a construct of our own imagination, but the truth of ourselves as found in Christ.

The Mystery Of Goodness

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:55:30 +0000

What does it mean to be good? Fr. Stephen speaks about the mystery of goodness and how it is only known in Christ.

To Tell The Truth

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:30:30 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at telling the truth as a matter that goes to the heart of our true existence.

The Crisis Of Religion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:54:50 +0000

Fr. Stephen reflects on a few quotes from Fr. Alexander Schmemann's For the Life of the World - and the crisis of secularism in which we live.

The Price Of The Liturgy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:27:09 +0000

A meditation on the words of Elder Sophrony, "Our lives are an endless martyrdom," gives rise to thoughts on the true character of the liturgy.

A Secular Communion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:56:29 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the pressures created by our secular culture - particularly how they affect our communion with God.

Hidden Saints

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:02:10 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the "hidden saints" and the hiddenness of our life with God.

Within A Mandorla

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:15:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at one of the unique features found in several icons to explore how the Scripture treats these same events. Icons and Scripture carry us much deeper than mere literalism.

Our Selves, Our Souls And Bodies

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:51:52 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the importance of understanding our relationship with God as involving all of who and what we are and not reducing our relationship to a set of ideas.

Praying For The World

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:51:33 +0000

Numerous elders of the Orthodox Church speak about the common responsibility for sin that we share through our humility and love for one another. Fr. Stephen examines how this can be so.

Making Choices

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:39:38 +0000

Our culture champions our ability to choose. Fr. Stephen suggests that choices are not quite as central in our lives as we imagine.

The Mystery Of Pascha

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:22:10 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the timeless and eternal aspects of the feast of Pascha and how it effects our daily lives.

The Weakness Of Man

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:03:39 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers thoughts on how it is we are saved in our weakness rather than our strength.

Publicans And Harlots And The Last Banquet

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:46:14 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the image of Christ with the unrighteous gathered around Him and recalls a famous passage in Dostoevsky.

Redeeming The Time

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:00:42 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about "redeeming the time" through the constant remembrance of the name of God.

Just A Shell

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:06:57 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the proper Othodox understanding of the relation between soul and body and some of the distortions of our modern culture.

The Instinct Of Repentance

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:29:59 +0000

Fr. Stephen contrasts the Scriptural understanding of repentance with many of the modern misunderstandings that crowd our world and suggests ways that our hearts may learn the "instinct" of repentance.

Looking For Self In All The Wrong Places

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:46:58 +0000

There is a modern construct of the self that is something of a delusion. Fr. Stephen speaks about our true life "that is hidden with Christ in God" as taught by St. Paul.

The Existence Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:59:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers a reflection on what it means to say that "God exists."

The Opacity Of Sin

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:00:21 +0000

Sin is opaque - it does not allow the light of God to enter and be reflected from our lives. Fr. Stephen looks at the work of God's light within our lives and suggests ways in which we may understand our relationship with God through what the Scripture says about light and darkness.

To Remember God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:00:47 +0000

The simplest and sometimes most difficult task of the Christian life is to remember God: always, everywhere and at all times. Fr. Stephen looks at this simple practice that lies at the heart of the Orthodox faith.

Having Then Gifts Differing

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:01:39 +0000

It is something of a commonplace for modern Christians to think about their "ministry" and place within the Church. Fr. Stephen looks at this idea in the light of Tradition and offers a different approach.

Christmas Throughout The Ages

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:00:12 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers thoughts on the daily consequences of the "Word made flesh," and suggest ways that we might live Christmas every day of our lives.

What The Heart Reveals

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:44:10 +0000

The heart can see what the eye cannot and can take this unseen things into itself. Fr. Stephen looks at the possibility of joy even when the eye sees nothing joyful.

The Treasures Of The Heart

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:00:34 +0000

Every day we contribute to the "treasure of our heart," for good or evil. Fr. Stephen looks at this and suggests how to nurture the good within our heart.

The Good Confession

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

In these brief remarks on this Thanksgiving weekend, Fr. Stephen looks at the essential Christian confession of thanks, "God is good."

To Believe The Truth

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:46:02 +0000

What do the Scriptures ask of us when they speak of "believing?" Fr. Stephen looks at the nature of true believing and its importance for our lives.

I Don’t Know About That

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:35:41 +0000

If you have ever felt like the right words in an argument simply won't come - perhaps you should read these thoughts.

The Argument

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:21:50 +0000

Fr. Stephen shares two stories from the lives of the desert fathers and offers reflections. The grace of God given to us in forgiveness and the Spirit of peace involve the healing of the soul.

Poor In Spirit

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:00:58 +0000

What does Christ mean when He says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven?" Fr. Stephen looks at this familiar verse in the context of St. Paul's teaching on weakness and necessity.

Knowledge Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:38:07 +0000

The Orthodox faith is grounded in the experience of knowing God. Fr. Stephen looks at the boundaries of such knowledge and simple path to such knowledge given to us in the Tradition of the Church.

The Theology Of The Image

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:00:35 +0000

Fr. Stephen reflects on the "theology of the image," particularly its importance in St. Paul.

The Icon As Truth

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:34:23 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at how it is possible to distort an icon and how the distortions within our own hearts effect what we see.

Icons And Words

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:20:39 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at language and how it can be seen as an icon - serving as a "Window to Heaven."

Is The World Literal Or Iconic?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:00:23 +0000

How we see the world has much to do with our capacity for wonder. Is what we see all there is - or does it point to something beyond itself?

Doctrine And Opinion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:58:50 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at how the teaching of the Church differs from opinion and the process of argument. Doctrine is a "verbal icon of Christ."

Prayer - A Personal Thing

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:05:05 +0000

Fr. Stephen reflects on the meaning of Dostoevsky's statement, "Each man is responsible for the sins of everyone," and its meaning for prayer.

The Face Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:02:19 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the deep importance that Christ as the "image of God" carries for our faith and how that image teaches us about the nature of all images.

The Last Battle

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:14:04 +0000

Fr. Stephen suggests that the truly great things are those that are most hidden from our sight - and that the last battle may be fought in the silence of a human heart.

Speaking With Authority

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:35:01 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the nature of authority and its root in the reality of the Cross.

In The Grasp Of Wonder

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:11:17 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the role wonder should play in the Christian life.

The Chief Of Sinners

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:22:18 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at what it means to be the "chief of sinners" and the solidarity Christ has with us - even in our sin.

Prayer As Communion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:00:28 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks on prayer as an aspect of our participation in the life of God - taking it from words spoken to a presence shared.

You Are Not A Bible Character

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:05 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at a common abuse of the Scriptures - as individuals imagine themselves to be characters in the Bible.

The Sacrifice Of Emptiness

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:52:39 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at Christ's act of "self-emptying" as described by St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians as a way of understanding of how His death frees us from our bondage to sin.

The Desire For Justice And The Mercy Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:00:27 +0000

Fr. Stephen, drawing from St. Isaac and other sources, looks at the Orthodox understanding of the mercy of God and how certain modern ideas of God's "justice" have sought to undermine this Orthodox teaching.

Liturgical Knowing

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:00:42 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at worship as a means by which God makes Himself known to us.

Heaven On Their Minds

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:00:57 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at how we should see heaven breaking in on the world in which we live and how the "dim vision" of the face of Christ informs our daily lives.

Engaging Creation

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:59:02 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers a suggestion for how we should engage the world around us. Rather than living as thinking beings surrounded by inanimate objects - we live as eucharistic people, leading creation in its eternal song of praise to the Creator.

Beauty And The Salvation Of The World

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:00:44 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at Icons and Scripture and what they hold in common - in particular their use of beauty to teach us the reality of God.

Personal Issues

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:00:40 +0000

Fr. Stephen takes a look at how concern for various "issues" often distracts us from the true task of tending to the health of our soul.

The Bells

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:00:40 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the rich texture of Orthodox life and tradition and the peculiar, sacramental place that bells hold within it.

Unbelief And The Two-Story Universe

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:40:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen offers his observations on the split in our world between sacred and secular (the "two-story universe) and the role it plays in causing unbelief and the role unbelief may play in allowing us to be healed.

Singleness Of Heart

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:44:20 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at singleness of heart—simply learning to say what is in our heart, practicing integrity within ourselves. Its importance to one's spiritual life cannot be overstated.

Take, Eat

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:12:41 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at Holy Thursday and the sacrament of the Eucharist and the meaning of Christ's words, "Take, eat."

For The Sake Of Envy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:11:54 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the role played by envy in the events of Holy Week. Seeing envy as a primary sin in our world, he looks at how the Gospel confronts this error in human thought.

Careful Devotion To Christ

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:00:31 +0000

Fr. Stephen returns to some of his thoughts on life in a world divided into sacred and secular - a world he describes as the "two-storey universe." He offers practical steps on how to practice the presence of Christ at all times and places in a careful devotion to Christ.

Personhood And Love

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:00:52 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the teaching of the Elder Sophrony and St. Silouan and what it is they mean by "person." Our existence is rooted in love.

Why Does God Sing?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:00:38 +0000

Fr. Stephen makes the observation that the Scriptures say that God sings. He then goes on to ask about the place of music in worship and why it is that some modern Christians do not sing.

Forgiveness - The Hardest Love of All

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:00:24 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the forgiveness of our enemies and suggests some small steps we can take to cultivate a heart of mercy and extend it towards others.

Know God Or No God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:22:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks on the utterly essential relationship with God. We must truly know Him.

Why We Fast

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:38:19 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the deeper meaning of fasting and its true place in our Christian life.

Scripture And The Church

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:35:07 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the unique relationship between the Church and Holy Scripture. They are integral to one another. We do not remove the Church from Scripture, but neither do we remove Scripture from the Church.

The Unholy Land

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:07:21 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the temptations of our secular culture and its invitation to live in an "unholy land."

Orthodoxy And Science Fiction

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:42:07 +0000

Fr. Stephen explains why he considers science fiction as a form of modern theological thought.

The Wrath Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:28:02 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the Orthodox understanding of the wrath of God and the patristic teaching that His wrath is nothing other than His love given to us. The wrath is our own hatred for His love. It is an understanding of the good God who loves mankind.

Salvation In A Cloud Of Witnesses

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:00:07 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the difference between individual salvation and personal salvation and the deep importance found in the distinction.

The Longest Liturgy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:00:19 +0000

Fr. Stephen speaks about the "liturgy of the heart" as the longest liturgy of all and the true nature of worship.

Bowing In Bethlehem

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:22:26 +0000

Father Stephen looks at the history and architecture of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and draws lessons for our own humility.

The Smallness Of God

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:00:58 +0000

Fr. Stephen turns our thoughts during this week of the Nativity to the "smallness" of God. God has come to save us through His "weakness" as St. Paul says and invites us to share in that humility.

The Soul As Mystery

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:00:11 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the human soul and what it means that it is a mystery - known to God - but not fully known to us.

Sitting In A Cave

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:00:29 +0000

Fr. Stephen reflects on the monastic cave in which St. John of Damascus dwelt and compares it to the "cave" of our heart.

The Role Of Icons

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:00:33 +0000

Fr. Stephen talks about the importance of icons in our modern world - helping us to see and understand clearly the truth of creation and God.

The Agent Of Change

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. Stephen Freeman and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:36:05 +0000

Fr. Stephen looks at the Christian understanding of power and the marvelous works of God. God's power is utterly unlike that of the world.