Singing the Triumphal Hymn

Unchurched, Unrepentant, Uninterested

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:59:18 -0600

Fr. John Finley presents a tribute to Fr. Jack Sparks, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 8, 2010. Featured is a speech delivered by Fr. Jack at the very first Missions and Evangelism Conference in 1988.

The Eucharist Is . . .

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:08 -0600

December 13th of last year marked the 25th anniversary of the departure from this life of Fr. Alexander Schmemann. In commemoration, Fr. John put together "The Eucharist Is," a poetic compilation of Fr. Alexander's descriptions of Holy Communion. This week's episode is a rerun of that touching and poignant broadcast.

The Holy Spirit and Evangelism

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:00:54 -0600

Fr. John presents a lecture by his late pastor, teacher, and spiritual mentor, the Very Reverend J. Richard Ballew. December 13th marks the one-year anniversary of his passing. "As much as anything else, evangelism is bringing people to active participation in liturgical worship and prayer." —V. Rev. J. Richard Ballew

The Sanctification of Time—Part Seven

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:22:56 -0600

Fr. John embarks on an introduction to the season of Advent.

The Sanctification of Time—Part Six

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:22:23 -0600

Fr. John introduces the Feast of the Theotokos, paying particular attention to the parallels between Mary and the Church.

The Sanctification of Time—Part Five

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:57:53 -0500

Fr. John examines the liturgical cycle of the year, focusing on the Twelve Great Feasts, in particular.

The Sanctification of Time—Part Four

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:05:54 -0500

Fr. John examines the cycle of the Orthodox week, as well as the themes associated with each day of the week.

The Sanctification of Time—Part Three

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:37:39 -0500

Fr. John explains the significance of the liturgical year.

The Sanctification of Time—Part Two

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:55:26 -0500

Fr. John explains how Pentecost is the fulfillment of Pascha and then describes the ways in which Christ has imbued the past, present, and future with a new and joyful meaning.

The Sanctification of Time

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:22:33 -0500

The Scriptures instruct us to "redeem the time, for the days are evil," but how do we do so? In this introduction to his new series on the sanctification of time, Fr. John explains that it is one thing to remember the dates and times of feasts, but quite another to understand them.

Divine Liturgy Conclusion

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:31:28 -0500

Fr. John concludes his examination of the Divine Liturgy.

Receive the Body of Christ

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:37:10 -0500

Fr. John examines the eucharistic portion of the Divine Liturgy.

Thanksgiving

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:17:21 -0500

Fr. John examines the Thanksgiving portion of the Divine Liturgy

The Liturgy of the Faithful

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:33:09 -0500

Fr. John examines the shape of the Divine Liturgy following the dismissal of the catechumens.

The Shape of the Liturgy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:16:41 -0500

Before the fourth century, the liturgy was divided into two parts: the Synaxis and the Eucharist. Fr. John examines them both.

Authentic Church Music

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:50:11 -0500

Fr. John shares an article originally printed in Again magazine. He envisions the future of American Orthodox music—our responsibilities and the obstacles we face.

The Orthodox Rule of Prayer

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:24:29 -0500

Just as our faith was passed down from the Apostles, so is our rule of prayer. The Orthodox worship service IS the words of the Bible.

The Roots of the Divine Liturgy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:00:57 -0600

Fr. Finley explores the historical and Biblical underpinnings of the Divine Liturgy, explaining how early Christian worship was liturgical in nature.

Holy Preparation

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:38:17 -0600

The whole Church lies in the paten that is to be offered to God. Fr. John explains how this is so, as well as what goes into preparing the bread and wine for Holy Communion.

The Sacred Hierarchy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:33 -0600

The clergy and the laity can't be opposed to one another, nor can they be confused with one another. Fr. John explains how this principle of orthodox organization is reflected in the priestly vestments.

The Mystical Mystery Tour

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:20:26 -0600

Fr. John presents his vision for the future of Orthodox Church architecture—one gleaned from the descriptions of heaven found in the Book of Revelation.

Church Architecture

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:36:14 -0600

What is the purpose behind Orthodox Church architecture? Fr. John offers explanations for everything from the narthex to the altar in a truly fascinating episode of Singing the Triumphal Hymn.

The Work of the People

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:48:18 -0600

The word Liturgy means the work of the people. As Fr. John continues his study of the Divine Liturgy he concentrates on our role as "laity."

Let Us Attend!

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:00:53 -0600

In his continuing series on the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John begins an exploration of liturgical formulas and texts. Today he talks about the office of Deacon.

The Physical Side Of Worship

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:18:21 -0600

Bowing, standing, candle lighting, and the sign of the cross are all part of Fr. John's Finley's continued look at symbol vs. reality.

Incense, Symbol and Reality

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:58:38 -0600

All of our senses are engaged in the worship of God but is incense simply symbolic of our prayers rising to God or is it something much deeper?

The Divine Liturgy - Part 7

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:35:00 -0600

Fr. John talks about the importance of the Bible in our liturgy and worship.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 6

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:56:56 -0600

What is the difference between corporate and individual worship and how are we to participate in the Divine Liturgy? Fr. John Finley explores these questions and more in this episode.

The Eucharist Is . . .

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:47:48 -0600

While teaching at St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology back in the '80s and early '90s, Fr. John would give his students an assignment toward the end of the quarter, in which he taught on the Divine Liturgy. The assignment: List as many ways that Fr. Alexander Schmemann describes the Eucharist (or the Liturgy) as you can find in chapter 2 of For the Life of the World. He decided to challenge himself with the assignment, but expanded it to include quotes from Liturgy and Life, as well. The result; a poem entitled "The Eucharist is..." a poetic compilation of quotations from Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. We have just completed the 25th Anniversary of the departure from this life of Fr. Alexander Schemann (d. Dec 13, 1983) and Fr. John would like to dedicate this podcast to Fr. Alexander with this poem, published in the chapter: "Bread Which Strengthens Man's Heart' in Fr. John's book Sacred Meals.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 5

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:16:18 -0600

In his continuing series on education and the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John finds teaching moments for our children in the Sacraments of the Church.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 4

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:29:44 -0600

Fr. John continues his lesson on Liturgy and Catechism. We can't teach our children what we do not practice ourselves.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 3

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:04:35 -0600

Fr. John explains the difference between head knowledge and enlightenment and the impact of hearing the Scriptures unfolded in their liturgical context in the Church.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 2

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:58:58 -0600

What do we mean when we say the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ? Fr. John continues his teaching on a sacramental world view.

The Divine Liturgy - Part 1

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:00:21 -0600

Today, Fr. John gets into the meat of his new podcast with the start of a series of lessons on the Divine Liturgy. What does it mean to have a sacramental world view and how should that affect the rest of our lives? The 2 referenced books by Fr. Alexander Schmemann can be found HERE.

Music to My Ears

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. John Finley and Ancient Faith Radio) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:31:07 -0600

In his first episode, Fr. John gives us a little background on himself and his musical experiences as written in an article for AGAIN magazine not long ago.