Speaking The Truth In Love

In Psalm 118 (119 in the Hebrew text), every verse references the commandments or precepts of God. As Christians, how are we to look at God's commandments in the light of Christ and His "New Commandment?"

In part 2 of Fr. Tom's reflections on the tumultuous 9th century, he talks about the missionary work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and the controversies over language and control of the slavic nations.

What do the Scriptures and the Fathers say about fidelity in marriage, sex outside of marriage, or same-sex marriage? Fr. Tom gives extensive teaching on this subject in today's episode.

Today, Fr. Tom brings us part 1 of 2 talks about the difficult 9th century in Church history. This is the backstory that often gets simplified but is important in understanding why we don't have unity today.

In part 2 of Fr. Tom's reflection on the Pre-Santified Liturgy, he talks about a mis-guided practice from the previous centuries of denying the gifts to children or the mentally impaired.

Fr. Tom has received several e-mails asking about the development of the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. In this 2 part talk, he gives us the history and elements of this well-loved service of the Church.

What can we say and not say about God? Fr. Thomas Hopko confirms one thing we can say and that is God is faithful.

Fr. Tom concludes his look at the 7th Ecumenical Council with the canons dealing with building shrines or chapels and monastic discretion.

As we begin the Lenten fast, Fr.Tom reflects on the 40 days Christ spent in the desert being tempted by Satan. Learn how some churches actually promise things that Christ rejected in the desert.

The canons discussed today deal with church property, those who would be set apart to read in the divine services, and the appropriate clothing for bishops and clergy.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of our Lord, Fr. Tom reflects on the childhood of Jesus. What we know, what we don't know, and what we can surmise.

Fr. Tom continues his look at the canons of the 7th Ecumenical Council including those that have to do with the books written by the iconoclasts, relics in the altar, and the financial affairs of the Church.

Fr. Tom is exploring the canons of the 7th Ecumenical Council held in Nicea and today talks about bishops who are appointed by secular heads of state as well as the frequency and nature of the meetings of bishops.

The Orthodox Church is the Church of the 7 Councils and the 7th one is far more important than some would believe. Learn about the importance of Icons as well as the importance of the Holy Scriptures.

Fr.Tom asks us to heed the scriptures and use our words carefully. Specifically he identifies several terms that are often incorrectly used in Orthodoxy today.

An intense and violent period in Church history surrounded the veneration of icons. Learn about those who gave their lives for the preservation of this important physical demonstration of the Incarnation as well as those Bishops who sided with with the iconoclasts and were later identified as heretics.

On November 30, we celebrated the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. On that day, Fr. Tom reflected on this great apostle as well as some of the legends that surround him. In particular, he talks about the dubious history of Andrew's alledged founding of the Church in Constantinople.

In this final episode on the so called Council in Trullo or the 5th and 6th Ecumenical Councils, Fr. Tom completes his commentary on the 102 canons. This includes the issue of not kneeling in church on Sunday, how to bring in Christians from other denominations, the creation and consumption of pornography, and more.

Fr. Tom is frequently asked about personal prayer and how the Orthodox Christian should approach the life of prayer at home.Today's episode gives practical and biblical direction particularly as we begin the Nativity Fast.

What is the Orthodox teaching about remarriage after adultery? What about re-baptism of one brought into the Church? Fr. Tom talks about this and more in today's episode.