Ancient Faith Today Live

The recent rise in young people embracing the Orthodox Christian faith has led some to ask why young women aren't entering at the same rate as young men. Is the answer a rising interest in divination and paganism?

On Sunday evening, June 22, 2025, a terrorist at St Elias Orthodox Church in the Dweilaa neighborhood of Damascus killed at least 22 worshippers and injured 63. Why is martyrdom prominent in the life of the church, and what can we learn from it

Fr. Thomas is joined by Joshua Sherman as they respond to objections to the Orthodox Christian faith made by the former Orthodox priest, Joshua Schooping.

Many non-Orthodox churches are appealing to emotion by using charismatic forms and expressions. What's the Orthodox view of things like speaking in tongues, faith healing, and prophetic words of knowledge?

Even with the increased number of people entering the Orthodox Church, some individuals abandon the faith. What are the reasons people consider leaving, and how can we respond?

Orthodox Christianity does not permit the cremation of Orthodox believers. Why is the burning of the bodies of departed Orthodox Christians wrong? Fr. Tom examines this practice from a scriptural and patristic perspective.

Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem claims that he has been sent by God as the Advocate (parakletos) [Holy Spirit?] promised by Jesus. What should Orthodox Christians make of these false claims? Let’s consult the Scriptures and the Fathers.

Are Protestant and Roman Catholic thinkers inching toward Orthodox Christianity? Fr Thomas is joined by special guest, Joshua Sherman, as they address the proposals made in the book, Beyond the Salvation Wars, and the responses to it.

The Resurrection of Christ is the central doctrine of the Christian faith. What happens if you get it wrong?

Fr. Tom offers a reflection on the Pope's recent passing, and on the office of the papacy from an Orthodox perspective.

What happened on the cross, and after Jesus died on the cross? What do we know about the period of time between the crucifixion and the resurrection? Fr. Tom will discuss these questions in preparation for Holy Week.

Some Protestants say that the offering of sacrifices ceased at the cross. Others say that Jesus is sacrificed again and again. What's the truth about the Eucharist and sacrifice?

A recent essay suggested that the evolution to English as the prevailing Liturgical language in Orthodox parishes in America, "intentionally or accidentally, contributed to xenophobia" in the United States. What's the Orthodox tradition when it comes to liturgical language?

March 18 marks the 10th anniversary of the falling asleep of Fr Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir's Seminary, author of numerous books, and popular speaker and podcaster. Join us as we look at the legacy of one of America's most impactful Orthodox teachers.

What's the truth about Penal Substitutionary Atonement according to the Scriptures and expounded by the Fathers?

The "He Gets Us" campaign is a billion dollar ad blitz, presenting Jesus as a palatable everyman who is nice, very nice. Is that a problem?

Our pets are beloved household companions. What does Orthodox Christianity teach about animals and the Kingdom of God?

How did the idea of gender transitioning become so commonplace in our time, and what is the Orthodox Church's teaching on gender? Fr. Tom takes on this topic of much discussion this week.

Is the Orthodox Church too permissive when it comes to divorce and remarriage?

In the advent of Kat Von D's move towards Orthodoxy, alternative rock vocalist, Lacey Sturm, discusses the surprising movement to Traditional Christianity for a growing number of non-traditional performing artists and personalities.

We remember the life of one of the most influential Orthodox leaders of the 20th century, +Archbishop Anastasios. Through his unwavering zeal for Orthodox missions, he was a profound example of faithfulness and love for the entire world. Missionary Nathan Hoppe joins Fr. Tom as a guest. Memory Eternal!

Americans are noticing growing interest in Orthodoxy, but not everyone is happy about it. Protestant online apologists are saying that Orthodoxy doesn't fit Western culture and people are just attracted to the Church's aesthetics.

The idea that liturgical worship is foreign to the early church isn't a new claim. However, a new series of videos claim that early Christians gathered to meet, but not to worship.

Orthodox Christians pray to the Saints to ask their intercession before God. Some dismiss the practice as communicating with the dead. What's the truth from the Scriptures and Tradition?

This Orthodox Moment: Timely Trend or Fleeting Fad? • Parishes around the United States are seeing an unprecedented number of inquirers and converts. The secular press is noting the movement and the online apologists of various religions are fighting back. What's really going on here and where is all this headed?