Ancient Faith Today Live

Fr. Thomas speaks with scholar, author, and historian Dr. Russell Martin about the relationship between the Orthodox Church and monarchy. How did the church relate to the state under the sovereign rule of a monarch? What were the political and religious ramifications? How can Orthodox Christians in modern democracies understand this important part of our history?

Fr. Thomas interviews Dr. Cassandra Oehler, MD, an infectious disease specialist and an Orthodox Christian, about the coronavirus and the new vaccines aimed at eliminating it.

Fr Michael Carney joins Fr Thomas to discuss his recent pilgrimage to Ireland. Fr Michael walked in the places of the earliest Irish saints who were important Christian witnesses in the undivided Church. During the show Fr. Michael graciously offered a tri-fold printout of St. Patrick's Breastplate. If you would like it you may email him at villagepriest at gmail.com.

Fr. Thomas speaks with Sarah Brangwynne and Sasha Rose Oxford to discuss their new book, A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul During Baby's First Forty Days, and how these crucial days after giving birth can become a time of refreshment, holiness, and growth.

Author and blogger Melissa Elizabeth Naasko joins Fr Thomas to talk about the Orthodox Christian practice of fasting and feasting. Why do we fast so much and how can we embrace the Orthodox way of eating with our busy lives?

Mission priest and media expert Fr. John Peck joins Fr. Thomas as they talk about the unprecedented number of seekers and conversions to the Orthodox Christian faith during the recent pandemic and how parishes can prepare themselves for the next wave of converts.

Fr. Thomas broadcasts live from the OCA's Diaconal Vocations Program Practicum in Santa Rosa, CA, to speak with program leaders and participants about serving God in the Church. Are you discerning a vocation to serve?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Gregory Hogg and Fr. Basil Biberdorf as they discuss their journey to Orthodox Christianity and answer objections to Orthodoxy by Lutheran apologists.

Fr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, talks with Fr. Thomas about the towering work and enduring legacy of liturgical theologian Fr. Alexander Schmemann, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Dr. Philip Mamalakis, President of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion, to talk about the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and the Medical Arts. How should Orthodox Christians approach modern medicine? How can Orthodox Christian medical professionals best serve Christ and humanity?

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Simeon B. Johnson of Alaska as they discuss what we can learn from the work of St. Herman and the first Orthodox missionaries to North America.

Fr. Thomas speaks with Nicholas Petrogeorge and Fr. John Brown of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry about the imperative ministry of healing and reconciliation for prisoners, and how the fullness of the Orthodox Faith can bring hope to the incarcerated.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Aleksander Wasyluk of orthphoto.net to talk about capturing the beauty of Orthodoxy with photography. He will also highlight the 2021 OrthoPhoto Awards competition which will judge outstanding photographs in various categories including the recent COVID crisis. Details at awards.orthphoto.net

Fr. Tom is joined by Dr David Ford of St Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary as they discuss the sacrament of marriage and how a husband and wife can seek holiness in the bond of matrimony.

Fr. Thomas is joined by priest and licensed counselor Fr. Paul Jannakos as they discuss the sad struggle that afflicts people of every walk of life and how they can carry the cross of mental illness with patience and dignity.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Hieromonk Herman (Majkrzak) of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery as they discuss entering into the fullness of the Paschal Mystery through the incredible beauty of Orthodox worship.

Fr Thomas is honored to welcome His Excellency Charles J. Chaput, Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia. They will discuss His Excellency's latest book, Things Worthy Dying For: Thoughts on a Life Worth Living. In it, Archbishop Chaput writes about the most important questions of life: why are we here and how can we live and die meaningfully? He reflects on our modern appetite for con...

Fr. Thomas talks with Professor of Sytematic Theology Dr. Peter Bouteneff about the Orthodox understanding of redemption and the message of the cross of Christ.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Daniel Lattier as they respond to the growing number of videos from Roman Catholic apologists on the internet challenging the Orthodox Faith.

Fr. Tom Soroka welcomes Professor Dr. David Bradshaw to discuss the teaching of St. Gregory Palamas. How are we to understand the difference between the essence and energy of God. What is uncreated grace? Listen for a clear and down to earth explanation.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Paul Jannakos, a professional counselor and Orthodox priest, as they discuss the disturbing rise of anxiety and suicides during the pandemic, especially among teenagers. What solutions does Orthodox spirituality provide to help calm us?

Fr. Thomas talks with Fr. Michael Carney as they discuss the purpose of the Great Lenten season and how to make the most of our Lenten journey.

Fr. Thomas welcomes Fr. Peter Paproski to talk about the history of the Divine Liturgy and why it is the central act of worship and thanksgiving for Orthodox Christians.

Fr. Thomas is joined by Fr. Joseph Lucas as they talk about the spiritual warfare that every Christian is called to undertake through the spiritual disciplines. Books mentioned on the show: Unseen Warfare Prayer in the Unseen Warfare Victory in the Unseen Warfare Virtue in the Unseen Warfare

We are in a world of cyber threats, hacking, and security breaches on our personal information. What can be done? Fr. Tom Soroka welcomes a Cyber Forensic Specialist to the show.