Double Edged Sword ♱ Assyrian Church Podcast

In this episode, Father Genard explores the relationship between faith, love, obedience, and authority in Christianity. It emphasizes that true Christian faith is not just about believing in God, but living out that belief through actions, particularly love and obedience to God's commandments. The speaker quotes St. John Chrysostom, highlighting that love for Christ is expressed through obedie...

Episode 113: Paul Proclaims the Resurrection

In this episode, Father Genard delves deeply into Acts chapter 13, focusing on St. Paul's sermon and its rich theological implications. He begins by exploring the way St. Paul uses the history of the Jewish people to remind them of God’s promises, which were ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul’s message is clear: the salvation through Jesus Christ was written in the Old Testam...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the themes of faith, trust in God, and the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. He reflects on the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will, emphasizing that despite the turmoil, suffering, and challenges in the world, God remains in control. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of St. Mark, Father Genard recounts the story of Jesus calming t...

In this episode presented by Father Genard, we delve into Acts Chapter 13, exploring the early missionary work of the Church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Father Genard highlights the Holy Spirit's role in directing the Apostles during worship and fasting, as seen when Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were set apart for ministry to the Gentiles. He reflects on the mystery of God's communication—thr...

In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the profound work of the Holy Trinity in the Church and the essential practices that uphold the Christian faith. He begins by discussing the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing that these three are one in power, glory, and understanding. He highlights the importance of the Holy Trinity, particularly in the example of Jesus' baptism, whe...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses Acts 12:19-24, focusing on the themes of humility, glorifying God, and the dangers of vain glory. He reflects on Herod’s punishment for failing to give glory to God after being praised as divine, emphasizing the importance of redirecting all honor to the Lord. Drawing parallels to modern life, Father Genard explores how hardships, like famine and loss, ofte...

Experience the powerful and inspiring message from the 2024 Diocese Retreat’s Eucharistic Service, centered around the theme “Peace Be With Us” (John 14:27). Dive deep into the reflections on Christ’s ministry, his unshakable responses to opposition, and the fulfillment of the law through love and grace. This heartfelt homily reminds us of the peace Christ offers, the transformative power of faith...

In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the "down times" we experience in life—those moments when we feel spiritually drained, discouraged, or disconnected. He examines how these times of struggle, confusion, and disappointment can actually become opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and spiritual renewal. Drawing from personal experience and Scripture, Father Genard encourages us to make...

In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the power of prayer, focusing on Acts chapter 12, where we witness the church's earnest prayers being answered. The story of Simon Peter's miraculous release from prison highlights the impact of the church's prayers. Father Genard delves into the details of the event, where Simon is bound in chains, awaiting execution, and yet, through God's divine interv...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the themes of faith and divine intervention amid persecution in the early church, focusing on the events surrounding the imprisonment of Simon Peter. He reflects on the martyrdom of James and the earnest prayers offered for Simon, who, despite his dire circumstances, finds peace and comfort in God's promises. Father Genard emphasizes the significance of rem...

In this episode, Father Genard explores Acts 12:1-5, focusing on the persecution of the early Christians by Herod, who killed James, the brother of John. He raises the question of why God allows such suffering, suggesting that it serves as a warning to the Jewish people and demonstrates the triumph of faith even in death. Father Genard emphasizes that James's martyrdom reinforces Christ as the tru...

In this reflection, Father Genard explores the significance of being properly attired for the wedding feast, drawing on biblical passages like Matthew 22:11-14 and Luke 14:15-35. He emphasizes that the wedding garment symbolizes love, highlighting that while faith and baptism are crucial, they must be accompanied by genuine love to fully partake in the community of the church.  He warns against be...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses God’s sovereignty and ownership over creation, emphasizing themes from Matthew 20:15, which highlights God’s right to do as He pleases with what is His. He poses a significant question: What exists that does not belong to God? He explores the nature of good and evil, referencing Isaiah 45:7, which states that God creates both light and darkness, as well as...

In this podcast episode, Father Genard delves into the power of faith as taught by Jesus in Matthew 17:20, where He explains that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Father Genard reflects on the significance of having an undivided faith, highlighting how even the smallest amount can bring about miraculous change. Through biblical examples, such as the disciples' struggles and the...

In this episode of Double Edged Sword, Father Genard Lazar sits down with His Holiness Mar Awa III to explore the profound teachings of the Holy Spirit as they illuminate the Sacred Scriptures and the Tradition of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We delve into the life in Christ, where humanity is called to partake in the divine nature and pursue sanctification through consecrated ce...

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the profound significance of prayer as a universal medicine prescribed by Christ. He explains that prayer, like a remedy, is accessible to all, regardless of status or belief, and is a vital tool for both health and healing. Father Genard emphasizes that prayer should be approached with humility, as taught in Christ’s parables, and that it should be done wi...

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between physical and spiritual health, challenging the popular saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Through scriptural insights and reflections, we delve into how self-examination and repentance can help us avoid the final judgment of our spiritual physician, Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians and the teachings of the early Churc...

In this episode, Father Genard addresses the recent turbulence faced by Christians, including the assassination attempt on a former president, controversial events at the 2024 Olympic Games, and broader attacks on Christian values. He emphasizes that rather than reacting defensively to such challenges, Christians should focus on embodying and promoting the virtues of love, mercy, and faith. Drawin...

In this enlightening episode recorded during a Central Valley worship night, Father Genard explores the profound meaning of being a Christian, tracing the journey from the early followers known as "people of the way" to the first being called Christians in Antioch, as documented in Acts 11:26. Father Genard emphasizes the importance of embodying Christlike qualities such as love, compassion, mercy...

  In this episode, Father Genard delves into the diverse interpretations of forgiveness of sins prevalent today, influenced by the multitude of Christian denominations worldwide. Despite this disparity, Orthodox and Catholic traditions share a unified understanding on the forgiveness of sins, attributing this authority ultimately to God alone. This concept is exemplified in Mark 2:7, where Jesus,...

Join us as Father Genard interviews Reverend Father Andrew Aziz, newly ordained on June 30, 2024, from the Western Diocese of the Assyrian Church of the East, and his wife, Nenwe Aziz. Father Andrew also serves as the Secretary of the North American Executive Committee (NEC) of the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association. In this episode, we explore Father Andrew’s inspiring journey to pries...

In this episode, Father Genard presents the idea that while it may seem impossible for humans to change deeply ingrained behaviors or beliefs, divine intervention through Jesus Christ can lead to profound transformation. He illustrates this with two biblical examples: Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Despite their sinful pasts and the seemingly insurmountabl...

In this episode Father Genard sits down with the 122nd Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III. They discuss the importance of using modern-day instruments like social media for the proclamation of the Gospel. The conversation touches on the establishment of a patriarchal seminary, training clergy, and the challenges and blessings of s...

In this episode, Father Genard delves into the vivid imagery of "rubbing salt in the wound," likening it to kicking someone when they are already down. Both actions amplify pain and suffering. The sting of salt or alcohol on an open wound can be excruciating, but it also facilitates healing—a process Father Genard intimately understands from his own experiences with ulcers. Conversely, pouring col...