The Spirit of Saint Tikhon's: Recent Episodes
St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary and Ancient Faith Radio
The live and recorded podcast of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary - The Spirit of Saint Tikhon's aims to give you an audible glimpse into the life of the seminary and monastery.
First-year seminarian Timothy Blinnikov discusses growing up Orthodox and his transition from studying political science to theology.
Fr. John Parker interviews Fr. Viktor Gorodenchuk, a Professor of Liturgics at St. Tikhon's Seminary. Fr. Viktor shares his story, from his childhood in communist Russia and career as a research physicist, to his conversion and call to ordination.
First year Timothy Srock discusses his journey from the military, to Latvia and the Orthodox church, and finally Saint Tikhon’s.
First year Nektarios discusses his personal pilgrimage to the monastery of St. Nektarios in Aegina and how it led him to Saint Tikhon’s and the Orthodox church.
Cyrus Owrangi discusses his journey from the middle to the United States, as well as his journey into the Orthodox faith.
First year John Barrett discusses his transition from life as a professional singer to a seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
First year Alex White discusses his Episcopalian background and his time spent in Ukraine.
First year Jake Kurtz discusses his time as a probation officer and his journey to St. Tikhon's.
New seminarian Andrew Benton discusses his time at St. Tikhon's and his unexpected calling to priesthood.
Justin Brannon talks about his past in the Oneness Pentecostal group and his journey towards Orthodoxy.
Fr John Parker interviews Orthodox Christian Filmmaker, Robert Krantz, after watching his family-friendly movie "Faith, Hope, and Love". Robert shares moving miracles in his life, discusses his vibrant and evangelistic faith, and gives and insider view into filmmaking....
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Nico Petrogeorge, Executive Director of OCPM, joins us to share about the first session of the OCPM Certificate Training Program.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Formation Leader Anne Marie McCollum, Diocesan Coordinator Olga Ptach, and participant Mat. Shari Garretson join us to discuss the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 training session.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Paul and Anastasia Kappanadze join us to talk about the many different musical education programs and activities at St. Tikhon's.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
St. Tikhon's alumnus Fr. Matthew Markewich tells us about his journey to St. Tikhon's, his time as a seminarian, and how he is serving the Church since graduation.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Third-year seminarian Fr. Kirill Zawatski tells us about what led him to St. Tikhon's, and about his time in seminary.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Seminarian Fr. Kirill Zawatski joins us to talk about Elijah's Mantle, a student-run ministry at St. Tikhon's Seminary that connects parishes with extra liturgical items with parishes in need of these items.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Fr. George Davis, St. Tikhon's Seminary alumnus and monastic at St. Tikhon's Monastery, joins us to share his story.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Seminary Guest Lecturer Peter Preovolos joins us for a discussion about leadership, based on his many years of experience in both the church and business worlds.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Mother Christophora, Abbess of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration (OCA) in Ellwood City, PA, addresses the 2024 graduates of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary.
STOTS St. Nicholai Velimirovich Annual Lecture 2024: This year Fr. Yaroslav Sudick, who was a student of St. Nicholai's during his time as a seminarian, joins us to share personal remembrances of his time spent with the Saint.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Third-year seminarian Dn. Seraphim Chang and his wife Mat. Ruth join us to talk about their journey to St. Tikhon's
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Fr. John Parker visits with Fr. Paul Abernathy, founder and CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project, to discuss his ministry in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Seminary Librarian Brian Cardell and his wife, Registrar Katherine Cardell join us to talk about their journey to St. Tikhon's, and the work they do at the seminary.
Fr. John Parker visits with Nathan Hoppe, experienced field missionary for OCMC, to discuss his Doctor of Ministry project on Eucharistic communities and his time in Albania.
Dr. David Ford, professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, reads passages from his anthology of selections from the writings of St. John Chrysostom, entitled "Sing to Your Soul."
Fr. John Kowalczyk, assistant professor at St. Tikhon's, joins us to talk about his many years of experience with the March for Life in Washington D.C.
Third-year seminarian Dn. Damian Kulp joins us to share about what led him to St. Tikhon's
Sing the Incarnation: Towards the Use of Vernacular Music Languages in North American Parishes.
Third-year seminarian Fr. Michael Rehment shares about what led him and his family to Orthodoxy and to St. Tikhon's, and about their experience together at seminary.
Fr. John Parker visits with Orthodox actor, musician, and artist, Jonathan Jackson, on Jonathan's first visit to St. Tikhon's.
Fr. John Parker visits with Orthodox actor, musician, and artist, Jonathan Jackson, on Jonathan's first visit to St. Tikhon's.
Fr. John Parker visits with Brandon Baca, long-serving member of AFM's Board of Trustees, and Protopsalti of St. Ignatius, Franklin, TN, on Brandon's first visit to St. Tikhon's.
Subdeacon Reuben Thomas joins us to discuss his Master's Thesis, entitled "The Harvest is Plentiful: Exploring a Vision of Growth for the Malankara Orthodox Church in America."
Third-year seminarian Elias Rehmet joins us to discuss his Master's Thesis, which focuses on the work of St. Gregory Palamas.
Staff and campers joined us in July to talk about this year's St. Tikhon's Summer Camp program.
Physician and Deacon Sampson Nash joins us to talk about the Christian Ethics course he is teaching at St. Tikhon's Seminary this summer.
Fr. John Parker interviews Fr. Ignatius and Matushka Liz Gauvain. He is Director of Life and she is becoming a voice of the Spirit of St. Tikhon's podcast.
Fr. John Parker interviews Fr. JM (Methodius) Kariuki, an Orthodox priest of Kenya, who runs the St. Barnabas Orphanage and School in South Kinangop, Central Kenya.
Learn more at orthodoxmissionkenya.org.
Fr. John Parker speaks with Niko Petrogeorge, the Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM). Find more at theocpm.org.
Watch the video "I Want to Be a Member of God's Church" at youtube.com/watch?v=j2ohmqZ1mYg.
Interview with Dr David Ford--from his edited works in 3 Volumes--Sing To Your Soul--in this brief interview, the beautiful words of Chrysostom on the Cross--during the Week of the Cross.
Dr. David Ford, Professor of Church History, discusses his book Women and Men in the Early Church: the Vision of St. John Chrysostom with Dn. Maximus.
Fr. John Parker interviews the Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), Niko Petrogeorge.
Micah Breland grew up in a faithful Christian home, then discovered the Orthodox Church when he met his wife. Having always felt a call to serve God and others, he is now a first year at St. Tikhon's pursuing a vocation to the Holy Priesthood.
Mark Solomon is a first year seminarian from the Diocese of the West. Mark grew up in a Protestant home, but found himself turning away from faith in his younger years. He is now an Orthodox Christian and pursuing a call to the priesthood at St. Tikhon's.
Fr. John Parker, Dean of St Tikhon's Seminary, hosts Dr Ryan Sampson Nash, MD, MA, for part two of a discussion about COVID and the vaccines. Dr Nash will address questions and feedback from part one.
Fr. John Parker, Dean of St Tikhon's Seminary, hosts Dr. Ryan Sampson Nash, MD, MA, in a discussion about COVID and the vaccines. Dr. Nash will discuss, from the bioethical perspective, as a faithful Orthodox Christian and physician, the nuances of the vaccines and their relationship to medicine in general.
Fr John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, speaks live with Fr. Robert Miclean, who founded Annapolis College Ministry more than a decade ago, reaching many college students on the campuses of the US Naval Academy and St John's College. Many baptisms—and at least one priest—have come directly through this ministry. You can reach Fr. Robert at Fr.RobertMiclean@gmail.com.
Fr. John Parker dean of St.Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary interviews Fr. John Wheling at St. John Kochurov Mission parish in Rogers Arkansas discussing the life and witness of St. John and his relevance to the church. His feast day is October 31.
Fr John Parker, Dean, interviews Mary Lowell, founder of Hexaemeron, about long-time friend and master Iconographer, Xenia Pokrovsky, discussing Xenia's life, work, and connection to St Tikhon's.
For we know all things work for the greater good of those who love God. Fr. John Parker and Archimandrite Sergius.
Dr. David Ford, Professor of Church History at St Tikhon's Seminary, reads a sermon by St. Epiphanius of Cyprus, 4th Century, titled "On the Burial of the Divine Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Joseph of Arimathaea, and on the Lord's Descent into Hades, which, after His Saving Passion, Wonderously Ensued on the Holy and Great Saturday." Dr. Ford has read this sermon for the past 15 years over the Tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ, on Holy Friday night.
Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Fr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, share their own callings to the priesthood and discuss that vital question, "How do I know if the Lord is calling me?"
Please see the attachment associated with this episode which is a PDF of a helpful article by Mother Christophora on Fostering Vocations in the Church.
Dr. David C. Ford, Professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, and Fr. John Parker, Dean of the Seminary, discuss the events leading up to the crisis, precipitated by St. John Chrysostom's unjust and unexpected deposition from his office of Archbishop of Constantinople, and his subsequent exile to eastern Asia Minor. Then Dr. David gives a dramatic reading from Letter Seven, from his translation of St. John Chrysostom's Letters to St. Olympia, in which St. John expresses his great concern and wise assistance to help St. Olympia keep up her spirits in this devastating time. May his words assist and inspire us in the midst of our own crisis precipitated by the spread of the corona virus.
We are in an unusual time in our world as we see a global pandemic sweep from country to country. It was also a very difficult and surreal time in Antioch at the beginning of Great Lent in 386, after the tax riot and the desecration of the statues of Emperor Theodosius the Great and his family. The impending wrathful retribution hung over the terrified city like a suspended sword. It was in this time that St. John Chrysostom preached his amazing Homilies on the Statues, winning the undying love of the flock for his eloquent words of encouragement. This all happened during his first Great Lent as a priest, and as the main preacher in the cathedral church in Antioch. We can all benefit from these words today dramatically read for us by faculty member Dr. David Ford.
Archimandrite Sergius, the Abbot of St Tikhon’s Monastery—the oldest Orthodox monastery in North America—has recently posted a few short reflections on Facebook titled “The Liturgy of the Heart.” Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, hosts Fr. Sergius on a live show on Thursday, April 2, at 3 PM Eastern on Ancient Faith Radio.
From one of Fr. Sergius’ recent videos: “Let us dust off the altar of our heart, place the Gospel back in the center, take what is given to us in this life (both good and bad) and offer it to God in gratitude (εὐχαριστία). When we do so, we will find that we will receive Christ Himself in return, and every encounter with Christ is Pascha.”
Fr. Colin grew up as the son of a Lutheran pastor, and became Orthodox shortly before joining the Marine Corps. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, Fr. Colin met his wife and eventually came to seminary. He is now a priest in the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese and a third-year seminarian.
Fr. Silouan Burns grew up as a Protestant Christian with a calling to the ministry. After serving as a pastor in various Churches and living in the Philippines, he found the Orthodox Church. He is now a third-year seminarian and a priest in the Orthodox Church in America.
Melvin Matthai grew up in the Malankara Orthodox Church, living in Kerala, India until the age of 12. After reconsidering the meaning and purpose of his life, he is now a second year seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
Fr. Michael Shepherd was a drill sergeant in the U.S. Military who discovered his deep need for God and found Him in the Orthodox Church. Fr. Michael is now a third year seminarian at St. Tikhon's and a priest of the Orthodox Church in America.
Father Samuel Davis is a former evangelical who was not searching for the Orthodox Church, until he came across an unexpected speaker on a charismatic television station. He is now a third year seminarian at St. Tikhon's, and the parish priest of St. Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Mission in New Brunswick, NJ.
Fr Chrysostom Koutloumousianos is a senior brother and priest-monk at the Holy Monastery of Koutloumous, Mount Athos. Having read English Literature at the University of Athens (1986) he pursued BA, MA and PhD studies in Theology at the Aristotle University of Thessalonica (1994-2007). He has been a Visiting Fellow at the Hellenic Institute, Royal Holloway, University of London (2011-2014) and a Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London (2016-2018). His research interests focus on Patristics and the spirituality of Greek and Celtic monasticism. Since 1986 he lives in the monastery, while visiting other places for lectures or pastoral activities. He is currently a research fellow at Cambridge Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, working on a comparative study of St Romanos the Melodist and John Donne.
Ryan Miller became Orthodox in college after some initial shock that "God became man so that man might become God." Following his love and zeal for Christ and the Church, Ryan is now a second-year seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
Jeremiah McKemy was a faithful charismatic Christian who always wanted to go deeper in his faith and life of prayer. He became an Orthodox Christian after encountering the beauty of the Church, and through the prayers of the Theotokos.
Predeep Chacko grew up in the Malankara Orthodox Church. His faith was simply part of his life, until God began to fan the flame of love in his heart. He is now a second year seminarian at St. Tikhon's
Jacob Ponomarenko grew up in a faithful Orthodox Christian home and has always had a heart to serve the Church. He is now a first year seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
Fr John Parker interviews our alumnus, Fr Moses HIbbard (2014), from St Nicholas of South Canaan Orthodox Church, BIllings, Montana.
Deacon Herman discovered the Orthodox Church as he and his father-in-law began to ask questions about their lifelong Christian faith, trying to discover why they believe what they believe. He is now a third year seminarian at St. Tikhon's, preparing to become a missionary priest in the South.
An interview with Dr. Timothy Patitsas, discussing beauty, liturgy, and the spiritual life in connection with the Orthodox Interseminary Movement conference on Beauty held at St. Tikhon's in early November.
Fr. Jesse Robinson was a blue-haired drummer in a band who found himself attending a small Orthodox mission in someone's home with his dad. Twenty years later, Fr. Jesse is an Orthodox priest in his final year of seminary at St. Tikhon's.
As a Religious Studies major in college, Brad Given found his way to the Orthodox Church when he became friends with the daughter of a priest and began singing in the Church choir. Several years after marrying the priest's daughter, Brad is now a first year seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
Raised in the Orthodox faith, Subdeacon Peter Simko was nurtured in the Church and became serious about his faith in college. After working as a successful civil engineer, he is now a seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
Our guest today, Garret Hamner, grew up, primarily in Reformed churches. His first experience in the Orthodox Church proved to be a beautiful experience, an icon in the flesh of a foundational element of the Orthodox spiritual life: humility.
After a very negative reaction to his first exposure to Orthodoxy, our guest today, Anthony Saunders got a second taste on the other side of the world. Ultimately, the spiritual healing, or the therapy of the Church, is the major factor that draws Anthony and his wife to Orthodoxy.
Fr Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, finishes the St Tikhon's 2019 October Lecture Series.
Fr. John Parker welcomes Jonathan Pageau as his first live guest on the podcast. Jonathan is an iconographer/wood carver as well as a very popular "You-Tuber."
Fr. Stephen Powley of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry was on campus to meet with students. Subdeacon Maximos invited him into the studio.
Address given by Fr. Tom Soroka, priest at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Ancient Faith Radio podcaster. Second of 2019's October Lecture Series at St. Tikhon's on the topic of "Autocephaly."
Mr Alexis Liberovsky, Archivist of the Orthodox Church in America, reflects on the Documents of the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America, given in 1970.
We asked seminarian Olivia Insignares back for a follow up talk about the music at St. Tikhon's Seminary, a little about the place of beauty in the Church, and also about seeing outside the stereotype of the male seminarian, which she obviously is not. We can only scratch the surface here, but if you want to continue the conversation with Olivia, find her on Instagram: @beautywillsavetheday
Address given by Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of All American and Canada on October 8, 2019. First of 2019's October Lecture Series at St. Tikhon's on the topic of "Autocephaly."
Today, we have the pleasure of talking to seminarian Olivia Insignares. The music and beauty of Orthodoxy was the path which lead her to the Church. Find her on Instagram if you are interested in joining the music and beauty conversation: @beautywillsavetheday
Dr. David Ford and Subdeacon Maximos talk about the upcoming Speaking the Truth in Love conference Nov 7-9 on the campus of St. Tikhon's.
He was a non-denominational evangelical from Texas but now a subdeacon in the Orthodox Church and a seminarian at St. Tikhon's.
From Baptist upbringing to missionary in China to Orthodox seminary student. Fr. John Parker introduces us to Dn. Ignatius Strange, one of 2 seminarians who will be introducing us to other students in the weeks and months ahead.
Did you know St. Tikhon's has a very active summer camp program? Learn more from both staff and campers in this episode.
John Maddex and Fr. John Parker talk about the new studio installed at the seminary and the plans to use it.
Dean Fr. John Parker launches the new podcast with a conversation with Rector Archbishop Michael.