Christian Saints Podcast: Recent Episodes
Darren C. Ong
The Christian Saints Podcast reflects on the lives of saints from the Christian church, in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. Hosted by Dr. Darren C. Ong, and all music is composed by James John Marks of Generative Sounds (https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com/)
00:00 Introduction
01:14 The History of the Collapse of Western Christianity
29:11 The West doesn’t have to become The East to be saved
34:14 You Need a Genuine Hospital & to be a Good Patient
38:00 There’s No Gap Between Second Temple Judaism, Apostolic Christianity & The Church
43:46 The Councils Were About Avoiding Schism & Heresy, Not Punishment
46:31 Modern media Combined with Ignorance of Orthodox Ecclesiology Breeds Confusion
49:21 Apostolic Succession Is Supported & Validated by The Historic Choir of Saints
52:58 To Prove You Can Heal, You Need Verifiable Patients Who Aren’t Sick Anymore
55:25 How We Strive for Unity Amidst Conflict IS our Salvation
60:44 The Enlightenment Dream Is Only Possible Through The Church, Not Reason
63:09 Our Culture Is Redefining Intrinsically Christian Terms In Pursuit of Utopia
65:52 Closing
~~~
How to Understand The Collapse of The West
Apostolic Succession
S8E6
~~~
In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the history of what we call The West from the birth of Christianity in The Acts of The Apostles up through the Great Schism, the rise of the papacy, & how the collapse of Western Christianity shaped modern civilization from an Orthodox Christian perspective.
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Against Heresies by St Ireneaus
- Book III, chapter 3, section 4 - succession of St Polycarp
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Acts 2:46
Acts 3:1
Acts 5:42
- The continuation of Torah worship
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.
~~~
orthodoxchristianity #OrthodoxChurch #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #GreatSchism, #RomanCatholicism #EarlyChurch #Pope
~~~
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion
Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images. Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at
Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
02:25 St Ireneaus, Against Heresies
08:58 Apostolic Succession is about preservation of revelation
11:35 Apostolic Succession is NOT merely genealogy
17:58 Preservation of revelation is about rightly dividing the word of truth
20:39 Bishops reject heresy, not compromise for the appearance of unity
25:26 The Founding Fathers, The 30 Years War & the rise of civil religion
31:34 The Bad Reasons to Enter (or Avoid) Orthodoxy
39:24 Do Not Despise The Tradition Which Raised You
46:12 If You Entered Orthodoxy for Bad Reasons, Stay & Grow & Be Corrected!
51:25 Religion Is Not a Part of Life, It Is a Way of Life
53:49 The French Revolution Was About Displacing Christianity in Society
57:06 To Understand What The Church Is, You Have to Go All the Way Back
~~~
What the Apostolic Fathers Believe About the Church
Apostolic Succession
S8E5
~~~
In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the writings of St. Irenaeus of Lyon, the historical claim of the Orthodox Church, and how the theological foundations of the West inform how we think about religion as a whole.
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Against Heresies by St Ireneaus
- Book III, chapter 3, section 4 - succession of St Polycarp
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm
The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom (in English)
- The priest’s prayer for the bishop during The Anaphora
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.
~~~
orthodoxchristianity #OrthodoxChurch #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #theology
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
01:09 If you want a good marriage, focus on your own healing
05:07 The Orthodox Church is THE Church, make the world The Church
11:24 There is no gap between the apostles & the bishops
23:50 The Epistle of St Ignatius to The Church in Smyrna
26:42 The relationship of the bishops to The Catholic Church
30:50 The Epistle of St Ignatius to The Church in Ephesus
34:06 The Church is not a democracy, yet there is no power except God’s
39:59 Humble obedience is not about toxic shame nor naivety
43:59 We don’t need to understand in order to be obdient
47:09 The correct functioning of The Church has nothing to do with our will
51:52 We don’t have to argue with everything with which we disagree
54:55 Closing
~~~
The Original Christian Church Still Exists
Apostolic Succession
S8E4
~~~
In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss how the earliest Christians understood apostolic succession, the role of bishops, and the historical continuity of the Orthodox Church. Drawing from the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch and other early witnesses, they explore the foundations of The Church.
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Church History of Eusebius
- Bk II, Chapter XIV
- Bk II, Chapter XXIV
- Bk III, Chapter IV
- Bk III, Chapter XI
- Bk III, Chapter XXII
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans
- Chp 8 & 9
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Ephesians
- Chp 4-6
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0104.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Trallians
- Chp 1-3
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Acts 15
- The Council of Jerusalem
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
- We cannot have factions because our wisdom cannot help us
Numbers 21
- The bronze serpent on the pole as saving image
John 17
- Jesus prays for the oneness of His believers
Ephesians 4:7-14
- “Pastor” really should be bishop in English here
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.
~~~
orthodoxchristianity #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
03:41 The Historicity of The Church
16:25 The Unity of The Church
27:30 Finding The Church is not Church Shopping
33:42 St Paul lost his cool about schism breaking The Church
37:41 Apostolic Succession requires hierarchy (bishops)
46:45 The therapy we need has never & will never change
54:58 Marriage counseling is about recognizing the need for individual repentance
61:41 Closing
~~~
How Orthodoxy Preserves the Apostolic Faith
Apostolic Succession
S8E3
~~~
Can we know where The One Church is? In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss apostolic succession, Christian unity, and the historical roots of the Orthodox Church, tracing its story from the Apostles to the present day.
~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Church History of Eusebius
- Bk II, Chapter XIV
- Bk II, Chapter XXIV
- Bk III, Chapter IV
- Bk III, Chapter XI
- Bk III, Chapter XXII
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans
- Chp 8 & 9
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Ephesians
- Chp 4-6
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0104.htm
The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Trallians
- Chp 1-3
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Acts 15
- The Council of Jerusalem
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
- We cannot have factions because our wisdom cannot help us
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.
~~~
orthodoxchristianity #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #Salvation #Repentance #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #Theology
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Being sick in the hospital is not hypocrisy
07:16 Apostolic Christianity is not religious philosophy or psychology
19:06 Creation is an invitation to spiritual experience, not the experience itself
23:44 Why this spiritual life requires The Church in the formal sense
32:01 Making worship an obligation is like making romance an obligation
37:32 God taught us what the best way for us to worship Him is
39:40 Orthodox worship is the fulfillment of all things which are Good
43:46 Theology & practicality are united in our understanding of persons
50:27 The divine persons do not change, so becoming like them does not change
53:28 This season will be a lot of defining terms to avoid ambiguity
58:51 The ecumenical councils preserve the effective therapy for spiritual healing
61:20 Closing
~~~
The Orthodox View of Spiritual Therapy & Healing
Orthodox Ecclesiology
S8E2
~~~
In this episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, Fr. Simeon Keyes & James John Marks discuss the Orthodox view of salvation, spiritual healing, the sacramental life of the Church, & more.
~~
Scripture citations for this episode:
Luke 15:11-32 - The prodigal son
John 9:1-38 - The healing of the man born blind
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living.
~~~
orthodoxchristianity #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #Salvation #Repentance #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #Theology
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
02:10 Post-modernism in literature
03:40 What to expect from season eight
08:48 Be The Body of Christ, be The Church
12:48 Bad Ecclesiology causes parish problems & soul problems
16:17 Spirituality is deeply practical, the purpose is to be changed
20:04 Obedience is central to humility & repentance
22:20 Loving compassion is helping people cease to sin
28:28 It makes no sense to be in The Church & make our sin our Identity
31:04 We live in a culture which doesn’t believe in forgiveness (or repentance)
33:43 What we believe is real, physically, mentally & spiritually
37:58 The Church is where we encounter reality most fully
42:00 We need to accept our diagnosis & the effective therapy to heal it
44:11 A welcoming, loving church is one who expects daily repentance
49:23 Closing
~~~
Who, What & Where Is The Church & Why Is It Necessary?
Orthodox Ecclesiology
S8E1
~~~
In this episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, we explore one of the biggest questions in Christian life: What actually is the Church? Is it an organization, a community, a building—or something deeper?
We discuss why the Church is practical without being banal and spiritual without being abstract. Through a conversation on repentance, identity, spiritual healing, and modern culture, we examine how the Church understands itself as the Body of Christ—not merely as a place people attend, but as a life people enter.
If Christianity is more than ideas—if it’s meant to heal, transform, and bring us into reality—then understanding the Church changes everything.
~~~
Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, and practical Christian living.
~~~
OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxChurch #Repentance #Ecclesiology #ChristianPodcast #Theology
~~~
Scripture citations for this episode:
Luke 15:11-32 - The prodigal son
John 9:1-38 - The healing of the man born blind
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
02:20 The structure of the vesperal portion
09:21 Why The Bible should have more than 66 books
11:22 The structure of the Divine Liturgy of St Basil for Holy Saturday
17:31 This service describes salvation in detailed images
31:55 Closing
~~~
Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - What is Salvation?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Reference materials for this episode:
The rubrics of the services, in English translation, of The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Scripture citations for this episode:
The fifteen Old Testament readings
- Genesis 1:1-13
- Isaiah 60:1-16
- Exodus 12:1-12
- The Book of Jonah
- Jesus of Navi (Joshua) 5:10 - 15
- Exodus 13:20 - 15:19
- Sophronios (Zephaniah) 3:8 - 15
- 3rd Kingdoms (1st Kings) 17:8 - 24
- Isaiah 61:10 - 62:5
- Genesis 22:1 - 18
- Isaiah 61:1 - 10
- 4th Kingdoms (2nd Kings) 4:8 - 37
- Isaiah 63:11 - 64:5
- Jeremiah 38:31 - 34 (31:31 - 34)
- Daniel 3 (including the song of the 3 youths from the Greek manuscript tradition)
Epistle reading
- Romans 6:3 - 11
Gospel reading
- Matthew 28:1 - 20
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
The morning of Holy Saturday finds us at the very brink of the celebration of Pascha, Passover, The Resurrection of Jesus The Messiah. All vespers services mark the beginning of the new day (there was evening, there was morning, the first day) & so in this service we transition from Sabbath to The Lord's Day. However, we're still in this accelerated timeline of Holy Week & so we cannot yet fully proclaim Christ is Risen. Yet, in the middle of this service we do transition from the darkness of Holy Week into the white of purity & resurrection & we proclaim who The Messiah is & what it is He saves us from & what it is He saves us for.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
02:55 The structures of the services
07:05 How do we face the apparent loss of trust & hope?
10:14 The three stasis of The Lamentations hymn
21:06 Closing
~~~
Winding Sheet & Lamentations - How Can We Go On?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
The rubrics of the services, in English translation, of
- Vespers of Holy Friday evening (known as the service of The Winding Sheet)
- Orthros of Holy Saturday morning (known as The Lamentations)
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
On Holy Friday there are typically two services which are conducted in community parishes: the vesperal service of Friday evening which is usually celebrated at 3p, the time Jesus hung on the cross, as well as the orthros service of the morning of Holy Saturday which is celebrated Friday night. These two services are known as The Winding Sheet & The Lamentations, respectively.
In this episode Jim talks about this pivotal moment for the faithful. God Himself, the source of all Life, is in The Underworld. What do we do when our trust & hope seem to be destroyed? How we respond shapes who we are becoming. The bulk of the episode is Jim reading the more than 70 verses of the Lamentation hymns for your reflection.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
01:42 Summary of the 12 readings
05:35 Jesus is condemned for claiming to be God
10:53 Why Saint Paul was a crucial member of The 12
13:32 The 2 odd Psalms which highlight Jesus’ teaching from The Cross
23:37 Closing
~~~
Orthros of The 12 Passion Gospels - How Did It Happen?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
The rubrics of the service of the 12 Passion Gospels in English translation
Scripture citations for this episode:
Two additional Psalms read in this service prior to the usual six of Orthros
- Psalm 19/20 & 20/21
The 12 Gospel readings from the service
- John 13:31-18:1
- John 18:1-29
- Matthew 26:57-75
- John 18:28–19:16
- Matthew 27:3-32
- Mark 15:16-32
- Matthew 27:33-54
- Luke 23:32-49
- John 19:19-37
- Mark 15:43-47
- John 19:38-42
- Matthew 27:62-66
Psalm 22/23
- Jesus quotes this from the cross
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
The Orthros of The 12 Passion Gospels is the service for the morning of Holy Friday which is typically celebrated on Thursday evening because of the shifted schedule which began on the evening of Palm Sunday (to facilitate holding the Paschal divine liturgy immediately after midnight Saturday night into Sunday morning). In this service we transition from more abstract lessons to the literal, chronological events of Jesus' arrest, trial, mockery, torture, death & burial.
In this reflection, Jim turns our attention to why Jesus is condemned to death by The Sanhedrin & why this is so important to the identity of The Christian faith.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
04:01 A service of healing
06:12 Prayer is always answered
14:20 From what does Jesus heal us?
18:55 We were created for the good life
21:55 Closing
~~~
Holy Unction - Do You Want to Be Healed?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
The rubrics of the service of Holy Unction in English translation
Scripture citations for this episode:
Readings from the service
- Psalm 50/51 & 142/143
- James 5:10-16
- Luke 10:25-37
- Romans 5:1-7
- Luke 19:1-10
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 - 13:8
- Matthew 10:1-8
- 2 Corinthians 6:16 - 7:1
- Matthew 8:14-23
- 2 Corinthians 1:8 - 11
- Matthew 25: 1-13 (which we also heard during the bridegroom services)
- Galatians 5:22 - 6:2
- Matthew 15:21-28
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - 23
- Matthew 9:9-13
Isaiah 11: 6-11
- Peace on the new earth
John 5:1-18
- Jesus heals the lame man on Sabbath
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
- Saint Paul boasts in his weakness & speaks of the thorn not taken from him
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
Holy Unction is a penitential service of healing at the end of which parishioners are anointed with Chrism, holy oil.
In this reflection Jim reads excerpts from the prayers of this service & expands on what it is we seek to be healed from as well as what it means for prayer to be answered both of which apply directly to why we pray & what the life of a Christian is all about.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
01:43 The parable of the ten bridemaids
04:50 Distinct hymns & gospel readings
13:09 Jesus’ conflict with Jewish leadership
17:25 The twelve steps to humility by Saint Benedict
19:23 One - Reverence for God
20:03 Two - Doing God’s Will
22:05 Three - Obedience to Others
24:24 Four - Enduring Affliction
26:09 Five - Confession
28:27 Six - Be Content without Prestige
29:17 Seven - Interior Conviction
30:23 Eight - Fulfill Your Role
31:09 Nine - Keep Silence & Solitude
31:37 Ten - Avoid Frivolity
32:29 Eleven - Speak Modestly & Rarely
33:57 Twelve - Keep a modest posture
35:17 Icons of humility in paint & in Saint Paul’s words
38:19 Closing
~~~
The 3 Bridegroom Orthros Services - Is Our Lamp Full?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Rubrics of the three bridegroom services in English translation
St John Chrysostom Homily 78 on Matthew
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/200178.htm
The Rule of St Benedict, 12 steps to humility
- https://www.regent.edu/journal/inner-resources-for-leaders/rule-of-st-benedict-12-steps-of-humility-in-leadership/
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 21:18-43
- Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
- The Authority of Jesus Questioned
- The Parable of the Two Sons
- The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Matthew 22:15-23:39
- The Question about Paying Taxes
- The Question about the Resurrection
- The Greatest Commandment
- The Question about David’s Son
- Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees
- The Lament over Jerusalem
Matthew 25:1-13
- parable of the ten bridesmaids
John 12:17-50
- The crowd comes because Lazarus was raised from the dead
- Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus
- Jesus Speaks about His Death
- The Unbelief of the People
- Summary of Jesus’ Teaching (keep my commandments)
Romans 13:1-7
- Submit to the civil authorities
Phillipians 2:1-11
- Jesus’ humility
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the 3 Orthros Services known as The Bridegroom Services, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
These 3 services are held Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evening rather than Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday morning for reasons Jim explains in the video. In fact, all the services of Holy Week, after Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy, are shifted forward.
In this episode Jim reflects on what the gospel reading & hymns of these three services set us up to become aware of & then he goes through the 12 steps of pursuing humlity as laid out in The Rule of Saint Benedict of Nursia.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
01:50 The focus of the four gospel accounts
02:40 The hymnody, apolytikion & odes for Palm Sunday
07:55 But what about us Gentiles?
11:59 We are from the ten tribes & we are grafted in to restore them
13:42 Closing
~~~
Palm Sunday - Is This For Everyone?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Orthros for the Sunday of The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
Scripture citations for this episode:
Isaiah 1:2-3
- Prophecy we see reflected in The Nativity icon, those Of The Nations are the donkey
Ezekiel 37: 1-14
- The valley of the dead bones
Zachariah 9:9-17
- The prophecy picked up by Saint Matthew
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
- Matthew 21:1-17
- Mark 11:1-11
- Luke 19:28-40
- John 12:12-19
Matthew 27:51-53
- Those who rose from the dead when Jesus died
~~~
In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached Palm Sunday, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here.
When talking about Lazarus Saturday, Jim focused on what Jesus' ministry meant for The Jews. This week he's focusing on what it means for those of us who are Of The Nations, known as Gentiles. Salvation is for everyone.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
01:19 The Gospel Account of Saint John's telling of the raising of Lazarus
08:53 The apolytikion emphasizes the general resurrection
11:29 Parallel to The Feast of Transfiguration
12:32 The verses of the odes for Lazarus Saturday
15:36 Our obligation to the evangelion of The Christ
19:45 Closing
~~~
Lazarus Saturday - From What Are We Saved?
~~~
Reference materials for this episode:
Little Compline for the evening prior to Lazarus Saturday
- As translated into English by the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America
Scripture citations for this episode:
John 11:1 - John 12:11
- The raising of Lazarus
~~~
Jim returns to the series of Lenten Triodion reflections he began last year. Having completed the Sundays of preparation & the Sundays of Lent, he picks up this week with Lazarus Saturday.
The Church emphasizes the confirmation of the general resurrection as well as this event being the "final straw" which drives the Sadducees to seek Jesus' death which is why this day is one week prior to His crucifixion on the Liturgical calendar.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Opening
02:50 Fr Symeon's Sermon
21:30 Salvation isn't heaven, or morality, it's illumination
28:11 The paranoia born of living in exile
37:18 Orthodoxy doesn't do philosophical apologetics, we seek illumination
54:10 You can't put an onion dome on The Academy
73:29 Closing & housekeeping
~~~
This, too, Shall Pass (Season Finale) - S7E20
~~~
This is the end of season 7, in which we have focused almost entirely on the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness being one which requires us to put all ideologies to the side & focus on the inner, spiritual life.
~~~
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Gospel Reading from Sunday January 11
-
Matthew 4:12-17
-
Wisdom & illumination are spiritual not discursive
- Colossians 1:3-14
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Opening
01:04 You can't put The Faith on the screen & do it well
04:23 Stop debating if Jesus was an undocumented immigrant or refugee
07:54 Don't use Christian images as a foil for ideological vision
10:42 I care if the vulnerable meet God, which means I have to feed them
18:40 Silencing the monstrous is the only righteous anger
22:33 Response videos & click bait breed arrogance & division
27:43 Our utopian vision tends to not include ourselves changing
31:38 It is too easy to convince ourselves our sin does not matter
34:08 Your anger is probably self righteous, which means it is sinful
38:27 The lesson of Ebineezer Scrooge is "fear not!"
40:44 God wants to look at us & have us look at Him the way husband & wife look at each other
42:25 It is hard to be angry at other people if we know we're an idiot
46:26 The utopian vision eliminates the possibility of forgiveness
50:49 Dungeons & Dragons plane of Nirvana teaches us how scary utopia would actually be if we tried to live in it
53:34 Closing
~~~
It Will All Fail - S7E19
~~~
We are nearing the end of season seven & Fr Symeon didn't want to miss the opportunity to talk about how the two dominant ideologies in our culture both rely on what we could call an unconstrained vision of humanity - the dream of The Enlightenment still alive.
In this third part of three, we delve into a bit more pop culture references than is typical for us as we continue to try to drive home the idea the pursuit of utopia brings dystopia & the problem is human delusion. We must focus on dispelling delusion, not problem solving & system building.
~~~
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17 - Cleansing of the temple
Mark 5: 1-20 - Gerasene Demoniac
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Opening
06:17 We are all nuts
10:36 The sins others can't see are more dangerous
13:30 Living enslaved to Sin is standing on a cliff
17:39 We Can't Build Utopia
18:45 What we do has far more consequence than we realize
23:00 The Dream of The Enlightenment breeds cattle & monsters
25:27 Pursuit of Eutopia breeds Dystopia
28:45 A rabbit trail about our favorite fiction genres
32:47 Self delusion causes us to make the means The End
34:10 The Gerasene Demoniac & the pigs
36:07 Why can't people see the path of The Kingdom
43:55 Confession shatters self delusion
47:45 The divine revelation to The Apostles was unique
49:30 Humans tend to want kings, one way or another
50:50 Another rabbit trail about movies about The Bible
54:00 Closing
Human Persons Are Not Infinite - S7E18
We are nearing the end of season seven & Fr Symeon didn't want to miss the opportunity to talk about how the two dominant ideologies in our culture both rely on what we could call an unconstrained vision of humanity - the dream of The Enlightenment still alive.
In this second part of three, we delve into a bit more pop culture references than is typical for us, we both admit to a love of dystopian fiction & we also speak of the core mission of The Church to usher all of Creation into Paradise, not to amass warriors to create Utopia through Power.
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17 - Cleansing of the temple
Mark 5: 1-20 - Gerasene Demoniac
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Introduction
05:25 Competing ideologies
09:46 The fundamentals - vision of humanity
12:27 Are humans good or evil
16:20 Are people evil or deluded?
19:46 Can we agree on what good & evil are?
22:55 The sinless passions
25:29 Issues of identity
28:00 The Prince of Peace is Born!
31:44 Too much Emmanuel Kant
33:36 Christmas proclaims Love Incarnate
35:00 Genesis 3, The Lie is "Be Unconstrained"
38:12 Optimistic Christianity
40:30 The subtle lie of the brazen serpent
44:15 Christmas is the beginning of the end of Death
47:29 Closing
Human Persons Are Not Infinite - S7E17
We are nearing the end of season seven & Fr Symeon didn't want to miss the opportunity to talk about how the two dominant ideologies in our culture both rely on what we could call an unconstrained vision of humanity - the dream of The Enlightenment still alive. We are suggesting the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evangelion of Jesus, The Christ requires us to accept we are created, finite beings & as a consequence we must have a constrained vision of humanity - the dream of The Enlightenment is not only dead, if it came true, we would become either monsters or animals.
Yes, there is a way in which our understanding theosis, divination, is a vision of an unconstrained humanity, we can become divine through grace! And the world's denial of this is a kind of constrained vision. Yes, we see this irony. But for the sake of the conversation, we're framing our thoughts as we outlined them above.
This conversation was quite long! So the production team has decided to cut it into three sections this time, not just two.
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17 - Cleansing of the temple
Mark 5: 1-20 - Gerasene Demoniac
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Intro/lead in from previous episode
02:49 Icon of The Nativity, concentric circles
09:05 She Isn't Looking At Her Baby?!
13:00 We Are Joseph, Trying to Understand
18:18 Everyone Has Doubts, We Can't Stay There
22:06 Joseph As Exemplar for Masculinity
29:29 There is Doubt & There is Doubt
33:31 Overcoming Sin Is Target Practice
35:50 Bethlehem is The Church
39:30 Wanting to Believe, Over Time, Changes Us
45:25 Who Is The Hairy Old Man?
48:01 When Jesus Talked to Job About Doubt
51:53 Listen to God, Not Lies
56:20 Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Mankind!
57:49 Is Mary Beckoning to Joseph?
62:03 Closing thoughts & outro
In this second half of our conversation with friend of the show, iconographer Nick Papas, we turn primarily to Christmas, while continuing to explore the relationship between the Old Testament icon of The Tree of Jesse & the icon of The Nativity of Our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ.
If you would like access to the spreadsheet which details the relationship of the figures on the tree to Jesus or The Theotokos, please contact us so we can provide it to you.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Nick’s work
- https://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
- https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Papas.Studio
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 18: Sarah laughed
- Isaiah 11: The Peaceful Kingdom prophecy of The Messiah
- Luke 1: Zechariah doubts the birth of John & Mary is amazed at the birth of Jesus
- Luke 24: The Road to Emmaus
- Romans 15; references Isaiah 11
advent #christmas #nativity #iconography
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Intro/Catching up together
04:48 Pairing Old & New Testament Icons
11:42 Fr Symeon tells a story
17:12 Adoption, grafting, Friendsgiving & the cherry on top
24:05 Saint Paul explaining the reality of Israel in Romans
34:07 The secret in The Nativity icon about Joseph & Mary
37:37 The presence of The Son at both ends of The Tree of Jesse
41:10 Saint Paul at Mars Hill, is the problem life or death
51:15 The importance of physicality & mental stillness
55:09 Closing thoughts & outro
A Shoot from The Stump of Jesse - S7E15
In this special Advent themed conversation we again welcome friend of the show, iconographer Nick Papas to help us dive deep into the relationship between the Old Testament icon of The Tree of Jesse & the icon of The Nativity of Our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ.
If you would like access to the spreadsheet which details the relationship of the figures on the tree to Jesus or The Theotokos, please contact us so we can provide it to you.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Nick’s work
- https://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
- https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Papas.Studio
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 18: Sarah laughed
- Isaiah 11: The Peaceful Kingdom prophecy of The Messiah
- Luke 1: Zechariah doubts the birth of John & Mary is amazed at the birth of Jesus
- Luke 24: The Road to Emmaus
- Romans 15; references Isaiah 11
advent #christmas #nativity #iconography
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Intro
02:04 Chapter 1
09:59 Chapter 2
20:11 Chapter 3
30:09 Chapter 4
40:10 Chapter 5
50:08 Chapter 6
61:13 Chapter 7
65:09 Outro
The second half of our conversation about how a huge part of the problem with "politics" in The United States is both "sides" have the same underlying assumption: we can't live the good life until everyone agrees with us & the laws reflect our agreement.
Fr Symeon's recent trip to visit his family provides an opportunity to poke holes in this assumption by discussing the ways in which, simply as a practical example, we can see people living, as St Paul said "...aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands..." in a country most Americans would insist is about as far from what we want our society to be as is possible. Well, if people can do it under the world's most challenging conditions, then Orthodox Christians can do it in the USA, whether the political winds are going their way, or against them.
And if we can walk in the way of the life of faithfulness no matter the political climate, then why are we spending so much time getting wound up about it? Maybe what it boils down to, is we don't want to see all of humanity get saved, we want to see our enemies get their comeuppance.
Reference materials for this episode:
St John Chrysostom’s commentary on Romans
-12:9-21 - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210221.htm & https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210222.htm
- 13:1-7 - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210223.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Romans
- 12:9-21 live in harmony
- 13:1-7 be good citizens
1 Corinthians
- 6:1-11 lawsuits
Ephesians
- 6:5-9 no slave rebellions
Philemon
- no slave rebellions
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
00:00 Intro/Back from China
03:56 Journalism in China & The West
09:51 Harmony, rancor, journalism, editorial & social media
19:49 Saint Paul to The Church in Rome on quiet living
23:07 Vacation vs daily life in a place
27:29 Nominalism cannot be the path to social harmony
35:57 To love neighbor & enemy we must participate in God's holiness
40:12 Humble repentance is the path to a just society
43:11 Christianity isn't convenient, look at Syria
50:10 Models of church & state
53:20 No such thing as Orthodox government
54:54 The Church is perfect, stop trying to defend it from itself
58:55 The is no invisible church, there is only The Church
63:45 Two ways to try to be above the bishops
65:27 No, we can't all just get along/Closing
A huge part of the problem with "politics" in The United States is both "sides" have the same underlying assumption: we can't live the good life until everyone agrees with us & the laws reflect our agreement.
Fr Symeon's recent trip to visit his family in China provides an opportunity to poke holes in this assumption by discussing the ways in which, simply as a practical example, we can see people living, as St Paul said "...aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands..." in a country most Americans would insist is about as far from what we want our society to be as is possible. Well, if people can do it in China, then Orthodox Christians can do it in the USA, whether the political winds are going their way, or against them.
And if we can walk in the way of the life of faithfulness no matter the political climate, then why are we spending so much time getting wound up about it? Maybe what it boils down to, is we're afraid of inconvenience.
Reference materials for this episode:
St John Chrysostom’s commentary on Romans
-12:9-21 - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210221.htm & https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210222.htm
- 13:1-7 - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210223.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Romans
- 12:9-21 live in harmony
- 13:1-7 be good citizens
1 Corinthians
- 6:1-11 lawsuits
Ephesians
- 6:5-9 no slave rebellions
Philemon
- no slave rebellions
china #syria #journalism #editorial #quietlife
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
As we continue our discussion of the difficulty in integrating the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evengalion of Jesus, The Christ, the Orthodox Christian way of life, into contemporary western culture, Jim & Fr Symeon take the opportunity to discuss "the other side". Last conversation we defined & critique "woke" as the civil religion of the so-called Left. This time we will define & critique "Make America Great Again" as the civil religion of the so-called Right. The reason we wish to critique it is because it uses Christian language but is not Christian.
And yet we can end the episode with the hymns to The Theotokos which call her a military leader, proclaiming our victory & the establishment of our way of life. Find out why this isn't about theocracy & isn't about violence, by tuning in!
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 1 & 2
-
Creation as a battle against chaos & death
-
Genesis 11
-
Tower of Babel
-
Galatians 5:16-26
- Fruits of The Spirit
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://x.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
As we continue our discussion of the difficulty in integrating the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evengalion of Jesus, The Christ, the Orthodox Christian way of life, into contemporary western culture, Jim & Fr Symeon take the opportunity to discuss "the other side". Last conversation we defined & critique "woke" as the civil religion of the so-called Left. This time we will define & critique "Make America Great Again" as the civil religion of the so-called Right. The reason we wish to critique it is because it uses Christian language but is not Christian. In fact, by the end of this first half of the conversation Fr Symeon will straight up ask "...what religion are you following?!"
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 1 & 2
-
Creation as a battle against chaos & death
-
Genesis 11
-
Tower of Babel
-
Galatians 5:16-26
- Fruits of The Spirit
nostalgia #maga #goldenage #conservative
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago.
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
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Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2026
Our ongoing discussion of the difficulty in integrating the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evengalion of Jesus, The Christ, the Orthodox Christian way of life, into contemporary western culture continues as Jim & Fr Symeon talk about the tower of babel as the proto-story of humanity's quest for control over our own destiny & God, repeatedly, making us aware we're not, He is.
In this second half of the conversation we began in S7E9, Go Ahead & Lose Control, we focus more on what is involved in breaking free from civil religion, human ideology, & the distraction of politics by pursuing the authentic spiritual life, which breeds humility, which allows us to see ourselves not as those who are capable of changing the world, but as the chief of sinners.
Let us know what you think!
Particularly let us know if you prefer this video format to the side by side.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Sherlock Holmes’ “ideal reasoner” speech
- The Five Orange Pips, the “ideal reasoner” monologue
- https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1661/1661-h/1661-h.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Martyrdom
- 2 Maccabees 6 & 7
Voluntarily constraining our freedom
- Romans 14
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Our ongoing discussion of the difficulty in integrating the journey on the way of the life of faithfulness to the evengalion of Jesus, The Christ, the Orthodox Christian way of life, into contemporary western culture continues as Jim & Fr Symeon talk about the tower of babel as the proto-story of humanity's quest for control over our own destiny & God, repeatedly, making us aware we're not, He is.
Our culture is in the grip of two competing civil religions, two ideologies, which manifest themselves as politics. One is openly anti-Christian, the other uses Christian language, but is in no way advocating actual traditional Christian culture.
Let us know what you think!
Particularly let us know if you prefer this video format to the side by side.
This is, again, part one of two. The second half of this conversation will go live in two weeks, on October 2nd.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Saints Who Show Sympathy to Communism
- https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog/question-27-orthodox-fathers-on-communism?srsltid=AfmBOopmpsDSl8enxknhEb-3mzRs589BiTPq7agS0YoTbJp13OMtRTy1
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Tower of Babel
- Genesis 11
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Part two of our conversation with friend of the show & Iconograhper Nick Papas, who is once again our most welcome guest for this conversation.
Our previous discussion about Independence Day having individual meaning for Jim & Fr Symeon got Jim to thinking about how much this actually inverts the purpose of public holidays. This lack of unity as a country reminded him of an increasingly popular turn of phrase in our culture "my tribe" & his concern this trend is stark evidence we are choosing to become less civilized.
The actual conversation focuses on Fr Symeon's turn of phrase "Community As Babel Versus Communion at Pentecost".
Tune in here in two weeks for the second half of the discussion!
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Tower of Babel
- Genesis 11
- Pentecost
- Acts 2
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Don’t Go Back to Babylon - S7E7
Friend of the show & Iconograhper Nick Papas is once again our most welcome guest for this conversation, which will be presented in two parts, the second of which will be episode eight.
Our previous discussion about Independence Day having individual meaning for Jim & Fr Symeon got Jim to thinking about how much this actually inverts the purpose of public holidays. This lack of unity as a country reminded him of an increasingly popular turn of phrase in our culture "my tribe" & his concern this trend is stark evidence we are choosing to become less civilized.
The actual conversation focuses on Fr Symeon's turn of phrase "Community As Babel Versus Communion at Pentecost".
Tune in here in two weeks for the second half of the discussion!
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Tower of Babel
- Genesis 11
- Pentecost
- Acts 2
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Following our two part discussion of artificial intelligence, we continue the discussion with another two part conversation returning to the right use & role of books in this episode followed by a discussion of the place of martyrdom in the way of the life of faithfulness.
This is part two of this discussion, please excuse the awkward edit from the preamble (identical to episode 5) into the content, which picks up about an hour into our conversation.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Harken My Beloved Brethren, page 273
- St Sophrony the Athonite
- “seeing God as He is”
- Martyrdom, St Ignatius, the wheat God
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0107.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
- The brazen serpent questions God’s authority, Adam doesn’t correct him
- Genesis 3:1-5
- Tower of Babel, idolatry, self determination, control
- Genesis 11
- We know false prophets because their signs don’t come to pass
- Deuteronomy 18:15-22
- No king, everyone does what is right “in their own eyes”
- Judges 21:25
- What seems right to a man ends in death
- Proverbs 14:12
- False prophets have visions in their own minds rather than seeing God’s divine council
- Jeremiah 14:13-14
- Jeremiah 23:16-17
- Scripture is inspired of God
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Love drives out fear
- 1 John 4:7-21
- The Ethiopian Eunuch needs Scripture interpreted for him to understand
- Acts 8:26-40
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Following our two part discussion of artificial intelligence, we continue the discussion with another two part conversation returning to the right use & role of books in this episode followed by a discussion of the place of martyrdom in the way of the life of faithfulness.
Reference materials for this episode:
- Harken My Beloved Brethren, page 273
- St Sophrony the Athonite
- “seeing God as He is”
- Martyrdom, St Ignatius, the wheat God
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0107.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
- The brazen serpent questions God’s authority, Adam doesn’t correct him
- Genesis 3:1-5
- Tower of Babel, idolatry, self determination, control
- Genesis 11
- We know false prophets because their signs don’t come to pass
- Deuteronomy 18:15-22
- No king, everyone does what is right “in their own eyes”
- Judges 21:25
- What seems right to a man ends in death
- Proverbs 14:12
- False prophets have visions in their own minds rather than seeing God’s divine council
- Jeremiah 14:13-14
- Jeremiah 23:16-17
- Scripture is inspired of God
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Love drives out fear
- 1 John 4:7-21
- The Ethiopian Eunuch needs Scripture interpreted for him to understand
- Acts 8:26-40
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Part two of our discussion about AI, the collapse of Western knowledge structures, the final (fourth) nail in the coffin of The Enlightenment & why Eastern Orthodox Christianity shouldn't be all too worried about it.
This will lead directly into episodes 5 & 6, a discussion about the right use of books, the crisis of authority in The West & the path of martyrdom as we saw it exhibited by an entire community in Damascus on Sunday June 22, 2025
Reference materials for this episode:
- The future of AI
- https://www.wired.com/story/ai-risk-party-san-francisco/
- AI is making us less smart
- https://www.media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 3
- Tree of Knowledge
- Proverbs 1:1-7
- Instruction produces wisdom
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
What to Do When The Lights Go Out
Is artificial intelligence the fourth death of The Enlightenment & should Orthodox Christians even care particularly much?
Part 1 of a 2 part conversation.
Reference materials for this episode:
- The future of AI
- https://www.wired.com/story/ai-risk-party-san-francisco/
- AI is making us less smart
- https://www.media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 3
- Tree of Knowledge
- Proverbs 1:1-7
- Instruction produces wisdom
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Following on our last episode in which we ended with the celebration of the righteous triumph of the gospel, we felt it was important to point out the boundary which must be kept on how we understand this triumph.
With the rise of nationalism in the USA, much of it Christian nationalism, as well as reflecting on such relatively recent tragedies as The Balkan war of the 1990's, it is crucial we understand winning as genuine participation in what God is doing rather than us going out into the world, weapons (rhetorical or military) in hand, to do the winning for Him.
(we didn't get to all this material, but it is relevant)
Reference materials for this episode:
- love of place is tied to attachment to possessions
- Shepherd of Hermas: parable 1
- https://www.strengholt.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Book-5-hermas-for-website.pdf
- our desires must be for virtue & we must not fear death
- 2nd Epistle of St Clement: chapter 5
- https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1011.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
- dwellers in God’s tent (to the Gentiles)
- Ephesians 2: 11-21
- no lasting city (to the Jews)
- Hebrews 13:5-17
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
We start season seven off with by urging you to attend a [Orthodox] church you can't understand. Co-host Jim has realized he wasted 15 years of spiritual progress waiting for a local parish to be served in English. He traveled The Balkans enjoying all kinds of church services he couldn't understand a word of during early May & this dovetails with Fr Symeon's recent efforts to fulfill the wishes of Metropolitan Saba to teach Americans in the Antiochian tradition how to fully embrace & actualize this tradition without "becoming Middle Eastern".
Reference materials for this episode:
- The burning of the relics of St Sava
- https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/04/27/100127-the-burning-of-saint-savas-relics
- Episode we did on “change” on a different channel
- https://youtu.be/-Z_6hXs_wMc?si=sTsUeGqcGKMLPGY1
- Nikolai of Zica episode
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14740645
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Swords into ploughshares
- Isaiah 2:1-4
- Let your enemies be scattered
- Psalm 68
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The fifth Sunday of Lent, the veneration of St Mary of Egypt, is the subject of this season finale episode.
Saint Mary did not leave us with insightful writings. Saint Mary left us with an exemplary life we can strive to emulate. Yet, we have almost no details about how she lived her day to day life & we couldn't emulate it anyway because we don't live alone in a desert. But she clearly spent her life cultivating a deep sense of her sinfulness, a deep repentance of her sins, a profound awareness of God's love & a profound joy at God's forgiveness & these are what we can strive, with God's help, to emulate.
This is the answer to the question asked of the apostles in the second chapter of Acts after the first preaching of the evangelion of Jesus, The Christ: "what then shall we do?"
Reference materials for this episode:
Previous episodes
- Saint Mary of Egypt: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/8220564
- Sacred Space part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/16010821
Complete account of St Mary’s life
- https://stmaryofegypt.org/files/library/life.htm
Scripture citations for this episode:
Readings for The Fifth Sunday of Lent
- Hebrews 9:11-14
- Mark 10:32-45
Luke 9:46-48 - parallel to Mark 10 above
Luke 9:51-56 - shall we call down lightning & thunder?
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Run the race to complete it & win
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Fourth Sunday of Lent, The Veneration of St John Cassian, is the subject of this week's episode.
Jim reflects on the core beliefs which come even before details about The Trinity, The Incarnation, The Virgin Birth, The Death, Resurrection & Ascension of this incarnate God, the singularity of the church which His apostles established, or the succession of bishops who have preserved the divine revelation which was given to those apostles by the incarnate God.
There is someone we have to acknowledge we are, a reality we have to admit is the one in which we live, before we can even begin the lifelong journey of becoming a Christian.
Reference materials for this episode:
Episodes on St John
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/10364782
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14611115
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 5:17-20 - Torah will not pass away
Matthew 11:25-30 - easy burden, light yoke
John 10:7-18 - the good shepherd brings abundant life
Romans 7 - our confusion about our own behavior
Philippians 3:6 - blameless under Torah
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The third Sunday of Lent, The Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, is the subject of this week's episode.
Jim reflects on the paradox of a device of torture & execution becoming the emblem of our military victory, our triumph, over sin & death.
Reference materials for this episode:
GOA Digital Chanters’ Stand - https://digitalchantstand.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.html
Antiochian Liturgical resources - https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
Scripture citations for this episode:
Hebrews 4:14-5:6
Mark 8:34-9:1
John 3:14-17
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Second Sunday of Lent, St Gregory Palamas, is the subject of this week's episode.
Considered a second triumph of orthodoxy, because just as the veneration of icons is necessary for Christian worship as we remembered last week, the prayer of a single thought, hesychasm, ceaseless prayer, through which we see the uncreated light of God within ourselves, is also necessary. St Gregory defended this tradition against scholastic innovations from the Latin West which rejected the capacity of the human person to have the direct experience of God.
Reference materials for this episode:
Previous episode about St Gregory
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/13986560
The Trinity & The Life of The Soul
- https://enlargingtheheart.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/gregory-palamas-the-trinity-and-the-life-of-the-soul/
Homily on The Second Coming of Christ by St Gregory
- http://www.eschatologia.com/2018/02/homily-on-christs-second-coming-st.html#more
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, St John Climacus - Step 25
Translation & publication by Holy Transfiguration Monastery
revised edition 2012
Scripture citations for this episode:
Hebrews 1:10-2:3
Mark 2:1-12
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
What Does It Mean to Be Orthodox?
The first Sunday of Lent, The Triumph of Orthodoxy, is the subject of this week's episode.
Originally remembering the Old Testament prophets, who spoke truth to power, now remembering the fathers of the 7th ecumenical council, which affirmed the necessity of the veneration of icons in Orthodox worship, Jim takes a few minutes to reflect on why it is Orthodoxy seems to triumph under adversity rather than flourishing when it is the established state religion.
Reference materials for this episode:
Episode remembering The Icon Not Made By Hands
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/13419081
Synodikon of Orthodoxy
- https://allsaintsorthodox.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-05-Triumph-of-Orthodoxy.pdf
Scripture citations for this episode:
John 1:43-51
Hebrews 11:24-26, 11:32-12:10
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How Do We Prepare for the Evangelion of The Christ?
Fr Symeon is busy now with the activities of Great Lent in his parish & so Jim is solo hosting a series of short reflections on the structure of the Paschal cycle.
This first episode will examine the four pre-Lenten Sundays:
- The Publican & The Pharisee
- The Prodigal Son
- The Last Judgement
- Forgiveness
He is choosing to frame this under the question how do we prepare for the Evangelion of The Christ because it was at the feast of Pentecost, which was originally the Jewish feast on which they celebrated the giving of the covenant through Moses to the people of Israel, at which St Peter & the other apostles first preached Jesus’ victory over death, setting all humanity free from the power of sin. This five month season of the year sets in motion a process of preparation which culminates in our renewal of our commitment to the life of the way of faithfulness to this declaration of a military victory.
Reference materials for this episode:
St Gregory Palamas on The Sunday of The Last Judgement
- https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2018/02/homily-on-christs-second-coming-st.html
Episode about St Gregory
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/13986560
Scripture citations for this episode:
Exodus 19-31: The covenant with Moses
Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s prayer
Matthew 7:1-5: We will be judged as we judge others
Acts 2: The preaching of the evangelion of Jesus The Christ
Romans 2:1-11: By judging others we condemn ourselves because we do what they do
First Sunday - The publican & the pharisee
- 2 Timothy 3:10-15
- Luke 18:9-14
Second Sunday - The prodigal son
- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
- Luke 15:11-32
Third Sunday - The Last Judgement
- 1 Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2
- Matthew 25:31-46
Fourth Sunday - Forgiveness Sunday
- Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4
- Matthew 6:14-21
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Is Jesus a Hippie?
Scripture citations for this episode:
- Genesis 9:8-17: Covenant with Noah
- Luke 15:11-32: The Prodigal Son
- Acts 2:14-43: The declaration of the military conquest of Jesus
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
A just society, politics, economics & ideology. What our culture used to call Civics.
But we don't seem to be civilized these days, do we?
If you keep on the way you have been the past few weeks, it is going to be a long four years. Just remember, nothing is perfect, nothing is finished, & nothing lasts forever.
Flat earth theory, non-Euclidian geometry, the divinity of George Washington, School vouchers, circles of love, the abuse of high quality Chinese tea!
Tune in to find out if we're Christian Nationalists, Communists, Libertarians, Socialists, bleeding heart monarchists or just stumbling on our journey on The Way of the Life of Faithfulness to the evangelion of Jesus, The Christ.
Reference materials for this episode:
Letters from the Desert: A Selection of Questions and Responses
- Ss. Barsanuphius and John
- Questions 699 & 700
Scripture citations for this episode:
Luke 10:25-37 - Who Is My Neighbor
1 Peter 2:1-17 - Do not let your freedom become a pretext for evil
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Reference materials for this episode:
Letters from the Desert: A Selection of Questions and Responses
- Ss. Barsanuphius and John
- Questions 699 & 700
Past episodes on these saints & feasts
- St Joseph the Betrothed
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14219830
Scripture citations for this episode:
Ephesians 6 - the whole armor of God
YouTube Version:
https://youtu.be/tgBvzq4Sbro
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How Can I Become a Real Man?
Reference materials for this episode:
Past episodes on these saints & feasts
- St Nicholas of Myra
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/6919991
- St Stephen
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/6259483
- St Joseph the Betrothed
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14219830
- St James the brother of The LORD in The Flesh
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/11547555
- The Circumcision of The LORD in The Flesh
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14257473
- St Basil the Great
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/9810397
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/11954819
- Theophany
— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/14299911
— (St John the Forerunner) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/8728030
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1
Genesis 3
Ephesians 2
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How Can We Avoid Materialism This Christmas Season?
Reference materials for this episode:
https://orthodoxtao.com/notes/notes-on-lessons-11-20/ - specifically #11
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1-3 - made to be different, devolve to be more like animals
Exodus 32 - worshipping an animal, behaving like animals
Isaiah 1 - born between an ox & and a donkey
Habakkuk 3 - in the Greek, is known “between two living creatures”
Matthew 4 - Jesus rejects temptation without deliberation
Luke 2 - Nativity narrative has no reference to these animals but they are in all our icons
- St Symeon can behold the uncreated glory of God in Jesus body because he has experienced it before
John 2 - cleansing the temple isn’t Jesus throwing a temper tantrum, He is dispassionate
John 11 - Jesus weeps at the cost to Mary, Martha & Lazarus despite knowing He will raise him
Revelation 4, 21, 22 - The elders participate in & perceive the glory of God as true human persons
YouTube: https://youtu.be/O2ZcPooh8Ic
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Reference materials for this episode:
- Google search “vintage santa coca cola advertisements”
- Saint Demetrius Press website
— Nick Papas icon of St Nicholas
— Nick Papas icon of The Nativity
- Google search Rothko Chapel Houston Texas
Scripture citations for this episode:
Messianic fulfillment
- Matthew 4:12-17
— Isaiah 9
- Luke 4: 16-22
— Isaiah 61
Luke 2: 13-15 - The equating of angels with the stars & the declaration of global peace
Matthew 10:34-39 - not peace but a sword
Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the conquering king
Video version:
https://youtu.be/iyDSOhbBKYQ
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Reference materials for this episode:
https://orthodoxtao.com/notes/orthodox-worship-notes/
Scripture citations for this episode:
John 4:1-42 - the Samaritan woman at the well, worship in spirit & in truth
Genesis 1-3 - Jesus walks in the Garden with Adam & Eve
Genesis 3 - Sin results in toil & labor
Genesis 4 - Cain is off the rails which is why God rejects his sacrifice
- His ascetic activity tilling the ground has hardened his heart instead of softening
Genesis 5-9 - Everything gets worse & worse until God unmakes the world
- The ark is the vessel of salvation, many churches are designed to look like an inverted ark
- Noah is given the same first commandment, “be fruitful & multiply”, be a gardener
Genesis 11 - Babel is the archetypal false religion: transactional, tries to control “the god”
- God scatters the nations to try to save them from this but they worship demons
Ezekiel 1, Revelation 4 & 7, 21 & 22 - liturgical Sabbath worship
Exodus 25-31 - The physicality of The Tabernacle
- An Orthodox church has an alter, an ark of the covenant, a 7 branch candle stand
- We have the table of bread, we have incense & oil
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.catholic.com/tract/sabbath-or-sunday - Early church quotes about not Judaizing
Hymns of The Lamentations Service
Hymns of Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday
Hymns of The Divine Liturgy
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 2:1-3 - God’s day of rest
Genesis 2:24 - Jesus as the bridegroom going to His bride
Exodus 31:12-17 - sabbath as part of the Mosaic covenant
Psalm 24/25 - lift up your heads o ye gates
Psalm 109/110 - Sitting at the right hand & ruling in the midst of enemies
Matthew 12 - the sign of Jonah
Mark 2 - The Sabbath was made for man
Acts 2 - Peter preaches the evangelion of Christ & the response is “what must we do”
1 Peter 3:18-20 - Christ’s descent into Hades
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Reference materials for this episode:
https://stmaryofegypt.org/files/library/life.htm - St Mary of Egypt
Scripture citations for this episode:
2 Samuel/2 Kingdoms 6:3-8 & 1 Chronicles 13:7-11 - Uzzah is killed for touching The Ark of The Covenant
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
What Does It Mean for Christians to Keep Sabbath?
Reference materials for this episode:
St. Gregory Palamas
The Homilies, edited and translated by Christopher Veniamin
homily 17
"Explaining the Mystery of the Sabbath and of the Lord's Day and Referring to the Gospel of New Sunday"
(Waymart: Mount Thabor Publishing, 2009)
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 18 - Abraham’s hospitality
Luke 10:38-42 - Mary & Martha
Psalm 109/110 - Sitting at the right hand & ruling in the midst of enemies
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How Can I Begin to Pray?
Reference materials for this episode:
The Art of Prayer
The Inner Closet of the Heart
St Dimitri of Rostov
pg 43, 45
St. Gregory of Sinai, “Instructions to Hesychasts”:
Scripture citations for this episode:
Psalm 140/141
Matthew 6: 6-15
Matthew 24: 36-44
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How Can I Overcome My Blindness?
Reference materials for this episode:
St Gregory Palamas
The Homilies
Homily 34: On the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord & God & Savior Jesus Christ
St Symeon The New, Theologian
On the Mystical Life: The Ethical Discourses, Vol 2
Fifth Discourse
Book of Mystical Chapters: Meditations on the Soul’s Ascent
St Mark the Ascetic
Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers
St Hesychios
St Thalassios the Lybian
The Ladder of Divine Ascent
St John Climacus
The Dhammapada: The Path of Perfection
translation by Juan Mascaro
Scripture citations for this episode:
Psalm 101/102
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Why Can’t I Be Still?
Reference materials for this episode:
Lao Tsu
- Tao Te Ching
- - poem 16
Cai Song Fang
- Warriors of Stillness
- - author’s intro
Philokalia vol 1
- Evagrios the Solitary
- - pg 40-41
- - - watchdog passage
- St Mark the Ascetic
- - pg 128
- - - sayings 29-31
- St John Cassian
- - pg 91
- - - first paragraph “On Self Esteem”
St Gregory Palamas
- “On the Entry into the Holy of Holies II”
St Sophrony of Essex
- “His Life is Mine”
- - quote regarding Jesus’ peace
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 4, 15
1 Kingdoms/1 Kings 19
Psalm 22/23, 45/46
Matthew 5
Luke 2
John 14, 16, 20
Revelation 1
Acts 9
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
How do I become a gardener?
Reference materials for this episode:
The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection (Volume 59) - pg 85-86 &125-126
Publisher : Liturgical Press; Revised edition (January 1, 1984)
ISBN-10 : 0879079592
ISBN-13 : 978-0879079598
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1:28-31
Ezekiel 37:1-10
John 20:11-16
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
A brief discussion on the categories of knowledge, how the life of the way of faithfulness to Christ prioritizes them, how this is in stark distinction to our culture, & why the examination of this question is at the heart of the restructuring of this podcast for Season Six.
This is, essentially, episode 000 as our first true conversational episode will be our true kick-off of the new format in the new season.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
A quick note from one of our hosts to let you know about the reboot of the program which will begin publishing in about a month.
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Nikolai Velimirović of Žiča ( March 18 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://orthochristian.com/46256.html - biography
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/03/18/100825-repose-of-saint-nikolai-of-zhicha - biography
http://orthodoxclergy.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-statement-concerning-sin-of-racism.html
“Prayers by the Lake”
A Treasury of Serbian Orthodox Spirituality Vol 5
Translated by Archimandrite Todor Milka & Rev Dr Stevan Scott
Free Serbian Orthodox Diocese
Great Lakes Graphics Inc. Skokie, IL
1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNOZeg_n2ks
- the above is an interview with a Jewish woman whose family was assisted by Saint Nikolai in escaping Serbia before they could be taken by Nazis to The Camps
https://www-serbianholocaust-org.translate.goog/Ela%20Trifunovic/elatrifunovic.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc
- the above is a translated transcript of the interview
http://www.bio-orthodoxy.com/2020/01/a-meeting-between-saint-nikolai.html
Scripture citations for this episode:
John 15:18-27 - the world will hate you
Matthew 7:6 - do not put pearls before swine
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Symeon the New, Theologian ( March 12 )
THE ICON FEATURED IN THIS WEEK’S PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
IS NOT BY THE HAND OF NICHOLAS PAPAS
& IS NOT THE PROPERTY OF St DEMETRIUS PRESS
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/03/12/100790-venerable-simeon-the-new-theologian
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2019/12/on-incarnation-of-word-st-symeon-new.html
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/03/in-midst-of-that-night-in-my-darkness.html
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2017/02/homily-on-banishment-and-repentance-of.html
Hymn 21
- Hymns of Divine Love
- Translated by George Maloney
- Dimension Books
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 3 - The rebellion of humanity by acquiring knowledge for which we were not yet ready
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Felix, Bishop of Dunwich, Enlightener East Anglia ( March 8 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2021/03/saint-felix-of-burgundy-bishop-of.html - life of St Felix
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/38326/38326-h/38326-h.html - St Bede mentions Bishop Felix (Book II-Chap XV, Book III-Chap XVIII&XX)
The Silver Chair
-
by CS Lewis
-
HarperCollins; Reprint edition (March 5, 2002)
-
ISBN-10 : 0064471098
-
ISBN-13 : 978-0064471091
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1:28-30 - the primary vocation to humanity
Genesis 3:4-5 - The brazen serpent’s half truth
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St John Cassian ( Feb 29 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/02/29/100623-venerable-john-cassian-the-roman
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/14557292 - first episode on St John Cassian
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/6356446 - episode on Desert Fathers
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/350705.htm - The Institutes
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3508.htm - The Conferences
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 7:15-23 - Knowing them by their fruits
Matthew 25:31-46 - The Last Judgement
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna ( Feb 23 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/02/23/100589-hieromartyr-polycarp-bishop-of-smyrna
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/ignatius.html - St Ignatius’ letter to St Polycarp
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0136.htm - St Polycarp’s letter to the Phillipians
https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/martyrdompolycarp.html - martyrdom of St Polycarp
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 23 - Jesus calls the pharisees blind guides & hypocrites
Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission
Luke 10:1-20 - The Seventy Apostles go out
Acts 1:6-26 - Jesus’ Ascension & the choosing of Matthias
1 Corinthians 9:2, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Timothy 2:7 - St Paul asserts his apostleship
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 - One body, many members
Revelation 2:8-11 - Letter to The Church in Smyrna
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Empress Theodora, Defender of Icons (Feb 11)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/02/11/100504-righteous-theodora-wife-of-emperor-theophilus-the-iconoclast
https://www.oca.org/fs/paschal-cycle
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_Orthodoxy
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Seventh_Ecumenical_Council
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3819.htm - degree & canons of the council
http://ww1.antiochian.org/sundayoforthodoxy
Scripture citations for this episode:
Exodus 13:3-10 - celebrating passover in the present tense
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Ss Barsanuphius the Great & John the Prophet ( Feb 6 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/02/06/100443-venerable-barsanuphius-the-great-and-john-the-prophet
Title: Guidance Toward Spiritual Life: Answers to the Questions of Disciples
Publisher: Saint Herman Press
ISBN 10: 0938635840
Author: Saint Barsanuphius, the Prophet, Saint John
Translation: Fr Seraphim Rose
ISBN 13: 9780938635840
Date Published: 2002-06
Scripture citations for this episode:
Luke 2:21-38 - The Presentation of Jesus in The Temple (Feb 2nd)
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Ephraim the Syrian ( Jan 28 )
conversation w/ Fr Symeon Kees producer of Paradosis Pavilion & host of "Eastward Iowa City" podcast
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/01/28/100328-venerable-ephraim-the-syrian
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephrem_the_Syrian
St. Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Paradise,
- trans. by Sebastian Brock
- St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press
- pages 111-112, 157-159, 167-68, 170
- Hymns XI.9-15, VI.7-10, XII.19-20, XIII.5
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1-4
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Gregory The Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (Jan 25)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/01/25/100298-saint-gregory-the-theologian-archbishop-of-constantinople - hagiography of St Gregory
Poems on Scripture - written by the saint
- Popular Patristics Vol 46
- St Vladimir’s Seminary Press
- ISBN 978-0-88141-433-2
- copyright 2012
On God & Christ - contains the oration we read in this episode
- Popular Patristics Vol 23
- St Vladimir’s Seminary Press
- ISBN 978-0-88141-240-6
- copyright 2002
Scripture citations for this episode:
John 1:14-18 - The incarnation of The Son reveals The Father
John 6:44-47 - No one knows The Father, The Son reveals The Father
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Macarius the Great of Egypt ( Jan 19 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/01/19/100226-venerable-macarius-the-great-of-egypt - life of St Macarius of Egypt
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2013/01/healthy-and-sick-monasticism.html - Monasticism is not intrinsically virtuous
https://pemptousia.com/2016/12/marriage-or-monasticism - the pursuit of virtue via both paths
The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection (Volume 59) - pg 124-138
Publisher : Liturgical Press; Revised edition (January 1, 1984)
ISBN-10 : 0879079592
ISBN-13 : 978-0879079598
Scripture citations for this episode:
1 Corinthians 7 - marriage vs celibacy
1 John 4 - love casts out fear
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Feast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ( Jan 6 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2019/10/why-do-we-baptize-in-the-name-of-the-holy-trinity-and-not-in-the-name-of-jesus - understanding “in the name of” during baptism
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1:2 - God begins creation to correct empty chaos referred to as “the waters”
Genesis 17 - the sign applies to the whole household of Abraham
Exodus 4 - Moses’ failure to circumcise his son nearly has fatal consequences
Exodus 14 - crossing the Red Sea on dry land
Joshua 3 - crossing the Jordan River on dry land
Matthew 3: - Jesus’ baptism account
Matthew 14 - Jesus walks on water
Matthew 28:10,16-20 & Acts 1:4-11 — the great commission prior to Christ’s ascension
Mark 4 - Jesus calms the storm
Acts 10 - Cornelius’ entire household is baptized
Acts 2, 8, 10 & 19 - “in the name of Jesus Christ” or in The Trinity?
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Jan 1)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/01/01/100001-the-circumcision-of-our-lord-and-savior-jesus-christ - information about the feast day
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ - details on what name was actually given
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 2&3 - God’s covenant with Adam
Genesis 9 - God’s covenant with Noah
Genesis 12,15,17 & 22 - God’s covenant with Abraham
Exodus 12:43-51 - eligibility to participate in The Passover includes circumcision
Exodus 19-32 - the covenant with Moses & the people of Israel
Leviticus 12:3 - passing reference during rituals for cleansing after childbirth
Leviticus 17 - non-Israelites living in Israel must obey a few basic laws under the covenant
1 Maccabees 1:1-29 - giving up circumcision is directly connected to loss of sovereignty
Matthew 5:21-22 - hating your brother is murder
Matthew 7 - judge not, judgement is God’s alone
Luke 1:57-64 - birth, circumcision & naming of St John the Forerunner
Luke 2:21 - the circumcision of Jesus
Acts 2:37-37 - the first preaching of the gospel as a new covenant
Acts 15:22-29 - the council of Jerusalem
Hebrews 11:8-16 - the land as the promised sign, but not the goal
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Joseph the Betrothed ( Dec 26 & Sunday after Nativity )
Scripture citations for this episode:
Leviticus 12 - the timeline of purification for a woman after childbirth
Matthew 1 & 2 - Jesus’ birth & the story of the wise men & the flight into Egypt
Luke 2 - Jesus’ presentation in the Temple as well as the events in His twelfth year
John 8:12-20 - The Pharisees imply Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ father
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch (Dec 20)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/12107042 - previous episode
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/12/20/103594-hieromartyr-ignatius-the-god-bearer-bishop-of-antioch - bio of the saint
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/ignatius.html - translations of all St Ignatius’ epistles
https://www.faithandculture.com/home/2019/10/8/st-ignatius-of-antioch-and-the-eucharist - discussion of the term Christian as a pejorative
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 25:31-46 - The Last Judgement
John 6:35-51 - The bread of Life
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Repose of Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America ( Dec 13 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/htc/orthodox-calendar/ - biography of St Herman (find Dec 26/13)
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/12/13/103530-repose-of-venerable-herman-of-alaska-wonderworker-of-all-america - more detail on the interaction with the sailors (plus a LOT more!)
Scripture citations for this episode:
Judges 17:6 & 21:25 - no king
James 1 - faith means doing
1 John 4 - God is love
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Ambrose of Milan ( Dec 7 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/12/07/103485-saint-ambrose-bishop-of-milan - bio of Saint Ambrose
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1101.htm - Augustine’s “Confessions” in which he discusses his relationship with Ambrose
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2014/12/when-saint-ambrose-humbled-emperor.html - incident between Ambrose & Emperor Theodosius the Great
https://orthochristian.com/126545.html - Ambrose directs Emperor Valentinian II regarding toleration of paganism
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102054.htm - Augustine’s letter to his son where he recalls Ambrose’s advice to Augustine’s mother regarding humble obedience to the traditions of local churches
Scripture citations for this episode:
Judges 17:6 & 21:25 - no king
1 Corinthians 8 - how to deal with food offered to idols to avoid causing a stumbling block to others
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
(icon sources unknown for this episode)
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Stephen the New Martyr or Stephen the Younger ( Nov 28 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/11/28/103412-monastic-martyr-and-confessor-stephen-the-new - life of St Stephen the New
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/john-of-damascus - St John of Damascus on icons
Scripture citations for this episode:
Baruch 3:37 - prophesy of Christ appearing to men, mentioned in St John’s quotation
Matthew 17:1-13 - The Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor
Matthew 22:23-33 - God is of the living, not the dead
John 20:24-29 - St Thomas touches Jesus’ physical wounds
John 21:1-14 - The resurrected Jesus eats with His disciples
Acts 6 & 7 - St Stephen the protomartyr, not the subject of this episode
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - St Paul’s affirmation of the bodily resurrection of Christ & all humanity
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Great Martyr Katherine of Alexandria ( Nov 24/25 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/11/24/103382-great-martyr-katherine-of-alexandria - biography
https://sinaimonastery.com/index.php/en/ - website of the monastery of St Katherine on Mount Sinai
Scripture citations for this episode:
Acts 2 - St Peter preaching the gospel on Pentecost & the response “what must we do to be saved”
Ephesians 6:12 - battle not against flesh & blood
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica (Nov 14)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://youtu.be/rkM5Mhd_s7c?si=Y9mELt52x_S08w9D — playlist of lectures discussing the hesychast controversy
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/11/14/103303-saint-gregory-palamas-archbishop-of-thessalonica — biography
https://sgpm.goarch.org/Monastery/?page_id=33 — in depth, but incomplete, biography
https://sgpm.goarch.org/Monastery/?p=109 — sermon on the healing of the paralyzed man
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 11:1-9 — the tower of Babel
1 Kings (3 Kingdoms) 9:1-9 — God’s words to Solomon regarding the temple
Mark 2:1-12 — healing of the paralyzed man
Matthew 9:1-8 — healing of the paralyzed man
Hebrews 12 — God is a consuming fire into whose presence we must be prepared to enter
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Nektarios of Pentapolis/Aegina ( Nov 9 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://youtu.be/ldUGahNlMRk?si=Yo-vJF2MoZk7vwKu — Film “Man of God” based on the life of St Nektarios
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/11/09/103251-saint-nectarius-kephalas-metropolitan-of-pentapolis — Biography
https://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/saint_nektarios_egina_e.htm#_Toc60879403 — excerpted writings
https://stnektariosroc.org/files/prayers/prayer-to-immaculate-virgin-by-st-nektarios.pdf — prayer to the Theotokos
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 15:6 — Abraham believes The LORD
Genesis 22 — God tests Abraham by calling on him to sacrifice Isaac
John 17:11 — Jesus prays for the unity of the apostolic church
Acts 8:26-40 — St Philip & the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 10 — St Peter & Cornelius
Acts 17:16-32 — St Paul at the Areopagus
Acts 19:1-10 — St Paul in Ephesus preaching to the partially catechized
James 2:14-26 — Faith without works is dead
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Romanus of Rouen ( October 23 )
Reference materials for this episode:
https://orthochristian.com/156173.html — biography of St Romanus
https://www.normandythenandnow.com/the-legend-of-saint-romain-the-dragon-in-rouen — account of the dragon
https://lainhart.medium.com/legend-of-the-gargoyle-5c30e063a37f — detail about the dragon’s head being hung at the church
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13163a.htm — oddly terse dismissal of St Romanus
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 3:14 & 19 — the curse on Adam & the serpent
1 Kings (3 Kingdoms) 16:21-28 — King Omri
Matthew 25:31-46 — the last judgment
Ephesians 6:10-12 — our battle is not with flesh & blood
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Lucian the Martyr of Antioch (Oct 15)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/806/ - saint’s biography
http://nttextualcriticism.blogspot.com/2011/06/metzger-on-lucianic-recension.html - analysis of Saint Jerome’s (and others) comments about the Lucian recension
https://www.tertullian.org/decretum_eng.htm - translation of the Decretum Gelasianum
https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_preface_gospels.htm - complete translation of the preface to Jerome’s four gospels
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/10/orthodoxy-of-lucian-of-antioch.html - Lucian being accepted back into the church when it is clear his theology is sound rather than because he recanted previous error
https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2019/09/07/lucian-of-antioch-c-240-312-c-e-the-path-to-the-byzantine-text/ - suggests Lucian had to be corrected & his conciliatory statement was humble repentance
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htm - canons of the Council of Nicaea, including the synodal letter condemning Arius, Lucian’s name is nowhere here
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lucian_of_Antioch - indicates Lucian’s students being accepted by eastern bishops
https://catholic.net/op/articles/1642/cat/1205/st-lucian-of-antioch.html - mentions Lucian being excommunicated, refers to Lucian as potentially a heretic, also contains extended section about Lucian’s witness during his torture
http://ww1.antiochian.org/orthodox-prayers/preparation-holy-communion - pre-communion prayers
http://ww1.antiochian.org/orthodox-prayers/thanksgiving-after-communion - post-communion prayers
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 3 - the brazen serpent, the devil, becomes the ruler of D
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Glorification of St Tikhon of Moscow, Enlightener of North America (September 26)
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/10/09/102906-glorification-of-saint-tikhon-apostle-to-america - biography of St Tikhon
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Julian_Calendar
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gregorian_Calendar
https://www.goarch.org/-/dating-pascha-in-the-orthodox-church - how Orthodox Christianity dates Pascha each year
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/06/fast-of-holy-apostles-and-new-calendar.html - old calendar schism
https://orthodoxhistory.org/2018/01/29/myth-of-unity/ - history of Orthodox growth in the USA
https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/st._vladimirs_seminary_summer_conference_2009/matthew_namee_historian_and_host_of_american_orthodox_history_afr - audio version, may not work, can be found via AFR mobile app
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1:28 - be fruitful & multiply
Genesis 3:14-15 - The brazen serpent becoming The Devil, the “ruler” of Death (eating dust)
Leviticus 23:4-8 - The date for celebrating The Passover, the 14th of Nisan
Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great commission
Quoted references from St Tikhon’s sermon:
1 Kings (3 Kingdoms) 19:9-18
Isaiah 1:4
Matthew 5:15 & 28:19
Luke 11:52 & 16:15
Acts 16:9
Ephesians 4:16
2 Timothy 2:19
James 5:19-20
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Sai
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria (October 7)
Reference materials for this episode:
Prologue of Ohrid ISBN: 9780971950504
Translation of “The Passion of Ss Serge & Bacchus” by John Boswell: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/scotts/ftp/wpaf2mc/serge.html
Apolytikion for The Three Hierarchs, in Greek & English: https://www.bulletinbuilder.org/GOA-1535/current/20220130
Oikos at Great Vespers for The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross:
- http://ww1.antiochian.org/sites/default/files/liturgical_guides/sept_14_abbr.pdf
- https://www.htrinityportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/7.-Liturgy-Theology-Incarnate.pdf
Scripture citations for this episode:
1 Samuel (or 1 Kingdoms) 18:1-7
2 Samuel (or 2 Kingdoms) 1:23-27
References to Saint Erastus
- Acts 19:22
- Romans 16:23
- 2 Timothy 4:20
John 13:21-25
Ephesians 6:10-20
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (September 26)
Reference materials for this episode:
Previous episode about St John: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/7009990
OCA feast summary: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/09/26/102731-repose-of-the-holy-apostle-and-evangelist-john-the-theologian
Previous episode, feast of Transfiguration, regarding hesychasm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/episodes/13353527
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 3
Leviticus 10:1-3
Isaiah 6:1-8
Matthew 22:1-14
John 3:16
Romans 6:15-23
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
The Prophet Jonah (September 21/22)
Reference materials for this episode:
Jonah’s Journeys (material regarding connection of Jonah to Elijah or Elisha)
— Barbara Green OP, PhD
— ISBN: 9780814650387, 5038
Saint Jerome's commentary on Jonah: Translation with introduction and critical notes
— Timothy Hegedus PhD
— Biblical Studies Commons
— https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/115/
The Prophet Jonah in the Writings of the Church Fathers
— https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/09/prophet-jonah-in-writings-of-church.html
The Sign of Jonah
— Fr John Breck
— https://www.oca.org/reflections/fr.-john-breck/the-sign-of-jonah
Scripture citations for this episode:
The Book of Jonah
1 Kings 17 (3 Kingdoms in Greek tradition)
2 Kings 4 & 14 (4 Kingdoms in Greek tradition)
Tobit 14 (found in Roman Catholic & Eastern Orthodox Old Testament collections)
Matthew 12, 16 & 21
Luke 11
John 4
1 Timothy 1:15
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Euphrosynos the Cook of Alexandria (September 11), patron of cooks & kitchens
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/09/11/102581-saint-euphrosynos-the-cook-of-alexandria
The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints, Volume 1 - ISBN-10: 0963518372 & ISBN-13: 978-0963518378
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 2:15-17
Genesis 3:17-19
Genesis 4:10-12 & 17-24
Genesis 9:1-7
Matthew 14:13-21
Luke 10:38-42
John 6:22-69
Revelation 21 & 22
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon Kees
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://twitter.com/podcast_saints
https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast
https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossae (September 6)
Reference materials for this episode:
The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church trans by Holy Apostles Convent ISBN-10 : 0944359280, ISBN-13 : 978-0944359280
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1 (whole chapter, particularly verses 14-19)
Genesis 3 (verses 1 & 14)
Numbers 21:4-9
Isaiah 6:2
Ezekiel 1:4-14
Ephesians 1:20-21
Colossians 1:15-16
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
St Moses the Ethiopian, also known as Moses the Strong, Moses the Black & Moses of Scete
Reference materials for this episode:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/08/28/102414-venerable-moses-the-ethiopian-of-scete
“The Sayings of the Desert Fathers” Liturgical Press of Cistercian Publications ISBN 0879079592, 9780879079598
“The Philokalia vol 1” Faber & Faber Inc. ISBN 9780571130139
http://mosestheblack.org
Scripture citations for this episode:
Matthew 11: 2-18
Psalm 137
Ephesians 4: 26-27
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
Generative Sounds - https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images
Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com
Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds
Copyright 2021 - 2023
Saint Gregory of Utrecht
We recount the life of this saint from The Netherlands & how a prominent event in it speaks directly to our current society’s difficulties with forgiveness.
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07021a.htm
https://catholicsaints.info/butlers-lives-of-the-saints-saint-gregory-abbot-and-confessor
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1& 2
Matthew 18:1-22
John 1:1-18
Revelation 21 & 22
This episode is a joint production of Paradosis Pavilion & Generative sounds
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
The Feast of The Translation of the Image “Not-Made-By-Hands” of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople
We recount the events which are celebrated on this feast day, the patronal feast of his home parish, & demonstrates how this feast is instructive for our understanding of the tradition of venerating icons & why it ought to be a central part of our spiritual practice.
References:
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/08/16/102304-translation-of-the-image-not-made-by-hands-of-our-lord-jesus-chr
https://smarthistory.org/synagogue-dura-europos
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/john-of-damascus
http://ww1.antiochian.org/sundayoforthodoxy
Scripture citations for this episode:
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 11:1-9
Genesis 12:1-3
Genesis 15
Exodus 20:1-17
Exodus 25:17-20
Exodus 26:1
Numbers 20:4-9
Matthew 25:31-46
Luke 1:1-4
Luke 8:40-48
John 9:1-12
Acts 5:12-16
Acts 15:1-35
Acts 19:11-12
1 Corinthians 10: 14-21
Revelation 2 & 3
Special thanks to Fr Symeon Kees of Paradosis Pavilion
https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
All music in this (& every) episode of The Christian Saints Podcast is a production of Generative Sounds
https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com
This episode discusses the following saints in the Eastern Orthodox calendar:
July 23
Trophimus, Theophilus & 13 w/them
Apollinarius
July 24
Christina
Polycarp of Kiev
July 25
Anna, mother of the Theotokos
Olympias
Euphraxia
July 26
Hermolaus
Parasceva
Moses the Ugrian
July 27
Pantileimon
Clement of Ohrid
Nicholas, fool for Christ
Anthusa
July 28
Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon & Parmenas
Julian
Paul of Xeropotamou
Eustathius
July 29
Callinicus
Seraphima
Theodotia
Eustathius of Mtskheta
Jim John Marks shares short reflections and readings of the saints commemorated in the week of 2-8 July
Saint John the Forerunner is how Eastern Orthodox Christians commonly refer to Saint John the Baptist.
The Christian Saints Podcast will go through a time of transition! Here is a short announcement
Saint Constantine the Great was Roman Emperor from 306-337, and one of the most consequential of the entire history of the empire. He was the first Christian emperor, and under his edict of Milan Christianity became a tolerated religion in the Roman Empire, ending three centuries of persecution. He also called the council of Nicaea, which clarified the divinity and humanity of Christ.
In this episode we read a short biography of the saint, and an excerpt from an article about his importance to Orthodox Christians, Constantine The Great: Roman Emperor, Christian Saint, History's Turning Point
Saint Matthias the Apostle was Judas' replacement. The book of Acts records that after the resurrection, the 12 disciples decided that they needed to appoint a replacement for the traitor Judas, and Matthias was chosen. Tradition records that Matthias was eventually martyred for his faith in Christ. We read reflections on the saint by St John Chrysostom, and Archbishop William Lori of the Roman Catholic diocese of Baltimore.
Saint John of Beverley was from the Yorkshire region of England. He was Bishop of Hexham in 687–705, and the Bishop of York in 718-721. He was known for his miracle-working, both in life and and after his death. His intercession was thought to have been responsible for many English military successes - most notably, King Henry V attributed his famous victory over the French at Agincourt to Saint John, and made a pilgrimage to his resting place at Beverley soon a few years after the battle.
Saint Tamar (or Tamara) was queen of Georgia in the years 1184-1213. This was considered the apex of Georgia's golden age. Queen Tamar's Georgia was a Christian kingdom surrounded by hostile Muslim powers. Nevertheless, through her piety and competent leadership, Queen Tamar led her country into great military success against its enemies.
Saint George was a martyr during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was a distinguished soldier in the Roman army who refused to renounce his face in Christ, even when threatened with execution. He is a very popular saint, especially among soldiers, and is the patron saint of England, Ethiopia and Georgia.
This is a repeat of an episode from Easter 2021.
We will contemplate writings and sermons on Easter and the resurrection by saints John the Apostle, John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, and the Apostle Paul.
Christ is risen! For this Easter, we hear from three saints (Saint Leo the great, Saint Nikolai Velimirovic and Saint Teresa of Avila) about the meaning of Easter and the resurrection
Saint Benedict the Moor was a 16th century Franciscan Friar from Sicily. His parents were slaves from Africa, but Benedict was set free as a child. Benedict distinguished himself as a friar, and eventually became superior of his community. Saint Benedict is especially important for Catholics who are members of the African diaspora, especially in the Americas.
Saint Innocent of Alaska (also known as Saint Innocent of Irkutsk, or Saint Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow) was a 19th century missionary priest and an archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. He is especially known for bringing the gospel to the native peoples of the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, which was then under Russian control.
Jim John Marks guests hosts this podcast, drawing mostly from a biography of the saint by Father Symeon Kees, an American priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, titled "A Brief Biography of St. Innocent of Alaska". The sources used in that article are:
Afonsky, Bishop Gregory. A History of the Orthodox Church in Alaska (1794-1917).
Kodiak, AK: St. Herman’s Theological Seminary, 1977.
Cowie, Sarah Elizabeth. Saint Innocent of Alaska: Apostle and Missionary. Ben
Lomond, CA: Conciliar Press, 2005.
Garret, Paul D. St. Innocent: Apostle to America. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s
Seminary Press, 1979.
Gray, George A. & Jan V. Bear. Portraits of American Saints. Los Angeles: Diocesan
Council and Department of Missions, Diocese of the West, OCA, 1994.
Ushimaru, Procius Yasuo. Bishop Innocent: Founder of American Orthodoxy. Bridgeport,
CT: Metropolitan Council Publications Committee, 1964.
Saints Chrysanthus and Daria lived in third century Rome, and were pagan converts to the Christian faith who died as martyrs. Saint Daria was in fact a pagan priestess. Saint Chrysanthus converted to Christianity as a young man, and his father, trying to dissuade him married him off to Saint Daria. This plan backfired when Saint Chrysanthus converted his new wife to Christianity instead. The couple lived a celibate life and were preaching the gospel to their neighbours, and as a result were condemned to execution.
Saint Innocent I was pope in the years 405-417, and is known for proactively and successfully acting against various heresies that threatened the Christian church. He was also a staunch ally of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, and advocated for him when Saint John was exiled by his powerful enemies.
Saint Luke of Crimea is also known as Saint Luke of Simferopol or Saint Luke the Surgeon. He lived in the years 1877-1961. He was an incredibly accomplished surgeon and scientist, who,after the death of his wife became an Eastern Orthodox priest and eventually an archbishop. Saint Luke lived through the collapse of the Russian Empire, and the rise of the communist Soviet Union. While the Soviet authorities respected Saint Luke's medical and scientific skill, they nevertheless persecuted him harshly for his faith. He had three stints in prison totaling 11 years.
Saint Gregory of Narek was a monk, poet and theologian who lived in 10th-11th century Armenia. He was declared a "doctor of the church" in the Roman Catholic church. He is best known for writing his "Book of Lamentations", a collection of poem prayers to God, which expresses deep Christian theology in a beautiful way.
Saints Lucy Yi Zhenmei, Agnes Tsao Kouying and Agatha Lin Zhao are three Roman Catholic martyrs from 19th century China. They lived in a time of great upheaval in China, and also a time when the Christian faith was spreading in the country. Their martyrdoms also highlight the important role of women in building the church in China.
Saint Valentine's day, on February 14 is probably the most well-known saints' feast day in the calendar. Unfortunately, not much is known for sure about Saint Valentine. He was either a priest or a bishop, and a martyr in the early Christian church during one of the Roman persecutions. He gained association with romance in the middle ages, since February 14 is around the beginning of spring - when (according to poets like Chaucer) birds look for their mates. He has also become an inspiration to Christian pacifists, since some traditions assert that he acted in defiance of a war-mongering Emperor.
Saint Agatha was a deaconess and martyr from the early 3rd century, from the city of Catania in Sicily, a large island in the south of Italy. In this episode we will hear the story of her martyrdom, and discuss how veneration of Saint Agatha developed in medieval times and today.
Saint Ignatius was Bishop of Antioch in the first century. He was a disciple of the Apostle John, and one of the early church leaders who ended up dying for their faith. The letters he wrote had an immense influence on the new church - he is responsible for introducing the phrase "Catholic church", and the idea of a church divided into dioceses, led by a bishop with the help of priests and deacons. He is also noted for his attitude toward his martyrdom, urging Christians in Rome not to interfere with his execution and deny him the privilege of dying for Christ.
Saint Anastasius was a Persian, at a time when the Persian Empire was the greatest enemy of the Christian Roman Empire. He was a Zoroastrian, but converted to the Christian faith when he encountered the true cross where Jesus was crucified. This cross was captured by the Persians in a raid. Saint Anastasius was baptised and became a monk, but was later captured by the Persians and put to death in the year 628 for his faith.
James John Marks guest hosts again - this time having a conversation with Father Symeon Kees of St George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston. The topic is the Eastern Orthodox Chinese Martyrs of the Boxer Rebellion, but the conversation touches also upon sainthood and martyrdom in general, multiculturalism in the church, and many other intersecting topics. This is a crossover episode with Father Symeon's ReOrientNation podcast.
Paradosis Pavilion YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555
ReOrientNation
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4WJuHQ1P2geqlzO8AvjJKC?si=D1k1ztXSSfOwq2De_bzNTw
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reorientnation/id1635061638
Primary Care Priest
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5b1348GE8hgFKPkAWQ65zh?si=wjJYz2pQR1669BPPNqSHbg
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/primary-care-priest/id1616910635
Saint Theophan the Recluse was a 19th century Russian monk and bishop, who in his later years dedicated himself to a life of seclusion. He is particularly celebrated for his writings, which give practical advice on living a Christian life in language understandable to a modern reader. Our guest host Jim John Marks shares about the life of this great saint, including reading some excerpts from his most important works.
Jim John Marks did a guest episode on Saint Basil the Great last year - this year I give my own take on him.
Saint Basil the Great (also known as Saint Basil of Caesarea) was a fourth century bishop and theologian - one of the most important theologians of the church. He is declared a doctor of the church in the west, and one of the three Holy Hierarchs in the East. Basil was bishop during a time when the Arian heresy was very powerful, so a lot of his writings clarify the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is also known for his teachings on social justice and care for the poor.
In this special Christmas episode read from "The First Christmas Tree", a short story by American author Henry van Dyke, which is a retelling of the story of Saint Boniface (in this story, called by his German name Winfried) introducing the Christmas tree, during his missionary journeys to the Germanic pagans. This is a powerful story that fleshes out the symbolic significance of the Christmas tree, as a sign of victory of Christ over the darkness and death of the old pagan gods.
We will play a repeat episode, since I was off on a prayer retreat last weekend. In this season of advent, let us reflect on the crucial role of the Virgin Mary.
For this episode we venerate Mary, the greatest of all the saints. We consider some of the titles given to her from across the Christian tradition: Theotokos, Mother of God, Joy of All who Sorrow, Cause of our Salvation, Mother of the Church. We study how those titles reflect Mary's role in our Christian faith, and how she directs us toward Christ.
The readings covered in this episode include the account of the Annunciation in the gospel of Luke (Luke 1: 26-38), the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), the gospel of John's account of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), the Angelus prayer. We also refer extensively to Sister Grace Remington's painting of Mary and Eve.
Saint Lucy of Syracuse was an early Christian martyr from the town of Syracuse in Italy. She was martyred in the early 4th century. The stories say she used to smuggle supplies to Christians hiding in the catacombs, wearing a wreath of candles so her hands could carry more supplies. Her feast day, 13 December is an important holiday in some parts of Europe, in particular Scandinavia. On Saint Lucy's day little girls would wear candle-lit wreaths in her honor.
No new episode this week, instead we have a rerun of an old episode from 2020, about Saint Nicholas of Myra:
Saint Nicholas of Myra (270 AD-343 AD) , also known as Saint Nicholas the wonderworker, is one of the most beloved Saints in the Christian tradition. Even among non-Christians, he is well-known as the inspiration for Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas is famed for his generosity. When his parents died young he gave away his sizable inheritance to the poor. He also gave gold in secret to three young girls whose family was suffering from abject poverty, saving them from a life of prostitution. He also performed many spectacular miracles, and was an ardent opponent of the Arian heresy. In this episode, we contemplate the story of Saint Nicholas, and read extensively from the Life of Saint Nicholas by Archimandrite Michael.
Saint Andrew was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, and the brother of Saint Peter. He is known as the "first-called", because the Gospel of John suggests he was one of the first to follow Jesus. After the Resurrection and Pentecost, Saint Andrew spread the gospel in Eastern Europe. Most significantly, he is believed to have founded the church at Byzantium. Thus the Archbishop of Constantinople, head of the Eastern Orthodox church, is considered to be a successor of Saint Andrew.
Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne was a French Roman Catholic nun in the Society of the Sacred Heart, and a missionary to the Native Americans living in the region we know today as Kansas and Missouri. The Potawatomi people whom she ministered to gave her the name Quahkahkanumad - the woman who prays always.
Saint John Chrysostom was Archbishop of Constantinople in the late 4th and early 5th centuries, and one of the most celebrated theologians in the Christian church. In the East he is honored as one of the three holy hierarchs, and in the West he is a doctor of the church. The most common liturgy celebrated in the Eastern church, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is attributed to him and named for him. He wrote many sermons and commentaries on scripture that have had a decisive influence in Christian theology today. His time as Archbishop of Constantinople was marked with conflict with powerful figures in the Roman Empire, in particular the Empress Eudoxia, which resulted in his death in exile.
Saint Leonard of Noblac was a 6th century French hermit, known for miraculously releasing captives from prison.
He was a noble from the tribe of the Franks. Saint Leonard was born a pagan, but received the Christian faith through the efforts of the missionary Saint Remigius. He was inspired to live a life of a hermit.
Since All Saints Day is coming up, (and since I am busy catching up on some work deadlines) I thought it would be good to re-release our inaugral episode, about All Saints Day.
We consider the concept of Christian sainthood in general, and the role of the saints in traditional Christian faith and devotion. We reflect on the account of the "Great Multitude in White Robes" in the Revelation of John (Revelation 7:9-17), and the commemorative hymns and prayers for All Saints Day in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. We read excerpts from a post by Father Myles Hixson on the Anglican Compass website, an All Saints' Day homily by Pope Francis, and a homily by the 14th century Orthodox theologian, St Gregory Palamas.
Saint James was one of Jesus' apostles, who by tradition was a relative of Jesus, either a step-brother or a cousin. He was the bishop of Jerusalem in the early church, and wrote the epistle of James, one of the books in the New Testament. He is known for his crucial role in the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, a meeting of the Christian leaders of the early church that decided that gentile Christians did not have to be circumcised or follow Jewish law.
Saint Longinus the Centurion was present during the crucifixion of Christ. He was the soldier who pierced Christ's side with a spear, and who proclaimed after Christ's death that "truly he was the Son of God". Tradition holds that he converted to Christianity afterward, and died a martyr. We read from the gospel passages about Saint Longinus, his entry in the "Golden Legend", and an excerpt of a blog post about Saint Longinus by Father Andrew Stephen Damick (the full blog post is here: https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/asd/2016/10/16/truly-son-god/)
Saint Denis (or Dionysius) of Paris was a third-century martyr and Bishop of Paris. In his time, Paris was under the control of the Roman empire. He was part of a pioneering group of missionaries that brought the gospel to France, and he was very successful in bringing the pagans to Christ. He was beheaded during one of the Roman Empire's persecutions of Christians. Saint Denis gained a devoted following in France, and was particularly revered by French royalty. The Saint Denis Basilica, the church built on the place his body was buried, served also for many centuries as the royal tombs of France.
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska was a 20th-century Polish nun and mystic, known by the Roman Catholic church as the "apostle of Divine Mercy". She experienced miraculous visions of Jesus Christ, which she recorded in her diary. In these visions, the Divine Mercy of Jesus was emphasized, and in particular, Jesus requested that the first Sunday after Easter would be a commemoration of his Divine Mercy. Under the Papacy of Pope John Paul II, this change took place in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar.
Saint Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most celebrated saints of the Russian Orthodox Church, credited for reforming and revitalizing monasticism in medieval Russia. He lived in the 14th century, and was known for his piety, as well as for his visions and miracle-working. He is particularly known for promoting the hesachystic movement in Russia., which is a form of prayer very prominent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, emphasising an experiential encounter with Jesus Christ.
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is a Roman Catholic priest and martyr, the patron saint of Korea. He lived in the 19th century during Korea's Joseon dynasty, during a time of periodic and brutal persecutions of the Christian faith. His father was also killed for being a Christian. Saint Andrew went to seminary in Macau, and was ordained the first native priest in Korea. He was martyred not long after.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, known as the "Lily of the Mohawks", was a 17th century woman of Mohawk and Algonquin ancestry who was the first Native American recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. A smallpox outbreak orphaned her at a young age and left her scarred and in weak health until she died at the age of 24.. Nevertheless in her short time on earth she became known for her great devotion to Christ and her acts of asceticism, despite many challenges.
Saint Andrei Rublev lived in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, and is celebrated as Russia's greatest iconographer. Not much is known about his life, so in this episode we will contemplate and discuss his most important icon: the icon of the Holy Trinity. This icon depicts the three angelic visitors that Abraham hosts in Genesis 18, but it really points to the true nature of the trinitarian God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Sadhu Sundhar Singh (born 1889) was an Indian evangelist, mystic, and convert to the Christian faith. He was raised a Sikh, and detested Christianity enough that he was burning the gospels at 16 years old. But Jesus appeared to him in a vision, and led him to repent and become a Christian. He was remarkably skilled at expressing the truths of the gospel in a way that made sense to Indians, and his missionary preaching in India, Tibet and Ceylon drew huge crowds. He disappeared while going on yet another missionary journey to Tibet, and his body was never found. Sadhu Sundhar Singh was confirmed as an Anglican, and is commemorated in the Anglican church's calendar of saints.
Saint Marguerite d'Youville was the first Canadian-born saint of the Roman Catholic church. She was born in 18th century Quebec, and grew up poor, and her husband died at a young age. She formed an order called the "Sisters of Charity of Montreal", also known as the grey nuns, which performed various charitable works. These grey nuns still exist today, and still carry out her legacy of compassion and charity all over the world.
Saint Boniface was an English monk who was a missionary to various Germanic tribes. He is thus known today as the "Apostle to Germany". He converted many pagans, and strengthened the church in Germany. He died a martyr during the course of his missionary work, ambushed by one of these pagan tribes. Saint Boniface is said to have introduced the Christmas tree: tradition tells of how he felled a sacred oak dedicated to the pagan gods, and told his converts to honor the fir tree instead as a celebration of Christ's birth.
Saint Theodosia was a nun martyred in the year 729 during the reign of the Leo III the Isaurian of the Byzantine Roman Empire. The emperor was an adherent of the iconoclast heresy, which prohibited the veneration of icons. When the emperor sent an official to remove an icon of Christ which stood above the Chalke Gate of the imperial palace, Saint Theodosia and some other women gathered to stop him. Saint Theodosia shook the ladder which the official was using, and he fell to his death. In retaliation, Saint Theodosia was killed by having a ram's horn hammered through her neck. She is today recognized as a saint in both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
Saint Rita of Cascia (1381-1457) was an Italian widow and an Augustinian nun, so famed for the efficacy of her prayers that she is known as the patron saint of the impossible. After her husband and twin sons died young, Saint Rita joined an Augustinian convent, and became known for her piety and her prayers. She received a partial stigmata, a wound on her forehead similar to Christ's wounds from the crown of thorns.
Saint Pachomius the Great is one of the most important of the desert fathers of 3rd-4th century Egypt. He is the founder of cenobitic monasticism, that is, the type of monasticism where monks live together in communities. He came from a pagan family in Egypt, and was a conscript in the Roman Empire's army. During his service, he encountered the kindness of Christians, and resolved to be a Christian himself. He would found many monasteries in Egypt, and write the first known monastic rule for how monks should live and train themselves to grow closer to God.
Saint Julian of Norwich(1342-c.1416) is the author of the Revelations of Divine Love. As far as we know, this is the earliest known book written in the English language by a woman. Saint Julian was an anchorite, that is, someone who lived a secluded life in a cell to pray. The Revelations of Divine Love were written after she experienced mystical encounters with Jesus Christ. It is a series of reflections on the love and compassion that Jesus has for us. The optimism and hopefulness of Saint Julian's theology is notable, since she lived during the time when the Black Death plague was ravaging England.
Saint Thomas the Apostle was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is also known as "doubting Thomas", since he refused to believe that Jesus was resurrected until he saw Christ himself. Tradition holds that he later traveled east to spread the Gospel, establishing churches in the Middle East and finally in India, where he died as a martyr. For this reason, Saint Thomas is an especially important saint for Indian Christians.
In this Easter episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, we will remember Saint Mary Magdalene, the first person to discover that Jesus Christ was resurrected. She was one of Jesus' closest followers, and indeed the gospels tell us she help to support his ministry financially. Saint Mary Magdalene is sometimes known as the "Apostle to the Apostles" a title given to her by Saint Thomas Aquinas, since she was the one who told the other apostles about the resurrection of Christ.
Saint Magdalene of Canossa was born in 18th century Verona, Italy from an aristocratic family. She desired to pursue Christ rather than enjoying her life of wealthy privilege. However, she felt also that the cloistered life was not for her, since she felt called to charity to the poor and evangelism. She thus founded the order of Canossian daughters of charity, an order that exists and thrives today.
Saint John of the Ladder (also known as Saint John of Sinai) was abbot of Saint Catherine's monastery in Sinai, Egypt. He is principally known for writing the Ladder of Divine Ascent, a text intended to guide Christians, primarily monastics, towards a life of holiness. This book is much beloved, particularly in Eastern Christianity. It consists of 30 "steps" or "rungs" of a ladder, each of which a chapter that contains wisdom on overcoming a particular passion or obtaining a particular virtue. Saint John of the Ladder is celebrated in both western and eastern Christianity on March 30. In addition, in Eastern Christianity the fourth Sunday of Lent is known as the Sunday of Saint John of the Ladder.
Saint Matrona of Thessalonica was a martyr from the 3rd or 4th century, who was a slave to a Jewish woman who tortured her to death for embracing the Christian faith. She is also celebrated in Barcelona, Spain, after her relics were moved there.
The Annunciation, celebrated on March 25 is one of the most important feasts of the church. This is the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that Jesus Christ is conceived in her. For this episode, we read the account of the Annunciation in the Gospel of Luke, and hear reflections on the event by John Donne, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Pope Francis and Saint John of Kronstadt
Saint James Theodore Holly (born 1829) was Episcopalian Bishop of Haiti and the Dominican Republic - the first African-American bishop of the Episcopal church. Holly was interested in Haiti as a possible destination for African-Americans fleeing slavery and unjust treatment in the United States. When his plans for African-American emigration to Haiti failed, he nevertheless remained on the island, advancing the Christian mission there. Under his leadership the Episcopal church founded many churches, schools and hospitals in Haiti. He is commemorated in the Episcopal church on March 13.
Saint Helen of Constantinople was born in the 3rd century Roman Empire from humble origins, but eventually became Empress, as mother of Saint and Emperor Constantine the Great. Saint Constantine was the first Christian emperor of Rome, and with his rule the Roman Empire would embrace the Christian faith. Saint Helen is known also for traveling to Jerusalem and finding the true cross where Christ was crucified.
Saints Cyril and Methodius are known as the "teachers of the Slavs". They were 9th century missionaries who brought the gospel to the Slavic peoples (who are the ancestor's of today's Czechs, Slovaks, Serbs, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Russians, etc). Saint Cyril in particular is known as the inventor of the Cyrilic alphabet, which is still in use today in many Slavic countries (and even some Central Asian ones like Kazakhstan and Tajikistan). Saints Cyril and Methodius translated the Bible and Christian liturgy to the Slavic language using Cyril's alphabet, and are celebrated for upholding the freedom of people to worship in their mother tongue. They are among the most celebrated saints in Eastern Europe, and their feast day is a public holiday in several Slavic nations today.
Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto were illiterate Portuguese shepherd children, who, together with their cousin Lucia, encountered apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal in the year 1917. They were deeply pious children, especially concerned for the reconciliation of sinners to Christ. Saints Francisco and Jacinta would pass away soon after the events of 1917, victims of the Spanish Flu pandemic. They are among the Catholic church's youngest saints.
On January 25 the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches celebrate the conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle. In conjunction with that day, I did a YouTube interview of two parishioners of my church, Saint Paul's church in Petaling Jaya about what we can learn from the Apostle Paul's life and writings. This episode is the lightly edited audio from that interview.
The link to the original video interview can be found here:
https://youtu.be/OP88Ai1SEEY
We did a regular Christian Saints Episode podcast on Saint Paul the Apostle last year. It can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1443073/8766127
On February 5 1597, 26 Christians were killed by crucifixion in Nagasaki, Japan, part of a centuries-long persecution of the Christian faith in that country. Catholic missions to Japan began in the 16th century and were initially successful. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese converted, including some Daimyo (feudal lords). However, starting with the rule of Toyotomi Hideyoshi brutal persecutions started against the Christians. The 26 martyrs commemorated today include both foreign missionaries and Japanese Christians, the youngest a boy of 12 years old.
Saint Brigid of Kildare lived in c. 451 – 525. She is one of the patron saints of Ireland, and sometimes referred to as the "Gaelic Mary". She was the daughter of a slave who eventually became an abbess. She is particularly known for her miracle-working and great love for the poor. Her feast day on February 1 will be a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland starting in the year 2023
Saint Basil the Great was Bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia in the 4th century, and one of the most important theologians in the Christian church. He is one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Eastern Orthodoxy, and is regarded as a Doctor of the Church in the west.
Basil came from a pious family (his parents and several of his siblings are also regarded as saints). He was at the forefront of the Christian church's battle against the Arian heresy.
In this episode, James John Marks again guests hosts, and discusses the life of Saint Basil with special focus on his writings on social justice.
James John Marks takes over the host's chair, and discusses Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous, a diocese on the island of Cyprus. Saint Spyridon lived in the late 3rd century to the early 4th century, and was a participant of the Council of Nicaea that upheld Trinitarian doctrine against the threats of the Arian heresy. He is also renowned as a miracle worker.
Please check out James' music at https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com/
The Christian Saints Podcast will go on an indefinite hiatus. This short episode is a farewell and thank you message to our listeners.
Saint Francis Xavier is known as the Apostle to the Indies. He was a 16th century Basque nobleman, one of the founding members of the Jesuit order, and famed as a missionary to Asia. He was active in the Portuguese-controlled port of Goa in India, in the East Indies, and in Japan and China. The number of baptisms attributed to his work number in at least the tens of thousands.
On November 21, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Mary (also known as the Entrance of Mary into the Temple) , when Saints Joachim and Anna bring their three-year-old daughter, the Virgin Mary to live in the temple in Jerusalem. Mary's time in the temple serves as a preparation for her eventual role as Theotokos and Mother of God. We read from an early account of this event from an apocryphal text, the Protoevangelion of James. We also read reflections on the feast from theologians from the east and west, from ancient and modern times.
For a more in-depth look at the theological meaning of the presentation of mary, listen to this episode from Father Thomas Hopko's "Speaking the Truth in Love" podcast.
Saint Margaret of Scotland was an 11th century Queen of Scotland known for her piety and great acts of charity. She was a princess from the English House of Wessex, which was deposed when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 and took the throne. Saint Margaret and her family then fled to Scotland, where she married the Scottish King Malcolm III. Queen Margaret was known throughout Scotland for her kindness and love toward the poor, and for the strengthening the Christian faith in her adopted homeland by promoting more rigorous religious observance.
Saint Willibrord is known as the "Apostle of Frisia". He was an Anglo-Saxon monk who was born in 7th century Northumbria, England. He felt called to be a missionary to Northern Europe, and headed to Frisia (a region that today is located in the Netherlands and Germany). At this time Frisia was contested by Peppin, ruler of the Franks, and the pagan Frisian king Radboud. Willibrord was appointed Bishop of Utrecht, and spent almost fifty years bringing the Frisian people to Christ. His mission was very successful, even though it suffered disruptions due to war.
Saint John Kochurov (Ivan Alexandrovich Kochurov) also known as Saint John of Chicago, was the first of many priests killed by the Bolsheviks in their communist revolution in 1917. He was a Russian priest who was sent to America, and for many years served as parish priest in Chicago. He was a beloved pastor in a place where Orthodoxy was not well-established, and he led efforts to build a new cathedral for the Orthodox faithful there. He returned to Russia shortly before the communist revolution began. When the Red Army captured Tsarskoye Selo, the town he was serving in, the communists murdered him. The Russian Orthodox church glorified him as a saint in 1994, shortly after the Bolsheviks' Soviet Union collapsed.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret was a 19th century Archbishop of Santiago (Cuba) and founder of the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known today as the Claretians. Later in life he was also the personal confessor of the Spanish Queen Isabella II. Saint Anthony was known for his commitment to missionary preaching, and for being an exceptional administrator. He played a vital role in revitalizing the church in Cuba and Spain during the turmoil of the Carlist wars.
Saint Shushanik (also known as Saint Susanna) was a 5th century martyr and queen of Georgia. She was born as Vardeni Mamikonian from a prominent Christian Armenian family, and married Varsken, ruler of southern Georgia. In order to gain the favour of the neighbouring Persian empire, Varsken converted to Zoroastrianism, and abused and imprisoned Saint Shushanik when she would not do the same. Saint Shushanik held fast to her faith despite much suffering, and performed miracles even in prison. Saint Shushanik died as a martyr after six years in prison for Christ.
Saint Teresa of Avila was the first woman in Roman Catholicism given the title "Doctor of the Church". She was a mystic, theologian, nun, and founder of the reformed order of the Discalced Carmelites. She was lived in the 16th century in Avila, Spain, and frequently received visions from God. She wrote an autobiography which recounts her life, her mystical experiences, and her teachings on prayer. This book has continued to be very influential up to this day.
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most revered Saints in Western Christianity. He was born in 1181 or 1182, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. Receiving visions from God, he instead pursued a life of following Christ through poverty, renouncing his familial wealth. He founded the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscan Friars, and he and his followers were known for their preaching, their strict vows of poverty, and their dedication to Jesus Christ. Saint Francis traveled to the Holy Land and preached to the Sultan of Egypt, at a time when Christians and Muslims were at war. Near the end of his life, he also received the wounds of Christ's crucifixion upon his body - the stigmata.
Saint Aquilina of Thessalonica is also known as Saint Aquilina the New Martyr. She was a Greek Christian who lived in the 18th century, when Greece was ruled by the Muslim Ottoman empire. In this time Greek Orthodox Christians suffered persecution and the threat of forced conversion to Islam.
When she was a baby, her father accidentally killed a Turkish neighbour, and converted to Islam. However Saint Aquilina's mother was a pious Christian, and raised her to hold firm in her faith in Christ. When she came of age, the Ottoman authorities insisted that Saint Aquilina convert to Islam too, and when she refused she was beaten to death.
Saint Theodore of Tarsus was a Greek monk who was consecrated as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 668. He was one of the most significant of the people to hold this post. In Saint Theodore's time, England was not a single nation, but divided into Kingdoms like Kent, Northumberland and Mercia. The English church was similarly divided, and there were disagreements on various issues, like when to celebrate Easter. Saint Theodore convened the Council of Hertford, which established a common structure for the English church. He also promoted learning and scholarship, founding important schools in England. The great English historian Bede wrote of Saint Theodore's episcopacy thus: "never had there been such happy times as these since the English settled Britain."
Saint Sophia (whose name means "wisdom") was a widow with three daughters, the Saints Faith, Hope and Love (or Charity) in the Roman Empire under the Emperor Hadrian. They were devout Christians during a time of intense persecution of the Christian faith. They were taken to the emperor, who demanded that Saints Faith, Hope and Love sacrifice to the pagan goddess Artemis. When they refused, they were tortured and killed. Saint Sophia herself died soon after burying her daughters. These saints are celebrated for their martyrdom and devotion to Christ, personifying the virtues they are named after: wisdom, faith, hope and love.
Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth are the parents of Saint John the Baptist. Saint Zechariah was an Israelite priest, and Saint Elizabeth his wife was a cousin of the Virgin Mary. They were an old couple who were childless, which was a great shame in their culture. But God miraculously gave them a son in their old age. Saint Zechariah did not believe when an angel told him the news, and as a result was struck dumb until the child was born. We will read from the account of Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke, and read reflections on the lives of the saints from homilies by Archbishop William Lori from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, and Father Ted Bobosh from the Orthodox Church of America's Christ the Savior/Holy Spirit church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Saint Gregory the Great was also known as Pope Saint Gregory I or Saint Gregory the Dialogist, He was Pope from 590-604 AD, at a time of crisis for the city of Rome. Saint Gregory lived in Rome at a time when it was no longer an important city. The Roman empire now had its capital in Constantinople in the east, and Rome was beset by plagues and wars with Germanic tribes from the north. Despite all these challenges, Saint Gregory is known as one of the greatest popes in the history of the church. He took charge of Rome's defenses when it was under siege and negotiated peace treaties, he wrote many important commentaries on scripture and other religious writings, and he was an influential liturgist. In the East, he is known for writing the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and in the West the Gregorian Chant is so named in his honor. Saint Gregory also emphasized that the church should meet the physical as well as spiritual needs of the poor and sick, and under his leadership the church's charity saved many from starvation.
Saint Irenaeus of Lyon was a 2nd-century bishop of the city of Lugdunum in Roman Gaul, which today is known as Lyon in France. He was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, who was a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, who was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. Saint Irenaeus lived at a time when the Christians who had known Jesus during his earthly ministry had all just passed, and so there were emerging many distortions and misinterpretations of Chritian teaching by determined heretics. Saint Irenaeus was known for writing an important text, Against Heresies, that defended orthodox Christian theology against these heresies, and laid down principles for how Christians could determine what is true. He affirmed that true Christian teaching was passed down from Jesus to us through scripture and the tradition passed down from the apostles , and emphasised the role of the Christian church the apostles established as a repository of truth. In this episode, we discuss Saint Irenaeus' influence, and read from passages of his book, Against Heresies.
On August 15, the church celebrates two events: the dormition and assumption of Mary. This day marks the end of the Virgin Mary's time on earth and her miraculous assumption to heaven. We recount the events around the dormition and assumption passed down to us through church tradition, and read reflections on this day from both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox perspectives, written by Pope John Paul II, Father Thomas Hopko, and Saint John of Damascus.
Saint Dominic was the founder of the Ordo Praedicatorum (Order of Preachers), more commonly known as the Dominican Order. Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega in 1170, a town in the Kingdom of Castile. At that time the church was struggling against the Albigensian heresy in southern France. The Albigensians believed that matter was evil, and created by an evil god, and only spiritual things could be good. This Albigensian heresy was causing turmoil all over France, which often erupted into violence. Saint Dominic dedicated his life to returning the Albigensians back to the Christian faith through preaching. To this end, he founded the Order of Preachers (Dominican Order) which has continued this mission of preaching to this day, long after the Albigensians have been forgotten.
Saint Nicholas of Japan was a Russian missionary and archbishop who was the first to bring Orthodox Christianity to Japan. He arrived in Japan in 1861, at a time when Christianity was still banned, but nevertheless was very successful in his mission. Saint Nicholas was known for his patience, and his eagerness to learn the language and culture of the people he was serving. Despite many challenges in his ministry, including the Russo-Japanese war that broke out while he was in Japan, Saint Nicholas was able to build a flourishing church.
Saints Joachim and Anna are the parents of the Virgin Mary. They were an old couple that suffered shame and ridicule due to their barrenness, but God answers their prayers and grants them a baby in their old age, who becomes the mother of Jesus Christ. As the grandparents of Jesus Christ, Saint Joachim and Anna are commemorated in all Christian traditions that venerate saints, and their feast day is a day to celebrate all grandparents.
Saint Macrina the Younger was born in Cappadocia in the 4th century. She was the sister of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa, two of the greatest theologians in the history of the church. Despite being from a wealthy family and having many suitors, she became a nun. Her brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa wrote about her life, and held her in high regard, recording her simple lifestyle, acts of piety, and her miracle-working. In this episode we will reflect on Saint Macrina's life, and read passages from Saint Gregory of Nyssa's Life of Macrina.
Saint Olga was princess of Kievan Rus during the 10th century. Kievan Rus was a powerful kingdom in Eastern Europe at that time. After her husband was killed in a dispute with a neighboring tribe, Saint Olga ruled Kievan Rus as regent, as her son Svyatoslav was still a child. She traveled to Constantinople to receive the Christian faith, and was baptized by the Patriarch of Constantinople, with Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII serving as her godfather. She returned to Kiev and tried to introduce Christianity to her country, but paganism was to remain a powerful force in Kiev. Her son Svyatoslav too refused to convert. Nevertheless, her grandson Prince Vladimir the Great would follow her in accepting Christ, and under his rule Kievan Rus would embrace the Christian faith.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal was born in 1282 as the daughter of King Peter III of Aragon, and would later marry King Denis of Portugal. She was a very pious and compassionate queen, and was known especially for her generosity and compassion towards the poor. She is called "Saint Elizabeth the Peacemaker" as her personal intervention stopped multiple wars.
Saint Paul the Apostle (also known as Saint Paul of Tarsus) was one of the most important figures in the early church. Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament are attributed to him, and a fifteenth, the Book of Acts written by Saint Luke, is largely about Saint Paul's work as a missionary.
Saint Paul was initially a persecutor of the Christian church, but after a miraculous encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus he became one of the new faith's foremost proponents. He was a renowned missionary, and through his efforts Christianity spread to the gentiles, when previously it was predominantly a Jewish religion. He was also an important theologian, and his writings were important for establishing the doctrine of the new Christian faith.
Saint John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus Christ, and known as the "forerunner". He was a desert hermit that led a movement shortly before Jesus' ministry, urging people to repent of their sins and turn to God. He was the one the Old Testament prophets predicted would prepare the way for the Messiah.
At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, John baptized Jesus, prompting a miracle where a voice from heaven said "“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” St John the Baptist was eventually imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod. Jesus said of John: "among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he".
In this episode we will read accounts of Saint John the Baptist's ministry, primarily from the Gospel of Luke. We will also read a short sermon by Saint Augustine of Hippo about Saint John the Baptist.
Saint Evelyn Underhill was an English theologian and author, whose most important work was Mysticism, published in 1911. She wrote extensively on the topic of Christian mysticism, and made it a point to write for the common man in accessible language, and thus her works were very popular with the public. She also wrote novels and poetry, was an activist for the pacifist cause, and was much in demand as a speaker on religious topics.
Saint Ini Kopuria was the founder of the Melanesian Brothers, and Anglican order. He was born in Guadalcanal, and island in the South Pacific, part of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate around the early 20th century. He was a police sergeant, but after suffering an injury that left him hospitalized, he reevaluated his life, took vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and decided to serve God as a missionary and founder of the order of the Melanesian Brothers. These Melanesian brothers were instrumental in bringing the gospel to Melanesia, and were well-known and well-loved for their humility and piety. These Melanesian Brothers are active and influential to this day, notably playing a key part in the 2000 Townsville Peace Agreement that ended an ethnic conflict in the Solomon Islands
Saint Joan of Arc, the "Maid of Orleans" was a French hero of the Hundred Years' war. She emerged in the 15th century at a time when the war was going badly for the French, and the English controlled large portions of France. Saint Joan was a teenage peasant girl who, starting at age 13, heard visions from God and the saints telling her to liberate France from the invading English, and uphold King Charles VII's claim on the throne. She convinced King Charles to give her soldiers to lift the siege of Orleans, and there this teenage peasant girl won a miraculous victory, turning the tide of the Hundred Years' war. Later in the war, she was captured by the English, convicted in a sham trial and executed. Nevertheless, as she prophesied, the English would be cast out of France soon after.
Saint Euphrosyne was a 12th century princess of Polotsk. Polotsk was a medieval principality in Eastern Europe, located in what is today Belarus. At 12 years old she gave up her riches and royal privileges to become a nun, perceiving that heavenly glory is greater than earthly prestige. Saint Euphrosyne founded two monasteries, was known for her love for learning and of the arts, and is celebrated today as the patron saint of Belarus.
May 2021 marks the start of the "Ignatian Year", as the Jesuit order celebrates the 500th anniversary of their founder, Saint Ignatius getting struck by a cannonball and turning his life towards Christ. To commemorate this event, we reflect on the life of Saint Ignatius, a Spanish soldier who gave up his pursuit of worldly glory to seek Christ instead and teach others to do the same. We go through Saint Ignatius' life, read from sections of his autobiography and discuss the Jesuit order he founded and their impact throughout the world.
Saint Isidora the Simple was a 4th century nun who lived at the Tabbenisi monastery in Egypt. She is celebrated as the first example of a "Holy Fool"- a Saint whose humble and simple lifestyle attracts the mockery of the world, much like how Christ was mocked in his crucifixion. We contemplate Saint Isidora's life, read scriptures that celebrate this "Christian foolishness", and consider how her example of Christian foolishness inspired Saint Francis and Feodor Dostoevsky, particularly in his character of Prince Myshkin.
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, also known as Saint Athanasius the Great, was a 4th century Patriarch of Alexandria and one of the main opponents of the Arian heresy. In his struggle against the heretics, Saint Athanasius was deposed, banished and reinstated from his post as Patriarch of Alexandria five times. He gained the epithet, Athanasius contra mundum (Athanasius against the world) because at times he was the only Christian leader who stood for Trinitarian doctrine against the Arians.
He is also a very celebrated theologian, recognized by the Roman Catholics as one of the four "doctors of the church" (the word "doctor" here is Latin for "teacher"). In this episode, we recount the story of his life and read excerpts from his writings.
Saint Mark (also known as John Mark) is best known as the author of one of the four Gospels. Indeed, the Gospel he wrote was the earliest written of the four. He was the first bishop of Alexandria, and for this reason is especially revered in Egypt's Coptic Church. In this episode we discuss Mark's role in the early Christian church, including his interactions with Saint Peter and Saint Paul. We read a traditional account of his martyrdom in Alexandria, and also discuss the gospel that he wrote.
Saint Matrona of Moscow (Matrona Dmitrievna Nikonova) was born blind to a poor family in 1881 in the village of Sebino in Russia. She also loss the use of her legs as a teenager. She was remarkably devout even at a young age, and had the gifts of miracle-working and spiritual insight. Saint John of Kronstadt, one of the most important figures in the Russian Orthodox Church at the time declared Saint Matrona to be "my replacement, the eighth pillar of Russia" when she was only 14 years old!
Some time after the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the establishment of the communist Soviet state, Saint Matrona was forced to leave her home village and move to Moscow, where she lived illegally, moving from apartment to apartment and relying on the hospitality of others. By divine providence she avoided arrest by the communist authorities, at a time when persecution of the church was ongoing.
Both in Sebino and in Moscow Saint Matrona would spend the nights in prayer and the days accepting visitors whom she would pray for and give advice to, using her God-given spiritual gifts. She would minister to the sick and suffering this way until her repose in 1952.
Pope Saint Martin I (known as Saint Martin, confessor and Pope of Rome in the Eastern Orthodox church) was a 7th century pope who, together with Saint Maximus the confessor, fought against the monothelite heresy.
Monothelitism was the false doctrine that Jesus Christ only had one will, in contrast to orthodox Christian teaching that asserts that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine, and thus possessed both a human will and a divine will. Monothelite theology was developed out of political convenience - it was a compromise theology- a way to placate parts of the Byzantine empire where some people disputed that Christ was fully human and divine.
In defiance of the Byzantine Roman Emperor Constans II, Saint Martin convened a council that condemned Monothelite teaching. In response the emperor sent soldiers to Rome to abduct him. Saint Martin was taken to Constantinople in chains, treated harshly in prison, subjected to a sham trial and exiled to Cherson (modern-day Crimea) where he soon met his death. Nevertheless, 25 years after he passed, the Sixth Ecumenical convened and vindicated Saint Martin's position, and monothelitism was declared a heresy.
Christ is risen! To commemorate Easter, we deviate from our usual episode structure and instead present reflections on Easter by various saints. We will contemplate writings and sermons on Easter by saints John the Apostle, John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, and the Apostle Paul.
Saint Mary of Egypt was a desert hermit who died in the year 522. She is very important in the Lenten practice of the Eastern Orthodox Church - in fact, for the Eastern Orthodox, the Fifth Sunday of Lent is known as the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt.
Saint Mary was a godless, sexually promiscuous hedonist in her early life. When she tried to enter a church in Jerusalem, and invincible force prevented her from getting in. Only after remorseful pleading at an icon of the Virgin Mary was Saint Mary of Egypt able to enter the church. She was shaken by this miracle, and vowed to cast off her old life, and lived the rest of her days as an ascetic in the desert. Despite the sinfulness of her youth, Saint Mary's sincere repentance transformed her, and she is celebrated today as a model for Christian repentance, and as evidence that God's grace can save even the most depraved sinner.
In this episode, we will read an account by Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem about Saint Mary of Egypt and her encounter with Saint Zosima, a monk in Palestine at the end of her life.
Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero (15 August 1917 – 24 March 1980) was the Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Salvador and a martyr.
El Salvador in his time was an extraordinarily unequal society, where a few landowning families controlled most of the country's wealth. The plight of the campesinos, the tenant farmers was especially heart-wrenching - they farmed land they did not own, benefiting the landowning elite while they themselves suffered in poverty.
The military government was brutal, murdering and disappearing many dissidents and protesters, to protect the interests of this landowning elite. The church was not spared, and even priests were frequently killed or forced into exile.
Saint Oscar Romero fearlessly spoke out against the repressive military government of El Salvador, and for advocating for and protecting its victims. He was murdered, shot by a death squad linked to the government while serving mass in a hospital chapel.
We will read from accounts of Saint Oscar Romero's life, as well as from his own speeches and writings. Saint Oscar Romero wrote extensively on how the church must prioritize the poor as Jesus did, and stand against injustice and sinful structures in our society.
Saint Patrick is a 5th century missionary who was primarily responsible for bringing the Christian faith to Ireland. He was born in Britain, but at a young age was kidnapped by pirates and forced into slavery in Ireland. Through divine providence he escaped and returned to Britain many years later, but received a vision telling him to go back to Ireland to bring the Gospel there. After some years of training in France, Saint Patrick returned and had great success bringing the Irish people to Christianity, despite strong opposition from the kings and druids of the Irish pagan faith. Saint Patrick is revered in Ireland, and is one of the most popular saints in all of Christendom.
In this episode we recount Saint Patrick's life, primarily drawing from an autobiographical text, the Confession of Saint Patrick, and a later biography by the Irish monk Muirchú.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were Christian martyrs in Carthage, in Roman Africa, who died in the year 203. Saint Perpetua was only 22, a young mother from a patrician family. Saint Felicity was her slave, who was pregnant at the time of their arrest, and ended up giving birth in prison. They refused offers to offer sacrifices to pagan gods in exchange for their freedom, were mauled by beasts in a Roman arena, and were finally put to the sword. Their martyrdom was especially notable because Saint Perpetua's account of her days in prison before her execution was preserved, This text is possibly the oldest piece of writing we have by a Christian woman.
We read sections from that text, entitled the Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, and contemplate the courage and sacrifice of these holy martyrs.
Saint John Cassian was a monk and theologian who lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He was probably born somewhere in Romania, and traveled to Egypt to study with the desert monastic community that was active there (to learn more about them, listen to our fourth episode, "Desert Fathers and Mothers"). He also was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom for a time. Eventually he ended up in Marseille in France, where he founded two monastic communities there, drawing from the lessons he learned in Egypt. Saint John Cassian produced many profound spiritual writings, which have been incredibly influential with regard to the development of monasticism in the western church. These writings have also been treasured by lay Christians everywhere. In this episode we will briefly go over John Cassian's life, and read extracts from his major works.
Saint Margaret of Cortona was a 13th-century Italian saint who is celebrated as a great penitent. In her youth she was the mistress of a nobleman, even bearing him an illegitimate son. Upon her lover's sudden death, Saint Margaret repented from the sinfulness of her ways, and joined the Franciscan order. She lived in simplicity and helped the poor and sick. In time, her prayers and repentance led to her receiving visions and visitations from Jesus Christ.
In this episode we read and reflect on Saint Margaret's life, drawing primarily on accounts by Alban Butler and Anthony Francis Giovagnoll.
Saint Janani Luwum was the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire during the reign of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. He was murdered in 1977 for speaking out against the excesses and violence of Amin's government. He is one of ten modern martyrs commemorated with a statue at Westminister Abbey, and Uganda celebrates a public holiday, Archbishop Janani Luwum Day every year on February 16th to honour his memory and his sacrifice.
We recount Saint Janani's early life and conversion to Christianity, read excerpts from the protest letter he sent to Idi Amin that ultimately got him killed, and discuss Saint Janani's martyrdom and his legacy.
Saint Theodora was empress of the Byzantine Empire in the 9th century, as wife of the Emperor Theophilos. (Note that there is another "Saint Theodora the Empress"- the Emperor Justinian's wife, who lived in the 6th century). She is acclaimed for defeating the iconoclast heresy, which was very influential in her time. In fact, her husband, the Emperor Theophilos was an iconoclast. Theophilos died at only 29, so Saint Theodora ruled the Byzantine empire as regent for their 2-year-old son until her came of age. The Byzantine empire flourished under her regency.
Every year on the first Sunday of Lent, Orthodox Christians celebrate the "Sunday of Orthodoxy" to commemorate Saint Theodora's victory over the iconoclasts.
In this episode we discuss the iconoclast controversy, and read writings by the 7th ecumenical council, by Saint John Damascene, and by Saint Methodius I of Constantinople about the vital role of icon veneration in Christianity. We also go through Saint Theodora's life (drawing heavily on the book,Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium AD 527-1204 byLynda Garland) and reflect on her struggle against this iconoclast heresy.
All music in the Christian Saints Podcast is composed by Jim John Marks of Generative Sounds. In this episode, Jim visits the podcast for an interview, where he talks about his music, and how his Orthodox Christian faith and art intertwine. We discuss his collaboration with iconographer Nick Pappas, his thoughts on how music makes manifest Christian truth, and how veneration of Christian saints influences his life and work. We pay particular attention to Saint Drogo the Ugly, who is the focus of one of his albums.
Jim's music can be found at https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com/
and Nick Pappas' artwork can be found at https://facebook.com/Nick.Papas.Studio
Saint Timothy was a close companion of the Apostle Paul and the first Bishop of Ephesus. The Eastern Orthodox church considers him an apostle. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, and in particular two books of the New Testament are letters that Paul wrote to Timothy. He worked together with Saint Paul in his missionary journeys, and later became Bishop of Ephesus, where he was martyred by the pagans there.
The virgin martyr Saint Agnes of Rome lived from around 291 to 304 AD, during a time of great Christian persecution in the Roman empire. At the age of only 12 or 13, after spurning the advances of a powerful city official's son, she was exposed as a Christian, and subjected to many tortures and humiliations before suffering a martyr's death. In this episode we explore the impact that her courage had on later Christians, by reading writings about her from Saint Ambrose of Milan and Hrosvitha of Gandersheim.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th century bishop and theologian, as well as the younger brother of St Basil the Great. As one of the "Cappadocian Fathers", Saint Gregory was among the most important theologians in Christian history, and his work continues to be influential today especially for Eastern Orthodox Christians. He was an eloquent defender of Christian truth against heresy, and a participant of the Second Ecunemical Council, which formulated the Nicene Creed as we know it today. In this episode, we read from a few of his works, such as Against Eunomius, On Perfection, and The Life of Moses.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) was the first American-born US citizen to be canonized as a Roman Catholic saint. She is a noted educationist, and the founder of the Sisters of Charity, a religious order of women dedicated to helping children, the poor, and the sick. Her life was marked by tragedy. Both her mother and her husband died young, and she herself passed at 46 after a long struggle with tuberculosis. We read from her journal entries, as they tell of how God demonstrates great love through one enduring great sorrow.
Saint John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" was one of the Twelve Apostles, and wrote five books in the Bible, among them the Gospel of John. Significantly, he was the only one of the Twelve Apostles present with Jesus during the crucifixion. Saint John was the longest-living of the twelve apostles, and had a strong influence on the generation of church leaders who succeeded them.
Saint Nicholas of Myra (270 AD-343 AD) , also known as Saint Nicholas the wonderworker, is one of the most beloved Saints in the Christian tradition. Even among non-Christians, he is well-known as the inspiration for Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas is famed for his generosity. When his parents died young he gave away his sizable inheritance to the poor. He also gave gold in secret to three young girls whose family was suffering from abject poverty, saving them from a life of prostitution. He also performed many spectacular miracles, and was an ardent opponent of the Arian heresy. In this episode, we contemplate the story of Saint Nicholas, and read extensively from the Life of Saint Nicholas by Archimandrite Michael.
Saint Clive Staples Lewis (better known as C.S. Lewis) is best known as the author of the Chronicles of Narnia, a wildly popular series of children's fantasy books. He is also celebrated as an apologist and lay theologian, renowned for his ability to express Christian ideas in a clear and compelling way. His books, such as Mere Christianity, The Four Loves, The Problem of Pain, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters have become classics of Christian literature. In this episode we discuss a brief account of his life, and read excerpts of his greatest works.
Saint Photini (Also known as Photine, Photina, or Svetlana) is the Samaritan woman Jesus encounters in the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John. The early Christians gave her the title isapóstolos, which means "equal to the apostles". To understand the context of her meeting with Jesus, we review the history and tense relationship of the Jewish and Samaritan communities of Jesus' time, and discuss how the Christian faith is, as Paul puts it, a "ministry of reconciliation". We discuss also Saint Photini's role as an evangelist and martyr for the new Christian faith.
Saint Vitalis is the patron saint of prostitutes and day labourers. He was a 7th century monk in Gaza, and at age 60 traveled to Alexandria to minister to the prostitutes there. He would work as a day labourer, and use his earnings to pay prostitutes to stay home while he read Psalms to them. His work was misunderstood, and he was slandered as an immoral person. Thus Saint Vitalis' story emphasises the importance of not judging others, especially if we do not understand them well.
Saint Peter is one of Jesus' twelve apostles, and one of the most prominent characters in the gospels. He was also the first Pope of Rome and the first Patriarch of Antioch. Today we contemplate Saint Peter's journey, from a brash fisherman to one of the most important leaders of the early church.
The desert fathers and mothers were a monastic community in the Egyptian desert starting from the 3rd century AD. In this episode, we discuss Christian monasticism, and what we can learn from the desert fathers and mothers and from monks and nuns today. We read from the Apophthegmata Patrum, a collection of their sayings and stories. We use an English translation given by Henri Nouwen, in his collection Desert Wisdom: Sayings from the Desert Fathers.
Saint Stephen is known as the protomartyr, the first Christian to die for his faith. In the book of Acts, he is also noted as a deacon, a word that signifies a leadership role in church today, but in Greek just means "servant". We contemplate Stephen's servanthood and his witness, primarily in the book of Acts chapters 6-8.
We also discuss martyrdom in the early Christian church, and read an excerpt of a letter from Saint Igantius of Antioch, another one of the early martyrs. Finally, we study an account from Saint Augustine's City of God, where he describes miracles that happened when Saint Stephen's relics arrived at his city of Hippo.
For our first episode (and in commemoration of All Saints' Day) we consider the concept of Christian sainthood in general, and the role of the saints in traditional Christian faith and devotion. We reflect on the account of the "Great Multitude in White Robes" in the Revelation of John (Revelation 7:9-17), and the commemorative hymns and prayers for All Saints Day in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. We read excerpts from a post by Father Myles Hixson on the Anglican Compass website, an All Saints' Day homily by Pope Francis, and a homily by the 14th century Orthodox theologian, St Gregory Palamas.
For our second episode, we venerate Mary, the greatest of all the saints. We consider some of the titles given to her from across the Christian tradition: Theotokos, Mother of God, Joy of All who Sorrow, Cause of our Salvation, Mother of the Church. We study how those titles reflect Mary's role in our Christian faith, and how she directs us toward Christ.
The readings covered in this episode include the account of the Annunciation in the gospel of Luke (Luke 1: 26-38), the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), the gospel of John's account of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), the Angelus prayer. We also refer extensively to Sister Grace Remington's painting of Mary and Eve.