Lord, Send Me: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Parker (Orthodox Church in America) and Ancient Faith Radio
Fr John Parker shares his thoughts and reflections on evangelization—sharing the Good News—in North America. He encourages all listeners to share Isaiah's bold humility to bear witness to the work of the One True God in their lives in word and in deed.
Fr. John speaks with Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in Uganda. They speak about the Church in Uganda, and how the faith has spread in Africa.
Fr. John Parker speaks to the graduating class of St. Katherine's University about the importance of living the truth of the Resurrection.
Fr. John Parker welcomes Fr. David Morrison, priest at St. Anthony's in Bozeman, Montana. They discuss his spiritual journey to the faith.You can find out more about St. Anthony's at orthodoxbozeman.org.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He introduces Orthphoto.net.Learn more about the conference.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about Olga, a woman he met at the conference who is editor of the Russian magazine, Foma. Learn more about Foma.Learn more about the conference.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about St. Nikephorus the Leper. Learn more about St. Nikephorus at https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicephorus_the_Leper. Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.
Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome Lyra, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the second half of their concert, in which they perform some traditional folk music.
Fr. John Parker reflects on the Myrrhbearing woman and the healing of the paralytic. There are two types of messages in sharing our faith: the preaching of Jesus as the Son of God and personal testimony of what God has done in our lives. He asks for listener feedback regarding this sentence describing the Myrrhbearers, "They went and told no one because they were afraid." What keeps us from boldly proclaiming Christ? (Email Fr. John at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/**/.)
Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome LYRA, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the first half of their concert.
Fr. John Parker interviews Jonathan Pageau about his story in how he became an Orthodox Christian from being Baptist, and his internal struggle with a vocation as an artist.For further information:http://www.hexaemeron.org http://www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/http://www.pageaucarvings.com/index.html
Fr. John Parker speaks on the rule of St. Benedict, and how it caries over into the role of the parish priest in his community.
Fr. John Parker speaks about the life of Fr. Thomas Hopko, this being the liturgical anniversary of his repose, and his reflections on the Cross. Listen to Fr. Tom's reflections here:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4
As the Lenten season begins, Fr. John Parker reads a brief sermon that he had penned, formerly read by Fr. Thomas Hopko, that is written in the style and tradition of St. John Chrysostom's well known and loved Paschal Homily.
Fr. John Parker begins a short series showcasing the lives and impact of OCMC missionaries, especially the role of mission work in Africa.
Fr. John Parker speaks on the Orthodox view on who goes to Hell, through the perspective of Fr. Lawrence Farley.
Fr. John Parker analyzes the impact of love in two Super Bowl commercials, and exhorts us to comprehend the impact they have on our lives as Orthodox Christians.
Fr. John Parker speaks to the graduating class of St. Katherine's University about the importance of living the truth of the Resurrection.
Fr. John Parker welcomes Fr. David Morrison, priest at St. Anthony's in Bozeman, Montana. They discuss his spiritual journey to the faith.
You can find out more about St. Anthony's at orthodoxbozeman.org.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care.
He introduces Orthphoto.net.
Learn more about the conference.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about Olga, a woman he met at the conference who is editor of the Russian magazine, Foma.
Learn more about Foma.
Learn more about the conference.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. He tells about St. Nikephorus the Leper.
Learn more about St. Nikephorus at https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicephorus_the_Leper.
Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.
Fr. John Parker shares reflections from Crete at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care.
Learn more about the conference at http://pemptousia.com/2018/01/2nd-international-conference-on-digital-media-and-orthodox-pastoral-care-the-living-water-2/.
Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome Lyra, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the second half of their concert, in which they perform some traditional folk music.
Fr. John Parker reflects on the Myrrhbearing woman and the healing of the paralytic. There are two types of messages in sharing our faith: the preaching of Jesus as the Son of God and personal testimony of what God has done in our lives. He asks for listener feedback regarding this sentence describing the Myrrhbearers, "They went and told no one because they were afraid." What keeps us from boldly proclaiming Christ? (Email Fr. John at evangelization@oca.org.)
Fr. John Parker and Holy Ascension welcome LYRA, a vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. This is the first half of their concert.
Fr. John Parker interviews Jonathan Pageau about his story in how he became an Orthodox Christian from being Baptist, and his internal struggle with a vocation as an artist.
For further information: http://www.hexaemeron.org http://www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/ http://www.pageaucarvings.com/index.html
Fr. John Parker speaks on the rule of St. Benedict, and how it caries over into the role of the parish priest in his community.
Fr. John Parker speaks about the life of Fr. Thomas Hopko, this being the liturgical anniversary of his repose, and his reflections on the Cross.
Listen to Fr. Tom's reflections here:
Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4
As the Lenten season begins, Fr. John Parker reads a brief sermon that he had penned, formerly read by Fr. Thomas Hopko, that is written in the style and tradition of St. John Chrysostom's well known and loved Paschal Homily.
Fr. John Parker begins a short series showcasing the lives and impact of OCMC missionaries, especially the role of mission work in Africa.
Fr. John Parker speaks on the Orthodox view on who goes to Hell, through the perspective of Fr. Lawrence Farley.
Fr. John Parker analyzes the impact of love in two Super Bowl commercials, and exhorts us to comprehend the impact they have on our lives as Orthodox Christians.
Bishop Rob is the Anglican Bishop of Edmonton and the former rector of St John's at Hackney. Bishop Rob explains how he, as rector of a parish church built for 2200 people, which was reduced in time to 50 souls, went about revitalizing the parish.
Fr John Parker shares a Tribute to Archbishop Dmitri, Apostle to the South, founder of the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America. His Eminence reposed on August 28, 2010, at his Episcopal Residence in Dallas, Texas. This tribute is an edited version of Fr Peter Robichau's M.Div. Thesis, prepared for his graduation from St Vladimir's Theological Seminary. Fr Peter's Tribute is published in Alleluia!, an introductory journal of Orthodox Christianity, by Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. Thank you, Fr Peter! And may Archbishop Dmitri's memory be eternal!
Fr John discusses a visit to the remarkable church built on the site of the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch--a church recently discovered and under excavation in near Bethlehem. The church contains one of the largest baptismal fonts found in Israel.
What does the Orthodox Church have to say about Charlottesville? In the vocabulary of the day, nothing. In the language of the redemption of mankind: the Good News of Redemption found alone in Jesus Christ, and a life committed to imitation of his Royal way. The greatest mistake any human person can make, in this situation or any other, is to think that human means and ways will solve the tragedies and disasters of the fallen world. The solution must come from outside us, above us. Salvation is not found in killing our neighbor or our enemy. Salvation is found is seeing the Lord Jesus Christ in neighbor and in blessing our enemy, both. So if you wish to be saved, and if you want to make “a positive change in the world,” look neither to the Left, nor to the Right. Look up to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the World.
Fr John shares a few nuggets of Gospel living which he heard from a kindhearted Delivery Man, Michael, who came to deliver a playground set to Holy Ascension.
Fr. John shares about some of the Orthodox missionaries from North America and reflects on the beauty of the Holy Saturday services (including baptisms) and Pascha services.
Fr. John reflects on the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles, commemorated on the day following the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. "Their proclamation has gone out into all the world, and their words to the end of the universe."
Fr. John comments about the amount of faith in Jerusalem and urges us to pray fervently.
Fr. John talks about the history of the church in Jerusalem, and the holiness of the tomb of Christ.
Fr. John continues to share from Jerusalem, and he talks about the Church of St. James.
Fr. John begins to discuss his pilgrimage to Jerusalem and how it is important to visit the locations talked about in the New Testament.
Fr. Michael Oleksa shares on the lives of saints in Alaska, the stories of their mission work, and connects his personal experiences with the many diverse cultures found there.
Fr. Michael Oleksa and Dr. Johnny Lake share from their life experiences on the difference between race and culture, and how Western society has skewed the lines between the two.
Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares practical ways about getting involved in missions.
Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares about the Incarnation and missions.
Nathan Hoppe shares reflections on Albania and the call that we have to invite others to meet Christ.
Recorded on March 17, Fr. John remembers Fr. Thomas Hopko who reposed on March 18, 2015. May his memory be eternal.
These links were referenced: Fr. John's reflection soon after Fr. Tom's repose Fr. Tom's lecture on Understanding the Cross Funeral homily by Fr. John Behr
Fr. John returns with his newly purposed Lord, Send Me podcast. It is fitting that the return is today on March 9, the 2nd Thursday of Great Lent, with the reading from Isaiah: "Here am I, Lord. Send me."
Fr. John spoke at the centennial banquet for Saints Peter and Paul Church in Syracuse, New York, on June 26, 2016.
Fr. John reflects on a few experiences at Costco, and then about Clemson and Christianity.
Fr. John talks about the symbolism of the icon of the Nativity (Rublev's version is here: https://myweb.rollins.edu/aboguslawski/Ruspaint/nativ.jpg), "How beautiful it is that this Holy Icon tells the entire Nativity Story in one remarkable image!"
Fr. John reflects on the final Plenary Speeches of Pastor Rick Warren and Cardinal O'Malley of Boston from the World Meeting on Families in Philadelphia at the end of September.
Fr. John shares an update and prayerful reflections on the recent flooding in South Carolina.
Fr. John reflects on the apostle/missionary—the Gaderene demoniac—as an image of the Resurrection.
Fr. John reflects on Mark 4:35-41, the Gospel reading from the day after the beginning of the Church New Year.
Fr. John shares an update from the Department of Evangelization with the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, July 2015.
Fr. John shares about the Sunday of All Saints and gives a challenge for us to follow the examples of the missionary saints.
Fr. John shares the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman, her response, and our response in light of recent statistics about faith and culture.
Fr. John speaks with Bishop Gregory, Primate of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A. "Don't think about joining a mission team, just get on the mission team and go."
Fr. John reflects on the the parallel reading of St. John’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles in light of the reception of converts on Holy Saturday.
Fr. John shares the Homily of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) for the Sunday of the Last Judgment.
Fr. John recently spoke at St. Basil's Mission in Wilmington, NC, on their parish feast and on the occasion of the blessing of land for the construction of a church. He discusses the definition of "success" for a mission and parish.
Fr. John speaks with Metropolitan Kallistos Ware about the importance of preaching, worship, and books in our call to evangelism.
One of the books His Eminence recommends for those wanting to learn more about the Orthodox faith is For the Life of the World by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
Fr. John interviews Fr. Christopher Foley of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, High Point, North Carolina.
Fr. John interviews Fr. Josiah Trenham about the importance of preaching in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about the connection between church building consecration and people consecration at a clergy retreat for the Carolina Deanery of the Orthodox Church in America.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about Islam at a clergy retreat for the Carolina Deanery of the Orthodox Church in America.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about catechism at a clergy retreat for the Carolina Deanery of the Orthodox Church in America.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about Islam at a parish retreat earlier this month at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This is Part 2 of his talk.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about Islam at a parish retreat earlier this month at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This is Part 1 of his talk.
Fr. Josiah Trenham speaks about marriage at a parish retreat earlier this month at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Fr. John Parker gives his second reflection on his participation on the Faith Encouraged Live inaugural call-in program and shares four marks of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Fr. John Parker reflects on his appearance on the new live call-in program entitled Faith Encouraged Live with Fr. Barnabas Powell. This is the first of two podcasts where he talks about effectively reaching out as a parish.
Fr. John Parker visited Albania in May of 2014 and while there interviewed OCMC missionaries Nathan and Gabriela Hoppe.
In his last report from Istanbul, Fr. John reflects on how hidden Christianity is in this country which once was the center of Christianity.
In this brief episode, Fr. John is reporting from inside the Hagia Sophia, remembering the visit from the Russian emissaries who "knew not if we were in heaven or on earth."
In his second report from Istanbul, Fr. John is sitting on the roof of his hotel reflecting on the Muslim call to prayer which is heard five times daily. He wonders about our own devotion to prayer in comparison.
Fr. John Parker has just returned from his trip to both Albania and Istanbul and files several reports and interviews. In this first report from Istanbul, he describes his surroundings and first impressions.
Fr. John speaks with Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in Uganda. They speak about the Church in Uganda, and how the faith has spread in Africa.
You no doubt know of St. Mary of Egypt but have you read her story? Today on Lord Send Me, Fr. John reads the miraculous story of this saint's life. You can also read it here: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/maryegypt.asp
On this holy day when we celebrate the Annunciation of the Mother of God, Fr. John Parker reflects on the evangelistic meaning of the feast.
In this episode, Fr. John interviews Fr. Jason Foster, pastor of Holy Nativity Orthodox Mission in Shreveport, LA. Fr. Jason is doing amazing and catalytic missionary work in Louisiana.
On his way back home from the OCMC board meeting, Fr. John reflects on his recent visit and interview with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church.
In this special edition of Lord, Send Me, Fr. John Parker sits down with best-selling author and pastor Rick Warren. They talk about Orthodoxy, evangelism, and the current state of the Evangelical movement.
Fr. John considers a recent Sunday Gospel text—fishers of men—and reminds us that driving a boat around hoping that fish will jump in is not sufficient for Christian evangelization.
Fr. John interviews Fr. John Dunlop, Dean of St. Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, Alaska, about the seminary, the incredible Archives (which include the handwritten documents of St. Innocent as well as the journals of St. Iakov Netsvyetov), and his own missionary work in the villages.
Fr. John Parker interviews Archimandrite David Mahaffey, Chancellor and Administrator of the Diocese of Alaska of the Orthodox Church in America.
Fr. John Parker recently traveled to Kodiak, Alaska, and Spruce Island, Alaska, for the Feast of St. Herman of Alaska. While there, he had the chance to speak with all sorts of Orthodox Christians who minister in this beautiful, holy land of America. Today he introduces this series and then we will post updates every couple of days.
Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 3.
Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 2.
Fr. Chad Hatfield, Dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, gave a Lenten retreat at Fr. John Parker's Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. He spoke on Basic Christian Discipleship - Three Proven Methods for Holy Living. This is part 1.
Fr. John Parker interviews Fr. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, about missions and evangelism.
In this episode, Fr. John interviews Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Fr. Sergius discusses the vital link between solid preaching and evangelization.
In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. "Part Two: How Jesus Christ lived on Earth, and What He Suffered for Us." pp 11-16.
For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.
In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heavenby Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. "Part One: The Blessings that Jesus Christ has granted Us by His Death," pp 8-11.
For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.
In these episodes, Fr. John Parker reads Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by Saint Innocent of Alaska, a beautiful, simple, and short book on the basics of Christianity, authored by one of our North American saints. Introduction, pp.5-7.
For permission to read, Fr. John thanks Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, NY. Indication, ISBN 0-88465-075-8, can be purchased at http://www.holytrinitypublications.com or at good bookstores and websellers everywhere.
In this episode, we join Fr. John Parker at a fundraising dinner for the OCMC sponsored by the DC Metro Area Pan-Orthodox Missions Council. Fr. John's keynote address was entitled, "Here I Am, Send Me: How Every Christian can Answer the Great Commission."
In this episode, Fr John Parker discusses the difference between ‘worship evangelism’ and ‘worship as evangelism’, and encourages us to offer to God the most beautiful worship of which we are capable, and to ‘get out of the way’ for visitors—so that they can encounter God.
In this episode, Fr. John Parker interviews Fr. Robert Miclean, pastor of Holy Archangels Mission in Annapolis, MD. Fr Robert is the founding pastor of this new mission, and the founder of Annapolis College Ministry, which is an intentional, discipleship-driven, missionary outreach to three Maryland colleges: the US Naval Academy, St John’s College, and Anne Arundel Community College.
In today’s episode, Fr John Parker addresses “becoming fishers of men” using Mormon practice as a catalyst to missionary work.
Fr. John Parker today reflects on what the ever-memorable Archbishop Dmitri taught him in the nine years during which Fr. John served His Eminence—lessons about love, economia, stewardship, and above all, Christ crucified and raised from the dead. His Eminence fell asleep in the Lord one year ago.
Fr. John leads a discussion at a Diocese of the South (OCA) luncheon where attendees share their experiences.
Fr John Parker interviews Fr. John Strickland, newly-appointed Professor of History at the newly-founded Orthodox Christian college, St. Katherine. Listen and learn about this vital missionary “college” plant in Encinitas, CA.
In this episode, Fr John reflects on the Scripture readings for the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the Holy Ascension—and their impact on our mission and commission as Orthodox Christians.
In this episode, Fr John Parker address same-sex marriage and homosexuality, in response to the frenzy of discussion on these topics today in the public sphere.
Fr John recently travelled to the OCA’s Exarchate of Mexico at the invitation of His Grace, the Rt Rev. Bp Alejo. In today’s podcast, he recounts his journey.
Fr. John Parker traveled to Romania and sat down with OCMC missionary Floyd Frantz who works with the Church to help people with addictions.
Fr. John recorded these comments in his car on the way to the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers service in his region. He asks, "What is the difference between Triumph and Triumphalism?"
On Forgiveness Sunday, Holy Ascension Orthodox Church was visited by missionary James Hargrave. James serves with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center in Tanzania. Fr. John Parker interviews James about his work there.
Today Fr. John Parker reads a letter from a lady he met who was effectively using cyber technology to evangelize.
Travel with Fr John as he heads to Beaufort, SC, for an organizational meeting of a new mission, and shares about the whole process.
Fr John reflects on Dr. Peter Bouteneff’s podcast concerning “Post-Episcopalian Stress Disorder,” and suggests a course-correction.
Fr John explores a Barna Group study on the state of Christianity in North America and asks how the observations impact us as Orthodox Christians. The study can be found HERE.
In a world which feasts and frenzies on the bad news and misfortunes of others, Fr. John Parker encourages us to keep ever before us the truly and eternal Good News: that Jesus Christ became man and took on flesh for the salvation of the world.