iSermon: Recent Episodes
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos and Ancient Faith Radio
Thoughts from a Local Parish - Preached by Rev. Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos, these sermons are from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto, Canada.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the meaning of Jesus' parable on the forgiveness. This episode brings the podcast iSermon to an end after 425 episodes.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to keep focused on the eternal kingdom even in the midst of the distractions of this life.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addresses the vandalism that happened to their church and how he desires his parish to respond to it.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the relationship of power and authority in the Church to Christ.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos shares the story of Fr. Nicola Yanney, of blessed memory, as he calls us to pursue life in Christ even in the face of danger and illness.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains how we acquire the mind of Christ, by living in Christ through the life of Church.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the importance of the First Ecumenical Council in maintaining the true Orthodox Christian faith.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the importance of the incarnation of Christ in His ascension.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the Sunday of the Blind Man and explains the use of typology in the Holy Scriptures.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the lives of Ss. Constantine and Helen and calls all Orthodox Christians to strive to become saints.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the Gospel reading from the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos asks us to consider if our lives have changed after Pascha?
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the death and burial of Christ on Holy Friday.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the blessing of the House Church during the pandemic restrictions.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos gives a sermon on Holy Thursday evening after the Service of Twelve Gospels.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to endure the struggles of life during Holy Week in order to see Christ's glorious resurrection.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos gives the homily on Lazarus Saturday in anticipation of Holy Week.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the Gospel reading from the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, reminding us that as Orthodox Christians we have been training through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving for an unusual occasion like the one we face during the coronavirus pandemic.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to take up our cross of suffering and follow Christ during the global pandemic.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to respond in love rather than fear to the circumstances we face.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos invites us to consider the reality of our sin and our need for repentance.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to lay aside our own judgment of others and turn our focus towards repentance in light of the Final Judgment.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the meaning of being a servant of God in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos talks about the importance of looking only at our own sin as we enter into the Triodion in preparation for the Great Fast.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the prayers of the Orthodox Church that are prayed in the beginning days of the life of a child.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos invites us to step out of the darkness and into the light of God in the Church.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, God with us!
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addresses two differences within celebration of an Orthodox Christmas (ancient vs. modern) in regards to the Nativity Fast and the celebration of St. Nicholas and St. Basil.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the way in which God chooses to work with us (synergy) in our lives.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the importance of Godparents in the life of the Orthodox Christian.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the importance of almsgiving during the Nativity Fast.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the meaning of the parable of the Good Samaritan through the lens of church leadership and hypocrisy.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos challenges us to consider our own preconceptions about God and how we live in relation to our belief in God.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the meaning of the Gospel reading on the demonized man of Gadarene, calling us to live our lives in the Church rather than in the World.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the meaning of Jesus' call for us to take up our cross and follow him.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the significance of the spiritual calendar and the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the miracle of Jesus walking on the water, drawing Peter into this miracle in synergy with him.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on Jesus feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos compares the Orthodox Christian synodal system and the Latin Papal system.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos describes the difference between the Samaritans and the Jews which inform Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, St. Photini.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the significance of St. Thomas' difficulty believing in the resurrection of Jesus for us today.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos describes the internal battle with the passions through the example of St. Mary of Egypt.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to take up our cross and actively follow Christ through the second half of Great Lent.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos invites us to enter the Great Fast with hope on the Sunday of Forgiveness.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to prepare ourselves to stand before the Uncreated Light of God, either in joy or sorrow.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos introduces us to the beginning of the triodion, the three-week season of preparation for the fasting of Great Lent.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the Gospel reading from the Sunday of the Canaanite woman, and her perseverance to overcome the barriers she faced to reaching Jesus.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the life and ministry of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addresses the problem of entitlement through the Gospel reading on the Healing of the Ten Lepers.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the meaning of the two Great Blessing of the Waters during the Feast of Epiphany or Theophany.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos helps us to discover the true meaning of Christmas through the life of the Orthodox Church.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos encourages all of us to participate as fully as we can in the Nativity Fast as we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ, saving our feasting for after our fasting.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addresses the importance of God Parents in a child's life in the Orthodox Church.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on our materialistic culture and our call as Orthodox Christians to live within our means so that we can share with others and help those in need.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addresses the need to invite Christ and His Church into the dying process.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos challenges the selfish love of "an eye for an eye" with the selfless love of Christ.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reminds us that the Church is a place for building our faith in Christ!
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos speaks about the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross and the lifting up of the Bronze Serpent in the book of Exodus.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on the Parable of the Wedding Feast reminding us that we come to the Church for the healing of our souls.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos invites us to grow in patience as we humbly wait for the harvest our spiritual labor in Christ.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos encourages us to resist the fear of revealing our weaknesses in order to find healing in Christ.
In this his 400th episode of iSermon, Fr. Ted is invited to give the sermon at the Great Vespers of the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary at Holy Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto, Canada.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos describes the power of forgiveness and the consequences of refusing to forgive.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to bear with humility all that comes our way, following the example of the Holy Unmercenaries.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos addressed the first inaugural Youth Night at St. Savas Serbian Orthodox Church in Toronto, Canada, on the topic of “Connecting To Our Roots.”
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the connection between anxiety and striving after the things of this world, rather than the Kingdom of Heaven.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains why the Saints are indeed models of the Orthodox Christian faith that we should follow.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos defines the difference between heresy and schism, and why unity matters to us today.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos gives the homily on the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman about the need to speak truthfully to one another.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains two traditions of Orthodox Christians during Pascha: Marking our homes with the Sign of the Cross, and the greeting Christos Anesti!
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos helps us understand St. John of Ladder's call to ascend in the spiritual life.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reminds us of Jesus' call to take up our cross and follow Him.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos encourages us to engage in the Great Fast for the sake of our own souls.
In this second session Fr. Ted discusses how the Holy Sacraments of the Church prepare us for our own deaths and allow us to truly see life through the passion.
Fr. Ted leads a Lenten Retreat at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean, NJ. In this first session Fr. Ted delivers a talk on how Orthodox Christians are called to use the contemplation of their own death, using the Lenten season, to prepare for their birth into eternity.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos speaks of the basic criteria by which all people will be judged.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos calls us to prepare our lives for the journey of Great Lent.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the Triodion season and the significance of the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee for us all.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the similarities and differences between the Great and Small Blessings of the Water, and their connection to Epiphany.
Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reflects on the meaning of Theophany and the purpose of the Blessing of the Waters.
Fr. Ted concludes his series on the House of God by reminding us of our need to be thankful to God for all of the undeserved gifts that He has given to us.
Fr. Ted addresses the uncomfortable topic of how we remove ourselves from the House of God.
Fr. Ted addresses the importance of the tools for life that we receive in the House of God.
Fr. Ted reminds us of the important role of parents and godparents as the "Good Teachers" of the faith in the lives of our children.
Fr. Ted calls us to bring our life of faith from the House of God into our homes and our personal lives.
Fr. Ted speaks to the need for children to be raised in the House of God, and addresses the challenges that parents of young children face when they come to Church.
Fr. Ted speaks about the importance in our participation in Holy Communion when coming to the House of God.
Fr. Ted gave a presentation at the Romanian Orthodox Youth Assoc. (ROYA) North American Conference held in Beaverton, Ontario, Canada from October 5-7, 2017. In his talk, Fr. Ted explores the current political landscape and how it affects Orthodox youth who attend secular schools where Christianity is subtly oppressed by often ultra-liberal agendas.
Fr. Ted continues his new series of sermons on the Church, the House of God, by reflecting on the Divine Liturgy.
Fr. Ted begins a new series of sermons on the Church, the House of God, by explaining the meaning of the Greek word ecclesia.
Fr. Ted shares the story of St. Fanourios and reflects upon the Gospel reading about Jesus' interaction with the Rich Young Ruler.
Fr. Ted considers the icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos and how it teaches us about the cycle of the liturgical life of the Church and our lives as well.
Fr. Ted describes the way that the glory of the Transfiguration of Christ is connected to his suffering on the cross. Reminding us that our growth in Christ-likeness is directly tied to our own ascetic practice.
Fr. Ted speaks about the importance of our children receiving a positive "living" example of how to live their faith.
Fr. Ted shares his thoughts on the importance of summer camp for children and young adults, as well as his reflections on the Gospel reading about the healing of the demon-possessed men from the land of the Gergesenes.
Fr. Ted calls us to an active life of prayer rather than only reaching out to God when we need something from Him.
Fr. Ted reflects upon the call to "seek first the Kingdom of God," particularly as we raise our children.
Fr. Ted explains the way in which decisions, like recognizing saints, are made in the Orthodox Church through a synodal system.
Fr. Ted invites to cultivate the full life that is ours in Christ through Baptism and Chrismation - enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth.
Fr. Ted explains the importance of the Ecumenical Councils and how they make a difference in our lives today.
Fr. Ted encourages us to consider the story of the paralytic who had no one to help. How are we living our Orthodox faith in a way that personally serves those in need?
Fr. Ted calls us to put to use one of the most powerful tools that we have in fighting the passions—fasting!
Fr. Ted addresses the staff at the headquarters of World Vision Canada on the Orthodox view of charity as it relates to Great Lent.
Fr. Ted continues his reflections upon a Lenten hymn and how it applies to the call to show mercy to others during our journey through Great Lent.
Fr. Ted reflects upon the power of prayer to protect our heart or nous at the center of our being from the passions and influences of the world.
Fr. Ted calls us to take up our Cross during Lent by intensifying our efforts to grow more deeply in the image of Christ.
Fr. Ted challenges us to take seriously the coming Judgment by Christ which will reveal what we have chosen in this life.
Fr. Ted calls us to become like the Father who was ready and willing to welcome those who return to the life of the Church, rather than the big brother who was judgmental towards his returning brother.
Fr. Ted asks, "What happens when are neither the Publican or the Pharisee?" The Triodion calls us back to the roots of our faith to engage fully in the life of Christ's Church.
Fr. Ted challenges two lies that we are taught growing up about being a Christian, and offers us a different way of living our faith in Jesus.
Fr. Ted calls us to a childlike gratefulness for the many gifts that we have been given by God.
Fr. Ted calls us to the right usage of Holy Water rather than an idol that replaces a life lived in Christ.
Fr. Ted reflects upon the recent bombing in a Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egyptd during the Divine Liturgy.
Fr. Ted encourages us to consider the difference between secular-giving to the poor and Christian-giving to the poor, and how we can give the best of ourselves to our brothers and sisters as we follow Jesus Christ.
Fr. Ted reflects upon a conversation that he had regarding the resurrection of the body, and whether we actually believe the faith that has been handed down to us.
Fr. Ted calls us to receive from God all things that He knows we need for our salvation, not only what we ask for ourselves.
Fr. Ted discusses the challenges of cultivating the soil of our lives in order to nurture our own faith as well as the faith of our children and grandchildren.
Fr. Ted challenges us to embrace the teaching of Jesus that leads us into a different way of living and being.
Fr. Ted calls us to the difficult task of taking up our cross and following Jesus daily.
Fr. Ted reflects upon the importance of the cross of Christ, and why we cherish is this powerful symbol in our lives.
Fr. Ted reflects upon the way that our children are "schooled" in the ways of God through our lives as parents and grandparents.
Fr. Ted explains why it is important to mark the liturgical time of the Church year, especially the first day on September 1.
Fr. Ted address three issues that he has encountered in his local parish which speak to the heart of our identity as Orthodox Christians.
Fr. Ted calls us into the daily work of cleansing our lives so that the Holy Spirit might come and live within us.
Fr. Ted calls all Orthodox Christians to prayer and humility as the Holy and Great Council begins.
Fr. Ted invites us to consider our suffering as an opportunity to enter into a deeper communion with God.
Fr. Ted encourages us to allow the story of the healing of the paralytic to move us closer into relationship with God and one another as we live in the light of the resurrection of Christ!
Fr. Ted encourages us to live our faith during Holy Week and throughout the year to come!
Fr. Ted invites us to silence the many thoughts which fill minds, so that we can put our minds in a place where God can speak to us.
Fr. Ted encourages everyone to have icons in their homes as a way to teach our children about the faith.
Experiencing forgiveness is the only way for us to come into the same space at the same time with God and one another.
The parable of the Prodigal Son calls us to return to the Church and live our lives in the imitation of Christ.
Fr. Ted calls us to know the truth about ourselves through the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee.
Encouragement for parents to live their faith at home, and to take the primary responsibility of training their children in the Orthodox faith.
Fr. Ted takes a closer look at three of the individuals listed in the genealogy of Christ.
This is the 300th episode of iSermon, recorded at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, Canada, and featuring guest Fr. Theologos Drakos of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Mississauga, Canada. Fr. Theo is the national camp director of Canada and a long time friend and colleague of Fr. Ted. In this special-edition episode, we both reflect on the last 300 episodes and how they have shaped our experience of ministry, preaching, social media, and technology.
Fr. Ted examines all of the actions that we do as a Church when someone leaves this world.
Fr. Ted explains what baptism is, its purpose, and what it means for us as Orthodox Christians.
In this first episode of his new series, Fr. Ted looks at all of the prayers associated with the very beginning of life.
We have not learned how to do the most fundamental thing that Christ teaches us, which is to forgive.
There are two types of oppression: that which is open and blatant, and that which is subtle and difficult to combat.
A homily by guest speaker Fr. Tim Prattas from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in East Vancouver.
We will be judged on what we know and how we live our lives according to that knowledge.
Sometimes even our families can become idols—especially when we place worldly cares ahead of Christ.
In contrast to both Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, the Orthodox Church has always worked within council.
The more secular society gets, the more we begin to forget those things that used to come naturally to us.
The Sunday of St. Thomas reminds us that we are always in danger of losing our faith, even if it is proven to us.
Too often we seek to bend the Church to our own will instead of bending our will to meet that of God.
Fr. Ted speaks at an adult lenten retreat at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto, Ontario.
The way we approach suffering as Christians can become a witness to how one should suffer properly.
If we try to take the Lenten journey alone, we will fail because none of us are strong enough to defeat the army which is against us.
There are two paths—a path of life and a path of death—and we need to make sure that we are on the right one when it is time to meet our Lord.
There is a parallel between what happens to Zacchaeus to what happens to us every Sunday.
There is a great difference between the word "Christian" and the actual reality of living like a Christian.
Confession has three parts that are absolutely necessary for the Christian life and for developing a healthy psyche.
The reason the Nativity fast exists is to remind us of who we are in Christ and what we cannot take with us to the world to come.
When your soul is not filled with the Holy Spirit, there is room for other things to enter.
Sunday school should just be about reinforcing what is taught in the Divine Litrgy and not a replacement of it.
The deep symbolism in the Church is there to involve us, but it takes time, effort, and education for this to occur.
The world's time is different than God's time, and we need to be able to strike a balance between the two.
What we mean by humility and witnessing for Christ here in the Western world is a far different thing from what Christians are experiencing in the Middle East.
The whole point of the Christian life is to stay on course. Sin is deviating from that course.
Always remember that God went through everything that we are asked to go through and more.
Fr. Ted points out that the Spirit of God always brings people together, brings understanding, brings Truth, and brings love.
Fr. Ted discusses the importance of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council and St. Justin, the Philosopher and Martyr.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church has a new deacon. Listen here to the ordination speech by the newly ordained Dn. John Karvelas.
Fr. Ted differentiates the deacon's vestments from those of the reader and the priest, and then explains why vestments are worn.
The most important part of the Paschal service is not the Holy Light, but rather the Divine Liturgy in which we receive Holy Communion.
While the sins of Judas and Peter were the same, Judas chose to wallow in that sin and eventually kill himself.
Which Messiah are you waiting for—the real one or the one you have created in your mind?
Keith Thomas Sandberg speaks at a lecture sponsored by the Winnipeg Orthodox Clergy Association after the Vespers of St. Mary of Egypt.
Fr. Ted explains that when we fail to take part in fasting or the sacraments, we create an identity crisis within.
Fr. Ted delivers a lecture in Calgary at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Lenten Retreat.
Fr. Ted explains that the essence and energies of God can be applied to who we are as human beings and how we act toward one another.
The Rev. Fr. Gregory Scratch speaks at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Youth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.
Dr. John Karvelas speaks at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Youth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.
Fr. Ted warns us that If we cannot distinguish between happiness and true spiritual joy, then there's a problem in our lives.
Fr. Ted gives a crash course on Orthodoxy to 71 students from Canadian Mennonite University.
Fr. Ted connects the forty day blessing of newborn children to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.
Fr. Ted assures us that the more time we commit to our spiritual life, the more we will get out of it.
Sbdn. Alex Younes delivers the keynote address at Youth Sunday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Sbdn. Alex is from the Antiochian Archdiocese and attends St. George Antiochian in Toronto
Fr. Ted explains that the way you can tell whether you are giving out of love is to look at the type of giving that you do.
Fr. Ted explains how the gospel of love is lived out in our lives today and how it was lived out in the past.
Fr. Evan Maximiuk from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) is the guest speaker at this year's Hallelujah Night (Halloween alternative event).
Fr. Ted challenges us to ask ourselves to whom are we listening. We cannot serve two masters.
Fr. Ted reminds us that Christ comes to those who are in the direst need and at the most humble moment of their lives.
Fr. Ted reminds us that those who call themselves Christian should not act like other people.
Fr. Ted explains that the cross teaches us humility and how our relationship with God is supposed to be.
Fr. Ted explains that finding your calling is a process of discovering who you truly are—who God made you to be.
Metropolitan Sotirios of Canada gives the homily at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg.
Fr. Ted speaks at the Biennial Clergy-Laity Conference for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada in Vancouver.
Fr. Ted reminds us that it is impossible for us to be Christians without the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Ted reminds us of the deep connections between the Old and New Testaments and then shares some of the prophecies that were fulfilled by the healing of the blind man.
Fr. Ted reminds us that Palm Sunday is actually a tragic event because the people recognize the Messiah not as He is, but as they want him to be.
Citing the story of St. Mary of Egypt, Fr. Ted contends that not only is it possible to change and repent, but it is also never too late to do so.
In this 200th episode of "iSermon," Fr. Ted reminds us that we can't experience the fullness of the Christian faith with our rational mind alone.
Fr. Ted argues that we too often neglect the role of the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Fr. Ted addresses the trend to cultivate ourselves in our careers but not in our spirituality.
Fr. Ted enumerates the teaching of the Church when it comes to the blessing of the waters on Theophany.
Fr. Ted explains that the only way to change society is to change our own minds and hearts.
Fr. Ted discusses the important of confession and the Eucharist. Without them, he argues, we are both dirty and starving.
Fr. Ted reminds us that the best thing we can do to help the youth is to be an example.
Fr. Ted laments the fact that the traditions of the Church are not passed down to the next generation with enough frequency.
Fr. Ted addresses a current event in Winnipeg that illustrates the importance of being like St. Demetrios.
Fr. Ted encourages us to recognize just how many things that come out of our mouths simply do not benefit anyone.
Fr. Ted assures us that God's blessings at Church can affect all of the other different facets of our lives.
Fr. Ted reminds us that only in Orthodox Christianity do we have the totality of Holy Tradition.
Fr. Ted explains the theology of the Cross and the place it should hold within our own hearts and within our spirituality as Orthodox Christians.
Fr. Ted begins a new series on applying the Orthodox faith to the everyday situations in which we find ourselves.
Fr. Theodore examines the first part of Sunday's Gospel. He explains that truth does not change according to culture or time period. Christian values, he explains, are absolute.
Fr. Ted explains that the Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us of who God is as the one who reveals all of our acts and deeds, whether they be good or evil.
Fr. Theodore celebrates fathers and reminds them of their importance. He encourages fathers to take a leadership role in the spiritual lives of their children, as their example will be imitated.
Fr. Ted reminds us that while the worldly spirit changes with time, the truth of the Church endures forever.
Fr. Ted contends that the story of the Pool of Bethesda is really about the relationships we have—or don't have—with our fellow Orthodox Christians.
Fr. Ted argues along with the ancient Greeks that you can't philosophize back into infinity. There comes a point when you have to believe in something.
Fr. Ted reminds us that Hades is not a place, but rather a state of being away from God that we can experience even here on earth.
Fr. Ted reminds us that we need to accept God and others and they truly are, not who we expect them to be.
Fr. Ted reflects on St. Mary of Egypt, reminding us that it is never too late to repent of our sins.
Fr. Ted reminds us that while we may not know His essence, God is nevertheless with us in a very real and tangible sense.
Fr. Ted explains that unlike the rest of creation, human beings are made in God's likeness, capable of free will. He urges us to utilize this gift as we begin our lenten journey.
Fr. Ted explains that "the gospel" is the message that God came into the world, died for us on the cross, and then rose from the dead.
Fr. Ted warns us against forming preconceived notions about people without getting to know them.
Fr. Ted warns us against forgetting that humility is an essential aspect of being a Christian.
Fr. Ted reminds us that the Divine Liturgy is a meal—an entering into the eternal reality of the Mystical Supper of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Ted reminds us that all of the things that make up the Christian life are essential to creating a full icon of Christ.
On the Feast of St. John Chrysostom, Fr. Ted encourages us to choose obligation over will.
Fr. Ted explains that the most important thing for liturgies is that they teach the true faith.
Fr. Ted reminds us that we must cultivate our internal spiritual lives with patience in order to grow as Christians.
Fr. Ted answers a question regarding the Church's take on support groups such as AA. He also explains how the Church views each of us as a living icon or a treasure.
Guest homilist Fr. Theologos Drakos (Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Ontario) compares fishing to the spiritual life.
Fr. Ted reminds us that the sign of the cross is a prayer, yes, but it is also a statement of faith.
Fr. Ted reminds us that just as the Israelites of the Old Testament looked to the bronze serpent for healing, we must look to Christ on the Cross for the ultimate healing.
Fr. Ted tells us that we need to use the rhythm of prayer to remove those things from our lives that get in the way of our relationship with Christ.
Fr. Ted explains that it is possible to be a good person and a bad Christian simultaneously.
Fr. Ted explains that it is the human tendency toward unbelief that causes us to change the teachings of the Church.
Fr. Ted explains that the purpose of our existence is to transfigure ourselves into being more like Christ.
This week's homily was delivered by guest priest Fr. Nicholas Tambakis from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Ted distinguishes between the image of God, which is a gift given to all of humanity, and the likeness of God, which must be attained through much effort and prayer.
Fr. Ted explains that the Spirit of Truth always brings understanding, and most importantly, offers a message of love.
Fr. Ted discusses the various accounts of the Resurrection and explains how the differences actually support the Truth.
Fr. Ted explains how our faith in Christ correlates with our willingness to believe in and trust our brother.
Fr. Ted urges us to focus on what we can give to others and to the Church, rather than what we can get.
Fr. Ted urges those who have been born into the Orthodox faith to ask themselves hard questions about what they would sacrifice for Orthodoxy had they not been born into it. He reminds them to demonstrate Christian love and acceptance to catechumens.
Fr. Ted encourages us to pace ourselves in this, our second week of Lent, as temptations from the evil one can thwart our efforts to be closer to God. He also reminds us to be patient with others as each path is different and we are not to judge.