The 153: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Finley, Fr. Joseph Huneycutt and Ancient Faith Radio
In the Boat and on the Shore with the Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism - Frs. John Finley and Joseph Huneycutt offer audio glimpses of Antiochian parish life and the American mission field.
Fr Joseph interviews rockers Lacey and Josh Sturm. They talk about the struggles and joys of Orthodoxy, song writing, iconography, and the new album "Kenotic Metanoia" (available now).
Would you like to see more movies about Orthodox saints? Well, stay tuned! Yelena Popovic, the writer, director, and producer of the movie "Man of God" and her husband, Alexandros Potter sat down with Fr Joseph to talk about the forthcoming "Moses the Black" movie and their new venture, SimeonFaith, which will produce and distribute other Orthodox Christian films. Listen till the end for your role in this apostolic work! A teaser for the forthcoming "Moses the Black" can be found at SimeonFaith.com.
Jesus says the disciples could not exorcise a demon because of their little faith. He then went on to say that faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains. Huh?
Jesus says the disciples could not exorcise a demon because of their little faith. He then went on to say that faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains. Huh?
Reared and baptised in Riverside, then served a big cathedral, now in Dripping Springs, Texas—Fr. Jeremiah Phillips of St Sophia Church shares his experience of life and death in a small parish.
Fr. Joseph is starting the celebration of the New Year a bit early, no? Nah. It's tradition!
Trigger warning: "The news of the day, social media, and cancel culture are all the rage these days. You can cancel others, but you can't deny yourself. Amirite?" Fr. Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston.
Not everyone will agree, but you'll have to listen to figure out why. BTW, is there any good news? Fr Joseph speaks of his recent "work-cation" in the PNW.
Like a flash, Pascha and Bright Week are upon us—and if we are not paying attention, the new way to pray may slip our minds. In this encore episode of The 153, Fr. Joseph offers a refresher on praying during Bright Week and the Paschal season.
Fr Joseph engages in a bit of name-dropping: Rose, Rose Hill, Peter Heers, Peterson, Frederica, Hatfield, Pageau, Freeman, and more! But, really: What in the world is going on with all these inquirers and catechumens?
Fr. John announces some new missions, highlights the potential for growth within home school networks, and plugs a growing online homeschooling program. Great news during these challenging days!
As we approach the Cave wherein God becomes a Babe, may we, like His mother, be granted the gift of pondering. Fr Joseph in Chicago, 2010.
Fr. Joseph sits down with Deacon Damian Oweis and members of the new mission of St. Basil the Great in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Can you imagine for a moment that all this revealed religion stuff is really, really real? Fr Joseph speaking at Christ the Savior/Chicago, 2010.
How many times have we looked back on the good ol’ days, the time before the Bug? To many, the days ahead look dark; temptations abound. We are sorely tempted by doom. What shall we do?
Are we living in the Last Days? Sure! What are we to do about it? Fr Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston.
This "Mission Recipe" mixes loss of vision, retirement, 20-20, homeschooling, and a local bookstore. Fr. Joseph chats with Fr. Paul Solberg of Christ the Good Shepherd Mission in Concord, North Carolina.
Fr Joseph chats with a teenaged catechumen who found Orthodoxy on her own—on the internet.
In 2020, pretty much EVERYONE missed the Lamentations service! (No, watching it online is no more the same as watching American Bandstand, or Dancing with the Stars, is the same as attending the prom.) Fr Joseph wept.
With restrictions being what they were, and fears continuing as they are, the faithful of St Joseph/Houston discovered something over the past year.
We have a whole generation that has either grown up home schooled, Harry Potter fed, classically read – or been indoctrinated by politically correct, often anti-Christian, public schools. They eat, sleep, and live differently than their elders; in equal measure being both more conservative and liberal than their forebears, depending on the issue. When they come to the Church, what do they seek?
On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, Fr Joseph remembers Pete and Repeat sitting on a log -- Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!
For those of you who are new to the Orthodox Church—or were‚—what say ye about that daunting second visit? Good experience, not-so-good experience? Fr Joseph shares some comments from parishioners and invites yours.
Fr. Joseph chats with newcomer Chris Shin, a tattoo artist and onetime street preacher.
First of all, this is not a film about abortion -- what is it about?" Fr Joseph interviews Dn Adam Roberts about the new documentary, "In the Name of Choice." [Available @ inthenameofchoice.com]
Our circumstances of late have revealed all sorts of warts and ailments, weaknesses, doubts, and fears. What's the best we can do these days? Fr Joseph answers.
We hear it repeatedly in our services and hymns: "the Life-Giving Cross." How can a bloody instrument of death be praised as life-giving? Fr John explains.
"Without evangelism, the Church is just a secret club for those who like that sort of thing." Fr Joseph quotes Fr. Michael Keiser, who fell asleep in the Lord on the Feast of the Dormition. May his memory be eternal—and may we all be teachable!
Moments after the explosion on August 4, Fr. Joseph receives audio messages from his daughter in Beirut.
The same God that knows if a hair falls from your head, the same God that knows if a sparrow falls from the sky, is not surprised about COVID. We cannot, as Christians, say we believe one thing only to become addicted to the news that tells us to believe another thing. Fr Joseph preaches at St Joseph / Houston.
Fr Joseph preaches at St Katherine/Burleson, Texas on the transference of the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul, and the Sunday before the 40th Day of Fr John Winfrey's passing. May his memory be eternal -- and may you and yours be granted long life!
June 21, 2020, marks the two-year anniversary of the death of Dr H. Tristram Engelhardt, known in the Church as Reader Herman. May his memory be eternal! His last published work, "After God - Morality and Bioethics in a Secular Age" needs your attention. All free copies have been claimed! After God is available at svspress.com.
Prayer is not simply talking to God, worrying in Jesus' name—or watching a live-stream!
The blind man stumbled toward the water bearing spit and the clay -- only to return whole! But at first Celedonius could only see darkness, shadows. Fr Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston on the final Sunday of Pascha.
Fr Joseph, at home with the peeps of St Joseph/Houston (masks and all), says: Christ is Risen!
When the churches are open again, some folks will be shouldering even more doubts than before due to being kind of “shell shocked”—hurt by having been locked out of church services—especially during the holiest season! Suffice it to say, whether we’ll admit it or not, we’re all hurting a bit. So, you see, we’re all missions now!
Although our temples may be empty, Holy Week 2020, here come Jesus! Fr. Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston. And all the people say ...
Fr Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston to nine men in black on the Third Sunday of Lent, the Sunday of the Cross -- and the Quarantine. (On this particular Sunday, the temple chairs have all been removed to facilitate scaffolding/icon installation.)
The disciples planted their Missions Department in Jerusalem; Stephen is slain. These two events had a tremendous impact on Evangelism. Here's a portion of Fr Joseph's talk at Holy Cross/Palmdale, California.
Fr. Joseph, speaking at Holy Cross/Palmdale, California, relates a story from "We Came, We Saw, We Converted" of Galina and St. Xenia (including the Publican, and the Pharisee).
We don't know the future, but past sermons provide a clue of what we are to do. Fr Joseph speaks at St John the Divine/Lake Charles, Louisiana.
For some folks, Orthodoxy isn't authentic unless it's presented with a thick, heavy accent. Fr Joseph visits St John the Divine/Lake Charles, Louisiana -- where they don't have a resident priest, but they sure got accent! Listen in for a quick taste of Cajun Orthodoxy. "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Can you say Yakima? Ever been? Fr. Joseph affirms the latter; still not sure about the former. (What about Wapato?) Here's a little history of Holy Cross Church/Yakima, Washington. No matter how you say it, it's well worth a visit!
Fr. Joseph visits a group of Orthodox Christians in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; listen in to hear what they're up to.
Fr. Joseph interviews a former Mennonite, along with a former comedian, about an Orthodox venture amid the Mennonites in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Fr Joseph interviews Alex Hordge. Alex was baptized last Pascha, sings in the church choir, and attends college classes at The Saint Constantine School. Alex is also blind.
Fr. Matthew Snowden, pastor of St Nicholas/Jackson, Tennessee, preaches on Our Cross, and the Lord's Cross—and what have they in common?
Fr. Joseph interviews Fr. Matthew Snowden of St Nicholas Mission/Jackson, Tennessee—on the struggles and joys of shepherding a fledgling Orthodox community
Did you know that the word "gossip" originally meant "godparent" and is connected with the word "sibling"? Did you know that gossip and Good News aren't the same? (Go ahead, you can tell me, I won't tell.)
In this dark and mad world, Christ has ordered the Meal. Fr John Guy Winfrey delivers the homily at St Katherine/Burleson, Texas.
Don't fret this episode's title, Big D folks can handle it. Fr Joseph interviews Fr John Guy Winfrey on the one year anniversary of St Katherine/Burleson, Texas. Y'all ever had possum for Pascha?
The last thing the world needs is more darkness. We don't need more "dark Christians." Fr Joseph serves up Convention "leftovers" at St. Joseph/Houston.
On the priest shortage, sunshine, rain, and zucchini: We must be faithful in the valleys (and the peaks).
It's not often—in the life of a small parish–that the mortgage goes away and a new priest is on the way. Fr Joseph offers that news in St Silouan/College Station. Glory to God for all things!
Fr Joseph asks parishioner Jeff Anderson why he finds the Samaritan Woman, St Photini, so special. (Talk about a "come to Jesus" moment!)
Tying the Eucharist into the Resurrection on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers, Fr Joseph says: "Christ is Risen" (and other such nonsense).
Like a flash, Pascha and Bright Week are upon us—and if we are not paying attention, the new way to pray may slip our minds. Fr. Joseph offers a refresher on praying during Bright Week and the Paschal season.
Fr. John says, "Let us not be too quick to shun the newborn—whatever the means of conception—for thereon is found the image of God."
Speaking at St John Chrysostom Mission/Lakewood, Colorado -- where Father Seraphim and Matushka Masha Gisetti also operate the St Ephraim Center, which offers addiction and mental health treatment -- Fr Joseph attempts to answer a question about children and gadget addiction.
Speaking at St John Chrysostom Mission/Lakewood, Colorado -- Fr Joseph speaks on Receptivity, God's Will, and how susceptible we are to sin.
"I'm up here, Lord -- hope that doesn't bother You!" In the Sundays before Lent, our Mother bids us to come down to meet the Lord. Fr. Joseph preaches at St Silouan/College Station, Texas.
Keeping the Faith alive when "God is dead"—and why do we baptize babies of families we rarely, if ever, see at Church?
In his opening remarks at St Sophia/Dripping Springs, Texas, Fr. Joseph plugs a couple books from Ancient Faith Publishing before touching on one of the benefits of attending a retreat: Vision.
Fr. Joseph notes the joys of holiday travel: including a canceled flight to Wyoming, a Cherokee on the way to South Dakota, and unexpected savior for an expecting people.
While Americans converting to Orthodox Christianity may bring along baggage and struggles, this episode notes a few of their strengths; it even praises the Nones!
The priest is often not recognized unless he is on the cross. And in some communities, there’s always one -- or a handful -- that will try to make sure he stays there! (Yet these folks need salvation too.) Fr Joseph unpeels a bit of the Onion Dome.
Jesus was: A) a Jew; B) a Samaritan; C) All off the above? Fr John, speaking at St Paisios Mission/Yuma, Arizona, explains.
In a move as shocking as reading the lyrics to popular songs in church, Fr. Joseph asks the folks at St Joseph/Houston to pull our their cell phones!
If the Lord will accept us at "the eleventh hour" -- why all the prayer, fasting, and alms giving? Fr Joseph speaks at an ecumenical gathering about how the Orthodox work out their salvation.
Fr. Joseph speaks at an ecumenical gathering about how the Orthodox work out their salvation.
Speaking at St Sophia Church/Dripping Springs, Texas, Fr Joseph responds to the question: "How do you talk to your non-Orthodox family about the Faith?"
Fr Joseph addresses the questions: Are we starting more missions? Where are the monasteries? He also claims we need more men, more moms, and ... more!
Fr Joseph interviews Fr James Guirguis of St. Raphael of Brooklyn/Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. This church is full of children! Fr. James offers a word on the joy of the priesthood, which is truly fruit for thought.
Fr. Finley, with reference to potential “mass conversions,” explains what we must do to prepare.
Fr. Joseph asks Fr. John about the current need of clergy in this two part interview from Antiochian Village. He also notes a surprising development in “mission plants.”
Preaching at Saints Peter and Paul Mission/Boone, North Carolina, Fr John compares the Archangel Gabriel's visit to Mother of God to that of the father of the Forerunner.
Fr. Joseph has some announcements to make; mainly, if you see him walking on water . . . well, that's where you come in.
When it comes to church work: some do, some don't. The same can be said of every stage of our life in Christ. Here's Fr John mission planting in the Pacific Northwest.
During the Paschal season, on the Sunday of the Paralytic, Fr Joseph was at St Paul/Tupelo, Mississippi. Here's excerpts from that Sunday's sermon which claims we don't always want the truth. (But we do need to be healed.)
At St Simeon Mission/Santa Clarita, California, Fr John delivers a teaching sermon on the season of Pascha and how it relates, every Sunday, to baptism -- for the newly illumined and all who are baptized into Christ. Christ is Risen!
Fr. Joseph preaches at St Joseph/Houston on the joy of the Resurrection as announced by the courageous Myrrh-Bearers. Christ is Risen!
By the end of this powerful Holy Saturday message, Fr. John Finley just might have you shouting!
As we draw near to Christ, and He draws near to Jerusalem, Fr Chad Hatfield preaches at St Joseph/Houston on the lost, the seekers, and our unbelief.
Fr. John was down in Texas, in Midland at Midfast, speaking about the Cross at Holy Cross Church and what it means to deny one's self.
Adult converts to Orthodoxy all have stories about their journey to the Faith. These stories are often populated with Non-Orthodox "seed planters." Fr Joseph, speaking at St Luke Church/Abilene, mentions a few such helpers.
Fr. Philip LeMasters, pastor of St Luke/Abilene, records a weekly radio program for a local radio station. While there aren't many Orthodox Christians in Abilene, this program provides a means of spreading the Faith in the "Friendly Frontier." After some local radio shtick, Fr. Philip and Fr. Joseph get down to some serious subjects.
Fr John Finley, speaking at St Paisius/Yuma, Arizona, speaks about the recent California mudslides and how the wonders of God, His goodness, and the changing of human hearts may be found in times of loss and trial.
Fr. Joseph visits with Fr. James Guirguis and the fine folks of St Raphael Mission in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, on their first Family Night of 2018.
How is a house blessing like an exorcism? What does exorcism have to do with evangelism?
Fr. John speaks at St Simeon Mission, Santa Clarita, California, on how the soul is not fed by bodily comforts.
Fr. Joseph—and the children of St John, Rapid City, South Dakota—give sound effects to the story of the healing of the demon possessed man.
Fr John speaks of Jesus and the healing of the nations, through threat and promise, at St Paisios, Yuma, Arizona.
A brief reminiscence by Fr John, speaking at St Paisios Mission, Yuma, Arizona, on Bishop ANTOUN of Thrice-Blessed.
In our efforts to spread the Faith, sometimes we fail; if we die, we bear more fruit! Fr. Joseph speaks at St Nicholas Church, Shreveport, Louisiana.
At St. Nicholas Church, Shreveport, Louisiana, Fr. Joseph recalls three exorcisms: one goofy, one real, and one true.
Fr Joseph preaches a children's sermon—with help from "Heaven"—at Holy Resurrection Church, Gillette, Wyoming.
There is a trite answer to the question: How do Orthodox Christians evangelize? Keep the doors open, the lights on, the floors swept, and the priest paid. Fundamentally, this is correct; paying the bills is essential to the life and health of a community, and “come and see” will always be our most effective clarion call. Yet, while existence is paramount, it is not evangelism. In this episode, Fr. Joseph offers some ideas that have proven effective for revitalizing, invigorating, and sustaining a healthy parish—consider it “in-house evangelism.”
The Department of Missions and Evangelism workshop, at the 53rd biennial Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Miami, enjoyed the remarks on parish revitalization by His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest.
Fr John Finley on the ills of being "community-less"—spiritual but not religious—in Yuma, Arizona.
Fr. Joseph preaches on the comings and goings of Jesus, the disciples, and demons at St Joseph/Houston.
In part two of this interview, Steve defines "evangelism" and speaks of the struggle to "trust God."
Author and podcaster Steve "The Builder" Robinson shares the joys of 18 years of mission work (in hopes that Fr. Joseph has punched the record button).
Fr. John Finley speaks in Santa Clarita, California, of the evangelical importance of Great Vespers.
In part two of Fr Joseph's interview with Subdeacon Adam Roberts, the topics include: future groups to evangelize; existing parishes planting missions; and how to speak the truth in love (and the problem of the internet).
In part one of this two-part series, Fr. Joseph speaks with Subdeacon Adam Roberts about Evangelism—what is it?
Fr. John Finley visits the St. Paisius Mission in Yuma, Arizona, on the Sunday of the Canaanite Woman.
In part three of his visit to the fledgling community in Trinity, Florida, Fr Joseph speaks of the Person who can transform the one, the two, the few (or the many).
In this special episode of The 153, His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH delivers a homily at St Simeon Mission, Santa Clarita, California on Sunday, February 5, 2017. His Eminence addresses: the meaning of the tonsuring of the Readers and their calling; the spiritual protection of the cassock; the contrast of pride and humility in the story of the Pharisee and Publican; the mothers of three great saints; and of the reception of the Evangelical Orthodox Church thirty years ago.
Fr. Joseph gives a bit of "testimony" regarding his first mission in comparison to the large group coming together in Trinity, Florida.
In this inaugural episode of the Department of Missions and Evangelism's new podcast The 153, the youth of Trinity, Florida, help define the reason for the podcast, its title, and even its production!