This is the 2nd in our monthly installments of Q&A with Fr. Tom on a variety of subjects related to our faith and Orthodoxy. In this episode he tackles questions about pre-destination and Mary. This feature will be heard the last Sunday of every month.By Kevin Allen

Fr. Alexander Rentel, Orthodox canonist and Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological seminary, speaks with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen about scandals in church history, the role the canons play, and what laity can do about their resolution.By Kevin Allen

This could be the most practical and balanced financial information you will ever hear. In part 2, Kevin and his guests, Dn. Tom Braun and Scot Larsen dig into investments and priorities for the non-financially astute.By Kevin Allen

You may be surprised by the answer from musicologist, composer, arranger, author and Sacred Music Department Committee member (Antiochian) Fr. John Finley!By Kevin Allen

With the near financial meltdown upon us, the next two programs discuss ways Orthodox Christians are to understand money, steward and budget their finances, and plan for their ultimate retirements (and everything in between!). Dn Tom Braun is a business owner and seminar speaker on things financial. Scot Larsen is a sofware executive, who fought hi…

In the opening program of a new series of interviews, Dr. Bradley Nassif, theologian, author and life-long member of the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America, speaks about the "The Nature and Mission of the Bishop in the Orthodox Church". You can also read Dr Nassif's one-page piece referred to in the interview from the Antiochian website.…

Fr Michael Plekon, author of newly-released "Hidden Holiness" speaks with Kevin about the "crisis of holiness in our time" and the shape and form holiness can take in our day and age, both within and outside of our Orthodox Christian Tradition. Can St. Seraphim of Sarov and the Dalai Lama equally be called "holy"? Tune in to find out!…

The Death To The World crew reports back on their week at Cornerstone 2009 - the largest Christian rock festival in the world. This is the third year DTTW has set up shop in the exhibitors area as an Orthodox outreach at this largely Evangelical youth gathering. John Valadez, Gary Allen and Julia Gatalskaya report to host Kevin Allen that the 'time…

Orthodox marriage and family therapist and professor at Holy Cross Theological Seminary, Dr. Philip Mamalakis, speaks about the mystery of marriage and how it is meant to be—and can be—a path to holiness.By Kevin Allen

Fr. Ted Stlylianapolous (PhD), professor emeritus at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary, St Paul scholar and author, speaks with host Kevin Allen about justification, sanctification, the sacraments and new perrspectives on St Paul. Kevin says this is one of his best interviews because it tackles the major issues which divide the patrist…

Fr. John Whiteford and host Kevin Allen speak about one of American Christianity's defining doctrines—Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)—and why it is a flawed and non-biblical notion.By Kevin Allen

Fr. Hans Jacobse, editor of Orthodoxy Today and President of The American Orthodox Institute speaks with host Kevin Allen about whether Eastern Orthodox Christians need to engage in the moral and social war that is being waged in our culture. They will also talk about whether "Religious Right" leaning ex-Evangelical converts are taking over the Ort…

Join guest host Turbo Qualls and OCA priest, author, and president of The Brotherhood of St Moses the Black, Fr. Moses Berry, in their conversation about Orthodox Christianity and why it is a gift to African-Americans.By Kevin Allen

Kevin and his guest, Orthodox journalist Glen Chancy, discuss the "Prosperity Gospel" and the implications of a "Gospel message" tied to material prosperity, especially in light of a failing economy.By Kevin Allen

Explore with Kevin Allen and his guest, Father Nicolas Speier, why Saint John Chrysostom calls the family "the little church" and what the true vocation of the Orthodox family is.By Kevin Allen

In this edition meet post-modern John Ma'ae, who looked for truth in Theravada Buddhism and eventually found the fullness of Christ as the head and body of the Orthodox Church.By Kevin Allen

6 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 are clinically infertile. Infertility presents a heartbreaking struggle for many Orthodox couples who wonder whether it is God's will for them to be childless, or whether new fertility technologies (and which ones?) are appropriate. In this edition Kevin speaks with Orthodox theologian and ethicist Fr. …

Orthodox pro-life advocate, author, and Martha and Mary House Director/Housemother Sarah Elisabet Oftedal talks with Kevin about the impact abortion has had on our culture, the lingering trauma on women (and families) who have had them, and what Martha and Mary House—the U.S.'s only Orthodox maternity home—is doing about it.…

Kevin's guest is Alexei Krindatch, the research director of the most extensive and authoritative study ever conducted on how American Orthodox view the Orthodox Church today. This just-published study is full of interesting surprises and will shatter many stereotypes about Orthodoxy in America.By Kevin Allen

Rookie police officer, Orthodox deacon's son and priest's grandson, Joseph (Jobie) Braun speaks with Kevin about his job as a policeman in the infamous Los Angeles "South Central" area (e.g. the movie "Training Day") and how his Orthodox Christianity keeps him grounded.By Kevin Allen

In this edition Kevin Allen speaks with priest, missionary, author and an adjunct lecturer at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College, Fr Luke Veronis, about the challenges he faced when he came home from the mission field to take over a moribund Orthodox parish that had a revolving door of former priests. This is an inspi…

Hispanics comprise one of the largest and fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States. Find out what what one "inner city" Orthodox parish in Los Angeles is doing to reach out and minister to them! Dn Paul Olson, a former Protestant missionary to Columbia explains.By Kevin Allen

In this edition Kevin tackles the tricky question of which Christian tradition can authentically claim "apostolic succession," with historian, theologian, author, and Dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Fr John Behr.By Kevin Allen

In this encore presentation of The Illumined Heart, hear the story of John Maddex who, along with his wife Tonya, found the Orthodox Church after nearly 40 years in Evangelical Christian radio.By Kevin Allen

Today we're going to be talking about the veneration of Mary and the Saints in the Holy Tradition. This topic is often misunderstood and can be a stumbling block for inquirers. Our guest is Father Patrick Henry Reardon, Pastor of All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, Sr. Editor of Touchstone Magazine and author of Christ in th…

A fascinating interview with Fr. Gregory Hogg, an Antiochian priest in Western Michigan. Fr. Gregory was a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor and professor for 22 years before coming to Orthodoxy. He also recently spoke at the Faith of our Fathers colloquium for Lutherans on Eastern Orthodoxy and his lecture along with many others are available for dow…

In his 84th episode reflecting on the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Tom talks about the Kiss of Peace which takes place after the celebrant declares "Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess."By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

In light of the debate in the Roman Catholic Church about divorce and re-marriage, Fr. Tom offers the Orthodox view of this topic as well as an explanation of the fundamental difference in how marriage is viewed in Orthodoxy. We are so happy to have Fr.Tom back recording podcasts. Please continue to pray for him.…

Today Fr. Tom speaks about the famous author Anton Chekhov from 19th-century Russia.By Fr. Thomas Hopko

Today Fr. Tom speaks about the importance of the offertory prayers said after the Great Entrance. In particular, he talks about how they are prayed in the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

One of the most influential and revered figures of 19th-century Orthodox Russia was St. Philaret of Moscow. Fr. Tom also speaks about Leo Tolstoy.By Fr Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

Fr. Tom completes his reflections on the Great Offertory Entrance of the Divine Liturgy.By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

In his continuing series on bishops and Church organization, Fr. Thomas speaks about various clergy figures from that time. He references the book My Life's Journey: The Memories of Metropolitan Evlogy.By Fr Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

Fr. Thomas Hopko takes one last look at the phrase "Relax, God is in Control" and provides information on additional material he has written and spoke about regarding this general topic. Here is the list:Abba: The Tradition of Orthodoxy in the West by Met. Kallistos WareAnd from his Speaking the Truth in Love series:Pain and Suffering The Wrath of …

When the time has come for a priest to be ordained by the Bishop, this is done during the Divine Liturgy. Since Fr. Tom is at the place of the Great Entrance in his reflections on the Divine Liturgy, he takes us through the ordination process.By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

As he continues to reflect on the Great Entrance at the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Thomas speaks today about the frequent use of the word "Remember."By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

For the next few podcasts, Fr. Tom will be looking at the important 19th century in Russian Orthodox history. He recommended several books but in particular these three.The Heart of Russia by Scott M. KenworthyThe Making of Holy Russia by Fr. John StricklandRussian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution by Vera Shevzov…

Fr. Tom returns to the subject of his recent episode "God Is In Control. Yes or No?" He responds to the listener feedback and clarifies his thoughts on the subject.By Fr. Thomas Hopko

Fr. Tom offers a very helpful explanation of what we are actually offering in the procession of the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.By Fr. Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

Last time, Fr. Tom talked about the Ottoman Empire and its demise. Today he reflects on the impact of Turkish rule on Orthodox clergy and laity.By Fr Thomas Hopko and Ancient Faith Radio

We hear the phrase "God is in control" and may even use it from time to time when trying to make sense of a difficult situation. Fr. Thomas Hopko evaluates that phrase and challenges us to rethink it.By Fr. Thomas Hopko