A conversation with Fr Michael, Fr Joseph and Paul on finding home in the Church, with a particular focus on participating in the fasts and feasts of the Church Year.For for information on Cry oft he Forerunner retreat, see: https://avg2alpha.com/cry-of-the-forerunnerFor the Pilgrimage to Essex with Fr Michael and Paul, check https://www.avg2alpha.…

This is a conversation between Fr Joseph Gleason and Paul on Fr Seraphim Rose's book: Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age. We cover especially the first chapter of the book in the context of our conversations on Orthodox masculinity, and how it relates to conversations about science, philosophy and evolution. For for information …

A modern man sits alone in his living room, staring at his phone, desperately looking for some way to distract himself from the loneliness and pain that he doesn’t want to admit he’s feeling...Fr Jospeh Gleason gives an Orthodox Christian approach to dealing with loneliness.To ask questions or get in touch with us, please join our Telegram Group he…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler talks about the Noonday Demon, the passion of akedia, of listlessness, and describes what it does to us and how we can combat it. In addition, he shows that the Fathers’ advice on combatting listlessness is found in an updated way in a lot of contemporary self-development literature and that it is useful to us, as…

The first episode of a new season of the Iron Podcast, with our new co-host Fr Joseph Gleason. We talk about coming into an Orthodox Church and the peculiar blend of masculine strength and vulnerability found in the church. We then dive into an essential element of the Orthodox faith - spiritual fatherhood.For for information on the Pilgrimage to E…

The last episode for this season from Paul on perhaps the most relevant for Western converts and clear truth speaking Orthodox writer of the recent Western World, Fr Seraphim Rose. This is a humble and poor expression of appreciation and inspiration Paul has received from discovering and diving into the work of Fr Seraphim. Works mentioned in the e…

This week we enter into the fast of Great Lent and it is also the day that we celebrate the Uncovering of the Holy Cross. We read up the story again and then we recount the homily of St John Chrysostom on the Holy Cross.If you would like to join a community run by Fr Michael and Paul focused on supporting men to live a more integrated life, then si…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler tells the life of St Maximus the Confessor, his struggle against imperial policy and the heresies of his day, and how he came to earn the title of “Confessor.”If you would like to join a community run by Fr Michael and Paul focused on supporting men to live a more integrated life, then sign up for Maniphesto Core …

A summary of the life and work of St Gregory Palmas with specific attention on his life affirming vision of the whole man in his work, the Triads. You can find an english translation of the Triads here: https://www.agape-biblia.org/orthodoxy/Gregory_Palamas_The_Triads_Classics_of_Western_Spirituality.pdfIf you would like to join a community run by …

In this episode, we are joined again by Fr Joseph Gleason who shares the life and lessons on true financial wisdom from St Lawrence of Rome.If you are interested in seeing more of the work of Fr Joseph, then check him out on Substack here: https://substack.com/@movingtorussia or join his Telegram group "Ask an Orthodox Priest" here: https://t.me/+J…

A conversation with Fr Michael Butler, Fr Joseph Gleason and Paul Robson on the application of the early saints on our life in society today. Particularly we cover issues around an Orthodox view on the concepts of time and progress, drawing together the main points of the previous three episodes, and considering how we experience first hand the unf…

In this episode, Paul shares the life of perhaps the most important, and certainly the most prolific and central of the Church Fathers, St John Chrysostom of the Golden Mouth.Please join us and followers of this podcast on Telegram for continuing discussion and Christian fellowship among like-minded Orthodox men: https://t.me/isipodcast. Thanks for…

In this episode, Paul retells the story of St Justin the Martyr and Philosopher as well as drawing out central points from his First Apology to the Roman Emperor. You can find the original text of the letter here: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htmPlease join us and followers of this podcast on Telegram for continuing discussion and Christi…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler relates the trial of St Basil the Great before the Praetorian Prefect Modestus and the meeting of St Basil with the Arian Emperor Valens on the Feast of Theophany, which resulted in a decrease in the persecution of the Orthodox by the Arians. Basil’s trial before Modestus includes the famous exchange, "No one," sa…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler gives a reading of The Martyrdom of St Polycarp, the last living disciple of St John the Theologian and bishop of Smyrna. St Polycarp’s martyrdom illustrates great patience and courage in the face of adversity. It includes the famous lines of his confession, “86 years have I have served him and he has done me no w…

In this the fifth and last talk, Fr Michael talks about the "Voice of the Father," which, in contrast to the "Voice of the Accuser," is full of grace and mercy. As adoptive sons of God, we, too, can hear the Father affirm that we are His beloved sons, in whom He is well pleased.This talk was the introduction to an exercise in which the men were abl…

In this, the fourth talk, Fr Hans Jacobse reviews some of the social and cultural lies about masculinity and contrasts it with the Orthodox understand of man's role as the mediator of creation. Full presentation and Q&A following.To ask questions or get in touch with us, please join our Telegram Group here: https://t.me/isipodcast…

In this, the 3rd talk of the Beloved Sons Retreat, Paul Robson details the elements that make up a good brotherhood of men. Paul is the initiator and organiser of the European Men's Gathering and has been professionally running men's groups for some 8 years. In this talk he covers "What is a men's group?", "Why should you join one?" and "What can y…

In this, the second video from the Beloved Sons Retreat, Fr Hans Jacobse talk about the father wound every man bears and why brotherhood--a community of men--is necessary for its healing and for the wellbeing of every man.To ask questions or get in touch with us, please join our Telegram Group here: https://t.me/isipodcast…

In this first talk at the Beloved Sons Retreat, Fr Michael describes some of the wounds men bear, especially the verbal wounding we receive from our dads, from siblings, bullies, and other men in our lives, as well as the harsh self-talk in which we engage every day. There is some coarse language here. "Satan," or "Shaitan" in the original Hebrew, …

Fr Michael Butler gives a report back and overview of the entire Beloved Sons Retreat held in Livonia, Michigan on the 6th - 8th October 2023. To ask questions or get in touch with us, please join our Telegram Group here: https://t.me/isipodcastBy Fr Michael Butler, Fr Hans Jacobse and Paul Lloyd Robson

A three way discussion between Fr Michael, Fr Hans and Paul Lloyd Robson about the Beloved Sons retreat, their collaboration with each other and the way forward. Particularly they underline the need for building in-person brotherhood through meetups, events, pilgrimages and regional networks. You can find more information about the AMEN Retreat "Th…

Paul describes how St Paisios has been the greatest source of inspiration for his journey into the Orthodox faith and understanding how we can restore an authentic manhood from the teachings of the Church.Please join all three of the co-hosts of As Iron Sharpens Iron for the Beloved Sons Retreat, which will be held 6-8 October 2023 in Livonia, a su…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler gives a close reading of the beginning of The Life of St Anthony the Great by St Athanasius. Covering the Introduction and the first six chapters, we see in St Anthony the example of a young man who began to follow Christ and the initial struggles he faced when he did so. St Anthony's experience mirrors the same s…

Father Hans Jacobse examines the life of St. John the Forerunner (Baptist) as a role model of manly virtue. So what are some virtues of St. John that should light a fire in our heart?Please join all three of the co-hosts of As Iron Sharpens Iron for the Beloved Sons Retreat, which will be held 6-8 October 2023 in Livonia, a suburb of Detroit, Michi…

In this episode we look to answer, we dive into a unique treasure of the Orthodox faith - the saints. Specifically we look at how are the saints role models for us to learn about manhood and masculinity today. Please join all three of the co-hosts of As Iron Sharpens Iron for the Beloved Sons Retreat, which will be held 6-8 October 2023 in Livonia,…

In this episode, Fr Michael takes Righteous Samson from the Book of Judges as an example--both good and bad--of masculinity. He considers how Samson prefigured Christ, what it means that he was a Nazirite, that he was powerfully affected by the Spirit of God, that he was a liminal or threshold figure, and that he was loner. Were these aspects of hi…

Holy and Righteous King David is a type of a king which can help us to understand Kingship and monarchy - ultimately based on God as King and Lord. In this episode, looking at biblical sources of inspiration for masculinity, Paul explores how our understanding of kingship can be influenced by a secular or even gnostic separation of kingship from ou…

All of scripture points to Christ as the God Man. In this episode, we discuss how Holy Scripture can be used a source of paternal love and inspiration for masculinity. Particularly we cover three biblical persons - Samson, Holy And Righteous King David and St John the Forerunner.By Fr Michael Butler, Fr Hans Jacobse and Paul Lloyd Robson

In part two of the discussion about the patriarchal character of creation, Fr. Hans discusses how the Trinity reveals the relational character of God how that makes the healing of men possible. The love of God is a patriarchal love he points out and then explains how brotherly love becomes the conduit, the channel, by and through which the regenera…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler talks about-- virtue and its place in masculinity-- the cardinal virtues of courage, moderation, prudence, and justice, and -- how they are the optimization of the various parts of the soul.He goes on to describe courage and moderation as they are expressed in the spiritual life, and gives some practical suggestio…

A conversation on the connection between masculinity and virtue with Fr Josiah Trenham. Fr Josiah starts in a surprising place to illustrate how far off we have gone form the path given the role of feminism, looking at shoulder pads in women's suits. He then goes in to illustrate a beautiful example of how men can lead with integrity and love. We p…

We start this episode with a question which Paul has been pondering for some time: Is there a specifically masculine aspect to virtue?The answer may surprise you in this comnversation with Fr Hans and Fr Michael where we cover the connection between virtue and masculine, the role of paternal love and how having a supportive brothrhood can help you …

Fr. Hans Jacobse starts his examination of “Is Creation Patriarchal” by explaining how we discover that our soul is ordered and has structure. He talks about how many men find Christ through the pain of their souls. This pain forces man to recognize that he indeed has a soul and he must tend and cultivate it because its with the soul that he encoun…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler defines patriarchy as the summit of mature masculinity. He distinguishes immature (toxic) masculinity from mature masculinity then goes on to show that patriarchy has defining characteristics of being centered in God, with the Cross of Christ as it symbol; protective, maintaining order against chaos; generative in…

A conversation with the host of the Symbolic World and Orthodox icon carver, Jonathan Pageau.0:00 - Coming up1:00 - Introducing the interview and topic of Patriarchy2:31 - What has Jonathan been up to, especially Mt Athos visit8:34 - The ideals and pragmatics of Patriarchy14:34 - Patriarchy as a pattern of reality20:00 - On female priests in Christ…

Starting off a new season in As Iron Sharpens Iron, we recap why it is we are doing this podcast and what we are trying to achieve.A central part of our approach has turned out to be focused on the integration of considering deep and profound ideas about manhood, but constantly returning to practice, and how we are living our own lives as men, husb…

In our final episode of the season, we have a discussion of how the podcast has gone so far, and cover particularly several perspectives on the foundations of Patriarchy:- How the Mother of God is the ideal blueprint for being a man- Stability in your own life as a prerequisite for leading a family- How strong brotherhood is essential in leading a …

This is a conversation with Fr Josiah Trenham on the subject of Purpose.Every part of your life can be raised up to a meaningful engagement with God, the Creator of the Universe. If you bring prayer and awareness of the presence of God into every task that you do, then you can find purpose in all of life. Life as a man is tough. We sholder responsi…

Fr Hans talks about purpose, where the boy first sees it and how it has to be and developed in the man. Our purpose is discovered only in relation to God because a man’s purpose requires the cultivation of virtue, and virtue has its source in our Creator.In our age the dominant culture is corrupted. Boys become sidetracked into vices that fragments…

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler talks about finding your purpose in life. He addresses the question: how do I know if my purpose aligns with God’s will? And he discusses aspects of finding your purpose, which include starting with your best idea and course-correcting along the way; overcoming your passions to gain clarity about your purpose; lea…

"Purpose" is the final topic of our first season and we open the topic in this discussion between Fr Michael Butler, Fr Hans and Paul. Listen to this episode on how a life aimed towards Christ leads men towards creative and meaningful purpose. We cover the following topics:- contrasting self help approaches to purpose and the Orthodox faith- balanc…

Paul Lloyd Robson interviews Fr Joseph Gleason, "The American Orthodox Priest who moved to Russia". This is the third installment in our focus on relationships and Paul uses the interview as an opportunity to get in behind the politics and delve into the values on which we base our understanding of manhood in relation to others and society. Topics …

In this episode, Fr Michael Butler talks about relationships with women. Specifically, he encourages men toMake Christ the cornerstone and the foundation for everything.Ask the intercession of St Xenia of St Petersburg, who is a patron saint of relationships.Watch out for having impossibly high standards, pedestalizing women, or getting bitter and …

This conversation wraps up our focus on "Practice" and opens up the discussion on "People". We start with recapping our progress so far and then give an overview of the importance of our relationships - specifically related to key relationships of spiritual fatherhood, biological partents, women, mentorship and brotherly relationshipsWe speak about…

Fr Michael Butler interviews Paul Lloyd Robson on his journey into Orthodoxy. Paul is the organiser of the European Men's Gathering and works professionally training men to find vision and purpose in their life. In his quest to improve his ability to help others, Paul found himself running into the arms of Christ, even through he had spent his enti…

Why should we pray?To get to know another person I have to talk to him. For the other person to get to know me, he has to talk to me. I might know everything one can know about the other person, but until I start talking with him I will not know him.Prayer is the pathway to God. Prayer creates the channel by which God's love can flow into our heart…

Father Michael covers the basics of why we should be be observant in the hallowing of everyday life. Orthodoxy is learned not by study, but by doing; not through pondering, but through action. We practice our Faith in communion with the whole Church and ours is not a “felt” Faith, but a lived Faith. We witness to others by how we live our Orthodoxy…

Orthodox Christianity builds on a series of fundamental observances and regular practices which we are asked to perform as a part of our faith. These practices bring discipline into our life align our being with the structure of reality and bring, which transfers into every other area of our life.In this conversation we speak of the basic Orthodox …

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Welcome to a new podcast for Orthodox men with a mission to recover authentic manhood through Orthodox Christianity. This first episode is an introduction to ourselves and our project: to gather leading voices in the recovery of authentic manhood according to the teachings and …