Ancient Faith Today Live

Father Tom responds to Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy's video analysis of an interview he did with John Diacos discussing the Orthodox Christian worldview and his own personal background. We will discuss how to answer Evangelical claims about Jesus and the Gospel. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

In a follow-up to "The Occult's Death Grip on Young Women"—one of the most contentious episodes of AFT—Fr. Tom reviews the stories of young women who were deeply involved in the occult but have since given their lives to Christ in the Orthodox Christian Faith. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

Father Tom examines the history, leaders, and events of Orthodoxy in early 20th century America. From the Bolshevik revolution decimating Orthodox leadership to the arrival of Orthodox bishops in the US from overseas, which established new structures, a perfect storm unfolds. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

What does this enigmatic phrase from Psalm 81/82 mean, that we are gods? Isn't this the ancient lie told to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Fr. Tom unpacks these important concepts. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

Father Tom continues to expose groups who claim to be Orthodox but are fake groups with no connection to the ancient canonical Orthodox Church. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

There are numerous groups that claim to be a part of the legitimate Orthodox Church but in reality are not. They use spurious claims of apostolic succession. They prey on the unsuspecting. A few groups are promoting themselves online today. Fr. Tom discusses the problem. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

In the long history of the Orthodox Church, Orthodoxy in the West is relatively young. Yet, there are important truths that can be learned from the struggle to plant, maintain, and grow Orthodoxy in Western lands. Fr. Tom unpacks these important reminders. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

Is today's "Traditional Catholicism" the answer to Rome's problems? Fr. Tom looks at the various groups that have distanced themselves from Rome while still claiming to be Roman Catholic. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

John Diacos is an Australian of Greek heritage and a former Orthodox Christian. He leads a ministry called "Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy," convinced that the Orthodox Church does not proclaim the "biblical gospel." Fr. Tom interviews him live. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

In part two of our discussion of justification, Fr. Tom examines faith and works in the life of a Christian believer according to the teachings of St. John Cassian, the great champion of the Orthodox view of faith and works, who balanced the extreme teachings of Pelagius and St. Augustine. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

The last book of the Bible, the Revelation of St. John, is by far the most misinterpreted and often, misunderstood book of the Bible. Why do we not read it i in our liturgical services? How is it interpreted? Join us as we peer into Revelation. Music attribution: New Vision (Classical) - PineAppleMusic Distributed by Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-clas...

Justification by faith alone is the cornerstone of Protestant theology. But is justification only a legal ruling by God or is there something more? We will compare the various Protestant views of justification to the Orthodox understanding.

PARENTAL ADVISORY: This episode may contain content disturbing to some audiences. No teaching has engendered more controversy within Orthodoxy in the past 40 years than the Aerial Toll-Houses. Popularized by the book, "The Soul After Death," published in 1980 by Fr. Seraphim Rose, the teaching has become a contentious matter between sincere believers.

Online detractors of Orthodox Christianity accuse Orthodox Christianity of producing nominal Christians. Is Orthodoxy created to subvert deep faith in God? What should Christian faithfulness to Christ look like? We bring the receipts to disprove this slander.

What does it mean to be saved? What is salvation and how to we attain it? Fr Tom gives clear, traditional Orthodox teachings from the scriptures as taught by the Fathers.

What does the Church teach about the intercession of the Saints? Can they really hear our pleas to them? Are the Saints dead or alive? Fr Tom gives the clear, traditional Orthodox teaching from the scriptures.

An Australian based Protestant ministry called "Evangelising Eastern Orthodoxy" led by a former Greek Orthodox adherent claims that Orthodox Christians are "led away" from the Gospel because it's "obscured by other things." Fr. Tom responds with the truth of the matter.

Former Orthodox priest Joshua Schooping makes more baseless claims against the Orthodox Christian faith in his latest interview. Fr Tom responds to every point.

The Orthodox Observer (GOA) published a provocative article noting the polarity between "cradle and convert," "evangelism and ethnicity," positing that this is "a tension as ancient as the Orthodox Church." Father Tom responds from an historical and Biblical perspective.

The Church of England's election of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has further fractured the Anglican communion. Fr. Thomas gives commentary on the influence of post-modernism within Anglicanism.

In a follow-up to previous episodes on an Orthodox Christian response to Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), Fr Thomas leads us through a deep-dive into the services of Holy Week. Is the Church teaching us that the Father is punishing His Son in the crucifixion?

Father Thomas responds to Samuel Farag's continuing series, "Eastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Scripture," in which he calls the Orthodox Christian teachings regarding Mary "Mariolatry." Are Orthodox Christians guilty of idolizing Mary, as he charges?

Social media posts noting the unprecedented number of conversions to Orthodox Christianity are increasing. Far from obscure, marginal voices on YouTube, Protestant thought leaders are speaking out about the trend with alarm. We'll respond to their claims.

God commanded that holy objects be covered, acknowledging their holiness and maintaining the mystery revealed. But if the curtain of the temple was torn in two, why do we Orthodox Christians still use a curtain? Why veil sacred objects? And what about head coverings?

The difference in emphasis between the Hebrew Masoretic text of Isaiah 53 and the Greek Septuagint is significant. Could this be the reason why the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement seems so out of place to Orthodox Christians?

While over 76,000 Canadians used the MAID program (Medical Assistance in Dying) to end their life, Switzerland's Sacro (suicide) Pod is now being designed to hold couples. What is the Orthodox Christian view of medically assisted euthanasia?

The Roman Catholic church's liturgical reforms continue to meet passionate resistance 60 years later. We'll review the state of their reforms to help us distinguish between the natural development of Orthodox liturgical practice and a destructive agenda-driven reform.

Pastor Samuel Farag, a former Coptic Christian, has partnered with American Gospel Films to create a 10-part series, "Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Scripture." Fr Thomas will respond to their episodes against the veneration of icons.

Fr. Thomas responds to an address by Vassa Larin about the term 'Orthodox." Larin claims that misuse of basic terms like "orthodoxy," "church," and "canonicity" are causing distortion of the Faith and require further clarification. What does she mean by "reclaiming" and "clarifying" these terms?

Rhett McLaughlin fueled the the deconstruction movement, destroying people's faith in Christ. Now he says he has the answer to save Christianity.

Pastor Samuel Farag, a former Coptic Christian, has partnered with American Gospel Films to create a 10-part series, "Eastern Orthodoxy Through the Lens of Scripture." Fr Thomas will respond to their episodes against the veneration of icons.

Director Yelena Popovic joins us live to discuss her latest film, Moses the Black. Set in the inner-city of Chicago, this major film brings the powerful story of the fourth century's notoriously violent thief turned saintly desert ascetic to a worldwide audience.

Both the Scriptures and the Creed speak of Jesus as being seated at the right hand of the Father. Why is this small, misunderstood phrase so important?

The Church frequently refers to the Holy Fathers, both in the services and in her theology. Why is this contribution of the patristic period so crucial to the Church's life?

Fr. Thomas answers a recent video published by New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman. We'll also have an opportunity to answer your questions on any subject.

When we think of Old Testament prophecy, we usually think of Jesus' fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. But Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, is also prophesied in key portions of the Old Testament.

The nature of heaven and hell according to the Orthodox Tradition.

We'll cover the Roman Papal visit to the Patriarchate of Constantinople and discuss the upcoming Rebooting Ecumenism conference in England by Orthodox scholars.

The growth of Islam in Western countries like the US and UK is rapidly changing the public square. From elected Muslim civic leaders to cities permitting the public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer, is the West's Christian heritage at risk?

Fr. Thomas reviews the recent Vatican document on Mary, which seems to reverse course on some commonly held Roman Catholic teachings.

Fr. Thomas responds to Samuel Farag's continued false claims against Orthodox Christianity regarding authority and his own cited motivations.

Social media has become a common way to promote Christianity, and much of it isn't very good. Fr. Tom responds to some of TikTok's worst takes on Christianity.

500 years after the Protestant Reformation, the doctrine of sola scriptura continues to shackle the mindset of Evangelicals, locking them into distorted doctrines and practices. What is the weakness of sola scriptura, and how does Orthodox Christianity view the Bible?

Thousands of people are becoming Orthodox Christians. It's an amazing journey of discovery and growth. But what happens after we join? Is the journey over?

What is the Orthodox understanding of the Israel of God as presented in the scriptures and taught by the Church? Is it a place? A people? Who is chosen?

Yet another failed prediction of the supposed "rapture of the church" has come and gone. What's the Orthodox Christian teaching on the rapture? What about the great tribulation? The third temple? The millennial reign of Christ? We're talking all things last things!

There is a widespread assertion, even among certain Orthodox Christians, that the so-called traditional or nuclear family is not a Christian concept and is even denounced by Jesus. What's the truth about family according to the Orthodox tradition?

A deeply divided political atmosphere in the US has produced cutting, accusatory rhetoric on both sides. This has increasingly resulted in a violent end. Lex Kohn, author of the new book, "Loving Our Enemies Through Seasons of Bitterness," joins Fr. Tom to discuss.

The rapid development of AI is being hailed by many as mankind's most promising achievement in the modern era. Some have deemed it "The Way" of the future. Has science finally created its god?

Tradition: guardrail or gateway? An important battle for the integrity of the Faith is taking place and at the heart of it is the nature of Tradition. Is Tradition a safeguard or does it give birth to new ideas?