Light of the World

How do you find Orthodoxy after serving in the most elite Special Forces for over a decade? Is PTSD a spiritual affliction or a mental one? Is there such thing as a "just" war? Slade Cutrer (baptized John), a former Tier 1 Navy Seal for 16 years, shares his testimony and answers some hard questions that an Orthodox Christian may benefit from.

From leading one of the largest Orthodox communities in San Francisco to teaching in the quiet hills of Jordanville, NY, Archpriest Serge Kotar has witnessed the history of the Russian Church Abroad as it matured in America. Hear his thoughts on saints both glorified (and unglorified!), as well as his thoughts on Orthodoxy today.

Does science really conflict with God? Despite this common myth, a deeper dive into the history of science and religion reveals that that two actually support one another. NASA contributing scientist and Orthodox Christian Nikita Zelensky tells us how to properly understand the two.

Generation Z (born 1997-2012) is the most stressed, isolated and depressed generation to exist. They are also the most atheistic. What's going on? We discuss this epidemic with Protopriest Viatcheslav Davidenko, who works intensely at cultivating a spiritual haven for the youth of today's world. Please support me if you like this show! paypal.me/andreyslivin

How do you acquire spiritual peace when the fate of the world depends on your words? From 1971-1999, Dimitry Zarechnak was a Russian-English interpreter for the United States Department of State. He was the one who translated Gorbachev's Russian to then-president Ronald Reagan at the SALT (unclear disarmament talks), and vice versa. Hear his reflections on his work, his faith, and the current state of secular society.

In this episode, the Kursk Root Icon of the Theotokos graces us as Archpriest Serge Lukianov recounts some wondrous stories of one of the most miraculous icons of the Orthodox Church.

Sun sign, moon sign... Capricorn, Taurus, Mercury in retrograde... Astrology has been around for many centuries. Why is it suddenly becoming so popular? Is it all make-believe, or is there something actually behind it all? Is it harmless, or can it lead to delusion? Find out today with Edward Novis, our Professor of Byzantine Philosophy and English Literature.

In this episode, we interview Deacon Stephanos Bibas, a Federal Judge (appointed in 2017) who is just one level under the Supreme Court. How does one navigate the American legal system while being Orthodox? Tune in to find out.

A person tells you they have new pronouns. How are you, as an Orthodox Christian, supposed to respond? Will your attitude anger them, or will it light a spark that might bring them into the Holy Church? In this episode, former Chicago Sun Times journalist and current professor of English Literature at Bucknell University, Deacon Paul Siewers, talks to us about navigating the waters of secular academia.

"Thy will be done." What does this mean? How does one figure out exactly what the Lord wants from them? In this highly anticipated episode of Light of the World, we sit down with Archpriest Serge Lukianov of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral based in Lakewood, New Jersey to find out.

Christ is Risen! In this episode, we interview Archpriest Victor Potapov of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist about his life as a priest, and what his thoughts are on a wide variety of topics. From working for the CIA and pioneering essential religious broadcasting to the USSR to manning one of ROCOR's largest parishes, Fr. Victor has seen it all – and has quite a bit to share.-- Recorded March 22, 2023

As an inquirer, you may be wondering, "How do I become Orthodox?" Or, "What is the process and how long does it take?" Or even, "What is the most common struggle for an Orthodox catechumen?" We are glad you asked! In this episode, Hieromonk Theodore (Stanway) of Holy Trinity Monastery educates us on the intricacies of an Orthodox catechism, the role of a Godparent, and how to navigate the sometimes risky waters of Internet Orthodoxy. Enjoy and keep us in your prayers!

On this episode of Light of the World, Father Deacon Nicholas Kotar joins us to discuss how we see Heaven brought down to Earth during the divine services at church. Referencing St. Maximos the Confessor's On The Ecclesiastical Mystagogy, we delve into some fascinating liturgical concepts which help us better understand what truly goes on in church, and how we actively participate in it each time we stand present in God's house.