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Orthodox Wisdom

by Readings from Saints of Holy Orthodoxy

Readings of the Writings and Lives of Orthodox Christian Saints.These recordings are free to download and share. All I ask is that you do so respectfully and reference this channel. You can also contact me, Timothy Honeycutt, at: [email protected] to Jesus Christ!

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Episodes

  1. On Orthodoxy in America & Its Future - St. Nikolai Velimirović

    St. Nikolai's words from the mid-twentieth century are still relevant for American Orthodoxy today.📖 An excerpt from: St Nikolai Velimirovich on Orthodoxy in America & Its Futurehttps://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2018/07/18/st-nikolai-velimirovich-orthodoxy-america-future/🎧 Orthodoxy in the USA -...

  2. On Hospitality — Sayings of the Desert Fathers

    Wisdom from the desert fathers of early Orthodox monasticism regarding welcoming others, showing hospitality, fasting, breaking one's own fast, among other matters. Note: Geronda is Greek for "Elder"📖 Text is from the Gerondikon (Sayings of the Desert...

  3. These Days the Devil is Roaming Free - St. Paisios the Athonite

    St. Paisios arms us with the knowledge of how the devil works, how we can overcome his deceptions, and how to unite ourselves to Christ. "The devil can harm us only if," teaches St. Paisios, "we allow him to have power over us." 0:00 Intro 0:15 When We Sin We Give Rights to Temptation 3:21...

  4. Address on Christmas Day - St. Sebastian of San Francisco & Jackson

    Christ is born! St. Sebastian offers a brief but thought-provoking homily for this glorious feast.📖 A reading from this important vook: The complete works of St. Sebastian: Beacon From the Bayhttps://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Bay-Collected-Sebastian-Francisco/dp/B0DP1FNJCV🎧 Life of St. Sebastian...

  5. On God As Judge - St. Justin Popovic

    St. Justin Popovic (+1979) the great Serbian theologian of the 20th century, explains the nature and veracity of God being Judge of all creation. "It is natural for the heavenly Sower," writes St. Justin, "who has abundantly sown the seed of eternal, divine truths in the earth of the human soul…

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  6. The Ecumenical Offensive as a Tool of Geopolitics (Dec 4, 2025) - Met. Luke of Zaporizhzhia

    Met. Luke of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) delivered this address on December 4, 2025 at the conference titled: "The Crucifixion of Orthodoxy in the 21st Century: Spiritual Wars, Ecumenical Offensive, and Global Politics" hosted by Center for Geostrategic Studies in Belgrade, Serbia.📖 The...

  7. On ROCOR & Its Canonicity - Elder Ephraim of Arizona

    For a very breif time in 1991, Elder Ephraim (+2019) was a member of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Compelled to address his reasons for joining the Synod, Elder Ephraim composed this statement explaining the position of ROCOR and its canonicity. His statement is valuable to...

  8. How St. Porphyrios Served the Divine Liturgy

    A spiritual son of St. Porphyrios describes how the elder served Christ with incredible love and devotion in the Divine Liturgy.A reading from “Father Porphyrios: The Discerning, The Foreseeing, The Healer” by Anargyros J. Kalliatsos, p. 52-54🎧 To Be A Christian You Must Become A Poet - St....

  9. St. Paisius Velichkovsky: "The Most Important Saint of Recent Times" - Fr. Seraphim Rose

    Written in 1972, Fr. Seraphim Rose draws attention to the significance of St. Paisius Velichkovsky (+1794) for us today, stating, "...for Orthodox Christians of the 20th century there is no more important Holy Father of recent times than Blessed Paisius Velichkovsky."A reading of Fr. Seraphim...

  10. Boredom & Despondency - St. Seraphim of Sarov

    St. Seraphim addresses two related spiritual diseases that plague many at various times, offering insight into how to overcome them and remain close to Christ.This reading comes from: Life and Teaching of St. Seraphim of Sarov📖 Life and Teaching of St. Seraphim of...

  11. The Struggle Against the Passions - St. Paisios the Athonite

    St. Paisios provides guidance on fighting the sins and passions that plague us, and how to win the battle to receive a heavenly crown.A reading from Spiritual Counsels, Vol. V: Passions and Virtues by St. Paisios, p. 21-36📖 Spiritual Counsels, Vol. V: Passions and Virtues by St....

  12. On Paradise - St. John of Damascus

    What was the nature of paradise? How should we understand the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? St. John of Damascus explains this and more. A reading from Chapter 2, Book 11 of the Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith 📖 Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith by St....

  13. The Doctrine of The Holy Trinity - St. Gregory Palamas

    St. Gregory details the nature and characteristics of the Triune God: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. A reading from Homily 8 (p. 55-58) from Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies📖 Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilieshttps://mountthabor.com/products/saint-gregory-palamas-the-homilies🎧 The Nativity of...

  14. On Peace of Soul - St. Seraphim of Sarov

    St. Seraphim describes peace of soul in Christ and how to preserve this peace. As the saint says, "One must by every means strive to preserve peace of soul and not to be disturbed by offences from others..."This reading comes from: Life and Teaching of St. Seraphim of Sarov📖 Life and Teaching of...

  15. On Intrusive Thoughts & Delusions - St. Silouan the Athonite

    St. Silouan the Athonite writes on battling intrusive thoughts and recognizing delusions, emphasizing that we must "fight the enemy with the weapon of humility". A reading from "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony the Athonite, p. 440-447📖 Saint Silouan the Athonite by St. Sophrony the...

  16. A Jew's Miraculous Conversion & Overcoming Hatred of Jews (The Way of a Pilgrim)

    Edifying excerpts from "The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way" concerning Jews and Orthodox Christianity. This reading is from the R.M. French translation of "The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way", p. 112-114, 139-140"Starets" means "Elder" in Russian🎧 Full...

  17. An Orthodox View of Heart Transplants - Met. Philaret of New York

    Written in 1968, Met. Philaret examines the spiritual implications of the phenomenon of replacing a man's heart. It's worth noting that nothing here is said about replacement of other organs and therefore the listener should be wary to draw unnecessary conclusions from these words from Met....

  18. "There Must Be Heresies Among You" (1 Cor 11:19) - Archbishop Averky of Jordanville

    Drawing upon St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop Averky examines this teaching from St. Paul and how modernists and ecumenists can and do twist it to their liking.📖 "There Must Be Heresies Among You" (1 Cor 11:19) (Orthodox Life, July-August, 1994)https://orthodoxlifemagazines.blogspot.com/🎧...

  19. The Virtue of Bees - St. Basil the Great

    St. Basil's mediation on the many virtues of bees and how Christians do well to imitate them. "Imitate the character of the bee," writes St. Basil, "because it constructs its honeycomb without injuring anyone or destroying another's fruit."An excerpt from homily eight of the Hexaemeron, a...

  20. Icons are Idolatry? St. Nikephoros Debates Emperor Leo V

    The same arguments against icons today are found in this 9th century debate between the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Emperor. As St. Nikephoros said, "But the ‘Logos became flesh [Jn. 1:14].' He was a man seen by men, otherwise we could not reproduce in pictures what is unseen."Text is…

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  21. Marriage & Family Life - Tsarina St. Alexandra Feodorovna Romanov

    Excerpts from her 1917 diary from the section on marriage, family, and children. The wife of Tsar St. Nicholas II, Tsarina St. Alexandra's simple and beautiful words come from her small diary bound in light blue fabric sewn by the Tsarina herself with a small cross embroidered in the corner. On…

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  22. Hope for Departed Non-Orthodox - St. John Maximovitch

    St. John Maximovitch appears in a vision and comforts a young man who was grieving the death of his mother. As the young man understood, "[St. John] affirms the Church’s prohibition of offering public prayers for the departed non-orthodox, but also affirms the teaching that private prayers for…

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  23. Return To Your First Love (Rev. 2:4) - Elder Athanasios Mitilinaios

    We all have times of apathy, boredom, and a general cooling off of our once fiery zeal. Elder Athanasios draws out valuable lessons from Christ’s words in Revelation to help us regain our zeal and our love for Christ.A reading from Lesson 10 (Rev. 2:4-7) on Revelation by Elder Athanasios...

  24. The Life of St. Olga of Alaska

    A reading of the Life of St. Olga of Alaska, published by the Orthodox Church in America who glorified her as a saint in June 2025. St. Olga's life is very accessible to us who live in the world. She was a matushka and a mother of 13 children, always offering hospitality and whatever she could to...

  25. The Way To Evangelize & Debate Like A Saint - St. Porphyrios

    How should Orthodox Christians share their faith? As an Athonite who spent many years as a priest in a busy Greek city, St. Porphyrios points us in the right direction.A reading from "Wounded by Love" p. 186-188📖 Wounded by Love: The Life and the Wisdom of Elder...

  26. Will the Heterodox Be Saved? - Met. Philaret of New York

    Many answers to this question are offered today. Here we have a detailed answer from a saintly bishop. His answer may leave the listener wanting more, but with patience and consideration, the wisdom contained therein shines brighter and brighter.📖 Read the text of this recording...

  27. Godless Teachings Must Be Condemned & Their Books Should Be Burned - St. Athanasios Parios

    From the publisher: In the 1790s, the brightest promises of the Enlightenment turned violent with the eruption of the French Revolution. Europe watched in shock as the French, intoxicated with promises of freedom, equality, and reason, sent their king — along with thousands of nobles, clergy, and...

  28. Who are the True Christian Patriots? - Met. Philaret of New York

    Metropolitan Philaret of New York, a Russian bishop who served in the United States and Australia, describes the criteria for true Christian Patriotism and why being a patriot is virtuous.This is an excerpt from: Patriotism & War - Metropolitan Philaret of New York🎧…

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  29. The Struggle Against Thoughts - St. Paisios the Athonite

    St. Paisios provides guidance on essential questions about the inner life of thoughts that we deal with our entire lives. A reading from Spiritual Counsels, Vol. 3: Spiritual Struggle by St. Paisios, p. 62-760:12 Spiritual Life is Based on Thought8:03 Cultivating Good Thoughts12:07 The…

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  30. Nihilism, Vaccines, Confessing the Faith, & Resisting Evil Rulers - Elder Justin Parvu

    An interview with Elder Justin Parvu of Petru Vodă Monastery (Romania) given on October 7th, 2009. Elder Justin spent 16 years in prison under the communists and tirelessly served the Romanian people until his repose on June 16th, 2013. Read a brief account of his life with the text of this...

  31. Spiritual Medicine for the Spirit of Dejection - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

    St. Tikhon’s pointed advice to monk suffering from apathy and despondency. “If you follow these four instructions, believe me, little by little you will attain both zeal and inclination.”📖 Read St Tikhon’s letter here:https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a8455a5a/files/uploaded/Moot%201.1.pdf🎧…

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  32. On Repentance (Homily from Great Lent) - St. John of Kronstadt

    A homily to stir up our hard hearts to sincerely repent, both now, wherever we are, and before our priest where we receive reconciliation with Christ and the Church.Reading from: Season of Repentance: Lenten Homilies of Saint John of Kronstadt, p. 76-81📖 Season of Repentance: Lenten Homilies of...

  33. Life in the Last Times - Abba Pambo (Saying of the Desert Fathers)

    Abba Pambo, a 4th century Egyptian desert father, speaks prophetically about the state of the Church and the world in the last times.📖 Text is from the Gerondikon (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). The translation I read can be found here:https://orthodoxheritage.org/2003%20Issues.pdf🎧 The 38...

  34. Life After Death - St. John Maximovitch

    St. John Maximovitch describes the usual journey of the soul after death and how those still on earth can best help departed souls to be uplifted by the grace of God.Text here: http://livingorthodoxfaith.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-after-death-by-st-john-maximovitch.html?m=1📖 Man of God: St. John…

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  35. What is Orthodoxy? - Archbishop Averky of Jordanville

    So many in the West today are learning about Orthodoxy but may not yet have a concrete answer to the fundamental question: What is Orthodoxy? Archbishop Averky offers us the answer. 📖 What is Orthodoxy? (Orthodox Life, May-June, 1976) https://orthodoxlifemagazines.blogspot.com/2015/10/v41-1.html...

  36. Scandalized? Be Like the Bee - St. Paisios the Athonite

    The full passage of St. Paisios’ famous saying: Be the Bee Reading from “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. III: Spiritual Struggle”, p. 29-31 📖 “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. III”:...

  37. The Self-Liquidation of Christianity - Fr. Seraphim Rose

    "The striking phrase, 'God is dead,' is the poetical expression of modern unbelief", writes Eugene (Fr. Seraphim) Rose in his short but piercing analysis of the modern world and its apostasy. Christianity in the West fell long ago and its departure from the True Church, Holy Orthodoxy, is more…

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  38. Orthodox Spirituality and the Technological Revolution - Elder Aimilianos

    Elder Aimilianos the Athonite discusses the post-industrial and digital information era, its blessings and dangers, and how Orthodox Christians can preserve a true life in Christ. As he says, "In post-industrial society, [people] are also becoming consumers and slaves to images and information,...

  39. Renovated Orthodoxy: The Liturgical Theology of Fr. Alexander Schmemann - by Fr. Michael Pomazansky

    A thorough examination of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's views on the historical development and meaning of the Orthodox Church's prayer and worship. Fr. Michael Pomazansky, author of the popular book Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, provides an antidote to the poisonous stance of Fr. Alexander, which Fr....

  40. Attire Befitting A Priest — Ecumenical Canons, Commentary, & Stories

    A short but substantive article on priestly attire and why it is important that they wear their cassocks. Ecumenical Canons, comments from the author (a priest of the Russian Church Abroad), and stories illustrating the importance of the cassock for priests provide a memorable word on this topic.…

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  41. The Aether, The Soul's Covering, & How Saints Hear Prayers - St. Theophan the Recluse

    St. Theophan discusses the aether, the way our prayers reach God, Saints, and Angels, the covering of our souls, and how to live life according to the Spirit. A reading of letters 13, 14, and 15 from _The Spiritual Life And How to Be Attuned to It_ 0:00 Beginning 0:15 Letter 13: Aether, True...

  42. A Love Poem to Jesus - St. Joseph the Hesychast

    A love poem written by St. Joseph to our Lord Jesus Christ. One can quickly feel the deep love he has for Christ. Reading from _Letters & Poems by Saint Joseph the Hesychast_ , p. 529-531 📖 _Letters & Poems by Saint Joseph the Hesychast_ https://www.monasterevmc.org/en-us/products/letters-poems…

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  43. Smoking and the Orthodox Christian - St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

    Two passages from St. Nikodemos on how Orthodox Christians should approach smoking in general, and specifically smoking tobacco. St. Nikodemos writes, "But when they inhale and swallow the foul fumes of tobacco through their nose and mouth... how afterwards are they to be, in accord with their...

  44. Satan Multiplies Heretics When Christians Abound In Love - Pope St. Leo (Nativity Fast, Homily 5)

    St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome (+461) offers another homily during the Holy Fast of Nativity calling us again to active love for God and neighbor. "[Satan] is aroused with keener stings of hatred, that under a false profession of the Christian name he may corrupt those whom he is not allowed to...

  45. On the Canons of the Ecumenical Councils - Fr. Seraphim Rose

    A few passages from Fr. Seraphim Rose regarding the canons of the Ecumenical Councils. There are other passages from Fr. Seraphim one should find and read (see link below, for example). This collection presents a good overview of his views. The canons are laid down by the fathers of the…

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  46. Man is the Glory of God, Woman is the Glory of Man (and On Headcoverings) - Fr. Daniel Sysoev

    Fr. Daniel Sysoev (+2009) addresses the dynamics of men and women, husbands and wives, headcoverings, and the often misunderstood teachings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11. Fr. Daniel draws heavily on St. John Chrysostom and St. Theophan the Recluse in his analysis, offering timeless...

  47. Forming the Soul - Fr. Seraphim Rose

    Drawing upon St. Theophan the Recluse's commentary, Fr. Seraphim Rose briefly discusses how souls formed in the "emotional and spiritual wasteland of our times" can become aware of this reality and how to live spiritually profitable lives in the Orthodox Church. Sometimes, as a stepping stone…

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  48. St. Porphyrios and the Immodestly Dressed Women

    Learn how St. Porphyrios responded to seeing women dressed immodestly and to his spiritual children who were a bit judgmental. A reading of two accounts translated from the Greek: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2012/07/elder-porphyrios-and-scantily-clothed.html Source: Ἀνθολόγιο Συμβουλῶν...

  49. Difficulties in Prayer - St. John of Kronstadt

    Ever-timely gems of wisdom from St. John of Kronstadt on prayer. He speaks especially to people living in the world with everyday cares and responsibilities. Anyone discouraged in their prayer life will find consolation and inspiration in these words from this great saint of Russia. 0:00...

  50. By Almsgiving We Redeem Our Sins - Pope St. Leo the Great (Nativity Fast, Homily 1)

    St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome (+461) calls us to embark on the Holy Fast of Nativity with gratitude and active love for God and neighbor. “For by prayer we seek to propitiate God, by fasting we extinguish the lusts of the flesh, by alms we redeem our sins: and at the same time God's image is...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Readings of the Writings and Lives of Orthodox Christian Saints.These recordings are free to download and share. All I ask is that you do so respectfully and reference this channel. You can also contact me, Timothy Honeycutt, at: [email protected] to Jesus Christ!

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