At the Intersection of East and West

In this study, Dn. Michael wrap up his series on Thinking Orthodox. He summarizes the book, by looking at How Jesus Christ is the epitome of an Orthodox phronema. He considers seven truths about developing an Orthodox mindset.

As we have learned, “the theologian is one who prays.” While that is certainly important, it’s not the only characteristic of true theologians. There’s more to it than that—much more. In this episode, Dn. Michael considers ten characteristics of true theologians. Surprisingly, they’re relevant to all Orthodox Christians not just theologians.

An Orthodox Phronema sits on a three-legged stool: Tradition, Scripture, and the Fathers. In this episode, we consider the role of the Fathers. Specifically, we answer several questions about them: Who are they, why are they important, and how do they relate to Scripture and Tradition.

We’ve seen the important role Tradition plays in the shaping of our phronema. But what role does the Bible play in its development? To answer that question, we consider Holy Scriptures from three perspectives: Inspiration, Interpretation, and Instruction. We also look at how Tradition and Scripture relate to each other.

Tradition is the foundation of Orthodox Christianity. It permeates everything we believe and do. But when Orthodox Christians talk about Tradition, they mean something different that Protestants or Roman Catholics. In this episode, we consider five questions about Tradition, including what it is and what it’s not

Many people view theology as a dry, academic pursuit. In the Orthodox tradition, however, we understand theology as talking to God, not merely talking about Him. In this episode, we look at the three saints in the church’s history who bear the title “Theologian.” Their examples show us what true theology is and how to make it part of our Christian experience.

Up until this point, we have focused on understanding the concept of an Orthodox phronema—what it is and how it is different from the Western phronema. In this episode, we explore five actions you need to take in order to acquire an Orthodox phronema. Thinking Orthodox by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou

The concept of “phronema” (a mindset, approach, stance, or way of thinking) is inescapable. Everyone has one. However, the phronema of the West is very different from that of the East. In this episode, Dn. Michael unpacks the two major expressions of the Western phronema: Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. While they seem very different, they are more similar than you might think.

Now that we’ve discussed the two major expressions of the Western phronema (episode 122), Dn. Michael returns to the Orthodox phronema to compare and contrast it. If we are going to acquire it, we need to know what we’re looking for. In this episode he discusses the five main attributes of an Orthodox phronema.

In this week’s class, Dn. Michael considers Orthodox Thinking from four different perspectives: Ancient Greek literature, the Biblical text, the writings of the fathers, and the practice of ordinary Orthodox Christians.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins looking at chapter 2 of Thinking Orthodox by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou. It's called The Distinctiveness of Orthodox Christianity.

A new church school class has started at St. Ignatius Orthodox Church in Franklin, TN taught by Dn. Michael Hyatt. Dn. Michael is teaching through the popular book by Dr. Jeannie Constantnou - Thinking Orthodox. This is the introductory lesson. If you don't have a copy, order one today. Available in print, eBook, and Audiobook formats.

What was different about those early Christians. The little known Letter to Diognetus gives us a glimpse as Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his class on the Apostolic Fathers.

If there was a catechism manual you could read that dates back to the time of the Apostle John or very soon thereafter, would you be interested? Believe it or not there is! Learn about The Didache as Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his series on the Apostolic Fathers.

Continuing his series on the Apostolic Fathers, Dn. Michael Hyatt looks at the Martyrdom of Polycarp, one of the most inspiring and instructional accounts of martyrdom in Church history.

Ignored by much of Western Christendom, these letters give us insight into how the very early Church viewed the role of the bishop as well as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Dn. Michael Hyatt interviews Fr. Chad Hatfield, the President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. Learn about his coming to Orthodoxy, his experience in Alaska, and the seminary he leads.

Guilt, shame, and compunction. What role do they all play in the acknowledgement and treatment of our sin? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

Dn. Michael Hyatt continues his series on the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, those 2nd generation Christian writers who learned at the feet of the Apostles themselves. Dn. Michael is using The Apostolic Fathers in English by Michael W. Holmes. This episode looks at the First Epistle of St. Clement. You will be amazed at how contemporary it is.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins a new series on the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, those second-generation Christian writers who learned at the feet of the Apostles themselves. Dn. Michael is using The Apostolic Fathers in English by Michael W. Holmes.

In this concluding episode in the How to Be a Sinner series, Dn. Michael Hyatt interviews the author, Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

What is the difference between mercy and grace? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

As sinners, how are we to look at ourselves? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff. In this lesson, he speaks about the importance of self-awareness.

Before communion we declare that we are the chief of sinners. But is that true? If so, how are we to interpret that claim? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

To see ourselves as God sees us is real truth and part of that is to see ourselves as sinners when revealed by the divine light. Dn. Michael Hyatt is teaching through How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins a new series in his class going through the book by Dr. Peter Bouteneff entitled How to Be a Sinner. Discovering ourselves as sinners is a first step.

Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt wrap up the series teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. This final lesson is about Sacred Mission as a couple. Your marriage must be about more than itself if it's going to be healthy and flourishing.

Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt discuss the importance of Sacred Presence in the marriage as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

In this class, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt address sex in the marital relationship as a means to holiness as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

What are we willing to sacrifice for our spouses. Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt share a personal story as they continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Before moving on to the remaining chapters, Dn. Michael and Gail address questions from AFR listeners by email as well as from the audience. They are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Conflict is inevitable in a marriage. But when it happens, we can either advance in our relationships or decline. Today's topic is Falling Forward when conflict arises as Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

There is a struggle in marriage and that isn't all bad. Discover what can result in this next class as Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Perseverance in marriage is not only possible it is expected by God. What choices are we making today that will either build up or tear down our marriages tomorrow? Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt says that recognizing and dealing with our own sin is a necessary component of a good marriage. Together they are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In this episode, Dn. Michael mentions 2 books by Drs. David and Mary Ford:Marriage as a Path to HolinessGlory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage

Would you have thought that the quality of your marriage has a direct correlation to prayer? In this 5th episode of the Sacred Marriage series, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt discuss the ramifications of your prayer life as it relates to your marriage.Together they are teaching through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Contempt has become an epidemic in our society and it can spill over into our marriages. Dn. Michael Hyatt reminds us that as our marriages mature, we have to guard against disrespecting our spouses. Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

How do we love our spouses even when we don't feel love? Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt continue to teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In part 2, they talk about the priority of pleasing God in our marriages.

In a new series, Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt team teach through the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. In this first episode we learn that the purpose in marriage is not happiness but holiness.

As we enter the week of celebrating our Lord's coming to earth, many of us will have family members visiting or we will be visiting them. For some, this means inevitable conflict. In this final episode of his series called Peace On Earth, Dn. Michael Hyatt addresses The Persistence of Reconciliation - what happens when you've tried everything?

In part 2 of his mini-series during this Nativity season, Dn. Michael Hyatt works through the Matthew 18 principle of reconciling with our brother and uses his own family to help illustrate the point.

Between now and Christmas, Dn. Michael Hyatt teaches a short series entitled Peace on Earth. In this episode he focuses in on unresolved conflict at home, work, and church and the tools given to us by God to avoid them.

We often wonder how we will fund the growth of our parishes or pay for the needed repairs on the temple. Yet, if each member would tithe their income back into the Lord’s work, what could be possible? On today’s At the Corner of East and West, Dn. Michael Hyatt gives a sermon on the Necessity of Tithing.

In this final lesson of his teaching through Time and Despondency by Dr. Nicole Roccas, Dn. Michael Hyatt reflects on the practical take away value of the book. He identifies three implications for living in the present moment.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins continues his look at chapter seven of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency? He shares the last two in this episode: Labor/Leisure and Humor.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins continues his look at Chapter 7 of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency? He shares two more in this episode: gratitude and confession/community.

Dn. Michael Hyatt begins his look at Chapter 7 of Time and Despondency written by Dr. Nicole Roccas. What are the steps available to us to combat despondency?

This is the 6th lesson of "This Present Moment: Practicing Orthodox Spirituality in an Age of Distraction." Dn. Michael Hyatt is teaching through Time and Despondency by Dr. Nicole Roccas. There is a practice taught by the Fathers and modeled by Jesus to help us battle the power of negative thinking. Learn about the use of counter statement and pick up the little book recommended called Talking Back: A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons.