Come Receive the Light

May scripture

The intersection of religion, politics and social freedoms, part one

Listen this week to hear from Mustafa Akyol, a Turkish journalist who asks, “Is Islam incompatible with freedom?” Join us for part one of a provocative discussion on religion’s role and responsibility in politics and social freedoms. Buy your copy of Islam without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty from Amazon. Plus, we will hear from Mark Gruin, Capacity Development Coordinator, about the current crisis in the Horn of Africa and what’s being done to help those who are suffering. Currently 10 million people are in need of aid, and over 2 million of those are children. Visit iocc.org to learn more.

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Top three problems married couples deal with - and their solutions!

Are we sometimes tempted to water down our faith when talking with others?  Fr. Barnabas Powell of of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Church in Cumming, Georgia, discusses what true faith is and the importance of embracing the fullness of Orthodoxy. Plus, do you find yourself having the same fight with your spouse over and over? Dr. Albert Rossi joins us to talk about money, children and housekeeping - the three most common points of disagreement within marriages.

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The Sacrament of Holy Ordination

Why do we need sermons in addition to our services? Fr. Alexander Goussetis offers his argument about the role of the sermon in the Church, both historically and in modern times. Click here to order Fr. Goussetis' new book, Seed for the Sower: Preaching Matters from the Holy Cross Bookstore. We’ll also be joined by Fr. Timothy Chrapko of St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Alberta, Canada, as he talks about his personal memories of being ordained, along with explaining the main sections of this sacrament.

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The Original Sin

We all know the story of Adam, Eve and the apple. But what meaning does that fateful bite have for each of us today? Fr. Steven Ritter from St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Roswell, Georgia, contrasts our Orthodox beliefs to those held by other Christians. Click here to order Fr. Ritter's book, That Your Joy Maybe Full from Amazon. But first, many people describe the event of a parent’s death as life-altering. Kh. Maggie Hock shares her understanding of why that is and also offers practical tips on coping with the grief. Grief resources books recommended by Kh. Hock: Growing Through Loss and The New Day Journal.

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When Hearts Become Flame

Sacraments are not ways we encounter God, but rather a means of living out “The Way” says Rev. Dr. Peter Galadza of the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University and a priest at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. We’ll also hear from Dr. Steven Muse about his new book entitled When Hearts Become Flame, which explores the intersection of modern counselling and ancient Orthodox teachings. Click here to buy Dr. Muse's new book from Amazon.

 

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Healing after an affair

Most of our listeners would probably identify themselves as Orthodox Christians, but what does that really mean? Fr. Brendan Pelphrey, head priest of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, weighs in on what some of the qualifying characteristics should be.  But first, infidelity is an increasing reality in our world.  Dr. Albert Rossi shares some practical advice for everyone on healing the relationship, rebuilding trust and emerging closer than you’d ever imagined.

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The Fallen Self

A lot of people pick and choose religious ideas, accepting only the ones that "feel right" to them. Frederica Mathewes-Green is back on the program to talk about the pitfalls of limiting God by what we think is right. Plus, can a person be saved even after they have passed away? Fr. Tim Chrapko lays out both sides of the argument on this divisive and provocative topic. He recommends  Metropolitan Kallistos Ware's book called The Inner Kingdom for further study. Click here to order from Amazon.

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The Home as a Little Church

What advice could a single man, orphaned at a young age have about how to run a household? You may be surprised to hear some of the touching and practical suggestions from our beloved St. John Chrysostom. Dr. David Ford will offer six tips from this Saint on how to bring your whole household closer to Christ. Plus, we’ll hear from author - Fr. John McGuckin on one of his latest publications, The Prayer Book of the Ancient Church. You can preorder your own copy of Fr. McGuckin's new book from Amazon. Click here to order.

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Meaning of Pentecost for Today's World

Why is the person who can walk to your church not a member of it? Fr. Barnabas Powell looks at the meaning of Pentecost in our Church today. But first, there’s a video on YouTube that’s gotten lots of attention in the Orthodox World. We’ll talk with the producer of the “Jesus is Risen Song” about what inspired this amazing piece. Plus, we’ll hear from author - Demetrious Glimidakis on his first book, The Crimson Knight.

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Dating and Marriage

This week on CRTL, we tackle dating and marriage. Join Thomas Ruthford, author of Heaven Help the Single Christian, for tips on what to do and what to avoid! Plus, the phrase "til death do us part" isn't anywhere in the Orthodox marriage ceremony. Does that mean we're married to our spouse in heaven? Canon Law specialist Fr. Patrick Viscuso shares with us what the Holy Fathers have to say. To study more on this subject read: Sexuality, Marriage, and Celibacy in Byzantine Law: The Alphabetical Collection of Matthew Blastares: Selections from a Fourteenth-Century Encyclopedia of Canon Law or Heaven Help the Single Christian: Your (Practical) Guide to Navigating Church as You Search for a Godly Mate.

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Gospel of John

Horoscopes, Tarot cards and talking to the dead are often thought of as “New Age” ideas, but none of it is very new! Fr. Brendan Pelphrey is here to talk about our human obsession with the paranormal, desire to control our own lives and how it all fits in with our Orthodox faith. And we’ll conclude our series with Dr. George Parsenios on Christ in the 4 Gospels. We end with the Gospel of John, which differs greatly from the other Gospels in several aspects. If you have enjoyed Dr. Parsenios series on the 4 Gospels, you might check out his book, Departure and Consolation: The Johannine Farewell Discourses in Light of Greco-Roman. This book is available from Amazon - visit http://www.amazon.com/Departure-Consolation-Greco-Roman-Supplements-Testamentum/dp/9004142789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304176851&sr=8-1.

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