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Sacramental Living

English, Christianity, 1 season, 416 episodes, 2 days, 6 hours, 39 minutes
About
Sacramental Living is a series of podcasts by Michael Haldas about how to understand and live our Orthodox Christian faith in the context of real life and real world issues and continually grow closer to God.
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Serving the Angel of Contentment or the Demon of Desire

Join Michael in a discussion of our desires, how they get in the away of the elusive peace we seek, and what we need to do to find true contentment.
9/4/20240
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Haunted by Religion

Join Michael in a discussion about how many people are haunted by a spiritual reality they consciously or unconsciously acknowledge, especially during times of tragedy and loss, and how to minister to them through relationship and storytelling.
7/29/20240
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God in a Disfigured Face

Join Michael in a discussion about an encounter he had with man with severe facial injuries, and what it caused him to reflect on concerning the face of Christ and the theological understanding of our faces that should guide our daily encounters with everyone.
6/28/20240
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God in a Disfigured Face

Join Michael in a discussion about an encounter he had with man with severe facial injuries, and what it caused him to reflect on concerning the face of Christ and the theological understanding of our faces that should guide our daily encounters with everyone.
6/28/20240
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The Difficult Journey from the Head to the Heart

Join Michael in a discussion of the difficulty of getting out of our own heads, the cultural and spiritual challenges that perpetuate this, and leaning to live our faith through our hearts and not just our minds.
6/14/20240
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The Difficult Journey from the Head to the Heart

Join Michael in a discussion of the difficulty of getting out of our own heads, the cultural and spiritual challenges that perpetuate this, and leaning to live our faith through our hearts and not just our minds.
6/14/20240
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The Twin Evils of Infidelity and Individualism

Join Michael in a discussion of how to guard our hearts and minds against the ancient sins of infidelity and individualism that are both subtle and celebrated in today’s culture.
5/23/20240
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The Twin Evils of Infidelity and Individualism

Join Michael in a discussion of how to guard our hearts and minds against the ancient sins of infidelity and individualism that are both subtle and celebrated in today’s culture.
5/23/20240
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Growth and Struggle in Liminal Space – Lessons from St. Mary of Egypt

Join Michael is a discussion on our need to navigate the difficult liminal spaces in our lives with patience and discernment, as illustrated beautifully in the story of St. Mary of Egypt, and how it is possible to overcome sin and depravity to fulfill our calling to become saints and living icons of Christ.
4/11/20240
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Growth and Struggle in Liminal Space – Lessons from St. Mary of Egypt

Join Michael is a discussion on our need to navigate the difficult liminal spaces in our lives with patience and discernment, as illustrated beautifully in the story of St. Mary of Egypt, and how it is possible to overcome sin and depravity to fulfill our calling to become saints and living icons of Christ.
4/11/20240
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A Dangerous Time of Year

Join Michael in a discussion of some of the spiritual pitfalls we can fall into during Great Lent if we are not careful and attentive to its true purpose
3/21/20240
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A Dangerous Time of Year

Join Michael in a discussion of some of the spiritual pitfalls we can fall into during Great Lent if we are not careful and attentive to its true purpose
3/21/20240
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The Real Energy Crisis

Join Michael in a discussion of God’s essence and energies, other energies present in the world, and how we should really understand our motivations to ensure we participate in our actions with God’s grace and not with the enemy.
3/6/20240
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The Real Energy Crisis

Join Michael in a discussion of God’s essence and energies, other energies present in the world, and how we should really understand our motivations to ensure we participate in our actions with God’s grace and not with the enemy.
3/6/20240
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Tragedy, Clarity, and Reconciling Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses questions about why good people suffer, bad people thrive, and reconciling this with the goodness of God.
2/2/202432 minutes, 31 seconds
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Tragedy, Clarity, and Reconciling Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses questions about why good people suffer, bad people thrive, and reconciling this with the goodness of God.
2/2/20240
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Tragedy, Clarity, and Reconciling Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses questions about why good people suffer, bad people thrive, and reconciling this with the goodness of God.
2/2/20240
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Two Thieves, Two Ways, Two Choices

Join Michael in a discussion of what Christ said in the Gospel accounts, and what the New Testament in general says about being a thief or thieves, and how the symbolism of the thief applies to us and the choice of salvation or condemnation.
1/11/202429 minutes, 46 seconds
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Two Thieves, Two Ways, Two Choices

Join Michael in a discussion of what Christ said in the Gospel accounts, and what the New Testament in general says about being a thief or thieves, and how the symbolism of the thief applies to us and the choice of salvation or condemnation.
1/11/20240
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Two Thieves, Two Ways, Two Choices

Join Michael in a discussion of what Christ said in the Gospel accounts, and what the New Testament in general says about being a thief or thieves, and how the symbolism of the thief applies to us and the choice of salvation or condemnation.
1/11/20240
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Repentance is Our North Star

Join Michael as he uses the symbolism of the North Star to take a deep dive into the true nature of repentance and why we often misunderstand it to our detriment.
12/15/202330 minutes, 2 seconds
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Repentance is Our North Star

Join Michael as he uses the symbolism of the North Star to take a deep dive into the true nature of repentance and why we often misunderstand it to our detriment.
12/15/20230
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Repentance is Our North Star

Join Michael as he uses the symbolism of the North Star to take a deep dive into the true nature of repentance and why we often misunderstand it to our detriment.
12/15/20230
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Hypocrisy and the Mask of Death

Join Michael for a discussion about the meaning of hypocrisy and what Christ said about it in the Gospel, and how to understand and protect ourselves from this deadly sin that causes us to wear “masks” and fall into self-deception, deception of others, and spiritual death.
11/30/202337 minutes, 21 seconds
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Hypocrisy and the Mask of Death

Join Michael for a discussion about the meaning of hypocrisy and what Christ said about it in the Gospel, and how to understand and protect ourselves from this deadly sin that causes us to wear “masks” and fall into self-deception, deception of others, and spiritual death.
11/30/20230
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Hypocrisy and the Mask of Death

Join Michael for a discussion about the meaning of hypocrisy and what Christ said about it in the Gospel, and how to understand and protect ourselves from this deadly sin that causes us to wear “masks” and fall into self-deception, deception of others, and spiritual death.
11/30/20230
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Beauty and Theodicy

Join Michael in a discussion about experiencing God’s healing and redemptive beauty and goodness even in the worst of life’s circumstances.
8/4/202332 minutes, 1 second
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Beauty and Theodicy

Join Michael in a discussion about experiencing God’s healing and redemptive beauty and goodness even in the worst of life’s circumstances.
8/4/20230
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Beauty and Theodicy

Join Michael in a discussion about experiencing God’s healing and redemptive beauty and goodness even in the worst of life’s circumstances.
8/4/20230
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Well-Being or Non-Being - It’s Our Choice

Join Michael in a discussion about what well-being and non-being really mean, and how we often do things we think are beneficial but really are not in our best interest and lead us father from God rather than towards Him.
7/19/202332 minutes, 34 seconds
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Well-Being or Non-Being - It's Our Choice

Join Michael in a discussion about what well-being and non-being really mean, and how we often do things we think are beneficial but really are not in our best interest and lead us father from God rather than towards Him.
7/19/20230
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Well-Being or Non-Being - It's Our Choice

Join Michael in a discussion about what well-being and non-being really mean, and how we often do things we think are beneficial but really are not in our best interest and lead us father from God rather than towards Him.
7/19/20230
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Heat Without Light

Join Michael in a discussion about what it means to create “heat” without “light” and how ego driven self-motivation and self-focus is poisoning society, and what we should be mindful of not to be contributors to this.
6/26/202328 minutes, 22 seconds
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Heat Without Light

Join Michael in a discussion about what it means to create “heat” without “light” and how ego driven self-motivation and self-focus is poisoning society, and what we should be mindful of not to be contributors to this.
6/26/20230
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Heat Without Light

Join Michael in a discussion about what it means to create “heat” without “light” and how ego driven self-motivation and self-focus is poisoning society, and what we should be mindful of not to be contributors to this.
6/26/20230
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Living Intentionally to Live Life Hopefully

Join Michael in a discussion about living intentionally to embed hopefulness in our body, mind and soul, and accept death with the hope of eternal life.
6/13/20230
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Living Intentionally to Live Life Hopefully

Join Michael in a discussion about living intentionally to embed hopefulness in our body, mind and soul, and accept death with the hope of eternal life.
6/13/20230
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Living Intentionally to Live Life Hopefully

Join Michael in a discussion about living intentionally to embed hopefulness in our body, mind and soul, and accept death with the hope of eternal life.
6/12/202329 minutes, 47 seconds
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Clothed in Christ

Join Michael in a discussion about what the Scriptures and our Holy Tradition teach us about the importance of clothing as it relates to salvation, communion, or lack thereof, and what our attitudes and actions toward clothing reveal about us individually and culturally.
5/18/202333 minutes, 22 seconds
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Clothed in Christ

Join Michael in a discussion about what the Scriptures and our Holy Tradition teach us about the importance of clothing as it relates to salvation, communion, or lack thereof, and what our attitudes and actions toward clothing reveal about us individually and culturally.
5/18/20230
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Clothed in Christ

Join Michael in a discussion about what the Scriptures and our Holy Tradition teach us about the importance of clothing as it relates to salvation, communion, or lack thereof, and what our attitudes and actions toward clothing reveal about us individually and culturally.
5/18/20230
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Strangers in a Strange Land

Join Michael in a discussion about what is means to be feel like a stranger in our own surroundings and in this world in general and why this actually a good thing.
4/27/202326 minutes, 24 seconds
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Strangers in a Strange Land

Join Michael in a discussion about what is means to be feel like a stranger in our own surroundings and in this world in general and why this actually a good thing.
4/27/20230
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Strangers in a Strange Land

Join Michael in a discussion about what is means to be feel like a stranger in our own surroundings and in this world in general and why this actually a good thing.
4/27/20230
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Tears

Join Michael in a discussion about the many different aspects of tears, why some tears are good, some are evil, what they indicate about our hearts, and why they are necessary for salvation.
4/18/202330 minutes, 1 second
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Tears

Join Michael in a discussion about the many different aspects of tears, why some tears are good, some are evil, what they indicate about our hearts, and why they are necessary for salvation.
4/18/20230
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Tears

Join Michael in a discussion about the many different aspects of tears, why some tears are good, some are evil, what they indicate about our hearts, and why they are necessary for salvation.
4/18/20230
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Our Bodies and the Sin of Self-Neglect

Join Michael in a discussion about how we often neglect our bodies, the physical and spiritual ramifications to ourselves and loved ones, how this is profoundly unspiritual, and what we need to think and do to treat our physical selves the way God intends us to.
3/6/20230
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Our Bodies and the Sin of Self-Neglect

Join Michael in a discussion about how we often neglect our bodies, the physical and spiritual ramifications to ourselves and loved ones, how this is profoundly unspiritual, and what we need to think and do to treat our physical selves the way God intends us to.
3/6/20230
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Our Bodies and the Sin of Self-Neglect

Join Michael in a discussion about how we often neglect our bodies, the physical and spiritual ramifications to ourselves and loved ones, how this is profoundly unspiritual, and what we need to think and do to treat our physical selves the way God intends us to.
3/6/202330 minutes, 41 seconds
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How Much We Loved Not How Much We Sinned

Join Michael for a discussion of the primacy of focusing on loving more not sinning less and why this will be the basis of how God judges our lives.
2/21/20230
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How Much We Loved Not How Much We Sinned

Join Michael for a discussion of the primacy of focusing on loving more not sinning less and why this will be the basis of how God judges our lives.
2/21/20230
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How Much We Loved Not How Much We Sinned

Join Michael for a discussion of the primacy of focusing on loving more not sinning less and why this will be the basis of how God judges our lives.
2/21/202333 minutes, 8 seconds
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Dealing with Difficulties and Setbacks

Join Michael in a discussion about prayerful and practical ways to frame our understanding in regard to our difficulties and setbacks, and deal with them in a spiritually healthy way.
2/6/20230
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Dealing with Difficulties and Setbacks

Join Michael in a discussion about prayerful and practical ways to frame our understanding in regard to our difficulties and setbacks, and deal with them in a spiritually healthy way.
2/6/20230
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Dealing with Difficulties and Setbacks

Join Michael in a discussion about prayerful and practical ways to frame our understanding in regard to our difficulties and setbacks, and deal with them in a spiritually healthy way.
2/6/202329 minutes, 40 seconds
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Mutual Accountability and the Awesome Judgment Seat of Christ

Join Michael in discussion of what it means in the Liturgy when the Priest prays “And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ” and how that should drive our daily behavior.
1/17/20230
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Mutual Accountability and the Awesome Judgment Seat of Christ

Join Michael in discussion of what it means in the Liturgy when the Priest prays “And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ” and how that should drive our daily behavior.
1/17/20230
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Mutual Accountability and the Awesome Judgment Seat of Christ

Join Michael in discussion of what it means in the Liturgy when the Priest prays “And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ” and how that should drive our daily behavior.
1/17/202328 minutes, 44 seconds
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Consumed Through Consuming

We live in a consumer culture. Businesses gather and sell data and information about us to target us as consumers. We are increasingly treated more like consumers than persons. The Christmas season for many has become nothing more than frenzied consumerism. John Michael as he discusses the human person in the context of consumer culture, comparing and contrasting the language of consuming used in our Liturgy and throughout the Bible with modern notions of consuming and how this relates to our love and growth as human persons.
12/19/20220
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Consumed Through Consuming

We live in a consumer culture. Businesses gather and sell data and information about us to target us as consumers. We are increasingly treated more like consumers than persons. The Christmas season for many has become nothing more than frenzied consumerism. John Michael as he discusses the human person in the context of consumer culture, comparing and contrasting the language of consuming used in our Liturgy and throughout the Bible with modern notions of consuming and how this relates to our love and growth as human persons.
12/19/20220
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Consumed Through Consuming

We live in a consumer culture. Businesses gather and sell data and information about us to target us as consumers. We are increasingly treated more like consumers than persons. The Christmas season for many has become nothing more than frenzied consumerism. John Michael as he discusses the human person in the context of consumer culture, comparing and contrasting the language of consuming used in our Liturgy and throughout the Bible with modern notions of consuming and how this relates to our love and growth as human persons.
12/19/202230 minutes, 51 seconds
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Hospitality and Our Salvation

Join Michael as he discusses the deep theological truths of simple hospitality and how it directly relates to our salvation.
11/25/20220
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Hospitality and Our Salvation

Join Michael as he discusses the deep theological truths of simple hospitality and how it directly relates to our salvation.
11/25/20220
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Hospitality and Our Salvation

Join Michael as he discusses the deep theological truths of simple hospitality and how it directly relates to our salvation.
11/25/202229 minutes, 40 seconds
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Remembering the Future to Reframe Our Past

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand time and reconcile our past through the eternally crucified Christ, and let Him transform it and free us of guilt, shame, and regret.
11/8/20220
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Remembering the Future to Reframe Our Past

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand time and reconcile our past through the eternally crucified Christ, and let Him transform it and free us of guilt, shame, and regret.
11/8/20220
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Remembering the Future to Reframe Our Past

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand time and reconcile our past through the eternally crucified Christ, and let Him transform it and free us of guilt, shame, and regret.
11/8/202227 minutes, 4 seconds
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Unknowing Ourselves

Join Michael as he discusses how we should see and experience ourselves and others as living icons of Christ, and how we achieve this through the difficult task unknowing ourselves.
10/26/20220
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Unknowing Ourselves

Join Michael as he discusses how we should see and experience ourselves and others as living icons of Christ, and how we achieve this through the difficult task unknowing ourselves.
10/26/20220
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Unknowing Ourselves

Join Michael as he discusses how we should see and experience ourselves and others as living icons of Christ, and how we achieve this through the difficult task unknowing ourselves.
10/26/202232 minutes, 28 seconds
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Light Shines Out of Darkness

Join Michael as he discusses the complementary nature of light and darkness, how both are under God’s control, and how we can understand this to maintain hope during tough times, grow in faith, and shine the Light of Christ to others.
10/10/20220
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Light Shines Out of Darkness

Join Michael as he discusses the complementary nature of light and darkness, how both are under God’s control, and how we can understand this to maintain hope during tough times, grow in faith, and shine the Light of Christ to others.
10/10/20220
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Light Shines Out of Darkness

Join Michael as he discusses the complementary nature of light and darkness, how both are under God’s control, and how we can understand this to maintain hope during tough times, grow in faith, and shine the Light of Christ to others.
9/27/202228 minutes, 42 seconds
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Breaking Down to Break Through

Join Michael as he recounts a story of a good friend’s nervous breakdown and his experience of theophany, theosis, repentance, and God’s beauty amidst his trauma and suffering.
9/14/20220
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Breaking Down to Break Through

Join Michael as he recounts a story of a good friend’s nervous breakdown and his experience of theophany, theosis, repentance, and God’s beauty amidst his trauma and suffering.
9/14/20220
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Breaking Down to Break Through

Join Michael as he recounts a story of a good friend’s nervous breakdown and his experience of theophany, theosis, repentance, and God’s beauty amidst his trauma and suffering.
9/14/202232 minutes, 19 seconds
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Freedom Through Restraint

Join Michael as he shows why restraint is Christ-like and liberating, and the path of ultimate freedom out of the self-inflicted tyranny of our own thoughts and behaviors.
8/30/20220
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Freedom Through Restraint

Join Michael as he shows why restraint is Christ-like and liberating, and the path of ultimate freedom out of the self-inflicted tyranny of our own thoughts and behaviors.
8/30/20220
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Freedom Through Restraint

Join Michael as he shows why restraint is Christ-like and liberating, and the path of ultimate freedom out of the self-inflicted tyranny of our own thoughts and behaviors.
8/30/202227 minutes, 30 seconds
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Civil and Uncivil War

Join Michael as he reflects on the recent Supreme Court decision and why we need more than ever to remain prayerful and faithful within ourselves, and civil with each other.
7/6/20220
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Civil and Uncivil War

Join Michael as he reflects on the recent Supreme Court decision and why we need more than ever to remain prayerful and faithful within ourselves, and civil with each other.
7/6/20220
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Civil and Uncivil War

Join Michael as he reflects on the recent Supreme Court decision and why we need more than ever to remain prayerful and faithful within ourselves, and civil with each other.
7/6/202223 minutes, 26 seconds
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The Success of Failure

Join Michael as he discusses the success of failure and the failure of success, and how our worldly success can be a blessing or a curse depending on we approach it spiritually.
6/9/20220
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The Success of Failure

Join Michael as he discusses the success of failure and the failure of success, and how our worldly success can be a blessing or a curse depending on we approach it spiritually.
6/9/20220
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The Success of Failure

Join Michael as he discusses the success of failure and the failure of success, and how our worldly success can be a blessing or a curse depending on we approach it spiritually.
6/9/202225 minutes, 52 seconds
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Overcoming Spiritual Disabilities

Join Michael for a discussion on how to understand and overcome the subtle spiritual deafness and spiritual blindness we can suffer from that leads to spiritual heart disease.
5/26/20220
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Overcoming Spiritual Disabilities

Join Michael for a discussion on how to understand and overcome the subtle spiritual deafness and spiritual blindness we can suffer from that leads to spiritual heart disease.
5/26/20220
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Overcoming Spiritual Disabilities

Join Michael for a discussion on how to understand and overcome the subtle spiritual deafness and spiritual blindness we can suffer from that leads to spiritual heart disease.
5/26/202231 minutes, 44 seconds
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I Wish I Hadn't Done That But Thank God I Did

Join Michael for a discussion on how to avoid being paralyzed with guilt and shame over our worst failures, and experience God at work within them.
5/9/20220
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I Wish I Hadn't Done That But Thank God I Did

Join Michael for a discussion on how to avoid being paralyzed with guilt and shame over our worst failures, and experience God at work within them.
5/9/20220
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I Wish I Hadn’t Done That But Thank God I Did

Join Michael for a discussion on how to avoid being paralyzed with guilt and shame over our worst failures, and experience God at work within them.
5/9/202231 minutes, 14 seconds
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Healing the Soul through Self-Forgiveness

Join Michael for a discussion on why forgiving ourselves is often so hard and what we need to understand and do to open our hearts to self-forgiveness.
4/11/20220
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Healing the Soul through Self-Forgiveness

Join Michael for a discussion on why forgiving ourselves is often so hard and what we need to understand and do to open our hearts to self-forgiveness.
4/11/20220
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Healing the Soul through Self-Forgiveness

Join Michael for a discussion on why forgiving ourselves is often so hard and what we need to understand and do to open our hearts to self-forgiveness.
4/11/202234 minutes, 8 seconds
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Faith, Trauma, and Trust

Join Michael as he examines trauma and traumatic episodes from his life, and explores how to use them to develop a deeper trust in God.
3/16/20220
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Faith, Trauma, and Trust

Join Michael as he examines trauma and traumatic episodes from his life, and explores how to use them to develop a deeper trust in God.
3/16/20220
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Faith, Trauma, and Trust

Join Michael as he examines trauma and traumatic episodes from his life, and explores how to use them to develop a deeper trust in God.
3/16/202229 minutes, 30 seconds
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The Myth of Human Freedom

Join Michael as he examines what it means to experience true freedom, and why what we think is freedom is a form of bondage we don’t recognize.
2/24/202232 minutes, 1 second
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The Myth of Human Freedom

Join Michael as he examines what it means to experience true freedom, and why what we think is freedom is a form of bondage we don’t recognize.
2/23/20220
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The Myth of Human Freedom

Join Michael as he examines what it means to experience true freedom, and why what we think is freedom is a form of bondage we don’t recognize.
2/23/20220
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Beware of Our Own Opinions

Join Michael as he examines the role expression of opinion plays in society today, how to guard ourselves against our own and other’s opinions that fuel our pride and cause anger and division, and what to do to maintain humility, thoughtfulness, and love of others.
2/17/202231 minutes, 43 seconds
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Beware of Our Own Opinions

Join Michael as he examines the role expression of opinion plays in society today, how to guard ourselves against our own and other’s opinions that fuel our pride and cause anger and division, and what to do to maintain humility, thoughtfulness, and love of others.
2/16/20220
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Beware of Our Own Opinions

Join Michael as he examines the role expression of opinion plays in society today, how to guard ourselves against our own and other’s opinions that fuel our pride and cause anger and division, and what to do to maintain humility, thoughtfulness, and love of others.
2/16/20220
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Tearing Down Authority at Our Own Peril

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand God’s authority versus secular notions of authority, and why rejecting and tearing down authority does not result in liberation and freedom but rather the opposite.
1/28/20220
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Tearing Down Authority at Our Own Peril

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand God’s authority versus secular notions of authority, and why rejecting and tearing down authority does not result in liberation and freedom but rather the opposite.
1/28/20220
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Tearing Down Authority at Our Own Peril

Join Michael as he discusses how we should understand God’s authority versus secular notions of authority, and why rejecting and tearing down authority does not result in liberation and freedom but rather the opposite.
1/28/202233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Why We Need Separation Before Unity

Join Michael as he discusses why we need separation that is holy before we can have true unity with each other; and how many are choosing an unholy type of separation based on fear, ideologies, and other things are the entry to the wide gate leading to destruction.
1/17/20220
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Why We Need Separation Before Unity

Join Michael as he discusses why we need separation that is holy before we can have true unity with each other; and how many are choosing an unholy type of separation based on fear, ideologies, and other things are the entry to the wide gate leading to destruction.
1/17/20220
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Why We Need Separation Before Unity

Join Michael as he discusses why we need separation that is holy before we can have true unity with each other; and how many are choosing an unholy type of separation based on fear, ideologies, and other things are the entry to the wide gate leading to destruction.
1/17/202228 minutes, 19 seconds
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Consenting to the Devil

Join Michael as he addresses our choices and what we consent to that results in us either growing in holiness and union with Christ, or an unholy union with the devil that leads to our gradual and eventual complete destruction.
12/27/20210
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Consenting to the Devil

Join Michael as he addresses our choices and what we consent to that results in us either growing in holiness and union with Christ, or an unholy union with the devil that leads to our gradual and eventual complete destruction.
12/27/20210
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Consenting to the Devil

Join Michael as he addresses our choices and what we consent to that results in us either growing in holiness and union with Christ, or an unholy union with the devil that leads to our gradual and eventual complete destruction.
12/27/202132 minutes, 28 seconds
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Do We Get What We Deserve?

What do we deserve in life? Anything? Everything? Join Michael as he addresses the various ways we can focus on what we deserve and how most of them lead us in the wrong spiritual direction.
12/13/20210
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Do We Get What We Deserve?

What do we deserve in life? Anything? Everything? Join Michael as he addresses the various ways we can focus on what we deserve and how most of them lead us in the wrong spiritual direction.
12/13/20210
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Do We Get What We Deserve?

What do we deserve in life? Anything? Everything? Join Michael as he addresses the various ways we can focus on what we deserve and how most of them lead us in the wrong spiritual direction.
12/13/202128 minutes, 12 seconds
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Saving Ourselves and Others Through Patience

Join Michael as he provides an in-depth discussion of the many spiritual aspects of patience that are critical to our salvation and the salvation of others, and how lacking this virtue is more spiritually harmful than we may realize.
12/1/20210
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Saving Ourselves and Others Through Patience

Join Michael as he provides an in-depth discussion of the many spiritual aspects of patience that are critical to our salvation and the salvation of others, and how lacking this virtue is more spiritually harmful than we may realize.
12/1/20210
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Episode 100 – Dealing with Our Inner Darkness

Inner darkness. We all have it whether we admit or not. How do overcome it? How do we find our way to Christ the Light and master our inner darkness? Join Michael as he addresses these questions in-depth and shows we can find our way to the Light no matter what darkness we are in.
11/17/20210
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Episode 100 – Dealing with Our Inner Darkness

Inner darkness. We all have it whether we admit or not. How do overcome it? How do we find our way to Christ the Light and master our inner darkness? Join Michael as he addresses these questions in-depth and shows we can find our way to the Light no matter what darkness we are in.
11/17/20210
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Episode 100 – Dealing with Our Inner Darkness

Inner darkness. We all have it whether we admit or not. How do overcome it? How do we find our way to Christ the Light and master our inner darkness? Join Michael as he addresses these questions in-depth and shows we can find our way to the Light no matter what darkness we are in.
11/17/202139 minutes, 51 seconds
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Saving Ourselves and Others Through Patience

Join Michael as he provides an in-depth discussion of the many spiritual aspects of patience that are critical to our salvation and the salvation of others, and how lacking this virtue is more spiritually harmful than we may realize.
11/4/202131 minutes, 1 second
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Battling Our Little gods

Join Michael as explores the subtly of idolatry and the little gods that lurk behind our idols that lead us slowly down a dangerous spiritual path.
10/18/20210
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Battling Our Little gods

Join Michael as explores the subtly of idolatry and the little gods that lurk behind our idols that lead us slowly down a dangerous spiritual path.
10/18/20210
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Battling Our Little gods

Join Michael as explores the subtly of idolatry and the little gods that lurk behind our idols that lead us slowly down a dangerous spiritual path.
10/18/202131 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Only True Religion or the Completely True Religion

Join Michael as explores the question is our Orthodox Christian religion the only true religion or the completely true religion, and the how our answer to this question affects our internal self and outward behavior to detriment or betterment of ourselves and others.
9/28/20210
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The Only True Religion or the Completely True Religion

Join Michael as explores the question is our Orthodox Christian religion the only true religion or the completely true religion, and the how our answer to this question affects our internal self and outward behavior to detriment or betterment of ourselves and others.
9/28/20210
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The Only True Religion or the Completely True Religion

Join Michael as explores the question is our Orthodox Christian religion the only true religion or the completely true religion, and the how our answer to this question affects our internal self and outward behavior to detriment or betterment of ourselves and others.
9/28/202131 minutes, 13 seconds
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Why God's Wrath is also God's Love

Join Michael as he discusses why God’s wrath is an expression of His love, what hinders us from understanding and accepting this, and why it is debilitating when it is intended to be transformative.
9/16/20210
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Why God's Wrath is also God's Love

Join Michael as he discusses why God’s wrath is an expression of His love, what hinders us from understanding and accepting this, and why it is debilitating when it is intended to be transformative.
9/16/20210
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Why God’s Wrath is also God’s Love

Join Michael as he discusses why God’s wrath is an expression of His love, what hinders us from understanding and accepting this, and why it is debilitating when it is intended to be transformative.
9/16/202131 minutes, 2 seconds
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Eros, Agape, and Ordering our Disordered Desires Through Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses what eros and agape really mean and why they cannot be separated, how growth in love is deeply linked to suffering, how disordered desire can grip us, how we never truly sin alone, and how it always affects both us and others when we act on our disordered desires.
8/27/20210
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Eros, Agape, and Ordering our Disordered Desires Through Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses what eros and agape really mean and why they cannot be separated, how growth in love is deeply linked to suffering, how disordered desire can grip us, how we never truly sin alone, and how it always affects both us and others when we act on our disordered desires.
8/27/20210
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Eros, Agape, and Ordering our Disordered Desires Through Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses what eros and agape really mean and why they cannot be separated, how growth in love is deeply linked to suffering, how disordered desire can grip us, how we never truly sin alone, and how it always affects both us and others when we act on our disordered desires.
8/27/202138 minutes, 36 seconds
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Darn those Darnels: Acquiring Discernment in this Age of Deception

Join Michael as he discusses what a darnel is and what it means to us, how easy it is to be deceived by the spirit of the age, and what we need to do to ensure we gain and apply Christ-like discernment in all matters.
8/16/202130 minutes, 45 seconds
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Darn those Darnels: Acquiring Discernment in this Age of Deception

Join Michael as he discusses what a darnel is and what it means to us, how easy it is to be deceived by the spirit of the age, and what we need to do to ensure we gain and apply Christ-like discernment in all matters.
8/14/20210
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Darn those Darnels: Acquiring Discernment in this Age of Deception

Join Michael as he discusses what a darnel is and what it means to us, how easy it is to be deceived by the spirit of the age, and what we need to do to ensure we gain and apply Christ-like discernment in all matters.
8/14/20210
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Trying to Keep God in Box

Join Michael as he discusses the challenge of living our Orthodox faith and Holy Tradition fully and without compromise, and witnessing effectively and lovingly to others outside of the faith. Listen as he explains how easy it is to fall into the trap of putting God in neat little box in our minds and hearts how this is detrimental to ourselves and others.
6/14/20210
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Trying to Keep God in Box

Join Michael as he discusses the challenge of living our Orthodox faith and Holy Tradition fully and without compromise, and witnessing effectively and lovingly to others outside of the faith. Listen as he explains how easy it is to fall into the trap of putting God in neat little box in our minds and hearts how this is detrimental to ourselves and others.
6/14/20210
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Trying to Keep God in Box

Join Michael as he discusses the challenge of living our Orthodox faith and Holy Tradition fully and without compromise, and witnessing effectively and lovingly to others outside of the faith. Listen as he explains how easy it is to fall into the trap of putting God in neat little box in our minds and hearts how this is detrimental to ourselves and others.
6/14/202132 minutes, 26 seconds
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Sacramental “Enchantment”

Join Michael as he explains why we need to become, and always stay, “enchanted” by God through sacramental understanding and participation, and how this is our witness and demonstration of the truth of the Gospel.
5/14/202133 minutes, 26 seconds
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Sacramental “Enchantment”

Join Michael as he explains why we need to become, and always stay, “enchanted” by God through sacramental understanding and participation, and how this is our witness and demonstration of the truth of the Gospel.
5/12/20210
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Sacramental “Enchantment”

Join Michael as he explains why we need to become, and always stay, “enchanted” by God through sacramental understanding and participation, and how this is our witness and demonstration of the truth of the Gospel.
5/12/20210
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Trampling Down Death by Death

Join Michael as he expounds upon these words we sing and chant between Pascha and Ascension Thursday and what they should mean to us even as we continue to face the reality of death.
5/7/20210
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Trampling Down Death by Death

Join Michael as he expounds upon these words we sing and chant between Pascha and Ascension Thursday and what they should mean to us even as we continue to face the reality of death.
5/7/20210
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Trampling Down Death by Death

Join Michael as he expounds upon these words we sing and chant between Pascha and Ascension Thursday and what they should mean to us even as we continue to face the reality of death.
5/7/202127 minutes, 16 seconds
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The Power of Powerlessness

Join Michael as he discusses false power versus real power, our attraction to the former at our own expense, and how the powerlessness Christ demonstrates for us is the true power we gain when we let go of our need for control and surrender to God.
4/13/20210
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The Power of Powerlessness

Join Michael as he discusses false power versus real power, our attraction to the former at our own expense, and how the powerlessness Christ demonstrates for us is the true power we gain when we let go of our need for control and surrender to God.
4/13/20210
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The Power of Powerlessness

Join Michael as he discusses false power versus real power, our attraction to the former at our own expense, and how the powerlessness Christ demonstrates for us is the true power we gain when we let go of our need for control and surrender to God.
4/13/202131 minutes, 32 seconds
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The “Awful Problem” of Existence

Join Michael as he discusses how we are either living in repentance or rebellion at any given time in our response to God grace, and how this determines the quality of our existence both now and in the life to come.
4/4/202125 minutes, 7 seconds
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The “Awful Problem” of Existence

Join Michael as he discusses how we are either living in repentance or rebellion at any given time in our response to God grace, and how this determines the quality of our existence both now and in the life to come.
4/3/20210
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The “Awful Problem” of Existence

Join Michael as he discusses how we are either living in repentance or rebellion at any given time in our response to God grace, and how this determines the quality of our existence both now and in the life to come.
4/3/20210
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The Failure of the First Fast

Join Michael as he discusses the failure of the first fast in the Bible and its implications to us; how fasting is not about food the way we typically approach it; and fasting’s corporate and communal nature and what it means to us as persons not individuals.
3/23/20210
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The Failure of the First Fast

Join Michael as he discusses the failure of the first fast in the Bible and its implications to us; how fasting is not about food the way we typically approach it; and fasting’s corporate and communal nature and what it means to us as persons not individuals.
3/23/20210
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The Failure of the First Fast

Join Michael as he discusses the failure of the first fast in the Bible and its implications to us; how fasting is not about food the way we typically approach it; and fasting’s corporate and communal nature and what it means to us as persons not individuals.
3/23/202127 minutes, 59 seconds
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Great Lent – The Sacred and the Secular

Great Lent is a holy and sacred time of year yet we can turn it into a secular practice and experience if we are not careful. Join Michael as he discusses our understanding and participation in Lent, and how to avoid subtle ways that lead us to experience Lent less than how we should.
3/15/202121 minutes, 19 seconds
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Great Lent – The Sacred and the Secular

Great Lent is a holy and sacred time of year yet we can turn it into a secular practice and experience if we are not careful. Join Michael as he discusses our understanding and participation in Lent, and how to avoid subtle ways that lead us to experience Lent less than how we should.
3/12/20210
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Great Lent – The Sacred and the Secular

Great Lent is a holy and sacred time of year yet we can turn it into a secular practice and experience if we are not careful. Join Michael as he discusses our understanding and participation in Lent, and how to avoid subtle ways that lead us to experience Lent less than how we should.
3/12/20210
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Conspiracy Theories Unmasked

So many people love a good conspiracy theory. But these theories do damage and harm to individuals, communities, and our society. Join Michael as he discusses the primary reasons people believe them and why doing so is antithetical to our faith.
2/22/20210
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Conspiracy Theories Unmasked

So many people love a good conspiracy theory. But these theories do damage and harm to individuals, communities, and our society. Join Michael as he discusses the primary reasons people believe them and why doing so is antithetical to our faith.
2/22/20210
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Conspiracy Theories Unmasked

So many people love a good conspiracy theory. But these theories do damage and harm to individuals, communities, and our society. Join Michael as he discusses the primary reasons people believe them and why doing so is antithetical to our faith.
2/22/202130 minutes, 23 seconds
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Why Cancel Culture Needs to Be Canceled

Cancel culture is a culture of hate, division, and destruction. Join Michael as he uses the Gospels and other scripture to show just how wicked this culture is; what the current culture is doing to us; why we are knowingly or unknowingly participating in it; and what we should do to combat it.
2/9/202116 minutes, 11 seconds
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Why Cancel Culture Needs to Be Canceled

Cancel culture is a culture of hate, division, and destruction. Join Michael as he uses the Gospels and other scripture to show just how wicked this culture is; what the current culture is doing to us; why we are knowingly or unknowingly participating in it; and what we should do to combat it.
2/8/20210
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Why Cancel Culture Needs to Be Canceled

Cancel culture is a culture of hate, division, and destruction. Join Michael as he uses the Gospels and other scripture to show just how wicked this culture is; what the current culture is doing to us; why we are knowingly or unknowingly participating in it; and what we should do to combat it.
2/8/20210
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“Your Faith Has Made You Well” – Or Has It?

Christ says “your faith has made you well” specific to three healings in the Gospel accounts. This phrase means much more than we think it does and understanding it in full opens our eyes to how we should be living our faith and why many of us are not. Join Michael as breaks this simple phrase down with all of its layers of meaning and what we should be doing daily to be made well.
1/25/20210
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“Your Faith Has Made You Well” – Or Has It?

Christ says “your faith has made you well” specific to three healings in the Gospel accounts. This phrase means much more than we think it does and understanding it in full opens our eyes to how we should be living our faith and why many of us are not. Join Michael as breaks this simple phrase down with all of its layers of meaning and what we should be doing daily to be made well.
1/25/20210
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“Your Faith Has Made You Well” – Or Has It?

Christ says “your faith has made you well” specific to three healings in the Gospel accounts. This phrase means much more than we think it does and understanding it in full opens our eyes to how we should be living our faith and why many of us are not. Join Michael as breaks this simple phrase down with all of its layers of meaning and what we should be doing daily to be made well.
1/25/202124 minutes, 24 seconds
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Tried, Tested and Tempted

What’s the difference between testing and temptation? How can we discern God’s at work in our lives versus the enemy’s attacks? Why does the Greek in the scriptures use the same word for testing and temptation? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and compares and contrasts testing and temptation.
1/16/202126 minutes, 54 seconds
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Tried, Tested and Tempted

What’s the difference between testing and temptation? How can we discern God’s at work in our lives versus the enemy’s attacks? Why does the Greek in the scriptures use the same word for testing and temptation? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and compares and contrasts testing and temptation.
1/15/20210
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Tried, Tested and Tempted

What’s the difference between testing and temptation? How can we discern God’s at work in our lives versus the enemy’s attacks? Why does the Greek in the scriptures use the same word for testing and temptation? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and compares and contrasts testing and temptation.
1/15/20210
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Why Christians Must Acquire the Soul of a Poet

St. Porphyrios wrote, “Whoever wants to become a Christian must first become a poet.” Most of us are not poets so does this preclude us from being true Christians? Join Michael as he explores God’s poetic and artistic nature and how to understand and connect to Him through the divine language of symbol, beauty, and our own personal artistry even while living in a culture dominated by utilitarianism and reductionism.
12/21/202031 minutes, 37 seconds
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Why Christians Must Acquire the Soul of a Poet

St. Porphyrios wrote, “Whoever wants to become a Christian must first become a poet.” Most of us are not poets so does this preclude us from being true Christians? Join Michael as he explores God’s poetic and artistic nature and how to understand and connect to Him through the divine language of symbol, beauty, and our own personal artistry even while living in a culture dominated by utilitarianism and reductionism.
12/19/20200
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Why Christians Must Acquire the Soul of a Poet

St. Porphyrios wrote, “Whoever wants to become a Christian must first become a poet.” Most of us are not poets so does this preclude us from being true Christians? Join Michael as he explores God’s poetic and artistic nature and how to understand and connect to Him through the divine language of symbol, beauty, and our own personal artistry even while living in a culture dominated by utilitarianism and reductionism.
12/19/20200
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It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive Except for Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses the Book of Job as a case study in suffering and the importance of how we receive our suffering; how it is often what defines our salvation and belief in and relationship to God; what God gives and does not give to us in our suffering; and how our suffering can be a mystery and those closest to us can often create obstacles for us to receive it well.
12/13/202031 minutes
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It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive Except for Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses the Book of Job as a case study in suffering and the importance of how we receive our suffering; how it is often what defines our salvation and belief in and relationship to God; what God gives and does not give to us in our suffering; and how our suffering can be a mystery and those closest to us can often create obstacles for us to receive it well.
12/12/20200
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It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive Except for Suffering

Join Michael as he discusses the Book of Job as a case study in suffering and the importance of how we receive our suffering; how it is often what defines our salvation and belief in and relationship to God; what God gives and does not give to us in our suffering; and how our suffering can be a mystery and those closest to us can often create obstacles for us to receive it well.
12/12/20200
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Our Thoughts (and Actions) Determine Our Lives

Many of us have read the book Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus which is packed with holy wisdom. However, our thoughts gives rise to our actions, and our actions in turn reflect our thoughts. We are held to account by God for both what we think and what we do. Join Michael as he discusses the relationship to thoughts and actions, how we often entertain and get seduced by the wrong thoughts, and can make philosophy, psychology, and even theology and excuse to not have the right thoughts or take the right actions.
11/24/202030 minutes, 12 seconds
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Our Thoughts (and Actions) Determine Our Lives

Many of us have read the book Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus which is packed with holy wisdom. However, our thoughts gives rise to our actions, and our actions in turn reflect our thoughts. We are held to account by God for both what we think and what we do. Join Michael as he discusses the relationship to thoughts and actions, how we often entertain and get seduced by the wrong thoughts, and can make philosophy, psychology, and even theology and excuse to not have the right thoughts or take the right actions.
11/23/20200
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Our Thoughts (and Actions) Determine Our Lives

Many of us have read the book Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus which is packed with holy wisdom. However, our thoughts gives rise to our actions, and our actions in turn reflect our thoughts. We are held to account by God for both what we think and what we do. Join Michael as he discusses the relationship to thoughts and actions, how we often entertain and get seduced by the wrong thoughts, and can make philosophy, psychology, and even theology and excuse to not have the right thoughts or take the right actions.
11/23/20200
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The Liturgy of Human Need

Join Michael as he offers a reflection on how and why the liturgical life of the church should be lived continuously both inside and outside of the church walls, how Christ teaches and demonstrates this in the Gospel, and how we can sometimes make our liturgical worship a requirement instead of a means to draw closer to Christ and love others.
11/16/20200
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The Liturgy of Human Need

Join Michael as he offers a reflection on how and why the liturgical life of the church should be lived continuously both inside and outside of the church walls, how Christ teaches and demonstrates this in the Gospel, and how we can sometimes make our liturgical worship a requirement instead of a means to draw closer to Christ and love others.
11/16/20200
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The Liturgy of Human Need

Join Michael as he offers a reflection on how and why the liturgical life of the church should be lived continuously both inside and outside of the church walls, how Christ teaches and demonstrates this in the Gospel, and how we can sometimes make our liturgical worship a requirement instead of a means to draw closer to Christ and love others.
11/16/202023 minutes, 36 seconds
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Not Losing Heart in These Troubling Times

Join Michael as he discusses what it really means “not to lose heart” according to Christ and St. Paul, examines the scriptures where these words are used, looks at their meaning in the original Greek, and why we actually have a responsibility to others not to lose heart.
10/27/202027 minutes, 13 seconds
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Not Losing Heart in These Troubling Times

Join Michael as he discusses what it really means “not to lose heart” according to Christ and St. Paul, examines the scriptures where these words are used, looks at their meaning in the original Greek, and why we actually have a responsibility to others not to lose heart.
10/24/20200
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Not Losing Heart in These Troubling Times

Join Michael as he discusses what it really means “not to lose heart” according to Christ and St. Paul, examines the scriptures where these words are used, looks at their meaning in the original Greek, and why we actually have a responsibility to others not to lose heart.
10/24/20200
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Self-Denial or Self-Desire

Join Michael as he discusses the danger of giving into the wrong desires, some of which seem benign but aren’t; the struggles we encounter on the journey from self-desire to self-denial; what authors such as Lewis, Tolkien, and others can teach us; and ways we can frame our thought to help us with this important struggle.
10/8/202027 minutes, 58 seconds
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Self-Denial or Self-Desire

Join Michael as he discusses the danger of giving into the wrong desires, some of which seem benign but aren’t; the struggles we encounter on the journey from self-desire to self-denial; what authors such as Lewis, Tolkien, and others can teach us; and ways we can frame our thought to help us with this important struggle.
10/7/20200
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Self-Denial or Self-Desire

Join Michael as he discusses the danger of giving into the wrong desires, some of which seem benign but aren’t; the struggles we encounter on the journey from self-desire to self-denial; what authors such as Lewis, Tolkien, and others can teach us; and ways we can frame our thought to help us with this important struggle.
10/7/20200
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I Don't Feel God

Join Michael as he discusses what we should do when we feel like God is absent from our lives, and how we can overcome the tyranny of our negative thoughts and feelings that create this false sense of separation.
9/22/20200
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I Don't Feel God

Join Michael as he discusses what we should do when we feel like God is absent from our lives, and how we can overcome the tyranny of our negative thoughts and feelings that create this false sense of separation.
9/22/20200
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I Don’t Feel God

Join Michael as he discusses what we should do when we feel like God is absent from our lives, and how we can overcome the tyranny of our negative thoughts and feelings that create this false sense of separation.
9/22/202023 minutes, 47 seconds
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Do We Want to be Well?

Join Michael for an in-depth discussion of healing, what Christ demonstrates in the Gospels, and some surprising reasons why we are and are not as open to healing as we’d like to think.
7/3/202029 minutes, 45 seconds
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Do We Want to be Well?

Join Michael for an in-depth discussion of healing, what Christ demonstrates in the Gospels, and some surprising reasons why we are and are not as open to healing as we’d like to think.
7/3/20200
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Do We Want to be Well?

Join Michael for an in-depth discussion of healing, what Christ demonstrates in the Gospels, and some surprising reasons why we are and are not as open to healing as we’d like to think.
7/3/20200
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Imposter Syndrome and the Enemy Within

Join Michael in an in-depth discussion about the self-defeating voice in our head that makes us feel like imposters who we will be discovered a frauds, the internal and external influences that feed this negative self-talk, and how we can overcome it in Christ.
6/15/20200
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Imposter Syndrome and the Enemy Within

Join Michael in an in-depth discussion about the self-defeating voice in our head that makes us feel like imposters who we will be discovered a frauds, the internal and external influences that feed this negative self-talk, and how we can overcome it in Christ.
6/15/20200
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Imposter Syndrome and the Enemy Within

Join Michael in an in-depth discussion about the self-defeating voice in our head that makes us feel like imposters who we will be discovered a frauds, the internal and external influences that feed this negative self-talk, and how we can overcome it in Christ.
6/15/202033 minutes, 13 seconds
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God, COVID-19, and PTSD

Join Michael as he tells the story of a family who all contracted the virus, what they suffered, what medical experts and articles are saying about COVID-19 and PTSD, and how we can understand this spiritually.
5/26/20200
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God, COVID-19, and PTSD

Join Michael as he tells the story of a family who all contracted the virus, what they suffered, what medical experts and articles are saying about COVID-19 and PTSD, and how we can understand this spiritually.
5/26/20200
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God, COVID-19, and PTSD

Join Michael as he tells the story of a family who all contracted the virus, what they suffered, what medical experts and articles are saying about COVID-19 and PTSD, and how we can understand this spiritually.
5/26/202033 minutes, 55 seconds
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Mary the Mother of God and the Value and Restoration of Women

In celebration of Mother’s Day, join Michael as he explores the language of the Genesis creation stories and what they teach us about the value of women and the feminine and motherly nature of God. He then reflects on the Theotokos and how her life and Christ’s demonstrate the value of women established in Genesis, and how they restore women to the place God intended for them. This podcast is based on a Zoom class Michael gave to a Church community and also includes responses from the question and answer period of the class.
5/12/202034 minutes, 28 seconds
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Mary the Mother of God and the Value and Restoration of Women

In celebration of Mother’s Day, join Michael as he explores the language of the Genesis creation stories and what they teach us about the value of women and the feminine and motherly nature of God. He then reflects on the Theotokos and how her life and Christ’s demonstrate the value of women established in Genesis, and how they restore women to the place God intended for them. This podcast is based on a Zoom class Michael gave to a Church community and also includes responses from the question and answer period of the class.
5/12/20200
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Mary the Mother of God and the Value and Restoration of Women

In celebration of Mother’s Day, join Michael as he explores the language of the Genesis creation stories and what they teach us about the value of women and the feminine and motherly nature of God. He then reflects on the Theotokos and how her life and Christ’s demonstrate the value of women established in Genesis, and how they restore women to the place God intended for them. This podcast is based on a Zoom class Michael gave to a Church community and also includes responses from the question and answer period of the class.
5/12/20200
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Praying in the Name of the Lord

The circumstances of the coronavirus and the global pandemic give us an opportunity, amidst the suffering, to reexamine aspects of our faith, and refresh and renew our thinking and practice. Join Michael as he takes a deep dive of what it means to pray in the name of the Lord, especially during this time of great need.
4/20/20200
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Praying in the Name of the Lord

The circumstances of the coronavirus and the global pandemic give us an opportunity, amidst the suffering, to reexamine aspects of our faith, and refresh and renew our thinking and practice. Join Michael as he takes a deep dive of what it means to pray in the name of the Lord, especially during this time of great need.
4/20/20200
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Praying in the Name of the Lord

The circumstances of the coronavirus and the global pandemic give us an opportunity, amidst the suffering, to reexamine aspects of our faith, and refresh and renew our thinking and practice. Join Michael as he takes a deep dive of what it means to pray in the name of the Lord, especially during this time of great need.
4/20/202030 minutes, 38 seconds
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The Office of the Child: Hope in Christ as the Eternal Son of God

Retaining the hope of a child is not easy, especially in today’s coronavirus pandemic environment. Yet this is what Christ want us to do according to the Gospel. Using thoughts from Orthodox teacher and professor Vigen Guroian’s chapter on childhood from his book The Orthodox Reality: Culture, Theology, and Ethics in the Modern World, Michael explores this topic in depth, and explains how by remembering that Christ is the eternal child of God can rekindle our sense of hope during this difficult time.
4/9/202029 minutes, 36 seconds
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The Office of the Child: Hope in Christ as the Eternal Son of God

Retaining the hope of a child is not easy, especially in today’s coronavirus pandemic environment. Yet this is what Christ want us to do according to the Gospel. Using thoughts from Orthodox teacher and professor Vigen Guroian’s chapter on childhood from his book The Orthodox Reality: Culture, Theology, and Ethics in the Modern World, Michael explores this topic in depth, and explains how by remembering that Christ is the eternal child of God can rekindle our sense of hope during this difficult time.
4/7/20200
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The Office of the Child: Hope in Christ as the Eternal Son of God

Retaining the hope of a child is not easy, especially in today’s coronavirus pandemic environment. Yet this is what Christ want us to do according to the Gospel. Using thoughts from Orthodox teacher and professor Vigen Guroian’s chapter on childhood from his book The Orthodox Reality: Culture, Theology, and Ethics in the Modern World, Michael explores this topic in depth, and explains how by remembering that Christ is the eternal child of God can rekindle our sense of hope during this difficult time.
4/7/20200
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Panic, Fragility, and the Plight of the Immanent Man

Inspired by the conditions of the coronavirus, but not about the virus itself, Michael reflects on why either our transcendent or immanent mindset makes a huge difference on how we cope with such trying circumstances.
4/2/202031 minutes, 22 seconds
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Panic, Fragility, and the Plight of the Immanent Man

Inspired by the conditions of the coronavirus, but not about the virus itself, Michael reflects on why either our transcendent or immanent mindset makes a huge difference on how we cope with such trying circumstances.
4/1/20200
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Panic, Fragility, and the Plight of the Immanent Man

Inspired by the conditions of the coronavirus, but not about the virus itself, Michael reflects on why either our transcendent or immanent mindset makes a huge difference on how we cope with such trying circumstances.
4/1/20200
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Fear and Control

The St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral has been holding nightly classes/discussions, seven days a week at 7 PM EST. Led by Father George Kokhno and Father Valery Shemchuk, each night either one of them, or guest speakers such as Michael Haldas, Archimandrite Sergius of St. Tikhon's Monastery, Father Maximus Urbanowicz, and others have led discussions. Michael recently led a class in which the topic was Fear and Control. All are welcome to join future classes. Download the Zoom App to your smartphone or tablet, or join through the web at (https://zoom.us/j/2100687480). If you use the app simply open it, use code 2100687480 to join.
3/26/202037 minutes, 43 seconds
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Fear and Control

The St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral has been holding nightly classes/discussions, seven days a week at 7 PM EST. Led by Father George Kokhno and Father Valery Shemchuk, each night either one of them, or guest speakers such as Michael Haldas, Archimandrite Sergius of St. Tikhon's Monastery, Father Maximus Urbanowicz, and others have led discussions. Michael recently led a class in which the topic was Fear and Control. All are welcome to join future classes. Download the Zoom App to your smartphone or tablet, or join through the web at (https://zoom.us/j/2100687480). If you use the app simply open it, use code 2100687480 to join.
3/25/20200
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Fear and Control

The St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral has been holding nightly classes/discussions, seven days a week at 7 PM EST. Led by Father George Kokhno and Father Valery Shemchuk, each night either one of them, or guest speakers such as Michael Haldas, Archimandrite Sergius of St. Tikhon's Monastery, Father Maximus Urbanowicz, and others have led discussions. Michael recently led a class in which the topic was Fear and Control. All are welcome to join future classes. Download the Zoom App to your smartphone or tablet, or join through the web at (https://zoom.us/j/2100687480). If you use the app simply open it, use code 2100687480 to join.
3/25/20200
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Capturing our Minds in a World of False Images

Join Michael as he talks about how to capture and protect our mind from the world of false images we live in, and how doing so also supports our mental, physical and spiritual health.
2/25/20200
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Capturing our Minds in a World of False Images

Join Michael as he talks about how to capture and protect our mind from the world of false images we live in, and how doing so also supports our mental, physical and spiritual health.
2/25/20200
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Capturing our Minds in a World of False Images

Join Michael as he talks about how to capture and protect our mind from the world of false images we live in, and how doing so also supports our mental, physical and spiritual health.
2/25/202013 minutes, 14 seconds
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Being a Life Giver in a Culture of Death

We have all heard the phrase “culture of death.” Many use it to describe the culture we live in, especially when it comes to current social issues. Join Michael as he talks about life and death, what we as Orthodox Christians need to do to continually bring life to a world riddled with death, and why our understanding of life and death needs to be understood in a much broader and deeper sense.
1/4/20200
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Being a Life Giver in a Culture of Death

We have all heard the phrase “culture of death.” Many use it to describe the culture we live in, especially when it comes to current social issues. Join Michael as he talks about life and death, what we as Orthodox Christians need to do to continually bring life to a world riddled with death, and why our understanding of life and death needs to be understood in a much broader and deeper sense.
1/4/20200
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Being a Life Giver in a Culture of Death

We have all heard the phrase “culture of death.” Many use it to describe the culture we live in, especially when it comes to current social issues. Join Michael as he talks about life and death, what we as Orthodox Christians need to do to continually bring life to a world riddled with death, and why our understanding of life and death needs to be understood in a much broader and deeper sense.
1/4/202024 minutes, 30 seconds
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Freeing Ourselves from Bondage

Bondage to sin and wrong behavior and struggling with things we can’t seem to overcome plague us all to lesser or greater degrees. Join Michael as he talks about three typical forms of bondage that grip us and what we need to do to overcome them.
12/2/201931 minutes, 59 seconds
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Freeing Ourselves from Bondage

Bondage to sin and wrong behavior and struggling with things we can’t seem to overcome plague us all to lesser or greater degrees. Join Michael as he talks about three typical forms of bondage that grip us and what we need to do to overcome them.
12/1/20190
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Freeing Ourselves from Bondage

Bondage to sin and wrong behavior and struggling with things we can’t seem to overcome plague us all to lesser or greater degrees. Join Michael as he talks about three typical forms of bondage that grip us and what we need to do to overcome them.
12/1/20190
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Hope When Feeling Hopeless

It’s terrible feeling to lose hope and feel like our circumstances are hopeless. It’s not how we are meant to live, but we can lose sight of this because of what we are going through. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic and how we can maintain or recapture hope no matter what we are experiencing. Michael also shares some exciting developments occurring with Ancient Faith Ministries and the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, an author whose fiction deals a lot with hope amidst hopelessness.
11/13/20190
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Hope When Feeling Hopeless

It’s terrible feeling to lose hope and feel like our circumstances are hopeless. It’s not how we are meant to live, but we can lose sight of this because of what we are going through. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic and how we can maintain or recapture hope no matter what we are experiencing. Michael also shares some exciting developments occurring with Ancient Faith Ministries and the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, an author whose fiction deals a lot with hope amidst hopelessness.
11/13/20190
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Hope When Feeling Hopeless

It’s terrible feeling to lose hope and feel like our circumstances are hopeless. It’s not how we are meant to live, but we can lose sight of this because of what we are going through. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic and how we can maintain or recapture hope no matter what we are experiencing. Michael also shares some exciting developments occurring with Ancient Faith Ministries and the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, an author whose fiction deals a lot with hope amidst hopelessness.
11/13/201930 minutes, 4 seconds
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Suffering and Unconditional Love of Others

How do we continue to love unconditionally amidst our suffering, especially when this suffering is caused by the people we love best? How do we attain and maintain the maturity of faith we need to be Christ-like, let God be in control, and recognize the grace in our lives despite the pain. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic.
8/11/20190
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Suffering and Unconditional Love of Others

How do we continue to love unconditionally amidst our suffering, especially when this suffering is caused by the people we love best? How do we attain and maintain the maturity of faith we need to be Christ-like, let God be in control, and recognize the grace in our lives despite the pain. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic.
8/11/20190
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Suffering and Unconditional Love of Others

How do we continue to love unconditionally amidst our suffering, especially when this suffering is caused by the people we love best? How do we attain and maintain the maturity of faith we need to be Christ-like, let God be in control, and recognize the grace in our lives despite the pain. Join Michael as he shares his thoughts and experiences on this very difficult topic.
8/11/201922 minutes, 10 seconds
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The Action of Contemplation

We live in a pace driven and action oriented culture where we are always on the go. We achieve much yet feel mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. We have forgotten how to just be. Join Michael Haldas as he explores this topic in depth and offers some thoughts on the hierarchy of action and contemplation in our lives.
7/9/20190
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The Action of Contemplation

We live in a pace driven and action oriented culture where we are always on the go. We achieve much yet feel mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. We have forgotten how to just be. Join Michael Haldas as he explores this topic in depth and offers some thoughts on the hierarchy of action and contemplation in our lives.
7/9/20190
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The Action of Contemplation

We live in a pace driven and action oriented culture where we are always on the go. We achieve much yet feel mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. We have forgotten how to just be. Join Michael Haldas as he explores this topic in depth and offers some thoughts on the hierarchy of action and contemplation in our lives.
7/9/201932 minutes, 20 seconds
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Threads of Life and Tangled Webs: How to Make Sense of Our Lives and See the Beauty Amidst the Chaos

Join Michael as he explores the webs and patterns of our life, and uses poem, story, myth, metaphor, and examples from his own life to show how we can recognize God and continuity within our myriad choices, and know His peace.
6/18/20190
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Threads of Life and Tangled Webs: How to Make Sense of Our Lives and See the Beauty Amidst the Chaos

Join Michael as he explores the webs and patterns of our life, and uses poem, story, myth, metaphor, and examples from his own life to show how we can recognize God and continuity within our myriad choices, and know His peace.
6/18/20190
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Threads of Life and Tangled Webs: How to Make Sense of Our Lives and See the Beauty Amidst the Chaos

Join Michael as he explores the webs and patterns of our life, and uses poem, story, myth, metaphor, and examples from his own life to show how we can recognize God and continuity within our myriad choices, and know His peace.
6/18/201928 minutes, 19 seconds
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Wrestling with God: Struggles, Wounds, and Transformation

Have you ever felt like you were wrestling or struggling with God, like your life was out of control, the future was unknown or something to be feared, and you were at a loss about what to do? Your prayers seem unanswered and God seems silent. Join Michael as he recounts the story of Jacob and shows how Jacob’s story and his struggle with God is our story.
4/23/20190
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Wrestling with God: Struggles, Wounds, and Transformation

Have you ever felt like you were wrestling or struggling with God, like your life was out of control, the future was unknown or something to be feared, and you were at a loss about what to do? Your prayers seem unanswered and God seems silent. Join Michael as he recounts the story of Jacob and shows how Jacob’s story and his struggle with God is our story.
4/23/20190
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Wrestling with God: Struggles, Wounds, and Transformation

Have you ever felt like you were wrestling or struggling with God, like your life was out of control, the future was unknown or something to be feared, and you were at a loss about what to do? Your prayers seem unanswered and God seems silent. Join Michael as he recounts the story of Jacob and shows how Jacob’s story and his struggle with God is our story.
4/23/201932 minutes, 43 seconds
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Truth or Lies - There is No Compromise

Making extensive use of the Scriptures, join Michael Haldas as he teaches an in-depth Bible lesson on the truth about truth; the truth about the real gravity and depravity of lies and lying; and what Christ means when He talks about the “father of lies” and “the ruler of this world” who was “a murderer from the beginning.”
3/4/20190
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Truth or Lies - There is No Compromise

Making extensive use of the Scriptures, join Michael Haldas as he teaches an in-depth Bible lesson on the truth about truth; the truth about the real gravity and depravity of lies and lying; and what Christ means when He talks about the “father of lies” and “the ruler of this world” who was “a murderer from the beginning.”
3/4/20190
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Truth or Lies - There is No Compromise

Making extensive use of the Scriptures, join Michael Haldas as he teaches an in-depth Bible lesson on the truth about truth; the truth about the real gravity and depravity of lies and lying; and what Christ means when He talks about the “father of lies” and “the ruler of this world” who was “a murderer from the beginning.”
3/4/201927 minutes, 57 seconds
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Sacramentality in the Lord of the Rings

Join Michael has he discusses in-depth how J.R.R Tolkien and his work were formational in preparing him to accept the truth of sacramental reality as experienced and taught in Orthodox Christianity.
2/5/20190
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Sacramentality in the Lord of the Rings

Join Michael has he discusses in-depth how J.R.R Tolkien and his work were formational in preparing him to accept the truth of sacramental reality as experienced and taught in Orthodox Christianity.
2/5/20190
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Sacramentality in the Lord of the Rings

Join Michael has he discusses in-depth how J.R.R Tolkien and his work were formational in preparing him to accept the truth of sacramental reality as experienced and taught in Orthodox Christianity.
2/5/201935 minutes, 47 seconds
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness

Join Michael as uses a disturbing trend among young adults when it comes to the Constitution and the Bible as a springboard to discuss happiness versus holiness, and why the Holy Fathers surpass the Founding Fathers when it comes to truly understanding how to form “a more perfect union.”
1/25/20190
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness

Join Michael as uses a disturbing trend among young adults when it comes to the Constitution and the Bible as a springboard to discuss happiness versus holiness, and why the Holy Fathers surpass the Founding Fathers when it comes to truly understanding how to form “a more perfect union.”
1/25/20190
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness

Join Michael as uses a disturbing trend among young adults when it comes to the Constitution and the Bible as a springboard to discuss happiness versus holiness, and why the Holy Fathers surpass the Founding Fathers when it comes to truly understanding how to form “a more perfect union.”
1/25/201914 minutes, 11 seconds
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Thoughts on “Thoughts and Prayers”

Join Michael as he uses Scripture and a well-written article to discuss the slippery slope of letting the words “our thoughts and prayers” become synonymous for non-action.
11/27/20180
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Thoughts on “Thoughts and Prayers”

Join Michael as he uses Scripture and a well-written article to discuss the slippery slope of letting the words “our thoughts and prayers” become synonymous for non-action.
11/27/20180
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Thoughts on “Thoughts and Prayers”

Join Michael as he uses Scripture and a well-written article to discuss the slippery slope of letting the words “our thoughts and prayers” become synonymous for non-action.
11/27/201819 minutes, 12 seconds
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Suffering When Loved Ones Suffer

Watching and supporting a loved one who is suffering often causes us to suffer just as much and even more. Join Michael as he uses scripture and real life experience to illustrate five things we need to do and remember to get through this type of suffering.
11/2/201819 minutes, 2 seconds
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Suffering When Loved Ones Suffer

Watching and supporting a loved one who is suffering often causes us to suffer just as much and even more. Join Michael as he uses scripture and real life experience to illustrate five things we need to do and remember to get through this type of suffering.
11/2/20180
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Suffering When Loved Ones Suffer

Watching and supporting a loved one who is suffering often causes us to suffer just as much and even more. Join Michael as he uses scripture and real life experience to illustrate five things we need to do and remember to get through this type of suffering.
11/2/20180
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God is in Control…Really?

Sometimes our lives are in such chaos and darkness it is hard to believe God is in control and is loving us and caring for us. Join Michael as he dramatically recounts the story of the Gadarene Demoniac told in Mark 5:1-20, unlikely though it would seem, to demonstrate God’s providence in our lives.
9/25/20180
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God is in Control…Really?

Sometimes our lives are in such chaos and darkness it is hard to believe God is in control and is loving us and caring for us. Join Michael as he dramatically recounts the story of the Gadarene Demoniac told in Mark 5:1-20, unlikely though it would seem, to demonstrate God’s providence in our lives.
9/25/20180
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God is in Control…Really?

Sometimes our lives are in such chaos and darkness it is hard to believe God is in control and is loving us and caring for us. Join Michael as he dramatically recounts the story of the Gadarene Demoniac told in Mark 5:1-20, unlikely though it would seem, to demonstrate God’s providence in our lives.
9/25/201817 minutes, 13 seconds
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A Tale of Two Icons: Reflections on Hope, Healing, and Miracles

Michael offers thoughts and personal reflections of his recent experience with the miraculous icon of St. Anna at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart, PA, and the Kardiotisa, “The Tender Heart” myrrh-flowing, miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary at St. George Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA.
8/30/20180
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A Tale of Two Icons: Reflections on Hope, Healing, and Miracles

Michael offers thoughts and personal reflections of his recent experience with the miraculous icon of St. Anna at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart, PA, and the Kardiotisa, “The Tender Heart” myrrh-flowing, miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary at St. George Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA.
8/30/20180
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A Tale of Two Icons: Reflections on Hope, Healing, and Miracles

Michael offers thoughts and personal reflections of his recent experience with the miraculous icon of St. Anna at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart, PA, and the Kardiotisa, “The Tender Heart” myrrh-flowing, miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary at St. George Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA.
8/30/201821 minutes, 47 seconds
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Addiction, Possession, and the Opioid Crisis

Drug related deaths due to heroin and opioids are on the rise. It’s becoming an epidemic. Why is this? What are the factors contributing to this crisis of life and death? Why is this crisis reflective of a deep spiritual disorder that demands that parishes and their members get engaged based on their resources and capacity? Join Michael as he attempts to address these questions and shares information from his Metropolis that can be useful to many.
7/30/201819 minutes, 18 seconds
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Addiction, Possession, and the Opioid Crisis

Drug related deaths due to heroin and opioids are on the rise. It’s becoming an epidemic. Why is this? What are the factors contributing to this crisis of life and death? Why is this crisis reflective of a deep spiritual disorder that demands that parishes and their members get engaged based on their resources and capacity? Join Michael as he attempts to address these questions and shares information from his Metropolis that can be useful to many.
7/28/20180
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Addiction, Possession, and the Opioid Crisis

Drug related deaths due to heroin and opioids are on the rise. It’s becoming an epidemic. Why is this? What are the factors contributing to this crisis of life and death? Why is this crisis reflective of a deep spiritual disorder that demands that parishes and their members get engaged based on their resources and capacity? Join Michael as he attempts to address these questions and shares information from his Metropolis that can be useful to many.
7/28/20180
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Thoughts on Suicide and What We Can Do

CDC reports that suicides have increased 25% since 1999 in nearly every state and recent celebrity suicides have cause a renewed focus on this issue. The CDC report further lists reasons, warning signs, and who this is affecting most. What can everyday ordinary Orthodox Christians do, who are not clergy or mental health professionals, to help combat this tragedy. Join Michael Haldas as he shares his personal experience and offers some thoughts on this topic.
6/27/20180
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Thoughts on Suicide and What We Can Do

CDC reports that suicides have increased 25% since 1999 in nearly every state and recent celebrity suicides have cause a renewed focus on this issue. The CDC report further lists reasons, warning signs, and who this is affecting most. What can everyday ordinary Orthodox Christians do, who are not clergy or mental health professionals, to help combat this tragedy. Join Michael Haldas as he shares his personal experience and offers some thoughts on this topic.
6/27/20180
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Thoughts on Suicide and What We Can Do

CDC reports that suicides have increased 25% since 1999 in nearly every state and recent celebrity suicides have cause a renewed focus on this issue. The CDC report further lists reasons, warning signs, and who this is affecting most. What can everyday ordinary Orthodox Christians do, who are not clergy or mental health professionals, to help combat this tragedy. Join Michael Haldas as he shares his personal experience and offers some thoughts on this topic.
6/27/201817 minutes, 20 seconds
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What Do You Want – Fair or Me? Choosing God Amidst the Unfairness of Illness and Affliction

Life’s often not fair and we all suffer from illness and affliction at times that are not of our own making. It is then we are often confronted with a choice – to continue to want to be with God even though we don’t understand why certain things are happening to us; or to let the seeming unfairness of our circumstance drive us away from Him. Join Michael as he uses a whimsical episode of the Brady Bunch to illustrate and discuss this profound truth we all experience.
5/26/20180
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What Do You Want – Fair or Me? Choosing God Amidst the Unfairness of Illness and Affliction

Life’s often not fair and we all suffer from illness and affliction at times that are not of our own making. It is then we are often confronted with a choice – to continue to want to be with God even though we don’t understand why certain things are happening to us; or to let the seeming unfairness of our circumstance drive us away from Him. Join Michael as he uses a whimsical episode of the Brady Bunch to illustrate and discuss this profound truth we all experience.
5/26/20180
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What Do You Want – Fair or Me? Choosing God Amidst the Unfairness of Illness and Affliction

Life’s often not fair and we all suffer from illness and affliction at times that are not of our own making. It is then we are often confronted with a choice – to continue to want to be with God even though we don’t understand why certain things are happening to us; or to let the seeming unfairness of our circumstance drive us away from Him. Join Michael as he uses a whimsical episode of the Brady Bunch to illustrate and discuss this profound truth we all experience.
5/26/201818 minutes, 31 seconds
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Falling into the Hands of Mercy

Join Michael as he takes a deep dive into what mercy is, why we often misunderstand it, why we sometimes misperceive God as harsh or even vengeful, and what we need to understand to open our hearts to God’s ever-present mercy.
4/17/20180
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Falling into the Hands of Mercy

Join Michael as he takes a deep dive into what mercy is, why we often misunderstand it, why we sometimes misperceive God as harsh or even vengeful, and what we need to understand to open our hearts to God’s ever-present mercy.
4/17/20180
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Falling into the Hands of Mercy

Join Michael as he takes a deep dive into what mercy is, why we often misunderstand it, why we sometimes misperceive God as harsh or even vengeful, and what we need to understand to open our hearts to God’s ever-present mercy.
4/17/201819 minutes, 7 seconds
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The Blessing of Brokenness

It feels awful when we break an object we love and it is beyond repair. Yet Christ loves us and tells us we as persons must be broken for Him to “repair” us. He tells us we have no choice and that the alternative to not being broken is to be crushed. What does He mean? Join Michael as he explains Christ’s teaching and what brokenness looks and feels like.
3/20/20180
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The Blessing of Brokenness

It feels awful when we break an object we love and it is beyond repair. Yet Christ loves us and tells us we as persons must be broken for Him to “repair” us. He tells us we have no choice and that the alternative to not being broken is to be crushed. What does He mean? Join Michael as he explains Christ’s teaching and what brokenness looks and feels like.
3/20/20180
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The Blessing of Brokenness

It feels awful when we break an object we love and it is beyond repair. Yet Christ loves us and tells us we as persons must be broken for Him to “repair” us. He tells us we have no choice and that the alternative to not being broken is to be crushed. What does He mean? Join Michael as he explains Christ’s teaching and what brokenness looks and feels like.
3/20/201819 minutes, 10 seconds
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Mystical Experience or Awe and Wonder

How do we know if we are having a mystical experience versus just an experience of awe and wonder. Does it even matter if it is one or the other? How can we trust our experiences and what are their value? Recounting his own special experience at St. Paul’s church in Rome, join Michael as he tells his story and addresses these important questions. This episode also features Metropolitan Kallistos Ware sharing his earliest recollection of his own religious experience.
9/9/201721 minutes, 38 seconds
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Mystical Experience or Awe and Wonder

How do we know if we are having a mystical experience versus just an experience of awe and wonder. Does it even matter if it is one or the other? How can we trust our experiences and what are their value? Recounting his own special experience at St. Paul’s church in Rome, join Michael as he tells his story and addresses these important questions. This episode also features Metropolitan Kallistos Ware sharing his earliest recollection of his own religious experience.
9/8/20170
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Mystical Experience or Awe and Wonder

How do we know if we are having a mystical experience versus just an experience of awe and wonder. Does it even matter if it is one or the other? How can we trust our experiences and what are their value? Recounting his own special experience at St. Paul’s church in Rome, join Michael as he tells his story and addresses these important questions. This episode also features Metropolitan Kallistos Ware sharing his earliest recollection of his own religious experience.
9/8/20170
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The Lie Whisperer: Overcoming the Enemy in Your Head

Dealing with the negative voice in your head that holds you back, causes doubt and anxiety, and robs you of your peace and joy.
7/25/20170
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The Lie Whisperer: Overcoming the Enemy in Your Head

Dealing with the negative voice in your head that holds you back, causes doubt and anxiety, and robs you of your peace and joy.
7/25/20170
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The Lie Whisperer: Overcoming the Enemy in Your Head

Dealing with the negative voice in your head that holds you back, causes doubt and anxiety, and robs you of your peace and joy.
7/25/201713 minutes, 29 seconds
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How Harry Healed My Inner Frodo: Reflections on the Mystery of Love, Sacrifice, and Choice

Exploring the characters of Frodo, Gollum, Harry, and Voldemort from these two great works beloved by millions, and what they remind us about concerning love, sacrifice, choice, and more.
6/30/201720 minutes, 34 seconds
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How Harry Healed My Inner Frodo: Reflections on the Mystery of Love, Sacrifice, and Choice

Exploring the characters of Frodo, Gollum, Harry, and Voldemort from these two great works beloved by millions, and what they remind us about concerning love, sacrifice, choice, and more.
6/29/20170
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How Harry Healed My Inner Frodo: Reflections on the Mystery of Love, Sacrifice, and Choice

Exploring the characters of Frodo, Gollum, Harry, and Voldemort from these two great works beloved by millions, and what they remind us about concerning love, sacrifice, choice, and more.
6/29/20170
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Confession, Adulation, and Social Media

Exploring what the Sacrament of Confession teach us about the dangers of popularity and hero-worship in this age of social media.
6/7/20170
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Confession, Adulation, and Social Media

Exploring what the Sacrament of Confession teach us about the dangers of popularity and hero-worship in this age of social media.
6/7/20170
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Confession, Adulation, and Social Media

Exploring what the Sacrament of Confession teach us about the dangers of popularity and hero-worship in this age of social media.
6/7/201712 minutes, 58 seconds
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Losing to Gain

Join Michael as he discusses the principle of losing to gain, and what it is we need to lose about ourselves to gain Christ. Focusing particularly on cynicism, he explores why it is ‘sin-a-cism’ and draws on biblical examples to illustrate how and why we need to change this attitude for our spiritual health.
5/10/20170
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Losing to Gain

Join Michael as he discusses the principle of losing to gain, and what it is we need to lose about ourselves to gain Christ. Focusing particularly on cynicism, he explores why it is ‘sin-a-cism’ and draws on biblical examples to illustrate how and why we need to change this attitude for our spiritual health.
5/10/20170
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Losing to Gain

Join Michael as he discusses the principle of losing to gain, and what it is we need to lose about ourselves to gain Christ. Focusing particularly on cynicism, he explores why it is ‘sin-a-cism’ and draws on biblical examples to illustrate how and why we need to change this attitude for our spiritual health.
5/9/201715 minutes, 45 seconds
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God and the Second Law of Thermodynamics - Thoughts on the Holiness of Order

Join Michael as he uses science and examples in everyday life to discuss order and disorder, why it is important to understand what they mean spiritually, and how we must be deliberate and committed in our choices to be holy and grow in Christ.
4/13/20170
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God and the Second Law of Thermodynamics - Thoughts on the Holiness of Order

Join Michael as he uses science and examples in everyday life to discuss order and disorder, why it is important to understand what they mean spiritually, and how we must be deliberate and committed in our choices to be holy and grow in Christ.
4/13/20170
Episode Artwork

God and the Second Law of Thermodynamics - Thoughts on the Holiness of Order

Join Michael as he uses science and examples in everyday life to discuss order and disorder, why it is important to understand what they mean spiritually, and how we must be deliberate and committed in our choices to be holy and grow in Christ.
4/13/201716 minutes, 30 seconds
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The Complex World of Parenting

Love, joy, worry, and anxiety are just some of the emotions we experience intensely as parents. Join Michael as he offers a personal story and reflection about the complex world of parenting, and our need for Christ to be the best parents we can be.
3/6/201716 minutes, 51 seconds
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The Complex World of Parenting

Love, joy, worry, and anxiety are just some of the emotions we experience intensely as parents. Join Michael as he offers a personal story and reflection about the complex world of parenting, and our need for Christ to be the best parents we can be.
3/4/20170
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The Complex World of Parenting

Love, joy, worry, and anxiety are just some of the emotions we experience intensely as parents. Join Michael as he offers a personal story and reflection about the complex world of parenting, and our need for Christ to be the best parents we can be.
3/4/20170
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Lent, Fasting, and God’s Presence

How should we fast as Orthodox Christians? Is there really a right and wrong way? What is the real intent and purpose of fasting? Join Michael as he discusses the deeper meaning of fasting and compares the various ways people fast, how we often misunderstand fasting, and how it relates to our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
2/15/201718 minutes, 1 second
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Lent, Fasting, and God's Presence

How should we fast as Orthodox Christians? Is there really a right and wrong way? What is the real intent and purpose of fasting? Join Michael as he discusses the deeper meaning of fasting and compares the various ways people fast, how we often misunderstand fasting, and how it relates to our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
2/15/20170
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Lent, Fasting, and God's Presence

How should we fast as Orthodox Christians? Is there really a right and wrong way? What is the real intent and purpose of fasting? Join Michael as he discusses the deeper meaning of fasting and compares the various ways people fast, how we often misunderstand fasting, and how it relates to our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
2/15/20170
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Grace and the Guiding Hand of Providence in Our Lives

How do we understand God’s grace and providence in the direction of our lives? Is there such a thing as chance and coincidence, or is it simply our lack of spiritual perception that makes it seem so? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples, thoughts and the insights that apply to all of us.
2/1/20170
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Grace and the Guiding Hand of Providence in Our Lives

How do we understand God’s grace and providence in the direction of our lives? Is there such a thing as chance and coincidence, or is it simply our lack of spiritual perception that makes it seem so? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples, thoughts and the insights that apply to all of us.
2/1/20170
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Grace and the Guiding Hand of Providence in Our Lives

How do we understand God’s grace and providence in the direction of our lives? Is there such a thing as chance and coincidence, or is it simply our lack of spiritual perception that makes it seem so? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples, thoughts and the insights that apply to all of us.
2/1/201719 minutes, 29 seconds
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I'm Spiritual But Not Religious

Being spiritual and having no religious affiliation is a rapidly increasing segment of society. We hear people say they’re spiritual but religious all the time, but what does it really mean? How do people understand “spiritual” and “religious” when they describe themselves this way? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples and insights to help us understand this growing movement.
1/17/20170
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I'm Spiritual But Not Religious

Being spiritual and having no religious affiliation is a rapidly increasing segment of society. We hear people say they’re spiritual but religious all the time, but what does it really mean? How do people understand “spiritual” and “religious” when they describe themselves this way? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples and insights to help us understand this growing movement.
1/17/20170
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I’m Spiritual But Not Religious

Being spiritual and having no religious affiliation is a rapidly increasing segment of society. We hear people say they’re spiritual but religious all the time, but what does it really mean? How do people understand “spiritual” and “religious” when they describe themselves this way? Join Michael as he thoroughly explores this topic and shares personal examples and insights to help us understand this growing movement.
1/16/201716 minutes, 23 seconds
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What Do You Mean Santa Isn't Real?

Many of us can remember when we learned the truth about Santa Claus, but what truth did we learn? Using examples from J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, the Polar Express and our Orthodox Christian understanding of mystery, join Michael as he shares a recent conversation about Santa and what the story of the Christmas gift giver may actually be teaching us.
12/9/20160
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What Do You Mean Santa Isn't Real?

Many of us can remember when we learned the truth about Santa Claus, but what truth did we learn? Using examples from J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, the Polar Express and our Orthodox Christian understanding of mystery, join Michael as he shares a recent conversation about Santa and what the story of the Christmas gift giver may actually be teaching us.
12/9/20160
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What Do You Mean Santa Isn’t Real?

Many of us can remember when we learned the truth about Santa Claus, but what truth did we learn? Using examples from J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, the Polar Express and our Orthodox Christian understanding of mystery, join Michael as he shares a recent conversation about Santa and what the story of the Christmas gift giver may actually be teaching us.
12/9/201615 minutes, 53 seconds
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Prayerfulness and Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a growing movement in the United States. It’s finding its way into schools as well as into the daily practice of the lives of many. So what is mindfulness and what are its many benefits? How is it different from prayerfulness, or is it? Join Michael as he discusses prayerfulness and mindfulness, nepsis or watchfulness, and what some Orthodox Christians who are also priests, professors and psychologists have to say about mindfulness.
11/15/20160
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Prayerfulness and Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a growing movement in the United States. It’s finding its way into schools as well as into the daily practice of the lives of many. So what is mindfulness and what are its many benefits? How is it different from prayerfulness, or is it? Join Michael as he discusses prayerfulness and mindfulness, nepsis or watchfulness, and what some Orthodox Christians who are also priests, professors and psychologists have to say about mindfulness.
11/15/20160
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Prayerfulness and Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a growing movement in the United States. It’s finding its way into schools as well as into the daily practice of the lives of many. So what is mindfulness and what are its many benefits? How is it different from prayerfulness, or is it? Join Michael as he discusses prayerfulness and mindfulness, nepsis or watchfulness, and what some Orthodox Christians who are also priests, professors and psychologists have to say about mindfulness.
11/15/201620 minutes, 38 seconds
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The Divided States of America: A Spiritual Reflection on Wholeness and Division

Are we living now in the Divided States of America as opposed to the United States of America? Does the political divide we see and hear about it each day in the news speak to who we are now as persons and a society? What can it teach us about ourselves and our own hearts? Join Michael as he discusses wholeness and division from a spiritual point of view, and what we need to do to be Christ-like in today’s current climate.
10/24/20160
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The Divided States of America: A Spiritual Reflection on Wholeness and Division

Are we living now in the Divided States of America as opposed to the United States of America? Does the political divide we see and hear about it each day in the news speak to who we are now as persons and a society? What can it teach us about ourselves and our own hearts? Join Michael as he discusses wholeness and division from a spiritual point of view, and what we need to do to be Christ-like in today’s current climate.
10/24/20160
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The Divided States of America: A Spiritual Reflection on Wholeness and Division

Are we living now in the Divided States of America as opposed to the United States of America? Does the political divide we see and hear about it each day in the news speak to who we are now as persons and a society? What can it teach us about ourselves and our own hearts? Join Michael as he discusses wholeness and division from a spiritual point of view, and what we need to do to be Christ-like in today’s current climate.
10/24/201614 minutes, 33 seconds
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Guilt and Self-Judgment

Have you ever felt so bad about something you said or did, or something you continue to say and do, something you know is wrong but can’t seem to help yourself and you feel wracked with guilt? Do you judge yourself as a result? Join Michael as he uses examples from the Gospels and everyday life and discusses the difference between healthy guilt and lingering guilt, and the dangers of self-judgment that lead us to cutting ourselves off from God.
10/14/20160
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Guilt and Self-Judgment

Have you ever felt so bad about something you said or did, or something you continue to say and do, something you know is wrong but can’t seem to help yourself and you feel wracked with guilt? Do you judge yourself as a result? Join Michael as he uses examples from the Gospels and everyday life and discusses the difference between healthy guilt and lingering guilt, and the dangers of self-judgment that lead us to cutting ourselves off from God.
10/14/20160
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Guilt and Self-Judgment

Have you ever felt so bad about something you said or did, or something you continue to say and do, something you know is wrong but can’t seem to help yourself and you feel wracked with guilt? Do you judge yourself as a result? Join Michael as he uses examples from the Gospels and everyday life and discusses the difference between healthy guilt and lingering guilt, and the dangers of self-judgment that lead us to cutting ourselves off from God.
10/14/201614 minutes, 11 seconds
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Sacramental Reality - Explaining Sin, Sickness and Spiritual Growth

One of the big challenges we face in today’s post-Christian era is the near complete erosion of seeing and understanding reality sacramentally. So how do we teach this reality to our young people who live in a society that rejects it? Focusing on the sacramental reality of sin, sickness and spiritual growth, Michael uses simple examples from everyday life and popular culture to offers strategies, thoughts and lessons that can help guide us to meaningful conversations with our youth.
9/29/20160
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Sacramental Reality - Explaining Sin, Sickness and Spiritual Growth

One of the big challenges we face in today’s post-Christian era is the near complete erosion of seeing and understanding reality sacramentally. So how do we teach this reality to our young people who live in a society that rejects it? Focusing on the sacramental reality of sin, sickness and spiritual growth, Michael uses simple examples from everyday life and popular culture to offers strategies, thoughts and lessons that can help guide us to meaningful conversations with our youth.
9/29/20160
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Sacramental Reality - Explaining Sin, Sickness and Spiritual Growth

One of the big challenges we face in today’s post-Christian era is the near complete erosion of seeing and understanding reality sacramentally. So how do we teach this reality to our young people who live in a society that rejects it? Focusing on the sacramental reality of sin, sickness and spiritual growth, Michael uses simple examples from everyday life and popular culture to offers strategies, thoughts and lessons that can help guide us to meaningful conversations with our youth.
9/29/201619 minutes, 31 seconds
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Teaching the Cross to Our Children and Grandchildren

In conjunction with the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Michael shares some thoughts about what we can teach our young people about the Cross and our personal transformation; the Cross and Understanding Christ as our doctor rather than our lawyer; and the Cross and the Commandments.
9/14/20160
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Teaching the Cross to Our Children and Grandchildren

In conjunction with the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Michael shares some thoughts about what we can teach our young people about the Cross and our personal transformation; the Cross and Understanding Christ as our doctor rather than our lawyer; and the Cross and the Commandments.
9/14/20160
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Teaching the Cross to Our Children and Grandchildren

In conjunction with the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Michael shares some thoughts about what we can teach our young people about the Cross and our personal transformation; the Cross and Understanding Christ as our doctor rather than our lawyer; and the Cross and the Commandments.
9/14/201617 minutes, 58 seconds
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Uncreated Light: Experiencing the Transcendent

In Orthodoxy we often hear and read about the Uncreated Light of God. What is this Uncreated Light? Can we experience this Divine Light or is it something only Saints can experience? Join Michael as he explains certain Scriptures that illuminate our understanding of God’s Uncreated Light, and shares thoughts and experiences that demonstrate how all of us can partake of the Divine Light and experience the Transcendent in our ordinary daily lives.
8/25/201616 minutes, 42 seconds
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Uncreated Light: Experiencing the Transcendent

In Orthodoxy we often hear and read about the Uncreated Light of God. What is this Uncreated Light? Can we experience this Divine Light or is it something only Saints can experience? Join Michael as he explains certain Scriptures that illuminate our understanding of God’s Uncreated Light, and shares thoughts and experiences that demonstrate how all of us can partake of the Divine Light and experience the Transcendent in our ordinary daily lives.
8/24/20160
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Uncreated Light: Experiencing the Transcendent

In Orthodoxy we often hear and read about the Uncreated Light of God. What is this Uncreated Light? Can we experience this Divine Light or is it something only Saints can experience? Join Michael as he explains certain Scriptures that illuminate our understanding of God’s Uncreated Light, and shares thoughts and experiences that demonstrate how all of us can partake of the Divine Light and experience the Transcendent in our ordinary daily lives.
8/24/20160
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Disenchanted with Morality

Struck by the phrase “disenchanted with morality” in the pages of a book one morning, Michael shares his thoughts that came to mind. Why does it seem society often appears disenchanted with morality? Why is Christianity so often wrongly perceived and taught as a judgmental set of moral rules and rigid codes of behavior? Why is legalism doing so much harm to our faith? What truly is morality from an Orthodox Christian perspective? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and more, and explains the “enchantment” we should all experience because of our faith.
8/13/201615 minutes, 19 seconds
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Disenchanted with Morality

Struck by the phrase “disenchanted with morality” in the pages of a book one morning, Michael shares his thoughts that came to mind. Why does it seem society often appears disenchanted with morality? Why is Christianity so often wrongly perceived and taught as a judgmental set of moral rules and rigid codes of behavior? Why is legalism doing so much harm to our faith? What truly is morality from an Orthodox Christian perspective? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and more, and explains the “enchantment” we should all experience because of our faith.
8/13/20160
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Disenchanted with Morality

Struck by the phrase “disenchanted with morality” in the pages of a book one morning, Michael shares his thoughts that came to mind. Why does it seem society often appears disenchanted with morality? Why is Christianity so often wrongly perceived and taught as a judgmental set of moral rules and rigid codes of behavior? Why is legalism doing so much harm to our faith? What truly is morality from an Orthodox Christian perspective? Join Michael as he addresses these questions and more, and explains the “enchantment” we should all experience because of our faith.
8/13/20160
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Prophet or Profit: The Struggle to Keep Our Church Priorities in Order

Financial pressures in our Orthodox Churches are very real and often cause great worry and anxiety. As a result, we, both clergy and laity, can lose our focus and get our priorities out of order. Using the terms “Prophet” and “Profit” to symbolize two different mentalities (not suggesting Churches are trying to make a profit in the conventional sense) join Michael as he discusses what our priorities should be and what results proper focus on them would yield.
7/31/20160
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Prophet or Profit: The Struggle to Keep Our Church Priorities in Order

Financial pressures in our Orthodox Churches are very real and often cause great worry and anxiety. As a result, we, both clergy and laity, can lose our focus and get our priorities out of order. Using the terms “Prophet” and “Profit” to symbolize two different mentalities (not suggesting Churches are trying to make a profit in the conventional sense) join Michael as he discusses what our priorities should be and what results proper focus on them would yield.
7/31/20160
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Prophet or Profit: The Struggle to Keep Our Church Priorities in Order

Financial pressures in our Orthodox Churches are very real and often cause great worry and anxiety. As a result, we, both clergy and laity, can lose our focus and get our priorities out of order. Using the terms “Prophet” and “Profit” to symbolize two different mentalities (not suggesting Churches are trying to make a profit in the conventional sense) join Michael as he discusses what our priorities should be and what results proper focus on them would yield.
7/31/201615 minutes, 17 seconds
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Comfort, Complacency and Spiritual Death

Comfort, and feeling comfortable, is a desire all of us have and we strive to fulfill this desire. But it can come at a cost because the root of our desire and the means by which we achieve it are not always in our best interests. Join Michael as he explains why comfort can lead to spiritually harmful complacency and blind us to the real purpose of our faith.
7/5/20160
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Comfort, Complacency and Spiritual Death

Comfort, and feeling comfortable, is a desire all of us have and we strive to fulfill this desire. But it can come at a cost because the root of our desire and the means by which we achieve it are not always in our best interests. Join Michael as he explains why comfort can lead to spiritually harmful complacency and blind us to the real purpose of our faith.
7/5/20160
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Comfort, Complacency and Spiritual Death

Comfort, and feeling comfortable, is a desire all of us have and we strive to fulfill this desire. But it can come at a cost because the root of our desire and the means by which we achieve it are not always in our best interests. Join Michael as he explains why comfort can lead to spiritually harmful complacency and blind us to the real purpose of our faith.
7/5/201615 minutes, 20 seconds
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Sticks and Stones

“Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.” Many of us have been taught this since we were young. But is it actually true? Or does it do more harm than good teaching this to our children and actually believing it ourselves. Join Michael as he uses incidents from his own life and relates them to key Scriptures to show not only is this statement not true, it goes against what Christ Himself teaches us about the sacredness of words, the danger of misusing them, and how this relates to our understanding of Word of God Himself.
6/15/20160
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Sticks and Stones

“Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.” Many of us have been taught this since we were young. But is it actually true? Or does it do more harm than good teaching this to our children and actually believing it ourselves. Join Michael as he uses incidents from his own life and relates them to key Scriptures to show not only is this statement not true, it goes against what Christ Himself teaches us about the sacredness of words, the danger of misusing them, and how this relates to our understanding of Word of God Himself.
6/15/20160
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Sticks and Stones

“Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you.” Many of us have been taught this since we were young. But is it actually true? Or does it do more harm than good teaching this to our children and actually believing it ourselves. Join Michael as he uses incidents from his own life and relates them to key Scriptures to show not only is this statement not true, it goes against what Christ Himself teaches us about the sacredness of words, the danger of misusing them, and how this relates to our understanding of Word of God Himself.
6/15/201617 minutes, 46 seconds
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It's Not Your Fault or Is It?

Michael describes his recent experience, while recovering from a concussion, of viewing key scenes from the Academy Award winning movie Good Will Hunting through an Orthodox Christian lens. Using these scenes and their circumstances as illustrations, he discusses understanding sin as sickness, condemning self-judgment and judgment in general, the fine line between our sense of personal accountability and self forgiveness, and both God’s love for us and our love for each other as it should be.
6/2/20160
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It's Not Your Fault or Is It?

Michael describes his recent experience, while recovering from a concussion, of viewing key scenes from the Academy Award winning movie Good Will Hunting through an Orthodox Christian lens. Using these scenes and their circumstances as illustrations, he discusses understanding sin as sickness, condemning self-judgment and judgment in general, the fine line between our sense of personal accountability and self forgiveness, and both God’s love for us and our love for each other as it should be.
6/2/20160
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It’s Not Your Fault or Is It?

Michael describes his recent experience, while recovering from a concussion, of viewing key scenes from the Academy Award winning movie Good Will Hunting through an Orthodox Christian lens. Using these scenes and their circumstances as illustrations, he discusses understanding sin as sickness, condemning self-judgment and judgment in general, the fine line between our sense of personal accountability and self forgiveness, and both God’s love for us and our love for each other as it should be.
6/2/201613 minutes, 51 seconds
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Racism and the Tragedy of How We Deal with Differences

Racism is a serious wrong that no one should argue. However, from an Orthodox Christian point of view, it is a far deeper wrong than is ever portrayed in the public debate. Join Michael as he explains why racism goes against the core of Christianity, and through story and anecdote describes why it seems is so hard for us to celebrate and embrace differences.
3/25/201611 minutes, 36 seconds
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Racism and the Tragedy of How We Deal with Differences

Racism is a serious wrong that no one should argue. However, from an Orthodox Christian point of view, it is a far deeper wrong than is ever portrayed in the public debate. Join Michael as he explains why racism goes against the core of Christianity, and through story and anecdote describes why it seems is so hard for us to celebrate and embrace differences.
3/22/20160
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Racism and the Tragedy of How We Deal with Differences

Racism is a serious wrong that no one should argue. However, from an Orthodox Christian point of view, it is a far deeper wrong than is ever portrayed in the public debate. Join Michael as he explains why racism goes against the core of Christianity, and through story and anecdote describes why it seems is so hard for us to celebrate and embrace differences.
3/22/20160
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When Good is Good Enough

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. But how is this possible when we know we are sinners? Did He really mean this? And if so, what exactly did He mean? Join Michael as he discusses what it means to be perfect from an Orthodox Christian point of view and shares a story that illustrates and addresses the difference between being perfect and perfectionism and why “good enough” is actually okay.
3/20/20160
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When Good is Good Enough

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. But how is this possible when we know we are sinners? Did He really mean this? And if so, what exactly did He mean? Join Michael as he discusses what it means to be perfect from an Orthodox Christian point of view and shares a story that illustrates and addresses the difference between being perfect and perfectionism and why “good enough” is actually okay.
3/20/20160
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When Good is Good Enough

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. But how is this possible when we know we are sinners? Did He really mean this? And if so, what exactly did He mean? Join Michael as he discusses what it means to be perfect from an Orthodox Christian point of view and shares a story that illustrates and addresses the difference between being perfect and perfectionism and why “good enough” is actually okay.
3/20/201614 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Spirituality of Eating and Hunger

In the Book of Genesis God says not to eat from the Tree of Life, yet in Revelation He invites us to eat from the Tree of Life. Michael explores the reasons why from an Orthodox Christian perspective. He discusses the sinfulness and sacredness of eating and hunger as taught to us through the Scriptures, specifically Genesis and Revelation, and our Holy Tradition; and what we are really doing when we fast and prepare for and receive the Eucharist.
3/11/20160
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The Spirituality of Eating and Hunger

In the Book of Genesis God says not to eat from the Tree of Life, yet in Revelation He invites us to eat from the Tree of Life. Michael explores the reasons why from an Orthodox Christian perspective. He discusses the sinfulness and sacredness of eating and hunger as taught to us through the Scriptures, specifically Genesis and Revelation, and our Holy Tradition; and what we are really doing when we fast and prepare for and receive the Eucharist.
3/11/20160
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The Spirituality of Eating and Hunger

In the Book of Genesis God says not to eat from the Tree of Life, yet in Revelation He invites us to eat from the Tree of Life. Michael explores the reasons why from an Orthodox Christian perspective. He discusses the sinfulness and sacredness of eating and hunger as taught to us through the Scriptures, specifically Genesis and Revelation, and our Holy Tradition; and what we are really doing when we fast and prepare for and receive the Eucharist.
3/11/201616 minutes, 2 seconds
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Regrets of the Dying

Michael discusses the top five regrets of the dying from the popular article and best-selling book of the same name by Bronnie Ware. What do we typically regret and why? What can we do to avoid such regrets? Michael explores these and other related questions from an Orthodox Christian perspective.
2/26/20160
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Regrets of the Dying

Michael discusses the top five regrets of the dying from the popular article and best-selling book of the same name by Bronnie Ware. What do we typically regret and why? What can we do to avoid such regrets? Michael explores these and other related questions from an Orthodox Christian perspective.
2/26/20160
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Regrets of the Dying

Michael discusses the top five regrets of the dying from the popular article and best-selling book of the same name by Bronnie Ware. What do we typically regret and why? What can we do to avoid such regrets? Michael explores these and other related questions from an Orthodox Christian perspective.
2/26/201621 minutes, 19 seconds
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It’s All About Christ

Sometimes we can get so caught up in Church life that we lose sight of its true purpose. Michael explores this through some real life stories and thoughts, and challenges us to remember what happens to us through living the Christian life and Who is the very point of the sacramental life.
2/16/201614 minutes, 17 seconds
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It's All About Christ

Sometimes we can get so caught up in Church life that we lose sight of its true purpose. Michael explores this through some real life stories and thoughts, and challenges us to remember what happens to us through living the Christian life and Who is the very point of the sacramental life.
2/8/20160
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It's All About Christ

Sometimes we can get so caught up in Church life that we lose sight of its true purpose. Michael explores this through some real life stories and thoughts, and challenges us to remember what happens to us through living the Christian life and Who is the very point of the sacramental life.
2/8/20160
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Hope Within Evil

Michael discusses the nature of evil from an Orthodox Christian perspective and why evil always leads to its own destruction.
2/2/201620 minutes, 44 seconds
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Hope Within Evil

Michael discusses the nature of evil from an Orthodox Christian perspective and why evil always leads to its own destruction.
2/2/20160
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Hope Within Evil

Michael discusses the nature of evil from an Orthodox Christian perspective and why evil always leads to its own destruction.
2/2/20160
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People, Politics and Persons

Michael discusses the Orthodox theological understanding of what it means to be a person, and how the passion of politics poses a danger to us in how we regard and treat each other as persons.
1/19/201611 minutes, 36 seconds
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People, Politics and Persons

Michael discusses the Orthodox theological understanding of what it means to be a person, and how the passion of politics poses a danger to us in how we regard and treat each other as persons.
1/18/20160
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People, Politics and Persons

Michael discusses the Orthodox theological understanding of what it means to be a person, and how the passion of politics poses a danger to us in how we regard and treat each other as persons.
1/18/20160
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The Force, The Holy Spirit and Star Wars

Michael examines the Star Wars phenomenon from an Orthodox Christian and sacramental point of view, and with a special focus on comparisons between the Force and the Holy Spirit.
1/5/20160
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The Force, The Holy Spirit and Star Wars

Michael examines the Star Wars phenomenon from an Orthodox Christian and sacramental point of view, and with a special focus on comparisons between the Force and the Holy Spirit.
1/5/20160
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The Force, The Holy Spirit and Star Wars

Michael examines the Star Wars phenomenon from an Orthodox Christian and sacramental point of view, and with a special focus on comparisons between the Force and the Holy Spirit.
1/5/201619 minutes, 32 seconds
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God and Science

Michael discusses flaws in the debate of “God or Science” and shows why “God and science” is a more appropriate, and how science can serve as a sacramental means to deepen our faith.
12/20/20150
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God and Science

Michael discusses flaws in the debate of “God or Science” and shows why “God and science” is a more appropriate, and how science can serve as a sacramental means to deepen our faith.
12/20/20150
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God and Science

Michael discusses flaws in the debate of “God or Science” and shows why “God and science” is a more appropriate, and how science can serve as a sacramental means to deepen our faith.
12/20/201514 minutes, 39 seconds
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Renters or Owners? God, Us and the Environment

Michael describes an Orthodox understanding of why we should care for the environment, and what the story of Cain and Abel teaches us about this important issue.
12/3/20150
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Renters or Owners? God, Us and the Environment

Michael describes an Orthodox understanding of why we should care for the environment, and what the story of Cain and Abel teaches us about this important issue.
12/3/20150
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Renters or Owners? God, Us and the Environment

Michael describes an Orthodox understanding of why we should care for the environment, and what the story of Cain and Abel teaches us about this important issue.
12/3/201513 minutes, 33 seconds
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Intelligence or Wisdom?

Michael helps us understand the critical difference between intelligence and wisdom. In this episode, he references Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon's book Wise Lives: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Wisdom of Sirach.
11/24/20150
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Intelligence or Wisdom?

Michael helps us understand the critical difference between intelligence and wisdom. In this episode, he references Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon's book Wise Lives: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Wisdom of Sirach.
11/24/20150
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Intelligence or Wisdom?

Michael helps us understand the critical difference between intelligence and wisdom. In this episode, he references Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon's book Wise Lives: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Wisdom of Sirach.
11/24/201513 minutes, 33 seconds
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Judging Our Circumstances Prematurely

What happens when life delivers a blow we were not prepared for? Michael shares the story of how one person reacted and what we can learn from it.
11/9/20150
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Judging Our Circumstances Prematurely

What happens when life delivers a blow we were not prepared for? Michael shares the story of how one person reacted and what we can learn from it.
11/9/20150
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Judging Our Circumstances Prematurely

What happens when life delivers a blow we were not prepared for? Michael shares the story of how one person reacted and what we can learn from it.
11/8/201521 minutes, 48 seconds
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Christ and Sexual Sin

Michael looks at the story of the Woman at the Well and extracts lessons for understanding how Christ can forgive sexual sin.
10/26/20150
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Christ and Sexual Sin

Michael looks at the story of the Woman at the Well and extracts lessons for understanding how Christ can forgive sexual sin.
10/26/20150
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Christ and Sexual Sin

Michael looks at the story of the Woman at the Well and extracts lessons for understanding how Christ can forgive sexual sin.
10/26/201517 minutes, 30 seconds
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Holy Inspiration and Creativity

Michael explores the source of our inspiration when we create for the glory of God.
10/12/201514 minutes, 1 second
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Holy Inspiration and Creativity

Michael explores the source of our inspiration when we create for the glory of God.
10/9/20150
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Holy Inspiration and Creativity

Michael explores the source of our inspiration when we create for the glory of God.
10/9/20150
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What Is Life?

Michael explores and explains Christ’s teaching on life and the perspective and priorities we should have as a result.
9/28/20150
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What Is Life?

Michael explores and explains Christ’s teaching on life and the perspective and priorities we should have as a result.
9/28/20150
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What Is Life?

Michael explores and explains Christ’s teaching on life and the perspective and priorities we should have as a result.
9/28/201516 minutes, 53 seconds
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A Perspective on Death

Michael offers in-depth thoughts on death from an Orthodox perspective.
9/14/20150
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A Perspective on Death

Michael offers in-depth thoughts on death from an Orthodox perspective.
9/14/20150
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A Perspective on Death

Michael offers in-depth thoughts on death from an Orthodox perspective.
9/14/201523 minutes, 27 seconds
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A “Sign” of the Times

Michael observes a sign in a bookstore and reflects on how it symbolically speaks to the state of Christianity in our country today.
8/31/20150
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A “Sign” of the Times

Michael observes a sign in a bookstore and reflects on how it symbolically speaks to the state of Christianity in our country today.
8/31/20150
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A “Sign” of the Times

Michael observes a sign in a bookstore and reflects on how it symbolically speaks to the state of Christianity in our country today.
8/31/201518 minutes, 34 seconds
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God Is Not A Tame Lion

Michael shares two different experiences from his own life when desiring a word from God.
8/18/20150
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God Is Not A Tame Lion

Michael shares two different experiences from his own life when desiring a word from God.
8/18/20150
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God Is Not A Tame Lion

Michael shares two different experiences from his own life when desiring a word from God.
8/18/201515 minutes, 34 seconds
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Myth and Truth

Michael says all deep and lasting stories, truth or mythical, are echoes or reflections of the true story of The Greatest Story Ever Told.
8/3/20150
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Myth and Truth

Michael says all deep and lasting stories, truth or mythical, are echoes or reflections of the true story of The Greatest Story Ever Told.
8/3/20150
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Myth and Truth

Michael says all deep and lasting stories, truth or mythical, are echoes or reflections of the true story of The Greatest Story Ever Told.
8/3/201516 minutes, 23 seconds
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Condemn or Condone

Michael challenges us to avoid the extremes as we attempt to live in an increasingly dark culture as Orthodox Christians. Christ has given us the example.
7/20/201519 minutes, 24 seconds
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Condemn or Condone

Michael challenges us to avoid the extremes as we attempt to live in an increasingly dark culture as Orthodox Christians. Christ has given us the example.
7/18/20150
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Condemn or Condone

Michael challenges us to avoid the extremes as we attempt to live in an increasingly dark culture as Orthodox Christians. Christ has given us the example.
7/18/20150
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God is Personal

Michael discusses why understanding the personal nature of God and experiencing God’s presence is so important and what it means to us.
7/9/20150
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God is Personal

Michael discusses why understanding the personal nature of God and experiencing God’s presence is so important and what it means to us.
7/9/20150
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God is Personal

Michael discusses why understanding the personal nature of God and experiencing God’s presence is so important and what it means to us.
7/9/20158 minutes, 9 seconds
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Doubt and Faith

If we are honest, we will all admit that we struggle from time to time with doubt. Michael reflects on that reality and helps us understand the meaning of doubt as well as faith.
6/25/20150
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Doubt and Faith

If we are honest, we will all admit that we struggle from time to time with doubt. Michael reflects on that reality and helps us understand the meaning of doubt as well as faith.
6/25/20150
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Doubt and Faith

If we are honest, we will all admit that we struggle from time to time with doubt. Michael reflects on that reality and helps us understand the meaning of doubt as well as faith.
6/25/201530 minutes, 53 seconds
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Marriage: Sacrament or Contract

In his third episode, Michael reflects on a topic in the news a lot lately. How do we as Orthodox Christians view marriage and what is significant about our ceremony?
6/8/20150
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Marriage: Sacrament or Contract

In his third episode, Michael reflects on a topic in the news a lot lately. How do we as Orthodox Christians view marriage and what is significant about our ceremony?
6/8/20150
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Marriage: Sacrament or Contract

In his third episode, Michael reflects on a topic in the news a lot lately. How do we as Orthodox Christians view marriage and what is significant about our ceremony?
6/8/201517 minutes, 28 seconds
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Chrismation, Vocation, and Ordination

Michael speaks to the layman about the way we see ourselves in the structure of the Church.
5/28/20150
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Chrismation, Vocation, and Ordination

Michael speaks to the layman about the way we see ourselves in the structure of the Church.
5/28/20150
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Chrismation, Vocation, and Ordination

Michael speaks to the layman about the way we see ourselves in the structure of the Church.
5/25/201515 minutes, 21 seconds
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Introduction to Sacramental Living

Michael Haldas introduces himself and his new podcast giving us a glimpse of what to expect twice each month beginning today.
5/8/20150
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Introduction to Sacramental Living

Michael Haldas introduces himself and his new podcast giving us a glimpse of what to expect twice each month beginning today.
5/8/20150
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Introduction to Sacramental Living

Michael Haldas introduces himself and his new podcast giving us a glimpse of what to expect twice each month beginning today.
5/8/201517 minutes, 40 seconds