Today we explore the story of Takume Sawabe, the first Japanese Orthodox Christian convert. The samurai who almost killed St. Nicholas of Japan.

This short documentary was produced by Michael ( @mslfilms ) as a project at our recent Lampstand Institute at Ancient Faith Radio HQ. To hear more from attendees of the program and to hear Michael's interview watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t---4wJYUys&t=613s

Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex will dive into the topic of Universalism and speak with Orthodox panelists who fall into one of three categories: Confident Universalists, Hopeful Universalists, and those who say Universalism was condemned as a heresy.

We read in Scripture that God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). But we also read that It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There are those who claim that, since Christ died for all, we can be assured that all will indeed be saved and not face eternal condemnation. This is called “universalism” or “apocatastasis.” Was this teaching condemned by the Church? Who among the Church Fathers embraced universal salvation?

Join Bobby Maddex, Jerry Minetos, and Samuel Heble as they journey to Greece to experience firsthand the monasteries, sketes, and churches of both Thessaloniki and Mount Athos. In partnership with Orthodox Tours, the three travelers—all employees of Ancient Faith Ministries—present listeners with the highs and lows of pilgrimage, as well as what they should expect on their own potential journeys to Greece and the Holy Mountain. For more information about Orthodox Tours, please visit orthodoxtours.com.

Most of us know about the so-called Great Schism, which tragically divided the Christian Church between East and West in 1054. But there was an earlier division in the 5th century, following the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451, which clarified how Jesus is both God and Man. Charges of heresy were brought, anathemas were proclaimed, and communion was broken. Which Churches did not accept the decision of the Council and the subsequent three Councils that followed? Today they are known as the Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Coptic, Armenian, Syrian, Malankara, Eritrean, and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches.

What specifically separates us theologically?

Are there reasons to hope that we are closer to these believers than we thought?

What efforts have been made to better understand each other in recent decades?

On this special edition of Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex examine the causes of our division and consider what any path to unity might involve.

Panelists include:

Bishop (Dr.) Daniel (Findikyan)

Dr. Peter Bouteneff

Christine Chaillot

Dr. David Ford

Dr. Emmanuel Gergis

Dr. Chad Hatfield

Dr. Michael Ibrahim

Rev. Dr. Joseph Lucas

Dr. Sam Noble

Rev Dr. Timothy Thomas

⁠The story of the Orthodox Deaconess is largely unknown today. When did they exist, and what was their function? In recent decades, there has been a call for restoring the female diaconate, causing no small debate between Orthodox proponents and opponents.⁠ In the first special edition of Ancient Faith Today Live, Fr. Tom Soroka and John Maddex take a deep dive into the topic with a full-length audio documentary, which will feature scholarly experts from both sides of the issue and reflect upon the views shared and what we can conclude about the Church’s wisdom on this issue today.

Have there ever been female deacons in the Orthodox Church? The answer is yes but several centuries ago. In the last decade or so, there have been calls to restore the office of Deaconess today which is a rather touchy subject in the Orthodox world. As part of our mission to Educate, Edify, and Evangelize, Ancient Faith Radio presents an in-depth audio documentary examining the call to restore Deaconesses in the Orthodox Church today. We talk with both proponents and opponents as well as those in the nuanced middle. We do not necessarily endorse the comments of every participant but we are grateful for their willingness to be recorded Here is the list of people we spoke with: Metropolitan Saba (Antiochian Archiocese) Dr. Edith M. Humphrey Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost Fr. Stephen De Young Dr. John Panagiotou Dr. Valerie Karras Dr. Jeannie Constantinou Dr. James Skedros Fr. Lucas Christensen Fr. Alexander Lebedeff Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos Mother Christophora Dr. Sarah Byrne-Martelli Fr. Joseph Lucas Frederica Mathews-Green Dr. Mary Ford The full interviews with each of them are available HERE.

Part four of our four-part documentary, "Transformation: Same Sex Attraction Through The Lens Of Orthodox Christianity."

In this episode, we will hear a call to listen, to engage, to show patience, and extend the benefit of the doubt wherever we can—especially our young people who are asking tough questions and deserve to be heard.

Resource: Christian Faith and Same Sex Attraction by Fr. Thomas Hopko

Part three of our four-part documentary Transformation: Same-Sex Attraction Through the Lens of Orthodox Christianity

How are we doing as a Church at showing love to everyone who walks in our doors? Are we welcoming or judgmental? Does a warm welcome translate into endorsement of someone's lifestyle? If we are to truly love one another and bear one another's burdens, we need to get to know them first.

Resource: Christian Faith and Same Sex Attraction by Fr. Thomas Hopko

Part two of "Transformation: Same-Sex Attraction Through the Lens of Orthodox Christianity."

In part two, we take a deep dive into the theology surrounding same-sex attraction. What do the Scripture, canons, and Fathers have to say about it? Is it sinful to have a same-sex attraction? Archbishop Michael, Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, Fr. Harry Linsinbigler, Dr. Roxanne Louh, and Dr. Edith M. Humphrey are among our panelists.

Resource: Christian Faith and Same Sex Attraction by Fr. Thomas Hopko

Part one of a four-part documentary called "Transformation: Same-Sex Attraction Through the Lens of Orthodox Christianity." In this first episode, we meet four individuals who are faithful, obedient Orthodox Christians in terms of celibacy, but are attracted to members of the same sex. What are their stories, struggles, and disappointments? How have they been received in the Orthodox Church? And what do they want the Church to know about that struggle?

Resource: Christian Faith and Same Sex Attraction by Fr. Thomas Hopko