Cloud of Witnesses Radio

Have you ever wondered how the early Church envisioned unity and structure? Explore the rich theology of Ignatius of Antioch and discover his vision of the Church as a complete and harmonious body. We'll break down the roles of bishops, presbyters, priests, deacons, and laity, and delve into the transformative power of baptism and chrismation. Drawing insights from St. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians and the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople, we’ll uncover how apostolic succession and the mission to evangelize illuminate the Church’s role as the new Israel and a beacon of hope to the world.

But that's not all—we also explore the rich diversity within the Orthodox Church and how cultural differences shape practices while preserving core beliefs. From the unique challenges of fasting in Alaska’s harsh winters to the spiritual struggles within mainline Protestant denominations, we examine how tradition and adaptation coexist. Discover the resurgence of spiritual searching among young people and the vital importance of practices like the Orthodox Lenten Vesper service. This episode offers a beautiful, multifaceted look at how Orthodox Christianity maintains its unity and strength amidst a constantly changing world.

**********
Contact this episode's sponsor!: 🕯️
LuciaCandleCompany.Etsy.com

For a 10% discount, mention CLOUD10 at the checkout!

************

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

************

If you're interested in Orthodoxy, visit a parish near you antiochian.org

Or visit our home parish at Saint Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church, San Diego, CA!  Let us know you found us at Cloud of Witnesses Radio!

God bless you!

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Unlock the science behind addiction and the spiritual pathway to recovery with our special episode, "Orthodoxy and Recovery." Join us as Dr. Daniel Ageze, an expert in addiction medicine, David Carlson, who brings ten years of sobriety and deep involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous, and Robert Fortuin, an Orthodox Christian professor, come together to offer a comprehensive look at substance use disorder. Learn how a spiritual awakening can significantly alter dopamine release in the brain, potentially offering more fulfillment than substance abuse itself.

Listen to real-life experiences of addiction and recovery, illustrating the monumental challenges faced by those struggling with substance use. Our guests discuss the brain's extensive rewiring during addiction and how understanding these changes can aid in the recovery process. Discover how combining medical knowledge with spiritual guidance can provide a holistic path to overcoming addiction. This episode is not just an exploration; it's a message of hope and a guide for anyone affected by or interested in understanding addiction from both a medical and spiritual perspective.

**********
Contact this episode's sponsor!: 🕯️
LuciaCandleCompany.Etsy.com

For a 10% discount, mention CLOUD10 at the checkout!

************

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

************

If you're interested in Orthodoxy, visit a parish near you and visit antiochian.org

Or visit our home parish at Saint Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church, San Diego, CA!

God bless you!

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Father John's sermon reveals how, strangely enough, we are all called to be Ladders of God. We see in the life of the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, the prime example of this. The Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church see in her life a fulfilment of Jacob's Vision: the Divine Ladder from which Heaven is connected to Earth through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.

What if your daily actions could transform you into a living tabernacle for Christ? This episode invites you to explore how we, as Orthodox Christians, can become gates, ladders, and vessels of God's presence, much like the Holy Lady Theotokos. We'll draw a unique comparison to the game Chutes and Ladders to illustrate our spiritual journey, emphasizing our role in the grand plan for universal salvation. The discussion highlights the profound significance of sharing in God's energy and power, with special attention to the Nativity and Dormition of Theotokos, and how these events inspire our path to personal sanctification. By striving for holiness, we prepare ourselves to present Christ to the world, thus participating in His saving work.

Imagine making Christ present in every act, every word, despite our human imperfections. This episode underscores how the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist empower us to be conduits of divine grace, making a more profound impact on others than any physical church could. You’ll learn practical steps to embody Christ daily, guided by the intercessions of the Holy Lady Theotokos and all the saints. As we live out our faith, we become living tabernacles, carrying Jesus into the world and sharing His love with all those we encounter. Listen in for an insightful and inspiring discussion on how to truly embody Christ's presence in your everyday life.

**********
Contact this episode's sponsor!: 🕯️
LuciaCandleCompany.Etsy.com

For a 10% discount, mention CLOUD10 at the checkout!

************

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

************

If you're interested in Orthodoxy, visit a parish near you and visit antiochian.org

Or visit our home parish at Saint Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church, San Diego, CA!

God bless you!

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

The conversation explores the topics of addiction, recovery, and the role of orthodoxy in addressing these issues. The guests discuss the rewiring of the brain in addiction, the genetic component of addiction, and the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. They also touch on the spiritual and emotional aspects of addiction and recovery. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness, early intervention, and support in addressing addiction. Addiction is not a new phenomenon, but the understanding and treatment of it have evolved over time. 

The conversation explores the importance of spirituality in recovery and the holistic approach to addiction treatment. The 12 steps of recovery are briefly discussed, highlighting the process of identifying the problem, accepting the solution, addressing the roots and causes, and helping others. The role of the body in recovery is emphasized, with the understanding that the body and spirit are interconnected. The compatibility between science and the Christian faith is also highlighted, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In this part of the conversation, the focus is on the second and third steps of the 12-step program. The second step emphasizes the importance of believing in a power greater than oneself that can solve all problems. 

The discussion highlights the inclusivity of this step, allowing individuals to interpret the higher power in their own way. The third step involves making a decision to surrender one's will and life to the care of God as understood by the individual. The concept of surrendering and acknowledging one's weaknesses is compared to the Orthodox Christian faith. The importance of actively participating in the steps and the program of action is emphasized. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss Step 4 and Step 5 of the recovery process. Step 4 involves making a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself, which includes identifying resentments, fears, and harms caused to others. It is a challenging step that requires honesty and self-reflection. Step 5 involves admitting to God, oneself, and another human being the exact nature of one's wrongs. This step emphasizes accountability and the importance of sharing one's struggles with a trusted individual. The speakers highlight the parallels between these steps and the practice of confession in Orthodox Christianity. They emphasize the need for support and community in the recovery journey and encourage listeners to reach out for help.


***********
What role does spirituality play in overcoming addiction? This episode of Cloud Witnesses Radio brings this profound question to life through the heartfelt journeys of Dr. Daniel Ageza and David Carlson. Dr. Ageza, a renowned expert in addiction medicine and psychiatry, and David, a man who has maintained sobriety for a decade, offer their personal stories and professional insights. From Dr. Ageza's shift from agnosticism back to Orthodoxy, shaping his empathetic approach to treatment, to David's transformative experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-Step Program, we uncover the powerful intersections of faith and recovery.

To reach Dr. Daniel Ageze at I AM Recovery
email: [email protected]

San Diego County crisis line (1-888-724-7240), National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888), National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673), National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), and Call 911 if emergency

**********
Contact this episode's sponsor:
LuciaCandleCompany.Etsy.com

************
Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What happens when faith, resilience, and the challenges of military life intersect? Join us for an insightful conversation with Hannah Helena, a Navy veteran whose journey from a Roman Catholic upbringing in Deer Park, Texas, to becoming an Orthodox Christian is nothing short of inspiring. Hannah reflects on her early years, serving in the church and playing the viola in the choir, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for her enduring faith. She opens up about her rebellious teenage years, the profound struggles of losing friends to suicide, and her own battles with depression. Yet, it was during her time in the Navy that she found solace and strength in her spiritual practices, learning to navigate the demanding nature of military life while maintaining her faith.

We also tackle the critical issue of mental health in the military, particularly the stigma surrounding men expressing their emotions. Hannah offers a candid look into the superficial nature of the Navy's suicide awareness training and shares personal anecdotes that highlight both the toxic environments she sometimes faced and the invaluable leadership skills she gained. Her journey continues as she discusses becoming a catechumen, choosing Saint Helen of Constantinople as her patron saint, and the profound impact of her favorite biblical passage, the story of Lazarus, on her life. Tune in to hear how Hannah’s faith, resilience, and commitment to spreading positivity have shaped her civilian life, and how her spiritual journey continues to inspire those around her.

Thank you to our special guest Hannah Helena! 

*************

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

Find us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/cloudofwitnessesradio/

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What if our understanding of early Christian art has been entirely misunderstood? Join us as we uncover the profound significance of iconography in the Orthodox Church, challenging the common notion that religious imagery was a later corruption. Reflect on Fr John Reimann's  journey from a Methodist background to discovering the richness of iconography through my academic experiences at UCLA. We'll shed light on how icons, even from the catacombs of Rome, reveal a deep, historical connection to our creation in God's image and our divine calling to holiness.

Explore how early Christian veneration practices are deeply rooted in Jewish traditions. Early Christians, many of them converts from Judaism, brought along the custom of venerating sacred texts, a practice that seamlessly transitioned into Christian liturgy. We dive into the placement and use of icons in early churches and the controversies they sparked, from improper practices to the veneration of tombs and requesting prayers from the departed. These traditions underscore a seamless continuity from Jewish roots to Christian worship, enriching our understanding of early Christian practices.

The journey of icon veneration in the Orthodox Church is a story of resilience and theological depth. From the brutal iconoclastic controversies, where defenders of iconography faced severe punishments, to the resolution that established icons as windows to the divine prototype, we paint a vivid picture of this historical struggle. Learn about the importance of depicting Christ and saints accurately and understand the proper etiquette for venerating icons. Finally, we reflect on the spiritual realities manifested through iconography, reminding us of our sanctification and connection to the divine during liturgy. Tune in for a profound exploration of how icons elevate our worship and remind us of our eternal calling to holiness.

******
You can visit Fr John at Saint Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, in San Diego, CA:
https://st-anthony.org/

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/CloudofWitnessesRadio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What if you could witness a transformation so profound that it challenges the very essence of your faith? In our latest episode, we promise to uncover the secrets behind the ancient Greek concept of transfiguration and its deep spiritual implications. Journey with us as we reflect on the timeless testimony of St. Peter, delve into the complexity of creation, and explore the awe-inspiring Old Testament encounters with God's glory. Through these reflections, Fr John Reimann helps us find hope and assurance in God's steadfast promises amidst the turbulent waves of modern life.

But the journey doesn't end there. Discover the transformative power of divine grace as we recount historical and personal stories of God's intervention, including the compelling narrative of the woman caught in adultery. We'll celebrate the unique paths to holiness exemplified by saints such as St. Marie of Paris and Mother Olga of Alaska, illustrating how God's love uniquely transforms each individual. Join us in embracing the possibility of becoming more like God through His power, grace, and the inspiring intercessions of the saints.

If you're interested in Orthodoxy, visit a parish near you and visit antiochian.org

Please prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/CloudofWitnessesRadio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What does it mean to seek true forgiveness and inner renewal? Join us as we unpack the timeless wisdom of Psalm 50 in true Orthodox fashion, speaking to the depths of human sin and the yearning for God's mercy. This special interlude takes you on a spiritual journey through verses that earnestly plead for God's compassion and cleansing. We reflect on themes of humility, repentance, and righteousness, revealing how these ancient words resonate with our modern pursuit of spiritual growth and transformation.

Through a heartfelt song, explore the profound significance of a contrite heart and the quest for redemption. The text's plea for a clean heart and renewed spirit serves as a powerful reminder of the joy found in salvation and the importance of a humble spirit. We'll discuss symbolic rituals of purification, the longing for divine guidance, and the transformative power of forgiveness. This inspiring prayerful chant encourages listeners (and participants) to embrace inner renewal and follow the path of righteousness, making it a must-listen for anyone on their spiritual journey.

Thank you Joshua Williams for donating your time and devotion.  May God grant you many years.

***********

Prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What happens when a lifelong seeker of God grapples with disillusionment and finds solace in an unexpected place? Join us for a compelling episode featuring Dominic Alexander, who shares his profound journey from an evangelical Calvinist upbringing to embracing Orthodox Christianity. Dominic opens up about his challenging college years and the impacts of the COVID lockdowns, which spurred his deep dive into church history and theology, ultimately leading him to Orthodoxy. The story takes a touching turn as he recounts his first encounter with an Orthodox liturgy, describing the overwhelming sensory experience and the beauty that sparked his spiritual awakening.

Discover the trials and triumphs Dominic faced as he navigated sharing his newfound faith with his evangelical Protestant friends, and how the support of a spiritual father within the Orthodox Church made all the difference. Dominic draws inspiring parallels between the life of Saint Alexander Nevsky and the virtues of Christ-like leadership and servitude, shedding light on the significance of finding a spiritual home and the inspirational role of a patron saint. Listen as he reflects on the community at Saint Anthony's, where even the most introverted find a welcoming and nurturing environment to grow in faith.

In our conversation, Dominic also shares his enriching experience writing and voice acting for "Cloud of Witnesses," bringing the lives of saints closer to modern believers. He underscores the importance of humility and openness to God, highlighting how fully embracing Orthodoxy has transformed his faith journey. This episode is a powerful exploration of community, tradition, and the intercessions of saints, offering profound insights for anyone on a spiritual path. Don’t miss Dominic’s spirited declaration of his Orthodox Christian identity, filled with joy, commitment, and an unwavering sense of triumph.

Thank you, Dominic Alexander, for sharing your story with us.

Prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio:
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What if the place that once caused you pain could be transformed into a sanctuary of hope and healing? Join us as we sit down with Camille Cassin, the inspiring President and CEO of True Choice Medical Clinics, who shares her deeply personal journey from a church position to leading Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center. Driven by a divine calling and her own experience with abortion, Camille sheds light on how advancements in ultrasound technology and an abundance of information have revolutionized women's understanding of pregnancy over the past two decades and reshaped the pro-life movement.

We delve into the significant challenges faced by pro-life pregnancy centers, especially in politically charged climates like California. Camille discusses the overwhelming abortion statistics and the importance of focusing on individual stories. Hear about the community efforts and advocacy that successfully protected these centers from legislative hurdles, underlining the power of collective action. We also touch on the complex issues surrounding new laws aimed at curtailing the influence of these centers, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive information for women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Empowerment through informed choices is at the heart of our conversation. Explore the multifaceted services offered by True Choice, including post-abortion healing, fatherhood ministry, and the transformation of former abortion clinic spaces into places of hope and renewal. Discover how committed relationships and male-to-male counseling are pivotal in supporting women and their partners. Camille shares moving stories of how the fear of single motherhood is addressed and how spaces once associated with pain have been completely revitalized. This episode is a testament to the profound impact of providing women with the knowledge and support they need to make educated decisions free from external pressures.

Please give our friend Camille Cassin and True Choice Medical Clinic some love:
https://truechoice.org/

*********
Prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio
https://www.patreon.com/cloudofwitnessesradio

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!