This episode delves into the psychology behind New Year's resolutions, exploring the illusions of hope and the harsh reality of broken promises. We discuss the nature of human aspirations, the flaws in self-assessment, and the consequential spiral into despair when resolutions falter.

• Exploration of the emotional high of New Year celebrations 
• Overestimation of capabilities and flawed self-assessment 
• The inevitability of setbacks leading to despair 
• The danger of equating promises with actual accomplishments 
• Encouragement to cultivate a mindset of gradual progress instead

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

A gripping tale of survival and faith unfolds in a frozen communist camp, where a group of prisoners faces despair during a relentless winter storm. Through communal prayers and an unexpected miracle, they come together to find hope amidst the icy darkness.

• Desperate prayers echoing in a freezing world 
• The realities of hunger and suffering in captivity 
• Father Philadelph’s plea for divine intervention 
• A sudden miraculous delivery of warm bread 
• Unity and gratitude amid suffering and strife 
• Reflecting on faith's role in overcoming despair

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Ever heard that the Christmas tree comes from paganism? 

What do the dark forests of Germany on a frosty Christmas Eve and the transformative power of faith have in common with ancient pagan rituals? Imagine standing beside Saint Boniface as he confronts the fearsome Thunder Oak, challenging the very heart of pagan tradition with nothing but a cross—and learn how this pivotal moment gave birth to the first Christmas tree. Join us on Cloud of Witnesses Radio as we explore this gripping story of bravery and faith, shedding light on how Saint Boniface, known as the Apostle of the Germans, faced the shadows of idolatry with unwavering conviction.

Through rich storytelling and evocative soundscapes, the Cloud of Witnesses voice actors uncover the complex interplay between pagan practices and Christian beliefs, focusing on the profound theme of sacrifice. From the ritualistic meals of ancient tribes to the deep spiritual significance of communion, witness how historical figures like Saint Boniface and Saint Patrick reshaped the course of history with their steadfast devotion. This episode invites reflection on the enduring legacies of these saints, urging a deeper appreciation of their stories beyond mere celebration. Embrace the chance to connect with the essence of these remarkable figures whose lives continue to inspire across centuries.

Come for the audio drama, voice acted lives of the Saints, stick around for the cast commentary!

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Find an Orthodox Church near you today.  Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home

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What if the prophecies that have shaped millennia were not divine mandates but tools for control?  Here we respond to and refute popular Instagram "Spiritualist" Nick Zei @Nick.Zei.  We Explore this provocative question as we unravel the relationship between the Book of Revelation and historical narratives, challenging the notion that these prophecies were fabricated to manipulate and dominate. We delve into the misconceptions surrounding biblical narratives, especially those about Jesus and early Christianity, while drawing on insights from scholars like Dan McClellan. This episode promises a critical examination of how certain beliefs have been perpetuated and questions the accuracy of widely held interpretations.

Join us as we dissect the influence of key historical figures like Saint Athanasius of Alexandria and their alleged roles in shaping the Biblical canon. We debunk myths about their authoritative power and address misunderstandings about persecution in early Christianity, revealing how exile, not execution, was often the fate of major heretics in the east. This dialogue invites you to reconsider the narratives you've accepted and encourages a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between early Christianity and other religious traditions. Whether you're a scholar, skeptic, or seeker, this discussion is poised to enlighten and challenge your views on prophecy, history, and belief.

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Find an Orthodox Church near you today.  Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home

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What if the boundaries between our world and the mystical were more fluid than we ever imagined? Join us as we journey with "The Death of Saint Brendan" by JRR Tokien, sailing alongside St Brendan through spellbinding seas toward the verdant lands of Galway. Through vivid storytelling, we unravel St Brendan's mesmerizing encounters with elusive elven kind and his awe-inspiring discovery of the Tower of Doom. Prepare yourself for an exploration of the profound symbolism within his quest, as he reflects on the cloud, tree, and star that linger in his mind—a poignant trinity of memories that encapsulate the spirit of his voyage.

Our narrator, John Lee, captures the enchanting and introspective nature of St Brendan's odyssey, transporting you to a realm where time stands still and the quest for a land beyond becomes an existential pursuit. Whether you're captivated by myth and legend or simply curious about the intricacies of a legendary voyage, this episode promises to leave you pondering the eternal questions of discovery and the soul's journey beyond the confines of the known. Listen in to uncover the spiritual depth of St Brendan's adventure and find yourself lost in the ethereal landscapes and timeless questions his journey invokes.

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The Death of Saint Brendan
by J.R.R. Tolkien

At last out of the deep seas he passed,
and mist rolled on the shore;
under clouded moon the waves were loud,
as the laden ship him bore
to Ireland, back to wood and mire,
to the tower tall and grey,
where the knell of Cluian-ferta’s bell
tolled in the green Galway.
Where Shannon down to Lough Derg ran
under a rainclad sky
Saint Brendan came to his journey’s end
to await his hour to die.

‘O! tell me, father, for I loved you well,
if still you have words for me,
of things strange in the remembering
in the long and lonely sea,
of islands by deep spells beguiled
where dwell the Elven-kind:
in seven long years the road to Heaven
or the Living Land did you find?’

‘The things I have seen, the many things,
have long now faded far;
only three come clear now back to me:
a Cloud, a Tree, a Star.
We sailed for a year and a day and hailed
no field nor coast of mean;
no boat nor bird saw we ever afloat
for forty days and ten.
We saw no sun at set or dawn,
but a dun cloud lay ahead,
and a drumming there was like thunder coming
and a gleam of fiery red.

Upreared from sea to cloud then sheer
a shoreless mountain stood;
its sides were black from the sullen tide
to the red lining of its hood.
No cloak of cloud, no lowering smoke,
no looming storm of thunder
in the world of men saw I ever unfurled
like the pall that we passed under.
We turned away, and we left astern
the rumbling and the gloom;
then the smoking cloud asunder broke,
and we saw the Tower of Doom:
in its ashen head was a crown of red,
where the fishes flamed and fell.
Tall as a column in High Heaven’s hall,
its feet were deep as Hell;
grounded in chasms the water drowned
and buried long ago,
it stands, I ween, in forgotten lands
where the kings of kings lie low.

We sailed then on, till the wind had failed,
and we toiled then with the oar,
and hunger an thirst us sorely wrung,
and we sang our psalms no more.
A land at last with a silver strand
at the end of strenght we found;
the waves were singing in pillared caves
and pearls lay on the ground;
and steep the shores went upward leaping
to slopes of green and gold,
and a stream out of rich and teeming
through a coomb of shadow rolled.

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What if addiction is not just a physical affliction but a profound spiritual challenge? Join us as we navigate this compelling question with our esteemed guests, Dr. Daniel Ageze and David Carlson, exploring addiction as a chronic disease influencing the body, mind, and spirit. Delve into the ancient metaphors where the church emerges as a sanctuary of healing, with God as the ultimate healer. Discover the transformative power of the 12-step recovery process, highlighting the necessity of acknowledging a power greater than oneself. Dr. Daniel and David illuminate the spiritual dimensions of addiction, underscoring the importance of embracing spiritual solutions to address these deep-rooted issues. The episode encourages a deep reflection on how spiritual support and vulnerability can be integral to the recovery journey.

We journey through Steps Six and Seven of the recovery process, focusing on humility, prayer, and the importance of dismantling self-made structures for genuine change. Reflecting on the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, we emphasize the need for spiritual healing that surpasses external validation. Joined by Professor Robert Fortuin, David Carlson, Jeremy Stock, and Dr. Daniel, we express gratitude for their invaluable insights and encourage engaging with the resources shared. This episode culminates in a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine guidance on our spiritual journeys. We invite you to continue exploring these themes in future discussions, all while striving to live a spiritually fulfilling life.

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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

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Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What if the true essence of Christianity has been right under our noses for the last 2,000 years? Explore the fascinating world of Orthodox Christianity, a faith that has retained its liturgical richness and unity across diverse cultures and regions. From the incense-filled Ethiopian Orthodox services to the sacred icon veneration of the Armenian and Eastern Orthodox traditions, uncover how this ancient faith has maintained its practices and beliefs, transcending language barriers and demographic shifts. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these traditions have remained steadfast and unified, offering a cohesive spiritual experience that is unmatched in its historical and cultural consistency.

Contrast this with the myriad of practices within Protestantism, sparked by the Reformation's diverse interpretations. Witness how the vast differences within Protestant denominations raise questions about unity and identity, as we compare the practices of a Reformed Presbyterian with a charismatic Pentecostal. Through this discussion, we invite you to reflect on the rich theological and historical tapestry of Orthodox Christianity. Perhaps you'll be inspired to find a local Orthodox church, where you can witness these timeless traditions firsthand. Join us as we journey through the enduring faith that has thrived through centuries, offering a living testament to the vibrancy and depth of Orthodox Christianity.

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

What kind of soil are you in your spiritual journey? Join us as we reflect on this profound question through the lens of the Feast of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Councils and the resilience of St. Jacob of Hamatura. Drawing from his childhood in Idaho, Father John Reimann of Saint Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, shares a story of his father’s unwavering commitment to transforming rocky terrain into a lush garden. It's a tale that speaks to the heart of our spiritual lives, urging us to cultivate hearts open to divine guidance and cooperation with Christ Jesus, much like tending to a garden.

Our discussion continues with the vibrant community at St. Anthony's, where various ministries—from choir to pro-life initiatives—act as spiritual nourishment for us all. These ministries invite us to engage deeply, removing obstacles and nurturing our spiritual soil to bear fruit for God's glory. As we Orthodox Christians embody living icons in the world, we strive to enrich our lives and inspire others to witness our good works for the Kingdom of God. Concluding with a blessing, Fr John invites us all to reflect, renew, and rejoice in the message of the Gospel.

Thank you for listening - we pray this is an edifying experience for you.

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Find an Orthodox Church near you today.  Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home

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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.

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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.

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Contact this episode's sponsor!: 🕯️
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For a 10% discount, mention CLOUD10 at the checkout!

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

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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!