Join Father Genard as he explores the deeper meaning of fasting in this inspiring Christian podcast episode. Moving beyond the 40 days of Lent, he emphasizes that true fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food like dairy, poultry, and meat—it’s a lifelong call to repentance, obedience to God’s Word, and spiritual discipline. Drawing from scriptures such as Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 6:16-18, and Ephesians 4:25-5:21, Father Genard urges believers to reject sin, gossip, and worldly distractions daily, not just seasonally. With insights from St. John Chrysostom and the Church Fathers, discover how to live a sanctified life, reconcile with enemies, and align with God’s eternal truth. Ideal for Christians seeking biblical wisdom, spiritual growth, and practical ways to embody faith year-round through prayer, humility, and devotion.

Episode 117: Persuaded by the Forgiveness of Sins

Episode 116: Learning from Jonah’s reluctancy

Episode 115: What you Missed out On

In this episode, Father Genard explores the relationship between faith, love, obedience, and authority in Christianity. It emphasizes that true Christian faith is not just about believing in God, but living out that belief through actions, particularly love and obedience to God's commandments. The speaker quotes St. John Chrysostom, highlighting that love for Christ is expressed through obedience, not just words. The connection between the Father, Son, and the apostles is also a key theme; to know and love the Father, one must first accept and obey the Son, as the Son is the way to the Father. The apostles, chosen by Christ, are also essential to the faith, and rejecting them is akin to rejecting Christ and, by extension, the Father. The speaker stresses that a complete relationship with God involves not just loving the Father and Son, but also honoring the apostles and participating in the Church. The passage concludes with a reminder that faith without deeds, as described in James 2:17, is insufficient. To truly follow Christ, one must live according to His commandments and recognize the authority of Christ, the apostles, and the Holy Spirit in their life.

Episode 113: Paul Proclaims the Resurrection

In this episode, Father Genard delves deeply into Acts chapter 13, focusing on St. Paul's sermon and its rich theological implications. He begins by exploring the way St. Paul uses the history of the Jewish people to remind them of God’s promises, which were ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul’s message is clear: the salvation through Jesus Christ was written in the Old Testament, and although the Jewish leaders and people condemned Christ, this was part of God's perfect plan for salvation. Father Genard emphasizes that Jesus, despite being crucified by the ignorance and pride of others, voluntarily gave Himself up to death in order to destroy death once and for all. He points out that while humanity’s attempts at salvation through the law failed, Jesus' death and resurrection brought true salvation to all who believe.

Father Genard highlights that Jesus' resurrection was not only a miraculous event but a testament to His divinity, as He Himself had the power to raise His body from the dead. This resurrection, which was witnessed by many, confirms the truth of Jesus’ mission. The apostle Paul also proclaims that the promises made to the fathers were fulfilled through Jesus, who is the true Son of God, as evidenced in the Psalms.

The episode also touches on the importance of not disregarding the Old Testament and its prophecies about Jesus, especially in the light of misunderstandings and dismissals of the prophets by some Christians. Father Genard strongly asserts that Jesus is not just a great teacher or prophet but the divine Son of God, pre-existent and eternal, who took on human flesh to restore humanity to its rightful relationship with the Father.

In closing, Father Genard reminds us that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are no longer bound by the law but have been offered new life through faith in Christ and baptism. This is the ultimate word of salvation, and it is only through Christ that we have hope for eternal life.

In this episode, Father Genard discusses the themes of faith, trust in God, and the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. He reflects on the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will, emphasizing that despite the turmoil, suffering, and challenges in the world, God remains in control. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of St. Mark, Father Genard recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm, illustrating the power and sovereignty of Christ over all circumstances.

Father Genard also delves into Acts 13:13-25, where St. Paul, filled with courage and led by the Holy Spirit, preaches for the first time. He highlights St. Paul’s boldness in using the law and the prophets to connect with his audience, presenting Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. By intertwining the Old Testament narratives with the message of the New Testament, St. Paul demonstrates how salvation is rooted in Christ, fulfilling prophecies and affirming His role as the Savior of the world.

Additionally, Father Genard underscores the significance of understanding history and scripture holistically, emphasizing that the Old Testament and the New Testament complement each other. He urges listeners to reflect on their faith, trust in God’s guidance, and recognize Jesus Christ as the way, truth, and life. Through scripture, tradition, and the example of St. Paul, he calls for a deeper commitment to God’s will and a renewed relationship with Christ.

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In this episode presented by Father Genard, we delve into Acts Chapter 13, exploring the early missionary work of the Church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Father Genard highlights the Holy Spirit's role in directing the Apostles during worship and fasting, as seen when Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were set apart for ministry to the Gentiles. He reflects on the mystery of God's communication—through revelation or worthy individuals—and connects it to the apostolic tradition of ordination by the laying on of hands, signifying continuity in the Church's leadership.

The episode examines Paul's calling, sanctification, and commissioning, emphasizing the transformative power of baptism and the grace bestowed upon him. Father Genard draws parallels to Old Testament practices, such as Joshua's commissioning by Moses, to underline the enduring significance of God using His creation to accomplish divine work.

Key events discussed include Paul and Barnabas's journey to Paphos, their encounter with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, and their confrontation with the sorcerer Elymas, who sought to deter Sergius from the faith. Paul's Spirit-filled rebuke of Elymas, resulting in temporary blindness, is presented not as vengeance but as a means to lead him and others, including Sergius, to conversion. This episode underscores the apostolic mission, righteous teaching, and the importance of boldness in faith and repentance.

Father Genard concludes by encouraging listeners not to be intimidated by their past but to embrace their identity as God's handiwork, called for good works and sanctified by grace.

In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the profound work of the Holy Trinity in the Church and the essential practices that uphold the Christian faith. He begins by discussing the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing that these three are one in power, glory, and understanding. He highlights the importance of the Holy Trinity, particularly in the example of Jesus' baptism, where all three persons are present—God the Father speaking, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.

Father Genard further elaborates on the concept of baptism, explaining that it is not a human act but a divine one. In the Eastern Christian tradition, priests do not claim to baptize, but rather proclaim that it is God the Father who performs the act of baptism. This reinforces the understanding that baptism is a sacred, God-initiated sacrament.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the practice of fasting and prayer. Father Genard stresses that fasting is not something that has been abolished, as some might claim, but is an integral part of the Christian life. He emphasizes that fasting and prayer complement each other and are both necessary for spiritual growth, especially when confronting evil forces. He challenges the idea that fasting is no longer required, pointing to scriptural references that show it remains essential.

Finally, Father Genard addresses the continuity of apostolic authority in the Church. He firmly believes that the apostolic mission, initiated by the original apostles, has not ended but continues through the Church’s teachings and practices today, particularly through the laying on of hands. This apostolic authority ensures that the faith is faithfully passed down, preserving the teachings of Christ for each generation.