The Orthodox Brew

Every year this comes back around:“Isn’t Christmas just a pagan holiday?”Short answer: no.Long answer: the early Church knew exactly what she was doing.December 25 (and January 7) weren’t borrowed from paganism — they were chosen as a bold theological statement connecting the Nativity to the Cross and Resurrection.#Advent #Christmas #Nativity #Orthodox #Coptic #copticorthodox

Christmas: December 25 or January 7?

https://youtu.be/q-9mt6K1NRY?si=f-WXLXSGwkO_WG1_

Christmas hasn’t been stolen — but it can lose its center.In this episode, I reflect on how the Nativity slowly shifted from worship to atmosphere, from preparation to consumption, and why the Orthodox Church isn’t panicking..#OrthodoxPodcast #ChristianReflection #christmas #FaithAndCulture #Incarnation#OrthodoxChristian #AncientFaith #Jesus #coptic

Coming down from the mountaintop can be harder than climbing up.In this episode, Fr. Michael Sorial reflects on the spiritual high of mission trips—and the often-overlooked challenge of coming home.He unpacks 6 more practical principles to help mission participants reintegrate wisely, grow spiritually, and continue living missionally in everyday life.📌 Topics include:– How to Redirect Guilt to Gratitude– Why We Need to Build a New Normal– The Importance to Keep Serving LocallyThis is a conversation for anyone returning from a mission trip, spiritual retreat, or any life-changing experience.

Coming down from the mountaintop can be harder than climbing up.In this episode, Fr. Michael Sorial reflects on the spiritual high of mission trips—and the often-overlooked challenge of coming home.He unpacks 6 practical principles to help mission participants reintegrate wisely, grow spiritually, and continue living missionally in everyday life.📌 Topics include:– How to keep the spiritual fire alive– Why drift happens and how to resist it– The importance of reintegrating slowly and wiselyThis is a conversation for anyone returning from a mission trip, spiritual retreat, or any life-changing experience.Your mission didn’t end—it just shifted context. 🌍🙏➡️ Part 2 (Points 7–12) drops next Thursday, June 26

In this episode of Orthodox Brew, Father Michael Sorial discusses the importance of slowing down and finding stillness in a chaotic world. He emphasizes the necessity of retreating to reconnect with God and discover true peace, which is not merely the absence of noise but the presence of Christ. The conversation explores practical ways to incorporate moments of solitude and reflection into daily life, highlighting the need for margin to foster spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

In this episode of The Orthodox Brew, Father Michael Sorial reflects on his experience attending an event at Princeton University featuring campus apologists Cliff and Stuart Knechtle. He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of their approach to engaging students in conversations about faith, critiques their methods, and emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and the need for Orthodox Christians to actively participate in such discussions. Father Sorial encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of their faith and to engage with others in a loving and respectful manner.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Event at Princeton University

02:50 – Observations and Interactions with Campus Apologists

05:47 – Engaging with Students and Addressing Questions

09:12 – Critique of the Apologists' Approach

12:02 – Strengths of the Apologists' Strategy

15:12 – Inconsistencies in Responses and Engagement

17:54 – The Importance of Respectful Dialogue

21:14 – Recommendations for Orthodox Christians

24:09 – Conclusion and Call to Action

I didn’t go to debate. I went to listen. What happened next? Here’s a portion of the exchange that took place between Cliff and myself during Cliff & Stewart Knechtle’s visit to Princeton—and why it matters.Full video drops Tuesday. I’ll share my take on what really went down.

In this introductory episode of the Orthodox Brew, Father Michael Sorial shares the vision behind the podcast, emphasizing the importance of deep conversations rooted in Orthodox Christianity. He discusses the themes of faith, purpose, mental health, and the challenges of navigating a post-Christian world. The podcast aims to create a space for reflection and connection, inviting listeners from all walks of life to engage in meaningful discussions over a cup of coffee or tea.