Approaching The Wardrobe

Continuing with thoughts from the book The Sacrament of Love and imagery from Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Jeff contemplates the unique value of womanhood in our lives.

The redemptive role of the female is an often overlooked treasure in the life of the Orthodox Church. Inspired by thoughts from the author Paul Evdokimov and the film The Kid with a Bike, Jeff shares thoughts on the beauty of womanhood and motherhood in the ancient Christian faith.

“Where did all these positions come from?” is a question many ponder concerning the Orthodox Church. Jeff contrasts the modern crisis of authority in Christianity with the Biblical roles of authority.

The Mother of God is an uncomfortable subject for many coming to Orthodoxy. It is necessary to have “a mind for mystery” when it comes to understanding Mary, the Theotokos. Jeff looks for the mind of the early church in this episode.

Close communion with the saints was normal in the Apostolic Church. Ante-Nicene Christian records demonstrate that the practice of honoring and appealing to the saints have been accepted since the beginning.

Apostolic tradition guided the early believers. This is the foundation for modern Orthodox Christianity as well.

“Counting the cost” is a difficult step in following Christ and in coming to Orthodoxy. Contemplating Bilbo Baggins's calling and decision, Jeff explores how we have to suffer, and how we will be greatly rewarded.

Drawing on the opening chapter of The Hobbit, Jeff explores the theme of “uncomfortable Orthodoxy.”

The example of His Beatitude Ignatius IV and the wisdom from Mother Raphaela inspire thoughts on healthy obedience and leadership.

Who said sanctification would be easy?

Walloped by unexpected trauma, Jeff contemplates the love of Christ found in the Orthodox Church.

Jeff explores the mystery of our unrecognized royal identity in the life of Christ and how this relates to Orthodoxy.

Mark Twain penned the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction.” Here Jeff discusses some strange non-fiction in the life of faith.

Orthodoxy can seem merely formal and rigid, especially to outsiders. Jeff begins to explore mystical elements and accounts that enhance the faith of many. A contemporary account of a Saint Spyridon experience is shared in this episode.

Services outside of Sunday Divine Liturgy are often weakly attended. Jeff discusses the issues involved, the potential effect on inquirers to Orthodoxy, and some benefits in participating.

Does venerating saints and things in Orthodoxy detract from the pure worship of God? Jeff shares readings from different places and times, considering how we need the physical things and people to touch the Kingdom of God.

Jeff explains how all people naturally venerate.

Jeff explores how our physical activities solidify our identity and provide a constant means of sharing our burdens with God.

Jeff explains that interacting physically brings us an increased awareness of God’s presence, along with comfort and heartfelt communion.

God has always chosen to sanctify and empower physical things for His Glory and our transformation. Orthodox Christians are able to glorify God with the rich physical practices of the ancient faith.