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Priests Are People Too S8E12 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks continue to discuss the priesthood as the most ancient & central of the ordained roles within The Church. ~~~ Scripture materials for this episode:  Ephesians 4:11  - Apostles & bishops are distinct offices 1 Timothy 4:6-16  - St Paul’s instructions for leadership  1 John 3:11-24  - Our way of life is love ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #priest #bishop #levites #israel #ordination  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

Hierarchy: Responsibility & Obligation, Not Power S8E11 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the priesthood as the most ancient & central of the ordained roles within The Church. ~~~ Scripture materials for this episode:  Ephesians 4:11  - Apostles & bishops are distinct offices 1 Timothy 4:6-16  - St Paul’s instructions for leadership  1 John 3:11-24  - Our way of life is love ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #priest #bishop #levites #israel #ordination  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

Like Living Stones, a Royal Priesthood S8E10 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks continue to discuss the role of the laity as those who bring the world to God & God to the world. ~~~ Reference materials for this episode: https://pomog.org/prayers-after-holy-communion-en/  - Post communion prayer about fire & cleansing Scripture materials for this episode:  Exodus 19:1-9  - The calling of The Children of Israel Luke 4:16-22  - Gospel for the ecclesiological new year ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #laity #spirituallife #royalpriesthood  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 07:22 The History of The Church is the history of Israel 27:35 The Life of The Church is the pursuit of holiness 36:52 Faithfulness is not blind credulity, it is hope we have seen evidence 42:47 Faithfulness is emulating God, not “Nature” 52:56 Being The Church, being The Temple, is being God’s chosen people 62:36 The culture changes when we live the faith ~~~ Open the Doors, Gather As The People S8E9 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the role of the laity in The Church with a special focus on the ecclesiological new year, which will occur between recording & publishing this conversation. ~~~ Reference materials for this episode: https://pomog.org/prayers-after-holy-communion-en/  - Post communion prayer about fire & cleansing Scripture materials for this episode:  Exodus 19:1-9  - The calling of The Children of Israel Hebrews 11:1  - Hope is essential to faithfulness 1 Peter 1:13-25  - The calling of The Church 1 Peter 2:1-12  - Relating to our discussion about the altar ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #laity #spirituallife  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 03:21 Words can mean many things 14:02 Symbols, like words, can be misinterpreted 21:06 Human relationships must be physical to be healthy 30:28 Scholasticism & Fundamentalism are at odds with righteous living 36:55 The civil religion of Popular Progressive Paganism 48:00 The importance of finding the altar of God Most High 52:10 The Eucharist brings true unity, not ideological unity 58:52 Humility is crucial to being able to learn 63:20 Closing ~~~ Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee Orthodox Liturgics S8E8 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the altar, & the sacrificial meal of thanksgiving prepared upon it which is the center point of right worship in The Temple because it brings us into communion, physical connection, with one another as well as with God Most High. ~~~ Reference materials for this episode: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/resources-and-publications/military/prayers/holy-communion-prayers-text  - The prayer of preparation in which we admit we are the chief of sinners https://pomog.org/prayers-after-holy-communion-en/  - Post communion prayer about fire & cleansing ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #ChurchHistory #Temple #Altar #Sacrifice #Worship #paganism #eucharist  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 01:24 Altar to an unknown god 08:07 Sacrifice in temples is human 16:26 Israel chosen to build true temples 24:20 We so easily forget who God Most High is 30:58 Where are the temples of today 35:30 Orthodox Christian temples 45:45 It is a temple because God is present in it several ways 51:33 Right worship of God Most High transforms us into something divine 61:31 Closing ~~~ Here Is The Church, a Dome Not a Steeple Orthodox Liturgics S8E7 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss why a dedicated, physical church building, with a consecrated alter, which is to say a temple, is necessary. ~~~ Scripture citations for this episode: Exodus 25-30  - The covenant regarding The Tabernacle, Priesthood & ritual life of Israel Exodus 32  - The Golden Calf is distorted worship Matthew 5:17  - Fulfill not do away with Matthew 17:1-13  - Transfiguration Acts 17:16-34  - St Paul preaches in Athens Revelation 21  - True worship in the fullness of revelation ~~~ #orthodoxChristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #ChurchHistory #Temple #Altar #Sacrifice #Worship #paganism #tabernacle  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 01:14 The History of the Collapse of Western Christianity 29:11 The West doesn’t have to become The East to be saved 34:14 You Need a Genuine Hospital & to be a Good Patient 38:00 There’s No Gap Between Second Temple Judaism, Apostolic Christianity & The Church 43:46 The Councils Were About Avoiding Schism & Heresy, Not Punishment 46:31 Modern media Combined with Ignorance of Orthodox Ecclesiology Breeds Confusion 49:21 Apostolic Succession Is Supported & Validated by The Historic Choir of Saints 52:58 To Prove You Can Heal, You Need Verifiable Patients Who Aren’t Sick Anymore 55:25 How We Strive for Unity Amidst Conflict IS our Salvation 60:44 The Enlightenment Dream Is Only Possible Through The Church, Not Reason 63:09 Our Culture Is Redefining Intrinsically Christian Terms In Pursuit of Utopia 65:52 Closing ~~~ How to Understand The Collapse of The West  Apostolic Succession S8E6 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the history of what we call The West from the birth of Christianity in The Acts of The Apostles up through the Great Schism, the rise of the papacy, & how the collapse of Western Christianity shaped modern civilization from an Orthodox Christian perspective. ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  Against Heresies by St Ireneaus  - Book III, chapter 3, section 4 - succession of St Polycarp  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm Scripture citations for this episode: Acts 2:46 Acts 3:1 Acts 5:42  - The continuation of Torah worship ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #GreatSchism, #RomanCatholicism #EarlyChurch #Pope ~~~ The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images. Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at  Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026 The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 02:25 St Ireneaus, Against Heresies 08:58 Apostolic Succession is about preservation of revelation 11:35 Apostolic Succession is NOT merely genealogy 17:58 Preservation of revelation is about rightly dividing the word of truth 20:39 Bishops reject heresy, not compromise for the appearance of unity 25:26 The Founding Fathers, The 30 Years War & the rise of civil religion 31:34 The Bad Reasons to Enter (or Avoid) Orthodoxy 39:24 Do Not Despise The Tradition Which Raised You 46:12 If You Entered Orthodoxy for Bad Reasons, Stay & Grow & Be Corrected! 51:25 Religion Is Not a Part of Life, It Is a Way of Life 53:49 The French Revolution Was About Displacing Christianity in Society 57:06 To Understand What The Church Is, You Have to Go All the Way Back ~~~ What the Apostolic Fathers Believe About the Church Apostolic Succession S8E5 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss the writings of St. Irenaeus of Lyon, the historical claim of the Orthodox Church, and how the theological foundations of the West inform how we think about religion as a whole.  ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  Against Heresies by St Ireneaus  - Book III, chapter 3, section 4 - succession of St Polycarp  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom (in English)  - The priest’s prayer for the bishop during The Anaphora ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #theology  The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 01:09 If you want a good marriage, focus on your own healing 05:07 The Orthodox Church is THE Church, make the world The Church  11:24 There is no gap between the apostles & the bishops 23:50 The Epistle of St Ignatius to The Church in Smyrna 26:42 The relationship of the bishops to The Catholic Church 30:50 The Epistle of St Ignatius to The Church in Ephesus 34:06 The Church is not a democracy, yet there is no power except God’s 39:59 Humble obedience is not about toxic shame nor naivety  43:59 We don’t need to understand in order to be obdient 47:09 The correct functioning of The Church has nothing to do with our will 51:52 We don’t have to argue with everything with which we disagree  54:55 Closing ~~~ The Original Christian Church Still Exists Apostolic Succession S8E4 ~~~ In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss how the earliest Christians understood apostolic succession, the role of bishops, and the historical continuity of the Orthodox Church. Drawing from the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch and other early witnesses, they explore the foundations of The Church. ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  Church History of Eusebius  - Bk II, Chapter XIV  - Bk II, Chapter XXIV  - Bk III, Chapter IV  - Bk III, Chapter XI  - Bk III, Chapter XXII  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans  - Chp 8 & 9  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Ephesians  - Chp 4-6  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0104.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Trallians  - Chp 1-3  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm Scripture citations for this episode: Acts 15  - The Council of Jerusalem 1 Corinthians 1:10-17  - We cannot have factions because our wisdom cannot help us Numbers 21  - The bronze serpent on the pole as saving image John 17  - Jesus prays for the oneness of His believers Ephesians 4:7-14  - “Pastor” really should be bishop in English here ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 03:41 The Historicity of The Church 16:25 The Unity of The Church 27:30 Finding The Church is not Church Shopping 33:42 St Paul lost his cool about schism breaking The Church 37:41 Apostolic Succession requires hierarchy (bishops) 46:45 The therapy we need has never & will never change 54:58 Marriage counseling is about recognizing the need for individual repentance 61:41 Closing ~~~ How Orthodoxy Preserves the Apostolic Faith Apostolic Succession S8E3 ~~~ Can we know where The One Church is? In this episode, Fr. Symeon Kees & James John Marks discuss apostolic succession, Christian unity, and the historical roots of the Orthodox Church, tracing its story from the Apostles to the present day. ~~  Reference materials for this episode:  Church History of Eusebius  - Bk II, Chapter XIV  - Bk II, Chapter XXIV  - Bk III, Chapter IV  - Bk III, Chapter XI  - Bk III, Chapter XXII  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans  - Chp 8 & 9  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Ephesians  - Chp 4-6  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0104.htm The Epistle of St Ignatius to the Trallians  - Chp 1-3  - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm Scripture citations for this episode: Acts 15  - The Council of Jerusalem 1 Corinthians 1:10-17  - We cannot have factions because our wisdom cannot help us ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #Salvation #Repentance #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #Theology The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 00:57 Being sick in the hospital is not hypocrisy 07:16 Apostolic Christianity is not religious philosophy or psychology 19:06 Creation is an invitation to spiritual experience, not the experience itself 23:44 Why this spiritual life requires The Church in the formal sense 32:01 Making worship an obligation is like making romance an obligation 37:32 God taught us what the best way for us to worship Him is 39:40 Orthodox worship is the fulfillment of all things which are Good 43:46 Theology & practicality are united in our understanding of persons 50:27 The divine persons do not change, so becoming like them does not change 53:28 This season will be a lot of defining terms to avoid ambiguity 58:51 The ecumenical councils preserve the effective therapy for spiritual healing 61:20 Closing  ~~~ The Orthodox View of Spiritual Therapy & Healing Orthodox Ecclesiology S8E2 ~~~ In this episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, Fr. Simeon Keyes & James John Marks discuss the Orthodox view of salvation, spiritual healing, the sacramental life of the Church, & more. ~~  Scripture citations for this episode: Luke 15:11-32 - The prodigal son John 9:1-38 - The healing of the man born blind ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, Church history, the lives of the Saints, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #orthodoxchristianity  #OrthodoxChurch #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Church #Salvation #Repentance #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #Theology The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 02:10 Post-modernism in literature 03:40 What to expect from season eight 08:48 Be The Body of Christ, be The Church 12:48 Bad Ecclesiology causes parish problems & soul problems 16:17 Spirituality is deeply practical, the purpose is to be changed 20:04 Obedience is central to humility & repentance 22:20 Loving compassion is helping people cease to sin 28:28 It makes no sense to be in The Church & make our sin our Identity 31:04 We live in a culture which doesn’t believe in forgiveness (or repentance) 33:43 What we believe is real, physically, mentally & spiritually 37:58 The Church is where we encounter reality most fully 42:00 We need to accept our diagnosis & the effective therapy to heal it 44:11 A welcoming, loving church is one who expects daily repentance 49:23 Closing ~~~ Who, What & Where Is The Church & Why Is It Necessary? Orthodox Ecclesiology S8E1 ~~~ In this episode of the Christian Saints Podcast, we explore one of the biggest questions in Christian life: What actually is the Church? Is it an organization, a community, a building—or something deeper? We discuss why the Church is practical without being banal and spiritual without being abstract. Through a conversation on repentance, identity, spiritual healing, and modern culture, we examine how the Church understands itself as the Body of Christ—not merely as a place people attend, but as a life people enter. If Christianity is more than ideas—if it’s meant to heal, transform, and bring us into reality—then understanding the Church changes everything. ~~~ Subscribe for more conversations on Orthodoxy, theology, and practical Christian living. ~~~ #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxChurch #Repentance #Ecclesiology #ChristianPodcast #Theology ~~~ Scripture citations for this episode: Luke 15:11-32 - The prodigal son John 9:1-38 - The healing of the man born blind The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 02:20 The structure of the vesperal portion 09:21 Why The Bible should have more than 66 books 11:22 The structure of the Divine Liturgy of St Basil for Holy Saturday 17:31 This service describes salvation in detailed images 31:55 Closing ~~~ Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - What is Salvation?  ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  Reference materials for this episode:  The rubrics of the services, in English translation, of The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great Scripture citations for this episode: The fifteen Old Testament readings  - Genesis 1:1-13  - Isaiah 60:1-16  - Exodus 12:1-12  - The Book of Jonah  - Jesus of Navi (Joshua) 5:10 - 15  - Exodus 13:20 - 15:19  - Sophronios (Zephaniah) 3:8 - 15  - 3rd Kingdoms (1st Kings) 17:8 - 24  - Isaiah 61:10 - 62:5  - Genesis 22:1 - 18  - Isaiah 61:1 - 10  - 4th Kingdoms  (2nd Kings) 4:8 - 37  - Isaiah 63:11 - 64:5  - Jeremiah 38:31 - 34 (31:31 - 34)  - Daniel 3 (including the song of the 3 youths from the Greek manuscript tradition) Epistle reading  - Romans 6:3 - 11 Gospel reading  - Matthew 28:1 - 20 ~~~ In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here. The morning of Holy Saturday finds us at the very brink of the celebration of Pascha, Passover, The Resurrection of Jesus The Messiah. All vespers services mark the beginning of the new day (there was evening, there was morning, the first day) & so in this service we transition from Sabbath to The Lord's Day. However, we're still in this accelerated timeline of Holy Week & so we cannot yet fully proclaim Christ is Risen. Yet, in the middle of this service we do transition from the darkness of Holy Week into the white of purity & resurrection & we proclaim who The Messiah is & what it is He saves us from & what it is He saves us for. The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 02:55 The structures of the services 07:05 How do we face the apparent loss of trust & hope? 10:14 The three stasis of The Lamentations hymn  21:06 Closing ~~~ Winding Sheet & Lamentations - How Can We Go On? ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  The rubrics of the services, in English translation, of  - Vespers of Holy Friday evening (known as the service of The Winding Sheet)  - Orthros of Holy Saturday morning (known as The Lamentations) ~~~ In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here. On Holy Friday there are typically two services which are conducted in community parishes: the vesperal service of Friday evening which is usually celebrated at 3p, the time Jesus hung on the cross, as well as the orthros service of the morning of Holy Saturday which is celebrated Friday night. These two services are known as The Winding Sheet & The Lamentations, respectively. In this episode Jim talks about this pivotal moment for the faithful. God Himself, the source of all Life, is in The Underworld. What do we do when our trust & hope seem to be destroyed? How we respond shapes who we are becoming. The bulk of the episode is Jim reading the more than 70 verses of the Lamentation hymns for your reflection. The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026

00:00 Introduction 01:42 Summary of the 12 readings 05:35 Jesus is condemned for claiming to be God 10:53 Why Saint Paul was a crucial member of The 12 13:32 The 2 odd Psalms which highlight Jesus’ teaching from The Cross 23:37 Closing ~~~ Orthros of The 12 Passion Gospels - How Did It Happen? ~~~ Reference materials for this episode:  The rubrics of the service of the 12 Passion Gospels in English translation Scripture citations for this episode: Two additional Psalms read in this service prior to the usual six of Orthros  - Psalm 19/20 & 20/21 The 12 Gospel readings from the service  - John 13:31-18:1  - John 18:1-29  - Matthew 26:57-75  - John 18:28–19:16  - Matthew 27:3-32  - Mark 15:16-32  - Matthew 27:33-54  - Luke 23:32-49  - John 19:19-37  - Mark 15:43-47  - John 19:38-42  - Matthew 27:62-66 Psalm 22/23  - Jesus quotes this from the cross ~~~ In our series of reflections on the Lenten Triodion we have reached the service of Holy Unction, which, strictly speaking, is after Lent is over, but we're going to carry all the way through Holy Week here. The Orthros of The 12 Passion Gospels is the service for the morning of Holy Friday which is typically celebrated on Thursday evening because of the shifted schedule which began on the evening of Palm Sunday (to facilitate holding the Paschal divine liturgy immediately after midnight Saturday night into Sunday morning). In this service we transition from more abstract lessons to the literal, chronological events of Jesus' arrest, trial, mockery, torture, death & burial. In this reflection, Jim turns our attention to why Jesus is condemned to death by The Sanhedrin & why this is so important to the identity of The Christian faith. The Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion. Our hosts are Father Symeon Kees of Iowa City & James John Marks of Chicago. Paradosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555 https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcast https://x.com/podcast_saints https://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcast https://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcast https://bsky.app/profile/xtiansaintspodcast.bsky.social Iconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these images Prints of all of Nick’s work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.com All music in these episodes is a production of Generative Sounds https://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.com Distribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative Sounds Copyright 2021 - 2026