Fr. Josiah Trenham, Archpriest at St. Andrew Orthodox Church and founder of Patristic Nectar Publications, shares his insights on the state of Orthodoxy in America after over 30 years of priesthood. He discusses the challenges faced by converts, emphasizing the importance of beauty in worship and community life. The conversation touches on the resurgence of faith post-COVID, the impact of psychedelics, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Fr. Josiah advocates for a deep, transformative faith in an increasingly materialistic world.
The virtue of 'ipomoni' emphasizes the importance of patient endurance in navigating one's imperfections on the Christian journey.
A resurgence of interest in Orthodoxy post-COVID highlights a collective search for spiritual depth and community amidst uncertainty.
The emphasis on beauty and communal worship in Orthodoxy fosters a sense of belonging, enhancing both individual faith and community ties.
Deep dives
The Importance of Enduring Oneself
Learning to endure oneself is identified as a vital and challenging aspect of the Christian journey. Many individuals struggle with their imperfections and failures, often feeling the pressure to achieve saintly behavior without acknowledging their current state. It's emphasized that the virtue of 'ipomoni', or patient endurance, holds significant weight in the Christian faith, with promises of salvation for those who can endure until the end. This enduring spirit is essential for maintaining one’s faith and continuing to grow in grace despite personal setbacks.
The Surge of Interest in Orthodoxy
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in individuals seeking to convert to Orthodoxy, particularly following the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports illustrate that parishes have seen a sharp rise in catechumens, with some churches experiencing numbers previously unheard of, such as over a hundred individuals preparing for baptism. This interest reflects a broader trend of individuals searching for spiritual depth and community in a time marked by crisis and uncertainty. Such a resurgence points to a significant shift towards a rediscovery of traditional faith practices amid widespread secular disillusionment.
Navigating Cultural Changes and Spiritual Awakening
The cultural landscape is shifting dramatically, with a growing awareness of spirituality beyond conventional practices, prompting many to explore various spiritual paths. This includes a rise in interest in new age practices, mystical experiences, and even psychedelic exploration as individuals search for deeper meaning and connection. Such explorations are often seen as a reaction against materialism and secularism, indicating a hunger for the transcendent that many now feel is missing in their lives. However, while these paths may offer temporary connection, they often lack the grounding and community provided by traditional faith expressions, like Orthodoxy.
The Role of Beauty and Community in Faith
A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of beauty and the communal aspects of worship within Orthodoxy, highlighting how they nurture faith. Beautiful liturgical practices and architecture serve as expressions of devotion and provide a tangible sense of the divine, inviting congregants into a sacred experience. The sense of community fostered in parishes offers a familial bond that supports members in their spiritual journeys, creating a space where individuals feel valued and loved. This internal cohesion enhances the experience of faith, making it accessible and meaningful in the contemporary world.
Present Challenges and the Future of Faith
Current societal instability and moral ambiguity present significant challenges for believers, calling into question the foundations of justice and morality in a rapidly changing world. As secularism grows and traditional moral frameworks dissipate, the struggle to prioritize faith over national or cultural identities becomes increasingly crucial. The insight reflects a longing for a return to fundamental values of morality and a deeper connection to the divine, which may ultimately guide communities back to healthier societal constructs. The hope lies in cultivating a faith that actively engages with the world while remaining rooted in Christian principles to navigate these complexities.
I sat down with Fr. Josiah Trenham, archpriest at St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, California, and founder and director of Patristic Nectar Publications. With over 30 years of experience as a priest in America, Fr. Josiah has a wealth of knowledge about the state of Orthodoxy in the West and the challenges converts face. We discuss various aspects of Orthodox and contemporary life: beauty, money, politics, sexuality, the youth, psychedelics, artificial intelligence, and more. Enjoy.
Support Fr. Josiah’s work at Patristic Nectar Publications: https://patristicnectar.org/ @PatristicNectarFilms
Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/nSlZMeYD-PE
==============Timestamps============== 00:00 - Coming up 01:07 - Intro music 01:32 - Introduction 03:06 - The state of Orthodoxy in America 11:09 - What happened? 18:07 - Change and the conversion of young men 24:00 - Prioritizing beauty 35:31 - Balancing the budget 38:37 - Orthobros 42:41 - Bear yourself 50:16 - The ancient pagan world vs modern secular world 55:15 - Psychedelics 59:34 - The future is religious 01:01:15 - Artificial intelligence 01:07:38 - Intuition about what's coming
💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe
📱 SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau
Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode