The Arena

Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.Please subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org| Support Our Ministry |1) Spread the Word - Tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!"2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Fr. Josiah explores the roots of Thanksgiving, linking it to its religious significance and the Pilgrims. He highlights how anxiety can rob us of gratitude, contrasting it with the power of thankfulness. Insights from Jesus’ teachings on worry reveal a path to greater trust in God. Elder Simeon’s approach suggests that anxiety stems from our relationship with God, advocating for forgiveness as a means of healing. The reflection culminates in a call to embrace gratitude and trust as antidotes to anxiety.

Fr. Josiah explores the significance of the Feast of the Entrance, highlighting Mary as the living temple. He emphasizes the need for detachment from material wealth, contrasting the rich man's selfishness with the value of spiritual riches. Practical advice on estate planning and charitable giving is interwoven with reflections on life's brevity and the importance of repentance. The discussion culminates with a critique of self-indulgence and a call to prioritize forgiveness and gratitude, offering insights into cultivating enduring virtues.

Father Josiah discusses the crisis of modern marriage and critiques the sexual revolution as a failed experiment. He emphasizes the importance of reorienting families toward Christ, outlining the spiritual practices necessary for marital success. The lecture examines the biblical foundations of marriage and its critical role in salvation. He highlights the societal consequences of declining marriage rates and advocates for cultural reforms, urging listeners to embrace repentance and renew their commitment to family life.

Gavin Ortlund, a Reverend Dr. and Christian author known for his work in theology and apologetics, joins the discussion on the divine nature of marriage. He explores C.S. Lewis's critique of modern relationships and encourages a biblical view of joy in submission. Gavin emphasizes how marriage fosters deep unity, reflecting God's love and inviting others to faith. He shares practical advice for couples, addressing concerns about building godly marriages, particularly for those from broken homes, while urging young men to honor marriage as a sacred commitment.

Fr. Josiah explores the life and legacy of St. John Chrysostom, highlighting his remarkable journey from Antioch to becoming a patriarch in Constantinople. He shares inspiring tales of Chrysostom's dedication as a monk, his eloquent preaching, and his unwavering commitment to faith amid persecution. The discussion ties in liturgical readings that reflect Chrysostom's pastoral devotion and underscores the central lesson of lifelong faithfulness. Listeners are encouraged to draw inspiration from his steadfast example in their own lives.

This sermon vividly illustrates the miraculous healing of Jairus's daughter and the woman with the flow of blood, showcasing Christ's divine power. The themes of spiritual resurrection and contrasting contemporary pleasure-seeking cultures are explored. Father Josiah emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening, urging listeners to walk in humility, love, and wisdom. The message resonates with a call to rise from spiritual death, invoking the imagery of Ezekiel’s dry bones for revival, and concludes with Christ's imperative to awaken and embrace a life filled with the Spirit.

In a profound reflection, the host discusses the inner struggles new converts face in their spiritual journey. St. Nikolai's teachings illuminate the importance of battling one's passions and the necessity of ongoing repentance. Scriptural insights reveal that true conversion is an enduring journey of self-fight. The conversation emphasizes that the war against oneself is crucial for spiritual growth, warning that neglecting this inner conflict can lead to greater discord. Expect advice on guidance and ascetic practices to aid in this transformation.

Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.| Links |NEW THEOLOGICAL LECTURE! Churchmanship: Learning to be a Faithful Parishionerhttps://app.patristicnectar.org/discover/churchmanshipTICKETS ON SALE NOW! 2025 Spring Conference: RepentanceBishop Irenei & Father Alexis Torrancewww.conference.patristicnectar.orgVisit our online store and support Patristic Nectar!https://patristic-nectar.mybigcommerce.comPlease subscribe and rate the podcast! If you are interested in other available titles, or if you would like more information on Patristic Nectar Publications, please visit our website at PatristicNectar.org| Support Our Ministry |1) Spread the Word - Tell your family and friends about Patristic Nectar. Share Patristic Nectar website links to content you have enjoyed. A personal invitation is the number one way the Church grows. Tell a friend to "Come and see!"2) Make a Donation -Patristic Nectar is a small non-profit ministry with a big vision for expanding access to Patristic Orthodox teaching throughout the world. Since our establishment in 2010, we have made steady progress but there is so much more we could do. With funding, we can work to make our ministry vision a reality. Make a Donation Here3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.