

The Arena
Father Josiah Trenham
Sunday Homilies and Theological Reflections with Fr. Josiah Trenham - Weekly homilies and theological reflections recorded from the amvon of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, California. This podcast is sponsored by Patristic Nectar Publications, a publisher specializing in resources for Orthodox catechesis. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your spiritual quest, and we hope that your listening experience is an edifying one.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2026 • 9min
Reflection | Don’t Torment Your Guardian Angel
The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications. It contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California, and began in 2010. There are more than 800 sermons and lectures covering ten years of preaching through the liturgical calendar.Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.| Links |Visit 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 the Patristic Nectar website links to the 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.3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Jan 21, 2026 • 32min
Ask Father Josiah | Sleep Paralysis After Becoming Christian?
The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications. It contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California, and began in 2010. There are more than 800 sermons and lectures covering ten years of preaching through the liturgical calendar.Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.| Links |Visit 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 the Patristic Nectar website links to the 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.3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
Reflection | Blasphemy Laws
The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications. It contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California, and began in 2010. There are more than 800 sermons and lectures covering ten years of preaching through the liturgical calendar.Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.| Links |Visit 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 the Patristic Nectar website links to the 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.3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Jan 16, 2026 • 13min
Reflection | The Sin of Blasphemy
The discussion delves into the meaning of the third commandment, emphasizing the reverence owed to God's name. Fr. Josiah explains how blasphemy manifests through casual use, deceitful oaths, and perjury. He highlights Satan as the origin of these thoughts and warns against their serious nature. The importance of gratitude as a shield against blasphemy is stressed, along with insights from saints on cultivating a respectful attitude. Modern cultural shifts toward tolerance of blasphemy also come under scrutiny, calling for careful but courageous responses.

Jan 8, 2026 • 27min
Embracing the Judgment - Sunday Before Theophany (Jan. 4, 2026)
The Arena Podcast is the flagship of Patristic Nectar Publications. It contains the Sunday Sermons and other theological reflections by Father Josiah Trenham delivered from the ambon of St. Andrew Church in Riverside, California, and began in 2010. There are more than 800 sermons and lectures covering ten years of preaching through the liturgical calendar.Donate Easily: Text "PNP" to 53-555 to make a quick tax-deductible donation from your phone.| Links |Visit 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 the Patristic Nectar website links to the 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.3) Pray For Us - remember us in your prayers, asking that the Lord strengthen, help, and direct us according to His divine will.

Jan 7, 2026 • 10min
Reflection | Therapeutic Judgement
Fr. Josiah Trenham delves into the significance of Theophany, highlighting it as a revelation of the Trinity and linking it to Christ’s baptism. He emphasizes the grace available in the Church today, explaining that current times focus on healing and self-reflection rather than final judgment. Listeners hear about practical calls to repentance from John the Baptist, encouraging honesty and moral transformation. The therapeutic role of the Holy Spirit in guiding individuals towards repentance is also discussed, offering a message of grace and hope.

Jan 2, 2026 • 9min
Reflection | A Warning Against False Confession
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.

Jan 1, 2026 • 12min
Homily | The Holy Name of Jesus - Feast of the Circumcision and St. Basil the Great - (Jan 1, 2026)
The discussion begins with the profound significance of Christ's circumcision and the feast of St. Basil. The meaning of the name 'Jesus' as Savior beckons listeners to reflect on salvation. Insights into the power of Jesus' name reveal its role in miracles and divine interventions. Practical advice on using the name in prayer emphasizes its strength against fear and evil. A compelling call to honor Jesus' name in the new year encourages reverence and reflection on its importance in faith.

Jan 1, 2026 • 28min
Homily | The Model Life of the Righteous King Josiah - Sunday Of Genealogy 2025 (Dec. 21, 2025)
Explore the fascinating diverging genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, highlighting Christ's authentic humanity and colorful ancestry. Discover King Josiah's pivotal role in spiritual revival through his reforms, his commitment to righteousness, and the significance of names in Christian tradition. Delve into Josiah's mistakes and eventual repentance, alongside Jeremiah's poignant tribute. This reflection emphasizes practical principles of faith and the call to emulate Josiah by striving for goodness while acknowledging human imperfection.

Jan 1, 2026 • 31min
Homily | The Liturgy and Christmas - (Dec. 14, 2025)
Fr. Josiah dives into the spiritual significance of the Christmas season, emphasizing the importance of liturgy and its connection to Christ's saving acts. The preparation of the prosphora and the meaning behind altar rituals are explored. He reflects on the priest's responsibility and the humility required in ministry. The impact of chant on spiritual formation is highlighted, alongside St. Anatoly's advice to choir members. Liturgical worship is presented as a profound response to the incarnation, inviting listeners to anticipate the joy of Christmas.


