Shows
On the BattlefieldSt. John the LadderStruggle is inevitable.2025-03-2500 minOn the BattlefieldFreedom?There may be no slavery deeper than doing it my way.2024-02-0700 minOn the BattlefieldExpectationsHaving appropriate expectations for sober prayer.2023-11-1400 minOn the BattlefieldGriefHow to deal with the sorrowful-joy of grief in a sober spiritual life.2023-09-0500 minOn the BattlefieldPro and ConsUn-compartmentalized recovery.2023-07-1800 minOn the BattlefieldPost Retreat RundownDiscussion and highlights from the recovery retreat held at St. John Chrysostom Church in Nashville on June 10, 2023. Watch the sessions at https://www.youtube.com/@chrysostom_nashville/streams.2023-06-2000 minOn the BattlefieldThanks, Mom!The mother of all episodes...2023-05-1600 minOn the BattlefieldResentmentResentment and anger can often overtake us without our knowing. How can it and overcome it?2023-03-2100 minOn the BattlefieldEnergy CrisisSt. Gregory Palamas, what do we know about the unknowable? What do we do with repentance and sobriety?2023-03-1400 minOn the BattlefieldIt's All About MeHow do we square Christ's command to do good works in secret with his other command to let our lights so shine before men? Where does grandiosity get in the way?2023-03-0700 minOn the BattlefieldFinding WisdomThe path to God and wisdom begins with doing the things that correspond to our aim. A rigorously honest look at ourselves often yields the uncomfortable truth that there is a gulf between what we say we desire and what we are actually pursuing.2023-01-3100 minOn the BattlefieldLove and ConsequencesThere is often a call for people to reap the results of their actions. The line between unchristian retribution and vengeance, on the one hand, and consequences aimed toward someone else's highest good and repentance on the other, can be stark and is guided by the principle of love. How do we understand the idea of either consequences or love in a world that defines both so differently than does the mind of the Gospel?2023-01-1700 minOn the BattlefieldCall Me NobodyIn this episode, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Michael discuss the pitfalls of grandiosity and the quiet heroism found in Anonymity.2022-12-2000 minOn the BattlefieldUnbridled ConsumptionHeading into the holidays, our hosts discuss the issues of consumerism in our culture. This is not a new phenomenon by any means - in fact, the desert fathers address it. The issue, at its core, is glutton and compulsion. It can even be a misuse of the idea of giving. The question we must all ask is, "where do I get agitated if I’m impeded?"2022-11-2200 minOn the BattlefieldIs Jesus Our Example?In this episode, our hosts discuss the topic of expectations. The truth is that expectations are almost always rooted in extremes, with the end result being a recalibration to the middle no matter the outcome of any situation. What does this mean for how we view others, especially the addict? When we make decisions on how to treat others (in and outside of the Church) we often hear the trite saying "what would Jesus do?" (WWJD). But, what is our view of Jesus? Is He merely a moral character, soft in disposition, who justifies us in our sins? Or does...2022-11-0800 minOn the BattlefieldRestIn this episode, our hosts tackle the issue of "rest" and workaholism. What does it mean to enter into the Sabbath Rest? Piggybacking off of the last episode's theme of peace, we can see that once order is established and justice is restored, God rests by becoming enthroned. When we enter into rest, we begin to participate in the words from St. John's Apocolypse that "to the one who overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on my throne". We find that reciprocal sabbath is the means by which God has established relationship with His creation. Work is addictive...2022-10-2500 minOn the BattlefieldPeaceWhat is peace? Is it some kind of esoteric feeling of tranquility - or is it something more? In this episode, our hosts dive into the issue of peace and its relationship to recovery. Tracking the concept of "shalom" in the scriptures, we can see that from Genesis 1 peace has less to do with a lack of confrontation and more to do with bringing order out of chaos. God's peace makes us whole and complete, and God's peace has to do with the well-being of an entire community. When we give ourselves over to this kind of peace, we learn...2022-10-1100 minOn the BattlefieldThe ScapegoatIn this fascinating episode, our hosts address a common sentiment in many Evangelical circles that the Cross is the exclusive point of our adoration. Were any of the Lord's 33 years wasted? What about His baptism, His ascension? The discussion continues with a look at Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement - and Christ as the scapegoat. The connection is drawn between the addict and the scapegoat and how we can image Christ in this way. We mustn't truncate the Gospel as it is, in its entirety, Good News.2022-09-1300 minOn the BattlefieldStressAddiction is fueled by stress - in particular, those with stressful childhoods are much more susceptible to addiction. In this episode, our hosts discuss the four trigger points of stress in our lives: uncertainty, isolation, loss of control, and conflict. When we look at the medical data on addiction, the situation seems hopeless; however, the recognition of the image of God in each and every human being gives unfathomable hope as we battle for sobriety. Solving the problem our way leads to sin & death, solving it God’s way (repentance and recovery) leads to life. For these reasons, what we re...2022-09-0600 minOn the BattlefieldCommunityIn this episode, our hosts take a deeper look at the concept of community - more specifically, the uniqueness of community within the confines of the Church and the Holy Trinity. Community cannot exist without a common purpose and life. When we speak about addiction, we see it as a disease of isolation that is ultimately disruptive to the human person in his very existence. When we encounter God in the Church, community is ultimately restored; however, as always, a sincere life of repentance is necessary.2022-08-2200 minOn the BattlefieldWhat is Addiction?In this episode, our hosts do a deep dive into defining what addiction really is. All too often, addiction is viewed through the lens of substances and chemicals rather than the complexities of human struggle. Addiction frequently presents itself as a spectrum and requires prayer and discernment before being brought up in conversation.2022-08-0300 minOn the BattlefieldThe External Nature of AddictionToday, our hosts discuss the aspect of addiction that leaves us trying to find peace, joy, and stress reduction through external means. Many relate addiction to the substance itself; however, the substance is but a symptom of the problem. Orthodox Christianity recognizes that we have an “us” problem - a fear of reality as it is. What we need, as always, is a life of repentance. We can spend a lifetime transferring our addictions from one thing to another, thinking, "if only _____, then I will be happy, then I will behave as a Christian". Dealing with the consequences of our life...2022-07-0800 minOn the BattlefieldHalf-MeasuresIn this episode, our hosts discuss "half-measures" and how, when we hold back from fully engaging the Kingdom of God, we put ourselves at risk of nominalism and relapse. Drawing from the Lord's teaching about "cutting off our right hand", and the admonition in the Revelation of St. John, we see that being lukewarm avails us nothing and damages those around us. We must follow the advice of St. John Chrysostom to be strict with ourselves and merciful to others, for the culture in which we find ourselves isn't getting any holier, reducing truth to sentimentality and robbing us of...2022-06-2900 minOn the BattlefieldVulnerabilityIn this episode, our hosts discuss vulnerability and its roots in having the ability to be wounded. The implications for recovery are significant as the profound relationship between stress and trauma makes vulnerability extremely difficult for those seeking healing. The answer ultimately comes in the form of continued repentance and rigorous honesty2022-06-1700 minOn the BattlefieldFacing the ShadowIn this episode, our hosts discuss meekness and the need for rigorous honesty in recovery. Consequently, to be honest with ourselves and God, we must face the darkness of our own sinfulness, which is where the mystery of confession comes into play. We cannot fix ourselves; therefore, we go to God in confession to find healing and to bear the fruit of repentance in our community.2022-06-0600 minOn the BattlefieldFeedback LoopsIn this episode, our hosts discuss how feedback loops work, how they exist in the spiritual life, how they’re not always bad, and how to break out of them. There is a process we go through and these loops begin with fleeting thoughts. The important thing is to remember that we are not our thoughts and we must be prepared with prayer and an actionable plan that we’ve developed with our spiritual father.2022-05-1700 minOn the BattlefieldRepentance and Recovery Require CommunityIn this jam-packed episode, our hosts weave a tapestry of communal recovery based on the Orthodox life of repentance, as viewed in light of the Holy Pascha. Together, they discuss sin as being foreign to true humanity, what it means to fight the demons as the Body of Christ, the sociological & biological factors of addiction, and more. The parallels between recovery and salvation are staggering, and both require community.2022-05-1000 minOn the BattlefieldIllness or AccountabilityIn this episode, our hosts discuss the tension between viewing addiction for what it is, an illness, and personal accountability. We find that Orthodox spirituality does an excellent job of holding this tension without falling prey to an overly legal view, yet still recognizing the need for accountability. How can we support those around us struggling with recovery in a way that does the same? The therapeutic, holistic nature of our Orthodox faith holds the key.2022-04-2100 minOn the BattlefieldWatchfulnessDrawing on the wisdom of St. Theophan's admonition to have complete and all-daring trust in God, a complete distrust of oneself, to pray without stopping, and to strive without ceasing, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Michael help us to connect the Orthodox practice of watchfulness with sobriety and 12-step recovery.2022-04-0700 minOn the BattlefieldConfusion & ChaosIn this episode, our hosts continue the lesson from last time and discuss how confusion and chaos can push us into a mindset of unmanageability. However, we are also given a plethora of wisdom in our Orthodox faith to help in the battle!2022-03-2300 minOn the BattlefieldIntroductionFr. Joseph and Fr. Michael introduce themselves and discuss the focus of their podcast—connecting recovery to the Orthodox penitential life.2022-03-1500 min
On the BattlefieldAncient Faith Radio UpdateWe're moving to Ancient Faith Radio with our long-form podcast. Fr. Michael has an update...2022-03-1102 minOn the BattlefieldGimmicksFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about the use of gimmicks in the Church, and the reasons they really aren't a good idea. 2022-02-231h 22On the BattlefieldThough TensionFr. Joseph Collins talks about the need for us to try keeping to opposing thoughts in tension, to better understand the world and operate in it.2022-02-1609 minOn the BattlefieldLeadingFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss proper leadership. Both how to lead, and how to follow.2022-02-091h 22On the BattlefieldSincerelyOTB Shorts are here on Anchor, now!! This short is the tenth installment of On the Battlefield Shorts. In these short Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss life and the things on their minds.Fr. Joseph, in this episode, discusses sincerity, hypocrisy, and the need for us to be imagers of Christ.2022-02-0809 minOn the BattlefieldBeing PrayerFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about prayer, proper prayer, as a state of being, not something that we do.2022-01-261h 09On the Battlefield"I"dolatryFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about the ego, and how "I" can become my own downfall, and source of destruction. Personally, and the destruction of others.2022-01-121h 10On the BattlefieldAcediaFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins deal with the subject of Acedia, and its impact on our lives, and the lives of others.2021-12-2947 min
Coming out of ChaosEpisode 10: On the BattlefieldFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins join Michael and Bryce for a very special podcast crossover episode, merging “Coming Out of Chaos” with “On the Battlefield.” This episode includes a very deep conversation on authentic manhood, brotherhood, Jordan Peterson, and spiritual warfare. You won’t want to miss this deep and compelling episode!2021-12-231h 19On the BattlefieldRecognize!Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins deal with recognition of sin, and how to cope in the midst of realizng and admitting our weaknesses.2021-12-151h 01On the BattlefieldDo I know you?Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss Jesus' words on Judgement Day, "I never knew you."2021-12-0157 minOn the BattlefieldBe SoberJoin the conversation as Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about being sober and vigilant.2021-11-171h 04On the BattlefieldSemper FidelisFather Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins cover the topic of faithfulness, and how to be faithful in a faithless world.2021-11-031h 23On the BattlefieldGot a Problem?Join Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins for in this episode as they talk about the struggles of vainglory and the things many of us encounter in everyday life.2021-10-2059 minOn the BattlefieldThe Incremental SlogFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about the need to be humble to do the hard work of the little things in life.2021-10-061h 06On the BattlefieldServant is not greater than masterJoin Fr. Michael Marcantoni for this week's OTB-Short.2021-10-0209 minOn the BattlefieldSentenced to LifeFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about the Cross of Jesus Christ.2021-09-221h 05On the BattlefieldAlways on GuardFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss the conscience, and when it's too active, and a little bit about when it's not. An overly scrupulous conscience can be a very difficult thing to manage. Tune in and join the conversation.2021-09-081h 00On the BattlefieldEyes on the PrizeCheck it out!! The first episode of OTB Shorts. Join Fr. Joseph Collins as he discusses Peter walking on water of the sea with Christ, and how we, like Peter, need to keep our eyes on the Lord.2021-09-0106 min
On the BattlefieldCrisis ModeFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins have a real discussion about dealing with the realities of life, prophecy, COVID, and how they deal with the stress and uncertainty of it all.2021-08-251h 16On the BattlefieldChrist...Our Buddy?Today Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss God and the "friend of man" (philanthropos). Join the conversation and consider the importance of having an appropriate relationship with God (the friend of man), a relationship with God as He is and not how we think we want Him. 2021-08-111h 07On the BattlefieldFriendship LostJoin in as Fr Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss love and friendship in a way that flies in the face of our modern American lexicon.2021-07-281h 12On the BattlefieldSettling for HellDon't settle, isn't that what we're told? Sometimes not settling is settling for Hell.2021-07-141h 02On the BattlefieldOn the Holy SpiritThe demons are troublesome and malevolent afflictors, yes. Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins talk about Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit on life's battlefield. 2021-06-301h 11On the BattlefieldDemonic MirrorsFathers Michael Marcantoni and Joseph Collins, in this episode, discuss that we become reflections of the sins and demons that we entertain and give ourselves over to.2021-06-161h 05On the BattlefieldThe InfiltratorFr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins discuss how the Devil sneaks his way into our lives through good works and our perception of evil.2021-06-021h 08On the BattlefieldVictory Favors the PreparedToday we discuss the need for preparation, and the necessity to have a safe and effective place to train.2021-05-191h 00On the BattlefieldThe War On FeelingsJoin Fathers Michael Marcantoni and Joseph Collins as they discuss the struggles that arise when we emphasize our feelings and the negative effects that result from living a life dominated by imagination and fantasy.2021-05-052h 18On the BattlefieldThought WarsThe battle for your soul, and the souls of those around you, begin with your thoughts. Join Fathers Michael and Joseph as they discuss the war being waged on you for control of your thoughts.2021-04-211h 03On the BattlefieldThe Excorcistic LifeThe excorcistic life is the life lived in repentance and in the power of the re-creative power of God in Christ. Join Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins as they discuss what an excorcistic life is, what it looks like, and practical ways to live in such a way, day to day, on the battlefield.2021-04-071h 05On the BattlefieldOver worked - Under utilizedEver feel like the business, the crazy business that most of us experience everyday, might be a sin? Ever feel like we stay busy just to stay busy sometimes, never seeing that the business shrouds and clouds our ability to see what is being covered up by it? Join Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins as they talk about one of the eight demons classified by St. John Cassian, the one he called "asidia" in Greek, which can be thought of as a kind of manic business that distracts the soul and keeps it from following t...2021-03-2449 minOn the BattlefieldDemonic Psy-OpsMind games, false narratives, and false flags. All tools the devil uses to destroy us, and the people around. Be on the ready and know the tactics our enemy is using.2021-03-1050 minOn the BattlefieldThe Fighter's MentalityFathers Michael and Joseph discuss precision, freedom, and the intricacies of thinking and living a rewarding and fulfilled life of duty and dedication to Christ.2021-02-2453 minOn the BattlefieldFight NightEngaging in the spiritual battle might seem hard, it might seem overwhelming, it might seem... Nevertheless, it's a fight we're in and God is sovereign, and has won the the war. 2021-02-1053 minOn the BattlefieldExecuting the PlanMoving on from setting goals, Fr. Michael Marcantoni and Fr. Joseph Collins speak to the practical steps and processes to put the goal into practice in ways that mitigate failure.2021-01-2756 minOn the BattlefieldGet a GoalHaving and setting goals are critical for life on the battlefield. Father Michael and Father Joseph talk about what goals are, why they're important, and cover some practical steps to setting your own goals.2021-01-1353 minOn the BattlefieldAddictionAddiction afflicts many, join Fr. Michael and Fr. Joseph as they talk about addiction, what it is, and how to combat it.2020-12-301h 06On the BattlefieldSpiritual Warfare w/Rev. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick24/7, like it or not, we're at war. There is spiritual war all around us, both within and without, and our enemy hates us and seeks to destroy us. In today's episode we explore what you need to know about how the war effects you, and ways that you can fight back. 2020-12-161h 02On the BattlefieldEducation and Learning w/ Mr. George PapayannisA talk with Mr. George Papayannis about education in the home. The challenges, the rewards, and the necessity for teachers and learners on the battlefield.2020-12-0238 minOn the BattlefieldConfessionAdmitting wrong, and restoring relationships is an important, and often difficult task. But absolutely necessary for life on the battelefield.2020-11-1836 minOn the BattlefieldThe ComebackLife on the Battlefield is tough. Coming back from defeat can be difficult, but it is possible.2020-11-1632 minOn the BattlefieldGo out and make programs?No, go out and make disciples. But what does that mean. Hang out and listen while Fr. Michael and Fr. Joseph talk about what it is, what it is not, and why it matters.2020-10-2135 minOn the BattlefieldLeadershipWhat does leadership on the battlefield of life look like? Fathers Michael and Joseph unpack the idea of leadership on the battlefield, which includes service and sacrifice, in today's episode.2020-10-0733 minOn the BattlefieldThe ScrambleThe "scramble" is life-it's unpredictable nature, our need for others, our need to get back up when we fall, and God's care in the midst of it all.2020-09-2334 minOn the BattlefieldOn the Battlefield: The IntroductionWelcome to the battlefield of life. Join us as we discuss life, its struggles, and get encouragement to endure in the midst of it.2020-09-0931 min