Silouan Green - Podcast Details

Shows

Counterflow with Buck Johnson Ep. 371 - Teaching the Nations Orthodoxy, with Father Silouan BrownMy guest this week is a priest monk who heads up the Orthodox Africa mission. He is Father Silouan Brown. We discuss what missionary work looks like in the Orthodox Church, the trials and tribulations Father Silouan has been through to get things going, the blessings from St. John Maximovich, and more. This is an edifying and touching discussion. To find out more about this mission, go here: Sponsors: Fox n Sons Coffee: Code: BUCK15 Perfect Spiral Capital: Get the new Counterflow T-shirt before it sells out! Visit or send $30 via PayPal to buck@counterflowpodcast.com with your size and s...

2025-07-161h 04

Forward Free Podcast Interview with Silouan GreenSpecial guest Silouan Green has an incredible personal story, from Marine Corps fighter pilot to national PTSD expert.In this conversation, Dr. Jonathan Trexel and Silouan Green discuss the complexities of mental health, particularly PTSD, in the context of law enforcement and military experiences. Silouan shares his personal journey from being a Marine Corps officer to facing a life-altering accident, leading to a struggle with PTSD. They explore the importance of connection, purpose, and community in preventing mental health crises, emphasizing that many veterans and officers feel isolated and lack support. The discussion highlights the n...

2025-03-2157 min

Orthodox Wisdom Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not - Christ's Word to St. SilouanA reading of the revelation of Jesus Christ to St. Silouan from _Saint Silouan the Athonite_ by St. Sophrony (p. 429-431) 📖 _Saint Silouan the Athonite_ by St. Sophrony: https://www.holycross.org/products/saint-silouan-the-athonite 🎧 Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not - St. Silouan and St. Sophrony (Commentary on the Saying) https://youtu.be/n0CCxFuH5I4 🎧 Playlist from Orthodox Wisdom: St. Silouan & St. Sophrony - Teachings and Prayers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYiWHl-XYYh_Jqr5w539qw2s ⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodox-world.org/ https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ St. Silouan writes: 'Lo...

2024-10-2905 min $God\'s Wondrous Saints (Video)$

God's Wondrous Saints (Video)Saint SilouanO glorious Saint Silouan, pray to God for us! This week Fr. Alexander introduces us to Saint Silouan--his life before entering the monastery, and how he’s such a wonderful example for us today. Join us to learn his hymn and get to know this amazing saint together, celebrated every year on September 24.

2024-09-2000 min $God\'s Wondrous Saints$

God's Wondrous Saints Saint SilouanO glorious Saint Silouan, pray to God for us! This week Fr. Alexander introduces us to Saint Silouan--his life before entering the monastery, and how he’s such a wonderful example for us today. Join us to learn his hymn and get to know this amazing saint together, celebrated every year on September 24.

2024-09-2000 min

Orthodox Wisdom On the Mother of God - St. Silouan the AthoniteThe Christian soul loves the Mother of God and that love is exemplified and ignited listening to these reflections from St. Silouan the Athonite. This text is found in "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony the Athonite, pp. 390-393 -BUY "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony here: https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/saint-silouan-the-athonite?_pos=1&_psq=silouan&_ss=e&_v=1.0 -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ -PLAYLIST from Orthodox Wisdom: St. Silouan & St. Sophrony - Teachings and Prayers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYiWHl-XYYh_Jqr5w539qw2s _______ St. Silouan...

2024-08-1306 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church “Spiritual Warfare”, Part 3, Bookclub, Episode 3, St. Silouan, Special Edition, with Dr. C. VeniaminSend us a textMT Academy Bookclub, Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Spiritual Warfare”, Bookclub, Part 3, St. Silouan, Special Edition, Episode 3, with Dr. C. Veniamin (Nov 29, 2023)Recording of the third session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, Novermber 29, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to channel members only.We started our spiritual itinerary with Sts. Silouan and Sophrony, the Athonites, by reading the first few paragraphs from St. Silouan's own writings, specifically Chapter XVI, "Concerning Spiritual Warfare" - getting right into the nitty-gritty of "applied theology".For your convenience, the page numb...

2024-05-2344 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Part 2 of Intrusive Thoughts, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 15, Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 15: “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 2, St. Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment) Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminBased on the reading of St. Sophrony’s masterful introduction to Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 2 offers a fuller treatment of one of the most important subjects in the Orthodox spiritual life, and one which is especially helpful for spiritual fathers and leaders of the Church. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below. Presented by Prof. Christopher Ve...

2024-04-0626 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment), Episode 14, Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 14: “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, St. Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment)Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of St. Sophrony’s masterful introduction to Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, offers a fuller treatment of one of the most important subjects in the Orthodox spiritual life, and one which is especially helpful for spiritual fathers and leaders of the Church. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below...

2024-03-1641 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks”, Episode 13, St. Silouan, Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 13: “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks" Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of St. Silouan’s chapters, “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks”, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 12 offers reflections on great calling of pastors and monastics in the Orthodox spiritual tradition. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and t...

2024-02-2348 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Part 2 of "Keep Thy Mind in Hell, and Despair Not”, Episode 12 in St. Silouan Bookclub: Special Edition, Episode 2, with Dr. C VeniaminSend us a textRecording of the fifth session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, January 24, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to the public. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony the Athonite.Broaching the challenging question of the significance of the word given to St. Silouan the Athonite, “Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not”, as expounded by Silouan’s disciple, St. Sophrony the Athonite, and also by Sophrony’s disciple, Elder Zacharias of Essex.Our first text is St. Sophrony’s chapter, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell...

2024-02-0933 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 11: “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 11: “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not” Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of St. Sophrony’s chapter, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 11 attempts to discern the practical significance of the great word given to St. Silouan the Athonite after 15 long years of arduous struggle against that most subtle of passions, pride. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.

2024-01-2739 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Thoughts”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Thoughts”Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Thoughts”, includes such themes as the guarding of the mind, mental vigilance, and the need for purification and regeneration even after great spiritual experiences have been granted to the believer. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.

2024-01-1326 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 9: “Tradition & Scripture”; “Three Forms of Prayer”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 9: “Tradition & Scripture”; “Three Forms of Prayer”Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology" Based on the reading of excerpts from the Sections, “Tradition & Scripture” and “Three Forms of Prayer”, from St. Sophrony’s masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this ninth episode includes such themes as the Holy Spirit in the Church, person vs institution, and the place of pain and suffering in the life of the Christian. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony. It is...

2023-12-2736 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 8: “On Love”, Part 2, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 8: “On Love”, Pt 1 Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of excerpts from the chapter, “On Love”, from St. Sophrony’s masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this eighth episode includes such theme as love for one’s enemies, angelic song, repentance, and the practice of humility. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology...

2023-12-1648 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 7: “On Love”, Part 1, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textEpisode 7: “On Love”, Pt 1Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of excerpts from the chapter, “On Love”, from St. Sophrony’s masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this seventh episode includes such theme as love for one’s enemies, angelic song, repentance, and the practice of humility. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theolo...

2023-12-0728 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church MT Academy Bookclub, Saint Silouan the Athonite, Spiritual Warfare", Part 1, Special Edition, Episode 1, with Dr. C Veniamin, Pt 1 (Sep 27, 2023)Send us a textRecording of the first session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to the public.We started our spiritual itinerary with Sts. Silouan and Sophrony, the Athonites, by reading the first few paragraphs from St. Silouan's own writings, specifically Chapter XVI, "Concerning Spiritual Warfare" - getting right into the nitty-gritty of "applied theology", one might say.For your convenience, the page numbering is from 423 to 425 in the older edition of Saint Silouan the Athonite; and pp. 373-374 in the more recent SVS...

2023-11-3054 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 6: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 3, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 6: “Discovering the Will of God”, Part 3Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s chapter, “The Staretz’ Doctrinal Teaching”, from his masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this sixth episode will continue the discussion regarding the mystery of “Discovering the Will of God”, as presented by Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, two of the greatest Orthodox figures of the 20th century. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophron...

2023-11-1826 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 5: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 2, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 5: “Discovering the Will of God”, Part 2Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s chapter, “The Staretz’ Doctrinal Teaching”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this fifth episode will discuss the mystery of “Discovering the Will of God”, as presented by Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, two of the greatest Orthodox figures of the 20th century. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.T...

2023-11-0828 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 4: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 1, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. VeniaminSend us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 4: “Discovering the Will of God”, Part 1Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s chapter, “The Staretz’ Doctrinal Teaching”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this fourth episode will discuss the mystery of “Discovering the Will of God”, as presented by Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, two of the greatest Orthodox figures of the 20th century. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.T...

2023-10-2953 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 3: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 3, & “Concerning Obedience”, Part 1. “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”Send us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 3: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 3, & “Concerning Obedience”, Part 1Based on the reading of excerpts from Silouan’s chapters, “On the Knowledge of God” and “Concerning Obedience”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite, this third episode will delve a little more deeply into the mystery of how we may come to know God, and subsequently on the Orthodox understanding of Christian obedience, which is fundamental in our...

2023-10-2142 min

Heavy Things Lightly Conversations: Fr. Silouan Justiniano - The New World Isn't So Bad John | WAWTAR #155Iconographer and Orthodox monk Fr. Silouan Justiniano rejoins WAWTAR to have a serious discussion about the New World. Is it really all that bad? Or are we to enamored with the past to see what we have now in the present? Fr. Silouan's work and more: https://hieromonksilouan.org/ Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Field Worker! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos@first-things.org Like the podcast? Join Inside Baseball with John Heers to sup...

2023-10-201h 03

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 2: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 2. "Sts. Silouan and Sophrony: Principles of the Christian Life"Send us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 2: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 2Based on the reading of excerpts from Silouan’s chapter, “On the Knowledge of God”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite, this second episode will focus on such fundamental questions as “What is theology?”, “Who is a theologian?”, and “How does one theologize?”.Themes covered include our creation in the image of God, the Commandments of Christ, how to attract...

2023-10-1330 min

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church Episode 1: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 1. “Sts Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Spiritual Life”Send us a textSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 1: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 1Based on the reading of excerpts from Silouan’s chapter, “On the Knowledge of God”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite, this first episode will focus on such fundamental questions as “What is theology?”, “Who is a theologian?”, and “How does one theologize?”.Themes covered include our creation in the image of God, the Commandments of Christ, how to attract...

2023-10-0732 min

Orthodox Wisdom Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not - St. Silouan and St. Sophrony A reading of the revelation of Jesus Christ to St. Silouan and commentary on the revelation by St. Sophrony from "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony (p. 429-431, 208-213) 0:18 The revelation of Jesus Christ to St. Silouan 5:19 St. Sophrony’s commentary -Buy "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony here: https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/9780881416817/ -Find an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ _______ St. Silouan writes: 'Lord, Thou seest that I desire to pray to Thee with a single mind but the devils will not let me. Tell me what I must do to ma...

2023-05-1117 min

The Podvig with Joel Dunn 9: Concerning Spiritual Warfare (St. Silouan the Athonite)You may be aware of the following quote from St. Silouan the Athonite: "Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not." But do you know the context of that quote? Check out this episode to learn about it and stay for the timeless wisdom of a beloved Siant, whose humility and love for God and man stand as a shining beacon for us all. The episode is a series of excerpts from the book "Saint Silouan the Athonite," by St. Sophrony, translated by Rosemary Edmonds from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/po...

2022-11-0510 min

Ortodokse historier fra hellige liv 24. september – hl. Silouan av AthosHl. Silouan var født i Russland 17. januar 1866 og døde på Athosfjellet i Nord-Hellas 24. september 1938.

2022-09-2410 min

Orthodox Wisdom On the Knowledge of God - St. Silouan the AthoniteSt. Silouan the Athonite (+1938) has reached the hearts of many around the world, first through his prayer in his cell, and now through his writings and his heavenly intercession. A towering figure full of love, a great ascetic who by God’s grace mastered the passions, his witness is essential for the Orthodox Christian today. He is the spiritual father of St. Sophrony the Athonite. We commemorate St. Silouan on September 24. St. Silouan writes: We do not require wealth or learning in order to know the Lord - we must simply be obedient and sober, have a humbl...

2022-09-2416 min

Heavy Things Lightly Fr. Peter Heers & Fr. Silouan Justiniano - Perennialism Pt. 2Fr. Peter Heers is an Orthodox priest, author, and founder of the "Orthodox Ethos" website and podcast. He is joined by Fr. Silouan Justiniano, a monk and iconographer in the Orthodox tradition. In part two the discussion turns to "covidism" and perennialism in the Orthodox church.Links:The Orthodox Ethos - https://orthodoxethos.comHieromonk Silouan Iconography - https://hieromonksilouan.org/Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for more info, or email Daniel at danielpadrnos...

2022-07-1236 min

Heavy Things Lightly Fr. Peter Heers & Fr. Silouan Justiniano - Perennialism Pt. 1Fr. Peter Heers is an Orthodox priest, author, and founder of the "Orthodox Ethos" website and podcast. He is joined by Fr. Silouan Justiniano, a monk and iconographer in the Orthodox tradition. Today in pt 1 of this 2 part series they talk about perennialism, its temptation, and what it means for us New Worlders.Links:The Orthodox Ethos - https://orthodoxethos.comHieromonk Silouan Iconography - https://hieromonksilouan.org/Does the deep immersive experience interest you? You should consider becoming a Vanguard Field Worker for Mozambique! Check out our Join FTF page: https://first-things.org/opportunities for...

2022-07-071h 05

The Symbolic World 221 - Fr. Silouan Justiniano - Icons and Contemporary ArtFr. Silouan Justiniano is a hieromonk, Orthodox priest and artist. In my estimation he's one of the most important visual artists in North America today. In this interview we take a deep dive into contemporary art history, the traditional icon, and how the two connect. (Watch the corresponding YouTube video to see images of the art that we refer to in our conversation.) - Fr. Silouan's website: https://hieromonksilouan.org/about - Fr. Silouan's articles on the Orthodox Arts Journal: https://orthodoxartsjournal.org/fr-silouan-justiniano/ Original YouTube video: https://youtu.be/I6ptxOV_opw ======================= - The Symbolic World website and blog...

2022-02-231h 19

Orthodox Wisdom On Love for our Enemies - St. Silouan the AthoniteSt. Silouan teaches, “The soul cannot know peace unless she prays for her enemies.Without the grace of God we cannot love our enemies.If you will pray for your enemies, peace will come to you; but when you can love your enemies – know that a great measure of the grace of God dwells in you, though I do not say perfect grace as yet, but sufficient for salvation.”“O Merciful Lord, give Thy graceto all the peoples of the earth,that they may come to know Thee,for without the Holy Spiritman cannot know Thee, and conceive of Thy love.”St...

2021-08-1806 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey What To Believe In Politics And MediaQuestion: What should you believe in Politics and Media?Answer: Not much.The problem is that politicians and the media generally tell us what we want to hear. They don’t make money, and they don’t get elected otherwise.As long as we are smart and demand truth, well, that is what we’ll get. The second we are moved by something else, well, we lose truth.I spoke last week on George Washington’s farewell address. He wrote on how keeping the freedoms of liberty demanded a people shaped by moral...

2020-10-2616 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey What Is Wrong With Modern Counseling?I heard from someone I’m very close to about a counseling appointment they just had. Thirty minutes of spilling their guts, then “Well, your time is up. That must have been very therapeutic getting that out, see ya’ next week." They walked out and were alone with little direction or answers. It devastated them.The questions they had were existential, spiritual, and deeper than the symptoms they were exhibiting. Modern counselors are primarily taught to treat the symptoms. Their 30-minute life assessment is not a life assessment. It's a check in the box. Now, there are some w...

2020-10-2318 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Crazies, Masks, and The Glory of Idaho!What a crazy, wonderful, strange trip to Idaho! I saw the best of America, and then the worst on the flight home.Hear it all on today's episode!

2020-10-2217 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Washington On The Preservation of AmericaWe’ve been talking this week about George Washington’s farewell address of 1793. It contains his admonition to preserve our liberty through unity of government, the danger of a large military establishment, and the divisiveness of parties.Today, we end this series on the values he saw as needed to preserver this character and freedom, our religion and morality.

2020-10-2114 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Washington On What Will Tear Us ApartYesterday, we talked about George Washington’s view that our country was interwoven with the love of liberty and the unity of government helped insure this liberty. He warned of those who would divide us.What was this unity Washington warned us to keep?“The name of American, .........., must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles.”He also warned us of what he saw as the most likely thing to tear o...

2020-10-2014 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey George Washington: Liberty and UnityWe will never be united by fear. It may temporarily dictate actions, but eventually, fear erodes and divides.We will never be united by political divisions and labels.But what unites us today? Does anything?In 1796, George Washington used his farewell address to remind us what kept our young country united, Liberty! And admonishes us that liberty is the only thing that will keep an American government united in the future.Take a minute to look up and read the entire farewell address and join me all week as we discuss...

2020-10-1914 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Finding Your Place In The WorldI mentioned in a podcast earlier this week that I believe the Bible describes the human condition better than anything. It is real to me because it knows me.Sadly, we have raised a couple generations of children unfamiliar with church, with no clue “why” you should believe, the benefit of belief, etc.I still think that half-a-century since his passing, the best apologist of how to reach them, and to understand the role of faith in our own lives, is CS Lewis.You were made for something greater than just earth.Yo...

2020-10-1615 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Making Sense of LossTragic, inexplicable, senseless loss can completely shake up our lives. “This isn’t supposed to happen.”This weekend we have our Indiana STARR event for the families of those who lost their lives serving our country. One hard part of deaths like these, they are out of the order of things. Our children, our young spouses, brothers and sisters aren't supposed to die like this.You also see it in first responders - young, healthy, brave, and then they suddenly and tragically die.It upends us. If we don’t right ourselves after this hap...

2020-10-1511 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey A Birthday Reflection On YouthWhen I was a boy I thought I could change the world. Thankfully, I still do.What has allowed me to keep that hopefulness? Living and loving deeply, trying to make each day an adventure, seizing opportunities, and most importantly, never giving up.What I have learned in doing that?Don't quit. If it’s that important, don’t give up.Kids are energy, and kids are a reflection of us. Keep yours smiling.Sometimes the best workout is the short, painful one. Keep moving!It takes about 15 - 20 years with someone to really unde...

2020-10-1417 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Woodshed, Van Halen, and The Lord's WorkYesterday, we talked about doing the little things. Today, it is doing those little things over and over.Woodshedding, going to a private place to do a task over and over again. The result, a big pile of something, hopefully good!Eddie Van Halen sat on the edge of his bed for hours as a young man playing guitar.We are all called to work this hard for whatever is our calling. If Eddie Van Halen can do it motivated by youthful exuberance and Schlitz Malt Liqueur Tallboys, surely you can do it...

2020-10-1313 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Power of Little ThingsLook at the living room floor, the condition of your car. Are you taking care of the little things?How about those morning prayers, those meals together as a family, time alone with your love? Are you taking care of the little things?That diet soda, French fries, a few minutes at lunch to go for a walk or run, a check-up with your doctor. Are you taking care of the little things?In faith and in life, small things add up. Small things are a great way to begin change, a bite...

2020-10-1213 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Power of Humility, The Cancer of PrideI ask participants in my leadership classes, "what are 5 things you need to work on?" Most people can think of clear answers quickly. Some don’t. And the ones that can't, are usually a little bit scary. Typically, they don’t even seem to realize how small and foolish they look. Or maybe they do. Whether it is my own anxiety, my relationship with my dear wife, my kids, or many other things; when I’m able to look at myself without the shroud of anger, I almost always realize that most of the problems were my fault. It was pride. ...

2020-10-0917 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Getting Bad Thoughts Out of Your HeadExperiencing trauma and severe loss can make us feel like we are trapped in our heads. Depression and anxiety can consume us.I regularly meet people feeling overwhelmed by trauma and looking for a way to escape and find hope. I usually tell them the following:It is normal. You are not crazy.Do not isolate yourself.Get lost outdoors or with other people. Avoid the dark hole of the internet, drinking alone, etc.This day will pass, but the memories will stay. That is normal. Just like you diet to lose weight or go to...

2020-10-0814 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Are You Serious?Is your faith serious? Are you serious? Received a message today from a young friend commenting on the podcast, he said, “your podcast throws down the gauntlet, challenging me to grow in my relationship with God.”That’s right, we are throwing down a gauntlet. In a world on fire, we need people serious about what they believe and how they live.These questions, these challenges, aren't easy, but they are necessary. Where do you stand, and what do you believe?

2020-10-0715 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Real Courage From The BlueEvery day law enforcement responds to calls that could alter their lives forever. Most of it goes unknown and unappreciated. Today, we salute their courage and commitment to serving us.

2020-10-0614 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey A Displacement Is HappeningDisplacement: the moving of something from its place or positionTarget is setting records. Amazon expects Prime Day to be possibly 40% higher than last year. Yet, on our main streets and strip malls, a Yelp survey says that 60% of small businesses that were closed by State lock-downs during Covid will never fully re-open.I’ve also seen it in churches. Some are still closed, and many of those that are open follow tight restrictions. In my own Church although we are blessed to have few restrictions, 30% or more of those who attended regularly pre-covid haven’t re...

2020-10-0515 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey On Anger and VirtuesIf you have anger dwelling inside of you, you need to get rid of it. It will cut you off from God, it invites the enemy, it lies and convinces you that material things are where peace is found. Cultivate the powers of self-control, forbearance, restraint, fortitude, and patience. Ask God for these in your prayers.Even if you are right in disputes, losing control of your anger makes you wrong.

2020-10-0215 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Creating Rich Love and a Pure SoulYou've accepted the call, now what?Your path will not be an easy one, but it will be the most splendid of all.It is a calling to love your enemies and examine your heart in order to create rich love and a pure soul. After we have accepted the call of Christ, this should be our path.

2020-10-0116 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey We Come From The Land of Ice and SnowI am back from the land of the Vikings. I can’t help but have Led Zeppelin songs echo through my head whenever I’m driving up there, especially Immigrant Song. Howling winds, ice cold rain, grey skies, Vikings, oh yea!A new experience in the land of the ice and snow, speaking in a funeral home! We had to go fully remote for my second talk to first responders and their families – so we used the facilities from Anderson Funeral Home.I’ve noticed something very important in my talks lately, and Minnesota was not diff...

2020-09-3015 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey What Will Be On Your Runestone?What a great day in Alexandria, Minnesota. Vikings and Community!The Kensington runestone was found in 1898, and while most scholars thinks it’s a hoax, it tells the tale of Viking Adventurers around the late 1300s who made it to what is now Minnesota before most of their party was massacred. The survivors allegedly created this runestone as evidence of their journey.Quite a story, and a great event today in Alexandria. This was a community affair, and as I shared that a proper response to caring for first responders required a community plan, I re...

2020-09-2912 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Crazy Russians and Lake WobegonDriving from the airport in Minneapolis-St. Paul to Alexandria I stumbled upon Charlie’s Café in Freeport, MN on the Lake Wobegon trail. I met a Russian motorcyclist. His motorcycle was pimped out Mad Max style and his smile was full of mischievousness. He told me about Russian churches a 1000 years old and "serious" religion. Quite a character to meet on a stop along the Lake Wobegon trail.In a roundabout way it reminded me of something I had read on the flight to Minnesota from a 5th Century Bishop, Diadochus:“Very few men ca...

2020-09-2816 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey What is Real Worship?Yesterday, we talked about the widow in poverty giving everything she had to Christ. She wasn’t worried about worldly concerns, only giving to God. This is worship. This is an example to judge our worship by.Is your worship pure and leading to the Kingdom of God, or tainted by the world and leading to destruction? Do you approach God like the widow or the child, or like the rich, only giving what you can spare?

2020-09-2515 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Poor Widow and Real WealthIt is easy to look down on those who have less than us, yet they are the ones often most nestled in the arms of God.It is also easy to look down on our own lives, see what we are missing, and despair. Yet, it is here you might very well be closest to understanding the Good News of Christ. He came for you. Often, the things you think you want leave us empty. The thing you need most is all you are left with when you are broken.When the spirit of God...

2020-09-2414 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey A House of Prayer or A Den of ThievesSocial Media exists to do one thing, make money. To do that, you are the product. You are the commodity needed for their growth. And our children.The example we set can lead to destruction. or prayer. We have allowed media to encircle us and enter our homes because we did not recognize what was happening and do something soon enough. But there is another way.I came home the other day and my nine-year old Gabriel was running from the woods with a stick. He was excited, he had just seen three deer in...

2020-09-2315 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey What We Sacrifice For Screen TimeWhat do we sacrifice for screen time? More importantly, who is that sacrifice to?

2020-09-2215 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Real Social DilemmaThe Netflix docudrama, The Social Dilemma, is centered on words of warning from former tech employees at Google, Facebook, Twitter, and others. They manipulate you to stay on your device and buy stuff. They try to get society to move in the direction they want 1% at a time. As you have probably heard, if you aren’t paying, you are the product.But it is more than selling products. It is influencing societal norms and determining what is "truth". And when we allow children to connect, they are lost.

2020-09-2117 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Splendid Glory of CS LewisTruth can transcend time, and lessons from the past can seem like prophecies in our current times. I want to spend today discussing some nuggets from the great CS Lewis that are now almost 70 years old, but as relevant as they were then.“Each day we are becoming a creature of splendid glory or one of unthinkable horror.”“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”“When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.”

2020-09-1815 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey More Army Suicides, More General BSRead yet another article today about a soldier suicide. It was accompanied by more pontification from some General on how they need to change the culture. They've been saying that for eternity. Act, or just shut up, and admit the lives of our military are pieces on a game board to you.

2020-09-1716 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Grab The Mike, Speak The TruthWe are approaching a time where you must make a stand. If you try hard, you will make someone mad. That's actually the best way to know you are making a difference.Examine yourself, remove the log from your eye, and then speak boldly. The times demand it.Today, I remember a Marine Captain who implored me to never forget, "when you have the mic, say what needs said."

2020-09-1617 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Don't Give UpDon't give up.Sometimes people reach a point in their lives where they have invested their time and energy in the wrong things and the result is loneliness and regret. If you feel like too much time has gone by and starting over seems insurmountable, there is hope.You find it in unexpected places. You find it by realizing you have nothing to lose by making the time you have left matter. I found my entire career path volunteering in a maximum security prison. When you move forward, hope can be found in the most...

2020-09-1516 min

Heavy Things Lightly Interview with Fr. Silouan JustinianoV. Rev. Igumen Silouan Justiniano is an iconographer and a Deputy Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Dionysios the Areopagite in New York. He has written for various publications around the world and is also an editor and contributor to the Orthodox Arts Journal. John and Fr. Silouan talk about icons, images, and art all from a really distinct perspective.Links:Fr. Silouan's WebsiteOn the Gift of Art...But What Art?Episteme and Techne (Stanford)If you like this podcast, please consider leaving a review with your comments. Your support keeps this podcast alive and...

2020-09-151h 05

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Baby Isaac, Seagulls On A Beach, & Why I BelieveMy faith is drawn from many waters, but one is a small miracle when our son, Isaac, was baptized in the Pacific Ocean south of San Francisco. It was a small miracle, but one I'll never forget, and one that always paints a picture of hope in my soul when dark clouds swirl around me.

2020-09-1416 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Father Roman, Crushed Skulls, and Practical FaithI met Father Roman at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Rives Junction, Michigan.He taught me that faith is what we do every moment of every day. It is the seemingly mundane things, praying before meals, reading your bible. He knew that ultimately that is what sustains us whether we are living in America in 2020 or struggling to survive in a communist prison in the 1950s.

2020-09-1116 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey A Polish Priest and Creating RipplesEvery day matters. A chance conversation with a young Polish priest taught me that opportunities to make a difference in someone's life are never far away.When we enter into deep, transparent conversation with another, we almost always encounter something sacred. These moments can be the ripples that turn into the waves that change a life.

2020-09-1016 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey The Three Spheres of RelationToday, we go even deeper into relationship. Relationship is where we meet spirit. Relationship is where we meet grace.Three are the spheres in which the world of relation is built.The first: life with nature, where the relation sticks to the threshold of language.The second: life with men, where it enters language.The third: life with spiritual beings, where it lacks but creates language.

2020-09-0915 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Returning To The Grace of RelationshipLast week we ended with "Consecrating Your Life". I promised this week we would go deeper. Today we start.If you find yourself caught up in the muddle of life. How do you return to a life of Spirit?

2020-09-0815 min

A Pilgrim’s Odyssey Consecrating Your LifeThis week we’ve talked about building relationships and community in order to fully live in the spirit.Martin Buber in “I and Thou” says, “when you consecrate life, you encounter the living God.”What does he mean by this? He means everything.

2020-09-0412 min