Steven Christoforou - Podcast Details

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Holy Trinity + Holy Cross - SermonsWhat We Owe Others - Steven Christoforou - August 20, 2023Steven Christoforou is the Director of Operations and Community Engagement for FOCUS North America, an Orthodox Christian non-profit focused on providing solutions to poverty in communities across America. In today’s sermon, Steven references today’s Gospel and Epistle readings to draw our attention to two questions: What do we owe others?; and what do others owe us?. He notes that in today’s society, especially in America, we are far too often focused on our rights - what we believe other people owe us. However, as Orthodox Christians, the true society we live in is the Kingdom of Heaven. And li...2023-08-2113 min

Be the BeePointing the Way to Christ (and a Goodbye from Steve)We've spent the last two episodes exploring how the internet shifts our attention from Christ and makes it harder than ever to be holy. In this episode, we're going to say goodbye by pointing to three things that need to shape the future of our homes and communities. We need to encounter Christ, embody the Church, and engage the world in His name.2022-08-2800 min

Be the BeeHow the Internet is Hiding the Way to HolinessWe're called to be holy as God is holy. And we do this by participating in God’s efforts to redeem the world and bring it into the eternal life of the Holy Trinity. St Maximos the Confessor identifies 5 Divisions we need to overcome along the way. But what if the internet has created a 6th Division we need to overcome? What if the internet is alienating us from ourselves and reality?2022-08-2400 min

Be the BeeHow the Internet is Darkening our Minds“Let us return, brethren, to ourselves...For we cannot be reconciled with God and assimilated to Him unless we first return, or rather, enter into ourselves... For the miracle consists in tearing ourselves away from the distraction and vain concerns of the world and in this way relentlessly seizing hold of the kingdom of heaven within us.” St Nikiphoros the Monk, On Watchfulness and the Guarding of the Heart, Philokalia vol. 4) What this Episode is About: A main goal of the Christian life is to keep our attention focused on Christ. We’re called to drink deeply of the Church’s wisdom...2022-08-1200 min

Hidden Lives Podcast#3 | Steven Christoforou: Ministry and Politics A graduate of Yale University, Fordham University School of Law, and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Steve is passionate about sharing the Gospel in a clear and accessible way and helping people see Christ at work in their lives. // FULL EPISODE //Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-experiences-orthodoxy-and-politics-and/id1551746149?i=1000507381700Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oYHCIBYDtAmOIPhbjKJ1jListen on Website: https://www.frchristiansiskos.com/hiddenlives/03-steven-christoforou // CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST //Instagram: @y2am_officialYouTube: https://www...2022-07-211h 16

OCF Campus Ministry PodcastSteven ChristoforouSteven Christoforou speaks at College Conference East, which took place from December 28-31, 2016, at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.2022-07-1500 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 199: Obi-Wan KenobiSteve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez discuss the new Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi." They explore the self, sacrifice, and the allure of the Dark Side.2022-06-2400 min

Precious Vessel5 Keys to Building Good Habits Featuring Steven ChristoforouSteven Christoforou is a graduate at Yale University, Fordham University School of Law, and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He works with he Greek Orthodox Archdioceses Youth and Young Adult ministries and is passionate about sharing the Gospel in an accessible way and helping others see Christ at work in their lives. You can find him on Instagram @steven_christoforou Subscribe To Omniscient Love - https://bit.ly/2N5knOD Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicariatepjyouthministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VicariatepjyouthministryWebsite: https://www.vic...2021-12-0429 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 167: Loki"I've been where you are. I've felt what you feel. Don't ask me how I know. All I know is I don't want to hurt you. I don't want the throne. I just want you to be okay." Steve, Christian, Christina, and Emma are back for the season 7 premiere of "Pop Culture Coffee Hour." They watched the new Marvel Disney+ series, "Loki." They discuss identity, freedom, and God's irresistible embrace. We do more than simply offer reviews. Just like a bee can take good things from flowers (and leave the rest behind), we can learn to take the good things...2021-09-2200 min

Be the BeeOur New Life in Christ (Pascha)"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Pascha is the start of a new liturgical year in the Church, with new readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel according to John. It also shows us what it means to be made new in Christ: to find new (and true) life in connection with our Lord. The Gospel and Epistle readings present St John the Forerunner and the first Christians as...2021-04-2600 min

Be the BeeBe Joyful and Gentle (Palm Sunday)“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12: 13) The Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday are a sort of bridge between Great Lent and Holy Week. These days also live in the tension between joy and betrayal. People are welcoming Jesus as the Messiah while others are preparing to put Him to death. Do who actually welcomed Jesus when He entered Jerusalem? It was those who were joyous and gentle: whose hearts were ready to be filled with the Holy Spirit so they could welcome the true Messiah. It was the children. As always, we've prep...2021-04-2000 min

Be the BeeRedemption & Repentance (Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt)“If you cross the Jordan, you will find glorious rest.” (Life of Saint Mary of Egypt) Jesus tells us that He came to shed His blood and "give His life as a ransom for many.” But what exactly does that mean? What does the Orthodox Church teach about atonement? We're going to learn about the redemption and atonement that Jesus offers us. And this redemption isn't simply *from* something, but also *for* something. And Saint Mary of Egypt (who we celebrate on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent) is a perfect example of what that looks like. Christ saves us *from...2021-04-1300 min

Be the BeeWhat is Real Christian Faith? (Sunday of Saint John Climacus)“I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9: 24) We often think of faith as meaning either "certainty" (confidence that some idea is true) or "religiosity" (participation in a group's activities). But the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to Saint John Climacus, and the top rung of his "Ladder of Divine Ascent" describes faith. The Church presents faith in much deeper terms than we often admit. We'll learn by looking at how Abraham was faithful to God, while the disciples weren't. Because real faith is about placing ourselves in God's hands. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook (https://mailchi.mp/g...2021-04-0600 min

Be the BeeWhere to Carry Your Cross (Sunday of the Holy Cross)“The glory of God is a living human; and the life of humanity consists in beholding God.” (Saint Irenaus of Lyons) Jesus tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him. But what does that mean? On the Third Sunday of Great Lent, we may think that "bearing your cross" means patiently enduring burdens. Especially now, as we make our way through the struggle of Great Lent. But Christ isn't simply calling us to endure: to rely on our own strength or wisdom or will. He's calling us to die to our broken selves so that we can be made...2021-03-3000 min

Be the BeeThe Light of Orthodoxy (Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas)"O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved." (Apolytikion for the Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas) Is it possible to know God? How could a perfect God have anything to do with His imperfection creation? These are some of the questions Saint Gregory Palamas faced in the 14th century. And they're questions the Church faces today. We dedicate the Second Sunday of Great Lent to this important saint because he taught...2021-03-2300 min

Be the BeeWhy We Venerate Icons (Sunday of Orthodoxy, Triumph of Orthodoxy)"On this day, the first Sunday of Lent, we commemorate the restoration of the holy and venerable icons…” (Synaxarion for the Sunday of Orthodoxy) After weeks of learning about forgiveness and pride and judgment, we begin Great Lent with a Sunday dedicated to icons. Why? On one level, this is the anniversary of the triumph over Iconoclasm in 843 AD. But there's more to this triumph than meets the eye. So we'll take a deep dive into the theology of icons to learn that God made a promise to His saints. That He would unite heaven and earth. That we could look...2021-03-1800 min

Be the BeeSharing the Space of Salvation (Forgiveness/Cheesefare Sunday)“Nothing makes us so like God, as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” (Saint John Chrysostom) The Greek word for forgiveness means "sharing the same space." At the doorstep to Great Lent, we're given the opportunity to both seek and offer forgiveness. Forgiveness Sunday (especially Forgiveness Vespers) is our chance to overcome resentments and share the same space with both God and neighbor. So that, together, we can journey to salvation and an experience of God's Kingdom. Because right and wrong is about more than what’s right or wrong for you. As always, we've prepared a FREE downlo...2021-03-0900 min

Be the BeeHow Will You Be Judged? (Judgment/Meatfare Sunday)“O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public.” (Kontakion of Judgment Sunday) In this Episode: 00:00 What is Judgment Sunday? 01:14 How Will We Be Judged? 03:50 Causing Others to Stumble 05:40 Love and Judgment 06:54 My Brother is My Life 09:29 When Right is Wrong What this Episode is About: In Matthew 25, Jesus offers a prophetic word on the Day of Judgment, when He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Yet this isn't a...2021-03-0200 min

Be the BeeYou are a Child of God (Parable of the Prodigal Son)“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.” (1 Corinthians 6:9) The Prodigal Son left the warmth and safety of his Father's house and joined himself to people that left him empty. And, when he returned, his Older Brother refused to welcome him. We often focus on the incredible mercy that the Father shows (which is important). But it may be more helpful to focus on how both the Prodigal Son and Older Brother forgot who they are. Because we, too, can easily forget that we are children of the Father. As alwa...2021-02-2300 min

Be the BeeThe Danger of False Teachers (Parable of the Publican and Pharisee)“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) What this Episode is About: The Pharisee fasted, prayed, and gave to the poor. He did all the right things we're supposed to do. So what exactly did he do wrong? The Triodion Period begins with the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee to ground us in the righteousness of God rather than our own pride and delusion. Because, like the Pharisee, we don't always see ourselves clearly. We can easily lead ourselves astray. Self-deception happens when we turn inward, trusting in ourselves and our own abilities to evaluate our own...2021-02-1600 min

Be the BeeEpisode 164: The Ministry of Listening“Christians have forgotten that the ministry of listening has been committed to them by Him who is Himself the great listener and whose work they should share. We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Life Together" Jesus describes the Kingdom as a feast: a place where we're all seen and known. But life is full of disconnection and loneliness. Those moments aren't a taste of the Kingdom. While we'll never be able to solve every problem, we can all be better listeners. And we can learn to do that...2021-02-0900 min

Be the BeeGiving Ourselves to God“He who loves humanity fulfills the Law that was writ of old and is brought to the Temple now.” - Stichera of Orthros The People of Israel were commanded to offer everything from the firstfruits of their harvest to their firstborn sons to God. This is just a part of a great cycle of offering: where we give ourselves to God and God gives Himself to us. Let's take a closer look at how Jesus fulfills the Law in the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And what we can learn from the example of Saints Symeon and Anna...2021-02-0200 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 150: Soul“Those really aren't purposes, 22. That's just regular old living.” Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez watched the new Pixar movie, "Soul." The guys discuss spark vs purpose, lost souls, and living with gratitude. Philanthropy Spotlight: We're also shining a light on "The Second Liturgy," a podcast which explores how Orthodox Christians can partake fully, not just at the first altar we approach on Sundays, but also with our encounters with all people, especially those in need, throughout the week. Learn more on their website: ancientfaith.com/podcasts/secondliturgy 2021-01-2000 min

Hidden Lives PodcastSteven Christoforou | Spiritual Experiences, Orthodoxy and Politics, and Youth MinistrySteven Christoforou is a brilliant individual. Having practiced law before entering seminary, he now he serves as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He is the creator of the "Be the Bee" YouTube series as well as the co-host of the Pop Culture Coffee Hour Podcast.CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Instagram: @steven_christoforouWebsite: https://www.y2am.org————————————————CONNECT WITH ME:————————————————Instagram: @frchristiansiskosYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0E5bwsyXz01S95yEh6Gj3wWebsite: https://www.frchristian...2021-01-181h 17

Be the BeeTheophany, Holy Water, and the Goodness of Creation“Christ is the one who came in order to do what Adam did not do: to be the priest of creation...not just for the human being, although it was achieved through the human being. Christ came so that the whole world may live, and the human being may become that which he was meant to be when he was created by God, namely the priest of creation.” -Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon Some Christians think the world is bad: that we need to escape our bodies and physical things. But the spiritual life isn't just about the spirit. Matter matt...2021-01-0700 min

Be the BeeThe Meaning of Christmas (and How to Share It)“What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men....” (St John Chrysostom) In the Church, we call Christmas "the Nativity According to the Flesh of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ." Because it's the day we celebrate the very Son of God taking on flesh and...2020-12-2200 min

Be the BeeWhy Does God Allow Suffering?“For Christians, [the Twofold Annointing] means that when a person is genuinely anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, he or she becomes both a king and a sacrificial offering: the two states are inseparable.” (Fr Timothy Patitsas, "The Ethics of Beauty") 2020 has been a rough year. Why does God allow bad things to happen? Why do bad things happen even to good people? People have struggled with theodicy (the problem of evil and suffering) for centuries. To answer that, we'll build on last week's episode and explore what it means to live sacrificially. As Christians, we're anointed by God for eterna...2020-12-1500 min

Be the BeeWhat it Means to Be a Man (or Woman)“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) What does it really mean to be a man or a woman? Society usually gives us two extremes: to accept every gender stereotype (no matter how superficial), or to completely reject the differences between male and female (no matter how obvious). But what if the Church could offer a better way? What if the differences between men and women taught us something about how we can all...2020-12-1000 min

Be the BeeEpisode 158: How to “Give Thanks in All Circumstances”"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Thanksgiving is a time to feel grateful. But that attitude of gratitude can go away as soon as we're done with the turkey. How do we keep it going? Saint Paul tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances." Because real gratitude is more than a feeling. As we see in the Parable of the Rich Fool, it starts with remembering one crucial thing. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what yo...2020-11-2900 min

Be the Bee3 Reasons to Fast from Social Media“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) Why do we fast from good things like tasty food? A the start of the Nativity Fast, we'll share three basic reasons why fasting helps transform our spiritual lives. But then we'll go a little deeper and explore why these same reasons suggest you should fast, not just from food, but from social media as well. As always, we've prepared a FREE dow...2020-11-1800 min

Be the Bee3 Ways Christians Can Deal with Temptation“Thoughts are like airplanes flying in the air. If you ignore them, there is no problem. If you pay attention to them, you create an airport inside your head and permit them to land!” (Saint Paisios the Athonite) Does having bad thoughts make you a bad person? What should Christians do with the temptations we experience? The Church refers to these thoughts as logismoi: the thoughts that tempt us and can lead us into sin. And Christians have been dealing with these temptations from the beginning. In fact, Jesus Himself had these same thoughts. Yet He overcame them. And so can...2020-11-1000 min

Be the BeeHow Should Orthodox Christians Preach the Gospel?“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Orthodox Christianity is perhaps the best-kept secret in America. Why? And how can we help share the Good News? We'll change the way we think about evangelism and learn two principles that should shape the way we introduce other people to Jesus Christ. Because there’s a close...2020-11-0300 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 139: 1917 (Movie)"There is only one way this war ends. Last man standing." Steve Gonzalez and Christian Christoforou watched the World War I film, "1917." The guys discuss just war, violence, human nature, and finding beauty in the midst of pain. We're also shining a light on the Theotokos Orphanage and St Ignatius School in Bakeswar, India. Run nearly singlehandedly for over a decade by Sister Nektaria of Corinth, Greece, these programs strive to provide the children of Kolkata and Bakeswar with the love of Christ and a quality education (a crucial tool in breaking the cycles of poverty). Learn more on their...2020-10-2800 min

Be the BeeWhy People Stop Being Christians (and What We Can Do About It)“Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Adults fear that young people will grow up and stop being Christians. But no one ever fears that a kid will stop rooting for their favorite sports team. Why? We'll look at how the life of a sports fan can challenge the way we share the Faith with others. Because our goal isn't simply to make people loyal to our religion: it's to give them a taste of holiness and inspire them to be saints. If we're going to raise people to be faithful Orthodox Christians, we need to start here. As always, we'v...2020-10-2000 min

Be the BeeIs Self-Care Selfish?But He would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” (Luke 5:16) #WorldMentalHealthDay can help raise awareness about the importance of self-care. But does this mean self-indulgence? Is taking care of your health a selfish thing that Christians should avoid? Aren't we called to sacrifice everything for God and neighbor? We'll look at the example of Jesus Himself and the powerful words of St Isaac the Syrian to see why Christian self-care is actually selfless. Because, when we care for ourselves, it puts us in a position to love more deeply. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic and Covid. We ca...2020-10-1300 min

Be the BeeHow Christians Can Save Politics“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) Politics are toxic and the world seems full of darkness. Is our job, as Christians, to fight that darkness? We'll review the advice of two greats saints (St Isaac the Syrian and St Poprhyrios of Kavsokalyvia) to see how we can bring the Light of Christ into a world darkened by toxic politics. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee152 2020-09-2900 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 135: The Social Dilemma”There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez watched the new Netflix documentary, "The Social Dilemma." The guys discuss vulnerability, disconnection, and the polarizing effects of social media. They close by reflecting on changes we can each make to unplug and reconnect.2020-09-2800 min

Be the BeeThe Amazing Strength of Jesus“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8) Whether it's a mean comment or act of violence, why is it so easy to hurt people? And why should we care? We're all afraid of being weak, and will often hurt others to feel strong. Yet Jesus showed us that true strength often involves being weak: this is the way of love and the cross. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee151 2020-09-2200 min

Be the BeeAre You Struggling to Pray?"For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21) Sticking to our daily prayer rule can be tough! But why? We'll explore the simple reason prayer can feel crammed into our day rather than a natural part of it. And we'll offer a simple way to help you transform wasted moments into opportunities for connection with God. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you focus on how you can act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee150 2020-09-2200 min

Be the BeeWhy We Judge Others (and How to Stop)"One who every hour prepares himself to give answers for his own sins will not quickly lift up his head to examine the mistakes of others.” (St. Gennadius of Constantinople) It's easy to point our finger at someone else's mistakes, rather than focus on our own. Why? We'll explore the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant and the two big things that make it easy to judge others. As a special bonus, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you focus on your sins, not others. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee149 2020-09-2200 min

Be the BeeHow to Start (and Keep) a Prayer Rule“It is better to pray little but often.” -Saint Theophylact of Bulgaria Struggling to say your prayers? We want to help you connect with God! Let's start the new Church year with the Y2AM Prayer Challenge. Let's build a good daily habit and stick to a daily prayer rule for the next 3 months. In this episode, we share 4 keys to help you start (and stick to) your daily prayer rule. And we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you make progress. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee147 2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeDoes God Have a Plan for You? (w/ Anna Karos)Have you ever felt pressure about getting into the right school? Getting the right job? "Vocation" is about a lot more than a job. It's about how we respond to God's call. To learn how, Steve is joined by Anna Karos: a graduate of the CrossRoad Summer Institute. crossroadinstitute.org 2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeDear Class of 2020 (w/ Christina Andresen)Graduation ceremonies across the country have been cancelled. The Church is here to honor you! But we're not simply honoring your grades or extracurriculars. Steve is joined by Christina Andresen (Director of Ministries for Orthodox Christian Fellowship) to explore how Pentecost can shape our graduation celebration. Because you are called to be the hands of God in a world that needs healing. And you've received the gift of the Holy Spirit to prepare you to be a prophetic voice in the world. Have you been struggling with changes to your life the last few months? We've prepared a "Healthy Human"...2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeHow to Be a Healthy HumanFeeling scared to go back to school or work? What about Church? This has been a crazy time for us all. So Steve and Christian and back to share 4 keys to staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic (and as public place begin to reopen). They even made a companion journal to the episode. The journal offers guided questions to help you stay healthy: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Get your free "Healthy Human" PDF here: https://mailchi.mp/goarch/be_the_bee_144 Are you anxious for churches to reopen? Are you feeling scared? Leave a comment and share how you're...2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeHow to Build Healthy HabitsStruggling to start a good routine, like saying prayers every morning? Finding it impossible to break a bad habit, like watching too much TV? Don't worry, we're here for you. Steve and Christian share 5 tips to help you build healthy habits! With these 5 tips in hand, what healthy habit would you like to build? Leave a comment and let us know! The guys learned a lot from Charles Duhigg's book "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business."2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeWhy I'm an Orthodox Christian (with Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick)As an Orthodox Christian, you're often the only one in the room. How do you share your faith in Christ with others? Why are you an Orthodox Christian (rather than part of some other tradition)? Father Andrew Stephen Damick joins Steve again as they share 4 basics reasons they're Orthodox Christians.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeWhat is Christian Unity? (with Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick)Christians seem more divided than ever. Is there really such a thing as "one" Church? Does Christian unity even matter? Father Andrew Stephen Damick joins Steve to tackle these important questions!2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeDoes God Promise Happiness? (with Hank Hanegraaff)If we are faithful, does God reward us? Does He promise wealth and blessings? Or is true happiness so much more... Hank Hanegraaff, the Bible Answer Man, joins Steve at the start of Holy Week.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeChristianity Under QuarantineWe're stuck at home We haven't been to Church services in weeks. What does it all mean? Steve shares a prayer and a parable that can help us see this with the eyes of a bee.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeCan You Be Spiritual and Not Religious?Can you be spiritual without organized religion? What does it even mean to be spiritual? Maybe we need to rethink what we mean by spirituality and religion... Maybe we need to live like Christians: full of the Holy Spirit.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeWhat Does it Mean to be Good? (with Dr Tim Patitsas)Who decides what is "bad" vs what is "good?" Is being "good" simply about following the right rules? Dr Timothy Patitsas, author of "The Ethics of Beauty" and Professor at Hellenic College Holy Cross, joins Steve this week!2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeThe Emptiness of the Christian LifeOur lives can feel empty and alone. But the Church offers us a different kind of emptiness: one that will lead us to be full of the Holy Spirit.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeThe Importance of Service(s) (with Archbishop Elpidophoros)Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joins Steve to explore why service is at the heart of our lives as Christians. But he also reminds us that, if we truly want to emphasize service, then we must also emphasize the services of the Church.2020-09-1700 min

Be the BeeWhy Do Bishops Get Enthroned?"Be the Bee" is back and getting ready for the enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros. Why do bishops get enthroned? Put on your hard hats, we're about to drop some knowledge.2020-09-1500 min

Be the BeeWhat if Your Parish Disappeared?“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 If your parish suddenly disappeared, would anyone notice? Are we living out the Gospel in our neighborhoods and communities? Because we believe the same things that the first Christians taught. But do we act like them? Last week, we talked about the importance of prayer. But we can't forget almsgiving in our spiritual practice. We've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you work through how you can better love your neighbor. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/be_be_bee...2020-09-0100 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 132: Bonfire in America“Don't kill me.” - George Floyd The guys were going to talk about the Netflix series: Bonfire of Destiny. But important things are happening. And we, as a nation and a Church, need to talk about them. Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez have a tough conversation about the unjust slaying of George Floyd on May 25 and the protests that have developed since. They discuss race in America, violence and virtue, and the theology of the cross.2020-06-0800 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 128: The Clone Wars“It takes strength to resist the dark side. Only the weak embrace it.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi After talking with Ancient Faith's John Maddex about the current financial situation and opportunities (please support the guys' virtual Regatta team here: https://afm.kindful.com/lifeboat-2020/the-supplicants), Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez explore the recently-concluded Star Wars animated series: The Clone Wars. They discuss why Star Wars TV shows have been better than the recent movies, the depth of the characters (both old and new), and what the failings of the Jedi Order can teach us as Christians.2020-05-1400 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 125: Vulnerability HourSteve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez open up for a vulnerable conversation where they share what they're struggling with, how they're doing, and how they're still finding God at work in the midst of a global pandemic.2020-04-1700 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourUPDATE: Pop Culture Coffee Hour LIVE (Every Week)!Since we're all trying to be socially responsible and live in a state of self-imposed quarantine, Christian Gonzalez and Steve Christoforou want to offer a little bit of lightheartedness. That's why they will be going LIVE every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern/9:30 a.m. Pacific with a brand-spanking new episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Join them at www.y2am.org/PopCultureLive and be a part of the conversation!2020-03-2300 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 120: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Podcast (Pt. 2)Christina Andresen, Steve Christoforou, and Christian Gonzalez finish up their conversation on Harry Potter. They discuss how youth ministry should look like Defense Against the Dark Arts, how sacrifice shows true mastery over death, and who they think the true hero of the story is. They close with their Top 5 Things (and an Accidental One) They'd Make Into Horcruxes. Listen to Part 1 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_119_pcch_live_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_1.2020-02-2700 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 119: PCCH LIVE! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Podcast (Pt. 1)Steve Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez are joined by Christina Andresen for this special live episode of Pop Culture Coffee Hour! Recorded at the 2020 Youth and Camp Workers Conference in Phoenix, they discuss why Hogwarts is a CPS call waiting to happen, how friendship makes us better, and whether youth can be trusted with the Church. They close with a brief Q&A; and a promise to finish what Dumbledore started. Listen to Part 2 at https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/popculture/episode_120_harry_potter_and_the_half_blood_podcast_pt_2.2020-02-2700 min

Be the Bee#StandAgainstBullyingRecognizing National Bullying Prevention Month 2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeFasting (And Feasting) With ThanksWhy do we fast? What can that teach us about food?2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeWho's Afraid of Halloween?Christians don't need to be afraid of Halloween. We can celebrate it as a day for fun, friends, and family, and use it as a chance to grow closer to God and each other.2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeePrayer and Joy!Prayer isn't a numbers game, it's about experiencing Christ's joy!2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeePraying in the MomentPrayer doesn't need to be about hours, or even minutes. It's about the moments throughout the day that we spend with God.2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeHidden Behind LabelsDoes labeling people help us understand them better, or does it hide the God-given beauty within us all?2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeBroken Clocks and JudgmentDo we sometimes focus on what's wrong with people, instead of what's right about them?2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeBe the Bee IntroBe the bee. Focus on the beauty that God has put in everyone and everything. For more on the bee metaphor, see St. Basil's Address to Young Men on Greek Literature and Advice from Elder Paisios.2020-02-1700 min

Be the BeeDefeating DarknessDo we overcome the darkness by fighting against it? Or is there an easier way?2020-02-1700 min

We Are OrthodoxyEpisode 12: Work With Your Head, Not Your HandsSteve Christoforou puts his feet to the fire in the season finale of We Are Orthodoxy. Steve discusses the complexity of working for the Church, describing how it isn’t always quite the same thing as serving the Lord. Trusting that Christ is enough to make it through even the deepest of crises, Steve remains deeply committed to holding on to the Lord.2018-06-2900 min

Be the BeeIt is FinishedEven though "Be the Bee" is coming to an end, this is just the beginning of Y2AM's life-changing work. Together, we can find Christ at work in our lives and move towards His Kingdom.2017-07-0700 min

Be the BeeWhat Young People Need from the Church (with Andja & Maria)What do young people need from the Church? Let's ask them! Andja and Maria, high school seniors and the hosts of the Orthodox Life Hacks podcast, join Steve to reflect on ministry for, with, and by young people.2017-07-0700 min

Be the BeeSigns of the Kingdom (with Katrina Bitar)Feeding a hungry person doesn't "fix" hunger: that person will feel hungry again. So what's the point of helping those in need?2017-06-0500 min

Be the BeeFour Tips for Being an Orthodox Christian in the World (with Fr Andrew Damick)You may be the only Orthodox Christian at school or work. Fr. Andrew joins Steve to offer 4 tips to help you live as an Orthodox Christian in the world.2017-06-0500 min

Be the BeeSaved by Faith Alone? (with Fr. Barnabas Powell)Is faith alone enough to save us? Father Barnabas Powell, an Orthodox priest and former Protestant, joins Steve to consider this important question.2017-06-0500 min

Be the BeeHow to Read the BibleThere are a lot of different, even contradictory, interpretations of Scripture. So how do we understand what the Bible actually means?2017-06-0500 min

Be the BeeBeauty Will Save the WorldThe Orthodox author Dostoevsky once said that "beauty will save the world." What does beauty have to do with our salvation and relationship with God?2017-06-0500 min

Be the BeeYou Are What You Love (feat. Christian Gonzalez)Last week, Steve and Christian talked about how receiving Holy Communion forms us into Christ's Body. This week, they reflect on the ways our good habits can build a "second nature" and form us into the people God made us to be.2017-06-0300 min

Be the BeeYou Are What You Eat (feat. Christian Gonzalez)You've heard it before: you are what you eat. That's most true when we eat Holy Communion. Christian joins Steve to consider the amazing insights that Fr Alexander Schmemann offers in "For the Life of the World."2017-06-0300 min

Be the BeeThe End is Near!Steve takes a walk in the park and shares important news about "Be the Bee."2017-06-0300 min

Be the BeeWe're All BrokenWe all struggle with something. We're all broken. Every Holy Thursday, we see Christ on the Cross. We come face-to-face with our own brokenness, and the way Christ joins us in our pain. He brings light out of darkness, and life out of death.2017-06-0300 min

Be the BeeWhy Do We Sing in Church?We've already explored why Orthodox Churches have a distinctive look. They also have a distinctive sound. Why do we sing in our Church services?2017-06-0300 min

Be the BeeCan We Know God?We can learn things about almost any subject. Yet God doesn't want us to simply know things *about* Him, in an abstract way. He wants us to truly know Him and commune with Him.2017-06-0200 min

Be the BeeWhy Easy Isn't Always BestLent is hard work, especially when so much of the modern world is designed to make things easy for us! Yet life isn't easy. Can we become the sort of people who learn how to do what's best, even when it's not easy?2017-06-0200 min

Be the BeeShould I Fear God? (feat. Elissa Bjeletich)Lots of prayers say we should "fear God." Does that mean we should be terrified of Him? How can we fear God and love Him?2017-06-0200 min

Be the BeeWhat is a Sacrament?Are there seven sacraments? Are sacraments just symbols, or ways to receive grace? Get ready to unlearn everything you think you know about sacraments in this episode!2017-06-0200 min

Be the BeeWhat Vestments Reveal About our Relationship with GodVestments are more than decorations: they reveal something important about our relationship with God and the role of our clergy.2017-02-1300 min

Be the BeeOur Sacred OrderHierarchy isn't about status or being important. In the Church, hierarchy is our sacred order, the way we fit together as One Body.2017-02-1300 min

Be the BeeNew Year, New FocusThe ways we spend our time and money say a lot about what we actually love. And our actions may reveal we don't love God as much as we'd like to think. Let's take an honest look at our lives so we can make some much-needed changes in the year ahead.2017-01-0100 min

Be the BeeThe HOPE Project (Project for Awesome 2016)Human trafficking is a big problem all over the world. In this year's Project for Awesome, we're supporting the HOPE Project, a new program that connects survivors of human trafficking housing, occupations, potential, and empowerment.2017-01-0100 min

Be the BeeSix-Minute Church TourWalking into an Orthodox Church can be pretty overwhelming. Join Steve as he offers a quick tour of what you'll typically see, and what that can teach us about our path to salvation.2016-12-1500 min

Be the BeeA Church of MysteriesWe use the word "mystery" a lot in the Church. Because the Church herself is a mystery: not an idea to be grasped but a reality to be lived.2016-11-3000 min

Be the BeeWhy We Don't Hide Our Faith (featuring Sister Vassa Larin)Faith is often treated as a secret, private thing. But if we really believe that we know the way to eternal life in Christ, would we really keep that hidden from others?2016-11-3000 min

Be the BeeDon't Think About Your Thoughts"Thoughts" are the imaginings and fantasies that can distract us from God. And they can turn into action after they enter our hearts. So how do we deal with the thoughts that bother us? Instead of fighting them, we can turn away from them.2016-11-3000 min

Be the BeeWhat if God is Real?God is more than an abstract idea. And if He's real, that has important consequences for our lives.2016-11-3000 min

Be the BeeWhy Christians Care for the Environment (with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew)Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Fr. John Chryssavgis join Steve to explore why caring for the environment is part of our role as Christians and priests of creation.2016-11-3000 min

Be the BeeFour Ways to ForgiveWe all know forgiveness is a holy and important thing, yet it's easier said than done. When you're having trouble, here are four things to help soften your heart and open the door to forgiveness.2016-10-1700 min

Pop Culture Coffee HourEpisode 6: Breaking Bad and Dealing with DarknessSteven and Christian discuss being exposed to darkness through art and whether or not there is merit in pressing through things that are difficult to watch. They deal with themes of light and dark, weaker brothers and stronger brothers, and why neither of them could make it past (or in Christian’s case through) the first episode of the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad. As always, the guys end with a top 5 list.2016-09-0700 min

OCF Campus Ministry PodcastSteven ChristoforouSteven Christoforou, host of the video podcast "Be the Bee," speaks at the 2014 College Conference.2015-03-1000 min