Control Is an Illusion

As the Nativity Fast approaches, Fr. John ponders where we should be turning our focus. It is a time to reflect on what we have, what others lack, what we are willing to give, and what we are willing to receive.

In this episode, Fr. John highlights a common thread running through the lives of one of our greatest modern saints and a humble seamstress for an important lesson on how we can approach encounters with the demonic.

What do Nikita the Hermit, Simon the Sorcerer, the demons obeying the 70 Disciples, and the influx of seekers to the Church have in common?

Father John relates the spiritual fruits that can be found in the most unlikely of places—even in the repentance of one father to his sons.

In this episode, Fr. John highlights how our everyday, one-on-one interactions with others can so often boil down to a choice between self-interest and self-emptying.

What is the difference between being "'in control" and having "control issues"? St. Joseph the Hesychast and St. Paisios look to the order of nature for the answer.

In this episode. Fr. John explains how the tone of our thoughts can tell us a lot about their origins.

In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.

Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.

Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light of Christ illumines all--even the darkest recesses of our minds.