- The Chains of Thankfulness2025/01/23
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Chains of St. Peter.
- On Flashlights, Jesus, and The Low Time2025/01/17
Christ came to be with us in our darkness.
- Sturdy Ark, Gathering Storm: Why the Details About Jesus Matter2024/12/27
Fr. John Oliver reflects on what is essential for facing any storm that may be coming.
- Seeing Angelically, Seeing Demonically2024/12/18
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Exodus story as a metaphor for our journey of faith.
- Killing the Non-Persons2024/12/11
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the ramifications of Professor Peter Singer's brand of utilitarianism.
- I'll Be Content When Everything Changes2024/11/27
Fr. John Oliver reflects on simplicity.
- Which is Stronger: Your Faith or Your Feelings?2024/11/21
Christians are called to live life differently.
- Helping Others Heals Ourselves2024/11/01
Fr. John Oliver reflects on how helping others helps us fight our own battles.
- God: The Sender of Unwanted Gifts2024/10/23
Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering.
- On Hurricanes and Holy Communion2024/10/16
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent hurricanes.
- Blame Game2024/10/04
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need to take responsibility for one's own sins.
- Christ: the Artist and the Art2024/09/06
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the connection between Creation and the Cross.
- Below the Summit of Pride2024/08/14
Fr. John Oliver reflects on pride and humility.
- The Freedom to Be in Bondage2024/08/09
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the true meaning of freedom.
- Special Announcement: Ancient Faith Men's Retreat2024/08/06
The Ancient Faith Men's Retreat runs August 22-25, 2024.
- What's Your Town?2024/08/02
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the boundaries within our hearts.
- Even the Devil is a Servant of God2024/07/26
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the role evil and suffering plays in drawing us closer to God.
- A City Dump Becomes the Village Church2024/07/18
Fr. John Oliver shares the story of the reclamation of a church after the end of the Soviet era, reminding us that "we walk by faith, and not by sight."
- Are You Nice? That’s Too Bad2024/07/10
Fr. John Oliver reflects upon the difference between being nice and being holy.
- The Evil in Me or the Evil in You?2024/06/05
Fr. John Oliver reflects on spiritual blindness.
- Stay Put or Steady On?2024/04/17
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
- Forget About Getting Good Grades2024/04/11
Fr. John Oliver reminds us of the true focus of Christian life.
- Scientists Call It Cardioelectromagnetic Communication, We Just Call It…2024/03/21
Fr. John Oliver reflects on forgiveness, and the energies of the heart.
- The Crisis of Modern Man2024/02/28
Fr. John Oliver talks about the crisis of exclusion...and its greatest remedy.
- Don't Be Perfect. Be You.2024/02/22
Fr. John Oliver reminds us that we work out our salvation in the individual particulars of our own lives.
- The Desire of Joe2024/02/08
Fr. John Oliver explores the desire to change one's life.
- Jesus Is For Losers2024/01/31
Fr. John Oliver discusses our responsibility to the lonely.
- It's Your Island. What Do You Do First?2024/01/24
Fr. John Oliver invites us to think about how we would treat others if we had our own little island.
- A Baptist and a Transcendentalist Walk Into a Bar2024/01/17
Fr. John Oliver talks about integrity.
- How Much Christ is Enough? On the Risk of a Well-Rounded Life2024/01/10
Fr. John Oliver explains why we need the "Four S's" to energize our lives.
- Serving from the Depths of Bliss2023/12/23
Fr. John Oliver shares a remarkable story of service to inspire us to joyfully use our gifts in service of others.
- Freedom: It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means2023/12/14
Fr. John Oliver deepens our understanding of what is meant by "freedom."
- Porphyrios in Space2023/12/09
Fr. John Oliver tells the story of the unsung hero of the Apollo 13 mission.
- Repelling the Holy Spirit2023/06/19
Fr. John Oliver explains how we can repel the Holy Spirit, and how we can become alive in the Holy Spirit instead.
- Less Taking, More Giving2023/01/23
Fr. John Oliver reflects on what makes us truly happy.
- Be First2022/12/01
Fr. John Oliver wonders what might happen if we were to reach out for vital connection and deep healing.
- Entrance of the Theotokos2022/11/22
Fr. John Oliver considers the mystery of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, that is known most fully in the heart.
- Life is Hard, Life is Joy2022/11/16
Fr. John Oliver helps us to understand why life can be so hard, and how to find joy in the midst of the struggle.
- True Freedom2022/08/31
Fr. John Oliver helps us to discover where true freedom lies.
- Mustard Faith2022/08/25
Fr. John Oliver considers whether blessings can be found in the midst of the unexpected suffering of mental illness.
- Welcome Here2022/08/08
Fr. John Oliver asks whether an Orthodox Church can truly welcome all who come no matter their spiritual illness.
- Society and the Soul - Part 62022/03/09
Fr. John discusses the teachings of St. Nicodemus on listening to music.
- Seeing the World in an Iconographic Way2022/03/09
Fr. John notes how Orthodox Christians see things in an iconographic way-- the images are connected to the larger reality they represent.
- Society and the Soul - Part 52022/03/09
Using the writings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John discusses how the eye can lead to sin or spiritual peace.
- Society and the Soul - Part 42022/03/09
Fr. John discusses why we are enslaved to pleasure, as explained originally by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.
- Society and the Soul - Part 32022/03/09
In Part Three of the ongoing series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, Fr. John discusses the five senses and their relationship to the will.
- Society and the Soul - Part 22022/03/09
Fr. John continues his series on Society and The Soul, presenting us with St. Nicodemus' vision of man as "a kind of royal palace, built by the superb architectural skill of an omniscient Creator."
- Society and the Soul - Part 12022/03/09
With this podcast, Fr. John begins a new series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, a work which examines the five human senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and the role that each one plays in acquiring or losing salvation.
- The Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos2022/03/09
Fr. John discusses the importance of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on December 26.
- And The Soul Felt Its Worth2022/03/09
Info (Show/Hide)"There is nothing in this world more glorious, more precious, or more precarious than the human soul." Within the first few hundred years of Christian history, the Roman Empire experienced at least two devastating health epidemics. Fr. John shares with us a powerful example of how the early Christians demonstrated the worth of the soul, as well as a love stronger than fear, as they ministered to those in deep need during these times of great crisis.
- Passing the Time2022/03/09
"Are we almost there yet?" How many times will that question be asked this holiday weekend? Fr. John explores the passing of time from a Christian perspective as we travel our journey of salvation.
- Babies In The Biosphere - 32022/03/09
The integrated Christian possesses a pro-life view that sees the environment as life giving and worthy of protection and a pro-environment view that sees the womb as an environment and worthy of protection.
- Babies in the Biosphere - 12022/03/09
This is part one in a series exploring the connection between abortion and the environment.
- Babies in the Biosphere - 22022/03/09
In part 2 of his 3 part series, Fr. John explores further the Orthodox worldview that connects all of creation to our relationship with the Creator.
- An Airport, A Hospital and the Book of Psalms2022/03/09
What do these three have in common? Listen as Fr. John reflects on the power and beauty of the Psalter.
- The Grandeur Of God2022/03/09
Love for God is love for the earth and love for the earth is love for our neighbor.
- Four Miles and Three Days2022/03/09
What would be worth standing in line for if that line was 4 miles long? Fr. John gives us a lesson in perspective and treasure in this week's episode.
- Rising Above Violence And Revenge2022/03/09
When reviled, we bless. When insulted, we forgive - St. Paul
- The Mystery of God2022/03/09
We might think we know exactly what God is and should be but is that not a certainty loaded with risk?
- What Is Your Governing Dynamic?2022/03/09
We all have one. But what should it be? Fr. John explores the tapestry of our lives and those intrusions that can interupt the pattern.
- The Vulnerability of Love2022/03/09
Jesus said "the kingdom of God is taken by force" and sometime it feels like a battle to allow ourselves to love one another as God intended.
- Tradition2022/03/09
Traveling down I-75 on his way to a Parish Life Conference, Fr. John reflects on the tradition he is passing on to his children as well as the Great Tradition of the Faith.
- Joni and Superman - Two Worldviews2022/03/09
Fr. John compares the worldviews of Joni Erickson Tada and Christopher Reeve.
- A Tale of Two Worldviews2022/03/09
Fr. John gives an instructive comparison of two divergent worldviews.
- The Christian Worldview2022/03/09
In his second podcast, Fr. John helps us define a Christian worldview and how it should change the way we process life around us.
- The Value Of One Life2022/03/09
In his first podcast, Fr. John reflects on his midnight vigil outside a prison in Tennessee.
- Hate Week2022/02/14
Fr. John Oliver journeys through the hate behind Holy Week.
- Emotion As Energy2022/02/14
Fr. John Oliver helps us see ourselves through the eyes of the Myrrh-bearing Women.
- Beautiful Unbelief2022/02/14
Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unbelievable news that sends us searching for more.
- Sermon on the Mount - Part 32021/12/21
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 3)
- Sermon on the Mount - Part 22021/12/21
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 2)
- Sermon on the Mount - Part 12021/12/21
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 1)
- I Am2021/11/22
Fr. John Oliver helps us to answer the question, "Who am I?", by redirecting us to the I AM.ham
- Demons2021/11/16
Fr. John Oliver shares a story about a group of demons discussing how best to lead humans astray, the opportunity for repentance through the mercy of God.
- Watts2021/11/16
Fr. John Oliver shares the story of one British philosopher's search for God.
- Ladder2021/11/16
Fr. John Oliver ponders the long climb ahead of us, and the ways that we can be led astray and fall off the Ladder of Divine Ascent.
- Anthony2021/11/16
Fr. John Oliver reflects upon the cross that we are called to bear as we follow Christ, and pursue the healing of our will.
- Scandalous2021/04/28
Fr. John Oliver considers the scandalous nature of mystery.
- You Are Welcome Here2021/02/27
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent passage of the House Equality Act by the United States House of Representatives asking, "What does the Orthodox Church mean when She says, 'You Are Welcome Here'".
- Yours2021/02/25
Fr. John Oliver helps us to understand more the mystery of belonging to God.
- Love and Trust2021/02/25
Fr. John Oliver asks whether it is possible for a Christian to loose their sanity, their ability to manage their lives, and how to trust God in the struggle.
- Feature2021/02/25
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the unique features in each friendship.
- Actionable2021/02/25
Fr. John Oliver offers hope for those suffering with anxiety in a crazy world.
- Lighthouse in the Storm2021/02/02
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the writing of St. John Chrysostom titled "No One Can Harm the Man Who Does not Harm Himself."
- Zacchaeus: Desire and Love2021/02/02
Fr. John Oliver considers the motivating forces behind Zacchaeus' movement up the tree and towards Jesus.
- Conversion: An Inside Job2021/02/02
Fr. John Oliver asks, Is it possible to experience true conversion? What role does our effort play in the conversion of our souls?
- Repentance: Loving the Person God Desires We Become2021/02/02
Fr. John Oliver discusses the true meaning of repentance, becoming the person that God desire us to become.
- The Healing Power of Forgiveness2020/02/07
Fr. John Oliver paints a hope-filled picture of the healing power of forgiveness.
- The Four Rhythms of Life in the Church2019/05/31
Fr. John Oliver explores the four cycles or rhythms that are embedded in nature and in the Church.
- St. Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr2019/01/31
The death of St. Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr tells us about how she lived her life lived long before her martyrdom.
- The Root of it All2018/10/09
Fr. John Oliver offers three questions that help us trace the root of both the good and the bad in our lives. Am I being loving? Am I being accepting? Am I being appreciated?
- You Are Not Your Passions2018/10/09
Fr. John Oliver helps us to see that even on the days that we absolutely act pig-like, we are not our passions.
- Holy Week2018/10/09
Fr. John Oliver reminds us of what lies ahead of us during Holy Week for our salvation.
- Ecumenism: The Autoimmune Disease in the Body of Christ2018/09/14
As Orthodox Christians in a non-Orthodox culture, we have questions: Who are we? What is "the Church"? What is our relationship to friends and family of other faiths? What is ecumenism? Who will be saved? In this special edition of Hearts and Minds, Fr John Oliver offers a few reflections.
- This Doesn't Feel Like Home2018/09/11
Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unhealthy family patterns that we have been handed through birth and have a choice whether we carry them into our future.
- Kind Words Are Like Honey2018/09/11
Fr. John Oliver reflects on what it means for God to speak a Word, and how our own words can drip with the honey of truth and love.
- Context Matters2018/09/03
Fr. John Oliver explains the stages of grace in the spiritual life, in the context of the journey of Great Lent.
- God is in the Details2018/09/03
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ (January 1st) and how God is to be found in the details of life.
- Stories Toward the Sacred: Anna Harris2018/06/26
Kurt Harris interviews his oldest daughter, Anna Harris, about her story of how God brought her into the Orthodox Church, in this series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
- Stories Toward the Sacred: Dan Naes2018/05/04
Kurt Harris interviews Dan Naes about his story of how God brought him into the Orthodox Church, in this series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
- Freedom Through Ascetic Discipline2018/03/27
Fr. John Oliver describes the purpose of our ascetic disciplines as believers - to be set free and partake in the glory of God!
- Stories Toward the Sacred: Charles Chusuei2018/03/14
Kurt Harris interviews Charles Chusuei about his story of how God brought him into the Orthodox Church, in this new series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
- Transfiguration2018/03/07
Fr. John Oliver reminds us that the Christian heart wants to taste of the incomparable heavenly banquet of the Kingdom of God.
- The Wilderness2018/02/08
Fr. John Oliver offers a view of the pain of the "wilderness" stage of the Christian life while journeying with God to the Promised Land.
- The Three Powers2018/01/18
Fr. John Oliver explains the Three Powers of Thinking, Desiring and Acting. He describes the impact on our lives when one or more of theses powers are sick in our lives, and shares how we can experience healing of these powers.
- Stories Toward the Sacred: Kurt and Nancy Harris2018/01/10
Fr. John Oliver interviews Kurt and Nancy Harris who share their story of how God brought them into the Orthodox Church. The Harris' will in turn interview others in this new series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
- When Words are not Enough2017/12/21
"A 'thank you' toward Heaven is nice, but how much more does it mean when it flows from sincerity—from a changing life? The human being says 'thank you' to God by becoming more like him."
- The Least of These2017/12/21
Fr. John shows how the Bible's answer to "What must I do to be saved?" differs from the world's.
- Start with the Eagles2017/12/20
Fr. John exhorts his listeners (despite being a published author himself) to read the saints first.
- Human Nature2017/12/20
Fr. John uses the great feasts we are celebrating as evidence against excusing our deviant behavior.
- The Word Became Flesh2017/12/20
- A Great Banquet2017/12/20
- The People who Sat in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light2017/12/20
- Power Made Perfect in Weakness2017/12/20
- The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth2017/12/20
- We Are Responsible For The World2017/12/20
- The Summer House2017/12/20
- Upon Those In The Tombs2017/12/20
- Slowing Down for Holy Week2017/12/20
- Below the Water Line2017/12/20
- What Now2017/12/20
- Disappointments Not Healed in This Life2017/12/20
- The Sower And The Seed2017/12/20
- Imitation and Participation2017/12/20
- New Years and New Beginnings2017/12/20
- Commending Ourselves and Each Other to Christ Our God2017/12/20
- Glorifying God In Our Bodies2017/12/20
- Does God Love the Devil and the Demons Like He Loves Us?2017/12/20
- The Mystical Garden2017/12/20
- You Are Wanted2017/12/20
- A Sacred Hunger2017/12/20
- Election Special2017/12/20
- Do You Want To Be Healed?2017/12/20
- Thou Shalt Not Covet2017/12/20
- The Mercy of God2017/12/20
- A Reflection On Natural Disasters2017/12/20
- Society And The Soul - Part 102017/12/19
- Society And The Soul - Part 92017/12/19
- Society And The Soul - Part 82017/12/19
- Society And The Soul - Part 72017/12/19
- The Virtue of Failure - Part 42017/10/11
- The Virtue of Failure - Part 32017/10/11
- The Virtue of Failure - Part 22017/10/10
- The Virtue of Failure - Part 12017/10/10
- The Benefits of Prayer2017/10/02
- The Transfiguration of Jesus2017/10/02
- Take Up Your Cross2017/08/01
- What Must I Do?2016/12/04
- Politics2016/10/20
- Praying on the Way of the Cross2016/10/05
- The Fear of Change2016/10/05
- The Good Shepherd2016/08/30
- Fire2016/08/30
- The Vine and the Branches2016/08/30
- The National March for Marriage2016/08/17
- Bowing to the Great Suffering2016/07/07
- Suffering2016/07/05
- The Journey2016/06/29
- Lazarus2016/06/29
- Our Shared Brokenness2016/06/29
- Disappointment2016/06/29
- Sharing Our Stories2016/06/26
- Purpose in Life2016/06/08
- God Is Love, but Love Is Not God2016/06/06
- The Priesthood: Biblical, Crucible, Miracle2016/06/03
- Martyrdom2016/05/28
- Works2016/05/24
- Excuses2016/05/17
- The Waves2016/05/17
- Miracles2016/05/13
- Truth and Love2016/05/05
- Forgiveness2016/04/19
- Communion2016/04/02
- The Art of Arguing2016/04/01
- Our Lord Come2016/02/25
- Gratitude In Action2016/01/30
- Unity, Liberty, Charity2015/01/19
- Morally Wrong? Politically Right?2014/11/05
- Responding To Same Sex Marriage - Part 32014/06/03
- Responding To Same Sex Marriage - Part 22014/05/26
- Responding To Same Sex Marriage2014/05/13
- The Essential New Year's Resolution2014/01/06
- Foolish Controversies2013/12/18
- Reading God's Books2013/12/09
- Our Words and The Word2012/12/13
- Black Friday and the Desires of the Heart2012/11/29
- Advent - Bridging the Chasm to the Divine2012/11/16
- Let His Enemies Be Scattered2012/05/09
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 102012/04/02
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 92012/03/28
- What Only God Can Give2012/03/19
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 82012/03/19
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 72012/03/12
- Difficult Questions2012/03/05
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 62012/03/05
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 52012/02/27
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 42012/02/20
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 32012/02/13
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 22012/02/06
- Intercessory Prayer: The Last Hope for the World - Part 12012/01/30
- Be Merciful2011/10/11
- What True Faith is2011/08/25
- A Special Occasion2010/11/03
