The Illumined Heart Orthodox dialogue to illumine the heart

Start date: February 2007 5098 minutes, 7 seconds in 144 episodes

Join Kevin Allen each week on The Illumined Heart podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Featuring insightful interviews on subjects of faith, theology, history, comparative religion and personal faith journeys with Eastern Orthodox Christians (and others!) you should know!

You can visit Kevin on the web at the-illumined-heart.com.

The Illumined Heart podcast is a joint outreach of Ancient Faith Radio and Saint Barnabas Orthodox Church, Costa Mesa, California.

Episodes

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Date	Title & Description	Duration
Dec 14, 2009	Is Your Parish Dead Or Alive? On this encore program from 2008, Kevin speaks with Fr. Jonathon Ivanoff, Secretary of the Department of Evangelization of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) about the "life cycle" of parishes and how to know whether your parish is thriving, dying or dead on the vine -- and what can be done about it! Click to play	39:04
Nov 23, 2009	Mystery and Sacramentality: East and West What began as a conversation with Fuller Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paraskeve (Eve) Tibbs over coffee, becomes an interview on the essential differences between the ways the Christian East and West understand the fundamentals of the faith, worship, and sacraments. A great introduction to East-West Christian distinctives on this encore presentation of The Illumined Heart with Kevin Allen! Click to play	36:23
Nov 10, 2009	Desert Wisdom In The City Listen in on this sublime encore conversation between renowned spiritual elder Father Zacharias (Zakarou), spiritual child of Elder Sophrony, and Kevin's guest host Father Josiah Trenham, senior pastor of St Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California. This is one you won't want to miss! Click to play	50:15
Nov 02, 2009	Living in the Ruins of Christendom - Part 2 Dr. H. Tristram Engelehardt, Jr. concludes his fascinating interview about life in a “neo-pagan” culture with “competing moral alternatives”. Click to play	29:38
Oct 26, 2009	Living in the Ruins of Christendom - Part 1 Medical doctor (M.D.) and doctor of Philosophy (PhD.), author and university professor, Dr (Herman) Tristram Engelhardt, Jr. explains why our culture is post-Christian and post-metaphysical, how it got that way, and what the implications and challenges are for the Orthodox family. Click to play	27:42
Oct 16, 2009	Church Scandals And The Canons Fr. Alexander Rentel, Orthodox canonist and Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies at St Vladamir's Orthodox Theological seminary, speaks with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen about scandals in church history, the role the canons play, and what laity can do about their resolution. Click to play	37:13
Oct 09, 2009	Turn, Turn, Turn Chris Hillman, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer and original member of the legendary sixties band The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and The Desert Rose Band, reminisces with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen about his 40 years in the music business and the spiritual journey that led him to the Greek Orthodox Church. Click to play	41:43
Oct 02, 2009	Baptist Missionary Confronts Long-held Evangelical Tenets - Part 2 Listen to part 2 of Kevin's interview with Fr. James Early Click to play	25:04
Oct 02, 2009	Baptist Missionary Confronts Long-held Evangelical Tenets - Part 1 In this two-part interview, ex-Baptist seminary graduate and missionary to Bosnia, now Orthodox priest, Fr James Early, recounts with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen the circumstances under which he had to face and eventually reject core Baptist-Evangelical tenets and come to accept the faith handed down once and for all to the Saints. His book is called From Baptist to Byzantium. Click to play	32:17
Sep 25, 2009	Marriage As A Path To Holiness Orthodox marriage and family therapist and professor at Holy Cross Theological Seminary, Dr. Philip Mamalakis, speaks about the mystery of marriage and how it is meant to be -- and can be -- a path to holiness.	37:45
Sep 18, 2009	Law And Order And Orthodox Christianity Rookie police officer, Orthodox deacon's son and priest's grandson, Joseph (Jobie) Braun speaks with Kevin about his job as a policeman in the infamous Los Angeles "South Central" area (e.g. the movie "Training Day") and how his Orthodox Christianity keeps him grounded.	30:23
Sep 11, 2009	Holiness In Our Time Fr Michael Plekon, author of newly-released "Hidden Holiness" speaks with Kevin about the "crisis of holiness in our time" and the shape and form holiness can take in our day and age, both within and outside of our Orthodox Christian Tradition. Can St. Seraphim of Sarov and the Dalai Lama equally be called "holy"? Tune in to find out!	41:08
Sep 04, 2009	The Nature And Mission Of The Bishop In The Orthodox Church In the opening program of a new series of interviews, Dr. Bradley Nassif, theologian, author and life-long member of the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America, speaks about the "The Nature and Mission of the Bishop in the Orthodox Church". You can also read Dr Nassif's one-page piece referred to in the interview from the Antiochian website.	36:15
Jul 17, 2009	Death To The World, At Cornerstone Festival 2009 The Death To The World crew reports back on their week at Cornerstone 2009 - the largest Christian rock festival in the world. This is the third year DTTW has set up shop in the exhibitors area as an Orthodox outreach at this largely Evangelical youth gathering. John Valadez, Gary Allen and Julia Gatalskaya report to host Kevin Allen that the 'times they are a' changing' in the world of contemporary Christian youth, reflecting a broader trend towards ancient faith!	26:54
Jul 09, 2009	Visited By St. John Maximovitch - An Epilogue As an epilogue to his series on Saint John the Wonderworker, Kevin speaks with Fr. Wayne Wilson, who was visited twice by the departed saint during a very significant medical crisis. It is a moving and powerful witness to Vladyka John's continuing "ministry", as well as that of all of the saints and a fitting ending to Kevin's retrospective honoring the 43rd anniversary of his repose.	23:19
Jul 08, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 6 Kevin Allen and Subdeacon Gregory Hendry conclude their intimate look at Saint John Maximovitch, wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco.	18:05
Jul 07, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 5 43 years after the falling asleep in the Lord of Vladyka St. John Maximovitch, Subdeacon Gregory Hendry paints an intimate portrait of the beloved Saint.	22:03
Jul 06, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 4 Continuing their six-part discussion on the inspiring life of American Saint John of San Francisco, host Kevin Allen and Subdeacon Gregory Hendry discuss his homilies.	21:18
Jul 05, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 3 Commemorating the 43rd anniversary of his repose, Subdeacon Gregory Hendry and Kevin Allen continue their six-part series on St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco.	27:07
Jul 04, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 2 Subdeacon Gregory Hendry continues his recollections of Vladyka, Saint John Maximovitch in the second of a six-part series with host Kevin Allen.	27:56
Jul 03, 2009	My Days With St. John The Wonder Worker - Part 1 Share personal recollections of life and liturgy with Saint John Maximovitch - one of Orthodoxy's greatest contemporary saints - with one who knew him, in this special six-part series of The Illumined Heart with host Kevin Allen and ROCOR Subdeacon Gregory Hendry. This series commemorates the 43rd anniversary of St John's repose.	40:30
Jun 26, 2009	Orthodox Christianity and Capitalism Revisited The previous podcast on this subject stimulated comments about whether we covered the bases on this issue fully or dispassionately enough. In this conversation, Fr John Whiteford, (ROCOR) priest and frequent conservative commentator and blogger, and Dr. Amir Azarvan, (ROCOR) layman, political science lecturer, and self-described "social democrat," talk about poverty, the welfare state, whether alms-giving is spiritually effective if government mandated, and the best way to live out the Orthodox Christian life in the world.	51:50
Jun 19, 2009	Insanity Or Demonic Possession? After years of questions from concerned friends and loved ones about whether someone suffered from insanity or demonic posession (and how to discern the difference between the two), the sisters of St Barbara Monastery (OCA; Santa Paula, CA) turned to the patristic Church Fathers for answers. In this episode of The Illumined Heart, Mother Melania (Salem) tells host Kevin Allen what they discovered.	33:35
Jun 12, 2009	Pascha In Cyprus - An American Convert’s Experience Jake Lee, podcaster of Generation Orthodox and Journeys to Orthodoxy (OCN), spent Holy Week and Bright Week with his wife and baby daughter (and Mom) in a small village in Cyprus to experience Paschal life in an Orthodox culture, steeped in Orthodox history and tradition. He and Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen talk about the experience and what he learned.	39:22
Jun 05, 2009	Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayer? This is one of the most perplexing questions for all Christians. In this episode of The Illumined Heart, host Kevin Allen engages author and theologian Dr. Jerry Sittser, author of the book "When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer", in an honest conversation about this often ignored question. His answers are not academic or simply formulaic and come from the deep and hard places.	40:53
May 29, 2009	My Conversion From Islam To Orthodox Christianity - Part 2 Anthony Alai, ex-Evangelical apologist, minister and convert from Islam discusses his ministry to Muslims and the journey that led him from Evangelicalism to the door of the ancient Eastern Orthodox Church (Antiochian) in this fascinating and inspiring conclusion.	46:42
May 22, 2009	My Conversion From Islam To Orthodox Christianity - Part 1 Anthony Alai, an ex-Shia Muslim discusses his profound discovery of and conversion to Christ as a teenager, against everything he was taught to believe, in this edition of The Illumined Heart. This is an amazing and inspiring story!	41:03
May 15, 2009	Former Charismatic Episcopal Church Priest Starts Western Rite Orthodox Mission Kevin talks with ex-CEC priest - and former Evangelical - Fr Mark Wallace about his journey (along with his wife Susan) to the Eastern Orthodox Church through the Western Rite. Fr Mark's mission is Saint Andrew, the First Called Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Oklahoma City.	35:20
May 08, 2009	American Orthodox Christianity At A Crossroads - Part 2 Kevin concludes his discussion with George C. Michalopulos.	28:03
May 08, 2009	The American Orthodox Church At A Crossroads In June 2009 leaders of all autocephalous Orthodox Churches - excluding the OCA or any representatives from North America - meet in Cyprus or Geneva (undetermined at the date of this posting), at a meeting convened by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew I. This meeting is being called to discuss "the so-called Orthodox Diaspora, with a view to overcoming every possible influence that is foreign to Orthodox ecclesiology." The American Orthodox situation and its disunity is at the top of the agenda. In this edition of The Illumined Heart, host Kevin Allen and author George C. Michalopulos discuss this meeting, the history and state of Orthodoxy in North America and possible outcomes of this potentially pivotal convocation.	34:18
May 01, 2009	American Parish Builds Orthodox Church In Tanzania Join host Kevin Allen as he speaks with Rev. Fr Steven Tsichlis, pastor of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, CA and parishioner Alex Gorbenko about their parish's commitment to build a church (and more) in a small rural village called Kobunshwi in Tanzania, Africa.	29:43
Apr 24, 2009	A Journey From Canterbury to Antioch Listen to the journey of former Anglican priest and early pioneer of the Charismatic Renewal in the United Kingdom to Orthodox Christianity. Fr Michael Harper is the Dean of the Antiochian Deanery of United Kingdom and Ireland, the pastor of St Botolph Antiochian Orthodox Church in London, and author of 18 books, including "A Faith Fulfilled."	35:21
Apr 17, 2009	Orthodox Christianity And Capitalism: Are They Compatible? Writer, attorney, and college professor Chris Banescu discusses the economic, moral and spiritual issues surrounding the "capitalist" economic model and whether it serves the best interests of Christians living the life of the Beatitudes.	39:34
Apr 10, 2009	Raphael House And Orthodox Service To The Needy In this interview Fr David Lowell, the Executive Director of San Francisco's first homeless shelter for families with children, takes us behind the scenes and through the history, mission and "Orthodox ethos" of this prominent and well-known Orthodox ministry.	36:40
Apr 03, 2009	Orthodox Advocate For Human “Exceptionalism” The centrality of human life in the created world is under attack on all fronts. At the very heart of the debate is whether humans have intrinsic value greater than animals, minerals and lifeless matter. Orthodox convert, lawyer, writer and "human exceptionalism" advocate Wesley J. Smith is at the vortex of this debate, and discusses the current issues that will determine whether our culture views human life as unique in the years ahead.	43:38
Mar 27, 2009	Reflections on the Vocation of a Wife and Mother Molly Sabourin, wife, mother and writer discusses her new book, Close To Home, with Illumined Heart host Kevin Allen. They talk about the craft of writing, how a mother of four found time to complete a book, and how Molly has learned to integrate all of the many jobs of a wife and mother without burning out, or forgetting "the most needful thing" - life in Christ!	39:23
Mar 20, 2009	Lent - Transformation And Enlightenment - Part 2 Kevin continues his Lenten discussion with Fr. Stephen Freeman.	27:18
Mar 20, 2009	Lent - Transformation And Enlightenment - Part 1 This special, two-part The Illumined Heart Lenten interview is with Fr. Stephen Freeman, popular blogger and pod caster. Fr. Stephen discusses questions like how Lent forms us for "inner knowledge of God." This is a mid-Lent "treat" you won't want to miss.	38:20
Mar 13, 2009	A Christian End To Our Life We are taught how to live and die in Christ as Eastern Orthodox Christians. In this edition of The Illumined Heart, Antiochian Auxiliary Bishop, the Right Reverend Thomas (Joseph) shares with us valuable lessons on how to prepare for and care for those who are near the end of their physical journey.	20:00
Mar 06, 2009	Classic Orthodox Education in America There is a growing movement afoot to create elementary and secondary "Orthodox schools" in the U.S. Kevin discusses this development with veteran educator Bryan Smith, the Director of the Orthodox Schools Association and the Director-Headmaster of Saint Peter's Classic School in Fort Worth, Texas.	31:30
Feb 27, 2009	From Eastern And New Age Metaphysics To Orthodox Christianity - Part 2 Kevin concludes his interview with Veronica Hughes.	33:08
Feb 20, 2009	From Eastern And New Age Metaphysics To Orthodox Christianity - Part 1 Veronica Hughes was a 20-year seeker, practitioner and teacher of hatha yoga, EST, Hinduism, occult, metaphysics, psychic healing, out of body travel, spirit channeling, Tibetan Buddhism and Theosophy before re-discovering her childhood faith in Christ in the Orthodox Church. She and host Kevin Allen discuss her search for personal transformation and what led her to eastern Christianity.	28:59
Feb 13, 2009	C.S. Lewis And Orthodoxy Everyone in Christendom claims noted Christian author C.S. Lewis as one of their own! Met. Kallistos Ware calls him an "anonymous Orthodox". In this edition of the Illumined Heart, C.S. Lewis scholar Chris Jensen and Kevin Allen examine key beliefs of C.S. Lewis and find that he is far more patristic in ethos and praxis than he is a "mere" Christian! (Click here to read Chris Jensen's article on Lewis.)	33:10
Feb 06, 2009	Indian And Orthodox In this edition, host Kevin Allen speaks with Tenny Thomas, a doctoral student at Columbia/Union Theological Seminary, and member of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, about the Indian Christian community and how Indian Orthodox Christians relate to and evangelize in their predominantly Hindu society.	42:20
Jan 30, 2009	The Legacy of St Paul and the Church - Part 2 Kevin continues his discussion with Fr. Ted Stlylianapolous on the teachings of St. Paul	28:13
Jan 23, 2009	The Legacy of St Paul and the Church - Part 1 Fr. Ted Stlylianapolous (PhD), professor emeritus at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary, St Paul scholar and author, speaks with host Kevin Allen about justification, sanctification, the sacraments and new perrspectives on St Paul. Kevin says this is one of his best interviews because it tackles the major issues which divide the patristic and Protestant understandings of the foremost expositor of the Christian faith.	30:37
Jan 16, 2009	Speaking Of Sola Scriptura Fr. John Whiteford and host Kevin Allen speak about one of American Christianity's defining doctrines - Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) - and why it is a flawed and non-biblical notion.	40:37
Jan 09, 2009	The Culture War and Orthodox Christianity Fr. Hans Jacobse, editor of Orthodoxy Today and President of The American Orthodox Institute speaks with host Kevin Allen about whether Eastern Orthodox Christians need to engage in the moral and social war that is being waged in our culture. They will also talk about whether "Religious Right" leaning ex-Evangelical converts are taking over the Orthodox churches in America! Buckle your seat belts!	34:53
Jan 01, 2009	Meet Metropolitan Jonah - Part 2 Here is part 2 of this historic interview with Metropolitan Jonah who was just enthroned as Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America for the Orthodox Church in America. In this half of the interview, His Beatitude Jonah addresses matters such as Administrative Unity among Orthodox jurisdictions, evangelism, and the events that led up to his election at the All American Council in November.	41:35
Dec 26, 2008	Meet Metropolitan Jonah! On November 12, 2008, a remarkable thing happened in Pittsburgh, PA. Just 11 days after his consecration as Bishop of Fort Worth and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the South, Bishop Jonah was elected Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All American and Canada for the Orthodox Church in America. Kevin Allen was able to spend well over an hour on the phone with His Beatitude Jonah in a candid and fascinating interview that we are bringing you in 2 parts. In this first part we learn about his background, personal interests, conversion to Orthodoxy and the monastic life. Next week we will bring you part 2.	28:31
Dec 19, 2008	Orthodoxy And The African American Experience Join guest host Turbo Qualls and OCA priest, author, and president of The Brotherhood of St Moses the Black, Fr. Moses Berry, in their conversation about Orthodox Christianity and why it is a gift to African Americans.	37:44
Dec 12, 2008	If Prosperity Fails, Does The Gospel Also Fail? Kevin and his guest, Orthodox journalist Glen Chancy, discuss the "Prosperity Gospel" and the implications of a "Gospel message" tied to material prosperity, especially in light of a failing economy.	40:56
Dec 05, 2008	Viva Ortodoxia! Hispanics comprise one of the largest and fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States. Find out what what one "inner city" Orthodox parish in Los Angeles is doing to reach out and minister to them! Dn Paul Olson, a former Protestant missionary to Columbia explains.	27:57
Nov 28, 2008	The Family As The “Little Church” Explore with Kevin Allen and his guest, Father Nicolas Speier, why Saint John Chrysostom calls the family "the little church" and what the true vocation of the Orthodox family is.	34:52
Nov 21, 2008	Discovering The Whole Christ - Head And Body - In The Orthodox Church In this edition meet post-modern John Ma'ae, who looked for truth in Theravada Buddhism and eventually found the fullness of Christ as the head and body of the Orthodox Church.	36:27
Nov 14, 2008	Today’s Orthodox Church Kevin's guest is Alexei Krindatch, the research director of the most extensive and authoritative study ever conducted on how American Orthodox view the Orthodox Church today. This just-published study is full of interesting surprises and will shatter many stereotypes about Orthodoxy in America.	48:16
Nov 07, 2008	‘Turning Around’ An Orthodox Parish In this edition Kevin Allen speaks with priest, missionary, author and an adjunct lecturer at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College, Fr Luke Veronis, about the challenges he faced when he came home from the mission field to take over a moribund Orthodox parish that had a revolving door of former priests. This is an inspiring and instructive story that will be an encouragement to all!	43:51
Nov 01, 2008	Chalcedon Revisted In today's program Kevin and his guest, St Vladimir's Theological Seminary professor, historian, and author Fr John Erickson, discuss the near 1500-year rift between the Oriental Orthodox (Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Indian) and Eastern Orthodox churches. They will discuss the theology, history, politics, attempts at reunion and the current state of affairs between these two ancient eastern Christian churches.	39:11
Oct 25, 2008	From Roman Catholic Priest To Eastern Orthodox Christian This interview with ex-Trinitarian Order Catholic Priest Robert Jackline provides a fascinating inside look at the failures of the Post-Vatican 2 Catholic Church and why the Orthodox Church was a better fit.	38:11
Oct 18, 2008	Managing Mammon - Part 2 This could be the most practical and balanced financial information you will ever hear. In part 2, Kevin and his guests, Dn. Tom Braun and Scot Larsen dig into investments and priorities for the non-financially astute.	40:33
Oct 11, 2008	Managing Mammon - Part 1 With the near financial meltdown upon us, the next two programs discuss ways Orthodox Christians are to understand money, steward and budget their finances, and plan for their ultimate retirements (and everything in between!). Dn Tom Braun is a business owner and seminar speaker on things financial. Scot Larsen is a sofware executive, who fought his way out of crippling credit card debt and is now an advocate of Christian financial principals.	30:46
Oct 04, 2008	The role of the layperson in the Orthodox Church In this edition of the Illumined Heart, pioneering radio host of "Our Life In Christ" Steve Robinson talks with Kevin about the role, opportunity and challenges of lay (person) "ministry" within the Orthodox Church. Is the Orthodox Church so clerically oriented that there isn't room for lay ministry? Listen and find out in this frank interview!	43:38
Sep 27, 2008	From Hare Krishna to Christ - Part 2 Today we bring you part 2 of Kevin's interview with Patrick Landsdowne.	23:53
Sep 20, 2008	My Journey From Hare Krishna to Christ - Part One Hear the fascinating story of Patrick Lansdowne, a 7-year Hare Krishna Temple devotee, about his journey to Christ and the Orthodox Church. In Part One of the interview, Patrick and host Kevin Allen discuss the Hare Krishna sect's unique metaphysics and practices (within Hindusim) and how and why Patrick adopted them! Do any of them "prefigure" Christ?	33:33
Sep 12, 2008	As the Apostles Taught: How Orthodoxy understands apostolic succession. In this edition Kevin tackles the tricky question of which Christian tradition can authentically claim "apostolic succession", with historian, theologian, author and Dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological seminary, Fr John Behr.	44:35
Sep 06, 2008	Orthodox Christian Psychological Therapy Wouldn't it be wonderful to combine the "best" of classic Orthodox Christian spiritual "therapies" (praxis) with modern psychological modalities in therapy? In the first of the new fall line-up, Kevin speaks with Orthodox professor and therapist, Dr. Philip Mamalakis about the ground-breaking work in this area he is pioneering. The web site for Dr. Philip that was mentioned in the interview can be found HERE.	37:11
Aug 30, 2008	Evangelism in America: How the Greek Archdiocese Sees It Encore presentation: Fr. Jim Kordaris, Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Outreach and Evangelism, speaks candidly about how the GOA understands “Orthodox evangelism” in America, whether it is committed to growth outside of its ethnic heritage, the role of "Hellenism" in the GOA's evangelistic strategy, and whether he sees the GOA playing a vital role in bringing Orthodoxy to America.	36:05
Aug 23, 2008	Struggling With Infertility 6 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 are clinically infertile. Infertility presents a heartbreaking struggle for many Orthodox couples who wonder whether it is God's will for them to be childless, or whether new fertility technologies (and which ones?) are appropriate. In this encore edition Kevin speaks with Orthodox theologian and ethicist Fr. John Breck about infertility and what options Orthodox Christian couples have to deal with it within an Orthodox context.	34:01
Aug 08, 2008	Christians Suffering in Iraq - Encore Kevin’s guest in this summer encore presentation is Amal Morcos of IOCC who reports on her trip to Syria and Lebanon.	29:11
Aug 02, 2008	Is There A “Revolving Door” In The Orthodox Church In this encore presentation, Kevin's guest is Dr. Brad Nassif. Are converts coming into the Orthodox churches only to leave through a “revolving door” due to a lack of spiritual nourishment? Theologian Dr. Bradley Nassif’s controversial article on the subject (“Reclaiming the Gospel”) is the subject of this frank and hard-hitting interview.	32:28
Jul 25, 2008	From Classic Evangelicalism to Orthodoxy In this encore presentation of The Illumined Heart, hear the story of John Maddex who, along with his wife Tonya, found the Orthodox Church after nearly 40 years in Evangelical Christian radio.	52:22
Jul 18, 2008	Toward An American Orthodox Church - Encore Presentation If you missed it the first time, here is another opportunity to hear this very frank and open conversation with Charles Ajalat, the Chancellor of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in North America. It is about an hour long but worth the investment of your time!	62:13
Jul 11, 2008	Mystery and Sacramentality: East and West In this encore presentation, Kevin talks with Fuller Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paraskeve (Eve) Tibbs about the essential differences between the ways the Christian East and West understand the fundamentals of the faith, worship, and sacraments. A great introduction to East-West Christian distinctives!	36:44
Jul 05, 2008	Calvin Forum Moderator Becomes Orthodox Kevin interviews Robert Meyering, the former moderator of the Calvin Forum, now Orthodox Christian.	35:49
Jun 27, 2008	By Way of Kosovo Hunter Haynes, midwest policeman and self-proclaimed "nominal Presbyterian", spent a year in Kosovo (then part of Serbia) as a United Nations peacekeeper. The experience changed his life. Find out why in this compelling interview!	31:08
Jun 20, 2008	Orthodox Christians Encountering Muslims In this edition Kevin and Fr Ted Pulcini talk frankly about Orthodox Christian - Muslim dialogue and how Orthodoxy can best communicate its ineffable Truth to Muslims in a way that will resonate. Fr Ted's recently published booklet is titled Face to Face: A Guide for Orthodox Christians Encountering Muslims.	50:17
Jun 13, 2008	One Marriage - Two Churches: Loving Your Spouse Into The Orthodox Church A common dillemma for inquirers into the Orthodox Church is either disinterest or outright hostility to the idea of Orthodoxy by their spouse. In this edition Kevin speaks with a couple who lived this scenario. Meet Bruce and Lynn Marie Heying and learn about their family dynamic and what made Lynn Marie decide to follow Bruce into Orthodoxy seven years later.	29:36
Jun 06, 2008	My Journey From Witchcraft To Orthodoxy - Part 2 Kevin continues his discussion with former Wicca priestess, Sara Hillis. At the end of the interview, he references her music which can be found at http://www.artistopia.com/sarahillis.	21:23
May 30, 2008	My Journey From Witchcraft To Orthodoxy - Part 1 Meet Sara Hillis, musician and English literature scholar who became a witch priestess before encountering Christ and finding the Orthodox Church!	29:06
May 22, 2008	Surprised by Christ Father James Bernstein, author of the newly-released "Surprised by Christ: My journey from Judaism to Orthodox Christianity", speaks about his conversion from Judaism to Orthodoxy and why he believes Orthodox Christianity is the "fulfillment" of biblical Judaism.	34:10
May 16, 2008	What is Authentic Orthodox Music? You may be surprised by the answer from musicologist, composer, arranger, author and Sacred Music Department Committee member (Antiochian) Fr. John Finley!	31:24
May 09, 2008	Finding The Right Partner For Life Kevin speaks with author Fr. Dn. Stephen Holley about how Orthodox Christians ought to approach finding the right marriage partner. Dn. Stephen is the author of "How Do I Find The Right Partner For Life", published by Light and Life.	41:05
May 02, 2008	Struggling With Infertility 6 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 are clinically infertile. Infertility presents a heartbreaking struggle for many Orthodox couples who wonder whether it is God's will for them to be childless, or whether new fertility technologies (and which ones?) are appropriate. In this edition Kevin speaks with Orthodox theologian and ethicist Fr. John Breck about infertility and what options Orthodox Christian couples have to deal with it within an Orthodox context.	33:56
Apr 25, 2008	Collateral Damage: Iraq’s persecuted Christians As many as 30%+ of Iraqi's 4.2 million displaced refugees are Christian. They are being persecuted from all sides of the conflict. Amal Morcos of IOCC recently returned from Syria and Lebanon and reports first hand on what the U.N. calls "the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world."	28:50
Apr 11, 2008	From Rastafari to Orthodoxy! Join Kevin in this fascinating conversation with Michael Wilson, former Rastafarian and radio reggae music D.J., about his journey from the Rastafari religion to the holy Orthodox Church! (31:27)	31:27
Apr 04, 2008	Pascha and Personal Experience Guest: His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the West. Feeling the mid-Lent blahs, or are the Lent "purple demons" out in force? Perhaps you are not "feeling" anything and wondering what the purpose of the Church's injunctions to pray, fast and give alms are supposed to cause in us during Great Lent and Pascha? Well you're not alone! Kevin asks H.G. JOSEPH these very questions in this encouraging and consoling interview.	28:05
Mar 29, 2008	Desert Wisdom In The City Listen in on this sublime conversation between renowned spiritual elder Father Zacharias (Zakarou), spiritual child of Elder Sophrony, and Kevin's guest host Father Josiah Trenham, senior pastor of St Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California. This is one you won't want to miss!	50:15
Mar 21, 2008	Orthodoxy and the Environment Kevin speaks with the ecological advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch (the "'Green' Patriarch"!) Dn.John Chryssavgis PhD, about the connection between the ancient faith of Orthodox Christianity and contemporary ecology.	34:25
Mar 14, 2008	Kevin Speaks With The Rabbi About Judaism And Christianity This week Kevin re-conneects after 35 years with his old college dorm neighbor, Conservative Jewish Rabbi Alan J.Iser, about Judaism, the Jewish roots of Orthodox Christianity, and how religious Jews understand the Torah verses what Christians interpret christologically in this frank interview. Rabbi Iser is the spiritual leader of Congregation OR SHALOM in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. 44:05	44:05
Mar 07, 2008	A Conversation With Met. Kallistos Ware On The Sacramental Life Today Kevin's guest host on the program is Father Steve Tsichlis, Senior Pastor of Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, California. Fr Steve's special guest for this exclusive Illumined Heart interview is His Eminence, Metropolitan KALLISTOS [Ware]. Their topic is: UNDERSTANDING THE SACRAMENTS. Saint Paul’s recently hosted His Eminence, Metropolitan KALLISTOS to Southern California, for a two-day, packed-house seminar to the general public titled, “Drawing Closer to the Savior: The Sacramental Life”. CD’s of this seminar are available for purchase by calling St Paul’s Church Office at 949.733.2366. You can also contact them on St Pauls’ website: www.stpaulsirvine.org.	54:57
Feb 29, 2008	The Pressures of Life on the College Campus With recent tragedies on college and university campuses, Kevin discusses college life today with Fr. Kevin Scherer, the Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Fellowship on this weekend's Illumined Heart.	38:29
Feb 22, 2008	Western Monastic Spirituality How old is monasticism in the west? Are there historic connections between eastern and western monasticism? What does the western monk strive to achieve? Is the praxis similar for the western (Roman Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) monk? These are questions Kevin asks Fr. Simon O'Donnell (OSB), a Benedictine monk (and former novice master) of 42 years at Saint Andrew Abbey, Valyermo, California.	38:53
Feb 15, 2008	Evangelism in America: How the Greek Archdiocese Sees It Fr. Jim Kordaris, Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Outreach and Evangelism, speaks candidly about how the GOA understands “Orthodox evangelism” in America, whether it is committed to growth outside of its ethnic heritage, the role of "Hellenism" in the GOA's evangelistic strategy, and whether he sees the GOA playing a vital role in bringing Orthodoxy to America.	36:05
Feb 08, 2008	Hardcore Christian rock ‘n roll star finds ancient faith! Ex-member of the hard-core Christian rock band East West (2002 Dove Award Winner!) speaks about the Christian Contemporary Music Industry, the reality of touring life on the road, the spiritual and physical exhaustion that eventually led him to examine his faith and eventually discovery of the Eastern Orthodox Church.	29:20
Feb 01, 2008	Abortion And Its Aftermath Orthodox pro-life advocate, author, and Martha and Mary House Director/Housemother Sarah Elisabet Oftedal talks with Kevin about the impact abortion has had on our culture, the lingering trauma on women (and families) who have had them, and what Martha and Mary House -- the U.S.'s only Orthodox maternity home -- is doing about it.	27:38
Jan 25, 2008	Orthodox Administrative Unity - Part 2 And here is part 2 of the interview. Each one is about 30 minutes.	31:33
Jan 25, 2008	Orthodox Administrative Unity - Part 1 This is the same interview with Charles Ajalat only broken up into 2 parts for easier download.	30:07
Jan 18, 2008	Orthodox Administrative Unity - What Is Holding Us Back? In this special 1 hour edition of The Illumined Heart, Kevin talks with Charles Ajalat. Mr. Ajalat is a powerful voice for Orthodox unity with a great deal of pan-Orthodox leadership experience. Currently chancellor and board member of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, he was also the architect of the historic Ligonier Meeting of Orthodox bishops in 1994—the first meeting of all twenty-nine bishops in North America. He is the founder of a Los Angeles law firm specializing in tax and litigation matters, and a graduate of Harvard University and the Law School at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. More resources on this topic: Again Magazine (Winter 2003) Kevin's interview with Fr. Josiah Trenham Metropolitan PHILIP's keynote address at Antiochian Convention in Montreal (2007)	61:55
Jan 11, 2008	Is There A “Revolving Door” In The Orthodox Church Are converts coming into the Orthodox churches only to leave through a “revolving door” due to a lack of spiritual nourishment? Theologian Dr. Bradley Nassif’s controversial article on the subject (“Reclaiming the Gospel”) is the subject of this frank and hard-hitting interview.	32:06
Jan 04, 2008	Multiple Orthodox ‘jurisdictions’ in America: Status quo or scandal Orthodox churches in America are separated into multiple ‘jurisdictions’ based on ethnic-national lines. Antiochian priest Fr Josiah Trenham (PhD.) speaks frankly and passionately about the subject and its implications, both spiritual and pastoral. Everyone may not agree with his perspective, but it raises important questions for the future of Orthodoxy in America!	30:23
Dec 24, 2007	Illumined Heart Christmas Special Kevin Allen talks with Fr. Tom Hopko about the significance of the incarnation.	33:34
Dec 07, 2007	Church Growth Orthodox Style Orthodox priest Fr. Wayne Wilson shares the encouraging story of the growth of one of the fastest-growing parishes in the Antiochian archdiocese and the lessons he has learned along the way.	44:53
Nov 30, 2007	Leaving Rome Dr. Mary Ward (PhD.), a life-long member of the Roman Catholic Church and professor of Theology at a major Jesuit University, tells us why she left the church of her youth and joined the Orthodox Church (Greek jurisdiction) as an adult.	37:25
Nov 23, 2007	Raised By The “Hell’s Angels” - Adopted By His Guardian Angel Raised by the Hell’s Angel’s motorcycle gang as a youth, John Franklin lived a hell on earth before submitting to Christ and discovering The Orthodox Church while serving a third-term in prison. A story of (continuing) repentance and the grace and mercy of God, this is one you won’t want to miss!	32:26
Nov 16, 2007	Taking It To The Streets - An Interview With IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantifilou He served in war-torn Bosnia and Kenya before he turned 40! Now he heads Orthodoxy’s largest charitable and humanitarian aid organization – International Orthodox Christian Charities. Meet Constantine M. Triantifilou, IOCC’s Executive Director, as he speaks about a career and vocation of service. (Don’t hold it against him – he’s also a Boston Red Sox fan!)	31:08
Nov 02, 2007	‘Classic Evangelical’ Discovers Ancient Faith Join host Kevin Allen in his interview with Ancient Faith Radio founder and Chief Operating Officer of Conciliar Media Ministries, John Maddex, about his fascinating journey to the ancient faith of Orthodoxy after 30 years as a evangelical radio executive and self-professed "classic Evangelical Protestant Christian"!	53:01
Oct 26, 2007	From Campus Crusade To Constantinople The journey of the "Evangelical Orthodox" into canonical Orthodoxy. In 1987 2,000 Evangelicals were brought into the Antiochian Orthodox Church en masse after years of searching for the "phantom Church". One of the group's leaders, Fr Jon Braun, talks about the journey, college campus ministry and the challenges and victories of the past 20 years.	29:26
Oct 20, 2007	The Passions: How we get into this mess and how we get out Mother Melania, stavrophor (little schema) nun at St. Barbara Monastery, Santa Paula, California and author of the series, "The Twelve Great Feasts for Children", and the series, "The 3-Day Pascha" (for Great and Holy Friday, Great and Holy Saturday, and Pascha) discusses purity (and impurity) of heart and overcoming the passions.	24:47
Oct 12, 2007	The New Orthodox Faithful: Why Evangelical Christian University Graduates Are Becoming Orthodox The Orthodox Church is seeing an influx of graduates from Evangelical Christian colleges and universities, exploring traditional forms of historic Christianity. In this program Kevin Allen discusses this trend with two graduates of BIOLA University (Jesse Cone and Michael Unruh) who were recently chrismated.	35:50
Oct 07, 2007	The Veneration of Mary and the Saints in the Holy Tradition Today we’re going to be talking about the veneration of Mary and the Saints in the Holy Tradition. This topic is often misunderstood and can be a stumbling block for inquirers. Our guest is Father Patrick Henry Reardon, Pastor of All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, Sr. Editor of Touchstone Magazine and author of "Christ in the Saints".	40:01
Sep 30, 2007	Toll Houses: After Death Reality or Heresy? Fr Thomas Hopko Dean Emeritus of St Vlad's Orthodox seminary addresses the controversial subject of "toll houses" in this highly animated one-half hour discussion with our co-hosts.	29:45
Sep 23, 2007	St John Chrysostom in the 21st Century The 1600Th anniversary of the repose of Saint John Chrysostom - one of Orthodoxy's most venerated church fathers, theologians, moralists, and liturgists - was September 14Th. To commemorate the special occasion, Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen spoke with Chrysostom scholar and pastor of Saint Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California, Father Josiah Trenham, about the venerated Saint's enduring legacy.	60:33
Sep 16, 2007	From Wittenberg to Antioch A fascinating interview with Fr. Gregory Hogg, an Antiochian priest in Western Michigan. Fr. Gregory was a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor and professor for 22 years before coming to Orthodoxy. He also recently spoke at the Faith of our Fathers colloquium for Lutherans on Eastern Orthodoxy and his lecture along with many others will soon be available for download on Ancient Faith Radio.	32:12
Sep 02, 2007	Fr. Seraphim Rose - Prayer and Orthodox Spirituality In the conclusion of our 3 part series commemorating the 25TH anniversary of the repose of Fr Seraphim (Rose), Kevin Allen is seated on a wooden bench overlooking a panoranmic view of Mt. Yolla Bolly with the Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, Fr. Gerasim. Listen for valuable lessons (as well as birds chirping!) on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting from a spiritual child of this venerated American monk and writer.	60:00
Sep 01, 2007	Fr. Seraphim Rose - The Man, The Struggler Enter once again into the rustic cell of Fr. Seraphim Rose with Kevin Allen as he talks with Fr. Damascene, the biographer and spiritual child of Fr. Seraphim. This is part 2 of a 3 part series and provides a unique glimpse into the life of a man who many say will someday be venerated as a Saint.	47:30
Aug 31, 2007	Father Seraphim Rose - Spiritual Father Join Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen on his pilgrimage to Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery, Platina, California to talk with its Abbot Fr. Gerasim and Fr. Seraphim Rose legacy-keeper and biographer Monk Damascene. September 2nd marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of Fr. Seraphim Rose. In part 1 of this 3 part series, Kevin is in the cell constructed by Fr. Seraphim and now occupied by Monk Damascene where he talks with the monk about his spiritual father. For more information about the books published and distributed by the monastery, visit their website.	46:49
Aug 26, 2007	Ask Fr. Thomas Hopko In this monthly segment, Dean Emeritus of St Vladamir's Orthodox Seminary Fr. Tom Hopko answers listener questions ranging from theories of the Atonement, to Biblical higher-critical theory.	34:33
Aug 19, 2007	Recovering the Scandal of the Cross Kevin and Steve discuss the rich array of interpretations of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross with Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Dr. Joel B. Green, of Asbury Theological Seminary (Methodist-Wesleyan), and why the reduction of this variety to a single, exclusive view of the atonement - "the "penal substitutionary model" - poses its own scandal, one that is foreign to the New Testament! Buckle up your seat belts!	54:21
Aug 12, 2007	The Last True Rebellion Why are 'sub-culture' youth embracing Orthodox Christianity? Find out in this interview with "Death to the World" 'zine editors and converts, John Valadez and Marina Crissman!	32:06
Aug 05, 2007	Serving Christ in the poor and needy as Orthodox Christians Kevin Allen interviews Peter Jordan, the son of the founder of Fred Jordan Mission, a major Los Angeles skid row ministry, and a recent convert to the Eastern Orthodox Church.	27:44
Jul 29, 2007	Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Relations: Where Does It Go From Here? Fr. Ted Pulcini, ex-Roman Catholic and now Eastern Orthodox priest and long-time Orthodox participant in Orthodox-Catholic ecumenical dialog, discusses the Vatican's recent document on the doctrine on the Church. He and Kevin Allen discuss the timing of its publication, what it really means, what it says about the current and future state of relations between the two oldest branches of Christianity, and what the divisive issues are.	35:40
Jul 22, 2007	GOD: Essence and Energies In this program, Steve and Kevin conduct this fascinating interview with professor and author Dr. David Bradshaw--professor of Philosophy and the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Bradshaw explains for us the distinction between God’s “Essence and Energies”. Understanding this distinction is the key to a major difference between eastern and western Christianity. You should listen to this two or three times--trust us!	36:28
Jul 15, 2007	The True, Visible Church: Is it Eastern Orthodox? Part II Here’s Part II of Kevin and Steve's fascinating interview with Fr. Tom on the True Church. Lots here to digest, friends! Download it and put it on your favorite player to listen to over and over. Have fun!	30:55
Jul 08, 2007	The True, Visible Church: Is it Eastern Orthodox? Part One of Kevin and Steve's in-depth interview with esteemed Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, Fr. Thomas Hopko, on the important subject, "The True, Visible Church: Is it Eastern Orthodox"? Download this one friends--and wrestle with it at the gym!	34:12
Jul 01, 2007	Fr. James Bernstein: From co-founder of “Jews for Jesus” to Orthodox Priest This interview recounts the fascinating story of the dramatic conversion to Christ (from Orthodox Judaism) and the spiritual journey of a co-founder of the messianic Christian group, "Jews for Jesus" as he finds his way "home" to the Eastern Orthodox Church.	37:37
Jun 24, 2007	Ask Fr. Thomas Hopko This is the 2nd in our monthly installments of Q&A with Fr. Tom on a variety of subjects related to our faith and Orthodoxy. In this episode he tackles questions about pre-destination and Mary. This feature will be heard the last Sunday of every month. If you would like to submit a question for future programs, you may email Fr. Tom at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).	30:58
Jun 17, 2007	Scott Cairns - A Short Trip To The Edge Visit the "holy mountain" of Mt. Athos, and join in the quest for a spiritual elder with acclaimed poet and author Scot Cairns, who reads selections from his newly-released book and talks with two-time pilgrim to the holy mountain, Kevin Allen!	28:43
Jun 10, 2007	The Mountain of Silence—Part Two Kevin Allen continues his fascinating interview with Kyriakos C. Markides, author of The Mountain of Silence, Gifts of the Desert, and many more. Is it possible that Part Two could be better than Part One? You be the judge!	28:53
Jun 03, 2007	The Mountain of Silence—Part One Kevin Allen interviews Kyriakos C. Markides, author of The Mountain of Silence and Gifts of the Desert, talks about his life, his books, and his spiritual journey. This interview--you're going to want to listen to over and over...!	30:10
May 27, 2007	Ask Fr. Thomas Hopko Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, theologian and writer answers listener questions ranging from the valdity of the "charismatic" gifts (a fitting question for Pentecost Sunday!),to the Christian basis for the animal rights movement!	32:30
May 20, 2007	Bishop Joseph+ On What is a Bishop? In our first interview with an Eastern Orthodox Bishop, Steve McMeans talks with His Grace, Bishop Joseph+, on what a bishop is; his calling, his ministry, and the role the monastic life can play for us all! Burn this on a disc, friends!	30:55
May 13, 2007	Fr. Patrick Reardon on Popular Monotheism Here's a hint: It's wrong! Great stuff as Kevin Allen interviews this popular Orthodox priest, a senior editor at Touchstone Magazine.	35:02
May 06, 2007	Fr. Josiah Trenham: St. John Chrysostom on Marriage and Monasticism Steve McMeans talks to Fr. Josiah about St. John Chrysostom and his views on the relationship between marriage and monasticism. This show will suprise you...!	35:40
Apr 29, 2007	Alice Linsley: From Episcopalian Priest to Her First Orthodox Pascha Kevin and Steve ask about former Episcopalian priest, Alice Linsley's journey to Orthodoxy.	30:45
Apr 22, 2007	Michael Whelton on the New Age Kevin Allen interviews Michael Whelton on the characteristics of the New Age movement.	29:06
Apr 15, 2007	Rod Dreher on The Challenges of Modern Islam and What the Media Aren’t Telling Us Steve and Kevin interview syndicated columnist Rod Dreher about today's Islamic faith. Buckle up!	33:21
Apr 08, 2007	Kevin Allen on Finding Christ in a Hindu Ashram Steve McMeans interviews his co-host, Kevin Allen, about his experiences as the novice of a Hindu guru, and his journey to Orthodoxy.	28:50
Apr 01, 2007	Fr. Peter Gilquist on Missions and Evangelism Kevin Allen talks with Fr. Peter Gilquist about the status of Orthodox Evangelism and the Church in America.	30:41
Mar 18, 2007	Fr. Wayne Wilson—Mid-Lent Questions Orthodox Don’t Always Ask Kevin and Steve interview Fr. Wayne about some hard to ask questions about Lent.	27:18
Mar 11, 2007	Dr. John Mark Reynolds on Christianity and Culture Dr. John Mark Reynolds, Torrey Honors professor at Biola University, talks about Christianity and Culture.	30:46
Mar 04, 2007	Fr. Michael Reagan on Common Evangelical Questions (Part 2) Continuing the discussion with Fr. Michael Reagan, about questions evangelicals have for the Orthodox.	28:18
Feb 25, 2007	Fr. Michael Reagan on Common Evangelical Questions (Part 1) Questions evangelicals want to ask the Eastern Orthodox, with Fr. Michael Reagan.	27:46
Feb 18, 2007	Frederica Mathewes-Green On Orthodox Spirituality (Part 2) Continuing discussion with Mother Frederica Mathewes-Green, Kevin and Steve delve deeper into what it means to live life as an Orthodox Christian. Just in time for Lent!	29:26
Feb 11, 2007	Frederica Mathewes-Green On Orthodox Spirituality (Part 1) Mother Frederica Mathewes-Green, well-known author and public speaker, discusses the Christian life. Kevin and Steve ask her about prayer, forgiveness, and to mark our inaugural show--the Illumined Heart!	28:20