Searchers of the Lost: orthodox-catholic podcast

Fr Nathan Symeon

Welcome to the Searchers of the Lost podcast! Search for the Lord with us in this orthodox catholic podcastJoin us every two weeks for new episodes. As a searcher, I am convinced that there are so many fellow searchers out there who desire to dig deeper and search harder for the Lord (Matt.7:7), even as our mother did when Jesus was busy about the Father's buisness in the temple. My journey has been long, difficult, blessed, traversing various Protestant denominations, Orthodoxy and Catholicism, and I am positive it has not ended. Thus, this podcast is Christian, catholic, and orthodox, and everyone who loves these things should feel at home here.  This priest and those I bring onto this podcast love Jesus and His Church, and our hope is to invite others into charitable and intelligent dialogue and debate, that one day we "may all be one" (John 17:21).Remember when commenting: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”― St. Augustine

  1. 11/17/2025

    Why Apostolic Christians Call Priests ‘Father': Theology of the Holy Ones (episode 6)

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support our work, please like, comment and subscribe, or consider buying us a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon This video was produced by: Anatole Occidens  If you'd like to support, please consider purchasing our merchandise and following us on Instagram. www.anatoleoccidens.com  www.instagram.com/anatoleoccidens Many Christians wonder why Catholics call their priests Father and why the Church places such emphasis on the Fathers of the Church. In this video, we unpack both questions by going straight to Scripture — and to the person of Jesus Christ Himself. We’ll explore: What Jesus actually meant when He said, “Call no man father.” How St. Paul called himself a spiritual father to the Corinthians. Why the early Church saw bishops and priests as overseers (ἐπίσκοποι) continuing Christ’s own ministry. How the term patriarch and Church Father grew from biblical roots in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The deep connection between fatherhood, shepherding, and Christ’s own episcopate as “the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” (1 Peter 2:25). This teaching reveals that calling priests “Father” isn’t a man-made tradition—it’s a participation in the divine fatherhood of God through Christ. Glory to Jesus Christ.  Timestamps:  Intro: 00:00 Interpretation of "Call no man father": 00:29 St. Paul as a Spiritual Father: 01:23 Episcopate and Diaconate: 01:45 Biblical Roots of "Overseer" (Episcopate): 03:09 Christ as the First Bishop and Shepherd: 04:30 Entrusting Ministry to Others: 05:13 Early Church Fathers and Patriarchs: 07:18 Participation in Christ's Life: 10:03 #Christian #catholicchurch #orthodoxchurch #father #priest #catholic #orthodox #protestant #debate Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    11 min

  2. 10/30/2025

    Marriage vs Celibacy in the Priesthood w/ Fr Michael O'Loughlin and Fr Joel Barstad (SOTL ep 18)

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon In Collaboration with Randolph Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7W04VCVmmxT9ZkhcgiKEbQ In this thought-provoking episode of Searchers of the Lost, Father Nathan Symeon sits down with Father Michael O’Loughlin and Father Joel Barstad to explore one of the most discussed and deeply personal topics in the Christian tradition: marriage versus celibacy in the priesthood. Together, they reflect on the historical roots of both callings, the theological and pastoral dimensions that shape each path, and the lived experiences of priests who have embraced either vocation. The conversation moves beyond surface-level contrasts to consider how marriage and celibacy each reveal different aspects of Christ’s love for the Church. Drawing from Scripture, Church Fathers, and their own ministries, the guests illuminate the profound mystery of vocation, sacrifice, and spiritual fatherhood in a modern world often confused about commitment and love. Whether you’re discerning a calling, curious about Orthodox or Catholic practice, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the priestly life, this episode offers a rare and heartfelt window into how the Church holds both vocations in reverence. Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    1h 8m

  3. 10/06/2025

    Crisis and Renewal in Orthodoxy & Catholicism: Part 2 (SOTL Ep 17) w/ Father Ryan McDaniel

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon In Collaboration with Randolph Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7W04VCVmmxT9ZkhcgiKEbQ For more of Father Ryan: https://m.youtube.com/@Fr.Ryan.McDaniel In this video, Fr. Ryan shares his personal journey through both Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, reflecting on the moments of crisis and renewal that shaped his faith. With honesty and depth, he explores the tensions and the beauty of East and West, offering insight into how these two ancient traditions can be reconciled and lived together in unity. This is more than a personal story—it’s a reflection on the universal search for truth, communion, and renewal within the Christian Church. Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    1h 39m

  4. 10/04/2025

    Are icons idols? Q&A # 1

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support our work, please consider buying us a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon This video was produced by: Anatole Occidens If you'd like to support, please consider purchasing our merchandise and following us on Instagram. www.anatoleoccidens.com www.instagram.com/anatoleoccidens A Protestant seeker ‪ @BrianDavilaShow    walked into a Catholic church for the first time and asked a fair question: “Aren’t we told not to have images of God? So why all the saints, gold, and icons?” In this video, Fr. Nathan explains: The biblical basis for sacred images and the Temple The difference between worship (latria) and honor (dulia) Why the Church is decorated with saints instead of just empty walls How icons point us to Christ, not away from Him If you’ve ever wondered whether Catholics “worship” icons, or what the difference really is, this will bring clarity. Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    8 min

  5. 09/10/2025

    Eastern view on the Sacred Heart: Theology of the Holy Ones: Episode 5:

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support our work, please consider buying us a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon This video was produced by: Anatole Occidens  If you'd like to support, please consider purchasing our merchandise and following us on Instagram. www.anatoleoccidens.com  www.instagram.com/anatoleoccidens Can devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus really be accused of Nestorianism? In this video, Fr. Nathan responds from an Eastern Christian perspective, showing why these common online criticisms don’t hold up. Drawing on Scripture, the Fathers, and the lived tradition of East and West, he explains: How St. Paul and the Gospels link Christ’s heart with His compassion. Why venerating the Heart always means venerating the whole divine Person, not a “part” of Christ. Why accusations of Nestorianism are historically and theologically false. Parallels between Sacred Heart devotion and Eastern practices like the Jesus Prayer, the veneration of icons, relics, and the Holy Cross.  How both East and West emphasize the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures in every devotion. Rather than dividing, the Sacred Heart devotion invites us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s love—a love that embraces His whole life, passion, death, and resurrection. “We venerate the whole Person, the whole life, every action of Christ, for all of Christ and every action of Christ, is for our salvation.” 00:00 – Introduction   00:53 – Scripture: Christ’s compassion and His Heart   01:30 – Online critiques of the Sacred Heart   02:05 – Why “Nestorian” accusations are false 03:40 – Eastern parallels: icons, relics, and the Cross   04:20 – The Blood and water from Christ’s side   07:25  – The Heart in Eastern spirituality & Jesus Prayer   08:00 – Conclusion: One Christ, one Heart   #sacredheart #christian #catholic #orthodox #orthodoxchristianity #christiantheology Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    9 min

  6. 09/07/2025

    Crisis and Renewal in the Church: Part 1 w/ Father Ryan McDaniel (SOTL ep 16)

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon In Collaboration with Randolph Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7W04VCVmmxT9ZkhcgiKEbQ For more of Father Ryan: https://m.youtube.com/@Fr.Ryan.McDaniel Father Nathan Symeon sits down with Father Ryan McDaniel to share his inspiring journey of faith. From exploring different traditions to finding his spiritual home and pursuing a path in academia, this conversation offers deep insights into the search for truth and meaning. Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    1h 14m

  7. 08/14/2025

    Controlling Thoughts in Justin Martyr & Evagrios: Theology of the Holy Ones: Episode 4:

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support our work, please consider buying us a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon This video was produced by: Anatole Occidens  If you'd like to support, please consider purchasing our merchandise and following us on Instagram. www.anatoleoccidens.com  www.instagram.com/anatoleoccidens From the earliest centuries, the Fathers of the Church taught that the real spiritual battle begins in the mind. Justin Martyr spoke of the Logos Spermatikos, the “seed-bearing Word”, by which all truth comes from Christ. Evagrius Ponticus, a disciple of St. Gregory the Theologian, warned about logismoi, or intrusive thoughts, often sown by demons, that seek to enslave the soul. In this video, we bring these two teachings together to explore: How to discern between your own thoughts, divine illumination, and demonic suggestion. The five stages of a thought’s progression, from assault to passion and how to stop sin at its root. How grace works in the same process to lead us toward freedom, virtue, and becoming truly human in Christ. This is the battle for your mind and heart. #SpiritualWarfare #ChurchFathers #DesertFathers #ChristianSpirituality #OrthodoxChristianity Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    12 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Contemporary Greek-Catholic Saints? w/ Fr Christopher Zugger (SOL Ep 15)

    If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/NathanSymeon In Collaboration with Randolph Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7W04VCVmmxT9ZkhcgiKEbQ What makes Byzantine Catholicism unique? In this episode of Spirit of Light, we welcome historian and priest Fr. Christopher Zugger to explore the rich spiritual heritage of the Eastern Catholic tradition. From the lives of lesser-known Byzantine Catholic saints to the vibrant liturgical beauty of the East, we dive into the history, suffering, and sanctity that shaped a Church often caught between empires and ideologies. Discover how Eastern Catholics remained faithful under persecution, how their saints differ from both Orthodox and Roman Catholic canonizations, and why their traditions offer a powerful witness for today. 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Church history, Eastern spirituality, and modern Catholic & Orthodox witness. Support the show If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to support my work, please consider buying me a coffee: Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/searchersofthelost

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Searchers of the Lost podcast! Search for the Lord with us in this orthodox catholic podcastJoin us every two weeks for new episodes. As a searcher, I am convinced that there are so many fellow searchers out there who desire to dig deeper and search harder for the Lord (Matt.7:7), even as our mother did when Jesus was busy about the Father's buisness in the temple. My journey has been long, difficult, blessed, traversing various Protestant denominations, Orthodoxy and Catholicism, and I am positive it has not ended. Thus, this podcast is Christian, catholic, and orthodox, and everyone who loves these things should feel at home here.  This priest and those I bring onto this podcast love Jesus and His Church, and our hope is to invite others into charitable and intelligent dialogue and debate, that one day we "may all be one" (John 17:21).Remember when commenting: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”― St. Augustine

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