The Orthodox West Gazette The Orthodox West

In this episode, we kick off a series of interviews getting to know some of our priests in the Antiochian Western Rite Vicariate. Today, host Stephen Brannen has a conversation with Fr. David McCready who shares some of his background growing up and ministering in Europe, and how he eventually came to pastor St. Columba Orthodox Church in LaFayette, Colorado.

On this episode, Stephen talks with Fr. Patrick Cardine about the history, the theology, and the traditions of Epiphany, especially about its unique trilogy of themes in the West.

Fr. Patrick is back with Stephen to talk about how the Ember Days anchor us to an aspect of Creation that can get away from us, helping us to sanctify this important aspect of our life in this world.

Stephen is joined by Fr. Patrick to discuss the mystery of the Ember Days, the several theories about their origin, and ultimately what their true purpose is.

There's an unfortunate, but widespread, anti-Western bias that pervades much Orthodox writing, teaching, and preaching. It can be a huge barrier that not only turns off potential converts to the Church, but also a barrier for Orthodox people to think clearly and charitably. Fr. Patrick Cardine joins Stephen to talk about his diagnosis of this problem in a recent article he wrote for The Basilian Journal.

What is the season of Advent? Stephen is joined by Fr. Patrick Cardine to talk about the history and character of this singular season on the Church Calendar.

The music of St. Patrick Orthodox Church: https://www.stpatrickorthodox.org/shop

Video series on the O Antiphons by Church of the Advent Orthodox Mission: https://youtu.be/4o0Wa11vrJc