The Lord of Spirits - Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Fr. Stephen De Young, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Who is Your Demon and What Does He Do? Feb 14, 2025

Is your house haunted? Do demons still possess people? Can we see the activity of demons in the modern world? How would we recognize it? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew as they uncover the darkest of all conspiracies.

Purifications of the Law Jan 24, 2025

What exactly is ritual impurity? Does it equal sinfulness? How do bodily functions figure in? Did the New Testament abolish the ritual impurity traditions of the Old Testament? And does it have any meaning today?

Is Progress Even a Thing? Jan 10, 2025

It's another metaphysical head-scratcher! Following up on some episodes from 2024, the podcast looks at what change actually means (if anything?) and what bearing that has on teleology.

Pantheon and Pandemonium XIV: Asynchronous Q&A Dec 2024 Dec 27, 2024

The Podfathers clear out the voicemail backlogs with this pre-recorded end-of-year episode, covering everything from whether Eglon was fat or handsome to if the Orthodox believe in a kind of Calvinism to the unsettling logismoi of Wham! at Christmastime.

When God Became Man Dec 13, 2024

At the heart of Christian faith and life is the incarnation of the Son of God. When does that happen, exactly? It seems easy enough to answer, but a close look at Scripture yields a more complex picture.

Pantheon and Pandemonium XIII: Asynchronous Q&A Nov 2024 Nov 29, 2024

In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew respond to your voicemail, ranging from whether Jesus could get a speeding ticket to why some canonical texts don't actually get read in church. And Fr. Andrew tries to nail down Fr. Stephen's notorious Nietzsche talk.

Israel, I Choose You! Nov 15, 2024

It’s Election Day on Lord of Spirits! Who is elected? What are they elected to? How is Israel involved in all this?

Fiend Folio Oct 25, 2024

What if Guardian Angels had an exact opposite—Guardian Devils? Are some of those demons actually the evil dead? Or what about the ones who come for you while you’re asleep?

Modernism 101 Oct 11, 2024

"Modernism” is anything bad and not Orthodox, right? Or maybe 20th century? It's said the Church has to confront the modern world or finally enter it, but what does that mean? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew as they look at this most unhistorical of historical phenomena.

Mutatis Mutandis (100th Episode!) Sep 27, 2024

Orthodox Christianity is said to be "unchanging." The Synodikon even says it's the faith that established the universe. Yet if you look at Christian worship centuries ago, it’s not exactly the same as Orthodox worship now. And we don’t see it in Gen. 1. So what's going on?

Bible, the Prequel? Sep 13, 2024

What does evidence from the Neolithic period tell us about truly ancient religion? How does that fit into the Bible? How should Christians understand this prehistorical part of the human story?

Pantheon and Pandemonium XII: Live Q&A Aug 2024 Aug 30, 2024

The whole episode is dedicated to live calls! Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew want to talk to you about whatever is on your mind. Give them a ring at 855-237-2346.

Some Body Aug 09, 2024

In the age to come, all of humanity will be raised from the dead -- bodily. This core dogma of Christianity, the bodily resurrection, is often misunderstood or even ignored. Yet what does it mean that all will be raised? Will the human body be changed? Join us and find out.

Time, See What's Become of Me Aug 02, 2024

Our understanding of time forms the basis of many theological assumptions. But how does it work in the Scriptures and throughout Christian tradition? Is it truly linear? Are "before" and "after" always real? Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew look at the hazy shades of time.

Swords and Sorcery (Mostly Sorcery) Jul 12, 2024

Is there magic in the Bible? What about outside the Bible? How does magic differ from miracles? Is it even real? Join the Podfathers as they look at the phenomenon of sorcery.

The Devil(s) Jun 28, 2024

Christian tradition refers to “the devil” or “the evil one,” but is this one being? What about (the) Satan -- or Samael, Mastema, and Azazel? Join Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen as they have a look at the wickedest of the wicked. *PRE-RECORDED EPISODE*

The Ascension of Isaiah and the Assumption of Moses Jun 14, 2024

Continuing their series on Second Temple Jewish apocrypha in this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew read two texts about the apocalyptic visions of prophets -- the Ascension of Isaiah and the Assumption of Moses.

The Book of Jubilees May 31, 2024

What if you could see the unseen spiritual reality in Genesis? How did the world into which Jesus was born understand this story? Explore the ancient Book of Jubilees in this next in the Apocrypha series with Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick.

Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs May 10, 2024

What might the 12 sons of Jacob have said before they died? Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew begin a new series on Second Temple Judaism literature, an exploration of religion in the time and place of the Apostles.

Pantheon and Pandemonium XI: Asynchronous Q&A April 2024 Apr 26, 2024

In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew respond to some of many voicemails, covering the falls of angels, the bones of Elisha, David Bowie, ethno-nationalist tchotchkes, Psalm 82/81, Theophany, the Book of Enoch, prayer against blacksmiths, and more.

Pantheon and Pandemonium X: Live Q&A April 2024 Apr 12, 2024

The last several episodes have generated a lot of questions, so Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen are dedicating this episode fully to taking live questions. So it’s time to remember that your phone actually makes phone calls! Give them a ring at 855-237-2346.

Torah 2: Back in the Habit Mar 29, 2024

Continuing their examination of the Torah and its place in the Christian Church, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew look at Torah themes of worship, uncleanness, and the death penalties.

Torah! Torah! Torah! Mar 15, 2024

Christ said that He did not come to abolish the Torah but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17), but a lot of Christians seem to think He came to abolish it. All that Old Testament stuff is over. But is that the real relationship of the OT to the NT? Tune in and find out.

The Season of Virtue Feb 23, 2024

People often say "Lent is not in the Bible," claiming that it's a medieval invention, and the traditionally elevated prayer and fasting of Lent are dismissed as "earning your way to heaven." Is that true, though? Join Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen to find out.

You Are the Christ, the Son of the Living God Feb 09, 2024

What does it mean that Jesus is the Messiah? What were the apostles saying when they said that, identifying Him as the Christ? Find out the weight behind their words with Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick.

God is So Good Jan 26, 2024

What’s Good? What does it mean that God is good? Are good and right the same thing? Are bad and evil the same thing? Does bad still mean good, like in the '80s?

Waiter, There's Gods in the Water Jan 12, 2024

In the great feast of Theophany, Christ is baptized by the Forerunner in the Jordan river. What is the cosmic spiritual reality of what’s happening there? What is going on in Theophany icons? And how does this affect Christianity? Find out with Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew.

The Saints Will Judge the World Dec 29, 2023

What does it mean for a Christian to have a patron saint? For a church? For a nation? What is the biblical basis for this practice? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew for a look into this spiritual relationship.

The Art and Science of Technomancy Dec 15, 2023

How did the ancients understand the source of technology? How does that relate to the Fall? What does that mean for our own age and the age to come? Why do printers never work? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew for an ages-long look at the work of men's hands.

Pantheon and Pandemonium IX: Asynchronous Q&A Nov 2023 Nov 24, 2023

Time to open up the voicemail and see what weird recordings you people have sent it. In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew respond to questions they've received via voicemail. And you never know what people will say into microphones

What Does Stuff Mean? Nov 10, 2023

Expanding on what's in the episodes "But We Have the Mind of Christ" (July 2021) and "How (and How Not) to Read Your Bible" (April 2022), the podcast dives back into how meaning is constructed and what that has to do with being Christian.

Pananthropon and Pandemonium: Live, In-Person Conference Q&A Oct 27, 2023

On Oct. 26, 2023, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew recorded a live, in-person Q&A at the Lord of Spirits Conference held at the Antiochian Village – featuring questions from conference attendees. This episode of Lord of Spirits was recorded before a live studio audience. We apologize for any inconsistencies in audio quality.

The FOMO Episode Oct 27, 2023

What happens when you have to miss the party? What happens when you miss the party in the Ancient Near East?

Image of the Invisible Oct 13, 2023

What actually is a religious icon? How does it work? In this second episode of a two-part series, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew look at iconography – pagan, Israelite, and Christian.

Scarecrows Among Cucumbers Sep 29, 2023

"Idol” gets used for a lot of things, but what was its ancient meaning? How did idols actually work? What does it mean for a people to engage in idolatry? And what does the Bible say about all this? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew for this first in a two-part series.

Pantheon and Pandemonium VIII : Live Q&A September 2023 Sep 15, 2023

For their third anniversary episode, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew open up the lines for an all-live, all-Q&A episode. No topics are off-topic! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder why you can't find anything else to do on Thursday nights.

What in Tarnation? Aug 25, 2023

What is eternal condemnation? Do people go to heaven or hell when they die? What are the Biblical images? Is universalism an acceptable Orthodox view? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they look at the Orthodox tradition on this dark question

His Glorious Appearing Aug 11, 2023

Christians commonly speaking of the "Second Coming of Christ." Is that the right terminology? What does it mean that there are two advents of the Messiah? Join Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young as they continue their series on Orthodox eschatology.

Bad Boys of the Apocalypse Jul 28, 2023

The Four Horsemen. Gog and Magog. Locusts. It's going to be an uncomfortable apocalypse, and a rogues' gallery of agents of destruction will be showing up. Are you ready? Find out with Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick.

Doomsday Jul 14, 2023

What happens on Judgment Day? What criteria are used? Do Christians go to heaven and non-Christians go to hell? What is the Book of Life? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick take a look at what the Bible says about that Day before the throne of God.

Millennium : Bug or Feature? Jun 23, 2023

What exactly is the Millennium? Is it in the future? Are we in it? Did we miss it? What about Chiliasm? Was St. Irenaeus really a Chiliast? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick to see what Scripture says about this eschatological period.

Antichrist Devil's Children Jun 10, 2023

Are we living in the time of the Antichrist? Is the Antichrist alive right now? What are the signs? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick to see what the Scripture says about this eschatological figure.

Pantheon and Pandemonium VII: Asynchronous Q&A May 2023 May 26, 2023

Q&A May continues! Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew respond to questions they've received via voicemail, ranging from giants to psychedelics to unicorns to polygamy to Eckankar.

Pantheon and Pandemonium VI: Live Q&A May 2023 May 12, 2023

It's an open-line night with the Podfathers for an all-live, all-Q&A show! This episode is your chance to ask whatever is on your mind. Nothing is off-limits, so tune in LIVE and give us a call.

Who Stole the Soul? Apr 28, 2023

What is a soul? Do you have one? Are you one? Do dogs and oak trees have them? Are they made of rubber? What happens to the soul when the body dies? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew as they talk about the Biblical understanding of the soul.

Blood and Water Apr 07, 2023

What is water really for? Is holy water magic? In the final episode of their series on the sacraments (but not the final sacrament) of the Orthodox Church, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew discuss the blessing of waters.

Samsonite Mar 24, 2023

Was Samson a good monk or a bad monk? What does it mean to take the Nazirite vow, and does this relate to Christian monasticism? Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew continue their series on the sacraments of the Orthodox Church.

Saint Constantine the Great Mar 10, 2023

Did you think the series on sacraments was done at 7? Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen continue with the coronation of emperors. Why did the Church do this? What does it say about the Christian view of government and politics?

Unctuous Feb 24, 2023

The mystery of Unction can be slippery to get our minds around. What does it do? Why don’t we see miracles every time it’s applied? Is sin related? Is unction different from other anointings? Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew look at the relationship between sin, healing, and oil.

Babylonian Job Feb 10, 2023

Everybody has nice stuff but me. Why do bad things happen to good Babylonians? Why do good things happen to bad Babylonians? How are the gods involved in all of this? Two guys had an argument more than 2500 years ago to fill us in

One Flesh Jan 27, 2023

Is marriage a merely human institution? Does it exist outside the Church? What does the rite actually do? Continuing their series on the holy mysteries of the Church, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick examine the Biblical texts on marriage.

Loosed in Heaven Jan 13, 2023

Confession of sins is mentioned throughout the Scriptures and practiced by the Orthodox Church. But is a priest really necessary for this practice? What happens if he withholds forgiveness? Did God really give that kind of authority to sinful clergy? Can’t we just confess alone to God at home? Why confess at all, if God knows our thoughts? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they continue their series on the sacraments of the Orthodox Church.

Who's in Charge Here? Dec 23, 2022

What does it mean to be ordained? What exactly are holy orders? Does ordination change the man ordained? How? Does he remain ordinary–or become it? In the next episode of this Lord of Spirits series, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick examine the holy mystery of ordination.

Baptism by Fire Dec 09, 2022

Continuing their series on the sacraments of the Orthodox Church, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew examine the holy mystery of chrismation. What is chrism? What does it do? How was chrism used in the Old Testament? Where is chrismation in the New Testament? What does it have to do with the Holy Spirit?

Thanksgiving Nov 25, 2022

The central act of faithfulness of the Christian life is Holy Communion, eating and drinking the Holy Eucharist. What are its Biblical roots? Is it derived from the Jewish Seder? Was the Reformation right about the Eucharist not being a sacrifice? And just how is bread and wine Christ’s Body and Blood? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick continue their series on the Holy Mysteries by taking a close look at the greatest of all the sacraments.

Baptism Now Saves Nov 11, 2022

What is baptism? How is it different from the ritual washings of the Torah? What does it do? How is it related to circumcision? Why is this water so cold? What does St. Peter mean when he says that baptism “saves”? Is anything happening in the unseen world? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they look at this essential Christian mystery with a deep dive into Biblical texts in this first part of a series on the sacraments of the Orthodox Church.

Monstrous Compendium Oct 28, 2022

Lord of Spirits discusses the monstrosity of madness and demonic possession. What does the Bible say about these things? What is the ancient context? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew for their annual Halloween episode.

What's a Spirit When It's at Home? Oct 14, 2022

What is a spirit? Is it a ghost? Do schools have school spirit? (“Then we need to hear it!”) What does it mean to be “spiritual”? The word “spirit” gets used all the time in Christian and other religious language, but it is almost never defined, at least not in a way that makes sense of how it is used in the Bible and other Christian texts. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick do a close reading to focus on this core concept.

Battle Wizards: Mauling at the Euphrates Sep 22, 2022

In a very special mini-episode of Lord of Spirits, it’s Sorcerer v. Witch for Dairy Dominance.

Pantheon and Pandemonium V: Live Q&A September 2022 Sep 09, 2022

For their second anniversary episode, the Podfathers take your LIVE questions and nothing but your questions. Nothing is off-limits! And they also will be featuring some of their favorite moments from past episodes.

Thunder Gods and the God Who Thundered Aug 25, 2022

Baal, Zeus, Thor, and other thunder gods were worshiped by pagans in the ancient world. Who were these spirits, and what do we actually know about them? How did God’s people understand them? And what is God’s response to them? In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick look at these thunderous deities from of old and the God Who thundered.

Fall of Man Part 3: The Gate to Heaven Aug 11, 2022

Completing their three-part series on the Fall of Man, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young look at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, the event that solidifies the dominion of the dark powers over mankind.

Fall of Man Part 2: Crouching Sin, Hidden Dragon Jul 29, 2022

Continuing their three-part series on the Fall of Mankind, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick turn their attention to the unleashing of sin into the world through death and the first victim upon whom it pounces – Cain.

Fall of Man Part 1: Garments of Skin Jul 14, 2022

In Genesis, we see that the fall of humanity consists of three problems that Christ comes to to solve – death, sin, and slavery to demons. In the first of this three-part series, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick examine the first of these three human afflictions to arise – death – and how God deals with it.

The Pattern of the Tabernacle Jun 26, 2022

People often say, "The Church isn't a building," or "We could worship anywhere." But is that actually true? Why do ancient Israel and the Church worship in buildings? Is it merely practical, to have a roof over our heads? Or is there a purpose given by God? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick have a look over the blueprints of the house of the living God.

Pantheon and Pandemonium IV: Asynchronous Q&A June 2022 Jun 25, 2022

In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick answer your recorded questions! They cover such topics as nakedness in Genesis, cannibalism and the Eucharist, women’s ministry in the Church, transgenderism, and even the curse of the Black Tongue. Tune in for a wild array of Q&A!

As Delivered by Angels Jun 10, 2022

How exactly does textual authority function within the Church? Whether discussing the Scriptures, the Apocrypha, the Church Fathers, the Ecumenical Councils, or the liturgical tradition, the Orthodox Church is awash in texts. How are they properly used? What about misuse? What makes them authoritative? Join Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young as they look at the Orthodox tradition of textual authority.

Prophet Motive May 27, 2022

What is prophecy? Who is a prophet? Do prophets predict the future? Does prophecy still happen in our times? What is the difference between a prophet and an apostle? How can we recognize a true prophet or prophecy? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they look at the Biblical vision of the prophetic ministry.

The Resurrection and the Life May 13, 2022

What happened to people who died before the Harrowing of Hades? What happened to those people after? And what happens at death after the Harrowing? And what’s going to happen at the resurrection of all the dead? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young track the Biblical imagery of life after death and life after life after death.

Blessings and Curses Apr 28, 2022

What exactly is a blessing? Or a curse? Are these just religious-sounding synonyms for good things or bad things? What does it mean when God blesses or curses? Do the blessings and curses of human beings actually do anything? Is this some kind of Christian magic? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they look at how blessings and curses work in the Bible.

The Harrowing of Hell (read by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick) Apr 20, 2022

On this special bonus episode, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick introduces and then reads the full text of the Harrowing of Hell from the Gospel of Nicodemus. Christ is risen! He truly is risen!

How (and How Not) to Read the Bible Apr 14, 2022

Reading the Bible is easier now than in any previous moment in history. And misreading it is also the easiest it’s ever been. What does it mean to read the Bible historically? To read it literally? What are some interpretive/hermeneutic ideas that don’t make sense if you look closely at them? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they go “meta” for this episode and talk about what it means to read the Bible as Orthodox Christians.

Pantheon and Pandemonium III: Asynchronous Q&A March 2022 Mar 24, 2022

In this pre-recorded episode, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick tackle dozens of recorded questions sent in by listeners from all over the world, with topics ranging from catechism to giants to the evil eye to the Ziz.

The Gods of the Nations Feb 10, 2022

When ancient Israel encountered pagan nations worshiping their gods (and sometimes joined in themselves), what exactly were they worshiping? Are they fallen angels, demons, ancestors, the spirits of dead humans, or maybe even nothing at all? How did the early Church understand this worship? What is idolatry and how does it work? Do idolatry and paganism exist today? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young look at ancient heathen religion and what it means in the Bible and for us today.

World of Priestcraft Jan 27, 2022

What exactly is a priest? Who is a priest? Are all believers priests? Is that the same thing as presbyters? And what are those priests in the Bible wearing, anyway? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they look closely at what the Bible says about priests in their ancient context and what that means for Christians today.

Pantheon and Pandemonium II: Live Q&A January 2022 Jan 14, 2022

The podcast is back with all Q&A, all the time. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick make it an open-line night at the podcast. With calls stretching from California to Romania, callers asked about God's foreknowledge, UFOs, Sasquatch, spirits imprisoned in the underworld, the difference between hell and Hades and Sheol, prayers for the departed, and a host more.

Is the Heavenly Man the Man from Heaven? Dec 23, 2021

When the prophets ascend in heavenly visions they see the divine council, the throne of God, the cherubim and seraphim, the angels—and a man. And sometimes, outside of prophetic visions, that man shows up on earth, and he talks and even eats with people. Who is this man in heaven? Who is this man from heaven? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they conclude their four-part series on the Christology of the Old Testament.

Who is this Son of Man? Dec 10, 2021

The phrase “son of man” appears over 100 times in the Old Testament, and most of them are in the book of the Prophet Ezekiel. It shows up again, dozens of times, in the Gospels and then gets used elsewhere in the New Testament. What does it mean? Does this refer to Jesus? Every time? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick for part 3 of their 4-part series on the Christology of the Old Testament.

The Word of the Lord Nov 25, 2021

Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen continue their four-part series on the Christology of the Old Testament. This time they discuss the Word of the Lord or the Word of God. Like "Angel of the Lord," this is another phrase that gets people confused sometimes. What does "Word of God" mean exactly? Is it the Bible? Is it Christ? Can we use the phrase for both? Is it preaching? Listen and find out.

The Angel of the Lord Nov 12, 2021

The Angel of the Lord is mentioned dozens of times in the Holy Scriptures, yet the identity and nature of this figure is fuzzy for many Christians. Is he an angel like one of heavenly hosts? Is he a symbol of Jesus Christ? Is he the Son of God Himself? Does he have a body? Is this figure compatible with Trinitarian theology? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young begin a four-part series on the Christology of the Old Testament.

Monster Manual (Halloween Special) Oct 29, 2021

Werewolves. Vampires. Lilith. Lamia. Unicorns. Donkey-centaurs. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick open up their demonic bestiary and their Bibles for this special episode.

Leviathan: It's What's for Dinner Oct 15, 2021

Leviathan, Behemoth, and other monsters lurk in the Bible—demonic horrors and other assorted beasts. Did ancient people believe these were real creatures? Do they have some kind of global, geo-political meaning? How do they figure into the biblical narrative? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick pull out their Bibles and go monster-hunting.

According to the Order of Melchizedek Sep 23, 2021

Melchizedek is a figure who gets mentioned three very brief and mysterious times in the Scriptures. But who is he? Why does he have a pagan name? Why does St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews link him to Christ? Is he a pre-New Testament appearance of the Son of God? What is the “order of Melchizedek”? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young unravel the mystery and weave the threads together.

From Ur of the Chaldeans Sep 10, 2021

The great biblical patriarch Abraham began his life in the shadow of the sacrificial ziggurat of Ur, dedicated to a pagan moon god. What does it mean that God called him out of that context, why did God direct Abraham's gaze to the stars, and why did Abraham bring his son Isaac to the top of a mountain? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick focus on this towering biblical figure, this father of all the faithful.

Make Straight the Paths for Our God Aug 27, 2021

In the Scripture and throughout Orthodox Tradition, the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John occupies a place parallel though not identical to that of the Holy Virgin Mary. Yet he is at the same time a more enigmatic and lesser-understood figure in Christianity. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick together discuss the Voice that prepared the way for the coming of God in the flesh.

Can These Bones Live? Aug 12, 2021

The keeping and veneration of relics of saints is one of the practices of Christianity that may disturb or even shock some. How do the bodies of saints relate to their lives? Is that body still their body even after death? Why do some relics have miracles associated with them? And how does this relate to Christian burial? Join Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young as they take a journey into the catacombs with the bones of the saints.

Apocalypse Now and Then Jul 22, 2021

The word "Apocalypse" stirs up forebodings of the end of the world—natural disasters, wars, massive destruction, giant comets, etc. But is that how the Bible uses the term? What if there were apocalypse throughout the Scriptures? And even now? Join Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young for this sequel to the "Nous" episode to see what apocalypse has to do with your life as a Christian.

But We Have the Mind of Christ Jul 09, 2021

According to the Bible, how do we know things? What exactly is the mind? What is consciousness? What are thoughts, and how do they work? And what does knowledge do to someone? Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they take a mind-bending journey into the Biblical image of the Nous.

An Immaculate Dwelling Place Jun 24, 2021

The Day of Pentecost is the end of a golden thread that begins with Eden and runs through the Tabernacle, the Temple, the Theotokos, Christ, Christians, the Church and the whole Cosmos. What is that thread? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick look to the Scriptures to show what connects all these things together.

The Heavens Made Ready His Throne Jun 10, 2021

The Ascension of Christ in glory is not merely Jesus going back where he came from when he was done on earth. Nor is it an abandonment of his disciples. But what is it? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick look at how ancient people would have understood the Ascension of Christ to his throne in the heavens.

We Have Seen the Lord May 28, 2021

Christ appeared to his disciples and to many others after he rose from the dead, numerous times over the forty days leading up to his Ascension. What happened at those appearances? What was their purpose? And how do the Gospel writers understand what was happening? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explore the vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Pantheon and Pandemonium: Live Q&A May 2021 May 14, 2021

It's all Q&A, all the time. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick make it an open-line night at the podcast.

The Lord of Spirits Goes to Hell Apr 23, 2021

With this Holy Week / Pascha special episode, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young take a close biblical look at what happens when the Lord of Spirits himself journeys into the underworld to set his people free.

Down to Hades: A Chthonic Odyssey Apr 09, 2021

With this second installment of their series on sacred geography, Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick take a journey into the shadowy and much-misunderstood realm of the dead—the Underworld, Hades, Hell, Sheol, the Grave. Do these words mean the same thing? Where is this place? And who or what exactly is there?

The Mountain of God and the Boat of Theseus Mar 26, 2021

The Scriptures speak of what we might call spiritual places—sacred geography—the Mountain of God, Heaven, Paradise, the Underworld. Are these imaginary places? If not, how does one go there? In this first of two episodes on sacred geography, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young begin a fantastic voyage into another world.

The Priest Shall Make Atonement Mar 12, 2021

"Atonement" is a word invented for the translation of the Bible into English, because there was no good English word for the concept it describes. So what does it mean? People have atonement theories. Is atonement purely theoretical? Does it have anything to do with suffering or punishment? And who or what is atoned for? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick finish their three-part series on sacrifice.

The Sacrifices of Righteousness Feb 26, 2021

Ancient pagans sacrificed to their gods, and ancient Israel was no exception when it came to offering sacrifice to the One they belonged to. But what did those sacrifices look like, and what did they do? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young continue their series on sacrifice, showing both the surprising similarities and striking differences between pagans and Israel.

Eating with the Gods Feb 13, 2021

What exactly is worship? What does it do? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explore worship in the ancient world, both pagan and Israelite, showing how it all resolves into one act—sacrifice. And does that mean killing?

Bodies and the Bodiless Jan 28, 2021

Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew continue their discussion on bodies. What about angel bodies? How many types of human bodies are there? Are human and animal bodies the same? And how many bodies does Christ have?

God's Body Jan 16, 2021

What exactly is a "body?" Do gods have bodies? How many? Does God, being immaterial, have one? If so, where exactly is it? How do we make sense of the Old Testament passages which talk about God walking, standing, fighting in battles, eating, or speaking face to face with Moses? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young tackle one of the most difficult teachings of the Scripture.

Taught by a Star to Worship the Sun of Righteousness Dec 25, 2020

The Star of Bethlehem has long been seen as a sign of Christ’s birth, but was it just an astronomical event such as one might observe with a telescope? Why a star? And what does Jewish astrology have to do with this? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young discuss the true nature of the great Star of the Nativity.

The Queen Stood at Thy Right Hand Dec 12, 2020

The Messiah is the Son of David and King of Israel, surrounded by His royal court, including His mother—just like the Davidic kings before him. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explore how Christ united the court of David with the Divine Council and how the role of the Theotokos was established in ancient Israel, centuries before she was born.

A Land of Giants Nov 26, 2020

There are giants in the Bible. Many Christians have tried to explain them away, ignore them, or treat them as mere metaphors. But the Orthodox Church takes giants seriously. Join Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick as they venture into the ancient Land of Giants and discuss why the Book of Joshua is probably not what you thought it was.

His Ministers Flaming Fire Nov 13, 2020

Will heaven be boring? Do the saints sit around on clouds playing harps for all eternity? Or is there something that they're doing? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick continue their discussion of what it means to become part of God's divine council.

The Real Demons of Hallowe'en: Special Episode Oct 30, 2020

Christians argue every year about Hallowe’en: Is it participation in the occult, cavorting with demons we should be running away from, or is it harmless dressing up and candy? Some more traditionally-minded say it’s not about demons; it’s about the feast of All Saints. In this special Hallowe’en episode, Orthodox Christian priests Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young say it really is about demons, and they’re ready to run toward them.

Sons of God, Equal to the Angels Oct 24, 2020

Theosis—becoming like God—is perhaps the best-known understanding of salvation in the Orthodox tradition. But what isn't often discussed is what angels have to do with it. Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discuss how God's divine council is the intended destiny of mankind.

The Five(ish) Falls of Angels Oct 09, 2020

When did the fallen angels fall? Before the creation of the world? Did they all fall at once? How does angelic fall affect mankind? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick take another deep dive into the Holy Scriptures and other parts of Orthodox tradition to explore these major questions that frame salvation history.

Angels and Demons II: The Divine Council Sep 25, 2020

Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick are back with their second episode focused on angels and demons in the Orthodox tradition, laying more critical groundwork for this program by talking about God's Divine Council, then looking at the various kinds of angels, and finishing up by talking about what demons are and why they’re still around.

Angels and Demons: Introducing Lord of Spirits Sep 11, 2020

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young inaugurate this new live, call-in podcast focused on the union of the seen and unseen in Orthodox Christian biblical, patristic and liturgical tradition.

Trailer Sep 09, 2020

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young introduce a new live call-in show, beginning Thursday (9/10/20) at 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific.

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