iSermon Thoughts from a Local Parish

Start date: February 2010 1227 minutes, 9 seconds in 142 episodes

Preached by Rev. Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos, these sermons are from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos is the parish priest of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg, Canada. He is also the founder of the catechetical movement called “Re-Catechism,” which endeavors to reeducate current Orthodox adults on the teachings of the Orthodox faith.

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Date	Title & Description	Duration
May 06, 2013	Spiritual Adultery Fr. Ted shares his Paschal homily. Christ is risen! Click to play	12:02
May 03, 2013	Avoiding the Passion Fr. Ted shares his homily from Great and Holy Thursday. Click to play	13:15
Apr 29, 2013	Recognizing the True Messiah Fr. Ted reminds us that Palm Sunday is actually a tragic event because the people recognize the Messiah not as He is, but as they want him to be. Click to play	11:23
Apr 22, 2013	Fear of Change Citing the story of St. Mary of Egypt, Fr. Ted contends that not only is it possible to change and repent, but it is also never too late to do so. Click to play	13:18
Apr 15, 2013	The Journey Fr. Ted reminds us that our journey toward God has already begun. Click to play	12:36
Apr 01, 2013	Faith and Logic In this 200th episode of "iSermon," Fr. Ted reminds us that we can't experience the fullness of the Christian faith with our rational mind alone. Click to play	10:53
Mar 11, 2013	Judging Who? Fr. Ted inquires into who is really being judged in the story of the Last Judgment. Click to play	11:50
Mar 06, 2013	The Prodigal Elder Fr. Ted argues that we too often neglect the role of the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Click to play	12:14
Feb 18, 2013	Spiritual Mediocrity Fr. Ted addresses the trend to cultivate ourselves in our careers but not in our spirituality. Click to play	12:22
Feb 11, 2013	Double Our Blessings Fr. Ted reminds us that nothing we have in this life is truly ours.	09:33
Feb 07, 2013	Waiting for Something Fr. Ted encourages us to emulate St. Simeon.	11:39
Jan 28, 2013	Ecclesiology 101 Fr. Ted defines the terms "Orthodox," "heterodox," "heresy," and "schism."	14:02
Jan 22, 2013	There Is a God, and I Am Not Him Fr. Ted reminds us that we have an obligation to serve the Creator.	08:54
Jan 07, 2013	Sanctification Fr. Ted enumerates the teaching of the Church when it comes to the blessing of the waters on Theophany.	11:29
Dec 26, 2012	God Is with Us! Fr. Ted explains what it means for us that God came into the world.	10:54
Dec 17, 2012	Many Are Baptized, but Few Are Orthodox Fr. Ted explains that the only way to change society is to change our own minds and hearts.	09:50
Dec 10, 2012	Running the Race Fr. Ted asks, "Why are we subjected to sicknesses and other problems in life?"	11:02
Dec 03, 2012	Starving Ourselves Fr. Ted discusses the important of confession and the Eucharist. Without them, he argues, we are both dirty and starving.	07:56
Nov 28, 2012	Witnessing to the Youth Fr. Ted reminds us that the best thing we can do to help the youth is to be an example.	08:14
Nov 14, 2012	Practical Orthodoxy, Part Three: Anamnisis Fr. Ted addresses the concept of remembrance.	08:08
Nov 06, 2012	Practical Orthodoxy, Part Two: Passing on Traditions Fr. Ted laments the fact that the traditions of the Church are not passed down to the next generation with enough frequency.	08:00
Oct 31, 2012	Public Faith Fr. Ted addresses a current event in Winnipeg that illustrates the importance of being like St. Demetrios.	07:00
Oct 22, 2012	Silence Fr. Ted encourages us to recognize just how many things that come out of our mouths simply do not benefit anyone.	08:15
Oct 08, 2012	Christ in Everything Fr. Ted assures us that God's blessings at Church can affect all of the other different facets of our lives.	07:09
Oct 01, 2012	The Mosaic of Our Lives Fr. Ted reminds us that only in Orthodox Christianity do we have the totality of Holy Tradition.	07:05
Sep 24, 2012	Reading Our Bible . . . Backwards! Fr. Ted encourages us to read the New Testament before the Old Testament.	08:16
Sep 17, 2012	The Cross in Our Life Fr. Ted explains the theology of the Cross and the place it should hold within our own hearts and within our spirituality as Orthodox Christians.	07:48
Sep 10, 2012	Practical Orthodoxy, Part One: Open Communion? Fr. Ted begins a new series on applying the Orthodox faith to the everyday situations in which we find ourselves.	08:46
Aug 27, 2012	What is Good? Fr. Theodore examines the first part of Sunday's Gospel. He explains that truth does not change according to culture or time period. Christian values, he explains, are absolute.	07:23
Aug 20, 2012	Learning to Forgive Fr. Ted explains why we have such difficulty forgiving others.	08:25
Aug 06, 2012	Staying in the Light Fr. Ted explains that the Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us of who God is as the one who reveals all of our acts and deeds, whether they be good or evil.	05:47
Jun 18, 2012	Being A Good Father Fr. Theodore celebrates fathers and reminds them of their importance. He encourages fathers to take a leadership role in the spiritual lives of their children, as their example will be imitated.
Jun 11, 2012	Who Are the Saints? Fr. Ted argues that Saints are those who have their priorities properly organized.	08:38
May 29, 2012	Idolatry Fr. Ted asks us whether we truly know the God whom we worship.	08:27
May 14, 2012	In Spirit and Truth Fr. Ted reminds us that while the worldly spirit changes with time, the truth of the Church endures forever.	10:29
May 07, 2012	I Have No One Fr. Ted contends that the story of the Pool of Bethesda is really about the relationships we have—or don't have—with our fellow Orthodox Christians.	10:05
Apr 23, 2012	The First Principle Is Faith Fr. Ted argues along with the ancient Greeks that you can't philosophize back into infinity. There comes a point when you have to believe in something.	09:38
Apr 17, 2012	Hades, Where Is Thy Victory? Fr. Ted reminds us that Hades is not a place, but rather a state of being away from God that we can experience even here on earth.	11:40
Apr 09, 2012	The Great Miscommunication Fr. Ted reminds us that we need to accept God and others and they truly are, not who we expect them to be.	08:50
Apr 02, 2012	Humility and Confession Fr. Ted reflects on St. Mary of Egypt, reminding us that it is never too late to repent of our sins.	13:57
Mar 19, 2012	Taking Up Our Cross Fr. Ted reminds us that struggle is an essential component of Christianity.	13:33
Mar 12, 2012	Essence and Energies Fr. Ted reminds us that while we may not know His essence, God is nevertheless with us in a very real and tangible sense.	10:58
Mar 05, 2012	Affirming the Incarnation Fr. Ted reminds us that icons affirm that God really did come in the flesh.	09:19
Feb 27, 2012	Who are We? Fr. Ted explains that unlike the rest of creation, human beings are made in God's likeness, capable of free will. He urges us to utilize this gift as we begin our lenten journey.	11:51
Feb 20, 2012	What is the Gospel? Fr. Ted explains that "the gospel" is the message that God came into the world, died for us on the cross, and then rose from the dead.	07:28
Feb 13, 2012	Who Is Jesus? Fr. Ted discusses the two natures of Christ.	09:56
Feb 07, 2012	The Trinity Fr. Ted presents the first in a series of three homilies on the basics of the faith.	11:20
Jan 24, 2012	Stereotypes Fr. Ted warns us against forming preconceived notions about people without getting to know them.	06:26
Jan 16, 2012	Ungratefulness Fr. Ted warns us against forgetting that humility is an essential aspect of being a Christian.	06:35
Jan 09, 2012	Time Fr. Ted reminds us to live in the present.	08:56
Dec 31, 2011	Who Is the God-Man? Fr. Ted explains why the Incarnation is necessary for salvation.	10:00
Dec 12, 2011	A Seat at the Table Fr. Ted reminds us that the Divine Liturgy is a meal—an entering into the eternal reality of the Mystical Supper of Jesus Christ.	10:17
Dec 06, 2011	The Mosaic Fr. Ted reminds us that all of the things that make up the Christian life are essential to creating a full icon of Christ.	08:44
Nov 28, 2011	Condos in Florida "Where are our riches?" asks Fr. Ted. "Are they here or in heaven?"	07:55
Nov 22, 2011	The Most Precious Commodity A homily given by His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios of Canada.	06:04
Nov 15, 2011	Obligations On the Feast of St. John Chrysostom, Fr. Ted encourages us to choose obligation over will.	07:36
Nov 07, 2011	Monasticism Fr. Ted discusses the history and importance of monasticism.	10:08
Oct 24, 2011	The Liturgy of St. James Fr. Ted explains that the most important thing for liturgies is that they teach the true faith.	07:28
Oct 17, 2011	Internal Spirituality Fr. Ted reminds us that we must cultivate our internal spiritual lives with patience in order to grow as Christians.	08:18
Oct 10, 2011	Orthodox Anthropology Fr. Ted answers a question regarding the Church's take on support groups such as AA. He also explains how the Church views each of us as a living icon or a treasure.	07:49
Sep 27, 2011	Fishing Guest homilist Fr. Theologos Drakos (Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Ontario) compares fishing to the spiritual life.	11:16
Sep 19, 2011	The Correct Cross Fr. Ted reminds us that the sign of the cross is a prayer, yes, but it is also a statement of faith.	06:59
Sep 12, 2011	The Bronze Serpent Fr. Ted reminds us that just as the Israelites of the Old Testament looked to the bronze serpent for healing, we must look to Christ on the Cross for the ultimate healing.	09:43
Sep 06, 2011	The Rhythm of Prayer Fr. Ted tells us that we need to use the rhythm of prayer to remove those things from our lives that get in the way of our relationship with Christ.	07:31
Aug 22, 2011	Spiritual Delusions Fr. Ted explains that it is possible to be a good person and a bad Christian simultaneously.	07:51
Aug 17, 2011	Panagia—The Great Example Fr. Ted explains that it is the human tendency toward unbelief that causes us to change the teachings of the Church.	07:54
Aug 08, 2011	Coming Out of the Darkness Fr. Ted explains that the purpose of our existence is to transfigure ourselves into being more like Christ.	05:11
Aug 02, 2011	Fulfilling the Law This week's sermon was delivered by guest homilist Metropolitan Sotirios of Canada.	05:53
Jul 04, 2011	We See As We Are This week's homily was delivered by guest priest Fr. Nicholas Tambakis from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario.	05:57
Jun 27, 2011	The Ark of Truth Fr. Ted explains why the Orthodox Church has never modernized—and never will!	05:59
Jun 20, 2011	Attaining the Likeness On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Ted distinguishes between the image of God, which is a gift given to all of humanity, and the likeness of God, which must be attained through much effort and prayer.	07:11
Jun 14, 2011	The True Spirit of God Fr. Ted explains that the Spirit of Truth always brings understanding, and most importantly, offers a message of love.	07:58
Jun 07, 2011	A Church of Councils Fr. Ted addresses the importance of the Church's Ecumenical Councils.	07:23
May 09, 2011	An Authentic Witness Fr. Ted discusses the various accounts of the Resurrection and explains how the differences actually support the Truth.	08:19
May 04, 2011	Doubting Each Other Fr. Ted explains how our faith in Christ correlates with our willingness to believe in and trust our brother.	04:36
Apr 26, 2011	All Are Called Fr. Ted applauds his parishioners for making Orthodoxy a part of their lives.	06:12
Apr 22, 2011	Holy Thursday - Ego vs. Humility Fr. Ted urges us to focus on what we can give to others and to the Church, rather than what we can get.	08:30
Apr 22, 2011	Holy Monday - A Foreshadowing Fr. Ted explores Holy Monday's Gospel, explaining how it foreshadows Christ's passion.	06:55
Apr 18, 2011	Identity Fr. Ted speaks to us about the true identity of Christ in this Palm Sunday homily.	09:47
Apr 10, 2011	Would We Ever? Fr. Ted urges those who have been born into the Orthodox faith to ask themselves hard questions about what they would sacrifice for Orthodoxy had they not been born into it. He reminds them to demonstrate Christian love and acceptance to catechumens.	07:33
Apr 04, 2011	Prayer and Fasting Fr. Ted urges encourages us to stay the course, as the feast of Pascha draws near.	08:41
Mar 15, 2011	Thoughts on the Second Week of Lent Fr. Ted encourages us to pace ourselves in this, our second week of Lent, as temptations from the evil one can thwart our efforts to be closer to God. He also reminds us to be patient with others as each path is different and we are not to judge.	03:01
Mar 07, 2011	Sorry is Not Enough Fr. Ted speaks on the importance of the Forgiveness Vespers service and reminds us that true forgiveness is more than a "social nicety."	09:29
Feb 28, 2011	Make a Decision Fr. Ted boldly states that if we believe God is real, we should act accordingly.	07:23
Feb 28, 2011	Theologoumena Fr. Ted responds to questions he has received regarding the moments immediately following death. He explains that all answers fall into the category of opinion. Our focus instead should be on living our Christian lives here on earth.	06:22
Feb 15, 2011	The Triodion Fr. Ted discusses the period in the Church's calendar year called the Triodion. In her wisdom, Fr. Ted explains, the Church strategically places these lessons for us immediately preceding Lent.	07:03
Feb 07, 2011	Living as a Temple Fr. Ted reminds us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and to live as such.	05:39
Jan 31, 2011	Personality Cults Fr. Ted talks shares his thoughts on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.	07:17
Jan 24, 2011	Testing the Spirits Fr. Ted speaks of the danger in placing too much emphasis on miracles.	08:20
Jan 17, 2011	Ungratefulness Fr. Ted reminds us to be grateful to God our Creator, the giver of all good things.	07:28
Jan 11, 2011	This is My Beloved Son Fr. Ted speaks about the feast of Theophany. He explains that in both Nativity and Theophany, God reveals Himself to man.	06:05
Dec 31, 2010	Nativity Symbols Fr. Ted explains that the Nativity is not only the fulfillment of the Old Testament, but the beginning of the New.	07:17
Dec 21, 2010	Noble Joseph Fr. Ted discusses Joseph, exploring his patience, kindness and faithfulness.	08:43
Dec 13, 2010	Ethnophyletism Fr. Ted urges us to embrace all of our Orthodox brothers and sisters, despite ethnic origins.	08:12
Dec 07, 2010	First Fruits Fr. Ted challenges us to give away the best of our possessions, rather than just what we can not use for ourselves.	08:43
Nov 30, 2010	The Root of All Evil Fr. Ted explains that the "root of all evil," is anything we put in place of God.	09:48
Nov 24, 2010	Priorities Fr. Ted reminds us to use this Nativity Fast as a time to redefine our priorities.	07:52
Nov 15, 2010	Christians in Practice Fr. Ted encourages us to use this fast not only as a time to tame our passions, but as a time to show compassion to others,	09:00
Nov 10, 2010	Engaging the Icons Fr. Ted discusses the necessity of icons in worship.	09:36
Oct 27, 2010	Don’t Go Blaming Demons Fr. Ted cautions us against letting evil take hold in our hearts.	09:01
Oct 19, 2010	Icons: A Spiritual Reality Fr. Ted discusses the spiritual importance of icons, citing the Seventh Ecumenical Council.	08:57
Oct 12, 2010	Our First Catechists As the new Sunday school year begins, Fr. Ted reminds parents that we are our children's primary teachers.	08:25
Oct 05, 2010	Christ in the Village Fr. Ted asks us to reflect upon whether Christ is truly the center of our lives.	06:18
Sep 27, 2010	As We Love, We Are Judged This week, Fr. Ted addresses the question of how a loving God could also judge us.	07:28
Sep 20, 2010	God Does Not Exist Fr. Ted points us to God's greatness, explaining that while humans "exist," God just "is."	05:27
Sep 14, 2010	Holy Not Happy Fr Ted explains that God is interested in our pursuit of holiness rather than our pursuit of happiness.	08:35
Sep 01, 2010	Changing With the Wind Fr. Ted encourages us to keep our moral compasses set firmly on Christ.	06:53
Aug 23, 2010	Dormition Fr. Ted speaks on the feast of the Dormition, encouraging us to look at Mary's obedient spirit as an example of the Christian life.	06:44
Aug 10, 2010	Forgiving the Debt Fr. Ted speaks on the importance of forgiveness and reminds us of the huge debt we've been forgiven.	08:23
Aug 07, 2010	Squinting into the Light Fr. Ted offers a beautiful homily for the Feast of Transfiguration. He urges us to live life within the Church, so that when we come into contact with the light of Truth, we do not squint and turn away.	05:15
Aug 02, 2010	Doing Miracles Fr. Ted provides an interesting definition of the word "miracle," explaining that instead of abnormal, a miracle is actually true to our original nature.	06:50
Jul 26, 2010	Three Steps Fr. Ted urges us to push our Christian faith a step further.	07:35
Jul 19, 2010	The Way We Worship Fr. Ted explains that there's a reason behind everything we do in the Orthodox Church.	03:41
Jul 13, 2010	A New Feminism Fr. Ted offers a beautiful perspective on the modern concern of women's role in the Orthodox Church.	08:07
Jul 05, 2010	Sin and Disease Rev. Fr. Nick Tambakis discusses the relationship between sin and bodily disease. He then explains how the Church is a hospital and confession is therapy.	07:40
Jun 21, 2010	Suffering Fr. Ted offers an alternative to the world's view of suffering.	05:15
Jun 15, 2010	Stumbling in the Dark Fr. Ted reminds us that we can't serve two masters.	05:39
Jun 09, 2010	Spiritual Not Religious Fr. Ted cautions us against the popular notion of spirituality without religion.	06:53
Jun 01, 2010	Our First Teachers Fr. Ted reminds us that parents are children's first and primary teachers. Therefore, Orthodoxy should be lived out at home in order to become a part of a child's life.	08:40
May 24, 2010	Pentecost Fr. Ted talks on the importance of Pentecost—a feast that many refer to as the "Birthday of the Church."	10:39
May 18, 2010	Icons and Incense Fr. Ted explains how parishioners are icons of Christ.	03:58
May 10, 2010	We Who See Fr. Ted discusses the Gospel reading, John 9: 1-38.	08:45
Apr 26, 2010	Spiritual Paralysis Fr. Ted reminds us that, "Christ is always in front of us," and that spiritual healing is readily available.	08:15
Apr 19, 2010	Unlikely Witnesses Christ's Resurrection was first witnessed by women. This is a reminder, explains Fr. Ted, that we are one body in Christ.	07:45
Apr 12, 2010	Belief On St. Thomas Sunday, Fr. Ted reminds us that if we choose not to believe, no amount of miracles will convince us otherwise.	08:05
Apr 05, 2010	Resurrection Service—Arise, O God, Let Your Enemies Be Scattered Fr. Ted reminds us that partaking of the Eucharist is the true climax of Pascha.	08:42
Apr 03, 2010	Friday Night Lamentations—A Happy Funeral Fr. Ted explains that the Church provides a foretaste of the Resurrection before we celebrate it because, as Orthodox Christians, we know how this particular story ends.	04:12
Apr 02, 2010	Thursday Night 12-Gospel Service—The Birth Pains Fr. Ted reminds us that in order to experience the fruits of our labors, we must go through many trials and tribulations.	08:36
Apr 01, 2010	Wednesday Unction Service—I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice Fr. Ted reminds us that more important than our sinfulness is the mercy of God.	05:45
Mar 31, 2010	Tuesday Night Bridegroom Service—Children of Light Fr. Ted asks whether you will choose to be a person of the light or a person of the darkness.	06:58
Mar 30, 2010	Monday Night Bridegroom Service—Priests and Hypocrisy Fr. Ted reminds his fellow priests that they can easily fall into hypocrisy along with the Pharisees.	10:43
Mar 29, 2010	Sunday Night Bridegroom Service—Grace Taken Away Fr. Ted explains that, because we are hypocrites, we are in danger of losing God's grace.	06:33
Mar 28, 2010	Palm Sunday—Self-Delusion Fr. Ted explains that there is a huge difference between being popular and being the Son of God.	10:09
Mar 27, 2010	Saturday of Lazarus—A Foreshadowing Fr. Ted explains why Holy Week actually begins with Lazarus Saturday.	09:42
Mar 22, 2010	Pascha: My Love-Hate Relationship Fr. Ted expresses his frustration with Orthodox Christians who only show up to church on Pascha.	05:38
Mar 15, 2010	Our Demons Fr. Ted encourages us to change ourselves before trying to change the world.	07:00
Mar 08, 2010	Denying Ourselves Fr. Ted explains that being a real Christian should not be fun.	10:47
Mar 06, 2010	Thorns In Our Sides Roland Ray Fulmer III delivers a Lenten lecture at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on how small annoyances magnify God's presence in our spiritual journeys. Ray is an honors graduate from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary who believes that religious education is the most under served lay vocation in the modern Orthodox Church.	44:46
Mar 01, 2010	What We Need Fr. Ted explains that what we really need for our lives is to have our sins forgiven.	08:46
Feb 14, 2010	The Sunday of Miracles Fr. Ted gives the Sunday of Forgiveness a new name: the Sunday of Miracles.	08:56
Feb 09, 2010	The Sheep and the Goats Fr. Ted explains that there are two ways—one of light and one of death.	10:04
Jan 18, 2010	Holy Tradition Fr. Ted explains why Orthodox Christians follow both the Scriptures and tradition.	08:09

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