Fr. Evan answers your questions on how to raise children in the faith, silent prayer during liturgy, returning to the church, and the background settings depicted in icons in this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

Fr. Evan answers your questions about judging others, the role of asceticism within the Orthodox tradition, prayers to the Theotokos, veneration of the saints, and more in this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

Unfazed by technical difficulties, Fr. Evan takes questions on the ethics of intimacy within marriage, the finer points of the Prayer of St. Ephraim, Lenten fasting rules, and the theology of creation as we continue our shared journey to Pascha.

Fr. Evan answers a caller question from enquirer regarding infant baptism. What does it really mean to be a sinner. What does Fr, Evan mean when he speaks of turning to our children. What doe the scriptures say about competition. Do converts who are married out side of the Orthodox Church need to remarry to fully convert to Orthodoxy?

What is forgiveness vespers and why is it important for us to practice. Why does the church have a prayer to the holy cross? How do we reconcile the Old Testament to the New Testament? Fr. Evan explains how the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is completely relevant to God creating us with a free will and that loving Christ is always a choice.

If we do not believe in purgatory why do we have memorial prayer services for our departed. What does it mean to dress for church. Fr. Evan and a caller have a conversation regarding non-Orthodox and salvation.

Is Numbers 32:11 the scripture Protestants use to get the age of reason to accept God and baptism? What is meant when the Theotokos is referred to as the champion of leaders or commander of bodiless powers. How can you support someone without necessarily agreeing with them. Yota and Vasily. Fr. Evan's friends from Ecuador, call in to greet him. And so much more.

Is there any symbolic significance to the leafy branch used when sprinkling holy water. What are the benefits of fasting again ? How do you really comfort someone who is truly suffering. Was there ever a time when angels had free will? Does the church have any thoughts of UFO's. How should I spend my free time wisely.

Is is sinful to be a happy about living a virtuous life? Does the Orthodox Church teach that Jesus was an only child? Is it really necessary to confess to a priest to receive the forgiveness of sins? How long should one wait to take a monastic vow and how does one discern the call to monasticism. Does one need to wait until ones spouse is ready to convert to Orthodoxy ? For what reason would a priest not grant the forgiveness of sin in confession. How do parents remain joyful while churching and parenting children.

Tonight Fr. Evan is asked how we know Christ was born on Christmas day. Is it true Mary only birthed Jesus? And who are his brothers and sisters ? What are the dangers of of imagination at prayer, specifically phantasms. Does the church of a official stance on artificial intelligence? Is memorizing scripture a fruitful endeavor?

Fr. Evan is asked to compare and contrast Orthodox Theosis vs Protestant sanctification. What is our experience when we die? How can I ensure God's design for marriage both as a leader and as equal partnership. How to best battle anger during the fast. A wicken from Scotland calls in to ask Fr. Evan a question about Christ.

Do we need to remember and confess every sin in detail in order to be cleansed and forgiven? How does one go about getting permission to go the a monastery. What does " being sealed" at the Chrismation mean. Is it wrong to go into military combat? Is the connection a person has with their patron saint different than with saints in general?

Fr. Evan gives advice on how to renew your prayer life. Are there prayers that we should always say? What is the best way to begin a new prayer rule for oneself. What is our responsibility to bringing others into the Church and faith in Christ.

Who did Adam and Eve's children end up marrying? How should we observe the sabbath. Why do we read that baptism must be performed in moving water in the Didache. What is the Orthodox faith's relationship to civil law. Why do we venerate the gospel book during matins and what should we say to the priest after we kiss his hand.

Tonight Fr. Evan is joined by his friend Alexis Pappas. The discussion is centered around effective youth ministry. Are there particular saints we should pray to for our children? How do we help our young adults re-engage their faith and the church. To learn more about the work Alexis Pappas is involved in or to reach her please see; www.effectivechristianministry.org Department of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Youth and Young Adult Ministries Alexis Pappas, ECM Cohort Director pappas@goarch.org

How to best make fasting changes when necessary.How do we as Orthodox Christians respond to country patriotism. Fr. Evan gives advice to a listener who's wife threatens divorce if he becomes a catechumen. Does God place suffering on us and if so, does He say we are to be thankful for it? Is there any harm in Orthodox Christians engaging in the practice of acupuncture or yoga?

A former military member who killed in war and has a question regarding the sixth commandment. why was Cornelius not encouraged to step from his role as centurion. A 12 year old asks why our faith is the true faith. How do we ride ourselves of anger, hate, malice. How does the Orthodox church understand the 1000 year reign on earth as many Protestant churches believe. When one cannot sleep, what are some best practices to get back to sleep

Fr. Evan is asked his opinion as an Orthodox priest on consuming mind altering substances to initiate themselves into spirituality. Frustration with not able to partake of the Eucharist as a catechuman. Why did God wait almost 5 thousand years before He sent Christ for the salvation of the world.

How is Judaism practiced in 2024 different from rabbinic Judaism. Protestant belief in sola scriptura related to the belief in the rapture. What is the process of relics, how they are placed and where. What are the Orthodox views on organ donation and embalming.

Fr. Evan is asked advice on dating and gives advice on what to be mindful of when looking to find the one to marry. The Orthodox understanding of John 3:16 scripture reading. Fr. Evan shares an email regarding lust, pornography, gambling and comments on the very destructive impact these habits have on individuals and families. How to continue the struggle of Christian living in our modern world. Fr. Evan is asked to recommend resources to share with those visiting our churches.