Today is the feastday of the Three Holy Hierarchs, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. In graduate school I studied the writings of all three. St. Basil, in order to combat heresy, and present Christianity to the Greek world, used his academic background in Greek philosophy. His writings are dense, but inspiring to the reader who prayerfully and patiently reads his words. I asked St. Basil to be the patron of my studies, and prayed to his icon at my church each Sunday. As I gazed upon him, I knew he was supporting me. Recently I was discussing mentors with a counselor, and when I mentioned being inspired by St. Innocent, she said, “See, you even have a mentor from the past,” as if this was news to me. I explained to her that I have long had mentors who are called “patron saints.” I attempted to describe the very real relationship one has with patron saints, and I mentioned St. Basil and my graduate studies. She seemed somewhat interested. I felt bad for her that she did not have the saints as patrons and intercessors.
I have begun listening to Ancient Faith Radio, the music option. It streams into my speakers as I sit here. Ancient Faith Radio was recently accepted into the Conciliar Press Department of our Archdiocese. What a wise decision Metropolitan PHILIP made. Ancient Faith is now expanding like a seed that has received bountiful sunshine. It is listener-supported and I will make a donation. If you haven’t experienced it, visit Ancient Faith Radio, and choose “music” (there is also a “talk” stream). I just spoke of being connected through time with the saints; listening to the music streaming from Ancient Faith Radio, I feel surrounded by a cloud of fellow Orthodox—those whose voices come from the speakers and those around the globe who are listening with me. How blessed it is to be Orthodox.
Ancient Faith Radio (AFR) has also posted our Antiochian Gospel Program as a podcast.
May you have a blessed day!
