Walking an Ancient Path
69 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsLiving and Learning Orthodox Christianity
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Episodes
Failing at the Jesus Prayer
December 21, 2023 16:43In the final episode of Walking an Ancient Path, Lynnette ponders the words of Bishop Kallistos Ware as she struggles with practicing the Jesus Prayer. She examines the reasons the Church emphasizes "the Prayer" as well as ways to incorporate it into our lives as we press forward together in Christ. Thanks!
Pondering the Nativity Icon
December 13, 2023 06:00One of the most beloved icons of the Orthodox Church, the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a wonderful example of "theology in color." In this episode, Lynnette talks about various elements in the icon and the lessons they have to teach us.
DIY Christianity versus Sacramental Faith
November 29, 2023 22:29Lynnette contrasts her de-churched Christian friends and their nonsacramental beliefs with the necessity of the Liturgy and community in the Orthodox Christian life. She also talks about the upcoming end of Walking an Ancient Path.
A Countercultural Christmas Carol
November 08, 2023 06:00Orthodox Christians begin Christmas preparations long before the beginning of Advent. Our Lenten disciplines of prayer, almsgiving, and especially fasting are out of step with the surrounding society, including the practices of Western Christians. In this episode we explore these differences and how they prepare us for the celebration of the Incarnation.
The Experience of an Orthodox Christian Death & Burial
October 25, 2023 05:00In this fourth and final episode on death & burial in the Orthodox Christian Church, Lynnette walks listeners through the journey from the point of death to the final resting place. With the continual recitation of psalms and the various services offered from the deathbed to the graveside, the Orthodox believer in death is surrounded by prayer.
Preparing for Death with End-of-Life Planning
October 04, 2023 05:00In this third episode of a four-part series, Lynnette discusses reasons for pre-planning the care of our bodies in dying and death, issues with embalming, making a death plan, and remembering that our most important preparation is for standing before God.
The Sanctity of the Human Body & the Church's View of Cremation
September 20, 2023 13:54In this episode Lynnette looks at the meaning of the human body, three reasons our bodies our sacred, the Catholic Church's grudging acceptance of cremation, and five reasons the Orthodox Church remains opposed to cremation.
Remembrance of Death & Celebrations of Life
September 06, 2023 05:00In the first of a short series on the Orthodox Christian approach to death and burial, Lynnette considers the Church’s emphasis on the remembrance of death and looks at changes in the wider Christian world in the ways we remember and honor the dead.
Stumbling Stones on the Orthodox Road: The Veneration of Relics
July 19, 2023 05:00Lynnette's first exposure to relics was a shocker. Bits of bone in every parish? Why? In this episode we explore what relics are and what they tell us about the reality of the Incarnation and God's mysterious works within His saints.
Kinda Sorta Almost Orthodox
June 21, 2023 05:00Sometimes inquirers are not sure if they'll ever reach the point of desiring to be baptized or chrismated into the Orthodox Faith. In this pressure-free episode Lynnette examines three common struggles in becoming Orthodox, as well as the blessings within the difficulties.
Otherworldly Music & Pop-Culture Christianity
June 07, 2023 05:00The music of the Orthodox Church can feel strange and foreign. But in the current Protestant worship landscape, concert-style performances and emotionalism dominate. In this episode Lynnette explores our need for the Church's otherworldly music.
Getting Used to the Physical Aspects of Prayer
May 24, 2023 05:00When Lynnette’s husband contracted a painful case of shingles, neither of them thought to use holy oil in his journey of healing. Why not? This episode explores three reasons—faith background, culture, and personal doubt—that many of us don’t connect the physical and the spiritual in prayer.
Why Do the Three Holy Youths Keep Appearing in Orthodox Services?
May 03, 2023 05:00Hymns about the three Holy Youths in the furnace keep popping up in Orthodox services. Their placement seems random, but it’s not. In this episode Lynnette discusses the meaning and symbolism in this story, as well as the sections of the Book of Daniel that are missing from Protestant Bibles.
Christ Is Risen! Now What?
April 19, 2023 05:00How do we continue celebrating the living reality of the Resurrection once Pascha is over? In this episode we look at habit formation and applying to our daily lives the lessons we’ve learned during the Great Fast.
The Spiritual Journey Embodied
April 05, 2023 05:00Great Lent is the season for making prostrations. But aren’t these a Muslim thing? Lynnette explores the history and powerful meaning behind falling to the floor in our prayers to the Lord.
What’s with All the Standing for the Akathist Hymn
March 22, 2023 05:03 - 12 minutes - 18.6 MBThe Akathist to the Theotokos is an important part of Great Lent in many parishes. But why do we stand? And why is the Virgin Mary called “Champion General”? In this episode, Lynnette explores the content and history of this beloved hymn.
What's with All the Standing for the Akathist Hymn
March 22, 2023 05:00The Akathist to the Theotokos is an important part of Great Lent in many parishes. But why do we stand? And why is the Virgin Mary called “Champion General”? In this episode, Lynnette explores the content and history of this beloved hymn.
Too Many Words: Our Noisy Hearts
March 08, 2023 06:00Outward silence can be difficult to find, but the Church is more concerned with inner silence, a quietude of the heart. Lynnette explores the saints’ advice for cultivating stillness at times, regardless of our circumstances.
Too Many Words: What We Say
February 22, 2023 06:00In Lynnette’s Protestant past, “speaking the truth in love” was emphasized. The Orthodox Church’s emphasis on silence, both outward and inward, was new to her. In this episode, we’ll consider what the saints teach about limiting what we say.
Why Bother with Church When I Can’t Focus
February 08, 2023 06:00It happens to all of us—our minds drift, and we’re filled with worries when we should be worshiping. Yet God meets us in the nave even when we’re distracted. Lynnette shares some wisdom from the saints as well as some truths to keep in mind when we struggle to pay attention during the Divine Liturgy.
Rethinking Repentance
January 25, 2023 06:00The Christian life is a path of repentance, but lots of us carry negative attitudes about repentance and confession. In this episode, Lynnette discusses the Fathers’ life-giving understanding of repentance and the baggage we carry
Recurring Miracles & Hiatus
September 21, 2022 05:03 - 20 minutes - 29.9 MBLynnette discusses three recurring miracles that occur around the world annually—during the Dormition Fast, on Theophany, and Pascha. She also gives resources for learning more about them and talks about taking a hiatus for a few months.
More Scriptures I Never Memorized
September 06, 2022 18:54As an adult Lynnette noticed that a favorite Scripture memory passage was meant to emphasize the idea of salvation by faith alone, but the following sentence was left out. In this episode she considers the importance, in Scripture and in the Orthodox Church, of both our faith and our works.
The Scriptures I Never Memorized
August 23, 2022 19:56Scripture memory is a good thing . . . except when an important subject is omitted. Lynnette remembers the Scripture memory courses she and her children participated in, including some problematic biases in Evangelical programs. She suggests some additional memory verses to bring balance to the popular verses’ individualistic focus.
Behind the Icon Screen: The Journey of the Bread & the Wine
August 10, 2022 05:03 - 25 minutes - 36 MBWhat happens after the prosphora and the wine are brought to the church? In this episode, Lynnette traces their journey and details the reverent and respectful treatment of the Gifts before and after they are transformed into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Behind the Icon Screen: The Journey of the Bread & the Wine
August 09, 2022 20:16What happens after the prosphora and the wine are brought to the church? In this episode, Lynnette traces their journey and details the reverent and respectful treatment of the Gifts before and after they are transformed into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Behind the Icon Screen: Praying through the Vestments
July 20, 2022 02:58Lynnette explains the Vesting prayers of the priest before the Liturgy and the “whole armor of God
Behind the Icon Screen: The Service of Kairos
July 05, 2022 21:28In this short series we take a peek at some of the things that occur in the Church mostly out of sight of the laity. In this episode Lynnette examines the Kairos service, the first of the three short services that take place before Matins, and the lessons there apply to all of us in the pews.
Understanding the Ever-Changing Apostles Fast
June 22, 2022 05:03 - 21.4 MBThe Apostles Fast is easy to miss—it can last several weeks or only a day or two, interrupting summer barbecue season. In this episode, we look at its history, the feast day of Ss. Peter and Paul, and the lessons we can learn from this ancient fast.
The Pandemic Is Kinda Sorta Over. Have We Learned Anything?
June 08, 2022 04:17Bad behavior has become normalized over the past few years, and society has become ruder and more disrespectful. Our words and deeds flow from our thoughts and our hearts, as Jesus taught. Lynnette muses on her main takeaway from the pandemic years: the importance of guarding our hearts, especially when chaos reigns.
Attempting to Measure My Post-Lenten Spiritual Progress
May 09, 2022 23:45After Great Lent and Pascha, we want to look back and check our progress. But spiritual growth is not an easy thing to measure, either by our accomplishments or our feelings. As in marriage, we grow in immeasurable love for God over time.
A Basic Introduction to Iconography and the Icon of the Crucifixion
April 12, 2022 21:21n this episode we consider the facial features and expressions of the saints in iconography as well as the meaning of the objects they hold. Then, in preparation for Holy Week, we consider the icon of the Crucifixion of Christ and the powerful lessons it teaches us.
When Your Friends & Family Don’t Understand
March 30, 2022 05:03 - 31 minutes - 44.2 MBWe may be excited about the ancient faith, but people around us often aren’t. Their responses to Orthodox Christianity can range from confusion to indifference to hostility. In this episode Lynnette considers some of the emotional reasons behind others’ negativity as well as how to respond—or keep silent—in loving ways.
When Your Friends & Family Don't Understand
March 29, 2022 16:28We may be excited about the ancient faith, but people around us often aren’t. Their responses to Orthodox Christianity can range from confusion to indifference to hostility. In this episode Lynnette considers some of the emotional reasons behind others’ negativity as well as how to respond—or keep silent—in loving ways.
5 Lessons the Orthodox Church Has Taught Me about Fasting
March 13, 2022 23:54In the Church, we fast in community, traveling together on our journey to Pascha. In this episode, we explore the blessings of fasting under spiritual direction and the pitfalls of going it alone.
Anticipating the Lenten Spring
March 01, 2022 17:13Just as the birds herald the coming of spring, the Church prepares us for the coming of Great Lent. The readings lengthen, the Triodion period centers our hearts and minds, and anticipation grows. Lenten journey is arduous, yet the arrival of spring during these weeks reminds us that it is a time of healing and renewal.
How Much Mercy Does One Person Really Need ?
February 16, 2022 14:03It seems that every time we Orthodox gather in Church, we’re asking for mercy. Is all the repetition of “Lord, have mercy” a bit much? In this episode, Lynnette looks at pleas for mercy in the Bible and in the services of the Church, contrasting the Western, juridical view of mercy with the Eastern understanding of God’s lovingkindness and compassion.
Little Plastic Cups and Motley Communion Experiences, Walking an Ancient Path
February 02, 2022 15:17After spending so much time thinking about the Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy, Lynnette reflects on her earlier experiences with Protestant approaches to communion, including the “memorial supper” view, multiple theologies in a single gathering, and the ever-present little plastic cups of grape juice
Liturgy Quick-Start Guide #6 : Living the Liturgy after the Liturgy
January 19, 2022 04:45The Divine Liturgy has ended with a ringing “Amen!” Now what? In this final episode of the Liturgy Quick-Start Guide, Lynnette explores “the liturgy after the Liturgy.” Like the apostles, we are sent out into the world to experience an endless cycle of communion with God, thanksgiving, living out our lives in Christ, and preparing again to receive Hi
Liturgy Quick-Start Guide # 5 : Ascending the Summit of the Eucharist
January 05, 2022 14:33As we reach our liturgical destination of receiving the Eucharist, Lynnette shares some Church Fathers’ words about the placement of the Lord’s Prayer in the service as well as the significance of bringing the Chalice out to the people.
Liturgy Quick-Start Guide #3 : Traveling Companion on the Journey
January 03, 2022 17:06As we worship during the Divine Liturgy, it’s easy to see the parishioners in the nave. But they are not the only faithful ones present. As we enter into heavenly worship, the saints and angels surround us. We are in two dimensions: the earthly and the heavenly, the seen and the unseen.
A Former Protestant Contemplates Mary's Ever-Virginity
December 22, 2021 17:41The ever-virginity of Mary was new to Lynnette when she found Orthodoxy, and the concept required some thought. In this episode, we look at typical objections to the doctrine, the views of the Church Fathers and early Reformers, and an Old Testament prophecy that has been largely ignored in the Evangelical world.
A Former Protestant Contemplates Mary’s Ever-Virginity
December 22, 2021 17:39 - 23 minutes - 33.6 MBThe ever-virginity of Mary was new to Lynnette when she found Orthodoxy, and the concept required some thought. In this episode, we look at typical objections to the doctrine, the views of the Church Fathers and early Reformers, and an Old Testament prophecy that has been largely ignored in the Evangelical world.
“Liturgy Quick-Start Guide #4: That We May Receive the King of All”
December 08, 2021 14:13In this episode, we consider the Great Entrance of the Eucharist, the rest stop at the Cherubic Hymn, and the Creed. We also look at some of the scenery on the liturgical journey, such as the people reaching for the priest’s vestments and the meaning of the doors in the altar.
Divine Liturgy Quick-Start Guide #3
November 24, 2021 10:45 - 9.43 MBAs we worship during the Divine Liturgy, it’s easy to see the parishioners in the nave. But they are not the only faithful ones present. As we enter into heavenly worship, the saints and angels surround us. We are in two dimensions: the earthly and the heavenly, the seen and the unseen.
Liturgy Quick-Start Guide #2: Focusing on the Scriptures
November 09, 2021 16:15In this episode we consider the remaining sections of the Liturgy of the Word, which is the first part of the Divine Liturgy. In our journey to the Eucharist, the musical theology prepares our hearts, and the words of Jesus are honored above all other parts of the Scriptures.
Liturgy Quick-Start Guide 1: Introduction and Trail Map
October 27, 2021 14:31The Divine Liturgy can seem long and repetitive, but by thinking of it as a spiritual journey leading us to the destination of the Eucharist, we can enter more deeply into worship. In Episode 1 of this six-part series, Lynnette provides an overview of the Liturgy—a trail map for fellow pilgrims as we begin our ascent.
The Orthodox Road and the Point of No Return
October 11, 2021 14:48The “point of no return” is a place of inner wrestling that is very uncomfortable. It’s a realization of, “I can’t go back to the way I was,” yet the parish worship experience is still foreign. Lynnette discusses some reasons for reaching the point of no return, the tension she and Rob experienced when they were not on the same page spiritually, and the reality that Orthodoxy itself is not the goal.
Orthodoxy Is Hard. Why Bother?
September 28, 2021 13:46Orthodoxy can feel foreign and demanding, and the local megachurch with its comfortable seating can be tempting. But in seasons when the Orthodox road is a weary journey, Lynnette focuses on five reasons to keep returning.
Reading the Lives of the Saints as a Spiritual Practice
September 26, 2021 03:08The saints had never been a part of Lynnette’s life, so she didn’t understand why the Orthodox emphasized reading about them. But over time she discovered three spiritual benefits from getting acquainted with their lives and teachings.