In lucky episode #13, I talk with Father John Whiteford, who’s a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) and head priest at St. Jonah Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas. He’s a former Nazarene Associate Pastor who converted to the Orthodox Faith soon after completing his B.A. in Religion at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Father John’s the author of “Sola Scriptura: An Orthodox Analysis of the Cornerstone of Reformation Theology” and the general editor of the St. Innocent Liturgical Calendar. You can also read his writings at his blog aptly titled Father John Whiteford and hear his homilies on Ancient Faith Radio’s From the Amvon podcast.
The good father and I chat about secession, the War Between the States, the importance of history and being rooted, cultural Marxism, virtue signaling, covid-related church closures, challenging authority, and the necessity of being prepared mind, body, and soul for the worldly battles we face in this present spiritual war. Also mentioned in the podcast are the first known convert to Orthodox Christianity in the Americas Philip Ludwell III and Father Seraphim Rose’s influential and enduring book “Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age.”
On a personal note, Father John has been a strong shepherd to me and my family during these tenuous times. And that is indeed a silver lining to much of the madness: that God opens doors for us in our struggles. Even when we feel abandoned by some Christians and slighted by the Church, He places people in our lives to help us learn and grow in faith and in humility while also planting the seeds of good relationships. He lights our path with the lamps of eternal truth, guiding the journey with bold brethren and compassionate compatriots who speak up and reach out in love, letting us know that we are indeed not alone. Father John is one of those sparks – a courageous and caring voice in the dark, dangerous, and demonic wilderness.
Comments
That was just wonderful! I have absolutely no doubt that a man who understands the truth of history and is so articulate in disseminating that truth must be a wonderful man of God. Such a thoughtful, intelligent and wonderful priest. I am a man without a church, per say. I was raised in the Episcopal Church but that institution was consumed by secular humanism and is now little more than a country club for wealthy old leftists. I floated over to the Church of Rome, but just as I entered the church it became wrapped up in that whole pedophilia scandal and at the same time opened its arms to the invasion of illegal aliens, so I left them. I may have to investigate the Eastern Orthodox Church. I love their adherence to tradition.
Try St. Nicholas on for size! I’ve heard incredible things about the parish and its priest, Father Steven Webb. Visit and then meet with Father and ask him every question you have. I bet you’ll throw him some doozies and he will most certainly rise to the occasion. Even if it ends up that Orthodoxy is not your cup of tea, I bet you will enjoy the experiences and meet some pretty cool laity, as well. Good luck, William. I will be praying for you, as I know how loving Jesus but not having a church home feels – been there many times – but God will open the doors you need. He always does. https://www.stnicholasoc.org/
Try St. Nicholas on for size! I’ve heard incredible things about the parish and its priest, Father Steven Webb. Visit and then meet with Father and ask him every question you have. I bet you’ll throw him some doozies and he will most certainly rise to the occasion. Even if it ends up that Orthodoxy is not your cup of tea, I bet you will enjoy the experiences and meet some pretty cool laity, as well. Good luck, William. I will be praying for you, as I know how loving Jesus but not having a church home feels – been there many times – but God will open the doors you need. He always does. https://www.stnicholasoc.org/