Overview
This conversation features a wide-ranging interview with Father Josiah Trenham, an Eastern Orthodox priest, covering his personal background, the development and theology of his parish, Eastern Orthodox practices, reflections on Christian culture, and interdenominational issues, along with plans for an upcoming marriage conference.
Father Josiah's Background and Parish Development
- Raised in Pasadena, California, married for 38 years with 10 children and 7 grandchildren.
- Became a priest in 1993 and led the development of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, starting from a warehouse and later building a substantial parish and school.
- The church architecture is modeled after a 13th-century Greek church, emphasizing sacred art and orientation towards the east.
Theology and Eastern Orthodox Practices
- Explains the significance of church orientation (facing east) and associated rituals such as renouncing Satan by facing west and turning east to pledge loyalty to Christ.
- Stresses the importance of integrating worship into daily life, including having dedicated prayer spaces in the home.
- Describes the Christian view that worship and church are central to life, and the split between "sacred" and "secular" is unnatural and a consequence of sin.
Reflections on Christian Culture and Institutions
- Discusses the Christian origins of universities and hospitals, lamenting their secularization and loss of ethical foundations.
- Draws a parallel between chronic and acute illness and persistent versus occasional sins, referencing St. Basil’s teachings.
- Encourages using personal talents for spiritual growth and contributing to society, aligning life’s ambitions with Christian purpose.
Scriptural and Doctrinal Discussion
- Explores biblical themes around heart transformation, sanctification, and the Holy Spirit’s role in the Christian life.
- Emphasizes salvation as a process with past, present, and future aspects, referencing Paul’s teachings on spiritual struggle and glorification.
- Offers an Orthodox perspective on issues such as the filioque controversy, explaining why Orthodox theology insists the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father.
Interdenominational Issues and Contemporary Events
- Details historical suffering of Orthodox Christians under Islamic rule and the legacy of the Crusades.
- Responds to criticism over ecumenical collaboration, emphasizing the importance of unity on broader cultural issues like marriage without requiring doctrinal agreement on every point.
- Affirms that God can use Christians from various traditions to accomplish His purposes.
Upcoming Marriage Conference
- Announces a conference on October 10–11 at the Fox Theater in Riverside, featuring speakers from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant backgrounds.
- The goal is to uphold marriage and family as foundational to Christian culture and society.
Action Items
- October 10–11 – Father Josiah and Team: Host the Marriage Conference at the Fox Theater, Riverside.
- TBD – Interested Attendees: Register for the marriage conference via themarriageconference.com.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Further explanation requested on the filioque controversy and its significance.
- Interest in more detailed discussion on the relationship between suffering, chronic sin, and spiritual formation.
- Plans to invite Father Josiah back for a follow-up interview.