Welcome to the “Conversations” video series. The series was initiated, recorded, and edited by Victor Downing, founder of Global Advantage, Inc. For many years Vic worked with a select group of “Fortune 100” corporations to select and train their executive leaders. Though now retired, Vic still exercises his gift of wanting to make other people successful. He is a faithful member of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, in Kodiak, AK. I was introduced to Vic by Archbishop DAVID of Alaska, of blessed memory, when I arrived on Kodiak Island to teach at St. Herman Seminary in January 2015. Over the next four years a friendship formed that continues to this day, for which I am most grateful. This project began when Vic sent two lists of questions to me, entitled:
What distinguishes an Orthodox Christian in America? 15 Issues I Hear Regularly and,
10 Questions People Who Aren’t Orthodox Want to Ask.
After I reviewed the lists and agreed they were good questions, he proposed having an informal, unscripted conversation with me about each question, just like we did almost every week in Kodiak, often with a small gathering of men, sharing strong cups of coffee. But unlike then, he wanted to record them. And so, it was agreed. These “Conversations” are not meant to be definitive theological teaching, but rather pastoral insights and applications from my own experience as a missionary whose job it is to translate the Christian message so that it can be “good news” (i.e., Gospel) to those I serve. One can go much deeper with every video, and do so with great saints and scholars, often quoted. I hope you will. And as always, “correct me where I have erred.”
Fr. David, St. Augustine, December 2021
Questions, comments, helpful suggestions for future recording? Feel free to write: david@synergylife.coach
Recording Roster
- Why do we say “Lord Have Mercy” so many times in Orthodox prayers?
Recorded March 8, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPU7TV63-oI
2. Why do Orthodox make the sign of the Cross?
Recorded March 8, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxn2UMNGMW4
3. Why do Orthodox use icons, and stand in the services?
Recorded March 15, 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeJraXr1tJA
4. An Invitation Into Reality: Repentance and the Kingdom of God
Recorded April 1, 2021 https://youtu.be/L6y5Qw3afnQ
5. Fatherhood, Community, and Forgiveness
Recorded April 8, 2021 https://youtu.be/-bqmQB0PVgY
6. Mary: What it Means to be a True Human Being
Recorded April 19, 2021 https://youtu.be/59pCrWEFF5I
7. Infant Baptism and Participation in the Eucharist: It’s not just about the baby
Recorded May 3, 2021 https://youtu.be/tvbjXN9U7I8
8. The Bible, The Fathers, Jesus, The Church… Truth?
Recorded May 10, 2021 https://youtu.be/odPhIXu6nzY
9. Good works, Grace, and Salvation (the value of Orthodox ascetical practices)
Recorded May 17, 2021 https://youtu.be/YDLotPMKQTA..
10. A Christian Understanding of Authority
Recorded May 24, 2021 https://youtu.be/zcWt5IPvQP8
11. Confession
Recorded June 1, 2021 https://youtu.be/WY-VIbS_5Tg
12. Prayer
Recorded June 7, 2021 https://youtu.be/eYI1BC1KlFc
13. Sever Mercies: Illnesses and Death
Recorded June 21, 2021 https://youtu.be/x8X8cK4tXYU
14. Stewardship
Recorded July 12, 2021 https://youtu.be/7Vo_CaXwpYY
15. Hierarchical—Conciliarity and the Body of Christ
Recorded 7/19/21 https://youtu.be/S2s97FGsLPY
