Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Archpriest Jonathan Ivanoff, rector of St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church in Shirley, New York, and co-host of The Transfigured Life podcast, about one of the most important questions in the Christian life: Can a Christian know with certainty that he is saved?
The conversation explores the Orthodox understanding of salvation as a lifelong journey of union with Christ, the meaning of assurance of salvation, and how it differs from the idea of a one-time decision or guarantee. Fr. Jonathan discusses what it means to trust in God's mercy while avoiding presumption, whether salvation can be gained or lost, and St. Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." He also offers pastoral guidance for those who struggle with fear or uncertainty about their salvation.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about the role of the Orthodox priesthood and the Church's teaching on cremation.
Learn more about Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff and St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church:
StJohnTheTheologian.com
🎵 Opening music: "Let My Prayer Arise" performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, from the album The Powers of Heaven (2005).
With permission of harmonia mundi France © 2026.
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
đź‘Ť Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on June 28, 2026.
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Archpriest Jonathan Ivanoff, rector of St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church in Shirley, New York, and co-host of The Transfigured Life podcast, about one of the most important questions in the Christian life: Can a Christian know with certainty that he is saved?
The conversation explores the Orthodox understanding of salvation as a lifelong journey of union with Christ, the meaning of assurance of salvation, and how it differs from the idea of a one-time decision or guarantee. Fr. Jonathan discusses what it means to trust in God's mercy while avoiding presumption, whether salvation can be gained or lost, and St. Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." He also offers pastoral guidance for those who struggle with fear or uncertainty about their salvation.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about the role of the Orthodox priesthood and the Church's teaching on cremation.
Learn more about Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff and St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church:
StJohnTheTheologian.com
🎵 Opening music: "Let My Prayer Arise" performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, from the album The Powers of Heaven (2005).
With permission of harmonia mundi France © 2026.
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
đź‘Ť Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on June 28, 2026.
