Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Archpriest Fr. Ivan Shandra, priest at Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto and author of "From 'Then' to 'Now': God's Providence in Action," about one of Christianity's most profound questions: God's providence.
The conversation examines the Orthodox understanding of God's plan for humanity, how the Incarnation reveals God's purpose for creation, the call to theosis, and whether our choices can interfere with God's will. Fr. Ivan also explains how God can bring good out of suffering and human failure, what role prayer plays in God's providence, and how Christians can discern the difference between genuine guidance from God and mere coincidence.
The episode also includes responses to audience questions about why Orthodox Christians ask a priest for a blessing and kiss his hand, and how the Orthodox Church understands and ministers to those struggling with mental illness.
Learn more about Fr. Ivan Shandra:
IvanShandra.com
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on July 26, 2026.
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Archpriest Fr. Ivan Shandra, priest at Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto and author of "From 'Then' to 'Now': God's Providence in Action," about one of Christianity's most profound questions: God's providence.
The conversation examines the Orthodox understanding of God's plan for humanity, how the Incarnation reveals God's purpose for creation, the call to theosis, and whether our choices can interfere with God's will. Fr. Ivan also explains how God can bring good out of suffering and human failure, what role prayer plays in God's providence, and how Christians can discern the difference between genuine guidance from God and mere coincidence.
The episode also includes responses to audience questions about why Orthodox Christians ask a priest for a blessing and kiss his hand, and how the Orthodox Church understands and ministers to those struggling with mental illness.
Learn more about Fr. Ivan Shandra:
IvanShandra.com
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on July 26, 2026.
