Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Fr. Thomas Frisby, parish priest at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Arizona, about the growing number of young people discovering Orthodoxy and what they are searching for in today's world.
Many Orthodox parishes across North America are seeing an increase in young men entering the Church. Why is this happening? What spiritual hunger is drawing them to Orthodoxy, and what challenges do they face once they arrive? Fr. Thomas shares insights from his own experience as a former Baptist pastor who found Orthodoxy and now ministers to many converts navigating faith, identity, relationships, and spiritual growth.
The conversation explores the appeal of Orthodoxy among young adults, the dangers of "online Orthodoxy," the importance of parish life and spiritual fathers, healing from shame and past sins, and practical advice for those seeking marriage and deeper communion with Christ. Fr. Thomas also discusses what distinguishes those who mature spiritually in the Church from those who eventually drift away.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about venerating icons and discerning God's will without becoming consumed by uncertainty and anxiety.
Learn more about Fr. Thomas Frisby's parish:
HolyCrossAZ.org
🎵 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
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on June 14, 2026.
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Fr. Thomas Frisby, parish priest at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Arizona, about the growing number of young people discovering Orthodoxy and what they are searching for in today's world.
Many Orthodox parishes across North America are seeing an increase in young men entering the Church. Why is this happening? What spiritual hunger is drawing them to Orthodoxy, and what challenges do they face once they arrive? Fr. Thomas shares insights from his own experience as a former Baptist pastor who found Orthodoxy and now ministers to many converts navigating faith, identity, relationships, and spiritual growth.
The conversation explores the appeal of Orthodoxy among young adults, the dangers of "online Orthodoxy," the importance of parish life and spiritual fathers, healing from shame and past sins, and practical advice for those seeking marriage and deeper communion with Christ. Fr. Thomas also discusses what distinguishes those who mature spiritually in the Church from those who eventually drift away.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about venerating icons and discerning God's will without becoming consumed by uncertainty and anxiety.
Learn more about Fr. Thomas Frisby's parish:
HolyCrossAZ.org
🎵 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
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on June 14, 2026.
