Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Fr. Peter Runyon, rector of Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Oregon, about why Orthodox Christians honor the Mother of God.
The conversation explores why Mary is called the Theotokos and Panagia, what Scripture and Holy Tradition tell us about her life, and why she holds such a prominent place in Orthodox worship and devotional life. Fr. Peter explains the Orthodox understanding of Mary’s holiness and perpetual virginity, and discusses why Orthodox Christians ask the Theotokos for her intercessions.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about why Orthodox churches use incense and how parents can respond when an adult child has walked away from the Church.
Learn more about Fr. Peter Runyon and Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church:
Gabriel.church
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on August 23, 2026.
In this episode of The Ancient Church, host Polina Leiser speaks with Fr. Peter Runyon, rector of Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Oregon, about why Orthodox Christians honor the Mother of God.
The conversation explores why Mary is called the Theotokos and Panagia, what Scripture and Holy Tradition tell us about her life, and why she holds such a prominent place in Orthodox worship and devotional life. Fr. Peter explains the Orthodox understanding of Mary’s holiness and perpetual virginity, and discusses why Orthodox Christians ask the Theotokos for her intercessions.
The episode includes responses to audience questions about why Orthodox churches use incense and how parents can respond when an adult child has walked away from the Church.
Learn more about Fr. Peter Runyon and Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church:
Gabriel.church
👉 Submit your questions at AncientChurchShow.com
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support the program.
Originally aired on theDove TV & Radio on August 23, 2026.
