St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church in America
9100 El Portal Dr. Tampa, Florida 33604
Audio Sermons
Weekly & Holyday Sermons

The following are Sunday and Holyday sermons and homilies that have been given by Fr. Joseph. They are in mp3 format and may either be listened to directly on your computer or downloaded to an iPod. (It is necessary that your computer's audio player be installed and set to play mp3 files if you wish to listen directly. We highly recommend Windows Media Player, when you set it to play mp3 files it will play directly from our site without the need to down load the audio file).

Please help us to better serve you with our postings of audio sermons.  If you listen to our sermons please take a moment to email us and let us know which sermon(s) you listened to and if you felt any were spiritually helpful to you.  You will not be contacted and no list of email addresses are maintained. Thank you. Our email address is jjciar@hotmail.com

 

AUGUST 8TH
FASTING AND FORGIVENESS-YOU CAN'T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER
(Click Here)

AUGUST 1ST
FAST PERIODS-TRAINING FOR BATTLE WITH THE EVIL ONE
(Click Here)

JUNE 6TH
ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONONIZATION OF ST. HERMAN OF ALSAKA
A REFLECTION BY ARCHBISHOP DMITRI

Almost forty years ago, and when he was the Bishop of Berkley, on Archbishop Dmitri, founder and first bishop if the Diocese of the South, gave the keynote reflection at the canonization of St. Herman of Alaska. On this Sunday of the Saints of North America, Fr. Joseph read this still informative and spiritual address by His Eminence. (Click Here)

MAY 30TH
"A CLOUD OF WITNESSES"  THE ORTHODOX SAINTS

On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Joseph explores who saints are and our relationship with them. (Click Here)

May 16th
OUR PERSONAL HERESIES.

On this Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, Fr. Joseph explores what a heresy is and how our pride can lead us to our "personal heresies. (Click Here)

May 9th
ON THE SECOND COMING

On the second coming of Christ and how we are to be prepared for it. (Click Here)

APRIL 25TH
PART III OF SERIES ON PARISH LIFE.

Sermon on parish ministry to all mankind. We explore our upcoming Africa mission trips and hear from two of the missionaries. (Click Here)

SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH BEARING WOMEN.
PART II OF SERIES ON PARISH LIFE.

In the parish the saints are equipped for the doing of all good works in the service of Christ. (Click Here)

THOMAS SUNDAY
SERMON SERIES ON PARISH LIFE BEGINS.

Parish life is the foundation of our following of Christ. Here we are fed by His word in the Scriptures and by His body and blood in the Eucharist. Here we unconditionally love and are loved by each other. (Click Here)

PALM SUNDAY

From "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him" in 5 days. What happened? (Click Here)

SERMON SERIES ON DOUBT

   Fr. Joseph gave a two part sermon series on doubt. The first part dealt with doubt caused by trying to assimilate worldly values into are lives. By trying to be "of the world" when we are not. Part I may be heard by clicking here.
   Part II of the sermon series on doubt explored doubt as occasioned by the scandals in the church. To listen to Part II click here.

 

SERMON ON PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION 

On October 12th, Fr. Joseph preached a sermon applying Orthodox beliefs to the present economic times.  True believers must show the world that they have faith in our provident Father. While America has put its trust in money, we, Orthodox, must help it to instead put its trust in God. To listen to the sermon click here.

SERMON SERIES ON THE HOLY MYSTERIES (SACRAMENTS)

A sermon series on the Holy Mysteries of the Orthodox Church by Fr. Joseph is available here on our website.  This series, consisting of twelve parts, explores the seven sacraments as well as grace itself. Since we are a sacramental Church, Fr. Joseph thought it appropriate that we should explore these great gifts from God.  Whether we are senior citizen cradle Orthodox or recent converts, these sermons shed light on the history, ritual and grace giving aspect of each of the Holy Mysteries. They may be played either as streaming audio or down loaded to an iPod or an mp3 player.  To see the varying topics dealing with the sacraments as well as other past sermons click here.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ON FASTING - PART II

The conclusion of St. John's sermon on fasting emphasizing that we must guard not so much what goes into our mouth as what comes out of it. Click Here

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ON FASTING - PART I

The beginning of St. John's sermon on the necessity and manor of fasting. Click Here

FORGIVENESS FROM THE HEART

Why is forgiveness of those who have injured us necessary for a successful Great Fast? Click Here

LAST JUDGEMENT

A discussion of the necessity of good works for our salvation. Also a look at the judgement of God. Click Here

 

A HUMBLE HEART IS A NECESSITY FOR PROFITABLE FASTING.
CLICK HERE

FASTING LETS US RISE ABOVE OUR SINS TO BETTER KNOW JESUS.
CLICK HERE

"LET DOWN THE NETS!" EVANGELISM PART I.
Click Here.

EVANGELIZING OURSELVES, OUR FAMILIES AND OUR FIRENDS. EVANGELISM PART II
Click Here

THE INCARNATION-GOD INCOMPREHENSIBLE.
CLICK HERE

CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE BRIDE OF CHRIST AND THE FAMILY OF BELIEVERS
CLICK HERE

THE PARABLE OF THE FOOLISH RICH MAN-ORTHODXY AND WEALTH
CLICK HERE

MONASTICISM-THE LEVAN OF ORTHODOXY
CLICK HERE

THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION-
THE COMING CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION AND CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE.
CLICK HERE

 

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN-A CALL TO SERVE ALL WHO ARE IN NEED.

 

The Lord used the parable of the Good Samaritan to define who is our neighbor and to illustrate what is expected of us as neighbor. Click Here.

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN-A CALL TO SERVE ALL WHO ARE IN NEED.

The Lord used the parable of the good Samaritan to define who is our neighbor and to illustrate what is expected of us as neighbor. Click Here.

 

CHRIST HAS PROMISED ETERNAL LIFE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM,
NOT FREEDOM FROM DIFFICULTIES.

This sermon is based on the "thorn in the flesh" suffered by St. Paul during his life. Despite being an apostle and evangelizer and a chosen of God, St. Paul suffered much, including martyrdom, during his time as a follower of Christ. (Click Here)

EVANGELIZING OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

This sermon, based on the man from whom the demons were cast out into the pigs, deals with our need to evangelize our family and our friends by telling them of the great things that God has done for us in our lives. (Click Here)

 

SERVING GOD OR MAMMON
THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN'S RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY.

We explore the teachings of Jesus and of the Epistle writers regarding the relationship of the Christian to riches and money. Our inquiry focuses on Jesus' admonition that His followers cannot serve both God and money. Click here.

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

This sermon is based on the commentary of Archbishop Dmitri on the parable of the sower found in his book The Parables. It points out the necessity of being synergistic with the grace of God's word. Click here to listen.

ON PUTTING GOD TO THE TEST BY TITHING.

In Malachi 3:10 God challenges us to "try" Him, that is to put Him to the test, in His promise that if we tithe He will pour out His blessings in return. Some Orthodox believe wrongly that tithing is a "Protestant" idea. In fact, it is biblical (both Old and New Testament) and therefore Christian and therefore very Orthodox. Now available is a sermon from Fr. Joseph on the necessity and the joy of tithing. To listen click here.

September 27, 2009 "Submitting to God's Will."  (Click Here)

August 23, 2009 "We must forgive in order to be forgiven." (Click Here)

August 9, 2009 "On St. Herman of Alaska." (Click Here)

August 2, 2009 "We are all called to be martyrs." (Click Here)

June 13, 2009 "Woe be on to him who speaks of evil as good and good as evil. (Click Here)

June 7, 2009 Pentecost-The Holy Spirit Among Us." (Click Here)

May 24, 2009 "Even Satin 'Believes' in Jesus Christ." (Click Here.)

May 17, 2009 "What is the  purpose of an Orthodox Parish?" (Click Here.)

FR. JOSEPH'S SERMON ON THE PRO-ABORTION BILL
"FREEDOM OF CHOICE ACT."

Fr. Joseph gives a homily on the slaughter of the Innocents by King Herod and how it is continuing today. (Click Here ) For more on the sin of abortion and the duty of Orthodox Christians regarding it, please scroll down to a three part series on abortion.

FR. JOSEPH'S SERMON ON THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF ORTHODOXY
AND THE RECENT RIOTS IN GREECE.

Fr. Joseph's sermon entitled "Once Orthodox-Always Saved. Orthodox Anarchy" is available. (Click Here.)

 

March 8, 2009 Sunday of Orthodoxy-"What does it mean to be Orthodox?" (Click Here)

February 1, 2009 The Great Fast is our Sycamore Tree. (Click Here)

January 4, 2009 Perseverance and Endurance-Necessities for Salvation (Click Here)

December 28, 2008 "The Slaughter of the Innocent Continues-The Pro-Abortion Bill-"Freedom of Choice Act" (Click Here)

December 14, 2008 "Once Orthodox Always Saved-Orthodox Anarchy" (Fr. Joseph explores the recent riots in Greece and how Orthodox Christians can be anarchists of the faith.) (Click Here)

December 7, 2008 "The Thankful Leper".  On Humility and Thankfulness. (Click Here) 

November 16, 2008  Fr. Joseph's observations to the parishioners regarding the election of the new Metropolitan. (Click Here)

October 26, 2008  On the Sufficiency of God's Grace. (Click Here)

October 19, 2008  We are to be doers of the word not just hearers. (Click Here)

October 12, 2008  Hard Economic Times Require Orthodoxy. (Click Here)

September 14, 2008 "I was hungry and you fed me with the Gospel." (Click Here)

September 7, 2008 The Mission of the Church is to be Missionary. (Clich Here)

August 24, 2008, Jesus' Great Condescension (Click Here)

August 17, 2008 Walking On the Water Is Not As Easy As It Looks. (Click Here)

MULTI-PART SERIES ON THE SACRAMENTS.

Part XII    August 10th, 2008 Holy Orders-Loving God's People. (Click Here)

Part XI    August 3rd, 2008 Holy Unction-For the Healing of Body and Soul. (Click Here)

Part X    July 27th, 2008 Marriage-A Union of Three. (Click Here)

Part IX   July 20th, 2008 Eucharist (con't)-The Body of Christ-How Often Should We Receive? (Click Here)

Part VIII July 13th, 2008  Eucharist (con't)-The Fruits of Communion (Click Here)

Part VII  July 6th, 2008  Eucharist-the Food for Eternal Life. (Click Here)

Part VI  June 29, 2008 Confession Continued-Examination of Conscience and the Shooting Sports. (Click Here)

Part V   June 22, 2008  Confession-God's Way of Forgiveness (Click Here)

Part IV  June 15, 2008 Chrismation-a Personal Pentecost. (Click Here)

Part III  June 8, 2008 Baptism-the Sanctifying Waters. (Click Here) [Per Fr. Joseph, please listen to the beginning of the June 15th Sermon on Chrismation for a clarification on the issue of rebaptism.

Part II  June 1, 2008 God Gives Us His Grace Through the Holy Mysteries. (Click Here)

Part I   May 25, 2008  Series on Sacraments begins.  Grace-The Power of God. (Click Here)

_________________________________________________________________________________

May 11, 2008 Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers. Respect for the Body of the Departed--Orthodox Funerals. (Click Here)

May 4, 2008 Thomas Sunday.  "A Changed Life Is The Best Witness To The Gospel. (Click Here)

April 20, 2008 Palm Sunday.  "To Know Him Is To Love Him". (Click Here)

April 13, 2008 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt. "The Fast Creates Humility and From Humility Comes Virtue. (Click Here)

April 6, 2008 Due to technical difficulties we are not able to present that sermon.

March 30, 2008 Sunday of the Cross. "The Three Steps on the Way to Eternal Life." (Click Here)

March 23, 2008 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas.  "Jesus' odd reply to the paralytic."  (Click Here)

March 16, 2008 Sunday of Orthodoxy. "Icons-Are they graven images?" (Click Here)

Preparing for the Great Fast--A five part series dealing with the themes of the five Sunday Gospel Readings leading up to the start of the Great Fast.

Part V Forgiveness Sunday-March 9, 2008-"The Need to Forgive and To Be Forgiven. (Click Here).

Part IV Last Judgment- March 2, 2008-"It Is Last and It Is Judgment. (Click Here).

Part III Sunday of the Prodigal Son-February 24, 2008-"Father and Son, Both Prodigals". (Click Here).

Part II Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee-February 17, 2008-"The Tax Collector Shows The Way."(Click Here)

Part I Zacchaeus Sunday-February 10, 2008-"The Great Fast is our Sycamore Tree". (Click Here).

Sanctity of Life--A three part series on the sanctity of life from an Orthodox perspective.

Part III Sanctity of Life--February 3, 2008--The End is as Sacred as the Beginning--  Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide. ( Click Here).

Part II Sanctity of Life--January 27, 2008--"Embryos Are Babies Too" Embryonic Stem Cell Research. (Click Here).

Part I  Sanctity of Life--January 20, 2008 Sanctity of Life Sunday--"Abortion-Societal Guilt". (Click Here).

January 13, 2008 Sunday after Theophany--Repent and Find the Kingdom Within.
                               (Click Here).

January 6, 2008  Theophany--John the Forerunner-Obedient Servant.  (Click Here).

December 30, 2007  Slaughter of the Innocent & the 1st Commandment.  (Click Here).

December 25, 2007  Nativity--Letter from Archbishop Dmitiri.  (Click Here).

Nativity Fast Sermon Series
  This is a four part series on Jesus coming into the world and the reasons for so doing.

     1. December 2, 2007.   Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. (Click Here).

     2. December 9, 2007.   Jesus came to teach us by His example.  (Click Here).

     3. December 16, 2007  Jesus came to found His Church.  (Click Here).

     4. December 23, 2007  Jesus came to redeem mankind.  (Click Here).

March 15, 2009-"Drifting Away-Negligence in Our Spiritual Life." (Click Here)

TIMELY SERMON ON MARRIAGE

 

FR. JOSEPH'S RECENT SERMON ON HOLY MATRIMONY AND "SAME SEX MARRIAGE" IS NOW AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORM.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.



St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church, of the OCA Diocese of the South, is centrally located in Tampa, FL serving the entire Tampa Bay area.
Our phone number is (813) 933-9807.
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Schedule
Tuesday, March 19
7:00 Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 2)
Wednesday, March 20
7:00 Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 3)
Thursday, March 21
7:00 Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 4)
SERMONS BY FR. JOSEPH

FR. JOSEPH'S SERMON ON SUPREME COURT DECISION REDEFINING MARRIAGE.
A sermon by Fr. Joseph regarding the recent Supreme Court decision legalizing same sex "marriage" and what should be the reaction of the Orthodox Church and of individual Orthodox Christians. Click here.

Video


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St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church
9100 El Portal Dr.; Tampa, FL 33604
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The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America, the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

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St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church is part of the Diocese of the South, which is presided over by His Grace Alexander, Bishop of Dallas and the South. Our mission is bringing the joy of Christ's resurrection to those who have never heard the Good News, and to strengthen and encourage the faithful who reside within Old Forge and the local area. 

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The Holy Scripture is a collection of books written over multiple centuries by those inspired by God to do so. It is the primary witness to the Orthodox Christian faith, within Holy Tradition and often described as its highest point. It was written by the prophets and apostles in human language, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and collected, edited, and canonized by the Church.

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Holiness or sainthood is a gift (charisma) given by God to man, through the Holy Spirit. Man's effort to become a participant in the life of divine holiness is indispensable, but sanctification itself is the work of the Holy Trinity, especially through the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ, who was incarnate, suffered crucifixion, and rose from the dead, in order to lead us to the life of holiness, through the communion with the Holy Spirit.

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