City of Bridges Podcast - Theology Towards Unity

About City of Bridges Podcast - Theology Towards Unity

With this humble podcast, we’re leaning into unity and reconciliation. We’re inviting Christians and spiritual seekers of all kinds to spend time under this “big tent” of Ancient Christianity. ✝️ We’ll do that by sharing our personal experiences and discussing ancient theology in a contemporary way. 🤼♂️

Publisher

City of Bridges Podcast

Category

religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Aug 2025

Latest episode

7 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Mar 2026

   S1:E6 - Procession, Hierarchy, and Communion

   The power of God as revealed through Jesus Christ does not assert itself through conquest, dominance, genetic inheritance, or legal-rational claim. Every believer—every office of the Church—participates in the abundant, eternal life of the Holy Trinity, where the Spirit proceeds from the Father, the Son is his only begotten, and all are submitted to the other. Ordination affirms the call of God in a particular person as recognized by the local church, invoking the Spirits procession through the laying on of hands, transmitting apostolic authority as pure gift of Gods own life. Bishops, Priests and Deacons are to embody Christ through participation in his self-emptying kenosis, serving and reconciling Gods people, washing feet, feeding the poor and bearing others burdens rather than exercising privilege and self-aggrandizement. Leaders are called to safeguard the unity of faith and life, using their authority to bind and heal, reconciling human brokenness to eternal communion (koinonia) under the Kingship of Christ. Perichoresis, the mutual interpenetration of Father, Son, and Spirit, without confusion or division, instructs both lay and ordained that no person can act in isolation if they are to be in communion with the Trinity and the Body of Christ. Each member of the Trinity indwells and glorifies the others. So, Christians, whether laity or clergy, should consider prioritizing others over themselves as a matter of principle and practice. The Church traditionally holds hierarchy and mutuality in tension. Whereas, these eternal patterns have been fractured in the modern age, drifting apart over time, with authority being more concentrated in one person in some churches and authority being diffuse, egalitarian or anarchistic in other churches. Like most such dichotomies, authority and equality are not actually opposing forces. Narration:By contrast, the world tends to lead through popularity, self-assertion, coercion, and sometimes competence or expertise. Rule is often framed as a zero-sum competition where hierarchy confers status, and power dynamics dictate “winners” at the expense of “losers.” Accountability may be electoral, legal or corporate, but it is often limited. We envision segmented groups vying for attention and seniority, rather than people united in communion towards a common end. To be sure, Christians, lay and ordained, and embodied church structures manifest and experience fallen motivations, succumbing to sin, taking their eyes off Christ, posturing, gossiping and lording it over one another. Even still, the ideal is one of mutual submission, self-offering and cooperation. In traditional churches, Gods people— laity, clergy and bishops—discern God’s will together, listing to the Holy Spirit, praying and discussing the issues currently facing the church, locally and collectively. This process is known as synodality or “walking together.” To participate in synod is to journey together in communion and with shared mission, seeking unity in taking best advantage of opportunities and tackling problems. Biblical foundations: • Acts 15: The Council of Jerusalem is the first recorded synod, where apostles and elders gathered to discern how Gentiles could be welcomed into the Church.• Jesus’ promise in Matthew 18:20—“Where two or three are gathered in my name…”—is often cited as the spiritual root of synodal gathering Patristic Era: • Early bishops met in regional synods to resolve doctrinal disputes and maintain unity.• The Ecumenical Councils (e.g., Nicaea, Chalcedon) were synodal in nature, gathering bishops from across the Christian world to define core doctrines. ConclusionSynodality doesn’t replace hierarchy—it transfigures it. It invites bishops and clergy to lead with the people, not over them. It’s a model of leadership shaped by: • Kenosis (self-emptying love),• Perichoresis (mutual indwelling),and Communion (shared life in Christ). ------------------------------------------------------- Supp

2. 

   8 Dec 2025

   S1:E5 - Reduce, Define and Quantify

   Today, we live amid unprecedented wealth and technological power—and yet institutional trust and mental health are declining. As cracks appear in the “we can explain it all” mindset, disciplines like philosophy of mind, phenomenology, and ancient Christian theology offer more holistic frameworks. … Perhaps as a means of coping with complexity, confusion, and the stresses of the modern world, much of our spirituality and religious practice gets reduced to slogans and lowest-common-denominator practices. We avoid both cognitive dissonance and the mystery of God by trivializing and ignoring what we do not understand.

3. 

   21 Nov 2025

   S1:E4 - Big Thoughts vs. Concrete Actions (Faith and Works)

   Faith or Works? No Christian church worth its salt would suggest their ultimate divorce; though the semantics can get pretty heated. This episode attempts to show why this is another one of those Both/And issues.

4. 

   8 Nov 2025

   S1:E3.4 - Conversation with Leanne Bellamy

   In Episode 3.4 of City of Bridges, Deacon Aaron welcomes his friend Leanne Bellamy—a Christian, teacher, mother, wife, and passionate student of literature—for a warm and thought-provoking conversation about the books that shape our souls. Leanne shares how classic and Christian works—from Dante’s epic vision to the wit of Jane Austen and the spiritual imagination of C.S. Lewis—reveal God’s grace and mystery to attentive readers. Their dialogue touches on themes of grief and pain, the deceptive workings of propaganda, and the iconic nature of reality, inviting listeners to see literature as a sacred companion in the search for truth and beauty. ---- Visit our website to learn more about Holy Covenant Evangelical Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: https://www.holycovenantchurch.net/

5. 

   26 Oct 2025

   *Bonus Episode* - The Nicene Creed with Bp. Jakob Palm

   This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed — a confession of faith that has survived despite the many ruptures and divisions Christians have experienced since its inception. Born out of the early Church’s struggle to articulate the mystery of Christ and the unity of God in the face of heresy, the Creed was first shaped at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and deepened at Constantinople in 381. It became a shared anchor for Orthodox, Catholic, and many Protestant traditions — even as its interpretation and use have reflected the fractures and hopes of Christian history. In this conversation, I sit down with Bishop Jakob Palm to explore not just the theological contours of the Creed, but its personal resonance: how it shapes his life as a bishop, a husband, a father, and a friend. We’ll reflect on the Creed’s role in church unity, its enduring beauty, and the tensions it still holds — and ask what it means to confess faith in one God, one Lord, one Church, in a world that desperately longs for healing.

6. 

   24 Oct 2025

   S1:E3.3 - Conversation with Rebecca Munro

   In this episode of City of Bridges, Deacon Aaron sits down with his sister, Rebecca Munro—a small-town librarian in Vonda, Saskatchewan, a mother of four, and a recent convert to Catholicism. Having journeyed through Mennonite, Pentecostal, and evangelical communities before finding a home in the Catholic Church, Rebecca brings a rich and thoughtful perspective to their conversation. Together, they reflect on the Saints, the meaning of womanhood, and the ways faith opens paths of healing. Along the way, Rebecca’s creativity and passions shine through—from her love of music and storytelling to her delight in superheroes and Jane Austen. This is a tender and thoughtful exchange between siblings, weaving together family, faith, and the beauty of a life lived in search of God. ---- Visit our website to learn more about Holy Covenant Evangelical Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: https://www.holycovenantchurch.net/

7. 

   10 Oct 2025

   S1:E3.2 - Conversation with Kimball MacMillan

   City of Bridges Podcast - season one – episode 3.2 – Conversation with Kimbal MacMillan In a world fixated on fame, we often find ourselves admiring those in the spotlight. But beyond the buzz, who is truly worthy of our attention? 🔭 This episode, we explore the quiet beauty of Christian veneration—honoring lives shaped by Christ, marked by humility and love. It’s not about idolizing personalities, but lifting our eyes from the fleeting to the eternal. ✝️ Let’s rediscover the grace of turning our gaze from celebrity to sanctity. ❤️ The Creation affirms that matter is good, and the Incarnation reveals that matter can bear God’s presence—together making veneration not only possible, but proper, as we honor the ways God’s grace is made visible through the material world and His holy ones. 😇 Veneration means honoring, not worshipping. In the language of the early Church, worship—latria—is given to God alone. ✅ Veneration—dulia—is the respect we offer to saints and holy things, because they reflect God’s glory. 😌 We don’t adore them as gods. We honor them as faithful witnesses—lives made radiant by grace. Like stained glass, they let the light of Christ shine through.🔆 So when we kiss an icon or ask a saint to pray for us, we’re not worshipping the image or the person— we’re remembering what God has done through them, and seeking communion with the Body of Christ, across all time. ⏳ Veneration is not a distraction. It’s a way of drawing near to God through those who already dwell in His light. 💡 In a world that prizes charisma and celebrity, we often elevate those who shine brightest in the public eye. But Scripture offers us a different vision of greatness—one embodied in the quiet, radiant life of the Theotokos. 🤰 When Mary magnified the Lord, she did not seek glory for herself. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she proclaimed, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior… For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46–48). Her greatness was not in fame, but in faith. Not in power, but in surrender. 🛐 The saints follow in her footsteps. They are not icons of self-promotion, but windows into Christ. Their lives point beyond themselves—to the One who is holy, merciful, and true. In them, we see the communion of witnesses: a family of faith that spans centuries, praying with us and for us. 🙏 Meanwhile, the modern world offers its own pantheon—pop stars, influencers, politicians—figures celebrated not for holiness, but for visibility. Yet their fame fades. Their influence often distorts more than it heals. 🤑 So we ask: who do we love, and why? As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). The ones we admire shape the people we become.💪 To love well in this age is to choose wisely. To turn our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal. To learn from the saints, and from the Mother of God herself, who shows us that true glory is found in humility, obedience, and the quiet courage to say, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). 🗣️ 📚Additional Resources: “Evangelical Orthodox Church Worship” Talk by Bishop Jakob Palm at Horizon College & Seminary - https:

8. 

   26 Sept 2025

   S1:E3.1 - Conversation with Bp. Jerold Gliege (Emeritus)

   City of Bridges Podcast - season one – episode 3.1 – Conversation with Bp. Jerold Gliege (Emeritus) In a world fixated on fame, we often find ourselves admiring those in the spotlight. But beyond the buzz, who is truly worthy of our attention? 🔭 This episode, we explore the quiet beauty of Christian veneration—honoring lives shaped by Christ, marked by humility and love. It’s not about idolizing personalities, but lifting our eyes from the fleeting to the eternal. ✝️ Let’s rediscover the grace of turning our gaze from celebrity to sanctity. ❤️ The Creation affirms that matter is good, and the Incarnation reveals that matter can bear God’s presence—together making veneration not only possible, but proper, as we honor the ways God’s grace is made visible through the material world and His holy ones. 😇 Veneration means honoring, not worshipping. In the language of the early Church, worship—latria—is given to God alone. ✅ Veneration—dulia—is the respect we offer to saints and holy things, because they reflect God’s glory. 😌 We don’t adore them as gods. We honor them as faithful witnesses—lives made radiant by grace. Like stained glass, they let the light of Christ shine through.🔆 So when we kiss an icon or ask a saint to pray for us, we’re not worshipping the image or the person— we’re remembering what God has done through them, and seeking communion with the Body of Christ, across all time. ⏳ Veneration is not a distraction. It’s a way of drawing near to God through those who already dwell in His light. 💡 In a world that prizes charisma and celebrity, we often elevate those who shine brightest in the public eye. But Scripture offers us a different vision of greatness—one embodied in the quiet, radiant life of the Theotokos. 🤰 When Mary magnified the Lord, she did not seek glory for herself. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she proclaimed, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior… For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46–48). Her greatness was not in fame, but in faith. Not in power, but in surrender. 🛐 The saints follow in her footsteps. They are not icons of self-promotion, but windows into Christ. Their lives point beyond themselves—to the One who is holy, merciful, and true. In them, we see the communion of witnesses: a family of faith that spans centuries, praying with us and for us. 🙏 Meanwhile, the modern world offers its own pantheon—pop stars, influencers, politicians—figures celebrated not for holiness, but for visibility. Yet their fame fades. Their influence often distorts more than it heals. 🤑 So we ask: who do we love, and why? As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). The ones we admire shape the people we become.💪 To love well in this age is to choose wisely. To turn our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal. To learn from the saints, and from the Mother of God herself, who shows us that true glory is found in humility, obedience, and the quiet courage to say, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). 🗣️ 📚Additional Resources: “Evangelical Orthodox Church Worship” Talk by Bishop Jakob Palm at Horizon College & Seminary - https://youtu.be/ny8AyWz9pOo?si=KSyhFTQNW_9wx2aU

9. 

   12 Sept 2025

   S1:E3 - Who Do You Love?

   City of Bridges Podcast - season one – episode 3 – Who Do you Love? In a world fixated on fame, we often find ourselves admiring those in the spotlight. But beyond the buzz, who is truly worthy of our attention? 🔭 This episode, we explore the quiet beauty of Christian veneration—honoring lives shaped by Christ, marked by humility and love. It’s not about idolizing personalities, but lifting our eyes from the fleeting to the eternal. ✝️ Let’s rediscover the grace of turning our gaze from celebrity to sanctity. ❤️ The Creation affirms that matter is good, and the Incarnation reveals that matter can bear God’s presence—together making veneration not only possible, but proper, as we honor the ways God’s grace is made visible through the material world and His holy ones. 😇 Veneration means honoring, not worshipping. In the language of the early Church, worship—latria—is given to God alone. ✅ Veneration—dulia—is the respect we offer to saints and holy things, because they reflect God’s glory. 😌 We don’t adore them as gods. We honor them as faithful witnesses—lives made radiant by grace. Like stained glass, they let the light of Christ shine through.🔆 So when we kiss an icon or ask a saint to pray for us, we’re not worshipping the image or the person— we’re remembering what God has done through them, and seeking communion with the Body of Christ, across all time. ⏳ Veneration is not a distraction. It’s a way of drawing near to God through those who already dwell in His light. 💡 In a world that prizes charisma and celebrity, we often elevate those who shine brightest in the public eye. But Scripture offers us a different vision of greatness—one embodied in the quiet, radiant life of the Theotokos. 🤰 When Mary magnified the Lord, she did not seek glory for herself. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she proclaimed, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior… For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46–48). Her greatness was not in fame, but in faith. Not in power, but in surrender. 🛐 The saints follow in her footsteps. They are not icons of self-promotion, but windows into Christ. Their lives point beyond themselves—to the One who is holy, merciful, and true. In them, we see the communion of witnesses: a family of faith that spans centuries, praying with us and for us. 🙏 Meanwhile, the modern world offers its own pantheon—pop stars, influencers, politicians—figures celebrated not for holiness, but for visibility. Yet their fame fades. Their influence often distorts more than it heals. 🤑 So we ask: who do we love, and why? As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). The ones we admire shape the people we become.💪 To love well in this age is to choose wisely. To turn our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal. To learn from the saints, and from the Mother of God herself, who shows us that true glory is found in humility, obedience, and the quiet courage to say, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). 🗣️ 📚Additional Resources: “Evangelical Orthodox Church Worship” Talk by Bishop Jakob Palm at Horizon College & Seminary - https://youtu.be/ny8AyWz9pOo?si=KSyhFTQNW_9wx2aU St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) “We mention those who have fallen asleep in the faith… first the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive our petition.”— Catechetical Lectures, 23:9 St. John of Damascus (c. 675–749) “I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter, who became matter for my sake… I honor all matter through which salvation came to me.”— On the Divine Images, 1.16 St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379) “The honor given to the image passes to the prototype.”— On the Holy Spirit, 18.4 St. Augustine of Hippo (c. 354–430)“The miracles that were wrought through the relics of the martyrs are not to be lightly esteemed… God gives testimony to their holiness.”— City of God, 22.8 St. Ambros

10. 

    29 Aug 2025

    S1:E2 - “Okay, So What?” Why Old Things Still Matter

    Modern believers live in a world of reinvention—where new is often equated with better, and tradition can feel like the needless residue of another time. So it’s natural to ask, “What does any of this have to do with me?” 🤔 Rituals, icons, liturgy, sacraments—these ancient practices can seem distant or even burdensome to the contemporary mind. But what if they’re actually gifts? Not constraints, but doorways? 🚪 In this episode, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking deeper. Let’s try to rediscover a few things together. 👁️

11. 

    15 Aug 2025

    S1:E1 City of Bridges Podcast - The End of Everything

    The End of EVERYTHING! Telos! Doom! Hope and Reconciliation! Heaven! It’s all here. Now. In this very moment. Join us in this episode of the City of Bridges Podcast.

12. 

    8 Aug 2025

    S1:E0.5 City of Bridges Podcast - Introduction - Unity is our why

    With this humble podcast, we’re leaning into unity and reconciliation. We’re inviting Christians and spiritual seekers of all kinds to spend time under this “big tent” of Ancient Christianity. ✝️ We’ll do that by sharing our personal experiences and discussing ancient theology in a contemporary way. 🤼♂️

Contact City of Bridges Podcast - Theology Towards Unity

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.