Dissident Mama, episode 13 – Father John Whiteford

In lucky episode #13, I talk with Father John Whiteford, who’s a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) and head priest at St. Jonah Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas. He’s a former Nazarene Associate Pastor who converted to the Orthodox Faith soon after completing his B.A. in Religion at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Father John’s the author of “Sola Scriptura: An Orthodox Analysis of the Cornerstone of Reformation Theology” and the general editor of the St. Innocent Liturgical Calendar. You can also read his writings at his blog aptly named Father John Whiteford and hear his homilies on Ancient Faith Radio’s From the Amvon podcast.

The good father and I chat about secession, the War Between the States, the importance of history and being rooted, cultural Marxism, virtue signaling, covid-related church closures, challenging authority, and the necessity of being prepared mind, body, and soul for the worldly battles we face in this present spiritual war. Also mentioned in the podcast are Philip Ludwell III and Father Seraphim Rose’s influential and enduring book “Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age.”

On a personal note, Father John has been a strong shepherd for me and my family during these tenuous times. And there is the silver lining to much of the madness: that God opens doors for us in our struggles. Even when we feel abandoned by some Christians and slighted by the Church, He places people in our lives to help us learn and grow in faith and in humility while also planting the seeds of good relationships. He lights our path with eternal truths, and bold brethren and compassionate compatriots who speak up and reach out in love, letting us know that we are indeed not alone. I thank God that Father John is one of those sparks - a courageous and caring voice in the dark, dangerous, and demonic wilderness.