Many thanks to Ancient Faith Radio for graciously sharing its podcasts of the Conference on Poverty at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. The May 31-June 1 event was co-hosted by the Acton Institute. The conference was offered as a tribute to Deacon John Zarras, a 2006 alumnus of the seminary who earned his M.Div. degree over a period of several years as a late–vocations student. Deacon John, who fell asleep in the Lord last year, also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and the president of the St. Vladimir’s Seminary Foundation.

What follows are four separate audio feeds, including Q&A follow up, from the Poverty Conference. Ancient Faith is broadcasting these as part of its regular podcasts by the Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir’s. But first listen to Fr. Chad’s May 24 broadcast, in which he addresses negative reaction to Acton’s participation in the conference by some associated with the seminary. He reminds listeners that Acton, on the issue of poverty, can provide a fresh and different approach that’s effective.

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From Ancient Faith:

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow and noted author Jay Richards was the keynote speaker at the Conference on Poverty, May 31-June 1, 2013, at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Co-hosted by the Acton Institute, the event featured speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who offered fresh ideas for Orthodox Christians on how to effectively minister to the poor. Other speakers and panelists included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, St. Vlad’s alumnus and officer in the National Council of Churches; Seminary Trustee Dr. Nicholas Pandelidis; Fr Phililp LeMaster, Dean of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University in Abilene, TX; Michael Miller of the Poverty Cure at Acton; John Couretas of Acton; and director of FOCUS North America in Pittsburgh, Subdeacon Paul Abernathy.

Poverty Conference — ONE (May 31, 2013. Length: 96:29)

Opening Address: Jay Richards, “How to Alleviate Widespread Poverty.” Responding panelists: LeMasters, Pandelidis, Abernathy.

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Poverty Conference — TWO (June 1, 2013. Length: 76:05)

Fr. Philip LeMasters, “Fasting and the Poor.” Responding panelists: Kireopoulos, Miller, Couretas.

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Poverty Conference — THREE (June 1, 2013. Length: 96:23)

Michael Matheson Miller, “From Aid to Enterprise.”

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Poverty Conference — FOUR (June 1, 2013. Length: 78:40)

“What is Social Justice?” Panelists: Kireopoulos, Pandelidis, Abernathy, Couretas.

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