GOTelecom

Our series views the foundation and growth of the Orthodox Church through the historic milestones and the geographic locations connected to the specific eras of its life, examining the formation of major aspects of the Church’s Holy Tradition. Filmed on location, our journey begins with the founding of the Church, and continues with the spread of Christianity to the “nations” by the Apostles. This is the period of the Gospel, and the institution of the Sacraments. This first, formative, period culminates with the move of the Roman empire to the East, to Constantinople. We follow the stabilization of the Church, after the resolution of major issues in sacramental life, dogma and administration. This is the period of the Nicene Creed, the Patristic Scriptures, the Divine Liturgy and the Icons. The Church realized its apostolic mission, with the spread of the Gospel to the Slavic people in Europe. During this same period, however, we witness the official division of East and West, a conclusion to the gradual rift in matters of faith, dogma, church custom, politics and culture. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marks an era when the Church becomes the only institution perceived by the Greeks as the preserver of their national identity during 400 years of Turkish rule. By the end of the 19th century, hundreds of thousands of Orthodox immigrants spread throughout the world, to the “new” countries, shifting the center of influence within the Orthodox Churches to the New World. Although still associated with the churches in the countries they left behind, they provide the Orthodox Church with a new, youthful and dynamic perspective. This is the time when our Church becomes involved in the human rights struggle, other major social and philanthropic concerns, and the ecumenical movement, while at the same time helping the Orthodox immigrants become an integral part of mainstream societies. . INCLUDES A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE

Shipping Now

This video presents the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony as it is celebrated today, following the ritual step-by-step and explaining every symbolic act, such as the union of the hands, the exchange of rings and crowns, the common cup and the “Dance of Isaiah.” Videotaped at St. Sophia Cathedral, in Los Angeles.

Shipping Now

Immersion in water, along with Chrism, the sanctified oil convey­ing the seal of the Holy Spirit, define the Orthodox Christian tradition by which the Church opens its doors to embrace new members: Holy Baptism and Holy Chrismation, two sacraments separate and distinct, yet intimately related. This video, taped at St. Barbara Church in Santa Barbara, CA, presents the two Sacraments, along with three pre-baptismal rites and also exam­ines the emphasis placed by Orthodox faithful on the baptism of a new member of the church.

Shipping Now

The Orthodox Church has always viewed body and soul as inseparable, and for that reason has stressed the necessity of pre­serving both in good health. The Church provides the Sacrament of Holy Unction, following Jesus Christ’s exhortation to his disciples to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons,” as an enduring sacrament of faith for the healing of sickness and the forgiveness of sins. The most familiar celebration of the Sacrament takes place on Great Wednesday of Holy Week. Videotaped at the Annunciation Cathedral in Houston, Texas.

Shipping Now

The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is the service during which Orthodox Christians, who have repented for their sins, come before God and the Church seeking reconciliation and asking for divine forgiveness. This video provides a presentation of the sacrament, as well as an incisive examination on the issues of sin, repentance, preparation for confession and the role of the priest in the sacrament. Videotaped at Holy Cross Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Shipping Now

This award-winning program includes contemporary location foot­age, including the 2002 Epiphany Celebration from St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, and archival still photos to illustrate and bring to life interviews from several noted Orthodox theologians and scholars led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. As the program continues, interview comments present the Orthodox meaning of Epiphany and baptism, including the ecological and social implications of the blessing of the waters. Visuals include historic sites in Israel, the place of the life and ministry of Christ, and iconography related to His baptism. Further comments reflect on these places and events and relate them to the celebration of Epiphany and to Orthodox faith and practice.

Shipping Now

Part 1: Windows To HeavenPart 2: Theology In ColorsThis award-winning documentary was video taped at The Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, MD. Hosted by Medieval and Byzantine Art Curator, Dr. Gary Vikan, the show focuses on icons as objects of religious worship and artistic achievement. A collection of over 80 icons and frescoes are analyzed in detail as to the significance of their portraiture and its symbolism. An iconographer at work explains his creation as he progresses towards completion.

Shipping Now

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Your Holiness and most beloved brother in Christ, we welcome you with great joy, honor and love,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as he greeted Pope Benedict XVI with a warm and brotherly embrace.This historical event offered an opportunity for Orthodox Christianity to  share its spiritual treasure with the millions who witnessed this occasion and to the thousands of journalists who covered it.This commemorative DVD set contains the following programs:Doxology of Thanksgiving on the arrival of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and Feastday of St. Andrew the Apostle - with the signing of the Common Declaration.Pre-Arrival Press Conference and Tribute Banquet in honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew - hosted by the greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Order of St. Andrew.

Shipping Now

In 2004, responding to the request of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and recognizing the importance of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian to Orthodox Christians around the world, Pope John Paul II agreed to return the relics of these two great Fathers of the Church and Ecumenical Teachers to their original resting place in the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This program (produced by GOTelecom and funded by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Order of St. Andrew) highlights the moving Ecumenical Service at the Vatican and the Service at the Ecumenical Patriarchate while informing the viewer of the historical significance of these saints.

Shipping Now

NY EMMY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RELIGIOUS PROGRAMMING Through the ancient and sacred grounds of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the magnificent worship sites of Constan­tinople, this documentary recounts the history of the small church founded by Apostle Andrew, which grew to become the “Mother of all Orthodox Churches.” Filmed during and around the celebratory ceremonies for the reconstruction of the central Patriarchal building, the program focuses on the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in today’s Orthodox world, and its mission for the future.