The Arena · Father Josiah Trenham

Interview | Saint Photios on Holy Scripture

March 10, 2026·41 min·3 clips

Dr. Pino argues Photius's Amphilochia demolishes the myth that patristic theologians were less rigorous about scripture than modern Protestants — citing Photius recalling crown weights and David's anointings from memory.

Saint Photius gets overdue attention. The host opens by honoring Doctor Tikhon Pino, a friend, patrologist, and translator of the newly published first volume of the Amphilochia. The work is called majestic, and the tone stays reverent without turning vague. The interview introduces Saint Photius, then turns to why his text still carries weight. Photius is placed between eras. The guest describes him as standing between the early fathers, whose works are widely known, and later figures such as Saint Gregory Palamas and Saint Mark of Ephesus. His importance is not only literary. He comes through as a central figure for Orthodox tradition, Byzantine theology, and the Church's long memory. Greek learning is where the tension sharpens. Photius is presented as a master of Hellenism and Greek letters, yet the Amphilochia shows him speaking with Pauline severity toward pagan wisdom. The guest names the paradox plainly. The same man who helped preserve access to Greek classics also warns against an education that makes Christians look down on simple believers and monks. That makes the critique harder to shrug off. Photius can judge outer learning because he knows it from the inside, including the spiritual vanity it can feed. The conversation then widens. His judgment is tied to Saint Paul, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Basil, Saint Gregory, Saint Gregory Palamas, and the Hesychast controversy. Hellenism is not tossed aside wholesale. Pagan learning can serve Christ, but it loses authority when it breeds pride over the Church. The host presses the question of influence, and the guest places Photius inside a longer Orthodox pattern rather than treating him as a one-off learned critic. The ending turns practical. The host blesses the translation work, calls it a precious treasure, and asks supporters to help bring patristic texts into English.

As heard by us

A measured, reverent look at Photius and the place of Greek wisdom in Orthodoxy.

Photius comes through here as more than a footnote: a figure worth noticing, especially for listeners who care about Orthodox tradition and Byzantine theology.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want Saint Photius explained as a major force in Orthodox tradition, not a footnote.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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