The Bryce Crawford Podcast
Conversation With An Orthodox Priest! (EP 180)
Date: February 16, 2026
Guest: Father Lazarus (Coptic Orthodox Church)
Host: Bryce Crawford
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Bryce Crawford welcomes Father Lazarus, a Coptic Orthodox priest, to delve deeply into foundational topics of the Christian faith. They explore the mystery and significance of the Eucharist, the necessity and practicality of discipleship, personal and communal tradition, the meaning of true salvation, and living out the radical love of Christ—especially toward "the least of these." The episode is rich with personal stories from Father Lazarus and candid reflections from Bryce, presenting the ancient faith in a way deeply relevant to modern listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Father Lazarus' Faith Journey
- Early Life and Return to Faith: Raised in the Coptic Orthodox Church, Father Lazarus describes a period of drifting from faith in his youth and how a transformative encounter with a bishop full of “supernatural” light led him back to active discipleship.
- Quote: "There was a light emanating from his face. Supernatural. I can’t explain it ... I wanted to find out what was the secret." (04:00)
- Confession and Service: Confessing, being discipled, and serving in Sunday school became pivotal to his spiritual growth.
- Scripture Impact: Matthew 25’s call to serve the needy shaped his understanding that true Christianity is inseparable from serving “the least of these.”
- Quote: “If you're not serving those who are in need, not a true follower of Jesus Christ.” (07:45)
2. Discipleship & Tradition
- Sacred Weight of Tradition: Bryce expresses admiration for the depth and reverence in Orthodox tradition, seeking to understand the value of discipleship and communal practice.
- Deposit of Faith: Father Lazarus emphasizes passing down “the torch” of faith—especially under persecution—and stresses that faith in Christ may lead to real sacrifice, even martyrdom.
- Quote: “We're depositing the faith... passing this torch and making sure those who receive it know the weight of what they're receiving." (10:04)
- Stories of Martyrdom: Personal stories of family and church members killed for their faith in Egypt underline the cost and beauty of steadfast discipleship.
- Quote: “My cousin was martyred in the year 2009... And that’s an honor for us.” (12:30)
- Western Comfort vs. Costly Discipleship: The conversation contrasts Western ease with the seriousness of faith under persecution.
- Quote (Bryce): “I think the most dangerous thing ... is ‘stay true to your truths. You do you.’ I feel like that is extremely dangerous.” (16:48)
3. Faith, Love, and Living With Christ
- Not Faith Alone: A deep theological discussion on salvation; "Faith working through love" is central, echoing St. Paul.
- Quote: “So it's faith working through love. The three have to come together as a trinity. Faith working through love.” (18:22)
- Sacraments as Participation: Living with Jesus means participating in the mysteries, not just believing or doing works.
4. The Eucharist: Mystery and Necessity
- Beyond Symbolism: Both discuss moving past viewing Communion as “merely a symbol.” Bryce shares his own repentance and spiritual experiences of the real presence.
- Quote (Bryce): “I had to repent because I was like, man, I don’t think it’s just a symbol anymore.” (22:12)
- Orthodox Position on Eucharist: Father Lazarus articulates that the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ, a mystery not to be explained mechanically (differentiating from Catholic transubstantiation) but to be accepted in faith.
- Quote: “God became crumbs... and this is going to be blasphemous to many ... but this is my God. In a mystery I can't explain.” (25:00–24:43)
- Biblical & Historical Evidence: References to John 6, 1 Corinthians 11, and early church fathers like St. Ignatius of Antioch, who called the Eucharist “the medicine of immortality.”
- Frequency of Communion: Scriptural precedent and early church practice suggest as often as possible, at least weekly (Acts 2 and 20).
5. Confession as a Sacrament
- Scriptural Roots & Practical Wisdom: Confession is about ongoing discipleship, accountability, and healing, rooted in both Scripture (James 5, John 20) and Orthodox tradition.
- Practical Example: The story of Ananias and Sapphira, and regular confession as opposed to only after major transgressions.
- Prevention of Spiritual Fall: Regular confession could have prevented some high-profile Christian leaders’ failures.
- Quote: “Had they been confessing regularly, could have that been alleviated? Maybe. I agree.” (43:46)
- Personal Insights: Father Lazarus shares that confession extends beyond obvious sins—it is a holistic examination of mind, intentions, and even self-care.
6. Serving “The Least of These”
- Living Matthew 25: Personal and communal acts of love for marginalized populations (homeless ministry, prison ministry) are direct encounters with Christ Himself.
- Quote: “It’s not as if you're doing it to me or a symbol of doing it to me. You are literally doing it to me.” (57:17)
- Conviction and Blessing: Bryce is honest about feeling more blessed by the “least of these” than by what he brings to them.
7. The Saints and Mary
- Role of the Saints: Union between living believers and those who have gone before is rooted in Hebrews 11-12; the saints are alive, intercede for us, and are examples to follow.
- Mary’s Example: Her life summed up—“Whatever He says to you, do it.” (64:40)
8. Closing Reflections
- One Beloved by God: Each believer is uniquely beloved by Christ, personally known and called.
- Quote: “You are the one he loves.” (63:25)
- Practical Prayer: Father Lazarus describes frequent, simple "arrow prayers" as ways to maintain unity with Christ during everyday life.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Real Presence
Father Lazarus: “God became crumbs. Crumbs. God became crumbs ... this is my God. In a mystery I can't explain.” (24:43) -
On Persecution and the Church’s Strength
Father Lazarus: “You filled it for us with one bomb or a couple of bombs. You filled the churches. You made everyone want to give their life to Christ fully. You made everybody ready to die.” (13:50) -
On Faith and Love
Father Lazarus: “If I have faith to move mountains and have not love, profits me nothing.” (18:22) -
On Suffering and Service
Father Lazarus: “We pray, lord, for people to open their hearts to really understanding what the Eucharist is all about, to receive you in a mystery that we can't explain, but that you are offering to us yourself in bread and wine, in words that fall short, Lord. But we know ... you are with us.” (68:15)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [03:08] Father Lazarus' testimony and the role of confessional life
- [10:02] The weight of discipleship and the reality of persecution
- [18:22] “Faith alone?” - Orthodox view of faith, love, and sacraments
- [24:43] The mystery of the Eucharist — God becomes “crumbs”
- [30:43] How often should we partake of the Eucharist?
- [42:57] The necessity and purpose of confession
- [57:17] Serving the least of these as direct service to Christ
- [63:25] Closing reflections: You are the one He loves; the role of Mary and the saints
- [68:15] Closing prayer for listeners
Tone & Language
- Warm, reverent, and deeply personal.
- Father Lazarus frequently interjects with passionate, scriptural reasoning and vivid personal stories.
- Bryce alternates between sincere inquiry, confession of doubt or struggle, and joyful resonance with Orthodox traditions.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode is a uniquely deep and moving exploration of ancient Christianity as lived out in the modern world. It begins with Father Lazarus’ personal journey and unfolds into a rich tapestry of teaching on the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and confession—discipleship, serving others, and the meaning of holy tradition. Listeners walk away with a compelling sense of the intensity, joy, and cost of devoted Christian life, and a call to build life upon “the rock,” hearing and doing all that Christ commands. The dialogue is unafraid to challenge easy assumptions and is full of practical as well as mystical wisdom for anyone asking what it really means to follow Jesus today.