The Charlie Kirk Show: America’s Best-Kept Religious Secret? Learning About Eastern Orthodoxy with Fr. John Strickland

Release Date: August 13, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk sits down with Father John Strickland from St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in Poulsbo, Washington. The conversation delves deep into the world of Eastern Orthodoxy, exploring its beliefs, practices, and growing appeal in contemporary America.

Introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy

Charlie Kirk opens the episode expressing his curiosity about the Eastern Orthodox Church, noting a significant increase in conversions compared to Evangelical and even Roman Catholic communities. He introduces Father John Strickland as a knowledgeable and devout representative of Orthodoxy, praising Kirk’s efforts with Turning Point USA.

Charlie Kirk [00:00]: “I was just curious. A lot of people are joining the Orthodox Church... I wanted to learn, and I think you'll learn something, too.”

Father Strickland’s Journey to Orthodoxy

Father John shares his personal journey from a Protestant upbringing in Southern California to embracing Eastern Orthodoxy after spending time in Russia during the 1990s. His immersion in Russian history and culture, coupled with witnessing the post-Communist transformation, led him to the Orthodox faith.

Father John Strickland [02:12]: “I started studying Russian history... I started attending an Orthodox parish there and just fell in love with it and realized God made me for this.”

Core Beliefs and Theology

Father John outlines the foundational beliefs of the Orthodox Church, highlighting similarities with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Central to Orthodoxy is the belief in Jesus Christ as both God and man and the continuation of apostolic tradition without alteration.

Father John Strickland [05:50]: “The apostles and those who converted on that day... continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.”

He emphasizes the Orthodox commitment to maintaining Holy Tradition as handed down by the apostles, distinguishing it from the Protestant principle of sola scriptura.

Scripture and the Septuagint

A significant theological cornerstone discussed is the Orthodox use of the Septuagint for the Old Testament, which includes books like First and Second Maccabees—similar to the Catholic canon but different from the Protestant Bible.

Father John Strickland [08:45]: “Our canon for the Old Testament is called the Septuagint... it had more books than later Masoretic text, which is a later edition of the Jewish Scriptures in Hebrew.”

This adherence to the Septuagint underscores the Orthodox Church’s connection to early Christian traditions and liturgical practices.

Mariology: Veneration of the Virgin Mary

The conversation shifts to the Orthodox view of Mary, highlighting her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and rejecting the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Instead, Orthodoxy honors Mary’s sinlessness as an example of saintliness without the theological implications of original sin removal.

Father John Strickland [16:07]: “Mary is always understood in relationship to Jesus Christ... she’s saying don't look at me, look at Him.”

He explains the Orthodox belief in the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her true humanity and miraculous assumption into heaven after death.

Eucharistic Theology

Addressing the Eucharist, Father John clarifies that while the Orthodox Church does not formally endorse the doctrine of transubstantiation as defined by Roman Catholicism, it firmly believes in the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine.

Father John Strickland [24:33]: “We do believe... that really is the body and blood of Jesus Christ.”

This sacramental belief is central to Orthodox worship and underscores the mystical union between the faithful and Christ.

Liturgy and Worship Practices

Orthodox services, known as the Divine Liturgy, are characterized by their ancient structure, extensive use of scripture, and a cappella chanting without instrumental music. These services are lengthy, often lasting two hours, and involve standing throughout as a reflection of reverence and participation.

Father John Strickland [30:25]: “We have the Divine Liturgy... it's not like we have bands or smoke machines. It's all the voice.”

The liturgical calendar is meticulously maintained, with fasting periods such as Wednesdays and Fridays commemorating significant events like the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus.

Church Hierarchy and Structure

Father John explains the decentralized structure of the Orthodox Church, organized into various jurisdictions such as the Russian Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). Each jurisdiction operates autonomously yet remains in communion with one another, embodying unity without a singular hierarchical authority like the Roman Catholic papacy.

Father John Strickland [59:24]: “These various jurisdictions all work in harmony as one church. Christ is the head mystically in the Orthodox Church.”

This model fosters doctrinal consistency and unity across diverse cultural contexts.

Salvation, Repentance, and Theosis

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Orthodox views of salvation, emphasizing theosis (deification) rather than the Protestant emphasis on sola fide (faith alone). Salvation is seen as a cooperative process between divine grace and human effort, centered on continuous repentance and transformation.

Father John Strickland [43:26]: “We are saved... if I live out the faith that's been given to me as a Christian and if I'm faithful to Christ.”

This dynamic interplay fosters a holistic spiritual life aimed at union with God.

Views on Original Sin and Free Will

Orthodoxy rejects the Western interpretation of original sin as inherited guilt. Instead, it acknowledges the consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions, emphasizing human predisposition toward sin without deeming individuals inherently guilty from birth.

Father John Strickland [50:54]: “Original sin is a reality with an impact... we have to live out our salvation in cooperation with God.”

Regarding free will, the Orthodox Church maintains that humans are co-operators with God’s grace, rejecting the deterministic notions of predestination found in some Protestant doctrines.

Growth and Appeal of Orthodoxy in America

Father John highlights a notable resurgence of interest in Orthodoxy, particularly among young men seeking authentic spiritual grounding in an era marked by nihilism and societal upheaval. This growth is attributed to the Orthodox Church’s steadfast tradition, comprehensive theological framework, and communal support.

Father John Strickland [67:23]: “People are flooding into the Orthodox Church today because they're seeking authentic spiritual life, something to ground their lives in.”

He links this trend to broader cultural disintegrations, advocating Orthodoxy as a restorative force.

Conclusion: Orthodoxy as an Anchor in a Chaotic World

In wrapping up, Father John emphasizes the Orthodox Church’s role as a bastion of unchanging tradition and spiritual depth amidst modern chaos. He encourages listeners to explore Orthodox Christianity as a meaningful alternative to secularism and other Christian denominations.

Father John Strickland [69:14]: “It's really showing the same faith, it's the same doctrines, it's the same morality... we're continuing to see the disintegration of our society around us.”

Charlie Kirk expresses appreciation for the insightful discussion, underscoring the value of understanding diverse Christian traditions.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of Eastern Orthodoxy, elucidating its distinctives and shared beliefs within Christianity. Father John Strickland’s insights provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of Orthodoxy’s theological richness and its relevance in today’s cultural landscape.