Orthodox talk Internet radio station coming online

(Antiochian Archdiocese) - Recently, the editors at Antiochian.org spoke with Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Network, about several new initiatives OCN is introducing at the start of Great Lent.

1. OCN is launching a new all talk internet radio station called "The Anchor." Who will be hosting this, what is his/her background, and what kinds of topics will you be addressing? We understand that both the host and the programmer are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

Yes, we are launching the Anchor Internet Radio Station. Our new talk stations will have a multitude of programs around this sacred time of the year encouraging and inspiring the faithful on their spiritual journeys. We welcome Konstantin (Kosta) Rysyanin as the new Program Director, and Scott Allen Miller as the host of the station, to our OCN staff. Both are members of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

Konstantin Rysyanin, moved to US 10 years ago from Russia to attend a conservative Southern Baptist Bible college, and then worked for a large Orthodox charity in the position of Director of Global IT and Marketing Communications. He gradually found his way to Orthodoxy. He was baptized and chrismated into the Church in October 2008 while in his native home country. He has been working in IT and Internet marketing industry for over 10 years, he holds IT industry certifications, a BA in Biblical Studies and an MBA, and has extensive experience in multimedia, interactive media, and web applications.

Kosta states that "the utilization of cutting edge technologies and latest Internet social networking tools is a great way to aid people to turn the eyes of their hearts towards God. It is my pleasure to join the OCN team to assist this new Internet Radio Station as it seeks to be relevant and inspiring, and heard across the World Wide Web. "

Scott Allen Miller has worked as a talk show host at KCMO Kansas City, KFAQ Tulsa, WGY Albany, New York and WRKO Boston; as a program director and talk show host at WROW Albany, New York; and as a fill-in host at WHAS Louisville, WHAM Rochester, New York, KNRS Salt Lake City, KLIF Dallas, and at Fox News Radio.

Scott was born and raised in Indiana before moving to New Jersey in his mid-teens. As a child, he attended a Pentecostal church but was agnostic for most of his life. However, after attending a service during Great and Holy Week 2005 with a friend, Scott became curious about Orthodoxy. In 2006, Scott began his catechism at St Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was baptized and chrismated there at Pascha 2007. Scott lives in Westchester County, New York with his wife and two daughters, who followed him into the faith.

Scott said about his involvement with the OCN, "I have been eager to offer my radio skills for the use of the Church since I converted to Orthodox Christianity. God willing, the spoken word programming of The Anchor will bless listeners with a deeper and fuller understanding of our faith."

2. Tell us about Readings and Remembrances, the new show featuring the lives of the saints.

We're excited about the launch of "Readings and Remembrances," a daily audio program hosted by various professionals from our voice talent pool. You can subscribe to this professionally produced program of the daily epistles and gospels along with daily lives of the saints by visiting our web site. This will certainly be a great addition to your daily walk during this sacred time.

3. Is your Lenten resource page new this year as well? What can listeners expect to find there?

We're launching a special Great Lent Resource page- this is a one stop place for the faithful to go to hear and view programming that will enlighten and enhance the spiritual journey on a daily basis. It has been enhanced from last year with our new offerings. Also, visitors to our site and listeners around the world can hear some of the most beautiful hymns of our faith on our Internet Radio Stations, the ARK and the RUDDER, by visiting our web site at www.myocn.net. The OCN now has one of the largest collections of audio files in the world when it comes to liturgical music.

4. How will OCN be acquiring the material for OCN International, another new show which will feature Orthodox programs from around the world? Will translation be necessary?

The launch of OCN International is truly ground breaking. This new offering will feature programming from around the world in various languages that will enlighten the faithful. The first two come to us from Greece. They consist of daily divine services and radio programs produced by the Female Monastery of the Holy Taxiarchae outside of Volos, Greece and a long standing radio program from the Male Monastery of the Transfiguration in Nafpaktos, Greece. Since we now have people visiting our site from over 150 countries around the world it makes sense to offer them programming in their native tongues.

5. What is your long term vision for the ministry of OCN, and how has this evolved over the years as your listeners have given you feedback?

We have many people who have given us feedback throughout our years of broadcasting. So many people's lives have been changed for the better and enriched through our expanding offerings. The OCN is positioning itself to continue to carry the sacred message of our faith to the world and we have many talented and gifted clergymen and laymen who can deliver that message. With a staff of over 20 people from around the United States we strive every day to put forward our very best. We appreciate and gratefully accept the blessings of our SCOBA Hierarchs and the support of people everywhere.