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The Open Door

The Open Door

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We discuss everything from art to politics, from foreign policy to technology - all in light of the Church's doctrine and intellectual tradition. The Open Door aims to be an intellectual and spiritual feast for Catholics and others who are looking for thoughtful discussion about our world and all of reality.





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Episodios
  • Episode 308: Felix Corley on his book Catholicos and Commissar (October 29, 2025)

    Episode 308: Felix Corley on his book Catholicos and Commissar (October 29, 2025)
    Oct 30 2025
    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Felix Corley on his book Catholicos and Commissar: The Armenian Church under the Soviet Regime (October29, 2025)

    Part of a two-volume set, this volume explores the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church under Soviet rule. Initially flourishing across the Russian Empire, the Church briefly enjoyed greater religious freedom after the February 1917 revolution. However, the Bolshevik regime imposed severe restrictions after October 1917: churches were seized, clergy were taxed and jailed, religious education was banned, and international ties were severed. By 1938, Stalin's purges had devastated the Church, culminating in the murder of Catholicos Khoren and the closure of almost all churches.

    Despite this, a partial revival occurred after World War II. In 1945, Stalin permitted the election of a new Church leader, Catholicos Gevorg, who supported Soviet territorial claims and repatriation efforts. Although minimal, the Church's presence in the South Caucasus and southern Russia was gradually restored.

    The book is based on extensive archival research, memoirs, and interviews, offering a vivid account of how the Church and its followers struggled to maintain faith under an oppressive regime.

    Volume 2 continues the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Soviet Union, focusing on the leadership of Catholicos Vazgen I, who served from 1955 until 1994-the longest tenure of any religious leader in the USSR. Chosen by the KGB after a lack of suitable Soviet-based candidates, Vazgen publicly supported the Soviet regime but worked quietly to strengthen the Church's presence at home and abroad. The Church's seminary at Echmiadzin grew, and diaspora ties were cautiously encouraged, though most parishes remained isolated.

    Despite the appearance of normalcy, the Church operated under heavy restrictions. Major decisions were often made by the state, and KGB agents were placed among the clergy. The harsh anti-religious campaigns of the Khrushchev era forced the closure of many churches. After Khrushchev's fall, restrictions eased somewhat, but the Church remained passive, neither resisting nor expanding.

    Major change came under Gorbachev's reforms in the late 1980s. Long-suppressed Armenian national aspirations, especially around Nagorno-Karabakh, erupted, followed by the 1988 earthquake. The Church responded with new community efforts. Though initially cautious about independence, Catholicos Vazgen eventually played a key role in legitimising the new Armenian state and reaffirming the Church's place as its official religion.

    Like Volume One, this book draws from extensive archival research, memoirs, and interviews to tell the story of how the Armenian Church and its followers navigated Soviet repression and shifting political landscapes.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • Episode 307: Matteo Mazzariol on Distributism (October 8, 2025)

    Episode 307: Matteo Mazzariol on Distributism (October 8, 2025)
    Oct 11 2025
    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder talk with Matteo Mazzariol on Distributism (October 8, 2025)

    For a copy of the flyer for the 1st international course on distributism, see https://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1st-International-Course-on-Distributism.pdf
    Más Menos
    1 h y 4 m
  • Episode 306: Fr. Maxim Morariu talks about the situation in Romania (September 18, 2025)

    Episode 306: Fr. Maxim Morariu talks about the situation in Romania (September 18, 2025)
    Sep 20 2025
    WCAT TV is an en air wing of En Route Books and Media working with WCAT Radio to share the joys of the Catholic faith. To support the station, please visit our Patreon account at https://www.patreon.com/wcatradio

    In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Thomas Storck and Christopher Zehnder speak with Fr. Maxim Morariu, a prominent Romanian Orthodox theologian, cleric, scholar, and cultural figure, holding multiple doctorates and actively contributing to theological research, literature, and pastoral work in Romania and the diaspora.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
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