Family Matters

Presvytera Melanie shares an anonymous letter, a heartfelt plea from an Orthodox Christian mother to other moms, on behalf of her teenaged son on the Autism Spectrum; and, adds her own plea to the spiritual fathers, the clergy, of our church families.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Timothy Patitsas on how our everyday decisions are impacted by our belief system. In this turbulent period in American society, where ethics are fluid and based on one's ideological perspective, how do Orthodox families apply the ethos of the church in their daily lives?

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Sarah Byrne-Martelli regarding her new book, which offers insights for individuals and/or groups in addressing the issues of grief and bereavement.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Sarah Byrne-Martelli regarding her new book, which offers insights for individuals and/or groups in addressing the issues of grief and bereavement.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Timothy Patitsas on how our everyday decisions are impacted by our belief system. In this turbulent period in American society, where ethics are fluid and based on one's ideological perspective, how do Orthodox families apply the ethos of the church in their daily lives?

Presvytera Melanie shares some lessons learned and encouragement for fellow caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs, at the onset of a new school and church year. No matter what your child's learning curve, and your own, "it's all OK."

Presvytera Melanie shares some lessons learned and encouragement for fellow caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs, at the onset of a new school and church year. No matter what your child's learning curve, and your own, "it's all OK."

Description: Fr Alex Goussetis and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano discuss the highlights of their new book, which offers couples the opportunity to take a shared spiritual journey into the heart of marriage through a series of creative exercises. Release Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Description: Fr Alex Goussetis and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano discuss the highlights of their new book, which offers couples the opportunity to take a shared spiritual journey into the heart of marriage through a series of creative exercises. Release Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Fr. Michael and Pres. Maria discuss their meeting, how Pres. Maria did not want to end up with a priest and her gradual change of heart. They talk about being long distance in their relationship and how it helped them improve their communication skills, how their children give them a chance to work on their weaknesses, and how asking often for forgiveness helps their family.

Fr. Michael and Pres. Maria discuss their meeting, how Pres. Maria did not want to end up with a priest and her gradual change of heart. They talk about being long distance in their relationship and how it helped them improve their communication skills, how their children give them a chance to work on their weaknesses, and how asking often for forgiveness helps their family.

Presvytera Melanie speaks with seminary student Justin Heard, advocate for the blind on local and national levels. He shares how he found the Orthodox faith, met his wife, and his hopes to help the Church get up to date by changing infrastructure roadblocks and attitudes that affect persons with disabilities. Justin hopes to serve Christ as a priest—at least the chance to test what accommodations might be needed to do so.

Presvytera Melanie speaks with seminary student Justin Heard, advocate for the blind on local and national levels. He shares how he found the Orthodox Faith, met his wife, and his hopes to help the Church get up to date by changing infrastructure roadblocks and attitudes that affect persons with disabilities. Justin hopes to serve Christ as a priest - at least the chance to test what accommodations might be needed to do so.

Alex & Emily talk about their whirlwind romance, getting engaged 2 months after they met and married 10 months later. They discuss how Emily “accidentally” discovered Orthodoxy with a mistaken course placement, how she struggled with making it her own, and how motherhood solidified her faith. They also discuss how believing in the good intentions of the other helps them get through challenges in life and how realizing that God is present in their children, despite what they may do or not do as parents, makes parenting a little easier.

Alex & Emily talk about their whirlwind romance, getting engaged 2 months after they met and married 10 months later. They discuss how Emily “accidentally” discovered Orthodoxy with a mistaken course placement, how she struggled with making it her own, and how motherhood solidified her faith. They also discuss how believing in the good intentions of the other helps them get through challenges in life and how realizing that God is present in their children, despite what they may do or not do as parents, makes parenting a little easier.