Parenting Toward the Kingdom - A Companion Guide
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with three mothers who helped to develop activities and discussion questions from their parenting groups that evolved into the publication of this new workbook.
Mar 20, 2024
Family Matters
Empowering Marriages and Families in the Faith
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Episodes
Developing Liturgical Resources for the Deaf & Blind
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nicholas Anton (Assembly of Bishops) and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano (Center for Family Care) on the partnership that is developing resources to serve the blind and deaf faithful in our parish communities.
Mar 06, 2024
Blessed Kevin a Fool for Christ - Part 2
What would our lives look like if we embraced our bodily limitations and understood that they could be offerings to the Lord? Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge continue their conversation with Pres. Melanie on such a life - that of their friend Kevin McCarty. At Kevin's funeral, Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA) of blessed memory who was then Kevin's father confessor told those present, “In the lives of the Saints, we read about the Fools-for-Christ. God has granted us to know o...
Feb 14, 2024
Blessed Kevin a Fool for Christ - Part I
Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge share reflections on their relationship with Kevin McCarty of blessed memory. Kevin spent most of his life battling cancer which resulted in losing one eye in infancy and the other in his final years. Despite his limited physical vision, Kevin was a gifted artist. As Kevin's godfather and godson, Aaron and Brian recount aspects of their shared spiritual journeys, and the ways Kevin's disability and health issues fueled an enthusiasm for life and a search for c...
Feb 07, 2024
Parenting the Teen Years
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Matushka Rozanne Rucker, who offers her many years of experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist. The conversation highlights the three pillars of parenting teens: consistent limit setting, strengthening emotional attachments, and improving communication.
Jan 31, 2024
Arms Open Wide Blog and Virtual Storehouse
William Gall joins Pres. Melanie and shares about the inspiration for Arms Open Wide, a weekly blog and virtual storehouse of Orthodox Christian disability resources. Listen as he enumerates the resources and links accessible on Arms Open Wide and the various needs they address. Visit the blogsite at https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/
Jan 17, 2024
The Word Became Flesh So We Might Become Little Christs
Pres. Melanie shares a reflection on Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, as it relates to the Nativity Season, Caregiving, and learning to serve Christ in every person we encounter.
Dec 13, 2023
Divine Liturgy: The Greatest Invitation
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Cindy Karos of FaithTree Resources on their new program for parents and families. This resource combines online videos and a workbook to help families become energized and enthused at the blessings that are presented to us through the main liturgical service of our faith.
Dec 06, 2023
Parenting Adult Children: Emphasizing Relationship Over Control
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr George Stavros on the changing dynamics of parenting, specifically when our children enter adulthood and beyond. Interview includes personal anecdotes, theological perspectives, and clinical insights.
Nov 08, 2023
At the Intersection of Caregivers and Care Providers
Pres. Melanie speaks with Darla Carter, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has extensive experience caring for individuals with disabilities and their families. She shares how her faith informs her work, and offers practical suggestions to help families choose safe, quality, care providers for their loved ones. If you have questions or need further guidance, contact Darla at dcarter@room17.org .
Oct 18, 2023
Marriage Evolution: A Parish Perspective
Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr. Stephen Tsichlis about the disconnect between the church and some of the faithful regarding the meaning and purpose of marriage.
Oct 11, 2023
A Perspective on Inter-Racial & Inter-Ethnic Relationships
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Stavros Akrotirianakis on the personal and communal aspects of inter-racial & inter-ethnic relationships and their impact on parish life
Sep 20, 2023
Exalt in a Holy Cross: A Caregiver's Reflections on the Matins Hymns of the Feast
The Church lifts up the Cross of Christ as Her victory, vehicle of salvation, and even Her beauty, but we often forget that our own crosses can share the power of Christ's. Listen as she draws encouragement for caregivers from the hymns which exalt the Lord's Sacrifice on the Cross.
Sep 14, 2023
The Good Wine: Strengthening Marriage through Mutual Forgiveness
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Elias Dorham, whose doctoral work focused on the theological and liturgical perspectives on Orthodox marriage. Fr Elias offers practical advice for couples who desire to grow together in Christ.
Aug 23, 2023
Fully Human Edition: A Conversation with Father Paul Abernathy on "The Prayer of a Broken Heart"
What do the experiences of African American slaves have in common with those of people with disabilities and their families? Listen to find out as Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews Father Paul Abernathy regarding his book The Prayer of a Broken Heart: An Orthodox Christian Reflection on African American Spirituality.
Aug 16, 2023
Fully Human Edition: Major in Your Strengths: A Positive Perspective of ADHD
Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews LMFT and OCAMPR Psychology Coordinator, Joel Klepac. Joel emphasizes a strengths-based approach when solving challenges associated with ADHD, the importance of not shaming people for behaviors that appear inappropriate, and how these behaviors are often a person's way of seeking the connection and communion with God and others which they were created for.
Jul 19, 2023
Parenting Reboot: Creating a Healthy Mindset
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sofie Azmy, clinical psychologist and clergy wife, on suggestions for reframing our parenting role and relationship with our growing children.
Jul 07, 2023
Father's Day Edition: Pastoral Considerations for Ministering to Families with Special Needs
Priests and lay leaders do not necessarily have pastoral training or personal experience to help them minister to people with disabilities, and so are often unsure of how to connect with and enfold our families effectively into parish life. Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews the Director of the GOA Center for Family Care, Fr. Alex Goussetis, discussing his lessons learned as a priest for nearly 30 years, suggestions for making sacramental accommodations, encouragement of families with disab...
Jun 21, 2023
Fully Human Edition: A Lifetime of Learning and the Blessing of a Saint
Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews Fully Human Steering Committee member, Annie Konidaris. Annie shares her top lessons learned as a caregiver to her 53-year-old Autistic son Nikos, the way God's hand provided for her through a personal encounter with a contemporary Saint decades ago, and how parents and church communities can better embrace people with disabilities.
May 24, 2023
Fully Human Edition: Enlightening Wounds
Presvytera Melanie DiStefano shares a reflection on the light-bearing wounds of Christ's resurrected body and how because of them, our personal wounds are imbued with purpose - namely, for God's glory to shine through.
Apr 26, 2023
An Orthodox Perspective on Addiction & Healing
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nikolas Delaveris on the impact of addictions on families, as well as resources to educate and support the faithful.
Apr 11, 2023
Hospice Primer
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Hospice Chaplain Nikki Stournaras on the services and benefits offered by hospice care for our loved ones, including questions/issues that families need to consider.
Mar 15, 2023
What is Friendship?
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, professor of New Testament at Holy Cross seminary, on the scriptural and historical background of philia, and its application for Christians today.
Feb 15, 2023
New Lenten Video Series for Families & Parishes!
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Mari McMullen regarding the new lenten video series for family and parish use. No prep needed; videos and small group guide provided.
Feb 08, 2023
Intervention from an Orthodox Perspective
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kathy Pehanich about what defines a crisis and how best to respond to family members in need.
Feb 01, 2023
Fully Human Edition: Inclusion: Is There Anything New Under the Sun?
Presvytera Melanie reflects on Gospel accounts of inclusion (and exclusion) of people with disabilities, and whether or not there is "anything new under the sun" in our churches today.
Jan 25, 2023
Navigating In-Law Relationships
Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Presvytera Kerry Pappas on the nuances from the perspectives of both the parental in-laws and the young married couple.
Jan 18, 2023
Spotlight on Orthodox Families: Lucy and Chase Cantley
Lucy and Chase talk about how they are coping with the last year struggling with a miscarriage, fertility tests and challenges, dealing with insensitive comments about family life, how they deal with the unknown in regards to their family future, and how one specific line from the Cherubic Hymn gives them hope for whatever their future may hold, all between juggling Lucy's band, her day job, and Chase's naval position.
Jan 12, 2023
Intimacy & the Scourge of Sexual Secrets
Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Kosta Petrogeorge, a marriage & family therapist, on the definition/description of intimacy and how couples can cultivate intimacy in contrast to keeping secrets.
Jan 04, 2023
Fully Human Edition: A Message from Joseph and Mary, "Consider Me"
Reaching out to parents of children with unique needs as they navigate the challenges that sometimes come with holiday celebrations, Presvytera Melanie reflects on the difficult experiences Jesus' earthly parents had to navigate as they began caring for Him in less than ideal circumstances on that Holy Night so many ages ago.
Dec 21, 2022
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