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Why do Orthodox Christians have such deep love and reverence for the Theotokos and the saints? In this episode, my husband Polydoros joins me as we talk about what it truly means to honor the Panagia and the saints—and why that honor should never be confused with the worship that belongs to God alone. We discuss the special place the Theotokos holds in the Orthodox Church as the Mother of God, why we ask for her prayers and the intercessions of the saints, and what it means to have a living relationship with the saints as members of the Body of Christ. Our hope is that this conversation encourages you not only to better understand this beautiful part of our Orthodox faith, but to grow in your own love for the Panagia and the saints—and ultimately draw even closer to Christ. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. ☦️ RESOURCES The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary - Orthodox Church in America https://www.goarch.org/documents/32058/12709588/Miracle-Working+Icons+of+Panagia.pdf/a7e2bc0d-eedb-32e6-92f5-69bc9dafefaf?version=1.0&t=1723670307213  Why We Call The Virgin Mary "Theotokos" » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church Worship of the Virgin Mary? » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church Why Orthodox Christians "Pray to" Saints » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church

College can be an incredible season of growth, but it can also bring new freedom, new friendships, new pressures, and new temptations.  For many young adults, it may be the first time they have to truly choose for themselves what role their Orthodox faith will have in their lives. In this episode, I share practical ways to keep Christ at the center of your college years and beyond. And for the parents sending their children off to college, I share some encouragement on how to support their faith without trying to control it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Orthodox Prayer Book (you should be also able to purchase one at your church or monastery): https://a.co/d/0bAinrAA Greek Orthodox Daily Readings Sign-Up  LISTSERV - Subscribe (DAILYREADINGS) - LISTSERV.GOARCH.ORG Daily Readings App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/daily-readings/id516000464 Morning Prayers - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep Prayers At Mealtime - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-at-mealtime Prayers Before Sleep - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep Bible Chat App (featured a daily Bible verse widget for your smartphone lock screen): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-chat-daily-devotional/id6448849666 The Bible In A Year (with Father Mike Schmitz): https://open.spotify.com/show/4Pppt42NPK2XzKwNIoW7BR?si=xgmRO7CVTdObd4fp5GPB9A

No one is too far gone for Christ. In this episode, I look at the incredible stories of St. Paul, St. Mary of Egypt, St. Moses the Black, and St. Polydoros—four very different lives that remind us of the transforming power of repentance and redemption through Christ. Our past does not have to define our future. In Christ, we can become new. Whether we feel lost, unworthy, or far from God, the lives of the saints remind us that it is never too late to turn back to Him. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Learn: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Life of St. Moses the Black | Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Venerable Moses the Ethiopian of Scete - Orthodox Church in America Moses the Black Movie (2026):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMJhQZptycw St. Polydoros: https://www.facebook.com/share/19LeEcWida/?mibextid=wwXIfr The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul - Orthodox Church in America

You’ve probably seen an Orthodox Christian wearing a prayer rope. But what is it actually for, and how are we supposed to use one? In this latest edition of my Orthodoxy FAQs series, we’re talking all about the prayer rope: what it is, where the tradition comes from, why the knots and colors have meaning, and how it can help us grow in prayer. The prayer rope isn’t jewelry or something magical, but rather a simple tool meant to continually turn our hearts back toward Christ and help us live Saint Paul’s call to “pray without ceasing.” Whether you’ve carried a prayer rope for years or are just learning what one is, I hope this episode encourages you to make prayer a more consistent part of your everyday life. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #Orthodoxy #PrayerRope #OrthodoxChristian #PowerofPrayer  RESOURCES How do I use a prayer rope? - St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church How To Use A Prayer Rope » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church Why You Need a Prayer Rope - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Prayer ropes – what they are, what to do with them? – Saint John the Baptist How to Use a Prayer Rope - St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church

If someone looked at your daily schedule, would they see that Christ is at the center of your life? In my last solo episode, I talked about why we belong in church. But what happens after Sunday? We attend Divine Liturgy, and then what? In this episode, I share practical ways to keep Christ at the center of our lives every day. But I'm certainly not speaking as someone who has this all figured out. I'm walking this path right alongside you. I talk about some of the practices I'm trying to be more intentional about in my own life, including prayer, Scripture, fasting, and simple ways we can invite Christ into our daily lives. If this resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Orthodox Prayer Book (you should be also able to purchase one at your church or monastery): https://a.co/d/0bAinrAA Greek Orthodox Daily Readings Sign-Up  LISTSERV - Subscribe (DAILYREADINGS) - LISTSERV.GOARCH.ORG Daily Readings App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/daily-readings/id516000464 Morning Prayers - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep Prayers At Mealtime - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-at-mealtime Prayers Before Sleep - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep Bible Chat App (featured a daily Bible verse widget for your smartphone lock screen): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-chat-daily-devotional/id6448849666 The Bible In A Year (with Father Mike Schmitz): https://open.spotify.com/show/4Pppt42NPK2XzKwNIoW7BR?si=xgmRO7CVTdObd4fp5GPB9A

Between work, raising children, keeping up with the home, and everything else that fills our days, how do we make sure Christ doesn't get pushed to the side? In this episode, my husband Polydoros joins me to answer a listener question about balancing work, family, and our Orthodox Christian faith. We certainly don’t have it all figured out, and we’re learning each and every day. But together, we share honestly about what we’re trying to do in our own family to keep Christ at the center while navigating the demands of working outside the home and raising our children.  Our hope is that this conversation encourages other working parents to resist comparison, seek God's guidance, and find small, realistic ways to continually turn their homes and families toward Christ. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #Orthodoxy #OrthodoxChristian #ChristianParenting #WorkingParents #ThatOrthodoxMama

Whether you've never been to church or it's been years since you've walked through the doors, this episode is for you. Have you ever found yourself wanting to grow closer to God, yet struggling to make it to church consistently? In this episode, I share why church attendance matters, what the research says about its impact on our well-being, and why gathering for worship is essential to the Orthodox Christian life. I'll also address some of the most common reasons people don't go to church—from being too busy or too tired, to feeling hurt, disconnected, or overwhelmed—and offer practical, realistic ways to build consistency, even if you're just starting. My prayer is that this episode encourages you to take one faithful step closer to Christ and His Church. Whether that's attending this Sunday or simply making church more of a priority, remember: it's never too late. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #OrthodoxChristianity #GoToChurch #OrthodoxFaith #ChristianLiving #ThatOrthodoxMama RESOURCES The Divine Services of the Orthodox Church with Commentary https://a.co/d/05gK8eH4 Religious-service attendance and subsequent health and well-being throughout adulthood: evidence from three prospective cohorts - PMC https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/church-religion-mental-health-479d612a https://www.orthodoxstudies.org/documents/11/american-orthodoxy-today-2025.pdf  The Nature of Our Worship - Questions & Answers - Orthodox Church in America

Have you ever lost something and prayed for help finding it? In this episode, I share the incredible story of Saint Phanourios, the beloved Orthodox saint known for revealing what is lost. We’ll explore the miraculous discovery of his icon among the ruins of a church on the island of Rhodes,  and why Orthodox Christians turn to him for his intercession. I also share a recent personal experience of praying to Saint Phanourios and what happened when I asked for his help.  But this episode is about more than finding lost objects — it’s about understanding how the saints intercede for us before God, and how God works through those who have faithfully followed Him. May Saint Phanourios intercede for us all! 🙏 If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #OrthodoxChristianity #SaintPhanourios #OrthodoxSaints #GreekOrthodox #ThatOrthodoxMama RESOURCES https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2022/08/27/108969-saint-phanourius August 27: Holy Martyr Phanourios | Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada St Phanourios Feast Day Celebrations — Ascetic life of motherhood Why Orthodox Christians "Pray to" Saints » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church Fanouropita recipe (Saint Fanourios cake) - My Greek Dish

The strongest marriages aren't the ones without problems... They're the ones that face them with Christ ☦️ In this episode, I sit down with Father Panteleimon Papadopoulos of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection in Brookville, New York to discuss what faithful marriage looks like in today's world. We discuss what happens spiritually when a husband and wife are married in the Orthodox Church, the "secret" to a long-lasting marriage, whether compatibility is overrated, and the common traps couples fall into during conflict. Whether you're newly married, have been married for decades, or hope to be married one day, I pray this conversation encourages you to keep Christ at the center of your marriage and your home 🙏 And if this conversation resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member who may be encouraged by it ❤️ Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #OrthodoxMarriage #ChristianMarriage #OrthodoxChristian #MarriageGodsWay #FaithAndMarriage

Why is discipline harder than ever? In this episode, my husband and I sit down to discuss discipline in the Orthodox Christian life and the challenges Christians face in a world filled with distractions, technology, and instant gratification. We share some of the spiritual disciplines that have most impacted our faith, including prayer, fasting, reading the Scriptures, church attendance, confession, and family prayer. We also discuss areas where discipline can be difficult and why growth often comes through consistency rather than perfection. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by this conversation 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxFaith #SpiritualDiscipline #ChristianLiving #ThatOrthodoxMama

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 ☦️ In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation about the Proverbs 31 woman and what this passage has personally meant to me throughout different seasons of my life. This passage isn’t meant to be a checklist of perfection or a reason to feel like we are falling short. It’s an image of wisdom and a source of spiritual encouragement. Most importantly, I reflect on how this chapter gives me spiritual fuel and reminds me that becoming a godly woman is not about perfection, but about faithfully growing in Christ day by day. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with a friend who may be encouraged by this conversation 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES The Orthodox Faith - Volume I - Doctrine and Scripture - Old Testament - Wisdom - Orthodox Church in America  https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/doctrine-scripture/old-testament/wisdom #Orthodoxy #OrthodoxChristian #GodlyWomen #Proverbs #Proverbs31

Today, I’m sharing a more personal conversation about my journey living alcohol-free as an Orthodox Christian.  I open up about my own past with alcohol, why I ultimately decided to stop drinking, and the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes I experienced throughout that journey. Most importantly, I reflect on what the Lord has shown me through it all.  This episode is in no way meant to condemn anyone. It’s an account of my personal experience, and perhaps an invitation for you to self-reflect on your relationship with alcohol and how it impacts your spiritual life. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged by it. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES — Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” — Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” — Proverbs 23:21 “For drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” — 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.”— Psalm 103 (104):15 “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70435

Have you ever wondered why Orthodox couples wear crowns during the wedding ceremony? Why they walk around the table three times, hold candles, or don’t exchange vows? In this episode of my Orthodoxy FAQs series, I explore some of the most meaningful traditions within the Orthodox wedding ceremony and the spiritual symbolism behind them. This episode is especially beneficial for newly engaged and married couples, but I think also is insightful for Orthodox couples who have been married for a while to appreciate the significance of their blessed wedding day. Learning the meaning behind these traditions has helped me appreciate the depth, beauty, and intentionality of Orthodox marriage even more. A quick note: I am not a Presvytera or a Priest. This episode is shared from my personal learning and experience, and I always encourage you to bring questions like these to your parish Priest. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Explanation of Wedding — Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation https://www.atlgoc.org/explanation-of-wedding Stefana (Wedding Crowns and Candles) — St. George Greek Orthodox Church https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/marriage/stefana-wedding-crowns-and-candles “Crown them with glory and honor.” Marriage in the Orthodox Church — Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church Why Orthodox Churches Face East — Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-orthodox-churches-face-east/ What to Expect in an Orthodox Church — Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/things-to-expect-orthodox-church/ #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxWedding #GreekOrthodox #ChristianMarriage

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband Polydoros as we have an honest and heartfelt conversation about navigating the difficulties of marriage through our Orthodox faith. We reflect on what it means to remain a team in Christ, especially in challenging seasons, and learning to let struggles refine our marriage rather than harden it. We talk about expectations vs. reality, extending grace to one another, and cultivating gratitude in both the joyful and the difficult moments. Marriage isn’t always easy, but with Christ guiding us, every challenge can shape us into stronger, more loving spouses. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏  Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Conversation starters  for couples: 1. What’s one thing you’ve appreciated about me lately? 2. What’s a favorite memory of ours that always makes you smile? 3. What’s something small I do that makes you feel loved? 4. What’s something you’re proud of in our marriage? 5. When have you felt most supported by me?

“When mothers pray, hell trembles…” -Saint Paisios the Athonite This episode is a personal reflection on prayer in motherhood, during the busyness, long days, good and hard times, and all the moments in between. I share with you some encouragement from Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Paisios, as well as some of my own experiences so we can try to stay faithful everyday as strong mothers in Christ. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with a mother who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES The Power of a Mother’s Prayer - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/the-power-of-a-mother-s-prayer Admonitions for Parents: Lessons by Our Holy Father John Chrysostomos on Raising Children orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/parenting.aspx Spiritual Counsels, Volume IV: Family Life, Saint Paisios the Athonite https://www.athoniteusa.com/products/saint-paisios-the-athonite-spiritual-counsels-volume-iv-family-life Excerpts from the book Family Life, by Elder Paisios the Athonite  orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/elder-paisios-on-family-life.aspx Orthodox Christian Parenting - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/archpastoral-reflections-july-2005