Family Matters

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 dcarte...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 near...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kathy Pehanich about what defines a crisis and how best to respond to family members in need.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Presvytera Kerry Pappas on the nuances from the perspectives of both the parental in-laws and the young married couple.

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 C...

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.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Orthodox marriage & family therapist Justine Hoff on the "red flags" that threaten healthy relationships and resources to address and heal wounded marriages.

Luv, Michael and USAutism Homes Ministry Model Spotlight: Meeting Challenges with Innovation When Dr. Lisa Liberatore was faced with an uncertain future for her teenaged son with Autism a few years ago, she, her husband, and their church family met their challenges with patience, love, and innovation resulting in the foundation of two non-profit organizations. Luv, Michael provides meaningful empl...

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with dietitian and faithful Orthodox Christian Krista Fedorchak. She offers excellent suggestions on fasting practices and ideas for families to consider for the various lenten periods of the Church calendar.

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Eleni Anast and Abby Vlahos, co-founders of their parish Disability Family Ministry and Fully Human Steering Committee members, about the whys, hows, blessings, challenges, and tips for supporting Orthodox Christian families with members who have disabilities.