Family Matters

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Philip Mamalakis on the trends in society and what conversations we can encourage with our children.

Meet Bruce & Natalie Batson, an Orthodox couple from Indiana who have been married for 4 years with three children from Bruce’s previous marriage. They discuss moving across the country after meeting once, going from Buddhism to Orthodoxy via YouTube, what it’s like being a blended family, the emotional struggle that comes with being a step-parent, and how they overcome challenges that arise in li...

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Martie Johnson on social and faith perspectives of racism and conversations to consider with our families.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Timothy Pavlatos on Scriptural and Patristic resources, as well as practical suggestions, on the impact of judging others, being judged, and judging ourselves.

Meet Athanasia and Niko, an Orthodox couple from Colorado who have been married for 8 years with 2 children. They discuss how they struggled in their first years of marriage, dealing with stay-at-home mom “guilt," how doing activities together is important for their marital bond, and finding that "magic button" for communication.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Vasilia Vamvakis on the challenges and opportunities of balancing the demands of family and career.

Mari & Despina interview Fr. Kosmas & Anna Kallis, a clergy couple who have been married for almost 8 years with 2 children (their youngest was born just weeks after this podcast was recorded). Fr. Kosmas & Anna discuss the joys of being seen by their children, the struggle with the loss of freedom in parenting, and how structuring/scheduling each week is important for marital connection.

Mari & Despina interview Evvie & Justin Tillich, a dynamic Orthodox couple who have been married for almost 15 years with 3 children. Evvie & Justin discuss their parenting philosophies and the joys and challenges they have experienced in their marriage and family life.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Leonard Herrem, a marriage & family therapist and parish priest, on the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid on relationships.

Welcome to the newest series on Family Matters called Spotlight on Orthodox Families! Once a month Mari McMullen and Despina Ellis will be interviewing couples from around the country in order to share the stories and lives of Orthodox families as a source of support and inspiration to others. In this first episode, Mari & Despina interview each other in a "Get to Know Your Hosts" segment.

Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Paulette Geanacopoulos, licensed social worker and Director of Social Services for the Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society, on the warning signs and resources available for victims of domestic violence.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Mena Mirhom, an Orthodox psychiatrist, on what families need to consider when discussing pharmaceutical options, and how to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into the decision-making process.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers analysis and praise for an excellent resource for strengthening your marriage relationship

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Presvytera Mary Christy, a licensed CPA, on establishing a financial plan for your future.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a reflection on the breads of the world, the Eucharist, and a family activity for this holiday week.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kristi Marx, a clinical social worker, regarding the issues facing the growing senior population and how families can respond.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Stavros Akrotirianakis on the impact of encouragement on our marriages, families, and our own souls.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Ioana Popa and Sebastien Falardeau on navigating through the many facets of grief, especially during this time of the pandemic.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a reflection on the medical and theological effects of loneliness, and by contrast, the benefits of community life.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Steven and Anastasia Valassis on the challenges and blessings of the crisis on marriage and family life.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Dn. Joseph Clark on his experience of race, racism, interracial marriage, and serving in the Orthodox Church.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr David Alexander on the spiritual wisdom of the recently glorified St Sophrony of Essex and the impact on marriage & family life.

Fr Alex Gousstis offers a brief reflection, including questions for discussion, on parenting styles and decision-making in our families

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Theodore Petrides regarding the power, effectiveness, and inspiration of sharing the stories of saints with our children.

Fr. Alex Goussetis interviews Eddie Bocanegra, who offers his amazing journey from inmate to Orthodox Christian to community leader.