Feeding Fathers

We Have a New Pope—and He’s Got Aura! 🇻🇦✨ Fr. Simon and Fr. Tristan return from Italy with powerful stories and fresh insights! In this episode, they reflect on attending Pope Francis’s funeral and leading a pilgrimage to Rome. Fr. Simon shares what it was like to be in St. Peter’s Square during the election of the new pope—highlighting the mystery of the process and the dangers of speculation an...

We have an intriguing discussion about the profound love completed in Heaven. We also discuss the essence of Christian life, emphasizing the importance of building a true relationship with Jesus over merely performing duties. We share thoughtful insights on the motivations for seeking Heaven, the difficulties of maintaining faith and humility, and how societal pace impacts spiritual contemplation....

We welcome Fr. Roni for the first time as we discuss 'New Sunday' in the Chaldean tradition (vs. Divine Mercy Sunday) and its rich history within the Church of the East. We unpack the historical perspectives and uncertainties surrounding the early documents of the Church of the East, its apostolic roots, and the figure of St. Thomas. And while everyone is speculating who the next Pope might be, we...

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has passed away. The Chair of Peter is now empty. Join our discussion on what criteria make someone eligible for papacy, the historical significance of papal names, and the varying impacts popes have had on the Church. We reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and his predecessors, shedding light on the complex yet fascinating aspects of Catholic tradition and governa...

Fr. Andy and Fr. Simon share meditations for Holy Week from the Chaldean Liturgy, highlighting the profound prayers of Passion Friday and Holy Saturday (Saturday of Light). They uncover the significance of one specific prayer ("madrashe") that focuses on the prophets waking up from their graves after Christ's Passion. Meditations like this one are so powerful and unique to the Church of the East....

Fr. Simon and Fr. Andy sit down on this very special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' and delve into the rich traditions of the Chaldean Liturgy in preparation for Holy Week. Learn about the historical development of liturgical practices, the significance of the Basilica Hymns during Holy Week, and the spiritual reflections inherent in Palm Sunday celebrations. They explore the thematic elements of jo...

On this episode, we discuss the challenges of sexual sin, the importance of chastity, and how to effectively seek God's grace through confession. We also get into the double standards in family expectations, the theological nuances of sins like adultery and lust, and practical advice on overcoming sinful habits. And there's advice on battling temptation, the impact of consistent prayer life, and f...

We're blessed to see so many people embracing the sacrament of confession. However, we've noticed a growing trend — individuals confessing frequently, sometimes weekly, without being in mortal or even venial sin. In this episode, we dive deep into common misconceptions about sin and temptation. We break down the Ten Commandments, helping you distinguish between grave and lesser sins. Most importan...

We are so happy to be joined again by two Chaldean nuns and, for the first time on our show, one of our Chaldean monks (other than Fr. Ankido)! They discuss their unique experiences, from their missions and daily routines to discerning vocations in the Chaldean tradition. Discover the distinctions between different orders, their roles in the Catholic Church, and get an inside look into their recen...

Our dear brother priest, Fr. Patrick Setto joins us for a deep dive into the everyday life of a priest, discovering personal talents, dealing with burnout, and finding balance. We examine everything from how we try to navigate our busy schedules to offering practical advice for silencing the mind during prayer. We also share some funny and heartwarming stories and answer some fan questions! Oh and...

We dive deep into discussions about Lenten fasts, explaining Church laws, and the spiritual significance of fasting. We have a lively debate on the concept of fasting as a sin and about what we should do for food on "Feeding Fathers" episodes during Lent.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the impact of Bishop Sarhad Jammo on our understanding of the liturgy and priesthood in the wake of his recent passing. We share personal stories that reveal the deep connections and lessons learned from his devotion to the Church. We discuss the beauty of Chaldean liturgical prayers and their significance, highlighting the release of "The Book of Before and A...

This episode is all about Ba'utha (Supplication of the Ninevites): a liturgical mini-season of the Chaldean rite that involves fasting and prayer. We discuss the origins of Ba'utha, its theological significance, and share our personal experiences of fasting and praying during this time. Learn about the story of Jonah and its connection to Ba'utha, as well as the importance of fasting in fostering...

Join Fr. Simon, Fr. Andy, Fr. Daniel, and Fr. Chris as they discuss the intricacies of crafting meaningful homilies, handling fanboy culture in the Church, and the delicate balance of delivering sermons that both challenge and inspire the faithful. We also get an update on what video game Fr. Andy is playing now (hint: it's "Ghost of Tsushima"). Finally, they enjoy an amazing sushi feast during me...

We explore the tradition and personal experiences of growing beards, dive into the concept of 'stop and chats' inspired by Larry David, and reflect on how small life interruptions can bring unexpected wisdom and opportunities for spiritual growth. We also touch on the importance of forming genuine relationships, moments of divine inspiration, and living a life ordered by Faith.

We're back after the Christmas break and we dive into everything from messy eating habits to deep theological musings. We explore the importance of enjoying life’s journey, the meaning of eschatology, and how to approach tragedies like natural disasters and personal sin. We also discuss the debate of God’s wrath versus human free will, and the delicate balance of being a "chill guy" who takes life...

In this very special episode of Feeding Fathers, Fr. Simon Esshaki is joined by Sister Agnes, Sister Lourde, and Sister Bernadette from the Daughters of Mary Immaculate Conception order of Chaldean nuns. The sisters share their personal journeys to becoming nuns, the process of taking vows, and the significance of their spiritual commitment. They debunk common misconceptions about religious life,...

The Fathers discuss a variety of topics ranging from Father Andy's new book on Church meditations, to the essence of Christmas spirit amidst the rush of modern life. The conversation dives deep into the Annunciation of Mary, biblical interpretations, and the importance of meaningful names. Join us for insightful reflections and personal stories that bring warmth and inspiration during the Advent s...

Our fathers reflect on the joy of Thanksgiving, dive deep into liturgical traditions, the importance of gratitude, and have a debate on the best Thanksgiving side dishes. Spoiler: Turkey is overrated.

Join us for a fascinating episode as our special guest Fr. Perrin Atisha joins us to share unique experiences with priestly duties, from unexpected confessions in the sauna to discussing the journey of discerning a vocation. The priests delve into the joys and challenges of priesthood, offering advice for those contemplating the religious life. Don't miss this deep yet entertaining discussion on f...

The priests delve into the stresses during election week, discuss the "culture wars" Christians face today, and share personal insights on managing anxiety and faith. From the nuances of voting and societal influences to the importance of maintaining a calm spirit, the fathers offer a thought-provoking conversation on living as a faithful Christian in a modern world. The group also explores the si...

Despite how glamorous our set might look, we roll up our sleeves every week to talk about theology and current events. We cover intense topics and debates like when to pray before meals. Plus, we dive headfirst into the new Vatican mascot for the 2025 Jubilee year, 'Luce,' discussing its anime style and the subsequent social media uproar. The Syro-Malabar Church's liturgical reforms, the significa...

I guess with the election around the corner, we better talk politics! Join the fathers as they explore the intricate relationship between faith and politics. With a blend of humor and deep discussions, they delve into Christ's teachings, the dangers of political idolatry, and balancing civic duty with spiritual devotion. Don't miss this lively conversation on living a balanced life in a tumultuous...

The comment section should be great on this one as the fathers tackle the intricate details of Chaldean and Assyrian cultural unity. They also discuss the reasoning and benefit behind having confession available during mass, and mourn the Padres being eliminated from the playoffs. At the end, enjoy watching the priests stuff their faces in with some of the best brisket they've ever had in their li...

The boys dive deep into the spirit of the San Diego Padres' playoff run, and debate the ever-pervasive impact of technology and binge watching on our daily lives. Enjoy whimsical stories of priests blessing baseball players and Fr. Daniel's unique way of enjoying meals. Whether you're a Lord of the Rings lover or are grappling with tech-time solutions, find a reason to pause, pray, and enjoy this...