Tending the Garden of our Hearts

Why are we tending the garden of our hearts? What do the Saints tell us, and how can this idea help us in our own spiritual lives?

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the lives of two saints who share the same name, and the different ways in which God spoke to them.

What happens when we disagree with the people we love? Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore the story of the reconciliation of the Holy Saints Peter and Paul.

Join Elissa Bjelectich and Kristina Wenger as we learn that even children can become Saints!

Orthodox tradition has lots of wonderful little stories of conversations our desert monks might have with each other or with villagers or visitors. There's always something to learn! Join Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger to hear a little story about the time when God sent St. Anthony the Great to learn from a cobbler!

In this final Virtual Sunday School edition, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the wonderful feast of Pentecost!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the selection of a new 12th Apostle, and the lives of the twelve after the Ascension.

Join Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich as they explore the story of the Ascension and its meaning for us in our daily lives.

Christ is risen! Join Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich as we look at the Samaritan woman whose meeting with Jesus at Jacob's well changed everything!

Christ is risen! For the Sunday of the Paralytic, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich discuss the time when Jesus healed a paralytic at Bethesda, saying, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk."

Christ is risen! Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger consider the real meaning of myrrhbearing and incarnation, both for the Holy Myrrhbearers and for us today!

Christ is risen! Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore the forty-day Paschal season, and consider all the important things we've learned from "Doubting" St. Thomas!

As we celebrate Holy Week and Pascha at home, we look at the story of Pascha, from Christ's entry into Jerusalem through His resurrection. There's also a video version of this episode at tending-the-garden.com as part of our Virtual Sunday School!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, considering what it means that Jesus is the Resurrection, and why the people honored Christ at his entry into Jerusalem. There's also a video version of this episode at tending-the-garden.com as part of our Virtual Sunday School!

In this Virtual Sunday School edition of the podcast, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger consider what today's gospel reading and the story of St. Mary of Egypt are teaching us!

While families are home, Tending the Garden of Our Hearts is offering a video version of this podcast, including activities and printables, in the Virtual Sunday School classroom at tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool.

Families are home due to the COVID-19 quarantine, so Tending the Garden of Our Hearts is offering an expanded version of this podcast, including video and printables, activities and other resources, in the Virtual Sunday School classroom at tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool.

St. Patrick's Day is coming -- but did you know that St. Patrick is an Orthodox Saint? And did he really drive the snakes out of Ireland?

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich tablk about the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, and about all sorts of interesting numbers!

As Great Lent begins, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger look at the ascetic life of St. Gerasimus of Jordan, and how he can be a wonderful example for us this Lent! And, as a bonus, this story includes a LION!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich get to know St. Polycarp, who learned about our Lord directly from John the Evangelist!

As Saturday of Souls approaches, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger talk about why we pray for the dead.

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich discuss the life of St. Haralambos, possibly the oldest Christian martyr ever!

Kristina and Elissa get to know St. Brigid of Kildare, an Irish Orthodox saint!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger ask who the three holy hierarchs are, and look at why we have a holiday to celebrate specifically these three Saints.