Tending the Garden of our Hearts

As the feast of the very beloved St. Nicholas approaches, Elissa and Kristina tell his life story, and consider the significance of giving in secret.

As the feast of the very beloved St. Nicholas approaches, Elissa and Kristina tell his life story, and consider the significance of giving in secret.

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss St. Anthony the Great and how he won his battles with demons and became a tremendous influence on monasticism!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich discuss the life of St. John the Hut Dweller, in this season of house blessings!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the upcoming feast of the Theophany, the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

Kristina and Elissa explore Christ’s words about the Last Judgment, and what they mean for us as we live our lives today.

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich consider the Magi: who were these wise men from the East, and what made them decide to seek out the Baby Jesus?

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich read St. Luke's account of Christ's birth, stopping along the way to consider the many ways that God communicates His love to us.

As we approach the feast day for the Prophet Daniel, who inspired the Magi to find the newborn King of Kings, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger consider the tales of Daniel and the three holy youths in Babylon.

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the wonderful life of St. Porphyrios, a modern saint who is beloved all over the world.

As Thanksgiving nears, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger think about thanking God for all the things -- the good and the bad!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore some of the stranger, smaller miracles that God works!

As we celebrate the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich get to know Archangel Raphael in the Book of Tobit!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich are joined by a man named Gerasimos, to talk about the many miracles of this wonderful Saint, commemorated on August 16 and October 20!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore the story of Longinus the Centurion, who was leading the soldiers at Christ's crucifixion.

St. Tikhon is called the Apostle to America! Learn why as Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore his amazing life.

This week, we look to St. Sophia and her daughters as our example of faith, hope, love and strength in adversity.

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger look at a story about true repentance, and how God can be at work in our hearts helping us to develop it.

Orthodox tradition is full of beautiful stories, and in this episode Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore a few about the beauty of very simple faith.

As his feast day approaches, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger get to know St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, a good bishop with so much wisdom to give!

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger tell about a beloved saint. You can send your prayers to: St. John Maximovitch c/o Holy Virgin Cathedral “Joy of All Who Sorrow” 6210 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94121

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!

Join Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich as they explore what it means for Jesus to "fulfill" Old Testament feasts and God's promises.

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!