Tending the Garden of our Hearts

Here's a special re-release of a classic episode as we celebrate St. Nicholas Day! 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.

Let’s get to know a little known saint from Belarus! Her prayers saved a soldier and his friends, and we think you’re going to find the story very interesting!

Today we consider the amazing story of St. Ia, an Irish Princess who wanted to preach the word of God!

In the final days of the great city Constantinople, God sent a wonderful Empress to comfort the people as they struggled through really hard times.

In this amazing story, one of the devil’s most powerful servants becomes a Christian because of the example of a teenage girl!

St. Paul didn’t start out as a follower of Christ, and he wasn’t one of the twelve Apostles — and yet, he was probably the most influential Apostle of all!

Did you know that St. Paul’s cousins were famous saints too? Intelligence and faith ran in his family! These sisters were holy unmercenary doctors, and we think you’re going to like them!

Bishop Basil had a very interesting obedience — one that you might want to consider too!

Aubree’s curious about All Saints Day, and so are we! Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about it…

As Pascha comes to its conclusion with Ascension and then Pentecost, we consider how all of these feasts fit together in God’s great plan for us. God loves us and wants to be united to us — and Jesus ascending into heaven is a big part of that!

In this episode, Elissa and Kristina answer a special request from listener Luke to talk about none other than St. Luke of Crimea!

In this episode, we’ll meet two of St. Emmelia’s very famous and distinguished sons, and one of their friends.

Elissa and Kristina had a request for the life of St. Emmelia — but it’s hard to talk about her without discussing the whole family! So this time, we’ll talk about Macrina, Macrina and Emmelia, but next time, we’ll talk about Gregory, Gregory and Basil!

Christ is risen! Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger consider the real meaning of myrrhbearing and incarnation, both for the Holy Myrrhbearers and for us today! Originally released April 20, 2023

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger get us ready for Pascha by asking: how exactly did Jesus trample down death by death? What does that mean? Originally released April 15, 2021

Kristina and Elissa received another special request: this week, we will be learning the story of St. Dorothy of Kashin, who lived in the ruins!

On Sunday we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt, whose life was not always saintly. That’s why she is such a favorite in the Church, actually—she is a wonderful example of how we can turn our lives around when we truly repent. Find the Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families book, ebook, and audiobook at store.ancientfaith.com/tending-the-garden-of-our-hearts-daily-lente...

In this episode, we’ll get to know St. Ignatius the God-bearer — for Ephrem’s brother!

In this third episode on St. Ephraim, Elissa and Kristina look at some interesting things he said about where we can find God.

As we begin Great Lent, let’s think about what the words we’re praying in the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim really mean, and why we’re praying them!

One of our listeners requested an episode on his name saint, the very wonderful St. Ephraim the Syrian, and we were so happy to oblige!

We have another episode based on a listener request! Join us as we talk about the wonderful Prophet Micah.

We have a special listener request from Leia, so we are talking about the life of St. Prisca today

This week, Kristina and Elissa are taking requests! Elizabeth wants to know about St. Ita of Ireland, so this episode covers the story of this wonderworking Saint’s life.

In this final episode of the series on Orthodox prayers, Kristina and Elissa take a look at how the Church teaches us to lay down our cares and settle in for the night.