Tending the Garden of our Hearts

Morning Prayer of the Optina Elders 19.01.2024 ↓

Kristina and Elissa begin the new year with a prayer for the new day!

The Magi 28.12.2023 ↓

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?

The Nativity Kontakion 22.12.2023 ↓

In this episode, Elissa and Kristina look at how St. Romanos tells the whole story of Christ’s birth, in just a few short sentences!

The Lord Is My Shepherd 08.12.2023 ↓

Kristina and Elissa take a deeper look at one of our most beloved prayers — Psalm 22/23 — and ask what experiences might have inspired David to write this.

Giving Thanks in Liturgy 25.11.2023 ↓

In honor of Thanksgiving, Kristina and Elissa are thinking about giving thanks — and about why the word for Holy Communion or Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”!

Lord, have mercy! 17.11.2023 ↓

In this episode, Kristina and Elissa explore how mighty this tiny prayer can be.

The Lord's Prayer 10.11.2023 ↓

As we begin a new series on the common prayers we say all the time, we begin with a really big one: The Lord’s Prayer!

O All Holy Trinity 03.11.2023 ↓

This week, Elissa and Kristina explore the “O All Holy Trinity” and the various lovely things it teaches!

O Heavenly King 19.10.2023 ↓

As Kristina and Elissa explore the prayers we pray every day, they explore why we open with this prayer to the Holy Spirit.

King David 06.10.2023 ↓

We have another listener request: King David! He is one of our favorite Saints, and you’re about to find out why.

St. Elizabeth the New Martyr 28.09.2023 ↓

You asked, and we answered! We had a speakpipe request for an episode on the wonderful modern Saint, St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, so we’ve put together her story to help you get to know her!

St. Xenia of Petersburg 21.09.2023 ↓

Another listener-requested episode! Elissa and Kristina will help you get to know St. Xenia, whose very unusual story is unforgettable and beautiful!

Saint Seraphim of Sarov 14.09.2023 ↓

Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger tell about St. Seraphim of Sarov.

St. Phoebe 25.05.2023 ↓

St. Paul said that St. Phoebe helped him a lot – we’ll find out how!

St. Catherine of Alexandria 18.05.2023 ↓

Catherine in Aurora, Colorado, requested an episode on her patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and we were so happy to learn more about her, and to share her story with you!

Matushka Maria of Gatchina 11.05.2023 ↓

A young woman with her whole life ahead of her is suddenly paralyzed. What amazing wonders can God accomplish with her now?

Forgiveness and Betrayal 04.05.2023 ↓

This tale of two disciples shows us how important it is the do the right thing AFTER you’ve done the wrong thing.

St. George 27.04.2023 ↓

St. George is a very famous Saint – a wonderworker and martyr! But did he really kill a dragon?

The Holy Myrrhbearers 20.04.2023 ↓

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!

Holy Week and Pascha 11.04.2023 ↓

Today, we look at the story of Pascha, from Christ's entry into Jerusalem through His resurrection.

Build Your House 06.04.2023 ↓

Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount by telling us that living our lives is like building a house, and we should think carefully about where we build it!

Beware of False Prophets 30.03.2023 ↓

Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who pretend to be His followers – they’re really not following Him at all! How will we know?

The Narrow Gate 23.03.2023 ↓

Jesus tells us to enter the Kingdom through a tight, narrow gate. What does He mean by that?

The Golden Rule 16.03.2023 ↓

Jesus gives us the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you!