Family Matters

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kathy Pehanich about what defines a crisis and how best to respond to family members in need.

Presvytera Melanie reflects on Gospel accounts of inclusion (and exclusion) of people with disabilities, and whether or not there is "anything new under the sun" in our churches today.

Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Presvytera Kerry Pappas on the nuances from the perspectives of both the parental in-laws and the young married couple.

Lucy and Chase talk about how they are coping with the last year struggling with a miscarriage, fertility tests and challenges, dealing with insensitive comments about family life, how they deal with the unknown in regards to their family future, and how one specific line from the Cherubic Hymn gives them hope for whatever their future may hold, all between juggling Lucy's band, her day job, and Chase's naval position.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Kosta Petrogeorge, a marriage & family therapist, on the definition/description of intimacy and how couples can cultivate intimacy in contrast to keeping secrets.

Reaching out to parents of children with unique needs as they navigate the challenges that sometimes come with holiday celebrations, Presvytera Melanie reflects on the difficult experiences Jesus' earthly parents had to navigate as they began caring for Him in less than ideal circumstances on that Holy Night so many ages ago.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Orthodox marriage and family therapist Justine Hoff on the "red flags" that threaten healthy relationships and resources to address and heal wounded marriages.

Luv Michael and US Autism Homes Ministry Model Spotlight: Meeting Challenges with Innovation When Dr. Lisa Liberatore was faced with an uncertain future for her teenaged son with autism a few years ago, she, her husband, and their church family met their challenges with patience, love, and innovation resulting in the foundation of two non-profit organizations. Luv Michael provides meaningful employment for adults with autism, and US Autism Homes operates in partnership with the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, NY, to provide alternative housing opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. Presvytera Melanie speaks with Dr. Liberatore and Fr. Constantine Lazarakis who share how these ministries developed in partnership with the parish, how individuals and parish families can currently tap into their resources, and their hopes and visions of replicating these ministries throughout our country and beyond.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with dietitian and faithful Orthodox Christian Krista Fedorchak. She offers excellent suggestions on fasting practices and ideas for families to consider for the various lenten periods of the Church calendar.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with pastor & therapist Fr Paul Jannakos on how to address and overcome the challenges that couples experience in the course of their marriage.

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Eleni Anast and Abby Vlahos, co-founders of their parish Disability Family Ministry and Fully Human Steering Committee members, about the whys, hows, blessings, challenges, and tips for supporting Orthodox Christian families with members who have disabilities.

Anna and Andy talk about how having a “covid baby” was a really special experience, how they love bringing their daughter along with them everywhere and don’t necessarily feel the need for extra “one-on-one” time, how they had to learn to speak to each other in a way that the other could hear in order to overcome challenges, and how having true unconditional family love is what makes everything ok at the end of the day.

Fr Alex Goussetis highlights the creative wonder of God and how families can enjoy this Fall season together.

Presvytera Melanie shares an anonymous letter, a heartfelt plea from an Orthodox Christian mother to other moms, on behalf of her teenaged son on the Autism Spectrum; and, adds her own plea to the spiritual fathers, the clergy, of our church families.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Timothy Patitsas on how our everyday decisions are impacted by our belief system. In this turbulent period in American society, where ethics are fluid and based on one's ideological perspective, how do Orthodox families apply the ethos of the church in their daily lives?

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Sarah Byrne-Martelli regarding her new book, which offers insights for individuals and/or groups in addressing the issues of grief and bereavement.

Presvytera Melanie shares some lessons learned and encouragement for fellow caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs, at the onset of a new school and church year. No matter what your child's learning curve, and your own, "it's all OK."

Description: Fr Alex Goussetis and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano discuss the highlights of their new book, which offers couples the opportunity to take a shared spiritual journey into the heart of marriage through a series of creative exercises. Release Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Fr. Michael and Pres. Maria discuss their meeting, how Pres. Maria did not want to end up with a priest and her gradual change of heart. They talk about being long distance in their relationship and how it helped them improve their communication skills, how their children give them a chance to work on their weaknesses, and how asking often for forgiveness helps their family.

Presvytera Melanie speaks with seminary student Justin Heard, advocate for the blind on local and national levels. He shares how he found the Orthodox Faith, met his wife, and his hopes to help the Church get up to date by changing infrastructure roadblocks and attitudes that affect persons with disabilities. Justin hopes to serve Christ as a priest - at least the chance to test what accommodations might be needed to do so.