Family Matters

William Gall joins Pres. Melanie and shares about the inspiration for Arms Open Wide, a weekly blog and virtual storehouse of Orthodox Christian disability resources. Listen as he enumerates the resources and links accessible on Arms Open Wide and the various needs they address. Visit the blogsite at https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/

Pres. Melanie shares a reflection on Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, as it relates to the Nativity Season, Caregiving, and learning to serve Christ in every person we encounter.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Cindy Karos of FaithTree Resources on their new program for parents and families. This resource combines online videos and a workbook to help families become energized and enthused at the blessings that are presented to us through the main liturgical service of our faith.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr George Stavros on the changing dynamics of parenting, specifically when our children enter adulthood and beyond. Interview includes personal anecdotes, theological perspectives, and clinical insights.

Pres. Melanie speaks with Darla Carter, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has extensive experience caring for individuals with disabilities and their families. She shares how her faith informs her work, and offers practical suggestions to help families choose safe, quality, care providers for their loved ones. If you have questions or need further guidance, contact Darla at dcarter@room17.org .

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr. Stephen Tsichlis about the disconnect between the church and some of the faithful regarding the meaning and purpose of marriage.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Stavros Akrotirianakis on the personal and communal aspects of inter-racial & inter-ethnic relationships and their impact on parish life

The Church lifts up the Cross of Christ as Her victory, vehicle of salvation, and even Her beauty, but we often forget that our own crosses can share the power of Christ's. Listen as she draws encouragement for caregivers from the hymns which exalt the Lord's Sacrifice on the Cross.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Elias Dorham, whose doctoral work focused on the theological and liturgical perspectives on Orthodox marriage. Fr Elias offers practical advice for couples who desire to grow together in Christ.

What do the experiences of African American slaves have in common with those of people with disabilities and their families? Listen to find out as Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews Father Paul Abernathy regarding his book The Prayer of a Broken Heart: An Orthodox Christian Reflection on African American Spirituality.

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews LMFT and OCAMPR Psychology Coordinator, Joel Klepac. Joel emphasizes a strengths-based approach when solving challenges associated with ADHD, the importance of not shaming people for behaviors that appear inappropriate, and how these behaviors are often a person's way of seeking the connection and communion with God and others which they were created for.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sofie Azmy, clinical psychologist and clergy wife, on suggestions for reframing our parenting role and relationship with our growing children.

Priests and lay leaders do not necessarily have pastoral training or personal experience to help them minister to people with disabilities, and so are often unsure of how to connect with and enfold our families effectively into parish life. Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews the Director of the GOA Center for Family Care, Fr. Alex Goussetis, discussing his lessons learned as a priest for nearly 30 years, suggestions for making sacramental accommodations, encouragement of families with disabilities to lead parish ministries, and more!

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews Fully Human Steering Committee member, Annie Konidaris. Annie shares her top lessons learned as a caregiver to her 53-year-old Autistic son Nikos, the way God's hand provided for her through a personal encounter with a contemporary Saint decades ago, and how parents and church communities can better embrace people with disabilities.

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano shares a reflection on the light-bearing wounds of Christ's resurrected body and how because of them, our personal wounds are imbued with purpose - namely, for God's glory to shine through.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nikolas Delaveris on the impact of addictions on families, as well as resources to educate and support the faithful.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Hospice Chaplain Nikki Stournaras on the services and benefits offered by hospice care for our loved ones, including questions/issues that families need to consider.

This special video edition of the Fully Human podcast features the experiences of Irene Tunanidas, an accomplished educator and advocate for the deaf. Irene shares familial, educational, and community challenges and blessings she has experienced from early childhood until the present, as well as her hopes for creating greater support for families in Orthodox communities who experience deafness. Using an ASL interpreter and subtitles, we hope this offering will resonate with many in the deaf community.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, professor of New Testament at Holy Cross seminary, on the scriptural and historical background of philia, and its application for Christians today.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Mari McMullen regarding the new lenten video series for family and parish use. No prep needed; videos and small group guide provided.