Ancient Faith Ministries

Sep 12, 2021 • 45 min

Some of the lives of saints leave us scratching our heads. Hermits, stylites, fools-for-Christ . . . To modern readers, they seem like poor witnesses, isolated and odd. But the principles behind their unusual practices can teach us deep spiritual lessons.

Sep 8, 2021 • 2h 45m

In this episode, Dr. Cyril Jenkins discusses with John Heitzenrater his path from hyper-traditionalist, observant Catholic to Orthodoxy, and what this actually tells us about him as the headmaster of St. Constantine in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

Sep 8, 2021 • 22 min

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with social worker Melinda Johnson regarding the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America’s Directory of Orthodox Mental Health Professionals, an excellent resource for families.

Sep 8, 2021 • 3h 44m

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins welcomes back the St. Constantine Headmaster, John Heitzenrater, to discuss what the school day will include for students, both what they will do in class, and what they will do outside (which will also be part of the class). Cyril and John also discuss what classical education does for our children, and why the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania is a great place for this endeavor.

Sep 7, 2021 • 2h 59m

In Romans chapter 16, Paul greets many Roman Christians, including many women active in the church there. How do we reconcile Paul having female co-workers with the passages in his epistles in which Paul says that women should "be silent"? St. John Chrysostom, who is often accused of misogyny himself, has some very interesting comments to make about this last chapter of Romans and women in the early Church.

Sep 3, 2021 • 1h 13m

For many people, veneration of the Virgin Mary is the biggest of the “Stumbling Stones on the Orthodox Road.” As we reconsider the Virgin Mary, we will acknowledge various fears, look at the Protestant Reformers’ exalted view of her, and consider the Archangel Gabriel’s praise of Mary in the Annunciation.

Sep 2, 2021 • 1h 13m

Sometimes the major obstacle to becoming Orthodox isn’t theological at all—it’s the worship service itself. In this episode, we consider the question, “Why is Orthodox worship so formal?” and examine the ancient understanding of worship as a journey into the Kingdom of God.

Sep 2, 2021 • 2h 28m

“Go and make Disciples” was our Lord’s clear instruction, an at the end of His parable where the Good Samaritan helped an injured Jewish stranger, He advised us to “Go and do likewise” and help our brothers and sisters in need. So how can we do that critical work in our lives and our communities? We will explore practical ideas you and your Parish can implement to answer this critical question with Fr. John Kocolas, the Proistamenos at Nativity of Christ Orthodox Church in Novato, California. Nativity of Christ’s Community Outreach Ministry does so much to help so many. Join us for a discussion of creative ways you and your Parish can “go and do likewise.” Call in to share ways you and your parish make disciples and serve others.

Sep 1, 2021 • 3h 16m

The Hebrew word "paw-rah" means "to perish." It was used in biblical proverbs about hair allowed to flow unconstrained in the wind; it means to be blown in all directions. Without intention, an Orthodox Christian parish can be with no clear direction, though Christ taught us how to create a clear and purposeful vision and inspire the faithful to journey toward His salvific love. Bill Marianes will broadcast live from the strategic planning retreat hosted by St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids and led by Fr. Michael Nasser and Dr. Sam Bander. Fr. Michael and Sam will share their strategic planning process, real-time results, and how this voyage and positively transform a parish and community.

Aug 31, 2021 • 2h 58m

"I commend to you our sister, Phoebe, deacon of the church at Cenchrea." In the final chapter of Romans Paul greets an extraordinary number of people, including many women. Some people say that Phoebe was not a deacon but a "servant" and that women had no ordained positions. What do we know about the role of women in the early Church?

Aug 27, 2021 • 56 min

In "Out of the Mouths of Babes You Have Perfected Praise: A Discussion at the Intersection of Anthropology and Theology," Presvytera Melanie speaks with Sarah Riccardi-Swartz about her involvement with disability rights, how her Autistic daughter further developed her advocacy role, the need for the Church to listen to and incorporate the stories of those with disabilities and their guardians to develop a theology of disability, and the pure-hearted offerings to God in triumphant "Amens!" and Daniel Tiger songs.

Aug 27, 2021 • 24 min

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Prevytera Melanie DiStefano about the launching of a new podcast series that is dedicated to special needs families.

Aug 27, 2021 • 53 min

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Matt and Louise Heusel on medical practitioners' adverse reactions to prenatal discoveries of disabilities and the pressure put on parents to abort their children, how their daughter with Down Syndrome has enriched their family life, and the special gifts she contributes to their parish family.

Aug 26, 2021 • 50 min

Presvytera Melanie continues her conversation with William Christy, this time including his father and mother, Father Paul and Presvytera Mary, and his twin sister, Gabriella. Each family member shares their personal perspective related to William's diagnosis of cerebral palsy—the joys, challenges, and the way their love for God and his love for them was made manifest through their experiences.

Aug 25, 2021 • 52 min

Presvytera Melanie speaks with His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh on theological "whys" of disability, the need for all of us to learn an etiquette regarding disability, and his exhilarating experience on an OCF Real Break mission trip when visiting "The Four Homes of Mercy," a group home for persons with disabilities.

Aug 25, 2021 • 39 min

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Presvytera Elaine Stavropoulos regarding her daughter's Autism diagnosis, and the ministry to families with disabilities which blossomed forth as a result.

Aug 24, 2021 • 43 min

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, the Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and founder of the St. Nicholas Program, a church camp experience for persons with special needs of all ages, and their families. https://www.uocyouth.org/stnicholasprogram

Aug 24, 2021 • 38 min

William Christy - On Faith, Wheelchair Basketball, and How The Teachings of the Fathers Shape His Response to His Disability Presvytera Melanie speaks with William Christy about being a young adult with cerebral palsy, a PK (priest's kid), his love for English literature, wheelchair basketball, and how the teachings of the Fathers of the Church encourage him and inform his worldview.

Aug 20, 2021 • 1h 10m

This month on the August FWL show Cynthia and Molly talk with Dr.Nicole Roccas about a more peaceful approach to time, and Cynthia interviews dietician Krista Fedorchak about body image.

Aug 18, 2021 • 23 min

Listen to reflections from time at the Refuge and back in the city: gypsy moths, hydrangeas, and "keeping the water fresh."