Creative Blessings

Fr. Niko and Chris welcome a special guest in this episode, Archimandrite Father Christodoulos Papadeas from Denver, Colorado, where he administers an urban hermitage called the Brotherhood of Saint George. A graduate of Holy Cross Seminary, Father Papadeas reflects on his spiritual journey from his youth to the present time.

Fr. Niko and Chris talk about their great affinity for the Marvel Comics Character Dr. Strange. They delve into the version of the character in the comics as well as the new movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Father focuses on the characters' ability to make mystical shields for use against evil forces, and he explores the notion of good versus evil.

In 1977, Star Wars took the world by storm, and Chris, who was seven at the time, found his first love. He talks to Father Niko about his love of the original blockbuster trilogy as The Empire Strikes Back celebrates its 40th anniversary. Father explains that as a child, he “didn’t get” the movie, but as the years went on, it became his favorite. Father Niko talks about the challenge of his days at the seminary, which he calls “Orthodox Boot Camp.” He relates his seminary challenges to Luke’s training at Dagobah. The exercises -both spiritual and mental – that Luke experienced can be metaphors for the Christian journey. The notion of free will and the temptation of the Dark side is an essential part of the Jedi religion. It can be viewed as a reflection of a Christian’s journey during Lent, a time to focus our energies and mental faculties.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris geek out a bit over the recent crossover event Crisis on Infinite Earths on the CW Superhero TV shows, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow.

Father Niko and Chris discuss the holiday and what Christmas spirit means. Father expands on the subject utilizing his favorite Superman comic story, Peace on Earth, to explain gifts of the Spirit. Both Father and Chris expand on the notion of “The Spirit of Giving.” We are reminded what we have been given and to give a portion back to God.

Father Niko discusses at the 2019 Doxacon, his personal experience with the Man of Steel through childhood, seminary, and even today, as well as the history of Superman — his Judeo-Christian roots, allegories, and creators’ personal lives, and more.

Father Niko and Chris discuss their trip to Doxacon 2019 in Bethesda, Maryland. Father was the Keynote speaker on Friday night of Doxacon. In this episode, he expands on his lecture about Superman and the allegory of the Messiah and the correlations to orthodoxy.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris discuss the latest film installment in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) Avengers Endgame. They talk about heroism and self-sacrifice for the greater good. Father conveys how we, as Orthodox Christians, should contemplate this notion.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris interview their first guest, Daniel Silver the organizer and co-founder of Doxacon.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris discuss how Jesus ministered to the outcasts of society. The reading of “Follow Me” and you will be “Fishers of Men” taking people as they are “baptizing" them and then following as they are is explored. Father utilizes metaphor and analogy with one of his favorite comic books called the X-men created By Stan Lee and Jack Kirby of Marvel Comics. Both Father Niko and Chris become nostalgic and express how this book has influenced them personally in their lives!

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris discuss women roles in Orthodoxy. They talk about strong women, womanhood, and motherhood. Father explores How Christianity is a religion that has many prominent female figures.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris explore Pentecost; about how the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us are our superpowers.

In this episode, Father Niko And Chris talk about the New Avengers movie Infinity War, the 19th installment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They explore the characters, particularly that of the main villain, Thanos. Father Niko focuses on the notion of sacrifice, both what the characters had to surrender, as well as how it affects our own lives.

Father Niko and Chris talk about the Justice League and other movies in the DC Universe. They explore the concept of Superman and how he, the first superhero, has influenced all others. Father Niko explores the concept of “hope” and how it plays a part in the persona of Superman and in his own life and theology. Sit back, get a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy!

Father Niko and Chris introduce themselves and give their own origin story on how this podcast came to be. Father Niko talks about his blog Christ, Coffee and Comics and his goal to create a ministry and give a personal insight to his listeners. Chris gives the backstory on how an interview with Father Bekris led to a friendship between them and what has brought their new podcast ministry to fruition. Sit back, get a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy!