Family Matters

Meet Amanda Chagnon, mom to three beautiful boys including her youngest, Alexios, who has medical complexities due to a condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous tumors or lesions to grow in the brain and other areas of the body, including the eyes, lung, heart, kidneys, and skin. Amanda shares how motherhood and her nursing background have intertwined, and the blessings and difficulties of homeschooling, especially when caring for a medically complex child. Honest about her struggles, other caregivers may find this conversation refreshing and learn from the ways she has found to manage her internal and external struggles.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Dimitrios Moraitis on the collateral damage that family and friends often endure when a loved one is struggling with substance abuse - and advice on how to establish healthy boundaries and support for their loved ones in recovery.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Peter Spiro, Director of the GOA National Human Trafficking Awareness Ministry, on who are the traffickers, who are the victims, and what parents need to know to protect their children.

Meet Jeremy Swartz, a recent addition to the Center for Family Care team as the On Behalf of All Grant Assistant Director. Jeremy brings his experience in project management, studies in philosophy and theology, and lived experience as a caregiver of a child with disabilities to our ministry. Listen as he shares how life with his family and their unique journey has taught him to pivot on his paternal expectations into a position of embracing, accepting, and doing the daily work of creating connections with and for his daughter.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Theo Nikolakis, CIO of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, on positive internet usage, child safety, and related software for families.

Pres Melanie speaks with Marissa Eliades, the cofounder of the Like a Daisy Foundation in memory of her sister Samantha Eliades, who had Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Samantha passed away, unexpectedly, on September 28, 2023. Marissa shares the origins of her family's journey with special needs in the church, beginning with participation in the Challenge Liturgies for families with disabilities established at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church of Port Washington Roslyn Heights, NY; the development of Project SAM, a ministry which seeks to reconnect people who are isolated with special needs and their families with their Faith Tradition; and most recently, her family's establishment of the Like a Daisy Foundation which offers support and life-changing experiences to the special needs community.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr David Ford, professor at St. Tikhon's seminary, on the historical and theological understanding of the sacrament of marriage and its practical application for us today.

Lindsay Pals-Bieberich is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who speaks with Pres Melanie about her clinical specialties working with religious and spiritual trauma, PTSD, and late diagnosis ADHD in women. They explore reasons that many girls receive inaccurate diagnoses in childhood. Her passion is to help clients reframe their experiences from shame to acceptance of physiological differences; and for believers, inviting God into the process of self-discovery.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sarah Riccardi-Swartz on social media's impact on family dynamics, interpersonal communication, and social development - and how parents can change the narrative in the home.

Pres Melanie shares a framework and some ideas for making connections to Christ's birth and Nativity Season traditions with atypically developing children.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr George Stavros regarding the following question: "Is it possible for parents to get along and send a consistent message to children even when their styles conflict?"

Presvytera Melanie offers a reflection in honor of Archangel Michael and the angelic hosts, whose assistance and messages for us may be mostly invisible and inaudible to our physical senses; but at times get delivered through unassuming human helpers who ignite our spiritual perceptions.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Panteleimon Papadopoulos about wisdom he received regarding marriage from an unlikely source.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the US, and Pres. Melanie welcomes Dr. Mary O'Callaghan, a mother, legal advocate, educator and ethicist in the Catholic Church who speaks on behalf of the human dignity of pre-born babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. She discusses her research on the history of Selective Abortion, describes existing ministries which provide support to parents who receive difficult prenatal diagnoses, and offers hope-filled, alternative perspectives to parents, medical professionals, clergy, and church communities.

October is Blind Awareness Month in the US, and this conversation highlights the lived experience of Dr. Lauren Barron -- a licensed counselor, wife, and mother -- who humbly offers wise counsel for families experiencing diagnoses of disabilities and other life challenges. Blind herself, she found new insight regarding her disability when becoming Orthodox. Dr. Barron shares encouraging messages for families experiencing visual impairments, and tips for their seeing fellow parishioners.

Matushka Carrie Foley and Presv. Melanie present helpful advice for parents on easing into and building trust of support staff who will care for their vulnerable family members, as well as creative suggestions to make refreshing family vacations/getaways possible, even when budgets are tight.

Matushka Carrie Foley shares personal lessons learned regarding the vitalness of self-care and times of refreshment for sustainable caregiving. In Part 1 of 2 of this conversation, common roadblocks to rest and relaxation are addressed including guilt, anxiety, and lack of resources, along with practical suggestions for finding ways around them.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Christopher Chiakulas, founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, a platform that supports teenagers and their parents in navigating the high school journey, focusing on the college search, application, and selection process from an Orthodox perspective.

As many celebrate the USA's Independence Day, Presvytera Melanie reflects on the societal ideal of independence, examined through the lens of Trinitarian relationship and interdependence. How do families raising children with disabilities strike a balance in encouraging their children's independence, while being at peace with, and understanding where, extra supports are needed? How independent is any human being, truly? Saints Seraphim of Sarov and Theodore of Tobolsk help answer these questions.

Elissa Bjeletich Davis of AFR's Everyday Orthodox joins the Fully Human conversation, sharing her family's experience of serious, early childhood health challenges (and beyond) and the tragic passing of her infant son to SIDS. Presvytera Melanie and Elissa particularly focus on how the enemy of our souls can attempt to twist our fears and grief into destructive thoughts and actions, and what to do with misappropriated maternal guilt.

Elissa Bjeletich Davis of AFR's Everyday Orthodox joins the Fully Human conversation, sharing her family's experience of serious, early childhood health challenges (and beyond) and the tragic passing of her infant son to SIDS. Presvytera Melanie and Elissa particularly focus on how the enemy of our souls can attempt to twist our fears and grief into destructive thoughts and actions, and what to do with misappropriated maternal guilt.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Edith Humphrey on the holy opportunities for parents and children while reading Scripture as a family.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Edith Humphrey on the holy opportunities for parents and children while reading Scripture as a family.

A continuation of Pres Melanie's conversation with Summer Kinard, who shares valuable resources for making churches accessible to all.

A continuation of Pres Melanie's conversation with Summer Kinard, who shares valuable resources for making churches accessible to all.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Calliope Couchell-Wilson on her book that addresses the stages of divorce and practical advice on forging a new life.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Calliope Couchell-Wilson on her book that addresses the stages of divorce and practical advice on forging a new life.

Orthodox Christian, Autistic author, publisher, and faith educator, Summer Kinard, shares her family's intimate experiences as Autistics and offers practical theological insight and encouragement. How are Autistic people like flower bees? Listen and learn!

Orthodox Christian, Autistic author, publisher, and faith educator, Summer Kinard, shares her family's intimate experiences as Autistics and offers practical theological insight and encouragement. How are Autistic people like flower bees? Listen and learn!

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, professor of New Testament at Holy Cross School of Theology, on the biblical and theological understanding of God the Father, helping to reorient us to a healthier relationship with our heavenly father and earthly fathers.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, professor of New Testament at Holy Cross School of Theology, on the biblical and theological understanding of God the Father, helping to reorient us to a healthier relationship with our heavenly father and earthly fathers.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with three mothers who helped to develop activities and discussion questions from their parenting groups that evolved into the publication of this new workbook.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with three mothers who helped to develop activities and discussion questions from their parenting groups that evolved into the publication of this new workbook.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nicholas Anton (Assembly of Bishops) and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano (Center for Family Care) on the partnership that is developing resources to serve the blind and deaf faithful in our parish communities.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nicholas Anton (Assembly of Bishops) and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano (Center for Family Care) on the partnership that is developing resources to serve the blind and deaf faithful in our parish communities.

What would our lives look like if we embraced our bodily limitations and understood that they could be offerings to the Lord? Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge continue their conversation with Pres. Melanie on such a life - that of their friend Kevin McCarty. At Kevin's funeral, Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA) of blessed memory who was then Kevin's father confessor told those present, “In the lives of the Saints, we read about the Fools-for-Christ. God has granted us to know one personally in Kevin.” Listen to hear how Kevin's unique life story is an inspiring witness of what a person can become when they "take up their cross and carry it" with the Lord. Presvytera Melanie reads portions of the blog entry Blessed Kevin from the Arms Open Wide website throughout this podcast. Visit original blog post here: https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/blessed-kevin/

What would our lives look like if we embraced our bodily limitations and understood that they could be offerings to the Lord? Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge continue their conversation with Pres. Melanie on such a life - that of their friend Kevin McCarty. At Kevin's funeral, Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA) of blessed memory who was then Kevin's father confessor told those present, “In the lives of the Saints, we read about the Fools-for-Christ. God has granted us to know one personally in Kevin.” Listen to hear how Kevin's unique life story is an inspiring witness of what a person can become when they "take up their cross and carry it" with the Lord. Presvytera Melanie reads portions of the blog entry Blessed Kevin from the Arms Open Wide website throughout this podcast. Visit original blog post here: https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/blessed-kevin/

Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge share reflections on their relationship with Kevin McCarty of blessed memory. Kevin spent most of his life battling cancer which resulted in losing one eye in infancy and the other in his final years. Despite his limited physical vision, Kevin was a gifted artist. As Kevin's godfather and godson, Aaron and Brian recount aspects of their shared spiritual journeys, and the ways Kevin's disability and health issues fueled an enthusiasm for life and a search for connection with God and people. Presvytera Melanie reads portions of the blog entry Blessed Kevin from the Arms Open Wide website throughout this podcast. Visit original blog post here: https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/blessed-kevin/

Dr. Aaron Haney and Brian Whirledge share reflections on their relationship with Kevin McCarty of blessed memory. Kevin spent most of his life battling cancer which resulted in losing one eye in infancy and the other in his final years. Despite his limited physical vision, Kevin was a gifted artist. As Kevin's godfather and godson, Aaron and Brian recount aspects of their shared spiritual journeys, and the ways Kevin's disability and health issues fueled an enthusiasm for life and a search for connection with God and people. Presvytera Melanie reads portions of the blog entry Blessed Kevin from the Arms Open Wide website throughout this podcast. Visit original blog post here: https://armsopenwide.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/blessed-kevin/

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Matushka Rozanne Rucker, who offers her many years of experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist. The conversation highlights the three pillars of parenting teens: consistent limit setting, strengthening emotional attachments, and improving communication.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Matushka Rozanne Rucker, who offers her many years of experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist. The conversation highlights the three pillars of parenting teens: consistent limit setting, strengthening emotional attachments, and improving communication.

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/

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/

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.

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.

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 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 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.