Family Matters

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.

Meet Bruce & Natalie Batson, an Orthodox couple from Indiana who have been married for 4 years with three children from Bruce's previous marriage. They discuss moving across the country after meeting once, going from Buddhism to Orthodoxy via YouTube, what it's like being a blended family, the emotional struggle that comes with being a step-parent, and how they overcome challenges that arise in life.

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

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Timothy Pavlatos on Scriptural and Patristic resources, as well as practical suggestions, on the impact of judging others, being judged, and judging ourselves.

Meet Athanasia and Niko, an Orthodox couple from Colorado who have been married for 8 years with 2 children. They discuss how they struggled in their first years of marriage, dealing with stay-at-home mom “guilt," how doing activities together is important for their marital bond, and finding that "magic button" for communication.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Vasilia Vamvakis on the challenges and opportunities of balancing the demands of family and career.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Martie Johnson on social and faith perspectives of racism and conversations to consider with our families.

Mari & Despina interview Fr. Kosmas & Anna Kallis, a clergy couple who have been married for almost 8 years with 2 children (their youngest was born just weeks after this podcast was recorded). Fr. Kosmas & Anna discuss the joys of being seen by their children, the struggle with the loss of freedom in parenting, and how structuring/scheduling each week is important for marital connection.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Leonard Herrem, a marriage & family therapist and parish priest, on the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid on relationships.

Mari & Despina interview Evvie & Justin Tillich, a dynamic Orthodox couple who have been married for almost 15 years with 3 children. Evvie & Justin discuss their parenting philosophies and the joys and challenges they have experienced in their marriage and family life.

Welcome to the newest series on Family Matters called Spotlight on Orthodox Families! Once a month Mari McMullen and Despina Ellis will be interviewing couples from around the country in order to share the stories and lives of Orthodox families as a source of support and inspiration to others. In this first episode, Mari & Despina interview each other in a "Get to Know Your Hosts" segment.

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.

Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Paulette Geanacopoulos, licensed social worker and Director of Social Services for the Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society, on the warning signs and resources available for victims of domestic violence.

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

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Mena Mirhom, an Orthodox psychiatrist, on what families need to consider when discussing pharmaceutical options, and how to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into the decision-making process.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers analysis and praise for an excellent resource for strengthening your marriage relationship

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Presvytera Mary Christy, a licensed CPA, on establishing a financial plan for your future.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a reflection on the breads of the world, the Eucharist, and a family activity for this holiday week.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Stavros Akrotirianakis on the impact of encouragement on our marriages, families, and our own souls.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kristi Marx, a clinical social worker, regarding the issues facing the growing senior population and how families can respond.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Ioana Popa and Sebastien Falardeau on navigating through the many facets of grief, especially during this time of the pandemic.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dn. Stephen Muse on what makes for a healthy and vital marriage.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a reflection on the medical and theological effects of loneliness, and by contrast, the benefits of community life.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Steven and Anastasia Valassis on the challenges and blessings of the crisis on marriage and family life.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Dn. Joseph Clark on his experience of race, racism, interracial marriage, and serving in the Orthodox Church.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr David Alexander on the spiritual wisdom of the recently glorified St Sophrony of Essex and the impact on marriage & family life.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Theodore Petrides regarding the power, effectiveness, and inspiration of sharing the stories of saints with our children.

Fr Alex Gousstis offers a brief reflection, including questions for discussion, on parenting styles and decision-making in our families

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Michael Shanbour on his newly published book for pre-teen children, and how parents can use this resource to educate and illuminate their families.

Fr. Alex Goussetis interviews Eddie Bocanegra, who offers his amazing journey from inmate to Orthodox Christian to community leader.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Christine Chambers-Monkowski on the practical, medical, and emotional dimensions of organ donation that families should consider.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a brief reflection on the impact of the coronavirus, including practical suggestions for families to consider.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Presvytera Melanie DiStefano on practical ways that parishes can minister to special needs families.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers suggestions for families who wish to integrate the practice of fasting in their lenten journey.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Licensed Social Worker Christy Buck on issues and parental resources related to bullying.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sarah Crabtree, a marriage and family therapist, who works with couples in which one or both spouses is considering divorce.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr George Stavros on a unique ministry with his high school students - learning about and chanting the Holy Thursday service of Holy Week.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Carrie Frederick Frost on her newly published book Maternal Body. She highlights the Orthodox sources of motherhood found in icons, feasts, and prayers of the Church.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with wrestling coach Brian Krenzelak on the blessings and challenges of youth sports, especially their impact on family life.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Earl Cantos, Youth Compliance Officer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, on how the Church family can prevent child abuse.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Stellanie Butcher on the logistical, emotional, and unexpected aspects of the adoption of children.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Melissa Tsongranis about the national conference being held in January 2020 in Houston, Texas for clergy, lay workers, therapists and all who are interested in strengthening their marriage relationship.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with social worker Daniel Belonick about the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact on patients and family members.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Kosta Petrogeorge, a marriage and family therapist who offers practical suggestions and narratives for improving family life.

Fr Alex Goussetis highlights the beautiful service offered during the Dormition fast period (August 1-14), and how families can benefit both at home and at Church.

Fr. Alex Goussetis is seeking the opinions of listeners on past episodes and future programming.

Fr Alex Goussetis offers a narrative of clergy family life, helping parishioners to appreciate the unique lives of those who minister, love, and care for us.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Aaron Warwick, pastor of St Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wichita, KS, who outlines materials from MarriageBuilders.com on strengthening the marital relationship.