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,…

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 …

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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 whe…

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 int…

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

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

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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!Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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 w…

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 …

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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…

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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 lifeAf Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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 w…

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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, d…

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 p…

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

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.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Kathy Pehanich about what defines a crisis and how best to respond to family members in need.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Presvytera Melanie reflects on Gospel accounts of inclusion (and exclusion) of people with disabilities, and whether or not there is "anything new under the sun" in our churches today.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Fr Alex Goussetis interviews Presvytera Kerry Pappas on the nuances from the perspectives of both the parental in-laws and the young married couple.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Lucy and Chase talk about how they are coping with the last year struggling with a miscarriage, fertility tests and challenges, dealing with insensitive comments about family life, how they deal with the unknown in regards to their family future, and how one specific line from the Cherubic Hymn gives them hope for whatever their future may hold, al…

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Kosta Petrogeorge, a marriage & family therapist, on the definition/description of intimacy and how couples can cultivate intimacy in contrast to keeping secrets.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Reaching out to parents of children with unique needs as they navigate the challenges that sometimes come with holiday celebrations, Presvytera Melanie reflects on the difficult experiences Jesus' earthly parents had to navigate as they began caring for Him in less than ideal circumstances on that Holy Night so many ages ago.…

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Orthodox marriage & family therapist Justine Hoff on the "red flags" that threaten healthy relationships and resources to address and heal wounded marriages.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Luv, Michael and USAutism Homes Ministry Model Spotlight: Meeting Challenges with InnovationWhen Dr. Lisa Liberatore was faced with an uncertain future for her teenaged son with Autism a few years ago, she, her husband, and their church family met their challenges with patience, love, and innovation resulting in the foundation of two non-profit org…

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with dietitian and faithful Orthodox Christian Krista Fedorchak. She offers excellent suggestions on fasting practices and ideas for families to consider for the various lenten periods of the Church calendar.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Presvytera Melanie speaks with Eleni Anast and Abby Vlahos, co-founders of their parish Disability Family Ministry and Fully Human Steering Committee members, about the whys, hows, blessings, challenges, and tips for supporting Orthodox Christian families with members who have disabilities.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with pastor & therapist Fr Paul Jannakos on how to address and overcome the challenges that couples experience in the course of their marriage.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Anna and Andy talk about how having a “covid baby” was a really special experience, how they love bringing their daughter along with them everywhere and don’t necessarily feel the need for extra “one-on-one” time, how they had to learn to speak to each other in a way that the other could hear in order to overcome challenges, and how having true unc…

Fr Alex Goussetis highlights the creative wonder of God and how families can enjoy this Fall season together.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis

Presvytera Melanie shares an anonymous letter, a heartfelt plea from an Orthodox Christian mother to other moms, on behalf of her teenaged son on the Autism Spectrum; and, adds her own plea to the spiritual fathers, the clergy, of our church families.Af Fr. Alexander Goussetis