Family Matters

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 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.

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/

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/

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 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.

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 or need further guidance, contact Darla at dcarter@room17.org .

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.

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 life

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.

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.

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 with God and others which they were created for.

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.

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, discussing his lessons learned as a priest for nearly 30 years, suggestions for making sacramental accommodations, encouragement of families with disabilities to lead parish ministries, and more!