Tending the Garden of our Hearts

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger get us ready for Pascha by asking: how exactly did Jesus trample down death by death? What does that mean? Originally released April 15, 2021

Kristina and Elissa received another special request: this week, we will be learning the story of St. Dorothy of Kashin, who lived in the ruins!

On Sunday we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt, whose life was not always saintly. That’s why she is such a favorite in the Church, actually—she is a wonderful example of how we can turn our lives around when we truly repent. Find the Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families book, ebook, and audiobook at store.ancientfaith.com/tending-the-garden-of-our-hearts-daily-lenten-meditations-for-families. The downloadable activity book is available at etsy.com/listing/970766999/tending-the-garden-of-our-hearts-daily. Originally released April 7, 2022

In this episode, we’ll get to know St. Ignatius the God-bearer — for Ephrem’s brother!

In this third episode on St. Ephraim, Elissa and Kristina look at some interesting things he said about where we can find God.

As we begin Great Lent, let’s think about what the words we’re praying in the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim really mean, and why we’re praying them!

One of our listeners requested an episode on his name saint, the very wonderful St. Ephraim the Syrian, and we were so happy to oblige!

We have another episode based on a listener request! Join us as we talk about the wonderful Prophet Micah.

We have a special listener request from Leia, so we are talking about the life of St. Prisca today

This week, Kristina and Elissa are taking requests! Elizabeth wants to know about St. Ita of Ireland, so this episode covers the story of this wonderworking Saint’s life.

In this final episode of the series on Orthodox prayers, Kristina and Elissa take a look at how the Church teaches us to lay down our cares and settle in for the night.

Kristina and Elissa begin the new year with a prayer for the new day!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich consider the Magi: who were these wise men from the East, and what made them decide to seek out the Baby Jesus?

In this episode, Elissa and Kristina look at how St. Romanos tells the whole story of Christ’s birth, in just a few short sentences!

Kristina and Elissa take a deeper look at one of our most beloved prayers — Psalm 22/23 — and ask what experiences might have inspired David to write this.

In honor of Thanksgiving, Kristina and Elissa are thinking about giving thanks — and about why the word for Holy Communion or Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”!

In this episode, Kristina and Elissa explore how mighty this tiny prayer can be.

As we begin a new series on the common prayers we say all the time, we begin with a really big one: The Lord’s Prayer!

This week, Elissa and Kristina explore the “O All Holy Trinity” and the various lovely things it teaches!

You've probably prayed this prayer many times - but do you know who it is referring to? Who exactly is Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal?