Family Matters

Oct 15 2024 185 ep. 992

Family Matters Podcast artwork

A podcast from The Center for Family Care, a Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, focusing on equipping families to apply the teachings and practices of the Orthodox faith to every dimension of their lives.

Religion & Spirituality

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There are No Degrees of Worth: Defending the Dignity of the Unborn with Down Syndrome

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 whi

The Blind Psychologist: Helping Families Live Their Best Lives

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 encour

The Sabbath Was Made for Man: Why Rest, Respite, and Self-Care are Vital for Caregivers, Part 2

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.

The Sabbath Was Made for Man: Why Rest, Respite, and Self-Care are Vital for Caregivers, Part 1

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.

Paving the Road to College Through an Orthodox Perspective

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.

Independence, or Interdependence?

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

Preying on a Mother's Heart

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

Family Bible Reading

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

Understanding Autism with Summer Kinard Part II

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

Weathering the Hurricane of Divorce

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.