What Orthodox Single Parents Wish You Knew

· Melinda Johnson
As part of an outreach project at Ancient Faith Ministries, I recently started a private Facebook group for Orthodox single parents. As our conversation began, it quickly became apparent that it is as hard to be a single parent in the Orthodox church as out of it. One member described the life as a kind of asceticism that’s between marriage and monasticism, with elements of both vocations but without the religious or…

Upcoming AFP Release – Syria Crucified: Stories of Modern Martyrdom in an Ancient Christian Land

· Melinda Johnson
The book includes accounts and stories which have never before been revealed – harrowing episodes of young Christians dodging bullets on their way to school, monks and nuns huddling in prayer as fanatical armed insurgents surround their monasteries, priests and bishops heroically traveling the war-torn countryside to ransom their parishioners, and details of the plight of the last Christians of Idlib and the unbelievable journey of their kidnapped priest, Fr. Ibrahim.

Edith M. Humphrey: Beyond the White Fence and Learning to “See”

· Melinda Johnson
“Read me a story, Unca Doug!” was probably one of my first sentences, directed repeatedly to my longsuffering and beloved second cousin who visited us, while he was in seminary, when I was two. Books were a very important part of our household since my dad was a teacher. They became absolutely essential when I was in kindergarten and isolated at home with mono for several months.  Then I grew into a…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Fr. Barnabas Powell

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is author, blogger, and podcaster Fr. Barnabas Powell. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? Preacher! My deepest passion…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Michael Haldas

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is podcaster Michael Haldas. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? Based on what my wife, friends, and clients…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Dylan Pahman

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is writer Dylan Pahman. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? “Curiosity,” I think. (My wife Kelly might say,…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Sarah Wright

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is author Sarah Wright. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? List-Maker. I have lists for everything! Lists filled…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Jerry Minetos

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is our director of development, Jerry Minetos. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? Durable What is your earliest…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Natalie Wilson

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is composer Natalie Wilson. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? “Nat Ears.” You know, like bat ears, but…

Humans of Ancient Faith: Fr. Philip LeMasters

· Melinda Johnson
Humans of Ancient Faith is a series of mini-interviews designed to introduce you to the many wonderful human beings who make this ministry possible. We asked the same 5 questions in each interview, and let the interviewee choose a sixth question. Today’s guest is blogger and podcaster Fr. Philip LeMasters. ++++++++++++++ If you were named for your defining characteristic, what word or phrase would be your name? My name would be “Constantine,”…