faith Archives - Behind the Scenes

Speakers and Topics for the 2019 Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat

July 9, 2019July 10, 2019 · Melinda Johnson

On November 14-17, we will joyfully gather at Antiochian Village for the second annual Ancient Faith Women’s Retreat! This event sold out several times over when it debuted last year, and we’re nearing 70 guests already this year. If you have not yet purchased your ticket (or want more information), click HERE. We are delighted to welcome four wonderful women as our speakers and leaders: Mother Christophora, Pres. Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, Pres.…

Using A Child’s Guide to Confession with My Kids: A Review

May 23, 2019 · Nikki Johnson

My kids especially appreciated the self-examination questions, which help with introspection and examination of conscience and focus first on love and our failures to love perfectly, rather than on sin.

Orthodox Worship: Changing the Way I Approach the Divine Liturgy

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019 · Brandi Willis Schreiber 1

As I read, I compared my former attitude, approach, and rational understanding of worship to what the authors explained was really happening on a deeply spiritual level, and I have to say, it transformed the way I participate in services.

Writing an Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, Healer of Hardened Hearts

April 5, 2019 · Bev. Cooke 3

I had to write it three or four times, each time healing somewhat from my own hardened, bitter heart and getting closer to what I wanted to say in it.

Journey to Pascha 2019 Chart

February 11, 2019February 11, 2019 · Fr. Jonathan Bannon 3

We’re delighted to share this year’s edition of Fr. Jonathan Bannon’s wonderful “Journey to Pascha” chart. This chart can be used like a map of Lent, marking off the milestones along the way and providing a suggestion for personal spiritual practice for each week. Last year, the original edition of this chart traveled around the world. It was even translated into other languages. Glory to God! Fr. Jonathan came up with the…

Choosing to Read The Wilderness Journal

January 16, 2019 · Kristin Somich

I was scared of this book. It arrived, fresh and lovely…and thick. I thought, “Oh, I will never find time for this. I am already so busy with work, with children, with church, with life…” The book continued to sit at my desk, and I continued to avoid it. Then, things got worse.

A Year of Tending the Garden

January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 · Kristina Wenger 1

Had I known, when I received it a year ago, what all Elissa’s message would have entailed, I’d have said yes on the spot, without thinking about it for a few days.

Beautiful Things: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children

June 7, 2018 · Megan Gilbert 1

When I was 25 years old, I was working full-time as a Montessori assistant in a Kindergarten classroom. During morning circle time, I would take little notes on our scrap paper about what the head teacher was sharing with the 5-7 year olds. No holds barred, this teacher, a life-long lover of learning, poured into these children rich details about complex ideas and precise nomenclature. I love the Montessori concept of the…

Know Your Faith: Are You Saved by Grace?

October 8, 2016March 23, 2017 · Fr. Michael Shanbour 1

Grace is not a concept or a declaration of innocence; rather, it is the uncreated life of God that flows from Him naturally and eternally. It is a real and concrete participation in the divine life that God has desired to share with us from the beginning.