faith Archives - Behind the Scenes

Introducing Zeina’s Table!

August 16, 2022 · Melinda Johnson

"As Christians, aren’t we all pilgrims just passing through? That’s how I feel here. Recreating these ancient dishes transports me back to the village."

Gratitude in Life’s Trenches: an Interview with Robin Phillips

August 25, 2020October 12, 2020 · Melinda Johnson

Your book Gratitude in Life’s Trenches has been creating quite a stir since it came out earlier this month. Within days of the book’s release it became an Amazon best-seller in its category, and it has received a string of positive reviews. Rod Dreher wrote that “this book will open closed minds, gladden weary hearts and change people’s lives,” while Bishop John, Antiochian Orthodox Bishop of Worcester and New England, praised the…

Mom and Kids review Rooted in Prayer Virtual Vacation Church Camp

August 18, 2020 · Sarah Geana

The most surprising result of the week of church camp was this deepening sense of prayer. My children have all grown up in the church and have been saying family prayers since they were born and attend church on a regular basis, etc., so you would think they would have a very firm grasp of what prayer is and its importance.

Words for Our Time: A Book That Lives Up To Its Name

August 23, 2019 · Shanda Kelly Smith

An Orthodox priest once told me, “Finding Orthodoxy is the easy part. The hard part comes when you begin to learn the depth of what our faith means. Each time you step into the next level of relationship with Christ, you will see a new and greater depth in which you must traverse to continue the journey.”

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.