That Orthodox Mama’s Show

Ep 17: Orthodoxy FAQs: Wedding Edition

Have you ever wondered why Orthodox couples wear crowns during the wedding ceremony? Why they walk around the table three times, hold candles, or don’t exchange vows? In this episode of my Orthodoxy FAQs series, I explore some of the most meaningful traditions within the Orthodox wedding ceremony and the spiritual symbolism behind them. This episode is especially beneficial for newly engaged and married couples, but I think also is insightful for Orthodox couples who have been married for a while to appreciate the significance of their blessed wedding day. Learning the meaning behind these traditions has helped me appreciate the depth, beauty, and intentionality of Orthodox marriage even more. A quick note: I am not a Presvytera or a Priest. This episode is shared from my personal learning and experience, and I always encourage you to bring questions like these to your parish Priest. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Explanation of Wedding — Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation https://www.atlgoc.org/explanation-of-wedding [https://www.atlgoc.org/explanation-of-wedding] Stefana (Wedding Crowns and Candles) — St. George Greek Orthodox Church https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/marriage/stefana-wedding-crowns-and-candles [https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/marriage/stefana-wedding-crowns-and-candles] “Crown them with glory and honor.” Marriage in the Orthodox Church — Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church [https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church] Why Orthodox Churches Face East — Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-orthodox-churches-face-east/ [https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-orthodox-churches-face-east/] What to Expect in an Orthodox Church — Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/things-to-expect-orthodox-church/ [https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/things-to-expect-orthodox-church/] #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxWedding #GreekOrthodox #ChristianMarriage

Ep. 16: Navigating Difficulties As An Orthodox Couple

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband Polydoros as we have an honest and heartfelt conversation about navigating the difficulties of marriage through our Orthodox faith. We reflect on what it means to remain a team in Christ, especially in challenging seasons, and learning to let struggles refine our marriage rather than harden it. We talk about expectations vs. reality, extending grace to one another, and cultivating gratitude in both the joyful and the difficult moments. Marriage isn’t always easy, but with Christ guiding us, every challenge can shape us into stronger, more loving spouses. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏  Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES Conversation starters  for couples: 1. What’s one thing you’ve appreciated about me lately? 2. What’s a favorite memory of ours that always makes you smile? 3. What’s something small I do that makes you feel loved? 4. What’s something you’re proud of in our marriage? 5. When have you felt most supported by me?

Ep. 15: The Power of a Praying Mother

“When mothers pray, hell trembles…” -Saint Paisios the Athonite This episode is a personal reflection on prayer in motherhood, during the busyness, long days, good and hard times, and all the moments in between. I share with you some encouragement from Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Paisios, as well as some of my own experiences so we can try to stay faithful everyday as strong mothers in Christ. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with a mother who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ RESOURCES The Power of a Mother’s Prayer - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America [https://www.goarch.org/-/the-power-of-a-mother-s-prayer] https://www.goarch.org/-/the-power-of-a-mother-s-prayer [https://www.goarch.org/-/the-power-of-a-mother-s-prayer] Admonitions for Parents: Lessons by Our Holy Father John Chrysostomos on Raising Children [http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/parenting.aspx] orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/parenting.aspx Spiritual Counsels, Volume IV: Family Life, Saint Paisios the Athonite https://www.athoniteusa.com/products/saint-paisios-the-athonite-spiritual-counsels-volume-iv-family-life [https://www.athoniteusa.com/products/saint-paisios-the-athonite-spiritual-counsels-volume-iv-family-life] Excerpts from the book Family Life, by Elder Paisios the Athonite [http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/elder-paisios-on-family-life.aspx]  orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/elder-paisios-on-family-life.aspx Orthodox Christian Parenting - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America [https://www.goarch.org/-/archpastoral-reflections-july-2005] https://www.goarch.org/-/archpastoral-reflections-july-2005 [https://www.goarch.org/-/archpastoral-reflections-july-2005]

Ep 14: Orthodoxy FAQs: Fasting Edition

Have you ever wondered why we fast from certain foods? Why we abstain from meat and dairy on Wednesdays and Fridays? In this episode of my Orthodoxy FAQs series, I walk through some of the most common questions about fasting as an Orthodox Christian and the meaning behind these sacred practices. Whether you’re a new convert, an inquirer, or have been Orthodox your entire life, this conversation offers deeper insight into the why behind what we do. Understanding the significance of these practices has deepened my spiritual life, helping me become more present, attentive, and prayerful. A quick note: I am not a Presvytera or a Priest. This episode is shared from my personal learning and experience, and I always encourage you to bring questions like these to your parish priest. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 10:39 - Orthodoxy FAQs 12:57 - Why do Orthodox Christians fast from certain foods? 13:46 - Why can’t we have foods that contain blood? 14:09 - Why are olive oil and wine sometimes restricted? 17:00 - Are there different levels of fasting? 18:58 - Why do Orthodox Christians fast on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year? 20:07 - What do you do at parties and social events if you’re fasting? RESOURCES Great Lent - A Week by Week Meaning - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/great-lent-a-week-by-week-meaning And When You Fast - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/when-you-fast Orthodox Fasting - Questions & Answers - Orthodox Church in America https://www.oca.org/questions/dailylife/orthodox-fasting Fasting - Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver https://www.denver.goarch.org/fasting #OrthodoxChristianity #Orthodoxy101 #Orthodoxy #LearningOrthodoxy #OrthodoxFaith

Ep 13: The Real Work of Lent with Father Demetrios Kazakis

When many people think about Lent, the focus immediately goes to food… what we’re giving up, what’s on our plate, and whether we’re “keeping the fast.” But the fast was never meant to stop there. In this episode, I sit down with Father Demetrios Kazakis of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul in Hempstead, NY, for a thoughtful conversation about the deeper purpose of Lent and what the Church is actually inviting us into during this season. We talk about why fasting is about far more than diet, how repentance and spiritual guidance shape the Lenten journey, and what it really means to move forward when we stumble along the way. Whether you’re fully keeping the fast, struggling through it, or just trying to understand what Lent is really about, I know this conversation will encourage you as it did me. If this episode blessed you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need this reminder during Lent 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 01:51 – What Is the Real Goal of Lent? 05:40 – Why the Fast Is More Than Food 10:26 – What Fasting Teaches Us Spiritually 12:30 – The Connection Between Fasting and Repentance 15:47 – The Role of a Spiritual Father During Lent 20:55 – How Do We Know We’re Moving in the Right Direction? 24:04 – Common Pitfalls People Experience During Lent 28:14 – What a Fruitful Lent Should Produce by Pascha #GreatLent #OrthodoxChristianity #LentenJourney #OrthodoxFaith #Orthodoxy