What does it truly mean to be an excellent Christian?

In this season finale of the Raised & Redeemed podcast we reach the summit of the Christian life by exploring Steps 26–30 of Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou—based on the timeless Orthodox classic The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus.

In this episode, we dive deep into the virtues that crown a life in Christ:

🧭 Discernment

🌿 Stillness

🙏 Prayer

🔥 Dispassion

💫 Faith, Hope, and Love

This isn’t about striving for perfection or appearing “religious.” It’s about surrendering fully to God’s will and becoming so filled with His love that your life itself becomes a witness—without even saying a word.

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📚 Resources Referenced (Affiliate Links):

FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE to "The Passions" Serieshttps://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/#freepassionsguide

📖 The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacushttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMYTZ5R/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_DX1KQSTFH0NBD69EKGWJ?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

📖 Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliouhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1936270897/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FW05ZVMT36V1Q4WT5JVH?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

📖 Orthodox Study Biblehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0718003594/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_83T623KVX235AS8T6KZ2?linkCode=ml1&tag=michaelare072-20

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🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8

📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-excellent-christian

🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.

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🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

📲 Follow Along on Socials:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raisedandredeemed

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🕒 Timestamps:

00:00-1:51 Intro

1:51-5:44 what is spiritual discernment

5:44-7:46 how to be still

7:46-10:41 what is true prayer

10:41-11:56 how to aquire dispassion

11:56-14:03 the summit: faith, hope & love

14:03-14:48 prayer for flowing God's love

14:48-16:22 Closing