Ancient Faith Presents

Orthodox Education: Melanie interviews Benjamin Lyda, founder of the writing curriculum "Scriptorium Writing" and co-host of the Saint Nektarios Orthodox Educators Conference. They talk about modern education, why Orthodox education matters for the family, and the scope and registration of the conference (November 6-7, 2026).

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Melanie interviews Steve Robinson and Bill Gould, co-hosts of Ancient Faith Radio's legacy podcast, "Our Life in Christ." They discuss the background of the podcast, it's purpose, and their exciting 25 year reunion coming up soon. See more information at: https://www.orthodoxpatrick.org/afr

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Melanie interviews Fr. Herman Belt of the OCA Diocese of Alaska, who is leading a search for the relics of St. Yakov of Alaska. Fr. Herman shares the story of St. Yakov, his importance to Alaskan Orthodox Christians, and the efforts that have been made to locate the saint's holy relics.

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The Meadow is a residential Orthodox gap year program in Supraśl, Poland, where students study theology, participate in prayer and regular services, and live together alongside the Monastery of the Annunciation. Melanie interviews Director Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak and Project Coordinator Sophia Chiriac about the program.

Find more information HERE: https://suprasl.org/

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Melanie interviews Brandi Willis Schreiber, author of Ancient Faith Kids' newest book, The Island and Saint Aidan. They discuss the writing process and the book's inspiration and themes.

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Melanie interviews Dr. Mary Ford and Ruth Sanderson, author and illustrator of Ancient Faith Kids' newest publication: Elizabeth: Princess, Abbess, Saint. They discuss the life of St. Elizabeth and how this beautiful book came to be.

Find the book here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/elizabeth-princess-abbess-saint/

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Melanie interviews Mka. Carrie Foley, Director of the Clergy Wives Ministry of the OCA. They talk about the ministry's history and outreach, and discuss the importance of supporting our parishes' clergy wives. More information can be found at their website: opl.oca.org/programs/clergy-wives-ministry.

0:00 - Intro

0:48 - Meet Mka. Carrie Foley

3:56 - What is the Clergy Wives Ministry?

11:22 - How the ministry began

14:33 - The maturation of Orthodoxy in North America

18:16 - Is the need for clergy family support greater now?

24:35 - Supporting the work that happens behind the scenes

27:27 - The Clergy Wives Retreat

37:34 - Final thoughts

40:41 - Outro

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Melanie interviews Fr. Ted Pulcini, co-author of Ancient Faith’s new publication, Blinded by Rage: How Anger Keeps Us from Seeing God. They discuss the timely nature of the book, the dangers of anger, and the Orthodox antidote. 

Find "Blinded by Rage" here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/blinded-by-rage-how-anger-keeps-us-from-seeing-god/

0:00 - Introduction

1:31 - Fr. Ted's background

8:50 - Motivation to write "Blinded by Rage"

14:49 - Working with Oswin (John) Craton

16:40 - The teaching on anger from the Scriptures

24:36 - The teaching on anger from Church Fathers

33:44 - The dangers of angry religion

41:30 - Is anger more prevalent in today's world?

44:00 - How is anger uniquely dangerous as a passion?

45:50 - What is the antidote to anger?

49:13 - Most important takeaway from the book?

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Melanie interviews Dennis Awad, chairman of the board of Project Mexico. Project Mexico is an Orthodox ministry that builds homes for impoverished families in Mexico, as well as caring for children through St. Innocent Orphanage and Casa Cuna Infant Orphanage. Melanie and Dennis discuss the ministry's history, outreach, and goals for the future. 

Learn more about the ministry: https://www.projectmexico.org/

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Melanie interviews The Rev. Dr. Jacob Siemens, Principal at The Centre for Orthodox Formation in Western Europe. They discuss the school's mission, history, and programs. The school has just opened and is accepting undergraduate students from around the world.