Everyday Orthodox

Fr Dcn. David-John Williams is the parish Deacon at Saint Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in San Marcos, San Diego California.Dcn David and his wife Lauren have two young children Zoe and Theodore. Both Lauren and David work in the area as educators. In addition to his diaconal ministry Dcn David is Assistant Professor of History at the University of Saint Katherine San Diego and a post-graduate researcher at the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway University of London. His Phd research concerns the sharing of sacred space, sacred objects and holy people in the Byzantine Mediterranean. Born and raised in the U.K Dcn David’s original training was as a musician and was brought to the US on an entertainment visa by Warner Bros music as a professional musician for several years. While working in that capacity he became involved in fashion and design, designing shoes for a high end Italian designer and eventually moving into haute couture women’s wear. His experience in the design and textile world led to his recruitment by Riza orthodox vestments, a ministry of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand:a position he has held since 2014.

Elissa interviews Diakonissa Alexandria Ritsi, a teacher, photographer, radio show host, and leader of OCMC short-term mission teams. Serving as an OCMC Missionary in Albania, she is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and attended Hellenic College. Serving in Albania with her husband and son Moses Anastasios since 2013, Diakonissa Alexandria is blessed to work closely with Archbishop Anastasios, a modern day missionary and living saint.

Elissa interviews Diakonissa Alexandria Ritsi, a teacher, photographer, radio show host, and leader of OCMC short-term mission teams. Serving as an OCMC Missionary in Albania, she is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and attended Hellenic College. Serving in Albania with her husband and son Moses Anastasios since 2013, Diakonissa Alexandria is blessed to work closely with Archbishop Anastasios, a modern day missionary and living saint.

The unlikely story of Fr. Kaleeg Hainsworth will give you renewed hope in the providence of God. Learn about his journey but also about his film project The Face of God, a documentary exploration into the beauty of God's creation.

Elissa interviews Sue Holland, the talented head chanter at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, Texas. Sue has a Masters Degree in Voice Performance, with a focus on opera, and a beautiful voice. She and her husband, Brian, have been developing a ministry called “Bringing Your Brokenness," which welcomes people with issues from depression and anxiety to addiction to bring their brokenness to God and to His Body, the Church.

Elissa Bjeletich introduces us to a delightful young newlywed couple who have had more than their share of challenges beyond just being newly wed. Jorge is battling cancer in the midst of studying for the priesthood yet their faith remains strong. You can help the Luque's on their Go Fund Me page.

Elissa interviews Jenny Stasinopoulos about public education and Orthodox youth ministry. Jenny likewise tells stories about life growing up in Oklahoma.

Elissa interviews Marlene Kosich. She lives in Northern California, and belongs to both the Serbian and Greek Irthodox communities. She is the grandmother of 5 boys, and Kuma (godmother) to Elissa’s husband, Marko! Kuma Marlene is a woman with hard-won faith and wisdom, and a fantastic sense of humor.

Elissa interviews Marlene Kosich. She lives in Northern California, and belongs to both the Serbian and Greek Irthodox communities. She is the grandmother of 5 boys, and Kuma (godmother) to Elissa’s husband, Marko! Kuma Marlene is a woman with hard-won faith and wisdom, and a fantastic sense of humor.

Elissa interviews Adam Lockridge, the director of the St. Raphael Orthodox Online School.