Family Matters

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews LMFT and OCAMPR Psychology Coordinator, Joel Klepac. Joel emphasizes a strengths-based approach when solving challenges associated with ADHD, the importance of not shaming people for behaviors that appear inappropriate, and how these behaviors are often a person's way of seeking the connection and communion with God and others which they were created for.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sofie Azmy, clinical psychologist and clergy wife, on suggestions for reframing our parenting role and relationship with our growing children.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sofie Azmy, clinical psychologist and clergy wife, on suggestions for reframing our parenting role and relationship with our growing children.

Priests and lay leaders do not necessarily have pastoral training or personal experience to help them minister to people with disabilities, and so are often unsure of how to connect with and enfold our families effectively into parish life. Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews the Director of the GOA Center for Family Care, Fr. Alex Goussetis, discussing his lessons learned as a priest for nearly 30 years, suggestions for making sacramental accommodations, encouragement of families with disabilities to lead parish ministries, and more!

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano interviews Fully Human Steering Committee member, Annie Konidaris. Annie shares her top lessons learned as a caregiver to her 53-year-old Autistic son Nikos, the way God's hand provided for her through a personal encounter with a contemporary Saint decades ago, and how parents and church communities can better embrace people with disabilities.

Presvytera Melanie DiStefano shares a reflection on the light-bearing wounds of Christ's resurrected body and how because of them, our personal wounds are imbued with purpose - namely, for God's glory to shine through.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nikolas Delaveris on the impact of addictions on families, as well as resources to educate and support the faithful.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Nikolas Delaveris on the impact of addictions on families, as well as resources to educate and support the faithful.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Hospice Chaplain Nikki Stournaras on the services and benefits offered by hospice care for our loved ones, including questions/issues that families need to consider.

This special video edition of the Fully Human podcast features the experiences of Irene Tunanidas, an accomplished educator and advocate for the Deaf. Irene shares familial, educational, and community challenges and blessings she has experienced from early childhood until the present, as well as her hopes for creating greater support for families in Orthodox communities who experience deafness. Using an ASL interpreter and subtitles, we hope this offering will resonate with many in the Deaf community.