Family Matters

In this Fully Human Father's Day message, His Grace Bishop John Abdalah of the Diocese of Worcester and New England, for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America speaks about fatherhood from the unique vantage point of a father and grandfather, spiritual father and hierarch, and licensed counselor. This conversation offers much spiritual and practical edification to all parents, and those with disabilities, and offers perspectives on the following: What does it mean to be a father in the image of our heavenly father? To whom do our children belong? How can parents become the fathers and mothers they were created to be? How does the spousal relationship affect children? How might parents frame the challenges they encounter in child-rearing, especially challenges related to disabilities, in ways that align with the Way of Christ? How can spiritual fathers and church communities serve the needs of families with disabilities?

Beth Thielman joins the conversation on disability in the church, clarifying that creating inclusive environments in our parish settings and ministries is more than saying "everyone is welcome," and then not taking steps to remove barriers for full participation in worship and church life. When we make pivots in the way we operate in order to make church life accessible, we offer a love that removes barriers which are for some of the faithful, like mountains.

This Father's Day Edition features a conversation with Fr. Dean Panagos of St. John's Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point, NY. Father Dean shares honestly about his initial reluctance for his community to apply to become a pilot parish in the GOARCH Initiative funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. On Behalf Of All: Toward an Accessible Divine Liturgy for Children with Disabilities; and, how attending the Gathered As One Body Conference in May opened his heart to see what he had not seen before in decades of ministry. He recognized the painful isolation disabled people experienced when they were not welcomed or valued in their communities; and alternatively, the joy they experienced when they were met with respect and friendship in their church families. For him, a bigger picture became clearer: intentions toward removing barriers for people with disabilities answers Christ's salvific call to us toward oneness as members of His Body.

Meet Amanda Chagnon, mom to three beautiful boys including her youngest, Alexios, who has medical complexities due to a condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous tumors or lesions to grow in the brain and other areas of the body, including the eyes, lung, heart, kidneys, and skin. Amanda shares how motherhood and her nursing background have intertwined, and the blessings and difficulties of homeschooling, especially when caring for a medically complex child. Honest about her struggles, other caregivers may find this conversation refreshing and learn from the ways she has found to manage her internal and external struggles.

Fr. Alex Goussetis speaks with Fr Peter Spiro, Director of the GOA National Human Trafficking Awareness Ministry, on who are the traffickers, who are the victims, and what parents need to know to protect their children.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Theo Nikolakis, CIO of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, on positive internet usage, child safety, and related software for families.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr David Ford, professor at St. Tikhon's seminary, on the historical and theological understanding of the sacrament of marriage and its practical application for us today.

Fr Alex Goussetis speaks with Dr Sarah Riccardi-Swartz on social media's impact on family dynamics, interpersonal communication, and social development - and how parents can change the narrative in the home.