That Orthodox Mama’s Show

Stefani
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

That Orthodox Mama’s Show is where faith meets real life. Join Stefani as she explores Orthodox Christianity, marriage, parenthood, and purpose — with honest reflections and conversations to help us grow closer to Christ in today’s world.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep 11: Finding a Godly Spouse

    What’s guiding your dating decisions right now? We talk a lot about finding “the one.” But we don’t talk enough about discernment. Why don’t we think about this when we’re dating? Because dating culture tells us to go with the flow, not overthink it, follow the butterflies and see where it goes. In this episode, I share my personal experience and the moment I realized I needed to stop “going with the flow” and start looking for a strong man rooted in Christ. But most importantly, to prepare myself to be a godly spouse, not just to find one. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 10:47 – Why Don’t We Think About This When We’re Dating 15:25 – My Moment of Realization 17:58 – The List 26:39 – Encouragement In The Preparation Season RESOURCES -Bible Chat App (features a daily Bible verse widget for your smartphone lock screen): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-chat-daily-devotional/id6448849666 -The Bible In A Year (with Father Mike Schmitz): https://open.spotify.com/show/4Pppt42NPK2XzKwNIoW7BR?si=xgmRO7CVTdObd4fp5GPB9A #OrthodoxChristianity #ChristianDating #OrthodoxFaith #ChristianPodcast #ChristianSingles #FaithAndRelationships

    36 min

  2. JAN 24

    Ep 10: Why Church Matters More Than Ever with Father Nikiforos Fakinos

    In a world where we’re more connected than ever, so many people are quietly struggling with loneliness, exhaustion, and a loss of meaning. Why is that? And what does the Church offer that nothing else can? In this episode, I sit down with Father Nikiforos Fakinos of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Merrick, NY for an insightful conversation about faith, community, and why the Church still matters, especially today. We talk about the deeper struggles people are facing emotionally and spiritually, why church life is essential (even when we pray at home), and what truly keeps people rooted in the faith for the long haul. Whether you’re a lifelong Orthodox Christian, a parent raising children in the faith, someone who’s drifted away or standing on the fence about coming back, or are an inquirer of the faith, I pray that this conversation blesses you like it did me. If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may need this reminder today. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 00:58 – Fr. Nikiforos’ Journey to the Priesthood 05:01 – Loneliness in a Hyperconnected World 08:49 – Where People Are Struggling Most Right Now (Emotionally & Spiritually) 12:21 – The Reading of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:12-19) 14:21 – Can We Believe in God Without the Church, and Why Does Church Still Matter? 16:04 – “We Pray at Home. Why Do Our Kids Still Need Church?” 20:49 – Staying Rooted in the Church for the Long Haul 22:06 – The Question Fr. Nikiforos Is Asked Most Often 23:36 – A Message for Anyone on the Fence About Coming Back to Church 28:46 – One Common Misconception About the Orthodox Church 31:14 – Why the Greek Language Remains Part of the Divine Liturgy 34:03 – A Greek Phrase You Hear Often, and Its Deeper Meaning

    38 min

  3. JAN 10

    Ep 9: Orthodoxy FAQs: Liturgy Edition

    Have you ever wondered why we kiss the priest’s hand, light candles when entering the church, or stand throughout the Divine Liturgy? In this episode (the first in my Orthodoxy FAQs series), I walk through eight commonly asked questions about Orthodox Christian liturgy and the meaning behind these sacred practices. Whether you’re a new convert, an inquirer, or someone who has been Orthodox your entire life, this conversation offers deeper insight into the why behind what we do. Understanding the significance of these traditions has profoundly changed how I experience the Divine Liturgy, helping me be more present, attentive, and prayerful. A quick note: I am not a Presvytera or a Priest. This episode is shared from my personal learning and experience, and I always encourage you to bring questions like these to your parish priest. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 04:51 – Why do we kiss the priest’s hand 07:26 – Why do we light candles? 11:53 – Why do we use beeswax candles 13:12 – What are icons? 13:45 – Why do we kiss icons? 15:53 – Why do we stand for liturgy? 19:48 – Why do we do our cross with three fingers? 20:40 – Why do we do our cross right to left? RESOURCES Why do we kiss the priest’s hand? -Kissing the Priest’s Hand – Greek Orthodox Christian Society https://lychnos.org/kissing-priests-hand/ -First Time Visitors - Transfiguration https://transfiguration.org/first-time-visitor/ -Why do Orthodox Christians kiss the hand of a bishop or priest? | Church Blog https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2017/08/why-do-orthodox-christians-kiss-hand-of Why do we light candles? -Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/ -Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles? » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-do-orthodox-christians-light-candles/ -Light a Candle - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/chapel/lightacandle -The Candles & Their Symbolism - St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church https://www.sthermansoca.org/orthodox-christianity/the-candles-their-symbolism/ Why do we use beeswax candles? -Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles? » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-do-orthodox-christians-light-candles/ Why are icons and why do we kiss icons? -Why Orthodox Christians Kiss Icons » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-orthodox-christians-kiss-icons/ Why do we stand for liturgy? -First Time Visitors - Transfiguration https://transfiguration.org/first-time-visitor/ -Why Orthodox Christians Stand During Services » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/standing-orthodox-church/ -Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/ Why do we do our cross with three fingers? -Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/ Why do we do our Cross right to left? -Sign of the Cross Direction - Questions & Answers - Orthodox Church in America https://www.oca.org/questions/teaching/sign-of-the-cross-direction -The Reason Orthodox Christians Cross Themselves from Right to Left – St. John the Merciful Orthodox Church https://johnthemerciful.org/the-reason-orthodox-christians-cross-themselves-from-right-to-left/

    23 min

  4. JAN 3

    Ep 8: Building Healthy Spiritual Habits

    How do you build spiritual habits that actually last? In this episode, we share five Orthodox Christian practices shaping our faith and family life. The New Year often feels like a fresh start. While many of us focus on fitness or financial goals, our spiritual life deserves our attention first and foremost. For this episode, I sit down with my husband, Polydoros, to talk about five spiritual habits we’re actively working toward and what our journey with each has looked like. These are foundational Orthodox Christian spiritual practices that have shaped our faith and family life.  We also speak honestly about the discipline, consistency, and grace it takes to remain faithful when life gets busy, especially as a married couple and parents. We’re not experts, and we’re certainly not perfect. We’re a Greek Orthodox husband and wife striving to follow Christ faithfully, one day at a time. And remember: you don’t need a New Year to recommit your life to Christ. He opens His arms to us at any moment, and we just have to open our hearts to Him. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 06:58 – Habit 1: Church Every Sunday 14:22 – Habit 2: God’s Word First Thing 19:56 – Habit 3: Evening Prayers 22:58 – Habit 4: Prayer at Meals 27:19 – Habit 5: Fasting Wednesdays & Fridays RESOURCES Greek Orthodox Daily Readings Sign-Up  LISTSERV - Subscribe (DAILYREADINGS) - LISTSERV.GOARCH.ORG Daily Readings App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/daily-readings/id516000464 Morning Prayers - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep Prayers At Mealtime - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-at-mealtime Prayers Before Sleep - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-before-sleep

    33 min

  5. 12/20/2025

    Ep 7: Why The Dinner Table Shapes Faith

    In this episode, I reflect on the importance of family meals through the lens of Orthodox Christianity. The dinner table is not just a place where we eat. It can become a place of prayer, gratitude, and spiritual transformation, especially for our children. I share why family meals matter spiritually, how the Orthodox practice of praying before and after meals shapes a child’s (and even adult’s) awareness of God, and why this helps build our faith in the ordinary moments. For many families, the dinner table may be the only time during the day when God is acknowledged or prayer is practiced together. I also speak honestly about our own family meals journey. We did not always prioritize eating together, but over time we began to implement family meals with more intention. I share what changed for us and offer practical tips for making family meals more realistic and meaningful, even in busy seasons. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another family who may be encouraged. Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the way, the truth, and the life. ☦️ #FamilyMeals #OrthodoxChristianity #MealtimePrayer #FaithAndFamily #ChristianParenting #PrayerAtHome #FamilyTraditions #OrthodoxFaith #SpiritualParenting #ParentingWithFaith #FamilyTime #RaisingKidsInFaith #FaithInDailyLife #FamilySpirituality #ThatOrthodoxMama  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 07:17 – Family Meals and My Upbringing 10:00 – Benefits of Family Meals for Children and Parents 16:42 – Why We Pray Over Our Food as Orthodox Christians 18:06 – Being Present in Your Prayer 21:43 – What to Pray at Mealtime 23:40 – Practical Tips for Implementing Family Meals RESOURCES: Prayers At Mealtime: https://www.goarch.org/-/prayers-at-mealtime Praying Before Meals (Everyday Orthodoxy - Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids Michigan): https://youtu.be/RzOKD0wZSV4?si=zyIR3esgCx3vf7AQ Benefits of Family Meals - Family Dinner Project: https://thefamilydinnerproject.org/about-us/benefits-of-family-dinners/ Family Meal Tips from the AAP: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/family-meals-eat-together-thrive-together.aspx

    30 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Ep 6: The Spiritual Life Today: Marriage, Social Media & Prayer with Father John Vlahos

    Feeling distracted, stretched thin, or unsure how to keep Christ at the center of your life and marriage? I had the privilege of sitting down with Father John Vlahos of St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Greenlawn, NY for a much-needed conversation on keeping our hearts anchored in Christ in a noisy world. Father offers practical, pastoral wisdom on prayer, marriage, spiritual burnout, and even how to navigate social media while staying grounded in our Orthodox faith. His words brought me so much clarity and peace, and I know they will bless you too. I also share how Father’s social media pages have been a blessing in my own life. You can follow him on Instagram (@frjohnvlahos @stparaskevi_greenlawn) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fr.vlahos).  Please like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with a friend! Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the way, the truth, and the life. ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Father John’s Journey to the Priesthood & Early Orthodox Faith Influences 04:25 – The Church’s Healing Role as a Spiritual Hospital 08:58 – Navigating Social Media as Orthodox Christians 14:29 – Practical Advice for Avoiding Spiritual Burnout & Stress 18:44 – Loving Your Spouse & Praying for Their Spiritual Journey 25:01 – Spiritual Alignment: Why It Matters When Dating & Marrying 27:01 – Cultivating Christ-Centered Growth

    34 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    Ep 5: The Case For Christian Music

    What did your Spotify Wrapped summary look like this year? It’s always fascinating to see not just how much music we listen to, but the kinds of songs and themes that fill our playlists. I absolutely love and adore our Orthodox liturgical music, it is truly one of the most beautiful gifts of our Church and pillar of our services! But day to day, I (and I think most of us) listen to other genres of music. And the reality is that secular music has shifted. Lyrics have become more explicit, themes more harmful, and so much of it quietly pulls our hearts away from Christ.  In this episode, I share how I slowly started to listen to contemporary Christian music, the artists who have uplifted me, and how this simple change has brought more peace into my daily life. I also dive into how secular music shapes our minds more than we think. And yes… I made you a playlist! 🎧 MY FEEL GOOD CHRISTIAN MUSIC PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3jo4OuvkK35Plf56L5E9hv?si=9x4IFuoYRyqz29Jfm_24KA&pi=qSXPXdWlQDeXi Please like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with a friend! Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the way, the truth, and the life. ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 01:54 – Rise of Contemporary Christian Music 02:51 – My Music Background & Orthodox Liturgical Music 04:13– How I Started Listening to Christian Music 06:12 – How Music Themes Shape Us Subconsciously 08:10 – Five Reasons to Listen to Christian Music 11:05 – Thoughts on Television Themes 13:18 – My Favorite Christian Artists 16:45 – Playlist Details RESOURCES Some of my favorite artists include: ✅ Forrest Frank – indie pop, feel-good ✅ Hulvey – Christian rap, introspective ✅ Lecrae – hip hop, faith-driven ✅ Brandon Lake – worship rock, raw ✅ CAIN – country pop, joyful ✅ Tauren Wells – pop, inspirational ✅ Elevation Rhythm – EDM-pop, vibrant ✅ Josiah Queen – acoustic, storytelling ✅ Maverick City – gospel collective, raw ✅ Phil Wickham – modern, emotional ✅ Jordan Feliz – pop soul, upbeat ✅ Terrian – R&B, soulful ✅ Jamie MacDonald – soulful, pop

    19 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    Ep 4: The Spiritual Power of Gratitude

    In this Thanksgiving episode, you’ll get to meet my husband, someone I am deeply grateful for! Together we talk about gratitude as a spiritual discipline, the moments we struggle with it, and the small, everyday practices that help us stay rooted in thankfulness. We also explore how gratitude looks in different seasons of life, including the challenging ones, and how it can reshape the way we see God, ourselves, and the world. And most importantly, I want to say how grateful I am for you, our listeners. Thank you for being here! Please like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with a friend! Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the truth, and the life. ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Gratitude & Thankfulness as a Pillar of Our Faith 03:10 – Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline 07:10 – Finding Gratitude in Challenging Times 12:20 – What Scripture Teaches About Gratitude 13:29 – Gratitude and the Brain 14:59 – Why One Day a Year Isn’t Enough to Thank God 15:45 – God Is Not a Vending Machine 17:37 – Praying Out of Fear 21:07 – Thanksgiving in All Circumstances 24:27 – Gratitude for the People Around Us RESOURCES The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life - Patristic Nectar App - Lecture 9 - Gratitude The Discipline of Gratitude - Father Luke Veronis - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America  The Orthodox Faith - Volume IV - Spirituality - The Virtues - Gratitude - Orthodox Church in America A Deeper Level of Thanksgiving - Orthodox Christian Fellowship - OCF The Neuroscience of Gratitude & Its Effects on the Brain The Science of Gratitude - Mindful

    28 min

  9. 11/24/2025

    Ep 3: A Modern Miracle & Raising Orthodox Teens: A Conversation with Father Demetrios

    A miraculous tearing icon… and yes, I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes. In this episode 3, I had the blessing of sitting down with Father Demetrios Kazakis of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hempstead, NY.  Father shares the powerful story of this modern-day miracle connected to the Panagia, along with the history of the special shrine inside the cathedral. We also dive into a deeply needed conversation for families on how to raise Orthodox teens and tweens in today’s world. Father’s words spoke to my heart as a mother, and I know they will bless you and your family as well. A heartfelt thank you to Father Demetrios, and to St. Paul’s Cathedral for welcoming me into their church for this interview, as well as for the previous Episode 2 with Father Flavianos. Like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with a friend 🙏 Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the way, the truth, and the life ☦️ TIMESTAMPS 00:34 – Introduction & Father Demetrios’ Journey to the Priesthood 02:26 – The Miraculous Tearing Icon of the Panagia 04:25 – Why The Orthodox Venerate Icons 07:25 – Raising Orthodox Teens & Tweens in Today’s Society 08:27 – Guidance for Every Orthodox Family 09:34 – Supporting Teens Who Feel Disconnected from the Faith

    12 min

  10. 11/20/2025

    Ep 2: Grief, Hope & The Call To Priesthood with Father Flavianos

    I was honored to have the opportunity to interview Father Flavianos Katerinakis of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hempstead, NY for this very special video. In this episode, Father speaks about losing both of his parents and how that impacted his path toward the priesthood. He also touches upon grief and faith, discerning God’s presence during tough times, and how St. Nektarios shaped much of his journey. I was greatly moved by his words and I know you will be too. A sincere thank you to Father and St. Paul’s for welcoming me into their church to film this video. Like, subscribe, comment and share this episode with a friend! 🙏 Always remember that He is the way, the truth and the life ☦️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:20: Introduction 02:13: Iconography in St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral 03:05: Father’s Upbringing 03:17: Father’s Comments on Inspiring Young Men to Pursue the Priesthood 04:24: Father’s Journey to the Priesthood 05:20: Comments on Grief and Faith 07:07: Discerning God’s Presence In Challenging Times 08:17: Reflections on St. Nektarios

    10 min

  11. 11/13/2025

    Ep 1: My Background & Praying to the Saints

    Welcome to the first episode of That Orthodox Mama’s Show! In this episode, Stefani shares some of her background as a Greek Orthodox Christian so you can get to know her. She then speaks about the importance of praying to the Saints and tells a personal story about Saint Nicholas. Please like and subscribe to the channel, your support is beyond appreciated! Always remember that He is the way, the truth and the life ☦️ TIMESTAMPS ​00:00 Introduction​01:30 My Background​07:46 My Saint Nicholas Story​11:33 Life of Saint Nicholas​18:22 Can we pray to the Saints?​22:52 Why do we venerate the Saints? RESOURCES ​⁠Feast of our Father Among the Saints, Nicholas, the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America⁠​⁠Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia - Orthodox Church in America⁠​⁠The Saints of the Orthodox Church - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America⁠​⁠https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/orthodox-pray-saints/⁠

    26 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

That Orthodox Mama’s Show is where faith meets real life. Join Stefani as she explores Orthodox Christianity, marriage, parenthood, and purpose — with honest reflections and conversations to help us grow closer to Christ in today’s world.

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