Raised & Redeemed

Michaela Nikolaenko

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, New Age deception, sex work, and ungodly relationships. Now, I share what it means to live a raised and redeemed life after a life of sin. This podcast is for those who’ve been to the dark side and back—and are ready to grow in holiness, confront the battle within, and pursue sanctification through spiritual discipline. Rooted in Orthodox Christianity, this is real talk for the soul that longs for God. Reach me and find out more at www.michaelanikolaenko.com

  1. APR 29

    125. Orthodox Christian on Past Lives & Reincarnation | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 11)

    What is an Orthodox Christian view on past lives? In this episode, we discuss: 💡 The ancient origins of reincarnation (India, Greece, and beyond) 💡 How these beliefs made their way into modern New Age spirituality 💡 My personal testimony of believing I was a witch and temple prostitute in past lives 💡 The Orthodox concept of prelest (spiritual delusion) and how demons distort identity 💡 Why reincarnation contradicts the Gospel and the Cross of Christ 💡 What actually happens after death according to the Orthodox Church 💡 How to renounce false identities and discover who God truly created you to be This isn’t just theology—it’s about your identity, your soul, and your eternity. Scripture Highlight: 📖 “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 If you’re coming out of New Age, occult practices, or questioning reincarnation… this video is for you. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 12 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #pastlives #reincarnation #orthodoxchristian ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:17 Intro 1:17- 4:20 The Roots of Reincarnation 4:20-5:51 When I Believed in Past Lives 5:51-8:23 Spiritual Dangers of Believing in Reincarnation 8:23-10:00 What Happens When We Die 10:00-12:20 Break Free From Demonic Identities 12:20-12:50 What’s Next

    13 min
  2. APR 22

    124. The Occult Third Eye vs Orthodox Nous | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 10)

    What is the difference between the occult third eye and Orthodox Christian nous? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we explore the darker truth behind third eye awakening, pineal gland activation, and New Age spirituality—contrasting it with the authentic teaching of the Orthodox Christian Church on the nous, the true “eye of the soul.” Drawing from personal experience in the occult, Scripture, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, this episode exposes how modern spiritual practices—like chakra work, kundalini awakening, meditation techniques, and psychedelics—can open doors not to divine enlightenment, but to spiritual deception. You’ll learn: 🙏 What “third eye awakening” actually is (and how it’s practiced) 🙏 The historical roots of the third eye across Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Theosophy 🙏 How the enemy counterfeits true spirituality 🙏 What the Orthodox Church teaches about the nous and spiritual sight 🙏 How to discern between true gifts of God and spiritual delusion (prelest) 🙏 What to do if you’ve participated in occult practices or feel spiritually oppressed 🙏 The real path to healing, peace, and union with Christ 📖 Key Scripture: Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Ephesians 1:18 — “The eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 11 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #orthodoxchristian #thirdeye #nous ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-3:34 Intro 3:34-5:52 What is the New Age Third Eye 5:52-7:12 When my third eye opened 7:12-9:21 History of the Third Eye 9:21-11:02 The Nous, or Eye of the Soul 11:02-12:23 Visions from God or Demons? 12:23-12:55 Sealed in the Church 12:55-14:55 How to close your third eye 14:55-15:56 True spiritual gifts 15:55-17:01 Closing

    17 min
  3. APR 8

    123. New Age vs Orthodox Christian Meditation | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 9)

    What is the difference between secular, New Age, and Orthodox Christian meditation? Each method claims it will provide us with peace, clarity, and presence, but can each one fully deliver? New Age meditation tell us to empty our minds to find peace. But Scripture doesn't say that. In fact, the Bible and the Orthodox Tradition teach us to KEEP GUARD OF OUR MINDS so that evil things don't enter and FILL OUR MINDS with Christ so worse things don't return. In this episode we discuss: • If secular meditation is good for us • The Hindu and Buddhist origins of many modern meditation practices • Why practices like emptying the mind, visualization, “white light,” spirit guides, and third eye meditation can be spiritually dangerous • What the Orthodox Church teaches about spiritual delusion (prelest) • Why an “empty mind” is not spiritually neutral • The Orthodox Christian practice of nepsis — watchfulness over thoughts • How to meditate on Scripture in a truly Christian way • Lectio divina and prayerful reading of the Bible • The Jesus Prayer and Hesychasm • Theosis vs. self-dissolution: the true goal of Orthodox Christian meditation If you have been searching for peace, stillness, or a deeper spiritual life, I pray this episode helps you understand the difference between New Age meditation and Orthodox Christian meditation. “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 WATCH NEXT: • Episode 8: Yoga and Orthodox Christianity • Episode 7: Chakras and Orthodox Christianity • Next Episode: Third Eye Awakening and the Orthodox Christian Perspective If this video helped you, please like, subscribe, and share so more people searching for Orthodox Christian meditation can find the truth of Christ. #OrthodoxChristianMeditation #ChristianMeditation #OrthodoxChristianity #NewAge #OccultToOrthodoxy #JesusPrayer #Hesychasm #Meditation #Christianity #Orthodox ✅ Subscribe for Part 10 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:16 Intro 1:16-2:09 Secular meditation 2:09-4:18 The Roots of New Age Meditation 4:18-5:42 Dangers of an Empty Mind (REEL) 5:42-10:46 Orthodox Meditation 10:46-12:11 Final Comparisons

    12 min
  4. APR 1

    122. Can Orthodox Christians do Yoga | The Spiritual Dangers | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 8)

    Can Orthodox Christians do yoga? While yoga is often the spiritual gateway into the new age and Hinduism, most Christian content about it is either surface-level or sensational. In Episode 8 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we examine yoga from what it actually is at its root, to what the poses depict, to how it was deliberately repackaged for the Western world, to spiritually neutral alternatives, to what the Orthodox Church teaches about the ascetic life in contrast. Resources mentioned: 👉 Hidden Fire: Orthodox Perspectives on Yoga by Joseph Magnus Frangipani https://anothercity.org/hidden-fire-orthodox-perspectives-on-yoga/ 👉 You Are Mine by Sister Anastasia 👉 Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future by Fr. Seraphim Rose All my favorite books linked in my Amazon Storefront 👉https://www.amazon.com/shop/michaelanikolaenko/list/B24Q2F9DDE8Z?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d #orthodoxchristian #yoga #newagetojesus 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 9 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:43 Intro 1:43-5:29 My background with yoga 5:29-7:29 What is yoga 7:29-11:18 Why yoga is spiritually dangerous 11:18-15:04 How yoga got to the West 15:04-15:29 Orthodox Icons Corona Ad 15:29-19:39 Is it all about intention? 19:39-21:51 Is “Christian yoga” okay? 21:51-24:25 Alternatives to physical yoga 24:25-25:56 The Orthodox ascetic alternate 25:56-27:16 What to do next!

    27 min
  5. MAR 25

    121. Is Chakra Healing Dangerous? (Reiki, Kundalini, Breathwork) | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 7)

    Is chakra healing dangerous? What does the Orthodox Church teach about Reiki, kundalini yoga, sound healing, and breathwork ceremonies—and why do these practices feel so real? In this episode of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series, we go deep on the chakra system, the spiritual framework that underlies almost every energy healing practice in the New Age world, and an Orthodox Christian understanding of the human body and soul in contrast. In this episode: 🫡 What the chakra system actually is, where it comes from, and what it claims about human nature, the divine, and the path to salvation 🫡 Reiki, kundalini yoga, sound healing, breathwork, acupuncture — what each practice does and why it's spiritually significant 🫡 Why these experiences feel so real, and what the Church Fathers warn about them 🫡 Trauma, the body, and what Orthodoxy genuinely offers for healing — including Confession, Holy Unction, and the Eucharist This is Part 7 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone else who may need to hear it. #orthodoxchristian #newage #chakras #reiki #kundalini #energyhealing #spiritualdiscernment #occulttoorthodoxy #raisedandredeemed 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 8 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:48 Intro 1:48-4:17 What is the Chakra System 4:17-5:50 Orthodox view of body and soul in contrast 5:50-7:28 Reiki 7:28-9:47 Kundalini Yoga 9:47-10:54 Breath work 10:54-11:54 Sound Healing 11:54-12:21 Acupuncture 12:21-14:00 Demonic Imitation vs Grace 14:00-17:29 Healing in Orthodoxy 17:29-18:08 My experience 18:08-19:04 Conclusion 19:04-19:32 What’s Next

    20 min
  6. MAR 18

    120. Numerology & Angel Numbers EXPOSED (11:11, 222, 444) | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 6)

    Millions of people believe repeating numbers like 111, 222, 444, 777, and 11:11 are messages from angels or the universe. But is this actually how God communicates? In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, we break down the truth about numerology and angel numbers from the perspective of Orthodox Christianity, Scripture, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. If you’re leaving the New Age, questioning practices like manifestation, tarot, astrology, or angel numbers, this episode will help you understand: • What numerology really is • Where angel numbers actually come from • Why repeating numbers feel so meaningful • What the Bible says about divination and omens • Whether God ever speaks through numbers • How Orthodox Christians discern God's guidance If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning of 11:11, 111, 222, or 444, this episode will help you see why the Christian faith does not rely on numerology — and where true spiritual guidance is found. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 7 of the Occult to Orthodoxy Series ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #angelnumbers #newagetochristian #orthodoxchristian ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:16 Intro 1:16-2:53 Numerology explained 2:53-3:31 Angel numbers explained 3:31-4:28 Numbers in the Bible 4:28-5:12 The danger of angel numbers 5:12-6:06 How God guides His people 6:06-6:51 What's Next

    7 min
  7. MAR 11

    119. Tarot, Oracle, and Angel Cards | Occult to Orthodoxy Series (Part 5)

    Tarot cards, oracle cards, and even “angel cards” are often presented as harmless tools for guidance, self-reflection, or connecting with the spiritual realm. But what does Orthodox Christianity actually teach about them? In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, Michaela Nikolaenko shares her personal experience using tarot and oracle cards during her years in the New Age—and explains why the Orthodox Church warns that these practices open the door to spiritual deception. Drawing from Scripture, Orthodox Tradition, and the teachings of the Holy Fathers, this episode explores why divination is forbidden, how spirits can manipulate these practices, and why seeking hidden knowledge outside of God leads us away from true spiritual life. If you’ve ever used tarot, oracle cards, or angel cards—or know someone who does—this conversation will help you understand the Orthodox Christian perspective on divination, spiritual warfare, and repentance. Most importantly, there is hope: through repentance, prayer, and the sacramental life of the Church, Christ restores what the occult tries to counterfeit. If you’re exploring the difference between New Age spirituality and Orthodox Christianity, this series is for you. 📌 If this resonates, please: ✅ Subscribe for Part 6 ✅ Share this with someone who’s spiritually searching ✅ Leave a comment with topics you want me to address ✅ Join my membership for specific inquiries and response videos 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful! #tarotcards #divination #orthodoxchristian ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-00:59 Intro 00:59-2:26 What are tarot cards? 2:26-3:17 Why do people use tarot cards? 3:17-5:25 Why God forbids divination 5:25-6:34 Tarot leads the soul away from salvation 6:34-7:47 What to do if you’ve used tarot cards? 7:47-8:33 Orthodox Christian way to connect with God and the spirit realm 8:33-9:15 What’s next!

    9 min
  8. MAR 4

    118. A Priest's Wife on Conversion, Homeschooling, & Biblical Femininity | Ascetic Life of Motherhood | Khouria Destinie Winn

    What does the life of a priest's wife actually look like? What made Destinie want to become an Orthodox Christian? In this special episode, I sit down with Khouria Destinie Winn, wife of Fr. David Winn, mother of four, and creator of Ascetic Life of Motherhood, to talk about her journey of becoming Orthodox, homeschooling, marriage, biblical femininity, veiling, Lent, and what it truly means to be a woman in the Orthodox Church. We discuss: • What it’s really like being a Khouria • How to structure a homeschooling day as an Orthodox family • The homeschool curriculums Khouria recommends • Whether the Church suppresses or honors women • Cultural feminism vs. Godly femininity • Veiling—tradition or timeless? • How Orthodox families prepare for Lent (beyond just food fasting) This conversation is deeply practical, honest, and rooted in the life of the Church. 📚 Homeschool Curriculums Mentioned • Charlotte Mason philosophy • The Good and the Beautiful • Beautiful Feet Books • Treehouse Schoolhouse • Orthodox liturgical living resources from Ascetic Life of Motherhood 🌿 Connect with Khouria Destinie Read her blog and access Orthodox motherhood resources at Ascetic Life of Motherhood (https://www.asceticlifeofmotherhood.com). She also shares regularly on the Patristic Nectar Publications Family Channel  @PatristicNectarFamily  If you’re a mother, homeschooler, catechumen, or simply wondering what your place is as a woman in the Orthodox Church, this episode is for you. 🕊️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with another Orthodox mama. #priestswife #orthodoxchristian #homeschool ---------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Explore More: ALL LINKS → https://beacons.ai/michaelanikolaenko Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw 📲 Follow Along on Socials: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelanikolaenko/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelanikolaenko Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/michaelanikolaenko ---------------------------------------------------- ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-2:56 Intro of Khouria 2:56-26:57 How she became Orthodox 26:57-27:22 Thank you members ad 27:22-31:26 Did she want to be a priests wife? 31:26-37:30 What is expected of a priest’s wife? 37:30-41:36 How to handle marital conflict 41:36-42:18 YAC Retreat ad 42:18-52:21 Day-in-the life of a homeschool mom 52:21-1:04:20 Homeschool curriculum 1:04:20-1:09:20 Time management as a content creator homeschool mom 1:09:20-1:09:45 Orthodox Icons Corona ad 1:09:45-1:11:24 Ascetic Life of Motherhood resources 1:11:24-1:19:24 Godly femininity 1:19:24-1:24:44 Preparing for Great Lent 1:24:44-1:26:17 What’s next on the channel

    1h 26m
4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

I’m Michaela—a wife, mom, and Jesus follower who was radically saved from child abuse trauma, substance abuse, New Age deception, sex work, and ungodly relationships. Now, I share what it means to live a raised and redeemed life after a life of sin. This podcast is for those who’ve been to the dark side and back—and are ready to grow in holiness, confront the battle within, and pursue sanctification through spiritual discipline. Rooted in Orthodox Christianity, this is real talk for the soul that longs for God. Reach me and find out more at www.michaelanikolaenko.com

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