What God is Not

You all need to know that God sent me to your show tonight even tho I’ve even heard of this podcast before. At my morning prayers today i was depressed and desolate over having yet again fallen to the sin of pride the day before. With a contrite heart i pleaded that jesus would grant me the graces i need to master my pride but also the grace to forgive myself which is a big struggle for me, hence the depression . I then muddled thru my day and found great relief in my night readings, prayers and rosary. I usually listen to a Catholic podcast or gospel reading to help me wind down and sleep when I came upon this wonderful site . Every topic you shared was like God opening my eyes and ears to His great love and goodness - as Father described, i could see our Lord smiling and rolling his eyes and saying, see I heard you - just listen, this is what you need right now. He is so good indeed and I offer praise and thanksgiving for all of you ! I am a forever fan!!

I can’t even begin to explain how amazing and helpful this podcast is. I just found this over the summer (2024) and have been listening from the beginning (so I’m still listening to Fr. Michael and “Sister” Natalia). I think I’ve been more catechized in the past couple months than in my Catholic upbringing. There’s just so much goodness in this! And the banter!! Do NOT stop the banter! I laugh; I cry; I learn; I grow. I have been telling everyone about this. You have to listen to this!

I’ve been a listener for close to a year. Just finished the newest episode, “God‘s work in others” and it was SO GOOD! They put words to the magnanimity and profound intimacy with Jesus that is intrinsic to every vocation; whether marriage, single life, or religious life. I am a Roman Catholic, but love so many things about the richness of the eastern tradition. But my absolute favorite part of every episode is father Michael’s blessing at the end. There was one episode his closing prayer was this: “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” … spoken with such a tender, father’s heart. And now I pray that over my son every. single. night. A must listen for anyone wanting to learn more about the profound beauty of the Catholic faith.

Roman Catholic here but this Byzantine Catholic podcast is a hidden gem. Beware..it is absolutely addicting. I listen to episodes over and over. It is funny, joyful, but deeply spiritual. Mother Natalia is a gentle soul with a huge laugh…usually at Fr Michael’s expense. She is young and attractive but her large eyes grow so serious when she shares her insights from prayer during her monastic life at Christ the Bridegroom monastery. Her frustration with her pride and “ awkwardness” add to her charm. Fr Michael is the priest we would all love to have as spiritual director, confessor and best friend. He is a delightful mix of brains, humor, kindness and deep holiness. He speaks rapidly in contrast to Mother’s more contemplative pace. But his deep love for God is ever apparent. I especially love the blessings he gives at the end of each episode. I love learning the Byzantine traditions and their prayers are so beautiful that I am looking some up online and adding to my own prayer time I have fallen in love with these two for enriching my own faith so much. I highly recommend you visit their delightful podcast. Try 3 random episodes, and I bet you will be subscribing. They are like entertainment on a channel from heaven. 😉 Love you Mother Natalia and Father Michael! ❤️Patricia