Bill interviews Bishop Daniel Findikyan about the Armenian Church and the Eastern Diocese’s “Building Up the Body of Christ” vision.

Over Labor Day weekend, Phoenix, Arizona, will host Orthodox young adults from all over who'll gather for fellowship, a service project, and the chance to stretch themselves to better live and EXCLAIM their Orthodox faith. To discuss this great event, and share their own inspiring stories, Bill will interview Judge Steven Counelis and George Anagnostopoulos. These enthusiastic visionaries represent the amazing Young Adult League committee that organized this unique and extraordinary event.

The Hebrew word "paw-rah" means "to perish." It was used in biblical proverbs about hair allowed to flow unconstrained in the wind; it means to be blown in all directions. Without intention, an Orthodox Christian parish can be with no clear direction, though Christ taught us how to create a clear and purposeful vision and inspire the faithful to journey toward His salvific love. Bill Marianes will broadcast live from the strategic planning retreat hosted by St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids and led by Fr. Michael Nasser and Dr. Sam Bander. Fr. Michael and Sam will share their strategic planning process, real-time results, and how this voyage and positively transform a parish and community.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States. ASD can create challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. After her son Michael was diagnosed with ASD, Dr. Lisa Liberatore and her husband Dr. Dimitri Kessaris formed LUV Michael, a pioneering nonprofit ministry that transforms the lives of those with ASD. We will speak with Lisa Liberatore and Mark Bondi about their innovative LUV Michael organic granola products enterprise that employs the autistic population, their U.S. Autism Homes housing initiative, and other autism advocacy. LUV Michael is a unique ministry opportunity for you and your parish to help create meaningful work for autistic adults, learn about autism, and advocate for autism acceptance

When you or a loved one become seriously ill, even terminally ill, how do you respond? What you do next is critical. You have been called by your Creator. You have a Stewardship Calling – something you need to do with the gifts over which God made you a steward. But how do we live that calling in in the fce of serious illness or death? Join Bill as he speaks with faithful Orthodox Christians Rip Kastaris, Tracy Namee, and Nikki Bober. They'll explore how those with major heart disease, cancer, and other serious illness diagnoses can continue to live their Stewardship Calling.

Doctors know the tests to administer to assess our personal health. Financial planners know how to assess our financial health. However, our parishes lack similar empirical and validated tools to help them. After over 20 years of working with over 500 Orthodox Christian parishes and completing strategic plans that cover over 26% of Orthodox Christians in the U.S., the Orthodox Ministry Services (OMS) team has developed the Effective Parish Assessment (EPA). The EPA is a reliable and easy way for you to assess your parish’s health and effectiveness in the 6 Pillars and 30 Building Blocks of operational excellence. OMS is providing the Effective Parish Assessment Program for free to selected Cohort Effective Parishes with the support of Leadership 100 and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Tune in to these TWO programs and find out if your parish is eligible, and how you can apply, to participate in this dynamic free and helpful parish improvement program. We also welcome your calls and questions. If your parish is an innovator with Clergy and Lay Leaders committed to operational excellence and the best possible parish health and effectiveness, these programs are for you. Join my fellow OMS Team members as over 2 programs we describe in more detail the 6 Pillars, 30 Building Blocks, the Effective Parish Assessment Program, and how it can benefit your parish.

In Part 2 of a two-part show, Bill and colleagues Nick Chakos, Steve Tibbs, and Dr. Mitch Owens continue their exploration of the 6 Pillars and 30 Building Blocks of effective and healthy parishes, and how the Effective Parish Assessment works to provide invaluable information to Orthodox Christian parishes

Join Bill Marianes for a conversation about the Clergy Family Initiative with project members Dr. George Koulianos, Dr. George Stavros, and Presvytera Nicole Keares. They'll share the latest empirical research on the issues faced by clergy families, and things we can do to make their lives better.

Leadership is a critical difference between the most effective and healthy Orthodox Christian parishes and ministries, and those not fulfilling their potential. If you’re a parish council member or ministry leader, join Bill to learn about the 6 Elements of the Stewardship Calling Orthodox Servant Leadership Model and how to apply them so your parish can fulfill its responsibilities and calling.

Today, we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in the human resources needs in our parishes and ministries, including shortages of clergy, volunteers, ministry leaders, and staff. Join Bill and Dr. Scott Mondore to explore best practices to improve the engagement and results.

Join Bill Marianes and Professor Brad Jacobs, Associate Dean and Constitutional Law Professor at Regent University School of Law, for a discussion about religious freedom and the critical legal issues that matter most to our Christian churches, institutions, and faithful.

Join Bill and Dr. Barry Doublestein to find out what a Christian worldview is, how to define and clarify yours, and learn what you can do to become a Christ-centered leader who is worthy of being followed.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. Why? Some answers can be found in the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. Why? Some answers can be found in the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. PART 3: Listen to the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research

Frederica is in Anchorage at the Alaska Native Heritage Center today talking with Orthodox convert Steven Alvarez and is interrupted only once by Alaskan wildlife!

What is the influence of fashion on thought? A question addressed by Lewis in his Screwtape Letters and just another example of a writer who beats other writers to the punch with their great writing skills.

Today, Frederica looks at the CS Lewis classic, Miracles. Even if you have read this book, you won't want to miss Frederica's reflections on it!

Today Frederica is outside for coffee hour at St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, FL. She is talking with Fr. Ted Pisarchuk about the growth of his parish and what he has learned in the process.

Will September 11, 2001, become just another date that children have to memorize? If so, does it really matter?

Frederica interviews Fr. Evan Armatas, priest at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, Colorado, about the St. Nectarios Education Fund.

Frederica interviews Joe Canby, an auto mechanic who doubles as a funeral director, about bringing funerals back into the Church.

Frederica speaks at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, about Orthodox spirituality and the Jesus Prayer.

Frederica discusses the importance of experiencing grief, rather than trying to skip over it with medication. She explains that it is a natural part of life.

Frederica discusses a portion of the book American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us by Robert Putnam and David Campbell.

Frederica shares her perspective on the legalization of gay marriage.

Frederica shares her thoughts on Kristin Lavransdatter, a novel by Norwegian author and Nobel Laureate Sigrid Undset.

Frederica uses the recorded comments of a Buddhist monk to examine the similarities and differences between Orthodox and Buddhist beliefs, particularly as they relate to anger and forgiveness.

Will September 11, 2001, become just another date that children have to memorize? If so, does it really matter?

Frederica examines the relatively recent phenomenon of men and women expecting their best friends to be their spouses.

Frederica questions the wisdom of giving to the poor without asking any questions.

Frederica discusses the subject of same-sex attraction, explaining that whether or not it's genetic is beside the point.

Frederica examines a statement by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales about reinstating the Friday fast.

Frederica interviews Dn. Mark and Mat. Elizabeth Barna, authors of A Christian Ending: A Handbook for Burial in the Ancient Christian Tradition, published by Divine Ascent Press.

Having received much feedback on her November 9, 2011, episode, Frederica reflects again on the subject of gay rights.

Fredrica interviews Polly Hillier, the Director of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, about the story behind the shrine.

Frederica discusses an email message she wrote that eventually become a post on Rod Dreher's blog at The American Conservative. In it she explains her view that trying to experience Christ exclusively with your brain and outside the Church is a futile endeavor—a stance that was not well-received by the blog's many readers.

Frederica shares an idea she had for improving parish life.

Frederica reflects on Fr. Marc Dunaway's article "Taking Orthodoxy to America," which appeared in the In Community newsletter from St. John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River, Alaska.

Frederica discusses the book Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton, published by HarperOne.

In addition to treating us to a recording of the Holy Cross choir singing a beautiful rendition of this favorite hymn of Pascha, Frederica digs into the words of the hymn and its significance.

Frederica reads an email she wrote to an Orthodox priest who has had a couple of encounters with a man who enjoys challenging Christianity.

Frederica discusses a controversy that erupted online over her comment on gay marriage, and concludes that it is time for Christians to stand together on this issue.

Frederica argues that the time has passed when we could reach "the public" for Christ.

Frederica offers an introductory guide to the services of Baptism and Chrismation.

Frederica shares some special memories from the life of Holy Cross Church.

"Our religion is founded on spiritual experience seen and heard as surely as any physical fact in this world, not theory, not philosophy, not human emotions, but experience." St. Nikolai Velimirovich

Frederica shares the prayer titled St. Patrick's Breastplate.

Frederica reads "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Part 1 of 5

Frederica reads "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Part 2 of 5