Nikolai, a counselor at St. John the Compassionate Mission, explains why it's important to break bread together with the poor.

The Orthodox view existence as directed toward an encounter with a personal God who gives meaning to all the dimensions of earthly human existence.

Naomi tells about her relationship with an older friend at the mission, and how it relates to living the Orthodox way of life.

Paul and Naomi talk about the importance of the mission in the busyness of downtown Toronto. They also reflect on the mission's purpose of being there for those who need them.

Father Roberto reflects on a moment that he shared with a woman who visits the mission.

Fr. Roberto reflects on one of his experiences with the people that go to the mission for help.

Listen to excerpts from this past Sunday's bulletin at St. John the Compassionate Mission, serving the most vulnerable in Toronto. "What was it in their hearts that moved the Myrrh-bearing women to do something against common sense?"

Listen to excerpts from this past Sunday's bulletin at St. John the Compassionate Mission, serving the most vulnerable in Toronto.

In this episode, we hear a Christmas letter from Fr. Nicolaie about two things, no three things, St. John the Compassionate Mission can count on.

Listen to reflections of Christmas morning at the mission, from volunteer Mary.

Brother Luke shares about one of the visitors he met at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Listen to excerpts from this past Sunday's bulletin at St. John the Compassionate Mission, serving the most vulnerable in Toronto.

Listen to excerpts from this past Sunday's bulletin at St. John the Compassionate Mission, serving the most vulnerable in Toronto.

The staff of St. John the Compassionate Mission remember Kevin's life and his death. May his memory be eternal.

Hear five short stories of people who are part of the community at St. John the Compassionate Mission, as written by Brother Luke.

Here are some more stories, written by Brother Luke, of those who are part of the St. John the Compassionate Mission community.

Listen to reflections and stories from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Listen to stories and reflections from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto,

Listen to reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.

Listen to reflections from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about language and communication--reflections on the Friday before Pentecost at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie, about communicating with a refugee, and Memory Eternal to Tom.

Reflections written by Brother Luke.

Listen to Fr. Nicolaie's reflections on Ezra that he shared at the recent Volunteers Appreciation Night Celebration at the Mission.

Reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie for the Sixth Sunday of Luke: the story of the farmer who wanted to build more barns.

Reflections about hospitality, written by Fr. Nicolaie.

A Prayer of Welcome on the Occassion of Someone New Coming to Live with Us, written by Brother Luke.

Stories from St. John the Compassionate Mission written by Brother Luke.

Reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie about the gospel story of the father of the demon-possessed boy.

Glimpsing the hope of the resurrection, modeled by the insights of one displaced by war.

The dynamis of Theophany is towards new life and communion. We see this in the community, as God is bringing healing to Jacob, while also opposing the flattening (or "alienation of the spirit") that so often happens in modern culture.

In today's generation, we do better to remain poor and in need of healing, but together in Christ; than to be healed alone and segregated through disunity. The community is learning this while walking with people like Judy.

In the heart of every prodigal son, at the time of prayer, God prepares a real place ready to offer hospitality to the one that is wounded.

Frank (or Isaac, in the Church), a regular member of the community, passed away suddenly near the end of March. A mixup with his phone provided the community with the chance to learn of his passing, and opened the door for his daughter to share her grief with others who also loved her father.

St. Gregory Palamas believed in beholding through prayer the uncreated energies of God. A young volunteer reveals to the community that this is not one quick event that pierces the soul. It is rather an encounter for the whole day.

It is always better to give than to receive. When we try to help other people, we tend to forget their need to also be able to give.

A community member and Father Nicolaie each reflect on their experience with an aspect of the Gospel story of the young man who was possessed.

Healing happens within the community in different ways, and at times it is given to us to witness little miracles. In the end it heals us all, in our heart. And this is the real miracle.

Father Nicolai reflects on recent hopeful learnings in the community.

The church is called today to care for life, to offer an open space where the soul of man can pray and sing, and have an encounter with Christ, who listens to us from the cross.

How can poverty, hunger, and mourning be considered "blessed?" Father Nicolai looks at the Beatitudes through the lens of the community, revealing the "Good Word," "Bene Dicere," or "Blessing" that is poured out in and through someone with a sincere heart.

It is the cry of the poor who are in solidarity with those who suffer the most, today. The poor are not indifferent to the suffering, but lift it in prayer, with faith that God hears them.

Fr. Nicolaie invites us to join the community in looking into the eyes of the Theotokos from a humble position at the feet of her icon; and to live ascetically in a way that opens our own eyes to charity and mercy.

Today's episode addresses spiritual warfare, demon dishwashers, Palm Sunday as a fish, wine and oil day and the wisdom of Fr. Alexander Schmemann.

Martha begins a series addressing the topic of hospitality. Join her today for a look at feeding teenagers and the blessing we can find being hospitable to others.

This week Martha shares her observations from a recent college trip with her daughter. She notes colleges are offering a lot more these days than the standard cafeteria fare.

Do you miss breakfast on Sunday? Today, Martha takes a look at the gift of a relaxing breakfast on Saturday and preparing for the Holy Eucharist.

Martha explains why we should seek God's blessing on our spiritual meals in addition to our earthly ones. She also explains how her podcast got its name.

Martha begins the new year listing a few basics she hopes her children learn before entering adulthood.

Martha looks back on 2011, remembering the many relationships she built through food.