For over a century, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has brought people closer to Christ as it survived depressions, wars, social upheavals, natural and man-made disasters, and societal pressures and issues that could not have been imagined by the faithful in Christ’s time. Join Bill Marianes as he broadcasts LIVE from the Marriott Marquis in New York, New York from the 46th Biennial Greek Orthodox Clergy-Laity Congress and Centennial Celebration. He'll feature live interviews with a fascinating array of distinguished guests to acknowledge contributions of the brave and faithful pioneers who preceded us and to look forward to the next 100 years of Orthodoxy in America and beyond

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.

This week on Stewardship Calling, meet the new CEO of Ancient Faith Ministries, Melinda Johnson. Learn about her history, what brought her to Ancient Faith, and her vision for the future.

Tune in this week to Stewardship Calling as host Bill Marianes talks with Fr. Evan Armatas about his new book, Reclaiming the Great Commission. In his book, Fr. Evan provides a roadmap for parishes to diagnose and remove barriers and get back on track.

Following up on Part 1 with Melinda Johnson, join Bill and his guest John Maddex to explore his story, the story of Ancient Faith Ministries, and passing on the baton. Bill is planning a grueling cross-examination to uncover all the lessons learned and wisdom John has to offer.

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.

Every church does some things well and struggles with others. Join Bill Marianes, Fr. Ted Barbas, Dr. Don Khouri, Panos Coufos and Alex Cooley to discuss the process and results from the first-ever parish strategic planning retreat.

Every church does some things well and struggles with others. In Part 2, Join Bill Marianes for a recommended step-by-step parish strategic planning process.

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

Bill teaches how parishes can substantially improve their stewardship campaigns and results by using successful approaches to increase generosity and tithing in their local communities.

Today we eavesdrop on a kitchen table discussion with daughter Megan (with a little help from 20-month-old Michael who thought the microphone looked tasty!) as they discussed Michael's six-year-old brother Adam and the still mysterious condition known as autism. Here is a picture of Adam and Frederica's article from an earlier posting on Beliefnet.

Prince Caspian, Lord of the Rings, Gone With the Wind— which was better, the book or the movie?

A sweaty subdeacon comes in from the hot sun and working in the garden for a glass of iced tea and a conversation with Frederica about Orthodox campus ministry at the Naval Academy and St. John's College.

This week those of us in the United States celebrate Independence Day, and Frederica joins in expressing her thankfulness for this country and democracy. But, is democracy a "one size fits all" concept for the world?

Frederica enjoys a conversation with Basil Athas, the very colorful member of Holy Cross who seems to be the most memorable character in Frederica's book Facing East. He is now 77, and residing in a nursing home, where he vocally evangelizes everyone in reach!

What's the one thing missing from the newest animated offering from Pixar? Listen to today's episode to find out.

At the close of a recent talk Frederica gave, she recalls a movie she saw about World War I and the love for the brother in the trench with you on the right and on the left. She reminds us that we are saved in community.

Today we present an interview Frederica conducted with Fr. Stephen Wojcichowsky, director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa. They recently held a conference that they called "The Sheptytsky Institute Study Days," and Fr. Tom Hopko and Frederica were among the speakers.

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!

This is the first part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. We have broken it up into three sections and next time will be part 2. The talk was delivered at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa. They recently held a conference that they called "The Sheptytsky Institute Study Days."

On the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, Frederica reflects on the role of God's judgment and repentance.

Here is the second part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. Part 1 was posted on September 4.

Here is the third and final part of a talk Frederica gave on the influence of the sexual revolution in the movies. Part 1 was posted on September 4 and Part 2 on September 17.

Today we get a fascinating tour of a new temple built in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Frederica is with Architect Andrew Gould as they walk through Holy Ascension Orthodox Church.

Frederica returns to the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina to talk with the pastor, Fr. John Parker. Fr. John has demonstrated that you can effectively engage your local community on matters of faith.

Frederica is riding in the back seat of a Camry driven by Fr. Ted Stylianopoulos and Presv. Faye. Listen in on this instructive conversation about God's love, and the western view of wrath and justice compared to how it is viewed in Orthodoxy. Also, be sure to listen to the two postscripts at the close of today's episode!

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!

Frederica recorded a presentation by IOCC Development Director Nick Chakos and provides it for us this week on her podcast.

There's a good chance you have never heard of the type of music expression Frederica discusses today around the kitchen table with her son Steve Mathewes and daughter-in-law Jocelyn. Steve is a musicologist and has just come from a "High Zero" music show.

Today we catch up with Frederica in York, PA, at a banquet at St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church. She is sitting with Fr. Elias Yelovich, priest at the mission parish of St. James the Apostle near Baltimore. Once a year on October 23, they celebrate the Liturgy of St. James. Learn about this ancient liturgy and how it is celebrated.

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.

Frederica comments on a recent interview in the US Catholic with Donna Freitas called Sex, Lies and the Hookup Culture. Is there hope for a turn around in society where romance trumps casual sex? In this episode, Frederica references her essay on the Disney Women and how they have changed over the years.

Frederica begins the New Year in the offices of International Orthodox Christian Charities speaking with Development Officer Nick Chakos. Learn more about the work of this important humanitarian organization serving Christ around the globe.

Frederica is at the coffee hour in her own parish today with her guest Dn. Tom Braun as they discuss ways to make yourself more valuable on the job.

Frederica and her guest Tom Kehayes are in the car trying to find the van service to take her to the airport. In between getting lost a couple of times, they discuss the remarkable circumstances that led to the building of St. Innocent Orthodox Church (OCA) in Macon, GA. The structure is an exact replica (externally) of a 6th century church in Tbilisi! You will be encouraged to hear how God provided!

Frederica discusses the book The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios by Dionysios Farasiotis.

Frederica explains the impact of technology on publishing and the distribution of the news.

Frederica examines those books in her library that are difficult to categorize, but that also contain insights that have helped her understand the culture.

Imagine the blessed Theotokos in old age being cared for by St. John the Evangelist. That is the image Frederica beautifully portrays for us in today's podcast for the Feast of the Dormition. Read more of her thoughts on the Virgin Mary in her newest book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Frederica welcomes a new grandson and looks back at a very eventful summer.

Frederica interviews her son Stephen, a seminarian at Holy Cross and a part-time piano tuner, about the musical concept of temperament.

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