Does the new year bring up feelings of shame and apathy? Do all those perky new year's resolutions people annoy you? Or are you frustrated by your failed attempts to do better this time around? In this brand-new season of Time Eternal, we talk about the connection between shame and despondency, particularly as it relates to the new (civil) year. Plus, Nicole announces the launch of her book, Time and Despondency, on January 15. Last but not least: Time Eternal just turned two! With that, we're moving to a two-season per year format (hear more about that in the episode). This episode marks Episode 1 of Season 5!

Bill and his co-host Fr. Barnabas Powell set the stage for this new 5th Sunday feature on Ancient Faith Radio. This first program is pre-recorded but future programs will be live and available for your calls.

Bill lays out the principles for proper stewardship in the parish and the need for a strategic plan. He also welcomes guest David Batrich, President of Chicago Synergy and head of stewardship for the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Following up on the April 30 episode, Bill continues to explore ways to encourage our youth and emerging adults to be faithful to the Church.In the last segment, he is joined by Steven Christoforou for some very practical insight.

So how can we create a culture of generosity and abundance in our lives and parishes? This is the key question Bill Marianes raises on this episode of Stewardship Calling. Stay tuned for a big announcement at the end of the show regarding expanded programming from Bill on AFR.

Bill Marianes talks live with guest Joe Kormos of the Orthodox Church in America. Their topic? Small Parish Challenges.

Leadership consultant SteveTibbs joins Bill Marianes to address six dimensions of servant leadership.

Bill and noted servant leadership and change management expert Dr. Mitch Owen explore the critical dimensions of Orthodox servant leaders and how to effectively bring about change in our churches and institutions.

Bill's special guest is none other than his daughter Dr. Alexis Marianes. Dr. Alexis Marianes received a PhD from The Johns Hopkins University in molecular biology working on stem cells. Her Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology was from the College of Charleston and she completed Post Doctorate studies at The Medical University of South Carolina focusing on alligator embryology. Dr. Marianes has taught at The Johns Hopkins University, the College of Charleston, and the University of West Indies. She is completing work as a part of the Sustainable Innovations Initiative NGO in Trinidad performing pioneering research for a variety of other universities, governments, businesses and NGOs regarding a wide variety of creatures, species and natural biological habitats and phenomena, including a project featured on the Discovery Channel regarding the Ocelots of Trinidad. Dr. Marianes is soon headed to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest for additional studies regarding a wide variety of species and habitats of God’s creation.

Ancient Faith Ministries interviews Archbishop Elpidophoros 75 days after his enthronement as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He is interviewed by Bill Marianes, host of Stewardship Calling, a podcast of Ancient Faith Radio.

The story of St. Nicholas Shrine is one of many challenges, roadblocks, and setbacks. At the same time, it is also a chronicle of triumph over adversity, and of generosity and hope. By the grace of God, and due to the extraordinary stewardship of countless faithful people and organizations throughout the journey, construction is beginning again, and by the 9-11-21 20th anniversary, we hope to open the doors to welcome all in Christ’s redeeming love at what will likely become the most visited church in America. Join our spiritual, financial, operational, and construction leaders, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Dennis Mehiel, Michael Psaros, and Richard Browne as they share the story of this incredible journey.

Part 3: The Journey Through Death To The Resurrection – Fr. George L. Livanos

Part 1: The Journey Through Life In Search Of Calling – Fr. George L. Livanos

Part 2: The Moment After – The Clarity of Vision From The Partner’s Perspective – Presvytera Dianthe Livanos

Part 4: The Brother's Perspective - Fr. John Touloumes and Dr. Nicholas Loutsion

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.

Ancient Faith Radio and Bill Marianes were honored to be present at the recent meeting of the Assembly of Bishops. This week, here Bill's interviews with Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Metropolitan Joseph of the Antiochian Archdiocese, Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America, Serbian Orthodox Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, Metropolitan Methodios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, Archbishop Daniel of the Ukranian Orthodox Church of the USA, and Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh

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

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.

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

Frederica speaks at the annual "Donors' Dinner" for St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto about the power of beauty in worship and the Divine Liturgy.

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 contends that, traditionally and historically, worship was aimed not toward other worshippers, as it is in the modern seeker-friendly church, but toward God.

Frederica explains that worship is for believers to offer to God.

Frederica shares an idea she had for improving parish life.

The Double T Diner is the scene of Frederica's conversation with Archbishop Lazar, Abbot of the All Saints of North America Monastery in British Columbia. While waiting for their food to arrive, they have an insightful discussion about parish life.

This is part 2 of the fascinating report given in the car by Shamassey Ina about her trip to Rome. Keep your eyes on the road because the ladies do get a little lost in this episode!

Frederica enjoys shopping for clothes at her local re-sale shops and has found it to be a good way to save and conserve. She also reflects on the clothing industry in general: where are they made and under what conditions?

Frederica is in the car today with two friends and struck up a conversation with one of them about her trip to Rome. They had so much to talk about, it is divided into two parts with part 1 today and part 2 next week.

Frederica Mathewes-Green explores the ways the 22nd/23rd Psalm reflects a year of shepherding a sheep.

Listen to the final of five interviews Frederica has with monks from Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, West Virginia.

Josh David Jordan, is a filmmaker and convert to Orthodoxy from St Seraphim Cathedral. Dallas is working on a movie about an abbott who is a fool-for-Christ. Josh got a lot of critical praise for his first movie, "This World Won't Break," which was screened at festivals around the world and won many awards. It is streaming now on every platform. Thanks to the positive response to "This World Won't Break," Josh was able to draw Hollywood professionals from every discipline to "El Tonto." It's an impressive film and I think will do much to introduce people everywhere to Orthodoxy. https://www.eltontoporcristo.com

As human beings, we find that we are surrounded by relationships everywhere we go. Could it be that relationality is something about what it means to be human? Join Christian as he discusses what it is to be human through the lens of being relational beings made in the image of a relational God.

Having a relationship with God is just that—a relationship. It is personal, dynamic, and shareable. Join Christian this week as he explores the primary relationship in our lives: our relationship with the Lord.

Connect with us at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese's Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries!

After the disciples encounter Christ, they run through the dark night back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the other disciples. Join Christian this week as he explores what sharing Christ with others looks like for Orthodox Christians.

Friendship is a wonderful mystery wherein people share a heart. This week, Christian explores what our friendships can teach us about a relationship with Christ, the One who invites us into eternal and everlasting friendship with Himself.

This week, Christian explores how our friends help us see ourselves clearly. Sometimes, this may mean we see some encouraging things, and other times we may see the yucky parts of ourselves. Both of these realities are what make friendship such an essential part of our walk with Christ.

Join Christian this week as he explores the reality that we cannot share a real love for Christ if we don't possess it ourselves.

Throughout the history of the Church, there have been moments of scandal and disappointment with various hierarchs of the Church. How are we to respond as faithful Orthodox Christians? Fr. Tom shares his reflections.

Fr. Thomas Hopko presents a meditation on how the liturgical services of Christmas and Epiphany pattern those of the Christ's Holy Pascha of Easter.

From the Speaking the Truth in Love archives, Fr. Tom Hopko offers this very helpful meditation on the feast of Theophany.