Sonia is originally from South Africa, where she grew up in a Greek community - until she and her husband left for Texas, where they've raised a beautiful family.

Elissa's back, and she's joined by AFR's Fr. Evan to talk about his new book!

Dear listeners and friends, I want to share a quick update to explain our unexpected absence. The podcasts are on a bit of a pause — but I'll be back soon. I was diagnosed this summer with a benign acoustic neuroma, and i underwent surgery to remove it. The big challenge was to be a loss of hearing on one side -- I have a cool cyborg implant to share with you when I get back! While the procedure itself went well, recovery hasn’t been as smooth or as simple as we hoped. i've had challenges requiring physical, speech and occupational therapy -- I'm learning more patience! and it has brought me into contact with very wonderful people i wouldn't have met otherwise, and it's giving me the chance to be on the receiving side of such beautiful prayers and gestures! I’m healing every day, and slowly but surely I will work my way back to you! Thank you for your patience, your support, and of course for your prayers! Our God always provides, and He continues to do so. With love in Christ, Elissa Bjeletich Davis

Corina is a wife, mother to 7 grown children, and grandmother to 3! A licensed midwife, author, speaker, and advocate, her recently published book, ‘The Chicken with the Red Feather’, portrays the true story of a family's journey with Huntington’s Disease

Matthew Robb Brown was born in Michigan. He has been a published poet since 1969 and has had many jobs. He became Orthodox in 1998. He is a subdeacon, and his wife, Kay, choir director at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Fort Wayne, IN. He has 3 books of poetry on Amazon.

Abraham and Desirre Ghebremicael are from Eritrea–a small nation along the coast between Ethiopia and the Red Sea–but are raising their kids in Austin, Texas. We'll hear about Abe's journey and about how he finds that life in Texas compares to his homeland.

Dn. Anthony is originally from England, but married his wife Ruth in southern Africa. The two moved to East Asia, spending years in Hong Kong and Singapore, then emigrated to the US. They have been instrumental in building a vibrant Orthodox community in Appalachia.

Sophia Kellachow joined us in June, and we ran out of time as we talked about the sudden death of her husband and the conversion that followed. Join us as we welcome Sophia back to hear the rest of the story, and to learn about the wisdom these years have yielded.

From life in war-torn Berlin to the relative peace working in insurance in Canada, Mother Karitina was looking for something more—and she found it in a monastery. (Once she confirmed that she could still eat chocolate in the monastery, she was in!)

Sophia Kellachow is a vibrant Orthodox Christian who gives of her time, talents, and love freely. She seeks out those who are hurting and need encouragement and shows Christ's love. Passionate about the Church, she uses her gifts to teach and lead youth ministry.

It's time to get to know our new live show by producer, Mike DeGan! He has been with Ancient Faith Radio for just a few months, but he's already part of the family.

Matt's the oldest of four brothers who are just as comfortable weaving through traffic as hiking trails. Son of a southern Baptist preacher, Matt loves films and is a successful stuntman. He met his wife on a tv set, and they have three daughters.

Daniel felt a spiritual yearning, but filled it with the wrong things, becoming an alcoholic and occultist. A friend suggested he venerate the Inexhaustible Cup icon for healing, and the Theotokos rescued him. He recently converted and shares his faith journey on YouTube.

Elissa's new book is out, and Christian Gonzalez is here! We'll talk about myrrhbearing and Christian service, and its role in the Christian life.

Elissa's new book, The Art of Myrrhbearing, comes out in just a few days! Her daughter, Helena, is back to ask her a few questions about what inspired the book, and of course, what's inside it!

Judge Nicholas Ayoub grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he serves on the 61st District Court. He enjoys playing music and spending time with his wife and daughter, and serves as Protopsalti at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Laura Pavlik is a homeschooling mother of three who teaches the preschool Sunday school class and sometimes sings in the choir. She loves teaching and learning, writing (which is part of both), swing dancing, and baking bread. She is also the author of the adorable new board book from Ancient Faith Kids, Today My Priest Wears White.

For 35 years Charlene worked in Cincinnati Public Schools as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She focused on inner city schools, and responded to food insecurity by starting a Food Pantry. Today she is the Director of FOCUS Cincinnati.

Elissa is joined by her friend, Bill Malloy, who was among the founders of St. Anthony's Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas. He loves to do volunteer work—at Texas Children's Hospital for years, and now at Institute for Health Quality and Ethics in Santa Fe.

Elizabeth worked as a child life specialist at her local children’s hospital for 10 years. After her first YES trip her outlook on serving others forever changed. She found greater awareness of the needs of every person, and how Christ uses each of us to fill those needs.