As Orthodox Christianity grows, more catechumens are entering the church. However, the process takes time and is filled with learning the theology and traditions of Orthodoxy that can best be experienced in person at services or learned through daily practice.
On this week’s episode, Katherine welcomes GwynneHoffmaster, a recent convert to the Orthodox Christian faith. Gwynne is a young wife and mother who was recently baptized with her young son and offers insights into the process and tells her story of finding Orthodox Christianity.
Gwynne grew up in the Seattle area in a home without faith,never imagining that one day she’d find herself in the Orthodox Church. It wasn’t until her mid-twenties, as a young wife and mom, that she began searching for something deeper — something that could give her life meaning andpeace. That search led her to Christ, and this last Pascha she and her son were baptized together, stepping fully into the life of the Church.
Her video sharing her catechumen experience has already touched thousands of people online, and today she’s here to share her journey — the struggles, the surprises, and the beauty — and to encourage other women who might be wondering if Orthodoxy could be for them too.
Have a topic you want featured on the next episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to nevermiss an update.
You can find Gwynne on Youtube.
Resources
Books:
The Age of Nihilism by Fr. John Strickland
The Forgotten Medicine: TheMystery of Repentance by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev
Preparing for Confession (Includes reflections and prayers):
Greek OrthodoxArchdiocese Guide
Moving our bodies daily not only improves our mood, but it can also improve our quality of life.
In this episode, Katherine reviews the benefits of daily movement and fitness.
She highlights the strength of women's bodies and how to choose the right exercise for your body.
She also compares men's and women's sports. Finally, she discusses what the Bible says about honoring your body and the unique abilities and skills God gave you.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time Stamps:
1:00 Intro
2:20 Choosing the right exercise
4:50 Yoga
7:15 Honoring our bodies with what you do
8:40 The importance of sports
9:20 Differences between men's and women's sports
11:16 Tailoring your fitness journey to your body
12:12 Fitness goals
14:05 The importance of leading an active lifestyle
15:29 What the Bible says about health and fitness
16:51 Negative body image and how to overcome it
Resources:
Have you ever wondered how the Orthodox Christian church approaches women’s health?
When it comes to health, we view our bodies as a temple thatGod created, and we should honor and respect His creation.
As women, our bodies bear the most important difference that men do not have: being able to bear children. Because of this, women have different hormones than men, as well as a menstrual cycle each month that shapes our unique reproductive system.
On this week’s episode, Katherine interviews PresbyteraMarina Thornburg, who offers her insights into the importance of cycle syncing, hormones, and fitness as they relate to women’s health.
Presbytera Marina is a women’s health coach, certifiednutritionist specializing in female hormonal health, and a certified personal trainer.
She is passionate about educating women about their hormones, how to regulate them, and heal from endocrine imbalances and reclaim their vitality. Sheoffers unique insights into the importance of being in tune with your body and its natural rhythms.
From an Orthodox Christian perspective, Presbytera Marina provides her expertise regarding fasting for the upcoming Dormition Fast, as well as advice to approach health in a faith- based way.
Follow Presbytera Marina on Instagram@orthodox_true_femininity
Check out the Orthodox True Femininity Website and Blog: orthodoxtruefemininity.com
Visit the Gumroad shop to purchase women’s health andfasting guides: https://lilliemuse.gumroad.com
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write usfaithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Check out our website: faithful-flourish.com
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a parish church and a traditional Greek Orthodox monastery?
In this episode, Katherine offers her insights and experiences from attending both places of worship. She offers tips on how to dress and highlights the similarities and differences.
Whether you are new to Orthodox Christianity and attending church for the first time or a long-time Orthodox Christian looking for a new experience, this episode will help prepare you for your next visit.
Have a topic you want covered in a future episode? Write to us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcat
Time Stamps:
4:40 Parish Churches
18:53 Monasteries
Resources:
Gossiping and judging others may seem inconsequential in the moment, but these actions can have a profound impact on our spiritual life.
Not only can this cause us to fall into greater sins, but it also does not allow us to love our neighbour as Jesus Christ calls Christians to do.
In this episode, Katherine reviews the Orthodox Christian view on judgment and gossip and provides evidence from the Bible as well as teachings from the Church Fathers.
She also provides actionable steps to take to avoid gossip and judgment in the future.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram so you never miss an update @faithfulflourishpodcast
Check out our website: https://www.faithful-flourish.com/
Time stamps:
1:04 Intro to judgment in the Bible
6:34 Gossip
10:35 Falling into lust
11:52 Falling into other passions
14:03 The results of judging others
16:51 How judging others can harm others
18:29 Spreading false information that is not accurate is harmful
26:17 How to overcome the vice of judgment
29:30 How to get rid of judgmental thoughts
Resources:
Do Not Judge By Heiromonk Gegorios - New Rome Press
What does it mean to live a softer life?
In a fast-paced and demanding world, the idea of living a softer life has gained traction as a way to cultivate peace, harmony, and balance. For many women, this concept offers a retreat from the relentless pace of modern life, invitingthem to embrace a gentler, more intentional approach to their daily routines.
In this episode, Katherine provides the necessary steps to live a softer life. She also gives tips to create the ideal daily routine that brings out your femininity and softness, and tips to help you grow in your faith.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourish@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time stamps:
1:15 Why live a softer life?
2:30 What is a soft life?
Steps to live a soft life:
4:01 Self care
4:55 Nourishment
5:34 Fasting
7:30 Movement
8:21 Mindfulness
9:48 Why you shouldn't multitask
10:10 How to set boundaries
13:55 Simplify your life
15:21 Planning your day
16:34 Practicing gratitude
17:32 Fostering relationships and connections
18:45 Emotional intellegence and communication
20:08 Community service/ volunteering
20:43 Softness through faith
23:15 Redefine success
23:42 How to create a daily routine
24:17 Creating a soothing environment
25:41 Celebrate small things
26:07 Final thoughts
Resources:
What does it mean to embrace your feminine energy?
God created both man and woman with two distinct characteristics and energies that balance each other out.
Naturally, we all have masculine and feminine energy, which come alive based on how we live our daily lives.
As women in the modern world, we are more independent than ever, being our own providers, living on our own, and earning an education.
On this episode, Katherine defines feminine energy and gives examples of what it means to be in your feminine energy. She highlights reasons you can be in your masculine energy based on how you live your life. Finally, she provides tips to become more feminine and become your most authentic self.
Have a topic you want featured on the podcast? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time stamps:
1:11 What is feminine energy?
2:35 Dark vs. light feminine energy
8:57 Reasons you fall into your masculine energy
16:47 How to step into your feminine energy
Have you ever wondered what makes a man "Godly?" In this episode, Katherine reviews the qualities of a Godly man (according to the Bible) so you can know what to look for in your future husband.
She also reviews the qualities a Godly woman should possess (according to the Bible) to bring out her femininity and become the best version of herself.
Finally, she provides her list of what it means to be a Godly man and Godly woman and helps you to determine what qualities are important to you, too.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time stamps:
2:30: Brainstorming exercise
7:06 Qualities of a Godly man according to the Bible
17:28 Katherine's list of qualities of a Godly man
25:35 Qualities of a Godly woman according to the Bible
35:45 Katherine's list of qualities of a Godly woman
Resources:
What is the Orthodox Christian view about zodiac signs, yoga, and superstitions?
When it comes to these topics, they are controversial and go against the teachings of the Orthodox Christian church.
In this episode, Katherine analyzes these practices and explains why they can lead to separation from God.
Have a topic you would like discussed on a future episode? Please write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an episode.
Check out our website: faithful-flourish.com
Time stamps:
2:06 Astrology/ Zodiac signs
14:13 Yoga
17:57 Luck/ superstitions
19:15 Tarot cards, stones
20:10 Halloween and Santa Claus
Resources:
Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future by Seraphim Rose
How can you be more creative? As women, we can embrace our femininity by being creative, but unlocking this creativity can be a challenge if you do not let yourself be curious and overcome the fear of failure.
On this week's episode, Katherine interviews Alexa Phillips. Alexa is a writer, brand marketing strategist, and multi-passionate creative.
With almost a decade of marketing and writing experience, Alexa has worked with enterprises, startups, and creative entrepreneurs to build and grow their brands. She is the founder of Bright Eyes Creative, a Seattle-based consultancy and media company that helps consumer brands and creatives design brand experiences & media.
She is also the author of Creatives Anonymous, a weekly newsletter that explores what it means to be a modern-day creative through essays, interviews, and commentary.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn, Threads, and Instagram.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast so you never miss an update.
Time Stamps
2:24 Alexa's faith journey
9:45 Embracing your creativity and Creatives Anonymous Newsletter
14:49 How to exercise your creativity
20:38 Having a personal brand
21:11 Being authentic online and with your brand
26:32 Why you should have hobbies
29:32 How to balance being creative and your faith
33:50 Finding a community of like-minded Orthodox Christians
37:04 Advice to women who want to start a new hobby
40:15 The secret to unlocking success
45:57 Chase your curiosity
Resources:
The Artist's Way Guided book to unlock your creativity
Gem Creative Co: create your personal brand
Are you planning your travel this summer? Add a spiritual pilgrimage to your itinerary.
As Orthodox Christians, there are many spiritual sites to visit around the world. You can see relics from saints and artifacts that represent the history of Orthodox Christianity.
In this episode, Katherine reviews several travel destinations both in Greece and the United States that you can visit and experience the beauty of Orthodox Christianity.
She also gives 3 practical tips to maintain your prayer life while traveling.
Have a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at: faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram to never miss an update @faithfulflourishpodcast
Time stamps:
2:48 Kefalonia
8:48 Zakynthos
11:26 Corfu
12:28 Patra
14: 25 Patmos, Tinos, Meteora
18:28 Clothing tips when visiting churches
19:36 Russia and Eastern Europe
20:32 San Fransisco, New York, Alaska, Arizona, Florida
27:39 3 Tips to maintain prayer
Resources:
Daily Readings App: https://www.goarch.org/-/daily-reading-app
Eikon App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eik%C5%8Dn-ancient-prayers/id6502774442
Orthodox Bible App: https://www.orthodoxbible.app/
Diptych icon for travel: https://store.ancientfaith.com/diptych-theotokos-with-christ-child-and-christ-blessing-medium-icons/
Dating as a Christian means that faith plays a pivotal rolein our relationships. The Bible provides us with wisdom and guidance on how to approach love and companionship. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to "Above allelse, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
In this episode, Katherine discusses dating from an Orthodox Christian perspective, which is with marriage in mind.
Katherine discusses the significance of marriage in the Orthodox Christian church and why it is important to choose the right spouse.
She also reviews if it is ok to date someone who is not Orthodox Christian.
Finally, approaching dating the traditional way is discussed, including 5 practical tips that can be applied to your dating life.
Have a topic you want discussed on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time stamps:
2:41 Dating as an Orthodox Christian
4:33 Modern-day dating vs. Courting
13:14 Dating in the traditional way / meeting a godly man
16:00 What you can do as a single woman to prepare for marriage
20:56 Marriage as a sacrament in the Orthodox Church
23:13 Is it ok to date someone who is not Orthodox Christian?
29:02 Approaching dating in a traditional Christian way/ 5 practical tips
Welcome to Part 2 of the Media and Faith Series!
In this episode, Katherine discusses the influence of social media on your personal and spiritual life.
From unrealistic expectations to unreliable resources, social media can take you away from God.
Learn about how social media has changed and can affect you.
Have a topic you would like featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast to never miss an update.
Time stamps:
1:27 My social media use
8:06 Why social media can impact your life and faith
10:45 How social media has changed
11:57: How social media is a waste of time and narratives are controlled
14:03 How social media has disrupted society
15:30 How social media affects social skills
16:28 Posting online best practices
18:16 Orthodox Christian content online and the dangers of only relying on online content as an Orthodox Christian
20:05 The importance of going to church in person
21:32 Why women have to be careful with what they post online
23:11 How social media takes us away from our faith
24:13 Putting yourself on social media takes courage
Welcome to the 3 Part Series about Media and Faith!
In this series, Katherine analyzes the impact movies, tv shows, and music have on your faith.
On this episode, Katherine reviews the entertainment industry and how it was created to influence our thinking. She highlights the norms that are pushed in the media like sex, drugs, and alcoholism, and how these images on screen can impact your thoughts.
She also reflects on the music industry and how what you listen to impacts your daily life.
Join us as we review the entertainment industry and how it can affect your spiritual health.
Have a topic you want us to discuss on a future episode? Send an email to faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Time Stamps
4:24 The entertainment industry and norms
9:57 Negative consequences of the entertainment industry
14:45 Negative thoughts
18:06 Analysis of the music industry
24:40 Alternatives to mainstream media
What happens when you choose to make your faith the center of your life?
In this episode, Katherine talks about why you should choose your faith. Choosing to make your faith the center of your life can alter the path of your life.
Glorifying God every day not only means living your faith, but continuing getting closer to God.
Katherine also reflects on some of her favorite Pascha memories.
Time Stamps
0:50 Schedule of Holy Week
4:45 How to continue glorifying God every day
7:24 Planning to make God the center of your life
9:09 What to do as a single person to grow in your faith
11:43 Traditions of Pascha and core memories
21:23 Why do we call it Pascha?
Have a topic you would like discussed on a future episode?
Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Have you ever felt like you compare your life to others? These comparisons are not only a burden to your mental health but to your spiritual health. By comparing ourselves with others, we can't focus on the life that God has planned for us and trust that He will provide for us at the right time.
In this episode, Katherine discusses comparison and how it can affect your life. She gives practical tips to combat comparing your life to others. She also talks about what it means to trust God's plan for you and God's timing for your life.
Have a topic you would like discussed in a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Time stamps:
1:50 Comparing yourself with others
4:58 How to stop comparing yourself with others
9:36 God's plan for our life
10:47 Trusting God's plan for your life
14:10 Mystery in Orthodox Christianity
15:44 Trusting God's timing
16: 30 Prepare for the right time and avoid waiting
19:02 Having patience
Welcome to the Lenten Podcast Series! This series will cover each week of Great Lent and provide a relatable topic you can reflect on.
Have you ever felt like you have done something in your past and will never be forgiven?
Do you feel guilt and shame for what you did?
Are you constantly dwelling on your past mistakes?
In this episode, Katherine draws inspiration from the story of St. Mary of Egypt and how we can repent from our sins.
She also gives you practical steps to let go of your past sins and the guilt and shame you may feel.
This is the final episode of the Lenten Podcast Series. Thank you so much for tuning in!
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Got a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us @faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Resources
Books:
Know the Faith by Rev. Michael Sanbour
Words of the Heart by Gerondissa Markrina Vassopolou
Time Stamps:
1:00 Reflections on intentions for Lent
5:45 St. Mary of Egypt
6:32 The Crucifixion and it's importance
8:03 Adam and Eve's original sin
12:09 Growing in your faith when you feel guilty
13:03 How Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant view guilt/ repentance
16:42 How to deal with guilt
18:35 Feeling shame
20:16 Why you shouldn't dwell on your past
22:49 Discernment and opportunities
Welcome to the Lenten Series! This series will cover each week of Great Lent and provide a relatable topic that you can reflect on.
In this episode, Katherine examines St. John Climacus' Ladder of Divine Ascent and how it relates to our spiritual journey.
She also highlights the importance of planning for your future and creating the ideal life for yourself, but gives you insights on how to do so from a faith-based perspective.
Episodes will be released weekly, so follow along as we go on the journey of Great Lent together!
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Got a topic you want featured on a future episode? Write us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com.
Resources
Books:
Thirty Steps to Heaven by Vassilios Papavassiliou
The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus
Time Stamps:
3:23 Intro to The Ladder of Divine Ascent/ St. John Climacus
6:27 Rung 1: Renunciation of the World
13:04 Rung 6: Rememberance of Death
17:26 Rung 13:Tedium and Despondency
23:38 Creating your ideal life
30:14 Seeking God's guidance
Welcome to the Lenten Podcast Series! This series will cover each week of Great Lent and provide a relatable topic that you can reflect on.
In this episode, Katherine talks about the metaphor of what it means to "bear your cross."
Whether you are struggling with an illness, past traumatic experience, or currently are dealing with something in your life that is difficult, Katherine explores how these experiences can shape your faith journey.
She also helps you to better understand what it means to "take up your cross" as Jesus Christ urges Christians to do in the Bible (Luke 9:23).
Episodes will be released weekly, so follow along as we go on the journey of Great Lent together!
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Got a topic you want featured on a future episode? Email us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Time stamps
1:00 Intro
1:45 Sunday of the Holy Cross
1: 57: The imagery of "bearing one's cross"
5:54 Examples of crosses Modern Orthodox Christian bear
6:04 Singleness/ getting married
8:03 Struggling of balancing work and faith
12:00 Illness/ Disability; patience, prayer, and humility
22:42 Spiritual guidance for Orthodox Christian women: how to bear your crosses
26:07 How to grow in your spiritual health
Resources:
Orthodox Bible App: https://orthodoxbible.app/
Illness and The Believer (Newrome Press) BUY HERE
**Disclaimer: While your faith can help you get through hard times, it is important to seek professional help when necessary. This podcast is only an educational tool for your spiritual life, and I am not an expert. All examples shared are based on my knowledge/ experience.**
Welcome to the Lenten Podcast Series! This series will cover each week of Great Lent and provide a relatable topic you can reflect on.
In this episode, Katherine reflects on the miracle of the Paralytic (Mark 2: 1-12) and what it means to be forgiven.
She also reflects on how women can balance being independent while also bringing out their feminine traits. Finally, she relates St. Gregory Palamas' teachings to your daily life.
Episodes will be released weekly, so follow along as we go on the journey of Great Lent!
Follow us on Instagram @faithfulflourishpodcast
Got a topic you want me to discuss on a future episode? Write to us at faithfulflourishpodcast@gmail.com
Time Stamps
1:00 Intro
4:00 On Confession
6:00 St. Gregory Palamas
8:00 Gospel Reading
10:00 Forgiveness
11:44 Why Ask For Help?
12:36 Women's independence in the modern world
14:30 How asking for help relates to faith
