As Pascha comes to its conclusion with Ascension and then Pentecost, we consider how all of these feasts fit together in God’s great plan for us. God loves us and wants to be united to us — and Jesus ascending into heaven is a big part of that!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
In this episode, Elissa and Kristina answer a special request from listener Luke to talk about none other than St. Luke of Crimea!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
In this episode, we’ll meet two of St. Emmelia’s very famous and distinguished sons, and one of their friends.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Elissa and Kristina had a request for the life of St. Emmelia — but it’s hard to talk about her without discussing the whole family! So this time, we’ll talk about Macrina, Macrina and Emmelia, but next time, we’ll talk about Gregory, Gregory and Basil!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Christ is risen! Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger consider the real meaning of myrrhbearing and incarnation, both for the Holy Myrrhbearers and for us today!Originally released April 20, 2023By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger get us ready for Pascha by asking: how exactly did Jesus trample down death by death? What does that mean?Originally released April 15, 2021By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Kristina and Elissa received another special request: this week, we will be learning the story of St. Dorothy of Kashin, who lived in the ruins!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
On Sunday we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt, whose life was not always saintly. That’s why she is such a favorite in the Church, actually—she is a wonderful example of how we can turn our lives around when we truly repent.Find the Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families book, ebook, and audiobook at store.ancientfaith…
In this third episode on St. Ephraim, Elissa and Kristina look at some interesting things he said about where we can find God.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
As we begin Great Lent, let’s think about what the words we’re praying in the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim really mean, and why we’re praying them!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
One of our listeners requested an episode on his name saint, the very wonderful St. Ephraim the Syrian, and we were so happy to oblige!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
We have another episode based on a listener request! Join us as we talk about the wonderful Prophet Micah.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
This week, Kristina and Elissa are taking requests! Elizabeth wants to know about St. Ita of Ireland, so this episode covers the story of this wonderworking Saint’s life.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
In this final episode of the series on Orthodox prayers, Kristina and Elissa take a look at how the Church teaches us to lay down our cares and settle in for the night.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich consider the Magi: who were these wise men from the East, and what made them decide to seek out the Baby Jesus?By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
In this episode, Elissa and Kristina look at how St. Romanos tells the whole story of Christ’s birth, in just a few short sentences!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Kristina and Elissa take a deeper look at one of our most beloved prayers — Psalm 22/23 — and ask what experiences might have inspired David to write this.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
In honor of Thanksgiving, Kristina and Elissa are thinking about giving thanks — and about why the word for Holy Communion or Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
As we begin a new series on the common prayers we say all the time, we begin with a really big one: The Lord’s Prayer!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
As Kristina and Elissa explore the prayers we pray every day, they explore why we open with this prayer to the Holy Spirit.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
We have another listener request: King David! He is one of our favorite Saints, and you’re about to find out why.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
You asked, and we answered! We had a speakpipe request for an episode on the wonderful modern Saint, St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, so we’ve put together her story to help you get to know her!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Another listener-requested episode! Elissa and Kristina will help you get to know St. Xenia, whose very unusual story is unforgettable and beautiful!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Catherine in Aurora, Colorado, requested an episode on her patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and we were so happy to learn more about her, and to share her story with you!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
A young woman with her whole life ahead of her is suddenly paralyzed. What amazing wonders can God accomplish with her now?By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
This tale of two disciples shows us how important it is the do the right thing AFTER you’ve done the wrong thing.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount by telling us that living our lives is like building a house, and we should think carefully about where we build it!By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who pretend to be His followers – they’re really not following Him at all! How will we know?By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Jesus explains that our Father in heaven will give His children what is good for them, and not what is bad for them.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Christ tells us, “Judge not lest ye be judged!” What would it mean for us to judge other people, and why shouldn’t we do it?By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger
Jesus teaches us that when we do charitable works, our left hand shouldn’t know what our right hand is doing. Why does He want us to keep our generosity a secret (even from ourselves)?Find resources and leave us a message at tending-the-garden.com/podcast.By Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger