Podcasts by Food, Faith, and Fasting
Ancient Ingredients for Modern-Day Health - This podcast is geared toward Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians who want to care for their health in a spiritually minded manner. It focuses on ways to manage medical conditions such as weight loss, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastric reflux, and more. Rita Madden’s theory of health management is based on the wisdom embodied in the Holy Orthodox Church.
Further podcasts by Rita Madden and Ancient Faith Radio
Podcast on the topic Christentum
All episodes
How to Live a Holy Life from 2022-08-25T15:01
Rita Madden shares some reflections from the book titled, "How to Live a Holy Life."
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Work Together from 2022-05-23T23:25
Rita Madden reminds us of the blessing of working together in all facets of our lives, especially as we struggle to change some aspect of our life.
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Feasting Well from 2022-04-21T19:57
Feasting is not the opposite of fasting, but a most joyful application of the fruits of our Lenten spiritual efforts! Take what you have cultivated during the fast, and feast with joy by following ...
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Finding Moderation from 2022-03-21T18:56
The Church offers us guidance for what to eat and what to abstain from during the fast, but does not give much guidance in the way of exactly how much to eat. Today, I am hoping to suggest that, wh...
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Fasting vs Dieting from 2022-02-25T18:48
In this episode, Krista Fedorchak, the new co-host of Food, Faith and Fasting, unpacks the differences between the fasting mindset and the dieting mindset, so we can better understand and approach ...
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Giving Thanks for All Things from 2022-02-16T06:01
Modern day medicine is encouraging people to practice gratitude as it is good for health. We are called by our Holy Tradition to give thanks for all things! Following the Holy Orthodox Tradition pr...
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Sustaining a Change from 2022-01-05T18:10
Rita Madden shares how to make a change that lasts in our lives through small but persistent choices.
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Working on Ourselves from 2021-11-10T17:59
In this podcast we explore how to make small changes in our life to benefit our soul and body based on various practices that our Holy Tradition provides to us.
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Learning from A Monastery’s Kitchen from 2021-08-05T05:01
In this podcast we discover wonderful wisdom from A Monastery's Kitchen to bring Christ into everything we do.
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Creating Balance with Barriers from 2021-07-01T14:58
In this podcast we examine a teaching from the Desert Mother Amma Syncletica to understand how to care for our health in a Christ centered manner.
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Handling Spiritual Sickness from 2021-05-25T16:23
In this podcast we explore how guidance from St. John of Kronstadt to handle spiritual sickness, following Holy Orthodox Tradition, gives us the answers and when we do this, we just feel physically...
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Align Yourself With God from 2021-03-24T15:03
It's simply so beautiful how our tradition has the answers for what a lot of modern day self-help programs are offering to help one care for their health.
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Keeping the Correct Spirit for the Fast from 2021-03-01T18:18
Rita Madden shares some wisdom from Abba Pambo to aid us in keeping the correct spirit for the Great Fast.
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Our Relationship to Spiritual Things from 2020-12-28T06:01
In this podcast, we see great teachings for our relationship with material things, our earth and body, through teachings from a saint that lived around 1500 years ago! Starting January 21, 2021, R...
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How to Understand Health from 2020-11-27T19:49
In this podcast, we see how the teachings of our holy tradition guide us in understanding our relationship to health.
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Medicine in Modern Times from 2019-08-21T13:50
Rita explores the use of modern day medicine and how it lines up with our Holy Orthodox Tradition.
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The Benefit of Plant Foods from 2019-04-12T21:14
As we continue to move through the fast, it is quite beautiful to see how the physical end of our fasting tradition aids us in the spiritual hunger we all feel.
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Gaining Perspective on Fasting from 2018-06-23T20:17
With fasting being such a buzz diet, craze right now, Rita Madden helps us to gain some perspective through the teachings of St. Issac the Syrian.
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St. Gregory of Nyssa on The Lord’s Prayer from 2018-05-16T01:28
Rita Madden shares St. Gregory of Nyssa's writing on The Lord's Prayer, and provides insight on stress management and how to eat.
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Continuing the Fast from 2018-03-16T20:22
Rita Madden encourages us to continue the fast with words from St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain.
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Getting Ready for Great Lent 2018 from 2018-02-01T16:30
Rita Madden encourages us to prepare our lives for the journey of Great Lent by working for the healing of the whole earth.
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The Candle from 2017-11-13T16:14
Rita reflects on how physical objects can help us attain food for our soul, and how we can use physical objects to help us in prayer.
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Creating Structure with Silence from 2017-09-28T22:04
Rita discusses ways that we can create structure in our lives for silence and prayer.
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Sanctification Prayer from 2017-08-30T05:01
Rita explains the use of the Sanctification Prayer that we pray before eating, asking the Holy Spirit to fill and guide what we are partaking in.
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How the Orthodox Way of Eating Allows Us to Be a Healing Presence to the World from 2017-08-04T15:22
Following the feasts and fasts of the Church cannot only help us care for our own health, but it can also benefit the environment and God's creation.
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Starting a New Foundation from 2017-07-05T05:01
Rita shares her reflections on a short conversation by two desert fathers on laying new foundations in our lives.
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Dealing with Struggles from 2017-05-24T05:01
Rita discusses how we can face our health struggles in a way that aids in the healing and growth of our souls in Christ.
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On the Journey to Pascha from 2017-03-31T05:01
Rita reflects on the journey of Great Lent, and encourages those of us who feel we have lost our way. Setting realistic goals can help us to keep our focus on the rest of the journey towards Pascha.
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Accountability and Fasting from 2017-02-23T02:24
Rita provides good insights into how we can keep the fast of Great Lent, and encourages us to stay connected to others who can help us be accountable and on the right path.
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Interview with Jamey Bennett from 2017-01-17T01:36
Jamey Bennett approached me about doing an interview as on ancientfaith.com he has blogged about fasting and created music about healthy eating. Jamey shares his thoughts from his blog post titled...
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Simplifying the Advent Fast from 2016-11-01T05:01
Rita encourages us to deepen our Advent Fast by simplifying our choices of what and where to eat, so that we can spend more time attending services, praying and serving others who are in need. She...
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Compassion is Necessary for Change from 2016-09-19T22:27
Caring for our health and fighting our passions requires compassion. We need to start with showing compassion to ourselves to aid us in creating sustainable changes.
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16-Hour Fasting from 2016-06-11T00:11
In this podcast, Rita discusses how fasting can actually lead to healthier food choices. She will also look at a 16-hour fasting approach and it's benefits to care for our body and soul alike.
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Fasting like the Holy Fathers from 2016-04-08T00:24
Rita Madden shares the latest research regarding the way fasting helps our bodies to function properly, even as we keep our focus on prayer during Great Lent.
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Meditations on Great Lent from 2016-03-09T03:03
Rita Madden shares some readings from "Meditations for Great Lent" by Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou, and reminds us that the purpose of Lent is to grow in humility and love. Sign up today ...
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Gluten - My Beautiful Lent from 2016-03-02T04:25
Rita interviews Cynthia Damaskos about the current research on gluten. Rita and Cynthia are the creators of My Beautiful Lent, a program to help Orthodox Christians in all stages of life to use th...
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Stress and Intro to My Beautiful Lent from 2016-02-19T01:18
Many people feel they are experiencing some intolerance to foods (and for sure some people do) but some may be experiencing stress and when their body is in stressed mode it can create physical sym...
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FFF Group Setting - PSA from 2016-02-03T01:10
This PSA provides information about where to access ideas and guidelines for the FFF Group Setting.
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Stress Management and Almsgiving from 2016-01-31T02:13
Rita describes the benefits of creative almsgiving for both our spiritual and physical well being.
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Dedicating a Fast from 2016-01-11T16:09
Rita discusses dedicating a fast to someone to aid us in deepening our prayer for them.
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New Year’s Resolutions from 2015-12-26T15:23
Rita offers suggestions for how to keep your New Year's resolutions.
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Chapter Six from 2015-12-11T15:59
Rita discusses the sixth and final chapter of her new book, which focuses on stress management.
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Chapter Five from 2015-12-04T17:48
Rita discusses the fifth chapter of her new book, which focuses on exercise.
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Chapter Four from 2015-11-20T18:29
Rita discusses the fourth chapter of her new book, which focuses on fasting.
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Chapter Three from 2015-11-13T15:57
Rita discusses the third chapter of her new book, which focuses on portion control.
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Chapter Two from 2015-11-06T15:07
Rita discusses the second chapter of her new book, which focuses on how to create balance with our food choices and also sugar consumption.
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Food, Faith, and Fasting from 2015-10-30T17:04
Rita introduces her new book Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health, published by Ancient Faith Publishing.
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The Eastern Orthodox Healthy Eating and Living Toolbox from 2013-05-08T17:54:14
This will be the last podcast for quite some time as Rita takes a break to focus on conducting food and faith workshops. Here she reminds us of the importance of allowing the traditions of our chur...
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The Buddy System from 2013-04-10T16:00:02
Supporting each other with our health efforts can be an act of love. Rita discusses the importance of taking advantage of the buddy system.
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Let’s Not Fake the Fast from 2013-03-14T17:39:11
Rita encourages us to enter into the true spirit of the fast as we begin Great Lent.
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Eating as a Way to Deepen our Communion with God from 2013-02-15T16:44:11
In his book For the Life of the World, Father Alexander Schmemann writes, "In the Bible the food that man eats, the world of which he must partake in order to live, is given to him by God, and it i...
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The Relationship Between Forgiveness and Mindful Eating from 2013-01-16T16:36
Did you overdo it during the fast-free period of the Holy Nativity? Are you frustrated with how you ate and that lack of attention you paid to your body? Do you struggle with overindulgence on food...
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Eating as a Way to Share the Faith from 2012-12-19T20:11:48
Eastern Orthodox Christians eat in a very specific way. With all the discussions about the various diets out there, is this traditional way of eating a way to share the faith? Rita answers in the a...
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Managing Stressors of the Season from 2012-12-05T21:03:27
Stress that is not managed affects our health and increases our appetite. Rita discusses ways to handle stressors during this time of year.
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Fasting Alone from 2012-11-21T18:45:39
What do you do when you are the only one in your home who is fasting? You have become Orthodox and your spouse has not, or you live with people who simply do not fast. What are some strategies for ...
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Nourishing the Sick from 2012-11-07T18:28:26
Rita discusses ways to show brotherly love through feeding the sick.
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Decreasing Food Waste from 2012-10-17T15:06:37
Rita explores ways to care for health and lose weight and at the same time share alms through decreasing food waste.
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Answering Listener Questions from 2012-10-03T05:08:37
Rita answers two questions that she have received from listeners: (1) What do you do when someone prepares a meal for you that has not been made with quality ingredients? (2) What is the best way t...
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Fasting with Company from 2012-09-19T16:54:34
Many of us have family and friends who are not Orthodox. What do we do when company is in our home during a fasting day or period? Rita gives suggestions for showing the gift of hospitality and sti...
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Dining with Alcohol from 2012-09-05T15:26:54
Rita explores ways in which to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
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Fasting With the Child from 2012-08-22T18:51:09
Fasting should not be legalistic, and it involves way more than just food. Rita explains the various ways in which we can help our children understand and practice all the aspects of a fasting period.
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Modeling Healthy Fasting from 2012-08-08T14:26:47
We all must embrace fasting with a willing heart. In addition, we need to nourish our bodies during the fast. Rita provides information about the nutritional value of various fasting foods, whether...
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Children and Their Relationship with Food from 2012-07-25T17:56:33
Rita discusses additional ways to help children develop a healthy relationship with food.
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Children and Their Personal Wellness from 2012-07-11T18:49:27
Family dinnertime goes beyond a balanced meal. This is when we sit together and are nourished both spiritually and physically. Rita shares things to do in everyday life to increase physical activit...
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Eating Alone: Making the Best of Mealtime When Eating Alone from 2012-06-28T02:52:38
For a variety of reasons, many of us have to eat alone. Rita presents strategies for eating alone in a healthful and satisfying manner. She also provides strategies for helping those who have to de...
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Fasting IS Medicine from 2012-06-12T20:05:23
The Holy Apostle’s fast is upon us. Fasting is not legalistic; rather, it is a medicine we choose to take to deepen our communion with God. Rita focuses on approaching the fast from a willing heart...
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Eating on the Road from 2012-05-30T18:06:28
Many of us have to eat away from home as a result of our work situation. Others are going to be eating away from home for extended periods of time due to vacationing. Whatever the scenario might be...
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Ditch Dieting from 2012-05-09T16:06:12
How are we supposed to enjoy our bodies when advertising markets unrealistic ways of looking, living, and eating? Rita discusses ways to celebrate the Paschal season, and life in general, without s...
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Healthy Body Image Versus Vainglory from 2012-04-25T16:16:12
Eating disorders are on the rise, and we see them in both men and women. Negative thinking and depression due to an unhealthy body image are also very common. Rita discusses ways to develop a healt...
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Mindfully Eating During Bright Week from 2012-04-11T06:38:25
This is the most celebratory time of the whole year! Rita shares ways to joyfully celebrate Pascha without forfeiting a healthy relationship with food.
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Continuing Your Fasting Journey from 2012-03-28T19:48:59
Rita explains that feeling hunger can benefit both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. She also discusses a few oil-free meal ideas.
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More Commentary on the Great Fast from 2012-03-14T22:29:04
Rita offers tips and encouragement to assist listeners in their fasting journey.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Fasting from 2012-02-22T15:07:48
When a fast is just around the corner, the fridge gets stocked with non-dairy creamer and margarine. Rita explains how these foods sabotage the very essence of fasting and are detrimental to health.
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Quick Cooking from 2012-02-16T02:41:49
St. Gregory the Theologian cooked! And he used the expression “the magic and wizardry of the cooks.” It is beneficial for our health to eat foods that are prepared in the home. In this episode, Rit...
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Let the Cooking Begin from 2012-02-01T15:00:17
In this episode, Rita shares a story from a monk that explains what is needed to cook. Whether you currently do not cook and know you need to start or are an avid cook, the wisdom in this story wil...
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Cooking as a Way to Glorify God from 2012-01-18T14:30:50
Rita reminds us that cooking can be a way to glorify God—to pray and to care for body and soul alike. In this episode, the listener will learn how to get back into the kitchen.
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Stewardship Eating from 2012-01-04T15:42:24
We are called to be stewards of the earth. Rita explains how we can try to eat in an uncorrupted manner to carry out this duty?
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Eating According to the Church Calendar from 2011-12-21T06:48:07
With the New Year around the corner, people are making decisions about which diet to try. In this episode, Rita shares what the research shows about eating the Holy Orthodox way.
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Properly Feasting from 2011-12-07T17:17:25
After a long seasonal fast, one will be tempted to overeat. What can we do to prevent overeating and properly enjoy the foods of the season? Rita has a few suggestions.
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Seasonal Fasting from 2011-11-22T22:09:09
Rita looks at proper seasonal fasting, as well as some strategies for practicing this discipline when we are in the world.
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The Temptation to Misuse Food from 2011-11-09T16:00:27
None are without temptation. Even Christ was tempted. What do we do when we are tempted to use food for the wrong reasons? Rita discusses strategies to handle the misuse of food.
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Handling Relapse from 2011-10-26T06:24:35
For it is written, "If a righteous man falls down seven times"—that is, repeatedly throughout his life—"seven times shall he rise again" (Prov. 24:16). We will fall. Relapse does occur. Setting rea...
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Establishing Behaviors That Last from 2011-10-12T06:33:31
St. Issac of Nineveh tells us that “a small but always persistent discipline is a great force; for a soft drop falling persistently hollows out hard rock.” In this episode, Rita discusses ways to s...
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Exercise a Step Further from 2011-09-14T14:56:21
In this episode, listeners will continue to learn ways to make exercise a regular part of their everyday routines.
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Exercise as a Joyful Part of the Day from 2011-08-31T14:07:39
Exercise does not have to be a laborious and taxing process. And you don’t have to run marathons to attain its benefits. Writings from the second century by Clement of Alexandria explain that when ...
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Managing Stress Joyfully from 2011-08-18T18:43:29
Proper prayer, helping others, hobbies, healthy laughter, simplifying our lives, and singing can all be ways for us to manage our stress and benefit our health and weight. This podcast will review ...
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Silence as a Tool for Stress Management from 2011-08-02T13:00:47
St. Gregory of Nyssa explains to us that the life of the body is one of flux and change. We have sleep to relax tension. But what should this look like, and how can we attain it in a healthy manner...
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Stress Management and Our Spiritual and Physical Health from 2011-07-20T09:04:03
Elder Paisios constantly stressed the power of positive thinking. In this episode, the listener will learn the effects of poor stress management on the body and how positive thinking is important f...
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Sacred Eating in the Restaurant from 2011-07-06T13:00:46
Many meals are eaten in the restaurant setting. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner at the restaurant and explains how these good food choices can bene...
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Sacred Eating in the Workplace from 2011-06-22T13:00
Many times we eat outside the home—be it at work, at a friend’s home, or at a restaurant. This podcast will provide strategies on how to eat in a spiritually minded manner in the work environment.
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Sacred Eating from 2011-06-09T00:08:51
St. Maximus the Confessor explains to us that nothing that God has created is in itself bad. It's the gluttony that is bad, not the food. In this session, Rita looks at snacking and how it can have...
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Eating in a Chaste Manner from 2011-05-25T15:59:17
St. John Chrysostom gives us a rule that can help with portion control in the era of Super Size and the Double Big Gulp. He states that we should “eat just to alleviate your hunger.” This sounds li...
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Nourishing the Body to Serve As an Aid to the Soul from 2011-05-12T02:40:14
Around the tenth century, we hear the venerable St. Simeon the New Theologian explaining that many illnesses are caused by a disorderly and irregular diet. Does a saint speaking to us one thousand ...
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Eating in a Spiritually Minded Manner from 2011-04-26T20:44:52
St. Seraphim of Sarov states that “everyday we should partake of just enough food to allow the body, being fortified, to a be a friend and helper to the soul in performing the virtues. Otherwise wi...
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