Tending the Garden of our Hearts

Weekly meditations for families, with stories about the saints, Scripture readings and lessons designed to open up conversation and to enrich the family Little Church.

Brief Announcement

Kristina explains the reason why the Tending the Garden podcast will take a short break from episodes.

10-02
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St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger tell about a beloved saint. You can send your prayers to: St. John Maximovitch c/o Holy Virgin Cathedral “Joy of All Who Sorrow” 6210 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94121

09-25
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Re-Release: St. Porphyrios

This week, we get to know St. Porphyrios, the modern saint from Mt. Athos whose wisdom has enlightened so many!

09-18
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Re-Release: Saints Cosmas and Damian

Elissa and Kristina tell about Saints Cosmas and Damian from Asia Minor. They were brothers and doctors who helped people get well without charging any money.

09-12
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Re-Release: Bishop Basil Rodzyanko

Bishop Basil had a very interesting obedience — one that you might want to consider too!

09-04
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Re-Release: The Holy Myrrhbearers

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!

08-28
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Re-Release: Life of the Theotokos, Part Three

In the final part of their Dormition series on the Life of the Theotokos, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore the details of her passing from earthly life.

08-21
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Re-Release: Life of the Theotokos, Part Two

In part two of their Dormition Fast series on the life of the Theotokos, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger explore the role of the Theotokos during the years of her Son's public ministry, and look at what she did and where she went after He ascended to heaven.

08-14
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Re-Release: Life of the Theotokos, Part One

As we begin the Dormition fast, we will spend some time learning about the Theotokos along with Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger. In this episode, we learn about the miracle of her birth, how she spent her childhood, and what prepared her to answer with the "yes" that changed the world.

08-07
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Two Debtors

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich discuss The Parable of the Two Debtors, from Luke 7: 36-50. What is Jesus trying to teach us about forgiveness?

08-01
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Two Sons

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich read the Parable of the Two Sons. Which is better? Saying you won't go to work but then going anyway, or saying you will work but not showing up?

07-10
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the Parable of the Good Samaritan. There are many ways to react when a person is struggling -- how can we react as Christ wishes?

07-03
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Rich Fool

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the Parable of the Rich Fool, and ask how we can avoid being fools ourselves!

06-26
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger talk about the very rich man who just kept stepping over poor Lazarus, as he lay suffering at his gate. Is it that God wants to help the poor, or that He's actually using the poor to help the rich?

06-19
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Tower Builder and the King who Would Go to War

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger talk about how one goes about building a tower or preparing for war. Are you prepared?

06-12
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Unjust Steward

This week, Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger talk about the unjust steward. It's bad to be unrighteous, right? Does God always want you to be honest and exact -- or would He rather see some mercy?

06-05
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Servants Waiting for their Lord

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich Davis consider the Parable of the Servants Waiting for their Lord. We'll be thinking about the Second Coming, and about how important it is for Church leaders to do a good job of watching over Jesus' house.

05-30
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Tenacious Widow

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich Davis ask what we can learn from this tenacious widow.

05-22
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Parable Series: The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich Davis take a look at the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin. How interested is God in bringing you home?

05-15
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Parable Series: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandsmen

This week, Elissa Bjeletich Davis and Kristina Wenger take a look at the Parable of the Wicked Husbandsmen who refused to pay their rent, and attacked their landlord's representatives. What does that have to do with us?

05-08
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Daniela Banu

Thank you very very much for sharing these precious podcasts with us, very grateful for the work you're doing. Please continue making such beautiful content, very useful for every one of us. I'm an orthodox coming from Romania, at the moment living in Italy, and through your podcasts you help me learn more about our faith and help me taking the good path when I'm lost, reminding the tools we have from God and the Saints. Forever grateful! God bless you.

02-18 Reply

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