18 Comments

Thank you for writing this post Catie! I once listened to a nun describing this movement of the genders towards completion in Christ. In our day and age people need this understanding more than ever.

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An inspiring post, thank you! I’m about 13 years into my Orthodox journey (inquired a couple years before that), and there is so much depth that I haven’t come near to reaching. Getting to know the saints should be my desire, and I appreciate your concrete description of how to do so.

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Thank you, Jennifer! 🤍

All Saints, pray for us!

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Well done Catie... Baby Ina first, of course, and then this wonderful post. Do make sure to get as much rest as you need. Hugs to all-

Dana

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Thank you, Dana! ❤️🤗

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Wow I really loved this piece. Thank you so much for sharing! I grew up Lutheran and don’t know much about the Saints. Do you have a recommendation on where to start learning?

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Hi Kristin! I’m so thankful you enjoyed the piece! I know a lot of people who found the book 101 Orthodox Saints helpful, but I just checked and it’s out of stock. https://store.ancientfaith.com/101-orthodox-saints/

As a child, I really loved the book A Child’s Paradise of Saints. It has a short, kid-friendly version of about 15 important saints’ lives from church history. https://store.ancientfaith.com/a-childs-paradise-of-saints/

I would also recommend following Monica Olsen whom I interviewed since her work really centers around introducing people to the saints!!

And maybe “getting to know” St. Elizabeth the New Martyr whom I wrote about here, since she also grew up Lutheran! Coincidentally, her sister Alix (Empress Alexandra of Russia) also became a saint! They themselves came from a very devout Lutheran family and even had an ancestor who was a Catholic saint, Elizabeth of Hungary. And they lived fairly close to our time so you might enjoy learning more about them ❤️

So glad to meet you 🤗

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Well I am committed! I just spent $93 to get free shipping at the Ancient Faith store 😆 Books are always a good investment, right?! 🤣

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I have definitely done that too 🤣🤣 and yes I agree! I have never regretted purchasing ANYTHING from them 😁

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This was such a great post, and I learned so much! Thank you for including such a great list of resources ... I've got a few new ones I need to check out now! Don't fret about the potty training. It will absolutely come in time and with help from your prayers. ❤️ And congratulations on your BABY INA!!! ❤️ God grant you many years together and swift healing ... ❤️❤️❤️

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Thank you so much, Brandi 🤗🤗❤️❤️

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St. Paraskevi of Rome is my patron saint! It was so lovely to hear about Matushka Monica’s relationship with her. When I was a catechumen, I was so overwhelmed with choosing a patron saint — there are so so many wonderful saints. But one day I was in our church bookstore, and out of nowhere one of my friends handed me an icon of St. Paraskevi. She told me that I definitely needed this icon. I now see that interaction as my patron saint introducing herself to me!

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Thank you for the mention. I really enjoyed the excerpt from Timothy Patitsas, what a beautiful way of describing the relationship between men and women in Christ.

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I haven’t managed to read the interview yet but I am looking forward to doing so. I love the way you share an Orthodox perspective in a way that is easy to understand, I feel like I learn so much from every piece you write.

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I am so thankful, Becca! Thank you for letting me know! ❤️❤️❤️

PS Baby Ina was born today! St Ina of Wales and all British Saints, pray for us!

PPS I’m getting better at recording and editing audio for the interviews and this one is pretty short (19 min) so if it’s easier to listen to, that’s a possibility 😊

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Congratulations on the birth of baby Ina! I hope you are both doing well, you will be in my prayers ♥️♥️♥️

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Thank you!!! We are both doing well 😁

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I have enjoyed your stories Monica! I am excited to listen to this interview!

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