Stories of Hope Season 5 Episode 2 Father Demetrios Swanson on the Divine Liturgy

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 10

Welcome to the final installment of our multi-series event on the Sacraments, presented by Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. In this episode of our Stories of Hope Podcast, Father Demetrios delves into the profound theology of ordination, shedding light on its spiritual significance and transformative power.

In this episode, we dive into the Divine Liturgy with Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. Often referred to as the "mystery of mysteries," it's more than just a ritual—it's a vibrant, living encounter between God and His people, and it sits at the very heart of the Orthodox Christian faith. Join us as we explore the depth and meaning behind this sacred tradition.

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion. Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest episodes and continue your exploration of the sacraments with Project Mexico.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 5 Episode 1 Gabe Braskett Living the Faith

Stories of Hope Season 5, Episode 1

In this episode, host Julia Kasten speaks with Gabe Braskett, a student attending Hellenic College Holy Cross and a returning summer intern for the Project Mexico Ministry. We discuss his first summer experience in 2023 and how it helped shape his path to Hellenic College Holy Cross in Boston and the growth he experienced as an intern during summers at Project Mexico. Through anecdotes and self-reflection, Gabe shares his story as an intern, living in faith, and working in ministry. 

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 9 Father Demetrios Swanson "Marriage"

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 9

Welcome to the next installment of our multi-series event on the Sacraments, presented by Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. In this episode of our Stories of Hope Podcast, Father Demetrios delves into the profound theology of confession, shedding light on its spiritual significance and transformative power.

As we continue our series on Sacraments, our focus shifts to one of the most celebrated and cherished rites in the Orthodox tradition—marriage. Father Demetrios Swanson guides us through the intricate and beautiful Orthodox wedding ceremony, offering a comprehensive look at its theological underpinnings and spiritual importance.

Marriage, often referred to as "The Great Sacrament," holds a pivotal place in Orthodox Christianity. Father Demetrios eloquently explains that marriage is not merely a social contract but a divine union blessed by God. This sacrament signifies a profound spiritual bond that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church, embodying both love and commitment. Through marriage, couples are called to support each other in their spiritual journeys, fostering a union that strengthens their faith and dedication to God.

In this episode, Father Demetrios also delves into the rich tapestry of Orthodox wedding traditions. From the crowning ceremony, which symbolizes the couple's role as kings and queens of their new household, to the shared cup of wine, which represents their mutual responsibilities and joys, every element of the Orthodox wedding is imbued with deep spiritual meaning.

Listeners will benefit from Father Demetrios’s insights and will find valuable references in the sources he reads from, including "Marriage: The Great Sacrament" and "The Orthodox Faith, Worship, and Life," which provide further exploration of these themes. Tune in to discover the profound beauty of Orthodox marriage and its role in nurturing both personal and spiritual growth.

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion. Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest episodes and continue your exploration of the sacraments with Project Mexico.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 8 Father Demetrios Swanson "Confession"

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 8

Welcome to the third installment of our multi-series event on the Sacraments, presented by Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. In this episode of our Stories of Hope Podcast, Father Demetrios delves into the profound theology of confession, shedding light on its spiritual significance and transformative power.

Father Demetrios begins by breaking down the theology of confession, exploring its roots in Scripture and tradition. He provides a thorough understanding of why confession is a vital sacrament in the Christian faith, highlighting its role in spiritual growth and renewal. Through engaging discussions, Father Demetrios elucidates the importance of repentance, absolution, and the grace that flows from this sacrament.

But this episode goes beyond theology. Father Demetrios shares the personal side of confession, drawing from his experiences as a priest. He discusses the different traditions and practices that priests and saints have adopted over the centuries, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and reflections. From the practices of early Christian communities to contemporary approaches, Father Demetrios provides a comprehensive view of how confession has evolved and its enduring relevance today.

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation of the sacrament's personal impact, as Father Demetrios shares stories of transformation and healing. He emphasizes the importance of a contrite heart and the journey towards spiritual renewal that confession facilitates.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the sacrament of confession with Father Demetrios Swanson. Whether you are seeking to understand the theological underpinnings or looking for personal inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights for every listener. Tune in to our Christian Confession Podcast and deepen your spiritual journey with honest conversations and inspirational stories.

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion. Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest episodes and continue your exploration of the sacraments with Project Mexico.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 7 Father Demetrios Swanson "Unction"

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 3

Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We follow up with unction, as it is one of the many Sacraments that Orthodox Chrisitan's participate in. He talks about the foundation of unction and what it means to the Faith, as well as discusses the ways we live out this sacrament in everyday life. 

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 6 Panayiota Veronis

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 6

This week, host Julia Kasten speaks with Panayiota Veronis about her past experience during the summer as a Homebuilding Intern as well as the excitement of spending this coming summer in Mexico and other opportunities for youth and young adults in the Orthodox Church. You can hear how Project Mexico impacted her life, but also catch a glimpse of what it's like to be involved in summer camps and youth leadership programs. 


Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: projectmexiconews@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 5 Margarita Mavroeidi

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 5

Get to know Margarita Mavroeidi as she talks about as she talks about her work with the boys at the ranch. She also shares stories from homebuilding adventures and gives examples of the chaos, joy, hard, work and prayer that is part of everyday life in Mexico. 

If you would like to support her work here in Mexico, you can donate to her OCMC mission page below!

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 4 Father Demetrios Swanson "Sacraments"

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 3

Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We begin with baptism, as it is the first Sacrament that Orthodox Chrisitan's participate in. He talks about the foundation of baptism and what it means to the Faith, as well as discusses the ways we live out this sacrament in everyday life. 

In this podcast he will reference a couple resources which will be linked below. 

Icon of the Baptism of Our Lord

The Orthodox Faith, Worship, and Life

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 3 Zannos Grekos

Stories of Hope Season 4, Episode 3

Join host Julia Kasten and guest Zannos Grekos as they discuss Zanno's life before the ranch. As well as reflecting on religion in a college setting and how it translates to people's everyday lives. Zannos is a counselor at the Orphanage and is deeply involved in helping develop functional life skills for the boys at the ranch.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 2 Shannon Todd

Episode 42: Shannon Todd

Join host Julia Kasten as she talks with longtime Project Mexico Religious Education Coordinator, Shannon Todd. Shannon entered the Orthodox church along with her family in 1997. She participated in various spiritual formation and fellowship programs including youth camps, CrossRoad, OCF and young adult gatherings. She also has served as an OCMC Ambassador, Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. Throughout her life, she was encouraged to draw closer to Christ through these programs while the friends and mentors she met within the Church always helped her stay connected, confirming the Orthodox faith for her.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Episode 1: Alejandro Zendejas

Episode 41: Alejandro Zendejas

This week we welcome St Innocent and Holy Cross Alumni, Alejandro Zendejas along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Alejandro grew up at St Innocent and his relationship with the Orthodox faith to this ministry and his plans to give back!

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Stories of Hope Season 4 Boone Jenkins

Episode 40 of Stories of Hope: Boone Jenkins

Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2024's incoming Work Trip Coordinator, Boone Jenkins along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Boone came to this ministry and his plans for next summer's homebuilding season!

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 39: FOrCE Special Series with Faeli Heise on the Pursuit of Virtue

Episode 39 of Stories of Hope: FOrCE Speaker Series

Join us for the first of our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. Faeli Kathryn Heise is currently enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross, pursuing a BA in Literature & History and a minor in Childhood Education. Before this, she spent two years at St. Innocent Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico while simultaneously enrolled in an associate’s degree program. She is a graduate and previous intern of St. Raphael School under Rev. Dr. Porphyrios (James) Taylor, of blessed memory.

TOPIC: The “Pursuit of Virtue” on the nature and value of Orthodox education.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 38: FOrCE Special Series with Pres. Merilynn Andruchow Spiritual Warfare

Episode 38 of Stories of Hope: FOrCE Speaker Series

Join us for the first of our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. In this episode, Pres. Merilynn Andruchow, a Graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology, and a Missionary of 10+ years at Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage discusses her time at HCHC and spiritual warfare.

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 37: Padre Alejandro & Presbytera Katerina Sosa PART 2

Join host, Faeli Heise for episode 37 of Stories of Hope

We conclude our conversation with Padre and Presbytera Sosa with a more in-depth discussion about various outreach and ministry pursuits of the St. Innocent community and the need for a place of community worship outside the orphanage. Additionally, Padre and Presbytera reflect on the joys of being connected to the orphanage and the great St. Innocent community. In closing, they give us a call to action and reiterate the need for support: time, finances, talents, and prayer, to support the global work of the Orthodox Church. 

Online Outreach of St. Innocent Church: https://tijuanaortodoxos.com

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 36: Padre Alejandro & Presbytera Katerina Sosa PART 1

Join host, Faeli Heise for episode 36 of Stories of Hope

Welcome, everyone, to our latest episode! Today on Stories of Hope, we have two special guests who have been long overdue for their chance to share their stories with you. Padre Alejandro Sosa and his wife Presbytera Katerina (Carmen) are integral members of the St. Innocent Community and Orthodoxy in Mexico as a whole. In this episode, the first of two parts, we'll hear about their conversion to Orthodoxy and what it means to be the part of such a small religious minority--tending to one of only three Orthodox churchs in Mexico. 

Online Outreach of St. Innocent Church: https://tijuanaortodoxos.com

Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 35: Nathan Liu - Project Mexico Intern 2022

Join host, Faeli Heise for episode 35 of Stories of Hope and a very special conversation with homebuilding 2022 intern, Nathan Liu. Are you thinking of applying for the Project Mexico internship? Listen to Nathan's thoughtful and insightful reflections from his experience this past summer for some inspiration! 

Listen to "Episode 35: Nathan Liu" on Spreaker.

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 34: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson Part 2

Welcome back, everyone! Today, Faeli brings you the second installment of a very special two-part conversation with Deacon Demetrios and Sophia Swanson. The pair have recently relocated to St. Innocent Ranch to serve the Orphanage and the Orthodox Church in Northern Mexico. In this first part of our conversation, we learn how they made the decision to return to the Ranch and about Deacon Demetrios' ordination to the diaconate. We hope you enjoy it!

Listen to "Episode 34: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson PART 2" on Spreaker.

Support The Swansons

Register for Homebuilding 2023

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 33: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson

Welcome back, everyone! Today, Faeli brings you the first of a very special two-part conversation with Deacon Demetrios and Sophia Swanson. The pair have recently relocated to St. Innocent Ranch to serve the Orphanage and the Orthodox Church in Northern Mexico. In this first part of our conversation, we learn how they made the decision to return to the Ranch and about Deacon Demetrios' ordination to the diaconate. We hope you enjoy!

Listen to "Episode 33: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson" on Spreaker.

Support The Swansons

Register for Homebuilding 2023

Full linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

 If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Episode 32: Father Luke Veronis

Stories of Hope with Father Luke Veronis

Greetings, everyone! We invite you to join Faeli and this week's guest, Fr. Luke Veronis, for another Summer 2022 episode special. Fr. Luke shares his personal perspective on the impact Project Mexico has had on his parish, why he brings groups down every single year, and what made this homebuilding week particularly special. We hope you enjoy!

Where to find & support Faeli: https://www.facebook.com/faelifaraway & https://bit.ly/3DUuCdE

Sign up for homebuilding and internships at: www.projectmexico.org

If you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com

If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Instagram: @projectmexicosio

Listen to "Episode 32: Father Luke Veronis" on Spreaker.