On this episode, I talk with my multilingual Canadian friend, Maria Lotfi. A talented writer and podcaster herself, Maria shares her thoughts on what service looks like in locations with various languages, as well as some of the challenges - and blessings - that come along with that.

Maria also interviewed me on her podcast, which is called "About Us." Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GPWxPevVeFx8mgoeaidw7

Maria's personal blog: https://honeyfaceherblog.com/

This week on Service in Practice, I talk with Fr. Michael Sorial, priest of St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church in Monroe, NJ. He shares his story of getting involved in evangelism, and how he's used his blog and YouTube channel to reach broader audiences.

Links:

Fr. Michael's Blog: http://frmichaelsorial.com/

Jan 7 vs Dec 25 video: http://frmichaelsorial.com/aiovg_videos/christmas-december-25-or-january-7/

Books:

• Incarnational Exodus: https://www.amazon.com/Incarnational-Exodus-Advancement-Christocentric-Athanasius/dp/0984891854
  
• On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius: https://svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only/
  
• Epistle to Diognetus: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0101.htm
  
• Missionaries, Monks, and Martyrs by Luke Alexander Veronis: https://www.amazon.com/Missionaries-Monks-Martyrs-Disciples-Nations/dp/1880971003
  
• And He Leads Them: The Mind and Heart of Philip Saliba, by Joseph J. Allen https://store.ancientfaith.com/and-he-leads-them-the-mind-and-heart-of-philip-saliba/
  
• The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen: https://www.amazon.com/Missionaries-Monks-Martyrs-Disciples-Nations/dp/1880971003

On this episode of the podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with Daniel Bein about his experience in seminary. A recent graduate from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (also known as St. Vlads), Daniel shares his journey of obtaining his Masters of Divinity. He speaks about misconceptions about seminary, different institutions, and how one can get started if they are interested in theological education. Daniel also speaks about how seminary education prepares individuals for deeper service.

Daniel recommends several resources for anyone who is interested in seminary or simply wants to connect more deeply with their faith:

New Advent, a site for public domain patristic texts: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/

Ancient Faith Radio, a podcast: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts

Bible Project, a podcast: https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/

He also recommends several books:

For theology, An Introduction to God by Stephen Damick (https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-God-Encountering-Orthodox-Christianity/dp/1936270994), and For the Life of the World by Fr. Alexander Schmemann (https://svspress.com/for-the-life-of-the-world-new-edition/)

For patristics, On The Incarnation by St. Athanasius (https://svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only/), St. John Chrysostom’s commentary on the gospel according to St. John (https://svspress.com/the-holy-gospel-according-to-saint-john-a-pastoral-commentary/), and On Marriage and Family Life by St. John Chrysostom (https://svspress.com/on-marriage-and-family-life-st-john-chrysostom/)

For service, Parenting Toward the Kingdom by Dr. Philip Mamalakis (https://store.ancientfaith.com/parenting-toward-the-kingdom/).

For spirituality, Beginning to Pray by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom (https://store.ancientfaith.com/beginning-to-pray-metropolitan-anthony-bloom/).