What God is Not

Sister Natalia and Father Michael recorded an in person episode on the feast of the Transfiguration! In this episode they focus on the Transfiguration account in Matthew and talk about the temptation for us to stay on Mount Tabor, some of the symbolism represented in Matthew's account, and the need for us to transform as a result of our encounters with Christ. References:We have a full IG TV recording up on our Instagram page that features some banter and Q/A before and after this episode. Check out our page if you want to watch the full recording. Matt 17: 1 - 13Registration for the Bridegroom's Banquet is open!Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

Sister Natalia is fresh off poustinia and reflects on peace. "Nothing else matters except being with Jesus and trying to rest in that knowledge and trying not to be swayed by all the other thoughts coming to me."References:The Final HomilyWord from a Poustinik: HopeJohn 16:33Quotes from St Seraphim including this one: "Acquire a spirit of peace and thousands of souls around you will be saved."Save the Date for the Bridegroom's Banquet, Nov 13!Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael talks about demons and their interactions in our everyday life. We hear about some of his experiences at Franciscan, and learn how we can be on the lookout to repel demons and evil thoughts.References:The Life of St. Anthony by AthanasiusThe Philokalia - Volume 1Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

Sister Natalia walks through some of her favorite passages from the Philokalia, a collection of writings from some of the Church Fathers on how to live as a good monk or nun. "The view in the East is that everyone is called to live as a monk or nun, to the degree which they are able in their vocation," and Sister Natalia wanted to share her favorite passages with everyone!References:The Philokalia - Volume 1Fr. Michael's episode on Catholic Stuff - Gluttony as a Gateway SinFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week we're talking about Byzantine Baptism, everything leading up to the chrismation. Fr. Michael reads through some of the prayers said during the Holy Mystery.Father Michael and Sister Natalia Out and AboutCatholic Stuff You Should Know recently reposted an episode where Fr. Michael talks about Byzantine Marriage. Check it out!Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael talks about Gregory the Theologian and how he came to know and understand his vocation. He and Sister Natalia talk about the call to holiness and how the people in the church can help encourage men and women to priesthood and religious life. References:Gregory the Theologian's Second OrationFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

Sister Natalia and Father Michael continue their discussion from last week about fatherhood. Part One of this topic can be found here. In this episode, Sister Natalia walks through some of her favorite quotes from Pope Francis' apostolic letter, Patris Corde, and then relates them to her life experiences, especially her life experiences with Father Michael.References:Part OnePatris Corde by Pope FrancisFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week Sister Natalia gives us insight into her reflection on fatherhood and tenderness. She and Father Michael provide examples of how they see fatherhood practically lived out in their day to day lives.References:Patris Corde by Pope FrancisThe Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John ClimacusMy Elder Joseph the Hesychast by Elder EphraimWounded by Love by St PorphyriosThat Man is YouFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week we're joined by special guest Valeria Salgado. Valeria is a Latin revert who discovered Father Michael's parish and has been participating in Divine Liturgy there. This week Father Michael and Sister Natalia answer some questions on the rites of initiation and the differences between the East and the West. Additionally they talk about the process of changing rites.References:Connect with Valeria on Instagram and TikTokFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show

This week we're talking about the Saint of the Day (less three days), St. Nathaniel! St. Nathaniel is Sister Natalia's patronal saint. There's also a great discussion at the beginning of the podcast about spiritual direction.References:Lord of the World by Robert Hugh BensonFather Elijah by Michael O'BrienFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.comSend us a textSupport the show