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Writing for Children with Brandi Willis Schreiber and Amber Schley Iragui

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What makes a "good" children's book? And how might one begin to navigate the landscape of envisioning, crafting, and publishing Orthodox children's literature? In this 90-minute  workshop, Brandi Willis Schreiber, published children's book author with Ancient Faith Kids, and Amber Schley Iragui, Art Director for Ancient Faith Kids, will share their experiences, best practices, and suggestions for writing, publishing, and illustrating in the Orthodox children's market.

About our Speakers

Brandi Willis Schreiber holds an M.A. and B.A. in English Literature and creative writing from Texas Tech University and is the author of A Long Walk with Mary: A Personal Search for the Mother of God (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2021) and a contributor to Behold a Great Light: A Daily Devotional for the Nativity Fast Through Theophany (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2023). Her first children's book is forthcoming from Ancient Faith Kids in August 2026. Learn more about her at www.brandiwillisschreiber.com

Amber Schley Iragui holds a BA in Theology and English Literature from the University of Portland. She has a career as an art director with a transformative impact on Orthodox publishing, most notably St. Vladimir's Seminary Press and Ancient Faith Kids. She was also a co-founder of The Wooden Button, a Waldorf-inspired preschool located in Manhattan. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her family and has a children's book soon to be released through Ancient Faith Kids.

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Sunday, October 4th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subisidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

Writing About the Saints with Elissa Bjeletich Davis

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The lives of the Saints are a rich source of wisdom and inspiration, yet many saints' lives — especially women saints — offer sparse detail, and are sometimes interwoven with pious legend. In this 90-minute workshop, we’ll wrestle together with the hard questions: how to honor Holy Tradition while earning the trust of skeptical modern readers, and how to write with both honesty and reverence.

Elissa Bjeletich Davis is the co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2019) and also of Blueprints for the Little Church: Creating an Orthodox Home (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2016). She is the author of Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent (Sebastian Press, 2017), In God’s Hands: A Mother’s Journey through Her Infant’s Critical Illness (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2013), and The Art of Myrrh Bearing: Encountering Christ Through Serving Others (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2025)

Elissa has five daughters and a son who reposed in 2005. She is active in youth ministries and at Orthodox summer camps, and directs and teaches Sunday school at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Austin. She sits on the Advisory Board of Youth Equipped to Serve (YES), a ministry of FOCUS North America.

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Sunday, September 27th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subisidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

Writing Your Nonfiction Book Proposal with Phoebe Farag Mikhail

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You might be feeling intimidated by the idea of writing a book proposal. How do you go from research and writing to the idea of “selling” your idea? This 90-minute workshop will shift your mindset about what a book proposal can be, give you some tools to get started on your own book proposal, and explain how to write and prepare each section.

Phoebe Farag Mikhail is the author of two nonfiction books: Putting Joy into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church and Hunger for Righteousness: A Lenten Journey Towards Intimacy with God and Loving Our Neighbor, both published by Paraclete Press. She has also coached many authors on their books and book proposals, served as a cultural accuracy and sensitivity editor, and taught academic writing and research to undergraduate and graduate students.

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Thursday, September 24th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subisidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

Faith in Fiction with Katherine Bolger Hyde

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Katherine Hyde, Author
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In this workshop, Katherine Bolger Hyde will explore some of the various ways Orthodox writers can express and honor their faith in their fiction without alienating or confusing readers who do not share it. A brief lecture will be followed by time to work on a choice of writing prompts and then an opportunity to share and discuss our work and struggles.

Katherine Bolger Hyde is the author of the Crime with the Classics traditional mystery series as well as several standalone novels, including The Vestibule of Heaven (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2024), and four children’s books. Katherine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her musician husband, John, and two vocal but sadly unmusical cats. When not writing, she can generally be found watching British detective shows while attempting to keep her knitting away from the aforementioned cats.

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Sunday, September 20th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subsidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

Creative Ways to Research Your Nonfiction Book with Phoebe Farag Mikhail

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Join author Phoebe Farag Mikhail for this dynamic workshop and learn tips for researching as a nonfiction writer!

Researching your book can be one of the most exciting aspects of the writing process. Research should be about learning something new and growing in your own faith if it’s going to lead you to the epiphanies you need to turn your research into great writing. This workshop will discuss creative ways to uncover the resources you need to get the authoritative information you want for your project.

Phoebe Farag Mikhail is the author of two nonfiction books: Putting Joy into Practice: Seven Ways to Lift Your Spirit from the Early Church and Hunger for Righteousness: A Lenten Journey Towards Intimacy with God and Loving Our Neighbor, both published by Paraclete Press. She has also coached many authors on their books and book proposals, served as a cultural accuracy and sensitivity editor, and taught academic writing and research to undergraduate and graduate students.

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).
 

When: Thursday, September 17th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subisidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

Truth at a Slant: What Makes a Poem?

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Join award-winning poet Sherry Shenoda as we consider: From the inner life to universal understanding: what makes it a poem? How do we wield language to tell the truth at a slant? 

Sherry Shenoda is a Coptic Orthodox poet and pediatrician. She is the author of Mummy Eaters, Longlisted for the 2022 National Book Award in Poetry and the winner of the Sillerman First Book Prize in African Poetry, and the American Book Award. She is also the author of The Lightkeeper, a novel. 

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Sunday, September 20th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subisidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Questions? Reach out to axia@axiawomen.org.

If cost is an issue, please let us know.

Register Here

The Christian Life as Poetry with Nicole Lyon Roccas

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St. Porphyrios once wrote that “whoever wants to become a Christian must first become a poet.” Poetry trains us to pay attention to the often-overlooked beauty, suffering, love, and joy all around us, cultivating the attentiveness that lies at the heart of the Christian life. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will be guided step by step through the process of writing a poem from lived experience. Open to women of all experience levels—from complete beginners to published poets—the goal is not technical perfection, but deeper attention, creative play, and meaningful expression.

Nicole Lyon Roccas is a writer and trauma-informed writing coach based in Southern Ontario. She is the author of several books, including Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life. Find her on Substack, Instagram, or her website (www.nicoleroccas.com).

Writers at every stage are welcome. We hope you will join us! (Orthodox women only, please).

When: Sunday, September 20th | 7PM Eastern

Cost: Sliding Scale from $35-45 - if you are able, please consider subsidizing the cost for someone else in need!

Substack paid subscribers receive 5% off! 

Register Here

Pacific Northwest Regional Online Gathering

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Connect with Orthodox women in the Pacific Northwest seeking a deep life of faith! In our first-ever regional gathering, we'll hear from Contemplative Prayer Practitioner Jennifer Anna Rich, author of the Substack 'be still ... contemplative prayer for busy people', and co-founder of the St. Gavrilia Circle of Light. Jennifer has led pilgrimages to Greece to introduce Orthodox women to St. Gavirilia - one of them with Axia in 2024!

St. Gavrilia was known as the "Ascetic of Love," but her teachings also offer us much wisdom on the life-giving relationship between prayer and silence. Join us in a rich time of conversation together, and have a chance to meet Orthodox women from many jurisdictions across the Pacific Northwest!


Pacific Northwest Regional Gathering
Sunday, May 17th, 7pm Pacific
Open to all Orthodox women in the Pacific Northwest
Online via zoom.
 

Register here.

We hope to see you there!

Beauty as Witness Day Retreat

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Since earliest times, women’s fingerprints have been found throughout the Church. From the icons which adorn our walls, to the wood carvings, vestments and curtains of the liturgies, to the lives of the female martyrs, it is through those who have walked before us that we are woven into the living tradition of the Body of Christ.

On April 18th, join us in exploring how the tangible presence of women’s witness become beautiful examples of the power of faith in Christ. Through church architecture, iconography and martyrdom texts, Historical Theologian and Professor Ani Shahinian will guide us through an exquisite weekend together visiting three Orthodox churches, examining what they tell us about the theological and spiritual power of beauty and its witness to our lives as Orthodox women today.

This one-day retreat includes:

  • Private coach tour of three Orthodox churches in the San Diego area
  • Dynamic, experiential teaching by a leading scholar
  • Catered lunch
  • Hands-on Byzantine mosaic afternoon workshop with a treasured keepsake to bring home
  • Optional evening Vespers
  • A chance to connect with Orthodox women in the San Diego area and experience the healing power of beauty.

There will be an optional Friday night meet and greet on April 17th - appetizers and drinks on us!

Early Registration Price: $179

Regular Registration Price: $199

For anyone traveling to attend this event, a block of rooms has been reserved at Courtyard San Diego Old Town. Contact axia@axiawomen.org to receive the booking link!

Several student scholarships available! Apply here.

We hope you will join us for this one-of-a-kind weekend together as Orthodox women across jurisdictions!

REGISTER

About our Speaker

Ani Shahinian, D.Phil./Ph.D., is the Assistant Professor in Armenian Christian Art and Theology, at St. Nersess and St Vladimir’s Theological Seminaries in New York. Shahinian holds a doctorate in History and Theology from the University of Oxford. Shahinian is driven and inspired by people. She has had a lifelong curiosity in people across cultures, societies, languages, and time. Her journey to explore the depth of the human soul has taken her across many countries and degrees in the fields of human rights, criminal law, philosophy, theology, history, religion, and politics. Her insights continue to develop a more holistic understanding of what it means to be a human person in today’s world. You can learn more about Ani's journey through our recent Woman of the Week interview here!

Social Hour for Orthodox Women in San Diego

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Portland Networking Event
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Axia Women invites you to a complementary Social Hour for all Orthodox women in the greater San Diego area.

Join us for an evening of fellowship & connection on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Enjoy generous Lenten mezze at Georgia's Greek Cuisine!

We'll provide those savory bites - all you need to bring is yourself, and maybe a friend!

Where: Georgia’s Greek Cuisine (reserved patio)

3550 Rosecrans Street

San Diego, CA 92110

When: 7PM

We hope to see you there!

RSVP Here

(Orthodox women only, please)

Saying Yes to God: Courage and Choice in the Lives of the Theotokos and St. Mary of Egypt

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Join us for this full-length Preaching and Teaching Course with Dr. Teva Regule and take a deep dive into the feast of the Annunciation and the life of St. Mary of Egypt, and what they can teach us today. We’ll study biblical narratives, patristic writings and tradition, iconography, and the hymnography of the feasts to explore what we can learn from two women who said yes to God in ways that dramatically changed their lives as well as their inner worlds.

At the end of the course, you’ll walk away with the skills to conduct biblical research and exegesis, learn sermon methodology, and put together a talk or sermon that can be used in a wide variety of settings. Past participants have used what they learned to craft Sunday homilies, church school lessons, as well as talks to women's groups, parishioners at coffee hour, and more.

Based on your feedback from our mini-course this past July, we’ve extended the sessions to eight weeks. Mark your calendars for Thursdays from January 15 - March 5 (7–9 pm Eastern) and join us!

Details:

Thursdays 7-9PM Eastern

January 15-March 5

Online

Cost:

Early Registration (through Dec 15th): $259

Full Registration (through January 5): $299

This course is now full. Add your name to the waitlist here!

Reach out with any questions to axia@axiawomen.org!

(Orthodox women only, please.)

Houston Networking Event

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Axia Women would like to invite you to join us for a Meet & Greet Networking event for Orthodox women!

Come join us for appetizers and good conversation.

We'll provide those appetizers - all you need to bring is yourself, and maybe a friend!

Friday, December 19 | 5-7PM

Let us know you're coming by RSVPing HERE.

We hope to see you there!

Ministries of Song Celebration With Susan Ashbrook Harvey

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Bring your cocktails or mocktails and join us for a happy hour celebration of Susan Ashbrook Harvey’s new book, Ministries of Song: Women's Voices in Ancient Syriac Christianity.

Each attendee will receive a free digital download of the book during the event.

When: Thursday, December 11 | 7:30PM Eastern

We hope to see you there!

(Orthodox women only, please.)

RSVP HERE

Re-Creation From Our Wounds Webinar

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Join us for a webinar and Q&A on the ways we find healing and transformation through our wounds. Registered therapist Eleni Opperwall and trauma-informed coach and author Nicole Roccas will guide us in a two-part webinar on Sunday, October 19th, 7pm Eastern.

Together, we'll explore what it means to be human after trauma through honest, hopeful conversations. Springboarding off of their recently launched Re-Creation Podcast, Nicole and Eleni will draw from Orthodox Christian tradition, personal experiences, and their professional work, sharing insights and stories to support healing and spiritual integration around the wounds of life.

Evening Program:

45 min Talk

5 min Break

30 min Q&A

Cost: $12

(If cost is an obstacle, please let us know!)

About Our Speakers

Eleni Opperwall is a registered social worker and psychotherapist with nearly two decades of experience supporting parents, children, and families. She holds advanced training in perinatal mental health, trauma recovery, EMDR, and attachment-focused therapies, and has worked in both community settings and private practice. Learn more about Eleni’s work at www.eleniopperwallcounselling.com.

Nicole M. Roccas is a writer and trauma-informed writing coach based in Southern Ontario. She is the author of several books, including Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life. Although she wears many professional hats, she most cherishes the ones where she gets to find words for the paradoxical, “bright sadness” of human existence; empower others to find their God-given voice and choice; and help cultivate greater wholeness in an often fragmented, disconnected world. Learn more about Nicole at https://nicoleroccas.com.

Register Here

We hope to see you there!

Orthodox women only, please.

Women Sharing the Good News: Four Week Online Course

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Our recent panel, Women Sharing the Good News: Teaching and Preaching,  sparked such excitement that we knew we couldn’t stop there. So, we’re taking it to the next level! Join us for Tuesdays in July—July 8–29—for a dynamic four-week mini-course with the inspiring Dr. Teva Regule, and discover how you can teach and preach Christ with confidence and grace.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to deliver a compelling sermon or give an engaging coffee-hour talk on the Feast of the Transfiguration. You’ll learn how to craft your message using Scripture, patristic insights,and  its liturgical context, including iconography, and hymnography—drawing from the rich wellsprings of Orthodox tradition.

This hands-on experience includes:

  • Inspiring two-hour lectures
  • A one-on-one tutorial
  • Weekly reflection exercises
  • Interactive workshop sessions

We’ll meet  weekly (online) throughout July, wrapping up just in time for the Feast of the Transfiguration. As an extra bonus, if you’d like, you can record your sermon at the end of the course—Axia will choose at least three to feature on our platforms!

We can’t wait to hear what you have to say. Let’s bring the Good Word to life—together.

All levels welcome.

About the Instructor:
 Dr. Teva Regule brings a scholarly mind and a pastoral heart to theology and liturgical life, shaped by a lifelong journey within the Orthodox Church. Raised in the faith and actively involved ever since, she combines heartfelt commitment with scholarly excellence. Teva earned her Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2007, graduating with highest distinction, and went on to complete her PhD in Systematic Theology at Boston College.

Her academic interests center on the vibrant traditions of Orthodox worship, with a particular focus on liturgical theology and history. Beyond the classroom and church, Teva is a dedicated advocate for the voices of women and young people in the life of the Church. In her home parish women preach during Women’s History Month, and Teva has consistently brought its participants into a rich and engaging perspective on the living tradition of Orthodox Christianity.

Details
July 8, 15, 22, 29th | 7pm Eastern

Early Registration (until June 14): $179

Full Registration (ends on July 1st): $199

Register here!

Space is limited to 20 students, as participants will receive personal coaching and feedback. We recommend signing up early!

Orthodox women only, please.

Women Sharing the Good News: Online Panel

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Join Axia Women and St. Phoebe Center for the Deaconess for a new webinar, “Women Sharing the Good News: Teachers and Preachers.” Hear from four panelists on their experiences in presenting our faith:

  • Nadieszda Kizenko, PhD, historian and professor at the University of Albany (OCA and ROCOR)
  • Sherry Shenoda, MD, pediatrician and author who has testified before Congress (Coptic Orthodox)
  • Sarah Byrne-Martelli, MDiv, D.Min, board-certified chaplain and author (AOCA)
  • Dina Zingaro, MDiv/JD candidate at Harvard Divinity School and Harvard Law School (GOA)

Panel will be moderated by Teva Regule, MDiv, PhD.

When: March 23, 7:00 - 8:30 pm EDT

Online via Zoom.

This is a free event and open to all.

Donations welcome!

Register here!

Donate to St. Phoebe Center | Donate to Axia Women

Book Launch with Phoebe Farag Mikhail

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Book launch with Phoebe Farag Mikhail, “Hunger for Righteousness”. Image created by Amber Schley Iragui. Used with permission.
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How do we hunger for righteousness?

Join author Phoebe Farag Mikhail and Axia Women for a hybrid book launch event celebrating Phoebe’s new book, Hunger for Righteousness: A Lenten Journey Towards Intimacy with God and Loving Our Neighbor.

Just in time to prepare for Lent, come explore the familiar traditions and practices of Lent, Holy Week and Easter from the perspectives of modern and ancient Christian heroes – some familiar, others less well-known. Phoebe Farag Mikhail’s new book brings together surprising and challenging reflections, familiar concepts of almsgiving, prayer, fasting, repentance, reading of Scripture, forgiveness, and pilgrimage are given fresh insight. Come meet the author and learn more about how to draw closer to God and share the love of Christ with your neighbors. After the event, Phoebe will be available to sign books.

Monday, February 17th | 7PM ET

In-Person in collaboration with St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York

Metropolitan Philip Auditorium, Rangos Building, 575 Scarsdale Road, Crestwood, NY 10707

Online via Zoom (link to come).

This is a free event. (Orthodox women only, please.)

RSVP here!

Workshop: Two Ways to Separate and Release from The Cares of the  Day

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Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women
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Sunday, November 17

6-7:30pm Eastern

Tired at the end of the day? Having leftover thoughts and worries in the evening, which block you from being fully present with your dear ones or connecting deeply with God in prayer?

Join us for our upcoming workshop with Dr. Ioana Popa from Team For The Soul®, an expert in spiritual renewal. She’ll work with us on how to refresh at the end of the day through brief rituals, to separate and release from the cares of the day and experience that “peace that surpasses all understanding.” 

To give you a sense: in her last Axia workshop on Boundaries, Dr. Ioana Popa addressed those of us who are feeling overwhelmed and constantly juggling work, church, relationships, caretaking, and personal life. She gave us tips and advice to avoid health issues and burnout. This is all the harder for those of us in the church because we assume that, in order to by Christ-like, we must say “yes” to whatever is asked of us. 

She shared several psychological group phenomena that impact all of us at work, church, and family. 

One of them is “Social Loafing,”  which is the tendency for many people in a group to work less, because they know someone else will show up to help.

Another one is  “Social Compensation,” which states that the most conscientious members of a group will be the one who bears the brunt of the work.

She identified the tendency many of us have to promise ourselves that we’ll do it “just this time,” only to find that promise becoming a cycle and a feedback loop. She asked the question, “What if we just wait?” 

Sometimes if we decide NOT to say “yes,” we can give a gift to someone else to access their own resourcefulness and gifts in Christ.  And we might be pleasantly surprised to find out who rises to the occasion because they are called by God for that work!

 

$12   (Let us know if cost is a barrier.)

Sign up here!
 (Orthodox women only, please.)

 

 

 

 

Healing Beauty

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Amber Schley Iragui and Jenna Funkhouser, for Axia Women.
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Join Us for an Inspiring Women's Retreat

Explore the profound impact of beauty on our lives through meaningful conversations, insightful talks, and enriching activities.

 

Healing Beauty

A conversation about the importance of Beauty in our lives.

Featuring a Compelling Team of Speakers

1. Dr. Pia Chaudhari, MSc, PhD–Art, Aesthetics, Depth Psychology

“Healing Beauty” 

Pia holds a doctorate in theology from the department of Psychiatry & Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York. She spent two years working as a chaplain intern in a psychiatric hospital, and has trained and worked extensively in Jungian psychoanalysis. She is a founding co-chair of the Analytical Psychology and Orthodox Christianity Consultation (APOCC) which was started in order to promote dialogue across the fields of Orthodox theology/pastoral care and analytical psychology after Carl Jung. 

 

Pia is the founder and principal at Pia Cameron Interiors, an interior decorating firm. She is also the author of Dynamis of Healing; Patristic Theology and the Psyche (Fordham University Press 2019), as well as numerous articles, including on marriage and theosis, the unconscious and prayer, and healing and the Theotokos. Her research interests include theological anthropology, depth psychology, processes of healing, the feminine, aesthetics and beauty.  

 

2.  Jennifer Nahas, MMHS–Pilgrimage and Outdoors Specialist

“Contemplative Prayer Walk”

“I believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves and can see and hear God. I work with people interested in modern-day pilgrimages and the benefits of long-distance walking toward personal growth through mental, physical, and spiritual challenges. I have walked the Camino (the 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain) and Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast trek across England, and I can see why our early Christians took to the road to unburden, reflect, and re-center. As St. Augustine writes, ‘Solvitor ambulando’ (it is solved by walking).”

 

Jen is a founding member of Axia Women and continues to write about women and the Eastern Orthodox Church. A certified ski instructor and an outdoor mediative guide trained in spiritual facilitation and accompaniment, Jen has made it her mission to inspire others to awaken to the outdoors as a means of experiencing the peace and love of God.

 

3.  Laura Josephson, CCH–Classical Homeopath

“In the Footsteps of the Holy Myrrhbearers” workshop

Laura is a board-certified classical homeopath practicing in Nyack, New York, since 1992. She graduated from the New England School of Homeopathy, attended the New York School of Homeopathy and the Atlantic Academy of Classical Homeopathy, and has studied with many leaders in the field worldwide. She is a former New York State Homeopathic Association (NYSHA) president, an experienced speaker and teacher, and supervisor to aspiring homeopaths. Her original interest in homeopathy grew from her study of herbal medicine plus her artistic activity exploring the healing properties of pigments, color, and form.  She is the author of  “A Homeopathic Handbook of Natural Remedies” (Random House/Villard Books 2002), a quick-reference guidebook for the self-treatment of common ailments at home. 

 

Her workshop will be an immersive experience delving into essential oils, the life-blood of plants and one of humankind's first medicines. Guided meditation and discussion in the presence of the scent of the precious oils are intended to help us open ourselves to their gifts of beauty and healing. A small sampling of oils will be yours as a gift to take home.

 

Activities Include:

  • Two sessions on Healing Beauty with Dr. Pia Chaudhari 
  • Contemplative Prayer Walk with Jennifer Nahas
  • Interactive Workshop with Laura Josephson
  • Time for Personal Reflection and Connection

All attendees will receive a special takeaway to continue bringing healing beauty into their own lives and homes. They are designed to remind you of the day’s themes and your personal journey toward healing through beauty.

 

Registration Information 

Cost: $85 (Orthodox women only, please)

Register here

Pilgrimage to Patmos

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Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women.
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Join Poustinia Pilgrimage & Axia Women for their first Orthodox women’s pilgrimage to Patmos, Greece!

A time set apart to focus on stillness and being with God, sharing our experiences as women, immersed in the holy wisdom and tradition of the Orthodox faith and  walking in the footsteps of a newly canonized saint.

Share in daily gatherings • Pray in St. John’s cave • Contemplative walking on ancient footpaths • Make a handmade prayer journal • Venerate relics on Leros Island • Fall in love with your prayer life • Small group of up to 20 pilgrims.

The island of Patmos, Greece - a holy place, blessed by Saint John the Beloved, Saint Amphilochios the lover of trees, Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, and recently canonized Saint Gavrilia, the “ascetic of love.” Patmos has been a spiritual pilgrimage site for generations, known to Christians throughout the ages as ‘The Jerusalem of the Aegean’.


Cost: $3250, excluding airfare

Pilgrims will meet at the Athen’s airport on August 27th, spend 10 glorious days together, and be returned back to the airport on September 6th.

You can find more details and the application to attend here.

Make your deposit here.
Make your final payment here.

Two Mindset Shifts event

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Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women.
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Not sure when to set boundaries and when to just give to others? Did Christ even have boundaries? Join us in hearing from Dr. Ioana Popa in this interactive workshop on Friday, June 7th at 2pm Eastern. We’ll discover 2 mindset shifts to navigate this fine balance, with God at our core. 

$12   (Let us know if cost is a barrier.)

Sign up here!
 

(Orthodox women only, please.)

Space Rituals and Your Mind webinar for IOCS

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Space Rituals and Your Mind webinar for IOCS
Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women.
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Join us to learn from Dr. Ioana Popa--psychiatrist, spiritual advisor, theologian--on how to use your environment to support your rituals and spiritual goals. Axia is offering this as a special event with the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge.

We hope you can join us!

$5 (Orthodox women only, please.)

If cost is a barrier, please let us know at axiawomen@gmail.com.

Register here!

How to Prepare for a Walking Pilgrimage

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Prepare for Pilgrimage
Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women.
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​Are you interested in a walking pilgrimage? Not sure how to get started? 

Jennifer Nahas was a pilgrimage instructor at REI for seven years and has also been on two full Camino walks of over 500 miles. 

​In this webinar, she will cover the spiritual, physical, and practical (gear!) aspects of preparing for a walking pilgrimage, using walking the Camino as a case study. 

We hope you can join us!

$12 (Orthodox women only, please.)

If cost is a barrier, please let us know. 

Register here!

 

Girls in the LIturgy, Part 3

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Girls in the LIturgy, part 3
Amber Schley Iragui, for Axia Women.
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Girls’ Participation in the Liturgy, Part 3: The third panel in this series co-sponsored by Axia Women and the St. Phoebe Center on January 28th, 2024, at 7pm Eastern.

Everyone is welcome!

We will hear from four diverse panelists who will focus on integrating girls into our liturgical celebration, addressing this issue from various perspectives—from those who plan and coordinate this ministry, to the perspectives of parents, and to the perspective of clergy on how this ministry has been received in their parishes and its value for the parish.  

We’ll hear from: 

• Anna Kallis, MDiv - the founder of the Myrrh-bearer ministry at St. Peter and Paul

• Kristina Baktis, MPS, LCAT, LPAT - co-founder of a ministry for young girls at her parish 

• Andy Nosal, PhD - a parent whose daughter participates in this kind of ministry

• Fr. Peter Baktis, DMin. - a parish priest

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Teva Regule, a liturgical scholar, and an expert on lay participation in the liturgy. The event will include short presentations explaining the panelist’s respective ministries, responses from other panelists, and a Q+A time for those attending the meeting.

You can register for the event here.   

Missed Parts 1 and 2? Over the past few years, the St. Phoebe Center in partnership with Axia Women has sponsored two webinars/zoom meetings focusing on the participation of women and girls in the liturgical assembly.

You can watch the videos on the St. Phoebe Center YouTube channel:

1) Integrating Girls (and boys) into the Liturgy: How and Why (sponsored by Axia)  

2) Liturgical Service by Girls and Women

Please note that when you register for this event, you will be added to St. Phoebe Center’s newsletter mailing list. They do not sell or share their lists. You will not be bombarded with unnecessary emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

St. Phoebe Center plans to record portions of this event by photo, video, and audio. By registering for this event, you consent to SPC taking, using, reproducing, altering, and publicizing photographs, audio, or video for publicity, advertising, and promotion.

We hope to see you on January 28th!