Ep 10: Why Church Matters More Than Ever with Father Nikiforos Fakinos

In a world where we’re more connected than ever, so many people are quietly struggling with loneliness, exhaustion, and a loss of meaning.Why is that? And what does the Church offer that nothing else can?In this episode, I sit down with Father Nikiforos Fakinos of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Merrick, NY for an insightful conversation about faith, community, and why the Church still matters, especially today.We talk about the deeper struggles people are facing emotionally and spiritually, why church life is essential (even when we pray at home), and what truly keeps people rooted in the faith for the long haul.Whether you’re a lifelong Orthodox Christian, a parent raising children in the faith, someone who’s drifted away or standing on the fence about coming back, or are an inquirer of the faith, I pray that this conversation blesses you like it did me.If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may need this reminder today.Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction00:58 – Fr. Nikiforos’ Journey to the Priesthood05:01 – Loneliness in a Hyperconnected World08:49 – Where People Are Struggling Most Right Now (Emotionally & Spiritually)12:21 – The Reading of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:12-19)14:21 – Can We Believe in God Without the Church, and Why Does Church Still Matter?16:04 – “We Pray at Home. Why Do Our Kids Still Need Church?”20:49 – Staying Rooted in the Church for the Long Haul22:06 – The Question Fr. Nikiforos Is Asked Most Often23:36 – A Message for Anyone on the Fence About Coming Back to Church28:46 – One Common Misconception About the Orthodox Church31:14 – Why the Greek Language Remains Part of the Divine Liturgy34:03 – A Greek Phrase You Hear Often, and Its Deeper Meaning