135. Our First Dormition Fast & Responding to Internet Orthodox Criticisms135. Our First Dormition Fast & Responding to Internet Orthodox Criticisms
Raised & Redeemed
Michaela reflects on her first Dormition fast, sharing how she learns to live liturgically amid family life and past struggles, while addressing harsh online criticism. She talks about spiritual warfare, trusting a spiritual father, and the tension between sharing faith publicly and guarding personal spiritual experiences.
35:14•19 Aug 2026
Learning the Dormition Fast, Internet Backlash and Imperfect Faith
Episode Overview
- Fasting is less about perfection and more about sincerely trying to live in step with the church, even with busy family life and limited understanding.
- Times of fasting often bring increased spiritual warfare, making support, prayer and sobriety routines especially important.
- Guidance from a trusted spiritual father matters more than rigid internet opinions about how someone ‘should’ fast or pray.
- Fasting can be adapted, with clergy blessing, for those who are pregnant, nursing, ill or in complex seasons, sometimes focusing on media or study instead of food.
- Orthodox Christians are encouraged to be cautious about signs and wonders and to avoid oversharing spiritual experiences that might scandalise or confuse others online.
“I'm striving to learn to live Orthodox for the healing of my soul, not to appease Nancy on the internet.”
Curious about how others manage their sobriety and faith journey at the same time? This episode follows Orthodox Christian convert Michaela Nikolaenko as she shares what it’s like to keep the Dormition fast for the very first time, baby, work, colds and all. You’ll hear her walk through what the Dormition fast actually is, how it fits into the Orthodox liturgical year, and why “living liturgically” can feel like learning a whole new language.
She breaks down practical details – like what foods are usually avoided, how some mums and those with health issues adjust their fasting, and how adding extra prayer to honour the Theotokos (Mother of God) can reshape daily life. One of her big takeaways?
Just showing up matters: “I’m striving to learn to live Orthodox for the healing of my soul, not to appease Nancy on the internet.” Michaela also talks honestly about increased spiritual warfare during seasons of fasting and how that impacts someone already carrying past trauma, addiction history and a busy home life.
Community plays a big role here, whether it’s her “Theo Sisters” group, playdates with fasting-friendly meals, or a friend texting, “Let’s lock in for this Dormition fast.” The second half turns to internet criticism – from debates about shrimp and head coverings to backlash over a video she shared of what her spiritual father believed to be an angel.
She reflects on trusting one’s own spiritual father over anonymous commenters, being cautious about signs and wonders, and learning that not everything needs to be posted online. There’s plenty in here for anyone in recovery who’s juggling faith, boundaries, and a sometimes harsh online space. If you’ve ever felt you’re doing faith or sobriety “imperfectly”, this conversation might leave you asking: what would it look like to simply try, again, today?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.