Creative Blessings Father Niko Bekris and Chris Kotsakis

Fr. Niko and Chris welcome a special guest in this episode, Archimandrite Father Christodoulos Papadeas from Denver, Colorado, where he administers an urban hermitage called the Brotherhood of Saint George. A graduate of Holy Cross Seminary, Father Papadeas reflects on his spiritual journey from his youth to the present time.

Fr. Niko and Chris talk about their great affinity for the Marvel Comics Character Dr. Strange. They delve into the version of the character in the comics as well as the new movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Father focuses on the characters' ability to make mystical shields for use against evil forces, and he explores the notion of good versus evil.

In 1977, Star Wars took the world by storm, and Chris, who was seven at the time, found his first love. He talks to Father Niko about his love of the original blockbuster trilogy as The Empire Strikes Back celebrates its 40th anniversary. Father explains that as a child, he “didn’t get” the movie, but as the years went on, it became his favorite. Father Niko talks about the challenge of his days at the seminary, which he calls “Orthodox Boot Camp.” He relates his seminary challenges to Luke’s training at Dagobah. The exercises -both spiritual and mental – that Luke experienced can be metaphors for the Christian journey. The notion of free will and the temptation of the Dark side is an essential part of the Jedi religion. It can be viewed as a reflection of a Christian’s journey during Lent, a time to focus our energies and mental faculties.

In this episode, Father Niko and Chris geek out a bit over the recent crossover event Crisis on Infinite Earths on the CW Superhero TV shows, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow.

Father Niko and Chris discuss the holiday and what Christmas spirit means. Father expands on the subject utilizing his favorite Superman comic story, Peace on Earth, to explain gifts of the Spirit. Both Father and Chris expand on the notion of “The Spirit of Giving.”

Father Niko discusses at the 2019 Doxacon, his personal experience with the Man of Steel through childhood, seminary, and even today, as well as the history of Superman — his Judeo-Christian roots, allegories, and creators’ personal lives, and more.