Desert & City is a weekly conversation at the meeting point of monastic wisdom and modern life. We’re rooted in the Coptic Orthodox Church and speak plainly to seekers, new believers, and young adults navigating work, family, and the city..

Who We Are

Why We Exist

Ancient Christianity isn’t a museum. It’s a way of life. We draw from Scripture, the lives and sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, and the sacramental life of the Church to answer real questions—without buzzwords, without watering anything down.

The Voice You’ll Hear

  1. Mother Theoliptie, a nun of St. Demiana Convent (Egypt), whose journey from Buddhism to Christ brings a fresh, fearless witness.

  2. Sarah, physician, wife, and mother—grounded, practical, and not afraid to ask the hard questions.

  3. Mina, producer/host—systems engineer by day, Coptic servant by vocation.

A nun wearing a black habit and glasses speaks into a microphone during an interview, sitting on a brown sofa with cushions, with a woman in a pink patterned dress listening, in a room with religious icons and paintings on the wall, including images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

FAQs

What is the Desert & City Podcast?

The Desert & City Podcast is a project of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in New York City. Through engaging discussions and guest speakers, this Orthodox Christian podcast explores timeless Orthodox teachings and how they apply to the challenges of contemporary city life. The podcast aims to connect listeners with the spiritual heritage of the Church, inspired by both the ancient deserts of Egypt and the fast-paced rhythms of the modern city.

What is unique about the Coptic Orthodox Church?

The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It is known for preserving the original teachings and traditions that have been handed down unchanged since the time of Jesus Christ. According to Orthodox Christian belief, the Church was established by Jesus Himself, preached by His apostles and disciples, and has continued through the centuries with an unbroken line of faith and leadership. Rooted in Egypt and founded by St. Mark the Apostle, the Coptic Orthodox Church maintains a deeply spiritual and liturgical life while remaining true to the ancient teachings of the Christian faith.

How is the Orthodox Church connected to the earliest days of Christianity?

The Orthodox Church, including the Coptic Orthodox tradition, traces its foundation directly to Jesus Christ, who established the Church and entrusted its teachings to His apostles and disciples. The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, spread the Orthodox Christian faith across the world, and their teachings were preserved and passed down through generations of bishops, clergy, and faithful without alteration. This apostolic succession is central to the identity and continuity of the Orthodox Church, ensuring that the teachings and sacraments remain just as they were in the earliest centuries of Christianity.

What topics does the Desert & City Podcast explore?

The Desert & City Podcast offers a broad range of conversations, exploring Orthodox Christian teachings, church history, the spiritual insights of the ancient Church Fathers, and practical guidance for living a Christian life in the modern city. Episodes also address how the Church’s unchanging teachings can provide wisdom and support for today’s challenges, making the Orthodox faith relevant for listeners of all backgrounds.

Who should listen to the Desert & City Podcast?

This podcast is for everyone; whether you are a lifelong member of the Orthodox Church, a Christian seeking deeper teaching, or someone curious about the origins and traditions of the Coptic Orthodox faith. Desert & City is designed to provide meaningful content for anyone interested in authentic Church teachings, spiritual growth, and understanding how the ancient Christian faith is lived and celebrated today.