Responding to YOUR Comments about Halloween | Why we DO participate | Ep. 105
After my recent episode on living liturgically and discussing Halloween with an Orthodox priest, the comments section exploded. Many of you had strong feelings about whether Christians, especially Orthodox Christians, should take part in Halloween at all.
Some felt that even setting foot outside on October 31st is participating in darkness. Others believed it’s possible to join in with discernment, focusing on family, fellowship, and Christ’s victory over death and Satan rather than the demonic themes our culture often pushes.
You may have also noticed there is lots of debate about Halloween’s origins—is it rooted in a pagan festival, Samhain? Or is it rooted in the Christian All Saint’s Day? Perhaps it’s our intention that matters: are we glorifying God, or the devil?
I wanted to take time in this video to respond to those comments honestly, prayerfully, and from my own lived experience.
👀 My Perspective: From Darkness to Discernment
As many of you know, I didn’t grow up in the light. My past was filled with things that truly glorified evil—the occult, substance abuse, promiscuity, and deep spiritual darkness. I know firsthand what it means to flirt with things that open doors we should never open.
But that’s exactly why I don’t automatically associate Halloween with that same kind of darkness anymore. I can discern the difference between participation in evil and simply dressing my daughter as a cute little animal, walking the neighborhood, and sharing fellowship with my neighbors.
The truth is, our intentions and boundaries matter. If Christ lives in us, His light goes with us wherever we go, even on October 31st.
🕯️ Light in the Midst of Darkness
Rather than hiding from the world, I believe we’re called to be in it but not of it. For some, that might mean staying home and praying. For others, it might mean walking with your children and showing kindness to your neighbors, refusing to glorify fear or the occult in any way.
The goal isn’t to conform to the world, but to transform it by bringing Christ’s presence into every space we occupy.
As Orthodox Christians, discernment is key. If your convictions say not to participate, listen to that. But let’s also be careful not to condemn others who may choose differently while still keeping their hearts in Christ.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
This episode isn’t about convincing everyone to agree. It’s about understanding where our convictions come from—fear or faith—and learning how to live with spiritual wisdom, compassion, and humility.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments:
How does your family approach Halloween?
Do you see it as something redeemable, or something to completely avoid?
How do you keep your focus on Christ when the culture around you celebrates darkness?
🎧 Watch or Listen
You can watch this full conversation on my YouTube channel or listen to the Raised & Redeemed podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
👉 YouTube: Responding to YOUR comments about Halloween
👉 Spotify / Apple Podcasts: Responding to YOUR comments about Halloween
Listen & Subscribe
🎙️ Podcast: Raised & Redeemed on Spotify
🎥 YouTube: Michaela Nikolaenko Channel
Coming Up Next
Coming up next: In the next podcast episode, we will be speaking with Frank Bilotto on all things Divine Liturgy!
