Greetings, ladies. My name is Presbytera Marina. In 2008, my parents, siblings, and I converted to Orthodox Christianity. I like to call myself a “bunk bed Orthodox”—young enough to be raised in the faith, yet old enough to remember the beauty and conviction of our conversion.

Today, I’m a health coach, certified nutritionist (specializing in female hormonal health), and personal trainer, passionate about helping women heal from endocrine imbalances and reclaim their vitality.

I was born in Southern California and raised in a historic Craftsman home. My childhood was filled with the sunshine of the Inland Empire and the creaks of century-old hardwood floors my mother fought to preserve. My love of cooking and baking was inherited from her—a woman devoted to traditional beauty, from floral aprons to “from scratch” cooking in an era of low-fat, prepackaged everything. There was always real butter on the counter and a step stool by the fridge so I could “help” while she made her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Though I had many early influences that pointed me toward nutrition, I didn’t take it seriously until my own health was on the line.

I’ve always been physically active—first as a competitive gymnast, later as a certified Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor, and eventually a Disneyland acrobat. But ironically, it was during these athletic years that I entered a realm of hormonal chaos. I suffered from undiagnosed PCOS symptoms, hormonally-induced seizures, and crushing anxiety. My body, which I had pushed so hard, began to push back.

This long and difficult season eventually led me to explore healing through food and lifestyle changes. Instead of resenting my hormones and womanhood, I began to see them as gifts. Through this journey, I began to understand that my womanhood was not something to fight, but something to cherish as part of God’s intentional design.

This journey is still unfolding—but now, I feel called to share what I’ve learned with you. I’ve seen too many women suffer needlessly. I’ve also seen many reject or resent their femininity, not knowing that their healing may be found by embracing it.

The Orthodox Christian world is often rich in theology but lacking in practical, Christ-centered resources for women’s hormonal health. I believe it’s time to change that.

My husband and I have worked with teens and young adults for many years. We’ve heard their questions and concerns about mental health, femininity, and gender identity. These are not surface issues—they’re deep, aching cries for truth and healing. I believe part of the answer lies in our willingness to care for our bodies—these beautifully designed temples God has entrusted to us. If any of my story resonates with you or someone you love, I invite you to follow along.

On this site, you’ll find nourishing, hormone-healing recipes, lifestyle tips, and Christ-centered encouragement—all created to help you honor your body and your calling as a woman. Tailor what you learn here to your own life and, by God’s grace, watch your hormones begin to work with you, not against you.

There is hope, dear ones. God has gifted us with incredible bodies, capable of healing and thriving naturally. It's time to embrace that. It’s time to embrace your own True Femininity.