An Inspiration: Elder Iakovos

In the past few days I cannot seem to put this book down. The life of Elder Iakovos Tsalikis of Evia has inspired me more than I can express, and it's been awhile since I've come across such a book. So, if anyone out there is in search of a simple but profound life story, I highly recommend this gem, and this remarkable holy man of our time.

Some of my favorite moments from the book are during his youth, which really offer us parents much to think about. From a child, he kept the oil lamps lit in the small church of St Paraskeve each night, and chanted the hymns zealously and barefoot during the Divine Liturgies because in his times, everyone was poor, but Iakovos was even poorer.

On one occasion he and his brother were sent to take the family pig to the local butcher to provide for the family, but along the way, a jealous old man cast a demon into the pig which caused it to fall down immediately and foam at the mouth. Little Iakovos acted quickly. He ran to fill a can with water from a nearby stream, grabbed fresh basil from a garden and stopped by an icon of St Demetrios to pray and take some of the oil, then returned to the animal. He knelt down, recited a prayer, crossed the animal with the oil, and sprinkled it with the basil. After a short while, the pig got up and continued the trip (pg 26).

But this is just the beginning. With such innocence he grew in faith and ascetic struggles, truly attracting the grace of God, witnessing to those around him a life beyond this world. Upon request, the elder would carry the holy head of St David to surrounding villages to venerate. During one 5 hour walk, a treacherous storm approached and the relic was under the threat of becoming drenched. He held the relic tightly, speaking to it and hurrying his pace. Nevertheless,  not even a single rain drop came within a meter all around him. He and the holy head arrived completely dry! (pg 78)

Another time, the Elder was saved from scorpions while keeping vigil in a cave by drawing a circle around himself with a stone, and commanding these creatures not to come any closer!

The miracles and encounters with Saints during his life will catch your attention, but the personal sacrifices of Elder Iakovos will inspire you. I am certain that his example, if shared with our kids and teens, will dramatically change their lives. This book is suitable for all to read!

O Holy Elder Iakovos, pray for us sinners

Here is one location to purchase the book.

Orthodox Flash Cards

If you and your kids enjoyed the
"Orthodox Alphabet Game"
here is a set of flash cards to
build your vocab.

Some letters proved a bit challenging so I'll graciously
accept other suggestions for "X, Y, and Z!"

For older kids, maybe it's best to
leave off the word on the front
and have them find the correct
word on the back.


Both PDF files have been added
to the Orthodox Education Group
on Scrib.com. They were set up for
standard 3x5 notecards, or you
can print 4 to a letter size page.

For younger kids, I've placed these cards within an
inexpensive photo album to help them turn the pages like a book.

2009 Orthodox Events

There are several excellent Orthodox events happening around the U.S. this fall. I encourage everyone to check the list recently posted here for something near you, in the hopes that maybe you will be enriched spiritually in the great struggle for our salvation.

This has been passed on to me, and I share it with you.
Here are a few sample topics:

• Building an Orthodox personal life, home and parish
• How to be a clergy wife and still go to heaven
• Care for the severely challenged patient
• Christ the eternal Tao
• God's Green Earth: Ecology & Theology
• Orthodox Thinking on other Religions
• Being Orthodox on today's college campuses
• Islam and Christianity
• A Christian ending to our life
• Salt of the Earth: An Approach to Peacemaking
• Orthodox Holy Mothers, Women Martyrs and Women New-martyrs: The Consummate examples of Liberated Women

Once again, for more information click here
to view the appropriate contacts and websites affiliated

Photo Album of Saints

This great idea comes from the Phyllis Onest website. We've found a simple photo album, this one bearing a Cross and Scripture verse on the outside, with standard plastic 4x6 pages on the inside.

Then we've added our favorite Saints to make a personal book to enjoy! It's a nice way to keep small icons protected and organized for fun learning. Plus it has encouraged us to be on the look out for more icons to add. The pages are easy to turn for little ones, and the older kids enjoy deciding who to put where. We kept the desert ascetics together, then the female martyrs, etc... with more room to grow, we've enjoyed this little book during challenging moments in Church, and on road trips. We hope it can be a useful idea to your families as well.

Stain Glass Icons

"Oh, I get it" replied a small girl. "The Saints are like stain glass windows because the light of Christ shines through them."


For another easy and creative project, use your traced transparency sheet icons to make beautiful stain glass windows of the Saints. With a pack of tissue paper and glue, layer multiples colors and shapes behind the transparency, and secure them easily with a touch of glue. The more layers, the better really, if you begin with the lightest colors first. Be sure to have a few references to copy for accurate vestment colors, etc.

Here's a sample with St Nektarios of Aegina.

When completed, tape these lovely projects in your windows to get the full effect! I couldn't bare to part with any of the ones our kids made. They were each beautiful in their own way, even the slightly unfinished ones.

I've also tried markers with this project but didn't like them as much. Hope you enjoy!

Making Orthodox Icons to Color

Here's a quick and easy way to create your own hand drawn icons for various art projects and Orthodox coloring pages. Purchase a pack of overhead projector transparency film from your nearby office supply store, and a black sharpie marker with a thin tip.

Then, find all your favorite icons, preferably size 8x10, and begin tracing! For younger students, tape one sheet to each icon. It's best if the sheet is a bit bigger than the icon so that you eliminate the risk of drawing on the icon itself.

Don't forget to include the name of the Saint, since God knows each of us personally!

These sheets can easily be photocopied onto white paper to distribute to many students. Just look for the transparency setting on your photocopier and be sure to keep your original tracings for future use. Who knows, maybe this project could encourage the creative kids and teens out there to become iconographers!

Stay tuned for another creative project using this method!

*Special attention should be given to these wonderful creations! Be sure not to throw them into the garbage. The proper way to dispose of any icons on paper is to burn them and bury the ashes.*

Discovering Virtue

Here is a new workbook on "Discovering Virtue" for our Orthodox youth, probably at a pre-teen or teenage level. I offer it with hopes that it will provide a basic framework to discuss the spiritual life and difficult topics like chastity, humility and obedience,along with activities, a craft, and quotes from the desert fathers.

The document can be viewed as a PDF by clicking here at our Orthodox Education Scribd Group

If you have ideas to develop this lesson further, please share them either through this website of by emailing me at eleniemarie@gmail.com

The icon on the cover is one of many beautiful crafts offered at the Monastery of St John Chrysostomos

"You have to struggle to increase your zeal for God. It should become for you a daily way of life. Struggle for perfection. If you can't gain a drachma, gain at least a tenth of a drachma. Virtues are not acquired easily. There is need of struggling. And know: if we acquire virtue quickly, we shall lose it quickly. Whereas if we acquire it with labor, it doesn't go away."

-Blessed Elder, IERONYMOS of Aegina +1966

Teenage Confessions

A dear friend spent all of July again this year hearing the confessions of maybe 300 or so teenagers in America. A tough job? Sure, it must be exhausting, but for him and every other clergy, our good Lord sends strength, accountability, and compassion to offer just the right medicine to these wounded souls. And this is just what he discovered: wounded souls.

My clergy-friend and I both agreed, the devil is working overtime on our kids. What they are facing today is worse than we faced. It's more intense, more damaging, and
more in their faces than ever. I share with you a few of these findings.

For boys aged 11-18, they are simply bombarded with pornography. Our media has made this extremely accessible. But I liked my friends response- he explained that every time a young guy looks and deletes an image he is training himself to do this when the right one comes along, so therefore after a few short years of marriage, he will want to click "delete" and search for the next image of his satisfaction.

For girls, the same sad story was heard. A high percentage of girls confessed the desire to maintain their virginity, but when they thought the guy actually cared for them, she did it, for him, and then was "deleted." Also, most girls didn't consider oral activity as one in the same.... but no one can confess the name of Christ, and receive the Body and Blood with the same tongue that has been tarnished by such an unnatural act (without of course repentance).

In the end, our young people must be empowered to follow the examples of the Saints! They can learn that chastity is a tremendous virtue and we can model appropriate behaviors and healthy relationships for them. In those toughest moments, no friend or parent can come to their rescue. They must take it upon themselves to guard their bodies with great courage and determination knowing that we are behind them 100%!

If you have a special way you challenge your young people to set apart their lives for Christ, please post a comment. I've tried to include some other resources below

Here are some quotes on chastity


The Church's stance on pre-marital relations

Orthodox Video on Purity

Maidens for Modesty Blog

"by practicing virginity they have been espoused to the Word..."

- Methodius of Olympus (3rd/4th cent.)

Learning to Pray

What are the things you do daily without thinking twice? We brush our teeth, we put on clothes, and we never leave the house to begin our day without a pair of shoes on our feet to equip us for the road ahead.

In the same way, we can strive to see prayer as an essential part of our day, for the benefits are greater than fresh breath or comfortable feet! Let us teach our children to start small, with an icon of Christ and just five minutes, but strive for consistency. The goal is to remember, thank, and glorify God each and every day by coming to meet Him face to face. By doing this, we grow to rely on Christ and He becomes the center of our lives.

Remember, when we pray, we open the communication between us and God in a very personal way. There’s no one who knows us better than our Lord. He is with us each step of the way, and He knows exactly what we need. The Blessed Elder, IERONYMOS of Aegina +1966 encourages us in his writings "Do not leave off prayer. No matter how tired you are, you can pray for half an hour. Feed your body as if you were going to live a hundred years, but feed your soul as if she were going to die tomorrow."

In the Orthodox Church, we learn how to pray from the Saints who are illumined by God and who share in His glory. When we use their prayers that were written and passed on to us, we become like them and follow them into union with God. Certainly, we can also speak from the heart, but to rely on the words of the Saints for help is the most accurate way of reaching our Lord – for not every ship that sets sails reaches it’s destination.

Here are some prayers available online:

Print Your Own Pocket Prayer Book! Click Here

Transfiguration Orthodox Prayer Book
Orthodox Prayers
Orthodox Christian Prayers

Here are some of my favorite prayer books for children & teens:

Potamitis Prayer Book
Guardian Angel Prayer Book
Children's Prayer Book

Prayer is the greatest weapon we can equip our kids with!

Lamentations of Theotokos

A beautiful tradition has been celebrated continuously in Jerusalem for over centuries, as well as in some of our local parishes. It is the service of the Lamentations to the Theotokos or Engomia in Greek which translates to "praises."

This breathtaking service of the Orthodox Church mirrors that of a vigil for Holy Friday or Holy Saturday Matins/Orthros. The same familiar melodies return to our ears and hearts to express the sorrow of earthly death while rejoicing in the joy of eternal life. In fact, the very first stanza repeats the same words we chant aloud for Christ... "Ei zoi en tafo" or "In a grave they laid you"

An Epitaphios of the Theotokos exists (like the one pictured here), richly embroidered with a cloth icon of the Theotokos reposed, and is used in a procession, although it is never placed on the Holy Table like the one for Christ.

For a copy in English of these special hymns, click here.

To view photographs in Jerusalem click here

Below are a few favorite stanza's:

All the earth sings glory
at your grave side, O Christ,
with all reverence, O Master, we also praise
the entombment of your Mother, ever Pure...

Now the Bridegroom calls you,to rejoice, Bride of God.
in a manner both divine and most beautiful
in the Bridal Chamber, holy and divine...

We your children offer
lamentations and love
unto you who are our Mother: accept our gift
which we offer from the depths of our souls...

Dormition Word Search

Here's a word search and coloring activity for this year's feastday of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Saturday August, 15th.

For a tougher challenge, check out last years post at the bottom of this blog.

"O gracious Lady, raise thy holy hands towards thy Son, the Maker and Lover of our souls, that He may take pity on thy servants."

Her Life in Mosaics

Did you know that in the history and tradition of the Orthodox Church we have more scenes depicted from the life of the Theotokos than anyone else? You might be surprised to learn that there are over 16 different mosaics to teach us about Panagia's life at the Church of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Camii) in Constantinople, Turkey.

This Church was once part of a monastery, but is now Museum, and has one of the best-preserved collections of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Here are just a few of the scenes depicted:

**A PDF of most of the Mosaics with short descriptions has been posted here on our Scribd Orthodox Group. Please take a look - it is a valuable teaching tool**

1. Joachim's offerings at the Temple
2. Annunciation of Saint Anne (the angel of the Lord announcing to Anne that her prayer for a child has been heard)
3. Meeting of Joachim and Anne
4. Birth of the Virgin Mary
5. First seven steps of the Virgin
6. The Virgin given affection by her parents
7. The Virgin blessed by the priests
8. Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple
9. The Virgin receiving bread from an Angel
10. The Virgin receiving purple wool to weave the curtain for the Temple
11. the High Priest Zechariah praying
12. Zechariah calling widowers together to place their staffs on the altar, praying for a sign showing who the Virgin should be entrusted to
13. The Virgin entrusted to Joseph
14. Joseph taking the Virgin to his house
15. Annunciation of the Virgin
16. Joseph departing the Virgin for a trip; when he returns, she is pregnant

Click Here to read more about the Church in Chora and to view several of the mosaics.

For several online virtual tours of the Church of Chora click here

A Miracle

Have you ever said to yourself, where are the miracles of today? Or wouldn't it be something if we were able to witness a miracle in today's day and age? What was it like to be in the presence of our Lord during His Transfiguration (which we celebrate today) or at His first miracle at the Wedding in Cana? Without a doubt, that water became wine to all who witnessed His first public miracle, and to all who called themselves followers of Christ.

Then it happened. This morning, as we knelt for the consecration of the Holy Gifts. We too witnessed a miracle. In fact, the greatest of all miracles. The same One who was capable of transforming water into wine, displayed His glory again and continues to do so for us in every Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church. He accepts the bread and wine from our hands, and offers us Himself in return. How? By miracle.

Just as the disciples, we too become eyewitnesses of His majesty (Peter 1:10-19)

Therefore, if you believe in the God who transformed the water into wine, and you have faith that He transforms the bread and wine into His body and blood, then do not hesitate to believe that He too can transform your sinful flesh into His glory.

"We shall walk, O Lord, in the light of the glory of Thy countenance: and in Thy name shall we rejoice all the day" (Psalm 88:16-17)

Orthodox Outreach

Every Orthodox Christian must visit this link - then get to work for Christ!
FOCUSNorthAmerica.org

What an absolute blessings to see Orthodox Christians working together for the homeless, the orphaned, and those in need. If we're not involved, we should be.

Seat Swap

Here's another fun game for kids and teens that can be tailored to our Orthodox faith and gets everyone moving! Begin by creating a circle with chairs facing in and use one less than the number of kids you have, including yourself. Then start by having everyone take a seat, except you who begins in the middle. Explain that a question will be presented by the person in the middle, and if it applies to them, they have to get up quickly and run to a new seat. Whoever is left standing without finding a seat, becomes the next person in the middle.

Here are some fun questions...

"Whoever is wearing a cross around their neck...." Go!
"Anyone who has been baptized an Orthodox Christian..." Go!
"Whoever has white socks on..."
"If your Patron Saint is in September..."
"If you own a Bible..."
"Anyone who has brown hair..."
"If you know what Theotokos means..."
(be sure to follow up by asking for the answer)


Remember, no sharing seats, and no one can take their same seat. This is loads of fun with large groups as well.~ Enjoy ~

Receiving the Eucharist

Whoso Eatheth My Flesh and Drinketh My Blood Hath Eternal Life

(quoted from pages 29-35 of Elder Ephraim's text linked below)

"So much has been said about this "controversial point" of the Holy Eucharist that the faithful wonder what they should do in the long run. Two questions mainly arise: a) how often and b) after what preparation may and should the faithful receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?

The answer has been given by the Church, which has been guided, is guided, and shall be guided by the Holy Spirit "to the whole truth"...(read more here)

"...Fasting means continual temperance. In other words, we should not only fast on the set days of the year when we want to receive Communion and then eat so much for the rest of the year so as to replace in the shortest possible period what we had been deprived of on the days of our preparation for the Holy Communion...."

"...It is through this Sacrament that we define our relationship with Christ. According to the way we prepare ourselves and according to the frequency in coming to Communion, we are classified as ardent, or lukewarm, or cold in our love towards Him. Regular Communion means continual repentance..."

"If we come to our confessor with as much confidence as we go to our doctor we are quite certain that through him God shall make the most suitable suggestions for the solution of our problems..."

"In accordance with the preparations you make, you shall be given the grace of the Communion...receive regularly and do so as worthily as possible...'But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup.'

From the Holy Mountain

Here's an excellent SHORT book in PDF format by Geronda Ephraim from 1991 - absolutely worth reading over and over again- (I had never seen it before it person )

If you don't have time for it all... scroll to the sections of interest to you personally!

Call from the Holy Mountain

Summer Camp

What should the camping experience be like for our youth today? It's an interesting question because around the world the answers are varied. In some countries it seems the Church sponsored camps are still gender divided, so the issue of two piece bathing suits or sneaking out of cabins isn't a problem. The relics are plentiful in other places and the miracle stories are around every corner. What about where you live?

If you're involved in camping or retreat experiences, here's a link to the Pan-Orthodox Summer Camp Association website dedicated to sharing resources, activities, games etc that might come in handy for Orthodox Vacation Bible School Programs, for example, on the local or district level.

All in all, I'm a product of Orthodox Camping programs...and although they couldn't safeguard me from sins in my youth, I think God still worked through those experiences to nurture my faith and set aflame a desire to learn more. But I'd more conservatively say that today, I have tougher expectations from a camp. First and foremost, it must be a holy experience. What ranks important to you?

I've found that some camps do the "spirituality" better than others, so investigate before sending off your kids...and if you are looking for referrals, let's chat.

Don't forget to visit the Children's Corner at Potamitis Publishing online for excellent printable activities to enhance your summer learning. All of the above images are wonderful samples of what you can find there. Our SCRIBD Orthodox Education group online also has a Camp Song Book to get you started as well as other lessons to download for free.

A Confession of Faith

I'd like to solicit ideas as a follow up to the last post on secularism. Please share your ideas to the following:

If the Fathers of the Orthodox Church could safeguard the Truth by writing the Nicene Creed in AD 325 and 381, than it must be the answer we offer our youth for tomorrow's generation.

In what ways do you teach the Nicene Creed to your children and families?

A Secular Society

"Secularism is more dangerous than communism. It is religion being ignored."

After some time away from this blog, and more reading on my part, there are things that I have not yet stated on this blog that are of utmost importance to the salvation of our children, who will grow up amongst a secular society. First, let's get them out there in the open...and then secondly we can figure out together how to make sure our kids understand these realities.

1. WE DO NOT ALL HAVE THE SAME GOD.
Anyone who denies the inseparable Trinity, One in essence and undivided cannot confess to believe in our God, who existed before all ages as the complete Holy Trinity. There are some who say we have the same God the Father, as in the Father of Abraham, however these people deny Christ and the Holy Spirit and therefore can have no commonality with Orthodox Christians.

2. SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES ARE NOT ALL CHRISTIAN.
Today, it is popular for many to seek out experiences of hypnotism, meditation, yoga, horoscopes and fortune tellers. These are all ways of opening ourselves up to spiritual demons that can do great spiritual harm to our souls. At first, they seem harmless or even holy and divine, but this is how we are tricked into participating, and later the darkness of these experiences will be made known. Some even go so far as to suggest that the Holy Spirit transcends all faiths - this is blasphemy. The Holy Spirit was given to the One Church established by Christ, and those outside of it, cannot be in communion with It.

3. NEVER JOIN IN FOR THE SAKE OF WORLD PEACE.
The time is already approaching when we will be led into the idea that for world peace it will be in everyone's best interest to use one bank, one food supplier, one currency, and one watered down idea of "god"... this trap will take many away from the Orthodox faith because people will not understand that they will be denying Christ and led into a system which does not recognize the One True God. We might be asked, "How could you be against the rest of us? Don't you want world peace?"

4. SIN HAS BECOME FASHIONABLE.
How sad but true this above statement is, which is why the persecution that our children will face will be that of ridicule, teasing, embarrassment, and the likes. Already...which teenagers can dress modestly, attend Church and keep the holy days holy, remain a virgin, and wear a cross without being made fun of? Despite what thoughts might sneak in to throw us off course, continue fasting, praying, and confessing the Orthodox faith - these things do matter!

5. NEVER ACCEPT AN INVISIBLE MARK.
Yes, it seems obvious right...isn't everyone familiar with what the Bible says? But look closely at the words of Geronda Paisios who personally wrote on this subject and insisted on the circulation of it in his own handwriting in 1987. He stated, "after the computerized numbering of everyone, (through the bar code, i.d. cards, credit cards, etc)...they can proceed quickly to say on television that someone took the card of so and so, and took out his money in the bank. They will advertise the perfect system, the marking on the hand or on the forehead with laser rays, which will not be discernible externally with the 666 the name of the antichrist."

Lastly, from the past week's Scripture readings, and words of St Paul, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers...I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock...So be on guard!" Acts 20:28-31

Having openly stated these things pubicly, I anticipate that it may stir some feelings, reactions, remarks and possible disagreements. Please respond. Let's share resources and books to further our understanding of these issues so we can pass the Truth on to our children.

Корина

Can anyone pass along information about a Saint Corina? (Корина) Could it possibly be common amongst Romanian, or Russian Orthodox Christians? This has stumped me.

Simon Says

A really fun activity for little ones and big ones alike is to play the game of "Simon Says" with an Orthodox twist. Substitute out Simon for one of the Saints, Panagia, or Jesus and select actions that reflect our faith. Here are a few examples to get you started...

Panagia says...
1. Make the sign of the cross
Panagia says...
2. Find an icon in the room
Panagia says...
3. Give a kiss to that icon (venerate)
Panagia says...
4. Touch the floor (like a metanoia)
5. **Point your finger at another person in the room**
(oops, Panagia didn't say to do that!)
Panagia says...
6. Sing "Kurie Eleison" like the leader
Panagia says...
7.Give someone in the room a high-five
8. ** Cover your eyes**
(oops, Christ wants us to walk in His light not stay in darkness**
Panagia says...
9. Get down on your knees to pray
Panagia says...
10. Say Amen
Panagia says...
11. Give someone a hug
12. ** Tell your neighbor a secret **
(oops, Panagia doesn't want us to gossip)

Encourage actions that are related to good-behaviors and mix in a few un-Christian behaviors without asking them to hit each other for example! Have fun!

Preparing for Pentecost

Christ is Risen! But then what?

The story continues of course.... with more exciting details and events to engage our young listeners. Christ shows what we would call "superhuman" qualities! He appears in the upper room to the Apostles twice when the doors are sealed shut. He is seen along the road to Emmaus, but in some sort of disguise to Luke and Cleopa, until He breaks bread with them and is recognized essentially in the Eucharist (see the lesson plan here). Then forty days later the disciples stand in awe as Christ is taken up before their own very eyes into the sky on His return to the Father. What could possibly come next for the followers of Christ?

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you”

Click this link for the printable lesson: Pentecost Worksheet & Kneeling Prayers

*** This year, I'm finally committed to bringing the prayers with me on Pentecost Sunday, because they are always in a language I cannot fully understand! ***

Icon Coloring Book

Just posted: A 39-page Orthodox icon coloring book full of images of Holy Week, other feast days, and Saints throughout the year for you to download and print to use with your families. Click here
for the printable PDF - select a few pages or print them all with minimal ink usage!

Once again, please do not distribute this for profit in anyway!

The Red Egg

Here's a look at the pious custom of red eggs in the Orthodox Church for you and your families to enjoy. Where did the tradition come from anyway? It seems there are a few possible answers to this question...of which I prefer to believe in the miracle that God worked through His handmaiden, Mary Magdalene (whom by the way is often wrongly attributed as the prostitute who anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair - See Orthodox Wiki for a well cited clarification).

Other symbolism, not as dogma, but as tradition includes:

*The egg as the new life in Christ through His resurrection

*Red for the color of our Lord's blood but also for His divinity

*The outer shell to be cracked as the doors of Hades are shattered

Since children enjoy decorating the eggs, why not encourage them to display their faith on them, as the picture shows! Be sure not to throw away any icons if you use them, but certainly include symbols like ~ icxc, fish, crosses, tree of life, the Trinity, 4 Greek Letters for Mother of God...etc

This worksheet is available in PDF format here

Scribd Orthodox Group

Please forgive me that it has taken this long to find a good way to upload the Orthodox activities and lessons for you to download and print easily. I have just discovered www.scribd.com and begun a group called "Orthodox Christian Education" there.

You can visit this site, join the group, post your own resources, and read hundreds of excellent Orthodox articles from the Church Fathers and Saints that have been posted by other users. I hope to post other resources from Youth Camps, Retreats, and Family Nights very shortly there too.

~ Hopefully, this is just the beginning ~

Click this link to the Scribd Orthodox Christian Group


Wishing you "kali dynami" good strength for the remaining days of our Lenten journey to Pascha!

Canon of St Andrew

Now, in the fifth week of Great Lent, it is customary to read the life of St Mary of Egypt today along with the Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete. In the year 680 AD, St. Andrew traveled to Constantinople for the 6th Ecumenical Council and brought with him his great composition (The Canon) and the life of St. Mary of Egypt, written by his compatriot and teacher, Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Although probably written to pierce the souls of us adults, here is a worksheet to
use with young people.

“My soul, O my soul, rise up! Why are you sleeping? The end draws near and soon you shall be troubled. Watch, then, that Christ your God may spare you, for He is everywhere present and He fills all things.”

Please e-mail eleniemarie@gmail.com if you would like this worksheet sent to you as a Word document. Sorry I can't figure out how to attach the activities better!

Homeschool Conference

SAINT EMMELIA
ORTHODOX HOMESCHOOLING CONFERENCE

March 26-29, 2009

Antiochian Village - Ligonier, PA

For a Retreat Schedule, and a list of Speakers and Topics click here for the Conference website

Holy Week Scrapbook

For all you creative folks out there, consider putting your talents to use to create a Holy Week Scrapbook for your family or parish. Fill it with fun icons, Scripture verses, symbols, various languages, or photos as the week progresses. Use this as a learning tool, or a memory keepsake for 2009.

~ I'm sending this one off as a care package for my god daughter ~ with jelly beans and a pretty dress, who wouldn't love receiving mail!

Here are a few suggested "call outs" to use with the icons:

Entry into Jerusalem:
Can you find Zaccheus? Why is Christ seated side-ways on the donkey? Did you know in colder countries the faithful use pussy willows instead of palm branches?

Washing the Disciples' Feet:
How many disciples were present? Who asks Jesus to wash his whole body? What is so special about feet?

Mystical Supper: Can you find St John resting on the bosom of Christ? How about Judas? He's usually the only one reaching for the food and is shown in profile, which signifies his two-faced betrayal.

Christ on the Cross:
What were the last words of our Lord? Can you find the blood and the water that spilled out from Christ's side? Who was crucified with Jesus? What was written above His head? In which three languages?

Christ being taken down from the Cross:
Can you find St. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea? They cared for Christ's body and received permission to take Him down from the cross. Who is holding Jesus' head?

The Empty Tomb:
Which women were first to the tomb of Christ? What did they take with them? What is left behind where Jesus was laid?

The Resurrection:
Can you find Adam and Eve being raised from their tombs? How about those departed who are standing to the sides of Christ - Saint John the Baptist (right) and King David (left). Abel, the son of Adam (left) and the first man to die, is present and depicted wearing a shepherd's robe. Why are there keys and broken locks under the Cross?

Use google image search to save and print your own icons

For a FREE Journey to Pascha Handbook click here

Icon School & Guatemala

Icons are the ‘Gospel in light and color’

Stumbling upon this website, I want to encourage others to also check it out for there are truly some beautiful icons being written~ I had never heard of this school, so it was a nice surprise to learn of their workshops, classes, and instructional DVD.

Maybe amongst our children will be the next generation of iconographers!



Also, be sure to watch the very short film on the progress of the Guatemala Monastery project. It is absolutely beautiful!


Here's the link Prosopon School



~ Visit the "Schedule" link to see if there is an event near you ~

Blessed Theophylact

Check out the website of Chrysostom Press for selected Gospel Commentaries on the Sundays throughout Lent and Pentecost. These are from the Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria. What gems available to us online! Thank you Chrysostom Press!

Bending the Heart

"Unworthy as I am,
You will save me in Your great mercy and I will praise You continually all the
days of my life."

We have such little time to truly repent and come to know our own sinfulness. What a very difficult thing: to see ourselves as we really are, bare and without cover. How does this happen? I remember the Abbott of St Nektarios' Monastery in NY teaching us that our work in this life is really downward, into the heart to uncover the layers of dirt upon us. But a recent question I had was, what does it mean to have sinned? How do we actually "hurt" God? My spiritual father once explained the pain God feels when we sin against Him, as the deep sadness we would have if our own children would reject us, not wanting to communicate, spend time together, or accept our love. Can you imagine?

Great Lent and the prayers of the divine services help me to grasp this concept by literally "bending my heart" to touch my forehead to the ground in a full prostration. It is an opportunity to bow down before our King and our God.

Here is a section of one of the most powerful prayers of the *Great Compline* said by the priest.

**The Prayer of Manasses,** King of Judea

"...You, O Lord, according to the multitude of Your goodness, promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against You, and in Your infinite compassion appointed repentance for sinners that they may be saved. Therefore, Lord, the God of the powers, you have not appointed repentance for the righteous, for Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, who have not sinned against You, but You appointed repentance for me a sinner, for I have committed more sins than grains of the sand of the sea. My transgressions have multiplied, and I am not worthy to look up and see the height of the sky from the multitude of my iniquities, being weighed down by many iron chains, so that I cannot raise my head; there is no respite left for me because I have provoked your anger and committed evil before You, not having done Your will and not having kept Your commandments.

And now I bend the knee of my heart, beseeching Your goodness. I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned and I acknowledge my transgressions; but I beg and ask of You: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me and do no destroy me with my transgressions; do not be angry with me forever and keep my evils in me, and do not condemn me to the depths of the earth; for You are God, the God of those who repent, and in me you shall show all Your goodness; for even though I am unworthy, you shall save me according to the multitude of Your mercy. and I shall praise You without ceasing all the days of my life. For every heavenly power sings Your praises, and Yours is the glory unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Print the full *Great Compline* here
Or another translation without clergy Reader's Great Compline

The **Prayer of Manasseh** is a classic prayer of repentance attributed by tradition to Manasseh, a wicked king of Judah (2 Chr 33:11-13), who pleaded God's forgiveness for his many sins.

What is the Prayer of Manasseh?
Where does it come from?
Click here

----------------------------------------

"How Everyone Should Prepare for Confession"
This is a must read for all Orthodox Christians! By St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

"And just as hunters are not satisfied with merely finding a beast in the forest, but attempt through every means to also kill it, likewise, my brother sinner, you should also not be satisfied with merely examining your conscience and with finding your sins, for this profits you little, but struggle by every means to kill your sins through the grief in your heart, namely, through contrition and affliction. And in order to acquire contrition, consider how much you have wronged God through your sins. In order to also acquire affliction, consider how much you have wronged yourself through your sins."

Another Preparation for Holy Confession: Click Here

Several more articles on Preparing for Confession Here

A Magnet

In conjunction with the great and holy feast of the Annunciation, I like using the analogy of a magnet to communicate the message that the Lord was "with" Panagia. A magnet has the ability to attract, with great strength that which it is drawn to. But it also has the potential of repelling that which it does not want.

For Orthodox Christians, the Theotokos (Mother of God) by exercising her God-given discernment, repelled all doubt and distraction from the evil one, and clung to the will of God instead. In this way, she reversed the curse of Eve, and made possible the incarnation of God. Yes, God had a plan for mankind, but He never forced it upon anyone. We offer praise and our thanksgiving to Panagia because she made the choice that we all strive to imitate. Could it be that her "yes" was made possible through the numerous divine virtues she had attracted? (patience, humility, faithfulness, courage, chastity, gratitude, wisdom and ultimately love for God)


We can look to the upbringing and lifestyle of the Theotokos to understand just how God prepared her. Growing up in the Temple, and more specifically the Holy of Holies, she heard the divine Scriptures daily, and praised God with hymns of doxology from a young age. Dedicated in purity and virginity, she was focused on pleasing God rather than her peers. Even her activities were holy, for she like other young maidens, would spend their time sewing the curtain for the Temple. (We see the Panagia holding yarn in some icons of the Annunciation) In all things, she was attached to God!

Now, the tough question to ask ourselves:

What sort of magnet are we?

ACTIVITY

Experiment with small magnets to attract and repel various items.
Try to connect the results to our faith.

Metal Spoons & Cookware = our love of food
Computer Tower = time using technology
Coins (won't stick) = symbol of wealth
Keys = Our ideal cars, or the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven?

Lastly, consider how a compass works with your kids and teens. Ask yourselves: In which direction is our needle drawn? Does our path lead to God and His Kingdom? If we see ourselves and the needle of our compass unsteady, may we cry out to the Mother of God for her help and intercessions before God, so that we too may respond to His call with courage and say, "be it unto me according to thy word" - St. Luke 1:38

"Today is the beginning of our salvation,
The revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace,
The Lord is with You!"

Troparion (Tone 4) of the Annunciation

Red Envelope Day

Here's an idea that I'm planning to participate in. Consider the impact it could make, and join in. Anyone who says this isn't an Orthodox issue is in denial. Life is the greatest gift God gives, and therefore we must pray not only for the protection of unborn children, but for the healing of all women who have painfully been deceived by the evil one. Let all come to know the great love our God has for those who turn repentant and seek His mercy. A broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

Here is the plan:

Get a RED envelope (from a place like Kinkos or a party supply store) and mail it on MARCH 31ST to the White House.

On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write a short message of your choosing. For example:

"This envelope represents one of the 50 million children who were murdered by an abortion. ABORTION KILLS. CHOOSE LIFE!"

Here is a plea from a special Orthodox priest we are in contact with:

"I entreat you to consider taking part in this - hopefully - nation-wide effort to speak up for the pre-born child. It is time to do whatever we can in behalf of those innocent ones, who cannot speak up for themselves."

Visit this website for more details.
The more we send, the more powerful this symbol will be.

Children's Worksheets

You might recognize the resources available by Potamitis Publishing as they are starting to become more popular amongst Orthodox Christians worldwide, but if you haven't visited their website, check it out for printable connect-the-dot activities, online puzzles and coloring sheets. It's very kid friendly!

Here's the Children's Corner where you can print many activities!

To send a free e-postcard with Orthodox imagery
Click Here

Colors of Orthodoxy

Now is a good time of year to pay close attention to color in the Orthodox Church, and how it's used to underline the moods appropriate to the season or special feastday.

Many changes have probably already occurred in your local parishes to signify the Lenten season. This is a good opportunity to review the significance of the colors with your teens and children to enhance their experience and understanding. On evenings like Forgiveness Vespers and Holy Saturday, the change of color can be seen mid-service!

In the Orthodox Church, there are typically six liturgical colors used: white, green, purple, red, blue, and gold. (Later, black vestments also came into use, and in various regions scarlet orange or rust as well) Most typikons/rubrics for our Orthodox jurisdictions seem to specify either "dark" or "bright" colors according to what the priest or parish might have available, but there are some common practices for the major feasts we can look at.

Changes can be seen in the priest's vestments, Altar table cloth, chalice and disc covers, sometimes the curtain in the royal doors, as well as the glass votives in the hanging vigil lamps in front of the icons on the iconostasis.

* White is used for Pascha, Christmas, the Transfiguration and Theophany (color of purity and God's uncreated light)

* Purple/Black for Lent (color of mourning and repentance)

* Green for Pentecost and feasts of the Holy Cross (color of plants and new life, renewal)

* Blue for feasts of the Theotokos and Salutation services in Lent (color of humanity, and also the heavens as we call Panagia's womb "More Spacious than the Heavens")

* Red for feasts of Martyrs, the Nativity fast, and also Pascha in some regions (color of martyrs blood, also color of divinity and royalty)

* Gold as the default (color of virtue)

-Click the images to print and use as handouts in your lesson-

~ Helpful Links ~

Russian Link

Antiochian Link

Interview on Vestments with Krista West

Fr Jerry Hall recording

*Save This* for Pascha

Although we've only just begun our journey towards celebrating the Lord's Resurrection, I share with you a fantastic link with the Paschal greeting in 59 languages!

Pascha Languages

Be sure to print and save this one!

Monachos.net has other great resources available as well. Visit this link

St Ephrem the Syrian, Spiritual Psalter, 120:
'How many times have I promised...'

I am unworthy to ask forgiveness for myself, O Lord, for many times have I promised to repent and proved myself a liar by not fulfilling my promise. Thou hast picked me up many times already, but every time I freely chose to fall again...If a righteous man can barely be saved, then where will I end up, I who am lawless and sinful? If the path that leads to life is strait and narrow, then how can I be vouchsafed such good things, I who live a life of luxury, indulging in my own pleasures and dissipation? But Thou, O Lord, my Saviour, Son of the true God, as Thou knowest and desirest it, by Thy grace alone, freely turn me away from the sin that abides in me and save me from ruin.

St Ephraim the Syrian resources

Quote from 120th 'Psalm' in St Ephraim's Spiritual Psalter by our Holy Father St Ephraim of Edessa, the Syrian; excerpted and arranged by Bishop Theophan the Recluse according to the manner of the psalter of the Old Testament.

March Activity

Click on the image to view and print this month's activity

Search horizontal, vertical,
and diagonal to find all
the words related to
Great Lent and Holy Pascha.

~ Enjoy ~

Triodion Online

** We have available to us the holy words from the Lenten Triodion online in English.** What sweetness to pierce our souls! Visit this link to copy and paste the canons for use in your personal daily prayers.
Triodion Online

Keep this link as well for many liturgical texts
Anastasis.org

Made possible by the
** Community of the Holy Myrrhbearers **
R.D. 2, Box 188,
Otego, New York, 13825
(607) 432-3179
MRaphaela@aol.com

Mother Raphaela has given her blessing to distribute the texts for personal and church use but not for any kind of commercial use.

Parts of the Triodion are available in book form:
The Lenten Triodion by Mother Mary and Archimandrite Kallistos Ware Faber and Faber, London 1978

Sold many places One Link to Purchase It

The Lord consecrated and sanctified these
Forty Days of the Fast by fasting Himself for forty days.
Having entered into them, brethren, let us cry aloud: Blessing and exalting Christ forever!

Spring Cleaning

"Clean up - Clean up,
everybody everywhere,
Clean up - clean up,
everybody do their share."

The lyrics to this catchy Barney song might have more use to our Orthodox faith than we've considered before because if there's one concept kids understand, it's cleaning! Whether they are imitating our motion with a vacuum or grumbling about household chores, kids can distinguish dirt from sparkle! Let us use this opportunity then on "Clean Monday" to introduce our families to the idea that Lent is a period of cleansing, and everyone benefits from participating. Because Clean Monday is a strict fast day, it should be kept holy thru holy activities. I'd say, tidy up the house only in conjunction with a lesson about cleaning both the outside of the cup, as well as the inside.

* A clean bedroom is inviting to the angels
(tidy up your icons)

* A clean body can be achieved through a clean belly
(observe the fast)

* A clean mind is able to think of God rather than other worries
(spend quiet time with God)

* A clean mouth is filled with sweet words
(sing together)

* A clean hand is one that has helped others
(pitch in on a group project)

* A clean conscience is achieved only through tears of repentance and forgiveness (learn to make a prostration)

and ultimately

* ONLY A clean soul can become a suitable place for our Lord to dwell (read Communion prayers before and after receiving)

As we embark on the most important "spring cleaning" of our lives over the next 40-days, let us remember that with each small effort we make, God is wiping away the layers of crud to make us radiant with His glory.

"Wash yourselves, and ye shall be clean; put away the wicked ways from your souls before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; diligently seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, consider the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Come then, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: and though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; and though they red like crimson, I will make them white as wool. If then ye be willing, and obedient unto Me, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye desire not, nor will obey me, the sword shall devour you, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it." (Is 1:1-20, First Monday of Great Lent, the Sixth Hour)

SONG ACTIVITY "Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away, from Your presence O Lord, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me, restore unto me, the joy of Your salvation, O Lord, and renew a right Spirit within me."

CRAFT ACTIVITY There is a tradition in Greece to fly kites from the tops of hills on Clean Monday. Kites have traditionally been a handmade hexagon. Narrow strips of wood are used and tied together in the middle by string. A large piece of paper is then stuck to the hexagonal shape and individually decorated. Fringes and tails of colored shiny paper are then added and an extremely long ball of string attached. Complete this activity by discussing how we are like the kite - taking a journey closer to God.

Holy Photini

Here are several handouts for a lesson on St Photini, who earned the title "Equal to the Apostles." The Church celebrates her life this Thursday and on the Sunday of the Samaritan Women during the Paschal season. Her encounter with Christ is so very important to us because we find Christ clearly declaring Himself to be the awaited Messiah. ~ There is no longer any question about His identity ~

Therefore, begin by reading this encounter in the Gospel of John 4: 1-30 or page 12 in the recommended book by Dr Maria Khoury "Christina's True Hero's" (see previous post on resources for the Saints)

Pay special attention to the way Christ transforms the understanding of St Photini. He truly reveals Himself to her, in a very gentle way, and afterward, her life is never the same. This is our calling. Once we experience Christ, we can no longer live in darkness for we have seen the light. This is true metanoia: to turn and go in the other direction. Like St Photini, we can openly share with others the many wonders God has shown us through His gracious mercy.



Search beyond holy Scripture, and discover her name, her life and witness, and her martyrdom also at a well. What special details that our Church preserves!


Play the game of Telephone to see if your children and young adults can pass along the message of Christ accurately, as did St Photini. Or print out her icon to color or decorate a small clay water jug with. Here is a nice online account of her life.

A CLOSING PRAYER

When through your inexpressible dispensation, Christ God, you appeared on earth, the woman of Samaria, having heard your word, full of love for mankind, left her bucket at the well and ran saying to those in the city: Come, see the one who knows the heart: is not this the expected Christ, who has great mercy?

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.-from the Vespers of Samaritan Woman

Lenten Boardgame

Search the toy store aisles, and there's no Orthodox games to be found! So, let's develop our own ~ Just think of the possibilities! We could develop gamepieces in the form of Saints, and move along the board to get them from earth to heaven, encountering persecutions and wild animals along the way! Maybe a set back or two. It's the game of Life, only Orthodox!

For the Lenten season, here's a simple boardgame to follow along with, but there's room for you to make up the rules. Roll dice, develop cards, land on a dark blue square and do something charitable - land on a light square and memorize a Scripture verse.

For other Lenten resources check out the following links:

www.lent.goarch.org

Journey through Holy Week for Kids

Phyllis Onest Resources

Lenten Resources at Monachos.net

The Mind as an Airport

(see the Philokalia)

A unique analogy within Orthodoxy and the writings of the Church Fathers is the idea that our mind is likened to an airport. The spiritual warfare that we, and our children, live amongst is as the numerous planes flying overhead at any given moment. These thoughts, or airplanes, can land in the mind, which is the entry point to our soul. Our task is not to allow the harmful planes to fuel up and stay parked at our airport! We must use the God-given discernment we have to dismiss the planes before they take root and darken our soul.

We do not blame ourselves strictly for the planes flying over us, for example, to say that anyone is created evil, or a bad person because of them. Rather, a person can be taken hostage to harmful ideas, which when rooted in the person, only then become their responsibility. This is what we mean when we say, a person has the capacity to sin, and fall to the passions. The passions themselves do not originate from within us. We were created good. We only live within a fallen world, and when we fall, we are offered the medicine of repentance and metanoia that only Christ's Church can offer us.

Simply put: Standing watch is being ready to tell those negative thoughts to fly away and we must teach our children to ignore them. Here's how I used this idea with a young girl.

During the Divine Liturgy one day, at the time of the holy consecration of our Lord's Body and Blood, a beautiful God-fearing young girl in our community was next to me and became quite frightened and distracted by the thought that she saw a spider. I am not certain if the spider was indeed there, but regardless, it took her and my attention away from our Lord for that brief moment.

So, I ask, was the evil one victorious in his attempt to steal our thoughts away from Christ? When explained, I believe this young girl understood. Not because of any extraordinary analogy, but because her mother has equipped her with the necessary tools for battle, and combined with the grace of God, she's prepared to struggle for the Kingdom.

Holy Numbers

Learning to Count:
The Orthodox Numbers

For children learning to count, or even teens who need a good challenge, this activity opens our eyes to the many ways our Lord sanctifies numbers.

This idea was inspired by an Orthodox Saint who during his martyrdom, brought to mind something holy for each horrible act against him. While they cut off each toe or finger, he praised God according to the number, finding a way to glorify our Creator. Can anyone help me remember this Saint's name?

Here's how the activity works: Begin by explaining that as the adult or leader, you will call one number at a time, and ask for your children/teens to respond with a correlating event from the Bible, a Saints life, or element from our faith. You can go in order, or be more spontaneous. However, don't move on until your group has thought of everything it can for that number! Here are a few examples...

1 - One God, One Church, One Faith, One Messiah, One leper healed who thanked God, Prayers of 1st Hour

2 - Mary & Joseph, Paul & Silas, Two animals of every kind in Arc, Brothers James and John, Parable of Two Sons

3 - Holy Trinity, The Hebrew Children, Noah's 3 sons, 3 Fathers Abraham-Isaac-Jacob, 3 Angels visited Abraham, Days of Jonah in the belly of the whale, Days of Christ in the depths of hades, 3 Magi, 3 Stars of Panagia's ever-virginity, Prayers of 3rd Hour, Peter denied Christ 3 times, Christ breathed His last breath on the cross at 3:00pm, 3 Apples picked by St Euphrosynos, 3 Apples given to St Irene Chrysovilantou, 3 Daughters of St Sophia, Newly baptized child/adult receives Body & Blood 3 times in a row

4 - Gospels, 4 Corners of the Earth,Lazarus in the tomb for 4 Days

5 - Holy Virgins who made it into the Kingdom with enough oil, Jesus fed 5 thousand with 5 loaves

6 - Days to work, Stone Jars at Wedding at Cana, Prayers of 6th Hour, 6 Winged Angels

7 - Days of Creation, Sacraments, 7 angels 7 plagues, 7 Fruits of Holy Spirit,7th Day of Rest, 7 Ecumenical Counsels

8 - 8th Day after Pascha symbolizing eternity, 8 Byzantine Tones to Chant

9 - Lepers who didn't return to thank God, Prayers of 9th Hour, Holy Spirit descended at 9am, 9 months of Panagia carrying Christ in her womb

10 - Virgins waiting for the Bridegroom, # of Lepers cleansed, 10 Commandments

12 - Tribes of Israel, Apostles, Prayers of the 12th Hour, Christ crucified at 12:00 noon, Jews led out of Egypt at midnight, Maybe Christ would come as thief in the night at midnight, 12 baskets of leftover bread from miracle with loaves

40 - Days of Flood, Days Moses ascended Mountain, Years of Jews wandering the desert, Years of reign of King David, Days Elijah traveled until he reached Horeb, Years of Reign of Saul,Years of reign of Soloman, Days Christ was tempted in desert, Days Christ appeared after Resurrection before Ascension, Days of Fast before Christmas, Days of Fast before Pascha, 40-Days of mourning(Memorial Service), 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, 40 Day Churching of Baby

50 - Days after Resurrection for Pentecost

Millions - the Saints!

You can use this game to compete in small groups, with each answer earning a point, or just play for fun on a road trip! Either way, it should encourage our learning and hopefully remind us of the many wonders of our Lord and God. (tip: use a Bible search engine online for assistance)

Choosing a School

Training Up a Child: Educational Options for Orthodox Christians

Excerpts from online article by
Bishop THOMAS (Joseph), Ed.D.,
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

"Before you examine the school’s ability to teach academics, however, it is absolutely necessary that you determine whether the school is Christian-friendly, Christian-tolerant or anti-Christian. If you find the school to be Christian-friendly and capable of teaching academics, you may want to utilize it as part of your responsibility to rear and educate your children. If, however, the school is merely Christian-tolerant or is anti-Christian, it behooves you to look for other choices. Let me stress that in raising your children, it is their eternal salvation which should be at the top of your priorities. This is your responsibility before God."

"Whatever teaching method you choose, Christ must be at the head of the classroom. The icon of Christ is what your children must view in you, in their teachers, on the screens of their computers, and in the faces of their peers."

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

*** Special thanks to Ashley who first posted this article ***

Uprooting Passions

"Do not neglect to uproot from the hearts of children the tares of sins, impure, evil and blasphemous thoughts, sinful habits, inclinations and passions; the enemy and the sinful flesh do not spare even children; the seeds of all sins are to be found in children too; show them the danger of sin on the path of life; do not hide sins from them lest through ignorance and want of comprehension they should be confirmed in sinful habits and attachments, which grow stronger and stronger and bring forth corresponding fruits when the children grow up." - St. John of Kronstadt

As parents and youth workers we face a common task to raise the children that God gave us in a holy manner. But correcting bad behaviors, and offering discipline is one of the areas most difficult, especially when we ourselves are struggling with our own passions like anger, lack of compassion, and little patience.

The good news is that every child created in His image has His grace, which acts as a checks and balance system within the conscience. However, children who grow up without confirmation from parents or other adults can become very confused. They test the waters, but cannot swim in the deep end of the pool without a few lessons.

Elder Porphyrios taught that, "Our religion wants children to learn the truth from an early age." He stated, "You must tell the truth for a person to learn it. Otherwise you sustain him in ignorance... so to a child you must tell the truth and scold it so that it knows what it is doing is not good."
He offers these suggestions as well, "The medicine and great secret for children's progress is humility... The children who come from humble parents do not get angry when their error is pointed out, but rather they try to correct it and pray that God may help them not to become egoists...Children should learn to seek God's help in everything."
_________________________________________________________

For further reading, check out these 6 (edited) steps listed by St Tikhon in more depth at http://fr-d-serfes.org/orthodox/parents.htm


1. Remind them often of holy Baptism and that at that time they promised God to live decently and steadfastly, to serve Him with faith and righteousness, and to keep away from every evil and sin.

2. Repeat to them that we live not for this temporal life, for honor, glory, and riches in this world.

3. Let them understand Who is the God of Christians, and what He requires of us, that He hates evil and loves good...and to do what is pleasing to Him.

4. Enlighten their inward eyes as to Who Christ is and to our own sinfulness.

5. Teach them the Law of God, and tell them what the Law demands of us: That is, that we should love God and every man; and truly repent and correct ourselves for the day of Judgment.

6. Set before them the last things: death, Christ's judgment, eternal life, and eternal torment, that the fear of God may so abide in them and preserve them from every evil. Pour these and other things like milk into their young hearts, that they may mature in piety.
_________________________________________________________

"Lord Jesus Christ, give Your light to my children. I entrust them to You. You gave them to me, but I am weak and unable to guide them, so, please illuminate them." - Prayer by Elder Porphyrios

Graveyard Cleanup

Most American cemeteries have maintenance workers, but I've been thinking that this would make a fantastic service project. Take your kids, your teens, or your youth group and go spend the afternoon amongst the tombs!(Especially if you know where many fellow Orthodox faithful are buried)Did you know the early Christians celebrated the Divine Liturgy underground with the bodies of the reposed alongside the worshipers.(catacombs) Can you imagine that!

Prayer for those fallen asleep is an ancient tradition of the Church. Since we believe that life continues after death, we say the members of the Church that have reposed maintain spiritual communication with those of us that remain on earth. As St Paul says in Romans 14:7-8, "Whether we live or die we belong to the Lord."

* Pick a Saturday or Sunday
* Copy prayers of Memorial Service
* Pack rakes,shovels,flowers,garbage bags
* Select an area of the graveyard to tidy up
* Spend time reading the tombstones
* Read the Trisagion prayers for the person buried there
* Teach the following (taken from a text by New Skete, Mt Athos)

The one, holy, and universal Church is divided into two parts: the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant. To the Church Triumphant belong all those who ended their struggle in earthly life victoriously; they await their crown of righteousness (the Saints). To the Church Militant belong all those still struggling on earth against sin in order to attain perfection.(saints, with a lowercase "s") It is by the love of Christ, which is eternal, that we are bound to one another as His creation.

St John Chrysostom stated, "Let us help these souls as much as we can, and offer them a small assistance. We ourselves should pray and we should ask others to pray for them. We offer charitable acts together with supplications for those departed so that they may receive consolation. For, if Job's children were cleansed by their father's sacrifice, then why doubt that the dead do not gain benefit from our prayers and charity?"

Lastly, if time permits, consider discussing the significance of Kollyva, the traditional mixture of boiled wheat and fruits which dates back to the 4th century and is usually offered on 40-Day and One Year Memorials. Get your hands dirty preparing this tasty treat if you can and end the day with this quote from St Simeon of Thessaloniki,

"The kernels of wheat and fruits of the earth show that human beings are also seeds. When they are cast down on the ground they want, with the power of God, to rise up again like grain, and after they manage to sprout up, then full grown and alive, they want to be offered to Christ. For just as what is now a seed will be buried in the earth and after that will germinate and come to fruition and bear forth its ample fruit, so too a human being that is now delivered to the earth on account of death wants to rise up again."

For Christ is the resurrection, the life, and the repose of all, and to Him do we ascribe glory, together with the beginningless Father, and the all-holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lives of the Saints

St. Clement of Rome wrote: "Come to the saints, for they who cleave to them shall be made holy."

There are no greater stories to share with our children and teens than from the lives of the Saints. No movie could compare! You want adventure, encounters with
wild animals, travels to foreign lands, superhuman feats, and miracles unbelievable to the human eye?
Look no further!

Unlike fictional characters, the Saints exist, and ARE real. Children never have to stop believing in them like the tooth fairy, santa, or the boogy man! The Saints, whom make up the Church Triumphant, serve the Church militant, us, who are still marching along in this world fighting against the passions. They illumine the way for us to follow, and when we share their lives with our young people, the same seeds of virtue will be planted in our souls. We will be drawn to imitate them with great conviction to change our lives according to a more holy path.

Take a look at these resources

Saints for specific needs

Online Lives of the Saints

www.abbamoses.com

OCA Saints

www.orthodox.net

Saints by Name & Month

www.orthodoxchristian.info

Father Serfes Saints

Greek Archdiocese Calendar

In Print Resources

Daily Lives Calendar (My Favorite)

A Child's Paradise of Saints

Christina's Hero's

40 Saints: Teachers Text

Prologue of Ohrid

St Dionysios (Others like this also available)

Synaxarion Series (Many volumes, but worth it)

"Our Church honors saints not as gods, but as faithful servants, holy men and friends of God." - St.Nektarios Metropolitan of Pentapolis (+1920)

Ticket for the Game

Today, my husband used a great analogy while speaking with a new catechist. He explained Orthodoxy to him like this. We, in the true Church, have the ticket for the SuperBowl. However, we've still got to travel there and the journey is where we face the truest test. It's a narrow path and not easy to follow. (Anyone who struggles to fast, pray and give up worldly conveniences understands this)

We also don't know who else may make it inside. There will be others who show up, and get in at the last hour, or even others who come from around the world. This is up to our Lord.

But lastly, there are those with a ticket but they don't do anything with it. For them, having the title "Orthodox" won't be enough.

So, to all of us with tickets in hand, on the correct path of salvation, let us show up for the game, having worked diligently to get there. May our Lord in His great mercy grant us entrance. Kali Dynami

Fathers & Fruits

Consider bringing the story of the 3 Great Hierarchs into your home tomorrow with the following lesson and activity.

Begin by asking your kids or teens to select three favorite Fruits.
* Announce the fruits out loud and discuss why they were picked.
* What do your kids like and dislike about each one?
* What are their respective qualities and characteristics. Is one sweeter than another? More tasty, too bitter, or bland?
* Can they agree... "Which is their favorite?"

If you're working with a youth group, divide the room according to the choices. Can you create a small uproar amongst the groups? Ask one to try convincing the others to change their selection. Lastly, ask the groups to come up with a "name" that would associate them with their favorite fruit. (i.e. Kiwians,Appleanians, Orangins)

Then, ask everyone to close their eyes. As the adult, use three voices to introduce yourself on behalf of each fruit, being a bit silly, and arriving at the final conclusion that a fruit salad is the best way to enjoy all three since God made each one of you, and although you are uniquely tasty in your own way, God considers you equally delicious!

Then introduce the story of the † Three Holy Hierarchs †
St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, and St John Chrysostom

You might say, "If you had a difficult time agreeing on a favorite fruit, can you imagine how divided the people of Constantinople were in the early 12th century when they argued over who was greatest among the 3 Hierarchs?" Three groups formed, calling themselves the Basilians, Gregorians and Joannites. At last, desiring to restore peace to the City and the Church, the three holy hierarchs themselves appeared to the monk John Mauropus; they revealed to him that they stand together in harmony and in equal glory before the heavenly throne, and instructed him to compose a common service for the three of them. Saint John (Mauropus) obeyed, and chose January 30 as the date of the commemoration, since each of the three hierarchs is commemorated separately in January. (abbamoses.com)

Since the feast falls on a Friday this year, finish the lesson off by enjoying some fruit together, laughing over their qualities, and enjoy coloring this icon together. Xronia Polla~

Geronda

Below are 3 recordings of the Blessed Elder, Paisios of Mt. Athos, with English subtitles. It is the actual voice of this Saint.

Elder Paisios - recording in his cell part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkV9r2vuMr8&feature=related

Elder Paisios - recording in his cell part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vJRVPzn6R0&NR=1

Elder Paisios - recording in his cell part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-a9i8ZmS8o&feature=related

The Jesus Prayer

I am convinced that our kids and teens need to hear this prayer more than any other. It's called the Jesus Prayer and whenever we use it, we call upon Christ as the Holy Scripture says, keeping Him on our minds, in our hearts, and on our lips with every minute of the day. This short but powerful prayer sanctifies whatever task we are doing!

Fold the laundry ... and say this prayer

Drive to the grocery store ... and say this prayer

Say it in any language, say it in short or long form...

but whatever you do, keep praying and let your kids hear you!

The Jesus Prayer has even been put to a simple melody in order to sing it. I have heard it in two different forms, and love both! It's great to use on long car trips, because everyone can participate. Take turns offering the first name of someone you'd like to sing the Jesus Prayer for, then complete the song on their behalf.

We say, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on ______, your servant."

Sometimes we include all the poor, the hungry, the orphaned, the priests, all monks and nuns, those with a handicap, etc. Before you know it, you and your family will have prayed for the sanctification of the whole world!

"Indeed, our true task is always the same and is always accomplished in the same way: to call upon our Lord Jesus Christ with a burning heart so that His holy name intercedes for us." -

-Hesychios the Priest: On Personal Holiness

February Activity

As you and your families prepare
to celebrate the Presentation of Christ,
I share with you the following Word Scramble.

Click, Print and Enjoy

Four Loves

Love.

One of the nicer four letter words in our English language, but how accurately are we using it? How about our kids and teens?
Often we hear and say...

I love my family,
like I love my new sneakers,
and love that new television show.
A mother loves her children,
a teen has a first love,
and then there's the love of God
and love for one's "god."

It's a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but more commonly we think of it as an emotion.If you check out the word "love" in the Greek language, however, you'll actually discover four words to choose from.
Here they are:

Filia - is designated for friendship love.

Eros- is a more passionate love that one is willing to die for, like that of the Martyrs. This is commonly associated with physical lust, but it need not be.

Storyi - is the parental affection of a mother or father for their child.

Agape - is the perfect divine love that God has for His creation.

As Orthodox Christians our aim is to imitate God's agape, but only He loves us perfectly. Our love for each other falls short of the mark because of our fallen human nature, and inevitably we hurt one another. Think about it. Sometimes our so-called love is tainted with selfishness, worry, doubt, control of the other, jealousy, and worst of all pride. For example, when we think we deserve to be loved by everyone or criticize the way others "love" us.

I think one of the most important things we learn from the Holy Scriptures is that love is an action. It is not merely an emotion or feeling.

"This is how we know what love is:
Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16

This February, challenge your families to ACT in love for someone else or for God...even when we don't "feel" like it.

And when we need a small reminder of the love God has for us, remember this prayer:

"I am loved by God the Father Who created me out of nothing. I am loved and redeemed by God the Son, my precious Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I am loved by the Holy Spirit, God;s power and presence within me. Blessed Trinity, glory to You. Amen."

The Heart

"It is according to Christ that the human heart has been created;

like an immense jewel case, it is vast enough to contain even God.

That is why nothing here below can satisfy us...

For the human soul thirsts for the infinite..

the desire of the heart is to run toward Christ."

A quote from Nicholas Cabasilas, The Life in Christ, pg 96

The Orthodox icon is titled "Mother of God-Softening of Evil Hearts"
Tatiana Vodicheva

Available on CD

On the Upbringing of Children -
Homilies by Bishop Irenaius

Never in the history of mankind has there been such a plethora of advice available to parents on how to raise their children. Regrettably, most often these books focus entirely on the child's adjustment to this world and blithely ignore his moral and spiritual development. There is precious little available to help Orthodox Christian parents prepare the child to become a citizen of Heaven. But what other goal of child-raising can even take a close second to this paramount objective? These 10 homilies of the late Bishop Irenaius of Russia (published in 1901) offer timeless, solid guidance on how to raise your child for the Kingdom of Heaven.

2 CDs totaling 1 hour & 52 minutes

Available at http://www.stpaisiusmonastery.org/music.htm

70 Girls - Homeschooled at a Monastery

Recently, there seems to be an increased interest for lay families in America to involve their children in programs run by various Orthodox monasteries. I have discovered week-long spiritual youth camps and small schools forming, then I came across this opportunity in Arizona which was a pleasant surprise.

Since 1995, the sisterhood of St. Paisius Orthodox Monastery, a women’s coenobitic community, has welcomed teenage girls who wish to live at the monastery while continuing their studies through a home-school curriculum. Almost 70 girls have lived with them, ranging in age from 10 to 17, coming from homes all over the country.

Check out http://www.stpaisiusmonastery.org/hphs.htm

Has anyone ever visited this monastery?

I'd love to hear about your experience.

Sharing Resources

I've come across a few excellent resources to pass along.

The first is a link to an Orthodox website containing everything and anything...
It is http://www.orthodoxlinks.info

The second is a nice series of articles on "Smart Parenting"
by Fr. George Morelli.

http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/MorelliParenting.php
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles6/MorelliParenting2.php

~ Hope they are useful to you ~

Christmas Crossword

********REVISED**********

Click on the crossword puzzle
to the right for a little
Christmas trivia!

Hopefully, it will be challenging
for parents and kids of all ages.


"Make ready, O Bethlehem:
let the manger be prepared,
let the cave show its welcome. The truth has come, the shadow has passed away..."

Sticheron at the Royal Hours
by St Sophronius of Jerusalem

Honoring St Nektarios

I encourage everyone to click and view this beautiful video card honoring St. Nektarios from a Monastery in Lebanon. If I learn more about the Monastery, I will post my findings. Until then, may they be blessed to continue their good work!

Visit http://www.hamatoura.com/GreetingCard/Greetings.php?subject=Saint%20Nektarios%20of%20Aegina&link=08Nektarios-En

**** There are MANY more breathtaking illustrated video cards available at the monastery's website - It's worth exploring! Visit http://www.hamatoura.com/ *******

10 Fun Facts About Angels

"Whom Christ loves, His angels love too." St. Nicholai of Zica (1880-+1956)

When it comes to our daily lives, we can often forget the presence of the angels around us, (and it's easy to do since they are invisible!) Therefore, to honor their hard work on our behalf this post is dedicated to "ten fun facts about angels" to share with our youth. It's not a theological treatise - but rather a few talking points to bring us and our young people closer to understanding God's loving acts for us through His angels.

______________________________________________________________________________

1. Angels have two roles: the first is in Heaven to glorify God, and the second on earth to carry out God's orders concerning men.

2. The word "angel" itself means herald or messenger.

3. How many are there? The great Daniel saw God on His throne-and a thousand thousands ministered unto Him,
and 10,000 x 10,000 stood before Him (Chapters 9 & 10).

4. Their types? thrones, dominions, principalities, seraphim's, cherubim's, powers, sovereignties, archangels, and angels.

5. Their names? Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Barachiel, Jeremiel, Jegudiel.

6. Angels are different than us because they are bodiless and invisible. They don't need to eat or drink, nor do they need clothes or shelter. They don't get married and they have no worries about the future.

7. Angels are like us because they have names and personalities. They are individuals with intelligence, emotions, free will and the capacity to act.

8. In the Bible and Holy Tradition, angels have done many marvelous things! Archangel Michael guarded Paradise, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a flame of fire, Three Angels appeared to Abraham giving us an image of the Holy Trinity, an Angel saved the three youths in Babylon from death in the midst of the burning fiery furnace, Archangel Gabriel nourished Panagia as a child living in the Holy of Holies and later brought to her the news of Christ's incarnation, Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias (the father of St. John the Baptist) to announce the coming of his son, an angel appeared at Christ's tomb to announce His Resurrection, an angel of the Lord opened the jail cells of the Apostles, the angels will create a throne for our Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming.

9. Our Orthodox Church has dedicated Monday to the holy angels. Therefore, every Monday in the church services we are reminded of the holy angels with praise and prayer: We say "Holy Archangels and Angels, pray to God for us."

10. Everyone Orthodox Christian receives a guardian angel at the time of Baptism and asks for its intercession before God with the following prayer,

"O Holy Angel of God, guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me every transgression which I have committed this day. Deliver me from all evil influences and temptations, so that I may not anger my God by any sin. Pray for me that the Lord may make me worthy of His grace and to become partaker of His eternal Kingdom with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the Saints. Amen."

St. Basil the Great says: "The angel will not retreat from us, unless we drive him away by our evil deeds."

________________________________________________________________________________

For more in-depth info on angels, see the article compiled by Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes at http://fr-d-serfes.org/orthodox/angels.htm

St Theophan the Recluse Homily on Prayer

"...what the Angels and saints do in the heavens, we should learn to do on earth: get used to the angelic, unceasing standing before God in our hearts. Only he who reaches this state is a true man of prayer."

St John the Almsgiver:For the Thanksgiving Holiday

Upcoming Lesson for November 12 :
Turning Our Attention Towards Others for Thanksgiving this Year

St. John was born in Cyprus in the year 560. His father, whose name was Epiphanus, was the ruler of the country.When John grew up, he married and had children. But his children died. And then, when his wife also died, he was left alone and suffered very much. Then John began to direct his life more towards that of a monk. He practiced all the Christian virtues through his great love for God. St. John had a special love for all men who were poor, and for strangers. He gave them everything that they had need of! The people elected John to be the Patriarch of Alexandria during the time that Heracles was the Emperor. As a Patriarch of he Church, St. John's preaching was like a brightly burning candle, a light which shone into the world. St. John built a special hospital and house for strangers and for poor people, supporting these places from his own riches. He gave of his mercy, not only to the faithful of his flock, but also to those who were not faithful of the Church. Because of this, the people called him "The Merciful One.”

St. John lived as Patriarch until he was very old. When he died, the people whom he loved so much cried for him, and buried his body with great honor.

We celebrate his feast on November 12.

ACTIVITIES:
1. Click and Print St John's Icon to Color
2. Practice the Vocab
3. Complete the Word Scramble
4. Make a Visit to Someone in Need This Month, Consider bringing a homemade treat!


Vocabulary

* Alms: Works of mercy or monetary gifts given to help the poor. All through the Bible, God's people are called to help those less fortunate than themselves (see Matt 25: 31-46).

* Almsgiver: A person who gives money or other donations to the poor or needy

* Charity: [a] the love of God for humanity, or a love of one's fellow human beings, [b] an act of goodwill or affection, [c] a voluntary giving of money or other help to those in need. Sharing with the poor. Often the translation of AGAPE or the love that God has for humanity. The act of love, the by product of which is material giving.

* Saint: A person who has loved God when alive, who worked at being like god, and because of his/her humility and holiness, God has set that person apart from others and works through that person still today.

* Sympathy: To share a feeling with the one who is in sorrow, sadness, suffering, has troubles.

* Vision: [a] something seen not by normal sight; [b] in a dream or supernaturally revealed as to a prophet; [c] a representation of a person or thing of a spiritual nature seen under divine influence.

May the life of St John be an example for our children and families as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, and direct our attention towards others.

This lesson has been expanded from the Saints Alive curriculum

New Movie Review

Fr. Demetri has recently screened the movie "Come What May" and wishes to recommend it most highly to everyone on his e-mail list of over 1000 souls. Here is the website where the trailer can be viewed: www.adventfilmgroup.com

There are no professional actors or actresses. In fact, the majority of the characters are played by former home school students. In addition to the pro-life message, there are at least two excellent sub-messages as well: courtship over dating, and marriage commitment.

In Father's words, he stated,"There was a presence of goodness in this movie that actually touched my very soul. I hope that it will somehow make the theaters, but everyone should have a personal copy as well."

I have not personally seen this film yet, but if I do, I will be sure to post my thoughts as well. Anyone else heard of it?

Church & Elections

With topics like Abortion/Sanctity of Life, Homosexual Marriages, Euthanasia, and Human Cloning on the line in this election, I am saddened that our Orthodox bishops and priests aren't saying more to educate the people. I and others fear we are at a point of turning our backs on God as a nation. We cannot vote for the guy we like best, we've got to VOTE ON THE ISSUES. This takes courage to talk about, because it's not the popular thing to do...and for many of us, it may cause friction within our own friends and families. So, I ask you to check out the new survey on this blog and share your thoughts.

Illumination for Our Candidates

Although I've been tuned into the Presidential Election & Debates, as most of you probably have been, it dawned on me, that I haven't committed time to actually praying about our situation. Why, I asked myself, when everything else is deemed worthy of our prayers? Maybe I had excluded politics in my prayers. Maybe I expected our Church to endorse a side and therefore make my job easier. Maybe I looked for a person, a.k.a. a candidate, to show me the way....when in reality I abandoned the opportunity to cooperate with God directly about it.

Prayer is us working with God, for what He wants, rather than what we want. This is the harmony we've gotten so far from in our world, and until we get back to, the end will continue approaching. Thankfully, the Orthodox Church accepts this responsibility, collectively, for our world with reverence while praying for the sanctification of it in every Divine Liturgy. But I've got to contribute on a personal level also!

Imagine if as families, we did our part, to be the small "ekklesia" (church) in our homes, praying for the bigger world we live in.

For Our President and Other World Leaders

"Holy God, in all humility we pray to you who are the source of wisdom, bless and grant perfect health of mind and body to our President (future President), our Governors and all the loyal leaders in our world. Direct their thoughts, Lord, in the way of Truth, that they may enact, order, and enforce those things that are pleasing to You, those things that are pure, those things that are just, tending toward all excellence and virtue. Enlighten them to govern and to lead all people in the ways of Your righteousness, + for you are holy, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Praying for Our Kids

My husband and I came across this most beautiful "Akathist to the Mother of God,
Nurturer of Children" compiled by Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes which I highly suggest printing. It has added a dimension to my prayer life with words that seem to encompass all my thoughts and feelings! And who better suited to intercede for our kids than Panagia, the Mother of God. Here's a small sample...and the link to the full text which just takes a few minutes to pray.

Ikos 3

Having received my children from God, I do not desire to behold them dwelling in eternal torment, but rather to see them written in the Book of Life and made inheritors of eternal life. For Thy sake, O Most Pure Virgin, incline Thine ear to my supplication, as I cry to Thee:

Raise my children to flee eternal torment.
Raise my children to inherit life eternal.
Raise my children to pass the course of their life in Repentance.
Raise my children to labor to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to exert effort to attaint the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be written in the Book of Life.
Raise my children (names), O Lady, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

http://fr-d-serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm


At the end of this webpage, you can also find these additional prayers:

* Prayer of Parents to the Mother of God
* Prayer to the Guardian Angel
* Prayer for Children Who Have Difficulty Learning
* Prayer for Unborn Infants

These are also adaptable for Godparents and Grandparents. Enjoy~

The Results

There are officially two days left of our first survey, "What is the greatest threat facing our Orthodox youth today?" The results have shown an overall consensus of 48% to the Media as the #1 threat, with Parents who feel unqualified as Orthodox Christians themselves falling to second at 29%. Vanity and Body Image came in third with 23% of the votes, and Other Denominations placed last at 14%.

What do you make of the results? Surprised? Maybe not at all? Could the results reflect that we feel most threatened by what we have least control over? Or that the pressures around us sometimes wins instead of what we know to be best for our kids? It's tough...and no one knows that better than parents!

So let's get talking about what we can do, in regards to the Media. To be more specific, we're going to define the media to include television, movies, the internet, and music. This as an opportunity to share our frustrations and even more productive, our methods of combating influences that we may deem harmful. What's your approach? Can you use examples? If this is the biggest threat, how do we counter it?

A Breath of Fresh Air

~
Have you ever noticed there is something about getting outdoors that brings us closer to God? I once heard that there are 3 ways a person can come to believe in God. The first, is through the teaching of another person. The second is by reading, and exposure to Holy Scripture...and the last is simply by being outdoors and taking in the grandeur and glory of God through His creation. For many around the world, in remote places where the Christian faith is still unknown, this is often the way they come to have faith. I think it's because nature puts us back in scale...we somehow understand how small we truly are compared to the giant oak trees and towering mountains, yet our thoughts and small voices never go unheard by God. Today, on my walk, yellow leaves began to gently fall from the sky, surrounding me in a gentle cushion of color...and I never would have noticed unless I got outdoors!

~ So, to all those bound indoors with infants/kids/teens/and busy household chores this week, I encourage you to step out, open the windows of your soul, and breathe in the freshness of the autumn air ~

Our Task

"When we teach our children to be good, to be gentle, and to be forgiving- all attributes of God; to be generous, to love their neighbor, to regard this present age as nothing, we instill virtue in their souls, and reveal the image of God within them. This then is our task: to educate both ourselves and our children in godliness; otherwise what answer will we have before Christ's judgment seat?...

Let us be greatly concerned for our wives and our children and for ourselves as well. The good God Himself will bring this work to perfection, so that all of us may be counted worthy of the blessings He has promised."

- St John Chrysostom

A Year to Remember

Since September marks the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical Year, or cycle of the Church calendar, here's an activity to gear up our youth for another year - the catch is that this time we're going to try and make the 12 Great Feasts memorable. Together you'll be creating a giant calendar and the kids or teens will have the chance to fill it with all sorts of things.

Get started with 12 poster boards and assign small groups /or individuals to work on a month, depending on how many kids you're working with. Ask them to be creative and decorate around the month uniquely. Next, tape these up on the wall, and as the leader, use a highlighter to color-in the days of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church for 2008-09, but leave them unlabelled and call them *BONUS* days.

* September 8: The Nativity of the Theotokos
* September 14: The Exaltation of the Cross
* November 21: The Entrance Into the Temple of the Theotokos
* December 25: The Nativity of Christ
* January 6: The Feast of Epiphany
* February 2: The Presentation of Christ
* March 25: The Annunciation
* April 19: Great & Holy Pascha
* May 28: The Ascension of Christ
* June 7: Holy Pentecost
* August 6: The Transfiguration of Christ
* August 15: The Dormition of the Theotokos

Then begin month by month to ask the group all together for meaningful events to add. When a person suggests something, have them post it to the calendar. Be sure to include everyone's birthday (preferably Nameday's too!) school breaks, secular holidays, etc.

Lastly, introduce your *BONUS* bag, which hopefully will include 12 small paper icons of the 12 Great Feasts inside. Ask for volunteers to draw from the bag, and as a group, try to figure out where on the calendar the Feast goes. Be sure to ask THEM for a short explanation of the feast, and maybe a tip for remembering where it falls in the year.

It's tough, but there are a few tricks to help and always rely on logic! From Christmas, count back 9 full months of Panagia's pregnancy for the Annunciation. Pentecost, coming from the Greek word for 50 happens that many days after Pascha...and Christ has to Ascend first (hint hint) How about the Presentations of both Panagia and Christ - ask the kids if they can figure out how old they may have been from the icons.

To wrap things up - ask the following:

* What do you notice about our calendar?
* Does anything coincide or fall on the same date?
* How about fasting periods with exams at school?

Have fun, and at the end, maybe your group's Secretary can copy the calendar to distribute to everyone, or as gifts, your parish could purchase the Orthodox Planner from www.orthodoxmarketplace.com. For more info on the Great Feasts, visit http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8713.asp I like these books on the Feasts: "Feasts of the Lord: An Introduction to the Twelve Feasts and Orthodox Christology" by Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos and "Incarnate God: The Feasts of Jesus and the Virgin Mary Vol. 1 and 2"

Patterns for Life

A very special Orthodox friend and sister in Christ is making these beautiful cards by hand to support a growing dream for a monastery someday. I hope you will visit her site and consider supporting the effort~

Thank you

Click here to visit Patterns for Life

A Sign

This weekend, for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I share with you this image of the largest fragment of the True Cross of Christ in existence. It is a special treasure of the Xeropotamou Monastery on Mount Athos, in Greece.*

In honor of the feast, let's ask our kids, why the Cross is so very important to us as Christians?

After reading a bit from Elder Cleopa, I am reminded of an event in the Old Testament...Read out loud together Numbers chapter 21. "The LORD said to Moses, 'Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.' So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived." Numbers 21:8-9

The faithful of that generation were offered a sign of hope, and for us today as Christians, we too are given a means for our salvation. For the New Testament fulfillment of this event, read John 3:14-15 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Imagine a real, tangible sign, sanctified by God for us who are in the world amidst so many visuals that tempt our eyes. Ask your kids how they feel when they see the sign of the Cross in public somewhere?

If you are a Christian, you are strengthened,you rejoice, and think of God who offers us the ultimate gift of eternal life. But if you are against Christ, you cringe. To give you a few examples, in the country of Turkey, the Red Cross must be called the "Red Crescent" to avoid any relation to Christianity. Elder Paisios, if I'm not mistaken, said that other countries have banned planes from flying over their lands because of the shadow they cast on the earth below: a cross.

Why? Because this sign is the symbol of the power and the victory of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:18

For Orthodox Christians, the Cross brings forth joyfulnes and regeneration to all who carry it, wear it, or exalt it. May you and your families be filled with encouragement this weekend as the Cross is processed and we chant, "O Lord Save Your People through the Power of Your Cross."

*A smaller fragment of the True Cross of Christ can also be found at the Greek Orthodox Seminary Holy Cross in Boston, MA.

Cold Weather Blankets

If you and your kids/teens are looking for a great hands-on project to occupy a weekend, consider making these very easy fleece blankets. They're a fantastic service project to pass out to homeless folks along the streets as the temperature drops, or donate to another charity of your choice, and the best part is that we get to be creative doing it!

Here are a few easy steps to follow with no sewing required!

• Visit the fabric store with your kids/teens to pick out and purchase fleece. You can vary the design by picking two different colors or patterns. The size of your blanket is up to you.

• To begin, cut two pieces of fleece material, exactly the same size.

• Lay your two pieces of fleece out on a table, back to back.

• At each corner, cut out a four inch square from the edge.

• Next, cut fringes around the entire outer edge of the fabric that are four inches long, one inch wide. You can 'eye-ball' this or use a yardstick for help.

• When you are finished, start at one corner and begin to tie the fringe of the two layers together in a double knot until completing the entire blanket.

* TIP: For a two-colored blanket alternate your knots by passing one fringe under and over, then reverse it for the next knot.

This project can be paired up with an Orthodox lesson as well. We made red & orange blankets to accompany the story of the 3 Holy Youths in the fire; Shadrach, Mishach, and Abendago. When it came time to donate them, our group decided to send them to the Orthodox fire victims in Greece.

To tailor your blankets for a worldwide cause, visit www.iocc.org http://www.orthodoxyouthoutreach.net/ or www.ocmc.org for ideas.

Can anyone crafty out there suggest a way to add-on a Cross, Icon, or Orthodox decal?

Save My Sinful Mother

The Great-martyr Phanurius and Newly Appeared of Rhodes is a fantastic Saint for kids to learn about. Most of us know him for his intercessions when we lose something! But did you know about the great faith he had to pray for the salvation of his mom? What a beautiful son and example for our children. This is a story all kids should hear!

Here is a brief description of his life from www.abbamoses.com

"Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanurius, except that which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly-Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking the Phaneropita ('Phanarius-Cake') as a thank-offering."
  There is a tradition that his mother was a great sinner, and that he was unable to convert her in her lifetime. After her death he prayed more for her salvation than for his own. As he was being stoned to death, he prayed: 'For the sake of these my sufferings, Lord, help all those who will pray to Thee for the salvation of Phanurius' sinful mother.' So, in Egypt, where he is much revered, many Christians pray 'O Lord, save Phanurius' mother and help me, a sinner.'


Phaneropita Recipe

4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup olive oil
1 cup sugar, plus
2 tablespoons sugar
2 oranges, juice and zest of, plus enough extra
2 cups fresh orange juice, in total
1/2 cup brandy or water
1 cup golden raisin
1 cup walnut, roughly chopped, toasted

Directions
* Preheat oven to 350°F.
* Butter and flour a 12-inch, round cake pan or a 9x13x2
* Mix the flour with the spices.
* In a bowl mix the oil, sugar, orange juice, brandy and orange zest.
* Mix well.
* Add the flour, the raisins and the walnuts.
* Mix well.
* Pour batter into prepared pan.
* Bake the Phaneropita for 45 min to an hour
* Insert a toothpick to see if it's ready

Allow to cool and decorate with powdered sugar if you'd like.
The Phaneropita is offered on either the eve of Aug 26 for Vespers, or for the Saints' feastday on August 27th. After the blessing, this special treat is divided for everyone to enjoy.

May our kids someday intercede for our souls with the same fervor!

Interactive Opportunities

There is a new interactive resource online from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America located at http://games.goarch.org/ Click and give this a try with your kids~

The Orthodox Alphabet

In need of a good road trip game or ice breaker for your youth? Try playing the "Orthodox Alphabet Game." This works with all ages and is a creative spin on the traditional game, "I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing with me...apples, bananas, chips, donuts...etc "

Take turns adding to the alphabet something related to our Orthodox faith. Ask each person to repeat the previous letters until the whole alphabet is memorized. Get creative and have fun, without worrying about having the right supplies!

A is for ...? (Altar Boys)
B is for ...? (Beeswax)
C is for...? (Chanter)
D is for ... ?
E is for....Ecumenical Council (yes, one boy really said this!)
F is for... ?
G is for... ? (Great Schism)
H is for... ?
I is for... ? (Icons)
J is for... ?
K is for... ? (St. Katherine)
L is for... ?

Push the envelope by not repeating any answers, and only accept Church related words. Consider the books of the Bible, Orthodox Saints, our history, the Sacraments, liturgical words and even items. Feel free to post your list when you've completed the game, or share your most original answers. If you get stuck, check the comments for a few suggestions!

Prayer Warriors

"The person who belongs to Christ turns everything into prayer" - Elder Porphyrios

The question of today's post is:

How can we form our children to become Prayer Warriors?

Elder Porphyrios approaches the subject by saying, "The children should learn to pray. And in order for children to pray they must have in them the blood of praying parents... It is not sufficient for the parents to be devout. They mustn't oppress the children to make them good by force. We may repel our children from Christ when we pursue the things of our religion with egotism... The secret is to be good and saintly and to inspire and radiate. The life of the children seems to be affected by the radiation of their parents."

I've found these 3 things can make a big difference-

1. Be consistent with prayer times
2. Get the kids involved
3. Show them first, then allow them to imitate you

Also, a project that can be very meaningful is to try a "Family Prayer List" which will offer the children the opportunity to pray for others. This could be as simple as a piece of paper, or you could enjoy decorating and creating something more elaborate with small icons and symbols. Each evening ask the children to add first names only of the people they want to pray for. As Orthodox, you can even include the souls who have reposed on a separate list.

Through this small gesture, we allow God the room to work in their hearts so that our kids come to understand the importance of praying for others more than for themselves. The power of prayer is great, very great, especially when done by many together. Do you remember the freeing of St Peter the Apostle from prison when prayer was made by the Church without ceasing? (Acts 12:5)

Elder Porphyrios said "it is preferable for us to help people from a distance with prayer, because in this way, we help them in the best and most perfect manner."

This post was prompted by the current conflicts in Georgia, Russia, and Serbia where Orthodox Christians, Churches, and Monasteries are being destroyed. Although we may be geographically far from these countries, they must be included on our family prayer lists!

Please don't hesitate to share other ideas for developing "Prayer Warriors"

August 15 Activity

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FeastDay Word Scramble

Click the worksheet for a printable version for your kids & teens

Metamorphosis According to Webster's

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Main Entry: meta·mor·pho·sis
Pronunciation: \ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\
Function: noun
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Etymology: Latin, from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun to transform, from meta- + morphē form. Date: 1533

1a: change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means

1b: a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances

2: a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching
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If you've ever put two and two together, today's feast which we call the Transfiguration in English, is called "H Metamorfosi" in Greek, and what beauty lies within this word. Imagine, for a brief moment, what Saints Peter, James, and John had the opportunity to witness. Without expecting anything, suddenly before them, Christ possibly likened to the average looking catepillar, is transformed into something glorious and radiant, like the butterfly, glowing in the light of the Holy Spirit. As the definition above barely does justice,
"a striking alteration in appearance" happens - unexplainable really, in human words.

Then a voice from within the cloud of light speaks - it is God, the Father bearing witness to His Son. With awe and fear the Apostles fall to the ground, unable to even maintain eye contact. Then as they turn again to look, Christ is transformed back into the catepillar we know so well, as one of us.

Today, the Church calls our attention to the words of Saint Peter in his second epistle, first chapter, so that we don't think in today's terms, that maybe this didn't really happen but instead is some sort of parable. Rather, we read, "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory,saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain."

If we look deeper, we even find the path to our own "metamorphosis" spelled out...

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world..."

From the constraints of the cocoon, we can be set free, no longer as hostages, but rather as inheritors of eternal life in the perfect freedom of His love.

~ I wish you all a blessed feastday! ~

Transfiguration Journey

For this activity, you'll need a few blindfolds, a Bible, an icon of the Transfiguration, and a lot of trust! Our goal is to lead the children or teens on a journey to understanding God better. Remember, Peter, James, and John were still not able to identify Christ as God before the Transfiguration happened on Mt Tabor. We say that their eyes were yet to be illumined...

To begin, consider your surroundings: your home, a park, the Church? Where might you hide the icon of the Transfiguration, so that you can lead the children or teens to it? Can you climb up stairs, while holding hands blindfolded, to simulate ascending Mt Tabor? Can you convince them to trust you, while they are uncertain where you are going, and why? When you arrive at your destination, only then can the blindfolds be removed, hands let go, and the story revealed.

Explain that God had a very important message for the disciples before His crucifixion, just like Moses who climbed Mt Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments. Like them, you have ascended to a high place to learn about Christ. How did it feel trusting the leader? Are they ready to see why they've taken this journey?



Ask one of the children to read out loud Matthew 17:1-9.

Next review the icon together and identify why each person was there: Moses, represents the Jewish Law, Elijah, represents the Prophets, Peter, James and John, represent all those alive in Christ. The Holy Trinity is also present. Can they identify how? The Father speaks, Christ is present both fully divine and human, and the Holy Spirit is the Holy Light surrounding Christ.

Complete the discussion by asking the children to draw out the important lessons they have learned about God. What did He want to teach us?


* That Jesus is fully God and fully Man

* That Jesus is the bridge of the past, present, and future:
by having present Moses, Elijah, and the new disciples

* That God is the Holy Trinity

* That we too can become like Christ, transfigured and
radiant with the Holy Spirit

Along your journey back, chat with the kids/teens about the timing of this event in Christ's life and explain that the Transfiguration happened right before Jesus was to be crucified. For us today, we can feel equipped with the Truth and prepared for the trials ahead of us, as the disciples did entering the Lord's Passion.

Please e-mail eleniemarie@gmail.com if you would like to receive the Word Scramble handout on this lesson or the icon larger which includes the journey up the mountain together and back down.

July 31 - August 1
† Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord (1164)

These next few days are the fulfillment of our "Orthodox Quiz!" On July 31, each year, the actual Holy Cross of Jesus, which had been kept at the imperial palace in Constantinople, would be taken to the altar of Saint Sophia's Cathedral.
Then on August 1, the Holy Cross would be carried around inside the cathedral, and taken through the streets to consecrate the area so that the faithful could venerate the Cross daily until the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on August 15.

The Church also commemorates the Righteous Joseph of Arimathea (1st c.) on July 31. The "noble Joseph" was a secret follower of Christ and a wealthy member of the Jewish Sanhendrin (ruling council); it was he who provided Christ's tomb. When his faith became known he was driven from the Sanhendrin, from the synagogues, and from the Holy Land, and traveled through many lands, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. According to some accounts he eventually reached England, where he reposed in peace.

"Watered-down Orthodoxy is not attractive to youth precisely because it is easy. All human beings understand that only those things which require struggle and effort are worthwhile."

The Challenges of Orthodox Youth Ministry,
by Protopresbyter David Cownie
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/youth_ministry.aspx

Orthodox Pop Quiz

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Here's the first of my new monthly "Orthodox Pop Quizzes"

Who can tell us where the saying and superstition
"Knock on Wood" comes from?

good luck!

Take a Close Look

Since we're on the theme of self-image, and coming to know what it means to be made in God's image....I decided to post one more activity for kids or teens to get them thinking a bit more about being living icons.

Start by gathering reflective objects in your home

Scratched CD's - compact mirrors - spoons - curved glass - metallic vases - platters, etc.

The idea here is to come up with a range of distortions where a face could be flipped, re sized, stretched, or hard to make out because of tarnish, cracks, and stains. If you're a Macintosh user, there is even a setting on the built in camera to play around with these types of funny images.

Next, gather your kids and ask them to pick up the items, observing their own reflections in each. What happens to the way they look? Which item shows them in the worst form and in the truest form? How might these objects be considered like other things in the world that alter our God-given form? (Here is the chance to further the discussion according to the responses.)

Possible examples that might arise:
* not taking care of our bodies
* an over concern for how we look to others
* the altering of our outer beauty through make-up
* the distortion of ourselves through drug and alcohol use
* eating too much or too little
* body piercings and tatoos
* slander and gossip (to damage someone else's image)
* promiscuity (tarnishing our purity in pre-mature relationships)
* a general build-up of everyday sins

Read together this quote from 1 Samuel 16:7

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Discuss together how our Lord intends to purify our souls to be radiant in the world, but many things can get in the way. For each person, the struggle is personal. First and foremost however, each of us is charged with the responsibility to care for God's image within ourselves, as our bodies are the living temple of our Lord. We are united with Him, so whatever we might do to ourselves or to others, we are essentially doing to Him. (I try to emphasize this with teens especially, since too often they inwardly hope a parent or friend will rescue them from a harmful situation, relationship, or decision, when in the end, it must be their own voice that chooses the path of holiness.)

Lastly, use the analogy of a bathroom mirror. Ask the kids what happens to the mirror when we shower?Explain, if this mirror represents our souls, which can become clouded by the things we mentioned above, how will we be able to see God's image in ourselves again, and reflect it to others? How do we clean the crud, build-up, and dirt from our souls?

Our answer is through the Holy Sacrament of Confession. Through God's grace, and the prayers of our spiritual fathers, our souls are wiped clean. But just as the mirror needs frequent attention, so too, does every soul. Therefore, may we be encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the Saints - who were sinners that simply never gave up trying.

Becoming Living Icons

"Christ, be with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me.
Christ is every ear that hears me.

Salvation is of the Lord, Salvation is of the Christ,
May Your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us." Prayer of St Patrikios

It can be difficult today for young people to develop their personhood and understand their self-worth in a world where the rich and famous are given the most attention. This is why for Orthodox Christians, the Saints are our best role models! One creative exercise to boost their confidence or healthy Christian self esteem is to pair them up, and ask them to draw each other's icon.

Each of us is a living icon of Christ, since we bear His image within us. We are becoming saints with a small "s" and strive each day to resemble Christ more and more in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Our tradition of Byzantine iconography is full of rich symbolism and contains within itself a prayerful system of identifying Saints with certain virtues. Do you know the first color layed down in an icon? It is the color of clay or earth, since all are taken from the dust and to the dust we return until the Resurrection. An icon is also written in opposite order than a typical painting, because the darkest layers are put down first, until layer after layer, the light radiates from within the Saint. Lastly, no icon is complete without the name, for God calls each of us by name, as we are written in the Book of Life. So too do we approach the Holy Chalice by name, and are baptised by name.

See the key below, and ask your children to look hard at one another to find the spiritual gifts that they are blessed with. No two icons will come out the same!

Tall Forehead – Wisdom
Cross in Hand – Martyr
Clothed in Armor – Soldier
Holding an Icon – Defender of Icons
Small Lips – Few Words
Bottle of Potion – Medicines
Crown – Royalty
Big Ears – Good Listener
Clothes – Altar Boy, Chanter
Scroll – Writer
With Others– Trial Together
Hand – Resisted Persecutors
Gospel – Teacher of Faith
Animals – Harmony with Nature
White - Purity
Gold – Heaven & Eternity
Blue – Humanity
Red – Divinity
Purple - Royalty

Remember: We're all a work in progress!

If you'd prefer to print and use a prepared hand-out for this activity,click here

Orthodoxy & Evolution

If your teenagers or children are enrolled in public school, chances are, they're learning about evolution - and more specifically, that we, as humans, evolved from apes, monkeys, and chimps. What is your response as parents? Does this discussion arise in your homes? Yesterday, on our visit to the Zoo, I was discussing this with an 11 year old boy, from a devout Orthodox family...but, he was pretty convinced that this "theory" he learned in school was factual. Here are a few ways to tackle the challenge:

1. If monkeys evolved into humans, why are there still monkeys in the world? It doesn't make sense that some monkeys would become human over time but not all of them.

2. If humans were once monkeys, who do we say our Lord, Jesus Christ was and is? Was He too once a monkey?

(This is crazy and quite blasphemous, but should get the point across) The answer is, of course not! Jesus became man, like us, while remaining fully God. In this way, He shows us what it means to be perfect and made in God's image without sin, revealing to us our potential to share in His holiness.

The animals, although created by God for man, were not made in the image and likeness of God. Rather, as St Basil writes in his Oration on Creation, we are called to work in harmony with the animals, with love and thankfulness for the assistance they provide us. For example, there is a reason a horse can run faster than us, or that animals have fur for the winter, and claws for food. We need them, as they need us. For more examples, look at the lives of St Gerasimos and the Lion, St Herman of Alaska and the bear, or St Mamas the lover of animals. You might be surprised to discover experiences of deer entering the Church, birds singing the Divine Liturgy, and a lion who appeared to bury St Mary of Egypt.

Lastly, our rich Orthodox tradition teaches that before the fall, the animals lived without fear of man, aggression against one another, or violence. It was only after the fall that man witnessed animals scurrying away from them. Even so, we can find God's all-powerful authority over His creation and in return, the obedience of the animals to Him, through examples like Jonah and the whale, David and the Lions, Christ and His choice donkey, and God's taming of the animals at the feet of our Orthodox martyrs during their sufferings.

*Clarification* Yes, it is true, the world and its state continues to evolve, adapt and change. Man arrives at new theories, various species are being discovered and cloned, and medicines developed. However, to Orthodox Christians, God is central to the equation, always, as Creator and Lord. Our anthropology, or understanding of the human, is defined by Christ and perfected in Christ alone. We understand who we are, by understanding who He is.

Hide and Seek

The Crypto-Christians once hid for their life underground, and had to secretly celebrate the Divine Liturgy.* In this version of "Hide and Seek" ask your kids/teens to do the same, while you hunt them down as the "Persecutor of Christians." Whoever is found could be put to trial, may be asked if they believe in Christ, and could face the threat of death if they do not renounce their faith. A variation we played was whoever was caught had to help catch others!

*Early persecutions of Christians lasted until Saint Constantine the Great issued his "Edict of Milan," shortly after A.D. 312, and proclaimed freedom of religion throughout the Empire. However, Christians met again the threat of death under such ruling forces as the Turks in Asia Minor and Communism in many countries.

Calling All Witnesses

“Therefore I will be brought to trial before you again, says the Lord; and I will be brought to trial before your children's children." (Jeremiah)

An excellent activity to introduce our children and teenagers to the lives of the Orthodox Christian Martyrs is through a mock trial. This activity is one they'll never forget! Read together a few examples, like the story of the 40Martyrs of Sebaste, the stoning of St Stephen the first-martyr, or the fierce persecutions initiated by the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, where eyewitnesses describe the trial of a group of Christians in a town in North Africa. Of particular interest in this final example are the testimonies of two Christian martyrs, Saturninus and his son Felix, who defend their participation in readings from Holy Scripture and the Eucharist. (A.D. 304)

Assign Characters
• Judge (parent or adult)
• The Accused
• Defense Lawyers
• Prosecutors
• Witnesses to be called to stand
• Jurors (3-4)
• Court Reporter to announce case
• Audience

Premise
One of your friends/siblings is on trial and is accused of being a Christian during a time when Christianity was illegal. What evidence will prove that he/she is a believer, what evidence will be used against her/him? For example, has someone witnessed this person serve in the altar, make the sign of the cross, or light a candle? How can you help to defend your friend? What could be the consequences if your friend is convicted? Who makes the ultimate decision? Is there another chance?

Outline of Trial
1. Bring Session to order
2. Opening argument from both sides
3. Call first witness to stand
4. First questioning, Cross Examination, Rebuttal
5. Call next witness, repeat…
6. Presentation of evidence
7. Final witness & questioning
8. Call “The Accused” to the stand
9. Closing argument
10. Jury is dismissed
11. Judge’s deliberation
12. Sentencing

Conclusion
Wrap up the activity by discussing the trial. How did the different characters feel?What was most difficult? Was the final ruling just? (As the judge, you can make explain that often clients ask for justice - but what they really want is mercy. However, mercy is something a court has no right to give them. The only One who has the right to give mercy is God.) Lastly, discuss the miracles that our Lord has worked through the faith of the Christian Martyrs and through their relics. Look together at various icons that contain smaller martyrdom scenes.

Orthodox Music for Kids

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This post is in honor of all the brave souls who have recorded their voices for the rest of us to enjoy! We have so many Orthodox CD's out there, from all jurisdictions...which are your family's favorites? I've found folksongs, along with more traditional feast-day hymns. The recording from the Makarios Seminary in Kenya -has always been a favorite of mine. The Africans sing with great joy to the beat of a drum in Swahili, Greek, and English. The Eikona sisters have put out great hymns in English, and "Panagia with Us All" includes the Jesus Prayer put to song as well as "O Heavenly King" - Glory to God for such resources! Please post your reviews too.

A Heavy Load

One small way of making the Sacrament of Confession real for kids, is by having them feel the weight of our own sinfulness! (This was tested on teens and proved to be powerful). Without giving away the punchline, ask your kids to pair up (girls with girls, boys with boys)having one hold the other in a piggy-back fashion. Read out loud together a spiritual text on Confession or story from a Saint's life for approx. 5-10 minutes. Check in often with the child bearing the weight- ask him/her how they're feeling....how much longer do they think they can go on.... is the weight getting lighter or heavier as they get tired?

(For younger children, use a backpack and heavy items that are labeled with example sins. Discuss each sin as it is placed inside)

Finally, read out loud the "Prayer of Absolution" that the priest reads at the end of the Sacrament of Confession, and allow the kids to take their seats...thus releasing their burden. Introduce the idea that the weight we carry around can be our sins. What does it mean to be a sinner? What are examples of sins? (To keep a secret, lie or steal, or by doing something wrong without apologizing, to disobey our parents, use profanity, or speak bad about others)

Remember, only Christ was without sin - Discuss the medicine that the Church offers to all who desire to be healed through the Sacrament of Confession. Go one step further to ask if anyone has been to Confession and can share their experience... Lastly, schedule a time for each child/teen to confess.

Ten Spiritual Tools for Confession

1. Tune in by sitting alone with God.

2. Still yourself in silence and clear your thoughts from any daily tasks.

3. Read the prayers to warm up your attention to God.
I have sinned, Lord, forgive me. +God, be gracious to me a sinner.

4. Ask God to open your heart and reveal to you the things to confess.

5. Honesty takes courage. Approach with boldness in Christ.

6. Resist any embarrassment during the Sacrament.

7. Don't let shame get in the way from receiving God’s love.
Run to Him.

8. Don't be sorry that you are a sinner.
This should be of no surprise to you.

9. If you have sadness, be sorry that you have hurt God.

10. Seek to sin no more, not because you expect perfection from
yourself, but rather because you no longer desire to hurt yourself or God.

After Confession Prayer
+Almighty and merciful God, I truly thank you for the forgiveness of my sins; bless me, Lord, and help me always, that I may ever do that which is pleasing to you, and sin no more. Amen.”

Around the Globe

As a global Orthodox project, I recorded fellow classmates from an Orthodox seminary chanting "Lord Have Mercy" in the their native languages. With a large map, I ask the children to identify the country of origin and language for each track... together we try to learn 10 new languages!

Click here for the International Vespers Service we put together.

(Swahili) Bwana Hurumia

(Albanian) Meshiro o Zot

(Arabic) Yarrub Burham

(Kenyan) Mwanthani Igua Tha

(Greek) Kurie Eleison

(Slavonic) Ghospodi Pomiliu

(Spanish) Senor Ten Piedad

(Romanian) Doam Neme Lueshte

Activities to Get You Started

One reason for beginning this site is to create a public forum for Orthodox resources, that are free and theologically sound in their teaching. Many materials and ideas never make it to be published, however, they can be used and adapted according to your needs NOW - not tomorrow, or next year. So, without delay, here are two activities in various age levels -


Pre-K to 5th: Show & Tell
Using a handout complete with pictures of objects from the Altar, ask your local priest to invite the kids for an afternoon of hands-on learning. Have each child pick an item to touch, smell, and see close-up while discussing its name and function. Children can approach the Royal Gates to find the item from the handout, and wait on the Solea together to pass it around. At the end, conduct a quiz all together to see who can remember the names of the items!

Click Here for the Altar Game Handout


6th to 12th Grade: Tune In

Select ten songs to burn on a CD that range in genre to include the following: rap, techno, classical, jazz, a Church hymn...and one song to simply be "silence." Using the handout, ask teens to listen to each song as it is played and write down the way it makes them feel using the list of emotions from the handout. Openly discuss how music effects us and our soul - do we become sad, angry, pumped-up, flirty, peaceful... which songs do we feel closest to God, loving to our neighbors, or most influenced by? Which songs do we know the words to as opposed to others?

Click Here for the Tune In Pop Music Activity Handout