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.

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.