Building or Puffing?
In this age with its emphasis on self-esteem, we may have trouble sorting out words that build up the body of Christ from remarks that merely puff up.
View ArticleGood Deed Advent Wreath
Having grown up Catholic, I have always loved the tradition of the Advent wreath. So, when I converted to Orthodoxy, I was happy to find an Orthodox version of the Advent wreath. We light ours and do...
View Article8 Orthodox Books to read with Our Children Before Christmas
Here are some phenomenal resources for us to read to our children during December:
View ArticleNativity Fast Activities for Children
As we approach Christmas, it’s so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the feast the way the secular world celebrates it that we can easily become completely and totally distracted. After all,...
View ArticleSt. Nicholas Gold Ornaments
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra and Lycea. This popular saint performed many miracles and helped many people during his life. He saved the people of Myra from famine. He protected...
View ArticleThe Church, Education, and pro-life
A recent WHO report had the following statements: In low- and middle-income countries, complications from pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death among girls aged 15-19 years. … About 16...
View ArticleMeeting of the Lord: Candle Project (VIDEO)
On February 2, we'll be celebrating the Meeting (Presentation) of the Lord in the Temple. This day is also sometimes referred to as Candlemas (which I love) because on this day prayer candles are...
View Article3 Simple Steps to Enriching Your Orthodox Church School Classroom
As a teacher myself, I often find I adapt ideas for my classroom (in a school setting or my home) from inspiration found from other teachers, parents, and clergy. Many of us gravitate to certain...
View ArticleSt. Patrick Stained-Glass Shamrock
Is your green ready? I remember loving St. Patrick's day as a child. My younger sister and I would wear pajamas with green in them the night before to prevent any early morning pinching! A day when...
View ArticleThe Ladder of Divine Ascent: For Children
On the fourth Sunday of Lent we celebrate St. John Climacus, who wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent. This is quite a hefty work, which even adults may find intimidating. However, it offers a useful...
View ArticleWhat is Orthodox Education?
It is common these days to see Orthodox church school teachers tweaking lessons, activities, and curricula from Catholic and Protestant resources for their own classrooms. Yes, there are some...
View ArticlePentecost Tongues of Flame Craft (VIDEO)
In two short weeks, we will be celebrating Pentecost. This is one of my parish's patronal feast days, so it's a pretty big deal for us, and I love celebrating it. One of my biggest pet peeves of...
View ArticleTransfiguration: It's All about Change
Transfiguration is a mighty big word for little minds to grasp. Add to that the fact that this feast is tucked away in the Dormition Fast, and it is easy for kids to pass over it without appreciating...
View ArticleElevation of the Cross Prayer Beads (VIDEO)
On September 14, we will be celebrating the Elevation of the Cross, and by celebrating I mean fasting. For this is one of two feast days which we actually commemorate with fasting. Just what are we...
View ArticleTeaching the Ten Commandments
I realized the other day that I've never sat down with my children and taught them about the Ten Commandments. Oh, we've talked about the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto...
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