“For today I see equality of honor between heaven and earth, and a way for all those below to things above, matching the condescension of those on high. However great the heaven of heavens may be, or the upper waters which form a roof over the celestial regions, or any heavenly place, state, or order, they are by no more … Read More
Emotions and Worship
If there is any criticism we get from non-Orthodox Christians (and on occasion from some Orthodox Christians as well), it is that we seem so stoic in worship; there is no spontaneity in our liturgy. We read from a book when we celebrate a service and we read from the same book, week after week. We sing from prepared texts … Read More
Sesame Street and its Impact on Learning Inside and Outside the Church
The upcoming live stream slated to be held on December 30, 2018 will focus on the topic, “Why can’t Church be more fun?” We cannot discuss this without looking at the impact the show Sesame Street has had — and still has — on our lives today. Since the show made its debut in November 1969, several generations of people … Read More
Family Prayer: One Other Option
As I looked at the outlines in last week’s reflection, I realized that some families may want to observe morning and evening prayers as an individual rule. Therefore, I am offering another option that could be offered daily before or after dinner. Begin with “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers…” Trisagion Prayers, the Lord’s Prayer Short reading of Saint … Read More
“The Family Prayer Rule” — A Starting Point
I would like to offer the following as a possible “Family Prayer Rule” for daily use. It is a simple outline, as a prayer rule is similar to an accordion — one may keep it short and condensed, or one may add more by stretching it out. In any instance, it is better to be consistent than to shoot for … Read More
Dealing with Death and Your Children
Last week, the Diocese of the Midwest had to deal with the sad and tragic repose of one of our Protodeacons and his Matushka. They were found murdered in their home last Sunday, November 11. What do we do when something like this happens? For that matter, what do we do when our children have to deal with a tragic … Read More
Acts of Growth, Dependence, and Independence: How do you know your child is ready to choose to go to church without parental dictate?
In the past few weeks, I have attempted to demonstrate that decision-making, skill mastery, and the freedom to act is a process that begins early in life and continues throughout childhood and into adolescence. So at what point should one allow one’s child to decide whether or not to go to church on his or her own? I think it … Read More
Acts of Growth, Dependence and Independence Under the Age of Seven
The ages of 12 to 15 often see a reemergence of the struggles between parents and their children that are comparable to the so-called “terrible twos.” Battles of control and independence are common during this time as teens seek greater freedom from their parents and may rebel against limits that have been placed on their behavior. Yet teens are not … Read More
Acts of Growth, Dependence and Independence Under the Age of Seven
The ages of 12 to 15 often see a reemergence of the struggles between parents and their children that are comparable to the so-called “terrible twos.” Battles of control and independence are common during this time as teens seek greater freedom from their parents and may rebel against limits that have been placed on their behavior. Yet teens are not … Read More