The Little Way of A Pilgrim

I love the Russian classic The Way of the Pilgrim, so I was excited to get a copy of this new children's book based on the classic. The Little Way of a Pilgrim presents a modern young pilgrim in his Chuck Taylor tennis shoes asking the same question, "what does it mean to pray without ceasing?" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) He travels down the road, asking the people he meets if they can teach him about ceaseless prayer. When the monk teaches him the Jesus Prayer, he is overjoyed and begins his practice. He is filled with gratitude and joy. 

The book doesn't attempt to retell the story exactly, but clearly refers to passages from the classic. Older children might enjoy reading more of the encounters told in the original. This picture book offers younger children a similar sense of watching this wanderer search and grow in a life-long quest for prayer and love for Christ.

I'm always particular about illustrations, and I just adore these by Diana-Elena Popescu. My daughter enjoyed the animals and tiny details. We both appreciated Jennifer Anna Rich's child-friendly language, that wasn't overly flowery. 

In the end, it led to a nice conversation about prayer ropes and the Jesus Prayer. My 8 year old daughter was aware of both, but it seemed to illustrate their purpose and practice more clearly. She doesn't have a prayer rope of her own, but now would like one. Seems like a nice way to begin Lent! 

I received a review copy of The Little Way of a Pilgrim from Ancient Faith. 

5 Beautiful Things You Might Not Know About Lent

A few years ago, I wrote about why I love celebrating Lent and Easter. I focused on baskets and eggs and all the things that usually get called pagan. But those things are just the tip of the iceberg. Today I wanted to share 5 things you may not know about Lent, that I think make the season really beautiful (and still totally Christian).

1. Its not just about fasting.
Fasting gets a lot of attention, but it means nothing if not coupled with prayer and almsgiving. Together these three pillars of piety draw us into proper relationship with God (prayer), ourselves (fasting), and our neighbor (almsgiving). (Orthodoxwiki, The Theology of Giving)

And for the record, fasting isn't just about self-denial. Its an exercise. Exercise is hard and hurts in the beginning, but in the end it makes you stronger and sometimes even feels good. 

"What will fasting do for you? Don’t expect quick results, but over the years it will help get your ego out of the way. Fasting will help you gain control over the desires for self-will and immediate self-gratification. Fasting will unite you with Christ who sacrificed himself for you, with the many hungry people in the world, and with 250 million Orthodox Christians in every land with whom you are keeping the Fast." - Father Bill Olnhausen

2. The Prayer of St. Ephraim.
This beautiful prayer is added to our daily personal prayers and included in many of our Lenten services. It was written by a 4th century Syrian monk and poet, and is a summary of what we're working towards during Lent. It is said with prostrations in reverence before God, also reminding us of our baptism and that we fall and get up again. (Wikipedia, Prayer of St. Ephraim)

"O Lord and Master of my life, take from me a spirit of despondency, sloth, love of power, and idle talk. (prostration)

But give to me, your servant, a spirit of sober-mindedness, humility, patience, and love. (prostration)

Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, since you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. (prostration)"

3. Almsgiving.
The fathers have a lot to say on almsgiving, especially during the fast. These are some of my favorite thoughts:

"When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor." - St. Basil the Great  

"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him.If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers and sisters? May He who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us." - St. John Chrysostom

Here are two worthwhile efforts to support this Lent. Our local Little Free Pantry distributes food for free to anyone with a need year round. And the Orthodox Mission in Kenya currently needs a new well for their orphanage.


4. Forgiveness Vespers
Orthodox Lent doesn't have an Ash Wednesday. For us, the beginning of Lent is the Vespers service for Clean Monday that includes the rite of Forgiveness. At the end of the service, we go through a kind of receiving line, in which each person in the parish bows and asks forgiveness of every other person, "Forgive me, a sinner." Each person replies with, "God forgives, and I forgive." It is both humbling and healing as you stand before your priest, your child, your best friend, and the person you had a disagreement with last week. With each person you realize what grudges you may beholding, or what offenses you might have caused - and then you forgive and are forgiven.

So we begin this season of repentance together with our loved ones, with a clean slate. The whole first week is sometimes called Clean Week. We clean out our pantries as we start the fast, we go to a lot of services (with a lot of prostrations), and we are forgiven. Its a really good way to start Lent.



5. St. Mary of Egypt

Towards the end of Lent, we have an evening service in which we read the Life of St. Mary of Egypt. St. Mary was a 6th century ascetic who lived a life of extreme repentance in the desert, and so we consider her example during Lent. Because she lived after bible times, most protestants will be unfamiliar with her life - but it is valuable for us to see the way the Gospel continues to sanctify people who turn to Christ beyond the book of Acts. We can't all flee to the desert for 47 years, but we can take comfort that God is close to the penitent. You can read the Life of St. Mary of Egypt here, or a summary here.  Click on the printable to the left for a kids comic version.

May this Lent lead you to the power of the cross and the joy of the open tomb. Blessed Fast!

Why do Orthodox Christians Have Prayer Corners? Infographic!

For your friends, who wonder what's up with that weird corner over there?

"Rejoice always."

I used to have the prayer, "Lord of all pots and pans and things," in my kitchen window, but last week after re-reading an old post from Glory to God for All Things, I replaced my dish-washing meditation with this verse:

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - I Thess 5:16-18

Fr. Stephen explains, "The underlying message of modern pietism in its various forms (including Orthodox) is that there is nothing wrong with us that the right choices and right rewards will not fix. All that is needed is right information. But this is not the teaching of the Christian faith." And later: "St. Paul doesn’t endorse slavery, but he recognizes that many will have no choice. If you have a choice, 'Use it!' he says. But for many who will have no choice, he suggests something else: 'Do not be concerned about it.'"

So we begin again!

Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

We've been talking about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this week. Here's what we're up to:

Our table centerpiece

We made a similar centerpiece a few years ago, and so I thought we'd do it again this year. I pulled out stuff that could represent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving like this cardboard icon on a popsicle stick and a candle (prayer), mixed dried beans (fasting), coins (almsgiving). I also included a flower pot with sand, and a little vase - and I just talked about the three things we do during Lent and let the kids put the centerpiece together however they like. They added the purple flowers for a little beauty and joy. I ask them every few days, "What three things does this remind us to do?"

We have plans for the kids lenten prayer and fasting, so I decided to make a plan for almsgiving, as well. I gave them each a piece of paper divided into 6 sections for the 6 remaining weeks of Lent (we didn't get organized for clean week). Then I asked them to think of at least one act of kindness they could do each week for different people. They spent some time thinking and drawing in their plans. When they were finished, we talked about giving in secret, and folded the papers in half to keep their plans private. They've been excited about their secret plans, and keep checking to see what their supposed to be doing this week.

I drew this little diagram to teach them about the three legged-stool of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and then later scanned it and made a fancy little gif. :)

Prayer corner

Prayer of a Student Bookmarks

We started our first official day of homeschool yesterday. We've been homeschooling all along, but now that I have a first grader, we're actually registered and taking our studies a little more seriously. I've been wavering in my commitment to homeschool for the last few years, so this is a big leap for me. But so far, so good! One day at a time.

We needed some bookmarks for all of the many books we're using, and I also wanted to learn the "Prayer of a Student"to add to our morning prayers. So, two birds, five bookmarks! [er, so to speak] Printable bookmarks are below.

I'll be the one using these most of the time, but I can see these being really useful for older students who go to school and want to pray. Print and cut along the light gray line. No need to scale to fit for the printer. Here is the text of the prayer:

Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.

A Guide to the Orthodox Life

This marvelous book by Fr. David Cownie and Pres. Juliana Cownie introduces the practical aspects of Orthodoxy brought into the life of the family with chapters on Daily Life, Church Ettiquette and the Orthodox Cycle of Life. It includes practical instructions such as maintaining an oil lamp as well as the theological meaning of our actions like the sign of the cross. You can purchase the book through amazon, or print it for free from the the links generously provided by the Orthodox Information Center. 

Below is an excerpt from Daily Life, about the sign of the cross:

Because the Sign of the Cross has such a powerful effect on demonic powers, people often experience a sense of self–consciousness when attempting to make it. Our weak flesh also rebels against outward manifestations of faith. But this can be overcome quite easily, if we only strive to train ourselves and come to understand the tremendous power of the Cross, in which, Saint Paul tells us, we should glory. 

To make the Sign of the Cross, we place the thumb and the first and second fingers of our right hand together, representing the Three Persons or Hypostases of the Holy Trinity. Next, we fold the fourth and fifth fingers against our palm, representing the two Natures of Christ, Who came down from Heaven to the earth, in order to save mankind. Holding our right hand in this way, we touch the tips of the three fingers to our forehead, our abdomen, the right shoulder, and the left shoulder. We then put
our hand down to the side of our body. 

Properly executed—and one should be careful to make it slowly and with care—the Sign of the Cross has tremendous spiritual power. This is because we are not only affirming our faith in Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross at Golgotha, but confirming our belief in the Holy Trinity and the Human and Divine Natures of Christ, that is, the basic dogmas of the Orthodox Faith.

And from Church Ettiquette, this beautiful quote is included from St. John of Kronstadt on the lighting of candles in church:

The candles burning on the altar represent the non–created light of the Trinity, for the Lord dwells in an unapproachable light. They also represent the fire of Divinity which destroys our ungodliness and sins. The candles lit before the icons of the Saviour signify that He is the True Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9); at the same time, He is a Fire which engulfs and revives our souls and bodies. 

The candles lit before the icons of the Theotokos are a symbol of the fact that she is the Mother of the Unapproachable Light, and also of her most pure and burning love for God and her love for mankind.  

The candles lit before icons of saints reflect their ardent love for God for Whose sake they gave up everything that man prizes in life, including their very lives, as did the holy Apostles, martyrs, and others. These candles also mean that these saints are lamps burning for us and providing light for us by their own saintly living, their virtues and their ardent intercession for us before God through their constant prayers day and night. The burning candles also stand for our ardent zeal and the sincere sacrifice we make out of reverence and gratitude to them for their solicitude on our behalf before God.

O Gladsome Light / Phos Hilarion printable

"Phos Hilaron (Φως Ιλαρόν) is an ancient Christian hymn originally written in Koine Greek. The hymn is known in English as 'Hail Gladdening Light,' or 'O Gladsome Light.' It is the earliest known Christian hymn, recorded outside of the Bible, that is still being used today. The hymn is featured in the Vespers of the Orthodox Church." - orthodoxwiki

Lord Have Mercy On Me

This printable was made after listening to a nice podcast on the relationship between the words for mercy (eleison) and oil (elaion). Be sure to listen to the podcast for fuller explanations, but I thought this could be a great teaching aid.

Also, you can watch clips from The Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer below or get a copy of the DVD here.

Evlogetaria for the Dead

This hymn is terribly beautiful, both repentant and communal. It is fitting today as we American Orthodox remember Fr. Peter. 

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

The choir of Saints has found the source of life and the door of Paradise; may I too find the way through repentance; I am the lost sheep, call me back, O Saviour, and save me.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

You Holy Martyrs, who proclaimed the Lamb of God, and like lambs were slain, and have been taken over to the unending life which knows no ageing, plead with him to grant us abolition of our debts.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

All you who trod in life the hard and narrow way; all you who took the Cross as a yoke, and followed me in faith, come, enjoy that heavenly rewards and crowns which I have prepared for you.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

I am an image of your ineffable glory, though I bear the marks of offences; take pity on your creature, Master, and with compassion cleanse me; and give me the longed-for fatherland, making me once again a citizen of Paradise.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

Of old you formed me from nothing and honoured me with your divine image, but because I transgressed your commandment, you returned me to the earth from which I was taken; bring me back to your likeness, my ancient beauty.

Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

Give rest, O God, to your servants, and settle them in Paradise, where the choirs of the Saints and all the Just shine out like beacons; give rest to your servants who have fallen asleep, overlooking all their offences.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Let us devoutly hymn the threefold light of the one Godhead as we cry: Holy are you, the Father without beginning, the Son likewise without beginning and the divine Spirit; enlighten us who worship you in faith, and snatch us from the everlasting fire.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages amen.

Hail, honoured one, who bore God in the flesh for the salvation of all; through you the human race has found salvation; through you may we find Paradise, O pure and blessed Mother of God.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, O God

Prayer and Art

from Scott Cairns podcast on Vocation, Poetry and Prayer.

"Less as a means as expressing what they already know and more of a process by which they come to apprehend what they do not know. Perhaps what they can never exactly know, but what in exhilarating joy they come to suspect. It is therefore very misleading for us to talk of literary writing in terms of expression.... the process must be understood primarily as a way to see." 

"If this disposition of Prayer as expression, or worse as petition merely, is all we know of the matter, ...we have yet to begin." 

photo by Mat. Ann

"The pursuit of art becomes worthless when it is reduced to being the expression of what you know or what you think you know. I want to insist that the pursuit of art becomes a vocation only when it is understood as a discipline, a devotion to a way. the medium of language or sound or pigment or clay or fabric, the stuff of your art, the devotion to a medium a craft whose pursuit leads the artist into making something worthy of attention... something worthy of repeated attention." 

 "The poetic however is necessarily something else: it is an occasion of immediate and observed, which is to say present presence, it is an occasion of ongoing generative agency." 

"The poetic then: the presence and activity of inexhaustible indeterminate enormity apprehended in a discrete space... It is poetic to the extent that it occasions further generation, that it bears fruit." 

"Like the holy mysteries then, the poetic is involved in communication, but not in the sense that that word has become misunderstood as the unidirectional distribution of information, rather in the sense that something of each communicant is imparted to the other, and necessarily in the sense that new creation is the desired result. Like the holy mysteries then the poetic, is utterly involved with presence, not merely its history but also its currency and its continuing life giving current."

(While Lu was writing her alphabet at the table next to me. She heard his introduction where he says in his youth he wanted to be a good writer. "Oh, did he say good writer? Is he talking to me? I'm being a good writer!" "Yes, yes you are!" I looked at her beautifully crafted letters and wondered at who she will be.)