Passing on traditions to the next generation

Posted on Feb 5, 2012 | 1 comment

Six kids gather around the kitchen counter in giddy anticipation of scooping flour, pouring water, watching yeast bubble, sinking their small hands into bread dough, and pushing the stamp down deep into the dough. Would it be easier for me to make the prosphora all by myself?  Yes.  Would it be faster if I didn’t have six pairs of hands begging to have their turn pouring, stirring, and kneading?  Yes.  But…memories are being formed. Techniques are being taught.  Traditions are being passed down.

Relaunch of OCN’s Blog

Posted on Feb 2, 2012 | 4 comments

OCN‘s (Orthodox Christian Network) blog just underwent changes and relaunched The Sounding yesterday.  I was invited about a month ago to be a guest writer for the blog as part of this relaunch.  I initially accepted the offer and then later had to turn it down.  On Monday, three separate people (who coincidentally don’t know each other) nudged and encouraged me to go ahead and write for The Sounding now instead of later this year.  I’ve always found writing therapeutic and an event earlier this week supplied the content of my first post for The Sounding titled A Mother’s Heartache - which is scheduled to be published on Monday, February 6, 2012.  Join me on The Sounding as I contribute once a month with many other talented Orthodox writers.

The Sounding Promo Video

Idea Corner

Posted on Dec 12, 2011 | Comments Off

These are some ideas I’ve accumulated in notebooks over the years.  I’ve jotted down possible lessons and activities as they’ve popped into my head. Some of them I’ve brought into fruition and some I’m still waiting to find the time to complete.  I’m sharing them with all of you to spark your imaginations or to ask you to share with the rest of us how you’ve done these in your own parishes and homes.

My First Visit to Antiochian Village

Posted on Nov 8, 2011 | 4 comments

I lovingly kissed each of my kids on the cheek before reminding them to be good for grandma and grandpa and then pulled my suitcase behind me as I walked out the front door.  A weekend of fellowship with other Orthodox church school teachers awaited me in Pennsylvania.  As much as I would miss my kids, I was equally excited about the conference I was attending.

This I Believe

Posted on Oct 12, 2011 | Comments Off

Guest Post by Sarah Collier:

Sarah is currently a student at Hellenic College in Boston, MA.

I’m four; I believe there’s a monster under my bed who will surely eat me if given the chance. I’m seven; I believe animals talk amongst themselves when no one is around, and that fairies hide in the tangles of strawberry vines that grow against the back wall of my house. I’m nine; I believe that terrorists will come from far away to kill my family and friends and I don’t know why. I’m fourteen; I believe that all of our fears are lies, invented and perpetuated by people with power in order to control us. I’m eighteen; I’m not entirely sure what to believe.

Does Being Eco-Friendly Apply to Our Orthodox Christian Lives?

Posted on Aug 31, 2011 | 5 comments

We gaze out a window and watch in wonder at the beauty of droplets of rain falling from the clouds above as they quench the thirsty earth below.  We find ourselves nurturing our tender, fragile seedlings as they grow ever larger in our spring gardens and anxiously await the summer and fall bounty.  We are consumed with the awe and wonder of a newborn baby cradled in our arms.  We go for a hike through a wooded area and stop to marvel at a bellowing waterfall.  How does any of this apply to our day-to-day lives as Orthodox Christians?  These are just a few of the many wonders and beauties of God’s Creation.  All of us are called to be stewards of God’s Creation but how do we answer this calling?

Keep an Eye on These Sites

Posted on Aug 25, 2011 | 2 comments

Some days you need a little inspiration, an idea, or a connection with another like-minded Orthodox Christian.  One of the ideal places to find this is in your local parish but we also have communication abilities today unlike at any other time in history to aid us in our journey – especially for the isolated person or family in rural areas.  There are a plethora of great Orthodox sites available to you at the click of a mouse or tap of a key and I’d like to point out a few to you.

Crafts for Orthodox Youth: Saint John the Baptist

Posted on Jul 27, 2011 | Comments Off

This series of crafts were used during our arts and crafts time with our campers at our metropolis Orthodox summer camp this summer. Our campers were divided into three groups:  Juniors (ages 8-10), Intermediates (ages 11-13), and Seniors (ages 14-18). The Juniors and Intermediates really enjoyed eating a snack while listening to a daily story – especially since they were usually coming from a field activity and this gave them an opportunity to sit and relax for a minute before beginning the craft.

Crafts for Orthodox Youth: Saint Photini

Posted on Jul 26, 2011 | Comments Off

This series of crafts were used during our arts and crafts time with our campers at our metropolis Orthodox summer camp this summer. Our campers were divided into three groups:  Juniors (ages 8-10), Intermediates (ages 11-13), and Seniors (ages 14-18). The Juniors and Intermediates really enjoyed eating a snack while listening to a daily story – especially since they were usually coming from a field activity and this gave them an opportunity to sit and relax for a minute before beginning the craft.

Crafts for Orthodox Youth: Saint Herman of Alaska

Posted on Jul 25, 2011 | Comments Off

This series of crafts were used during our arts and crafts time with our campers at our metropolis Orthodox summer camp this summer. Our campers were divided into three groups:  Juniors (ages 8-10), Intermediates (ages 11-13), and Seniors (ages 14-18). The Juniors and Intermediates really enjoyed eating a snack while listening to a daily story – especially since they were usually coming from a field activity and this gave them an opportunity to sit and relax for a minute before beginning the craft.