What was the name of the well?
Answer: Jacob’s Well
What did Jesus ask the woman to do? Answer:
To give him a drink of water
When Jesus said that a person will never thirst again if they drink from the water that he gives them, was he talking about actual water?
Answer: Not exactly - He was using water as a kind of symbol, a metaphor

Activity

Jesus is the Lord and Savior of all people. During His life on earth, He talked to and showed love to everyone, not just other men, not just other Jews, not just other adults, not just other healthy people.

Think of a person in your daily life who you don’t have much in common with. It could be an older relative, a worker at the grocery store, or a neighbor you don’t know well. Is it hard to talk to him or her? Do you think you could find a way to start a conversation this week? If that sounds like too much, maybe you can just smile and say hello!

Middle school

Discussion questions

What was the name of the well?
Answer: Jacob’s Well
What did Jesus ask the woman to do?
Answer: To give him a drink of water
Why was this surprising?
Answer: Because Jesus was a Jew and she was Samaritan, and their groups didn’t normally interact
When Jesus said that a person will never thirst again if they drink from the water that he gives them, was he talking about actual water?
Answer: Not exactly — He was using water as a metaphor
What would happen if they drink it?
Answer: They would have eternal life
After encountering Christ, the woman shared the news and many Samaritans became believers. Do you share the things that Christ does for you?
Answer: various answers

Action item for the week

This week, whenever you are hungry or have a craving for something, practice saying a short prayer before eating. It’s easy to focus on our physical hunger and thirst, but remember this Gospel lesson and the importance of attending to our spiritual needs as well.

High school

Discussion questions

Why was it controversial for Jesus to ask the Samaritan woman for a drink?
Answer: Because Jesus was a Jew and she was Samaritan, and their groups didn’t normally interact
What did Jesus say about the water that he can offer?
Answer: "...but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
What did he mean by this?
Answer: That he is offering eternal life to those who followed him
Why did the disciples marvel that Jesus was speaking to her?
Answer: At that time, it was uncommon and frowned upon for a man to speak to a woman
After this, why did many Samaritans become believers in Christ?
Answer: When the woman went into the city, she shared the news of what Jesus had spoken to her
Do you share the things that God has done for you? Why or why not?

Journal topic

Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough? Jesus chooses an unlikely person to help the people in her city believe in Him, because as a man and a Jew it was considered inappropriate for him to interact with her.The Samaritan woman, who we know as St. Photine, went on to spread the Gospel in many places and ultimately became a martyr for the Church. What does this passage tell you about how God chooses people to do his will, and who the Gospel is for?

Action item

Read and answer the questions from the “Breaking Barriers” section of the young adult Bible study (Chapter 5 of A Year of the Lord Liturgical Bible Studies, Volume 4: Easter to Pentecost, by Rev. Dr. Ted Stylianopoulos)

Strict stay-at-home orders are beginning to be relaxed now. Do you think the “new normal” will result in new prejudices and biases? What is one prejudice or bias you have recognized in yourself? What can you do this week to work or continue working to overcome it?

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a candle and pray for those who are sick and suffering; those who are needy; those who are well; and our church family, that we may all be together again soon to worship in our beautiful church

Light a candle and say a prayer »

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

Gospel Reading

John 4:5–42

At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly." The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he."

Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, "What do you wish?" or, "Why are you talking with her?" So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" They went out of the city and were coming to him.

Meanwhile the disciples besought him, saying "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him food?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony. "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard ourselves, and we know that this is indeed Christ the Savior of the world."

May 10, 2020

Arika Madouros

Sunday of the Paralytic

May 10, 2020

Arika Madouros

Today’s Lesson: Sunday of the Paralytic

Sunday Coloring Page »

For the entire family

Tips for using music at home

“Music as a Ministry” by Gigi Baba Shadid via the Center for Family Care »
Learn Hymns at Home - "Hymn-Singing for Young People" »

For children of all ages

Lesson and craft

“Sunday of the Paralytic” »
From Let Us Live Orthodoxy, Volume 3 by Fr. Dean and Pres. Georget Photos

Preschool

Story & activity: Healing the Paralytic Re-enactment

Have children wait in their rooms while you set up. Place a blue blanket or cloth on the floor for the “pool.” Put an old, broken stuffed toy or doll on a pillow “pallet” next to you, to represent the paralyzed man.Call children from their rooms and ask them to each bring a stuffed toy or a doll. Have each child sit with their toy around the pool.Read the first part of the Gospel, up until it introduces the paralyzed man. Shake the “water” and have the children pick up their toys and put them in the water. The first toy to touch the water is “healed”; the rest have to sit back down and wait for the angel to trouble the water again.Continue reading & acting out the Gospel, conducting the conversation between Jesus, the paralyzed man (old, broken toy), and the Jews. Make sure the healed toy picks up his pallet and walks away.Ask the children what should happen to the people (toys) that haven’t been healed yet? (Ask Jesus to heal them too, wait for the angel to come again, etc.)Wrap up by reminding children that there are two parts of this story: Remembering that Jesus healed the paralyzed man is the easy part, but Jesus also told him to “go and sin no more,” to live the rest of his life in a good way.And now all of the healed toys need to “go and sin no more,” in this case, by being put away neatly.

Coloring sheet

Healing of the Paralytic »
by Fr. John Matusiak

Elementary school

Discussion questions for Gospel reading:

Why did sick people sit by the pool?
Answer: They wanted to be healed
How many years had the one man been sick for?
Answer: 38 years
What did Jesus say to the paralytic when he healed him?
Answer: “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”
Did the paralytic share the news of being healed with anyone?
Answer: Yes!

Craft & activity: Digital get well & greeting cards

We often want to visit people who are sick or lonely, to help them and cheer them up. In our world right now, that’s not often possible. How can we help others in need of healing? Here’s a story of a family that found a way by Cynthia Demarco:

Surgeon’s kids’ digitized cards spread hope during COVID-19 pandemic »

Although it would be wonderful to know a nurse or doctor who has time to do a project like this, think of ways you can send cards to people you know who are either ill, or saying safe at home and might be lonely, or who are working very hard in essential jobs.

Read the story »

DON'T FORGET: We are still collecting get well cards for those who are sick, especially now that the list has grown. No need to address them, just send good wishes.

The collection box is outside the church office door.

Middle school

Discussion questions for Gospel reading

Who was lying near the pool?
Answer: A number of invalids who were blind, lame, and paralyzed
How many years had the one man been sick for?
Answer: 38 years
Why hadn’t he been healed by the water before?
Answer: He had no one to put him in the pool
What did Jesus say to the paralytic when he healed him?
Answer: “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”
Why did the Jews disapprove?
Answer: Because it was the Sabbath and the man was carrying his pallet

Craft & activity: Digital get well & greeting cards

Surgeon’s kids’ digitized cards spread hope during COVID-19 pandemic »

Read the story »

DON'T FORGET: We are still collecting get well cards for those who are sick, especially now that the list has grown. No need to address them, just send good wishes.

The collection box is outside the church office door.

Action item for the week

The gospel focuses on the paralytic receiving Jesus’s help. This week, in honor of Mother’s Day, take on one additional daily chore to help your mother and show your appreciation for everything she does: clean up after dinner every night, assist with a younger sibling’s chores or homework, or simply ask how you can best help!

High school

Discussion questions for Gospel reading

Who was lying near the pool? (A number of invalids who were blind, lame, and paralyzed)How did the pool heal people? (An angel of the Lord would come down at certain times and “trouble the waters”)Why hadn’t the man, who had been sick for 38 years, been healed by the water before? (He had no one to put him in the pool)What did Jesus say to the paralytic when he healed him? (“Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.”)Why did the Jews disapprove? (Because it was the Sabbath and the man was carrying his pallet)What do you think Jesus would mean, if he told you to get up and walk, today? (various answers)

Journal topic

The Paralytic man was so close to the pool where he could be healed, but never was able to reach it on his own. He found healing in another way, when he called on Christ to help him. Have you ever had all of the tools to do something, but felt that you were unable to complete the last step? Did you reach out to someone to help you?

Action item for the week

In honor of Mother’s Day, look around your house – are there any stalled projects or small maintenance needs that need just one more step to complete? Come up with a few ideas and ask your mom if you can finish the work. Please return your coin boxes to the church. You can bring them to the office or leave them in the container just outside the doors.

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a candle and say a prayer »

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

Gospel Reading

John 5:1–15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

May 3, 2020

Arika Madouros

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

May 3, 2020

Arika Madouros

Today’s Lesson: Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

Sunday Coloring Page »
The Ministry of the Myrrhbearing Women »

For the entire family

Music

Continue singing and learning “Christ is risen” in both English and Greek all the way until the Ascension – check out this introduction to the hymn and music.

Hymn-Singing for Young People »
From the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians

Preschool

Coloring sheet

The Myrrh-Bearers by Fr. John Matusiak »
Page 1 of the PDF

Activity: The Empty Tomb Role Play

Create a “tomb” from sofa cushions and pillows or blankets, with a large cushion as the “stone” to be rolled away.
Designate children or other family members to play the roles of angel (“young man” in a white robe), Myrrh-Bearing women, and disciples.
Have the Myrrh-Bearing women enter the room with the tomb while the disciples “hide” in another room with the door closed.
This week’s Gospel reading from Mark ends by saying the women were afraid and told no one, but the other Evangelists explain that Mary did go to the disciples afterward. Have the Myrrh-Bearers go find the disciples and explain what they saw, and what they didn’t see.

Elementary school

Discussion questions

Where did they bury Jesus?
Answer: A cave
What did they use to close the cave?
Answer: They rolled a giant rock to close it
Who came to the cave to anoint Jesus’s body?
Answer: Three women. We call them the “Myrrh-Bearing Women.”
What happened when they got to the cave?
Answer: A man in a white robe told them that Jesus had risen

Craft and activity

Download “Learning about Pascha” from Orthodox Pebbles (PDF) »
Cut out the scenes of the crucifixion and resurrection and arrange them in order (pages 9–10). Then, cut out the paper puppet characters of Mary Magdalene, the angel, and the tomb, and use them to reenact the scene from today’s Gospel (pages 11–15).

Middle school

Discussion questions

Who took Jesus’s body to a “new tomb”?
Answer: Joseph of Arimathea
Why were the women going to the tomb?
Answer: To anoint Jesus’s body
What were they saying to each other as they walked to the tomb?
Answer: They were wondering who was going to roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb.

Action item for the week:

Jesus’s empty tomb was a sign of hope when everything was hopeless. It’s normal to feel sad and even hopeless sometimes, especially during a time of widespread disease and many deaths. This week, try looking for signs of God’s hope and promise in your life, even if they are hard to believe right now.

High school

Article

Finding Courage - from the Orthodox Church in America Department of Christian Education »

Discussion questions

Risk and courage are outstanding elements in the lives of the Myrrh-Bearing women and also Joseph of Arimathea, who asked for and buried the body of Jesus Christ. Why is it important for us to know those details?
As courageous as the Myrrh-Bearing women were, the last line says that they said nothing because they were afraid. Why were they afraid?
Have you ever had the truth and were courageous in speaking it? Have you ever been afraid? What was the difference?
How can we be more courageous about speaking our faith?

Journal topic

Has it ever been difficult or scary for you to tell the truth about something?
Were you afraid of what might happen, or whether or not you’d be believed?
Why do you think it’s sometimes so difficult to tell the truth
Try putting yourself in the Myrrh-Bearers’ shoes (sandals). What do you think they were thinking and feeling after Jesus was crucified and buried?
Why do you think they were afraid after the angel told them Jesus had risen from the dead?

Action item for the week:

Identify an area in your life in which you could be more courageous. Write down three specific actions you can take to help you move in that direction.For example, you could decide that you would like to do more to take a stand against harassment on social media, and then write three posts or messages telling bullies to back off, or giving encouragement to those being attacked.

Young adult

Bible Study

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers: A Tomb for Jesus, the Women Disciples, and Serving Others. »

Printed copies available for purchase from Orthodox Marketplace »

Adult

Articles

“The Myrrh-bearing Women: Fearless Females” »
Daisy Sparks explores the metaphorical “stones” to be rolled away in our lives, especially during the pandemic.
“Landmark Survey: Women's Ministry, Service and Leadership” »
Patricia Fann Bouteneff presents the results of a 2017 survey of hundreds of women in leadership positions in the Orthodox Church (from PRAXIS volume 17, issue 2: “Women in the Church”)
PRAXIS Volume 17, Issue 2: “Women in the Church”
Complete issue available online

Podcast

Fr. Thomas examines who the Myrrh-Bearing women were and clears up some misconceptions about Mary Magdalene.

“The Myrrh-Bearing Women: Speaking the Truth in Love” by Fr. Thomas Hopko »

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a candle and say a prayer »

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

Gospel Reading

Mark 15:43–47; 16:1–8

At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, brought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

April 26, 2020

Arika Madouros

Sunday of Thomas

April 26, 2020

Arika Madouros

Today’s Lesson: Sunday of Thomas

Sunday Coloring Page »
A Children’s Story about Doubting Thomas »

For the entire family

Music

We continue singing “Christ is risen” all the way until the Ascension – check out this introduction to the hymn and music.

This page also presents a variety of sources for listening and singing experiences with Greek Orthodox hymns, especially for youth. Compiled for use at home, Church School, and during youth activities.

Hymn-Singing for Young People »
From the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians

Preschool

Coloring sheet

St. Thomas Sunday, from St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church »
Page 1 of the PDF

Elementary school

Discussion questions for Gospel reading

After Jesus was crucified and then resurrected on the third day, he went and visited his apostles. Which apostle was not there? (St. Thomas)

Eight days later, all of the apostles gathered again. What did Thomas do after he saw Christ? (He touched the wounds on Jesus’ side where he was pierced and on his hands where the nails had been, and he believed!)

Although we cannot physically touch Christ as Thomas did, how do we experience him every Sunday? (Through Holy Communion)

Craft: Proclaiming Our Faith

Have children create and decorate signs that say “Christ is risen!” to display in your home. These signs can include or take the shape of crosses, Easter eggs, or other seasonal items. The Paschal season is a time to proclaim our faith in the Resurrection, even though, like Thomas, we did not witness it ourselves.

Activity: Trust Fall

Set up a mini “trust fall” by having a person cross their arms and fall backwards without looking, into the arms of the person behind them waiting. This would work best with a parent being the one to catch the falling person.

Ask: How did you know that your parent would catch you?

Explain: This is similar to having Faith. We can’t see God, but we know that he is there! Remind them that Christ said: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

For older children, teens, and beyond

Video

Live the Word #30: “How Should the Church Deal With Doubt?” »

Video discussion questions:

We normally associate Thomas with doubt. Is that really fair?
What does that mean about our doubts?

Video:

Be the Bee #32: “Faith and Doubt” »

Video discussion questions:

Read the story of Thomas’ doubts about the Resurrection of Christ, John 20:24–29. How did Jesus react to Thomas’ doubts?
When have you had doubts about your faith? What were those doubts? How did you resolve them, or how are you working to resolve them?
How has working through doubts helped you grow as a person?
Give an example that shows how faith and knowledge are different.

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a candle and say a prayer »

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

Gospel Reading

John 20:19–31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

April 12, 2020

Arika Madouros

Palm Sunday

April 12, 2020

Arika Madouros

Today’s Lesson: Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday Coloring Page »
Children's guide for Palm Sunday »
Parent/Teacher’s guide for Palm Sunday »

Cut paper into 11” x 1/2” strips. We made a few in various thicknesses (1/4” to 3/4”) because that seemed more authentic to the palm making experience.

Did you miss the palm making experience this year? You can cut strips of paper and practice for next year!

Palm Cross Instructions (pdf) »

On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the beginning of Holy Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most joyous feasts of the year. Palm Sunday is the commemoration of the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem following His glorious miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Having anticipated His arrival and having heard of the miracle, the people went out to meet the Lord and welcomed Him with displays of honor and shouts of praise. On this day, we receive and worship Christ in this same manner, acknowledging Him as our King and Lord.

Biblical Story

The biblical story of Palm Sunday is recorded in all four of the Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-38; and John 12:12-18). Five days before the Passover, Jesus came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Having sent two of His disciples to bring Him a colt of a donkey, Jesus sat upon it and entered the city.

People had gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover and were looking for Jesus, both because of His great works and teaching and because they had heard of the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus. When they heard that Christ was entering the city, they went out to meet Him with palm branches, laying their garments on the ground before Him, and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!”

At the outset of His public ministry Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God and announced that the powers of the age to come were already active in the present age (Luke 7:18-22). His words and mighty works were performed "to produce repentance as the response to His call, a call to an inward change of mind and heart which would result in concrete changes in one's life, a call to follow Him and accept His messianic destiny. The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a messianic event, through which His divine authority was declared.

Palm Sunday summons us to behold our king: the Word of God made flesh. We are called to behold Him not simply as the One who came to us once riding on a colt, but as the One who is always present in His Church, coming ceaselessly to us in power and glory at every Eucharist, in every prayer and sacrament, and in every act of love, kindness and mercy. He comes to free us from all our fears and insecurities, "to take solemn possession of our soul, and to be enthroned in our heart," as someone has said. He comes not only to deliver us from our deaths by His death and Resurrection, but also to make us capable of attaining the most perfect fellowship or union with Him. He is the King, who liberates us from the darkness of sin and the bondage of death. Palm Sunday summons us to behold our King: the vanquisher of death and the giver of life.

Palm Sunday summons us to accept both the rule and the kingdom of God as the goal and content of our Christian life. We draw our identity from Christ and His kingdom. The kingdom is Christ - His indescribable power, boundless mercy and incomprehensible abundance given freely to man. The kingdom does not lie at some point or place in the distant future. In the words of the Scripture, the kingdom of God is not only at hand (Matthew 3:2; 4:17), it is within us (Luke 17:21). The kingdom is a present reality as well as a future realization (Matthew 6:10). Theophan the Recluse wrote the following words about the inward rule of Christ the King:

“The Kingdom of God is within us when God reigns in us, when the soul in its depths confesses God as its Master, and is obedient to Him in all its powers. Then God acts within it as master ‘both to will and to do of his good pleasure’ (Philippians 2:13). This reign begins as soon as we resolve to serve God in our Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Then the Christian hands over to God his consciousness and freedom, which comprises the essential substance of our human life, and God accepts the sacrifice; and in this way the alliance of man with God and God with man is achieved, and the covenant with God, which was severed by the Fall and continues to be severed by our willful sins, is re-established.”

The kingdom of God is the life of the Holy Trinity in the world. It is the kingdom of holiness, goodness, truth, beauty, love, peace and joy. These qualities are not works of the human spirit. They proceed from the life of God and reveal God. Christ Himself is the kingdom. He is the God-Man, Who brought God down to earth (John 1:1,14). “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world knew Him not. He came to His own home, and His own people received Him not” (John 1:10-11). He was reviled and hated.

Palm Sunday summons us to behold our king - the Suffering Servant. We cannot understand Jesus' kingship apart from the Passion. Filled with infinite love for the Father and the Holy Spirit, and for creation, in His inexpressible humility Jesus accepted the infinite abasement of the Cross. He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions and made Himself an offering for sin (Isaiah 53). His glorification, which was accomplished by the resurrection and the ascension, was achieved through the Cross.

In the fleeting moments of exuberance that marked Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the world received its King, the king who was on His way to death. His Passion, however, was no morbid desire for martyrdom. Jesus' purpose was to accomplish the mission for which the Father sent Him.

“The Son and Word of the Father, like Him without beginning and eternal, has come today to the city of Jerusalem, seated on a dumb beast, on a foal. From fear the cherubim dare not gaze upon Him; yet the children honor Him with palms and branches, and mystically they sing a hymn of praise: ‘Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to the Son of David, who has come to save from error all mankind.’” (A hymn of the Light.)

“With our souls cleansed and in spirit carrying branches, with faith let us sing Christ's praises like the children, crying with a loud voice to the Master: Blessed art Thou, O Savior, who hast come into the world to save Adam from the ancient curse; and in Thy love for mankind Thou hast been pleased to become spiritually the new Adam. O Word, who hast ordered all things for our good, glory to Thee.” (A Sessional hymn of the Orthros)

Orthodox Christian Celebration of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening according to the order prescribed in the Triodion. Scripture readings for Palm Sunday are: At the Vespers: Genesis 49:1,8-12; Zephaniah 3:14-19; Zechariah 9:9-15. At the Orthros (Matins): Matthew 21:1-17. At the Divine Liturgy: Philippians 4:4-9; John 12:1-18.

On this Sunday, in addition to the Divine Liturgy, the Church observes the Blessing and Distribution of the Palms. A basket containing the woven palm crosses is placed on a table in front of the icon of the Lord, which is on the Iconostasion. The prayer for the blessing of the Palms is found in the Ieratikon or the Euxologion. According to the rubrics of the Typikon, this prayer is read at the Orthros just before the Psalms of Praise (Ainoi). The palms are then distributed to the faithful. In many places today, the prayer is said at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, before the apolysis. The text of the prayer, however, indicates clearly that it is less a prayer for the blessing of the palms, even though that is its title, and more a blessing upon those, who in imitation of the New Testament event hold palms in their hands as symbols of Christ's victory and as signs of a virtuous Christian life. It appears then, that it would be more correct to have the faithful hold the palms in their hands during the course of the Divine Liturgy when the Church celebrates both the presence and the coming of the Lord in the mystery of the Eucharist.

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Icon of the Feast

In the Icon of the Feast of Palm Sunday, Christ is the central figure, depicted seated upon the colt of a donkey as He enters Jerusalem, a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9. Christ is blessing with His right hand, and in His left hand is a scroll, symbolizing that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Anointed One who has come to redeem us from our sins and break the power of death. The colt, one of the animals that were considered unclean according to the Law, is symbolic of the inclusion of all peoples of all nations in the new covenant that will come through the death and Resurrection of Christ (Isaiah 62:10-11). It is also a sign that our Lord has revealed a heavenly and spiritual kingdom that offers true and enduring peace.

On the right, the disciples accompany Jesus in His Triumphal Entry. Depicted on the left are the Jews who greet Him crying “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” The word “Hosanna” means “Save, I pray” or “Save now.”

The children are the small people who are greeting Christ with palm branches and laying these and their garments on the ground before Christ as tokens of honor for one who is acknowledged as a King. The city of Jerusalem is shown as the walled buildings, and the temple is depicted as the building with the dome.

Apolytikion
First Tone

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion, You did confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, we cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

Apolytikion
Fourth Tone

As by baptism we were burried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion
Plagal of the Second Tone

Sitting on Your throne in heaven, carried on a foal on earth, O Christ God. Accept the praise of angels and songs of children who sing: Blessed is He that comes to recall Adam.

April 11, 2020

Arika Madouros

Saturday of Lazarus

April 11, 2020

Arika Madouros

The Story

Nine days before Pascha, we celebrate Saturday of Lazarus (Λάζαρος). From the Bible, we learn the Lazarus was a beloved friend of Christ. Lazarus died and after 4 days, Christ resurrected Lazarus from the dead. The resurrection of Lazarus from the dead is the last miracle performed by Jesus before his own death and resurrection. It is also notable that He performed the miracle on the Sabbath. Some scholars believe that this miracle was "the last straw" with the civil and religious authorities that led to their decision to bring charges against Jesus, end his scandalous ministry and bring his life to an end.

The story of Lazarus - the dear friend of Jesus, the brother of Martha and Mary - is an important way to begin Holy Week. It is important because it reminds us that from death comes resurrection and from resurrection comes new life. It is a long Greek Orthodox tradition to observe Lazarus Saturday with Lazarakia (Λαζαράκια) - sweet bread filled with a sweet, nutty jam or marmalade or honey which is made in the shape of Lazarus as he emerged from the

tomb as well as Lazara (Λαζαρα), carols that children sing especially for the day.

The "lesson" of the Lazarakia is that, because of Jesus, even in the midst of the sorrow of death, there is the sweet joy of Life Eternal. An important side note is that it is the only time in the entire Church Year that the resurrection service of Sunday is celebrated on another day. Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday have a unique place in the ecclesiastical calendar as days of joy between the Great Lent and the lament of Holy Week.

Traditions

Various customs take place throughout Greece to commemorate this day. The most widespread custom for Lazarus of Saturday is the "carols of Lazarus" which reclaimed the joyous feast. The carols were exclusively almost female and were sung by girls of different ages, even married girls called “ Lazarines”.On the eve of the feast, lazarines (girls) went out into the fields outside the villages to collect flowers that would be used to

decorate their basket. The baskets were decorated with the flowers they collected and beautiful colorful ribbons. The next day dressed in local traditional costumes or a special costume, the girls carrying baskets full of Lazarakia and flowers went around the neighborhoods and sang Lazarus's carols and offered cookies. In return for this treat, the housewives gave the children eggs, money, fruits or whatever else they had.

In some parts of Greece, dolls, reed crosses, staffs were used to create the image of Lazarus. These items were decorated with multicolored fabrics, ribbons and flowers. For example: in Crete, a wooden cross was decorated with lemon blossoms and red flowers known as “maheritses. In other parts of Greece, instead of an object an actual person was adorned with flowers and greenery (kladia) and accompanied the carolers. In addition, on Saturday of Lazarus, believers often prepare palm fronds by knotting them into crosses in preparation for the procession on Palm Sunday.

The Recipe

The recipe for Lazarakia is basically a raisin bread. Ta Lazarakia, to be "traditional" must be "Lenten" (i.e. there are no eggs, butter or milk in the recipe).The Lazarakia are usually decorated with cloves for eyes and are shaped with the arms crossed over the chest to resemble the funeral winding sheet (shroud) wrapped around the dead for burial. The yeast bread is sweetened with sugar and often (but not always) has a filling made of ground nuts and raisins, cinnamon and sugar, honey or marmalade.

Lazarakia

Yields about 15 pcs

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
1/2 cup olive oil
3/4 cups sugar
1 packets active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
1 cup lukewarm water, or more as needed
A pinch of salt
Whole cloves for decoration
Honey for the top to give it shine
1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the filling

1 cup raisins
1/4 cup ground walnuts

In a cup place the lukewarm water, add the cinnamon and stir. Add the yeast and stir until it is dissolved.

In a deep bowl, place the flour and create a well in the center. In the center, place the olive oil, sugar and the liquid mixture from step 1. Knead until you have a non-sticky dough. If necessary, use flour on your hands so that the dough does not stick on your hands as you are kneading it.

Place the dough in a large bowl greased with a little olive oil, turn to coat the dough and cover with plastic wrap or a clean

kitchen towel and allow it to rise for an hour.

In the meantime, prepare the filling. Process the raisins, walnuts in a food processor, until chopped as finely as preferred. You can also chop by hand-you have more control of how fine you want the raisins and walnuts.

Once the dough has risen, take a small amount of dough and roll it out with your hands and flatten it. Place 1 tablespoons of the filling in the center and fold over the dough to cover the filling. See link below for step by step instructions.

Carefully roll the dough with your hands. After rolling, press the top and bottom to close the dough so that the filling does not spill. Using some of the remainder dough, roll out a strip (lourida) to make the head and hands. Take a small amount of the strip and create the head. Take another strip a little longer and place it around the neck, bring it to the front and cross it over to make the hands. At the bottom, with a knife, cut the dough to make the feet.

Use the whole cloves for his eyes and mouth. Place on a baking pan covered with wax paper. Continue with the rest of the dough, making sure to place them at least two inches apart.

Brush with a little honey diluted with water or with olive oil to get the glossy effect. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about half an hour or until lightly golden brown.

This web site shows how they are made step by step »

This video shows how they are made and the traditional songs that are sung during this time »

The Songs

Κάλαντα

This Song Is Sung As The Lazarakia Are Being Made

The Saturday before Palm Sunday is “Saturday of Lazarus” and on this day it is a tradition to make “Lazarakia” (literally meaning “Little Lazaruses”). These are traditional small, sweet and mildly spiced bread, made only once a year. They represent the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Each region of Greece has a variation of how they make them, however, most have a similar sweet tasting flavor.

Λάζαρος απενεκρώθη,/Lazaros Apenekrothi
Ανεστήθη και σηκώθη./Anestithi kai Sikothi
Λάζαρος σαβανωμένος/Lazaros savanomenos
Και με το κηρί ζωσμένος/Kai me to kiri zosmenos
Λάζαρε πες μας τι είδες/Lazare pes mas ti ides
εις τον Άδη που επήγες;/Is ton Adi pu Epiges
Είδα φόβους, είδα τρόμους/Ida fovus, ida tromus
είδα βάσανα και πόνους/Ida vasana kai ponus.
Δώστε μου λίγο νεράκι/Doste mu ligo neraki
Να ξεπλύνω το φαρμάκι/Na xeplino to farmaki
Της καρδίας, των χειλέων/Tis kardias, ton hileon
Και μη με ρωτάτε πλέον./Kai mi rotate pleon

Lazarus became undead, Was resurrected and arose.
Lazarus was shrouded And all tied up.
"Tell us Lazarus, what did you see? When you went to Hades?"
"I saw fears, I saw terrors I saw troubles and pains.
Give me a little water
So that I may wash off the poison From my heart, my lips
And don't ask me anything else.

This song is sung as St Lazarus’ arms are folded over his chest, legs cut, and cloves inserted for his eyes and hands:

Lazarus was in the tomb four days,
when Jesus came and to the Father prayed.
‘Lazarus, come forth!’ he said,
The Lord whom the five thousand fed.
Then Lazarus arose and many were in fear.
Let everyone with ears now hear.

Song To Sing After Having Baked The Lazarakia @ home Or @ Church

«Που ‘σαι Λάζαρε που είναι η φωνή σου,
που σε γύρευε η μάνα κι αδερφή σου.
Ήμουνα στη γη στη γη βαθιά χωμένος,
κι από τους εχθρούς εχθρούς βαλαντωμένος.

Where were you Lazarus, Where was your voice?
Your mother and your sisters Were looking for you.
"I was in the Earth Deep in the Earth buried.
And among the dead Among the dead I tarried.
Along came Christ and resurrected me!
Along came Christ and resurrected me!
Along came Christ and resurrected me!

(The last 3 sentences are sung as one raises their Lazarakia high in the air).

Through the prayers of St. Lazarus, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us!

Πού ‘σαι Λάζαρε-Kalanda from Central Greece

«Που ‘σαι Λάζαρε, που είναι η φωνή σου, που σε γύρευε,

η μάνα κι αδερφή σου.
Ήμουνα στη γη,
στη γη βαθιά χωμένος,
κι από τους εχθρούς,
εχθρούς βαλαντωμένος.
Βάγια βάγια των Βαγιών
τρώνε ψάρια των κολιών,
και την άλλη Κυριακή
ψυνουν το παχύ αρνί»

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00QQrBLo2DU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSYKJvWabbc

Another version of the Kalanda with different lyrics in Greek sung by Paidikos Horos Sholeiou Psaltikis. Lyrics are provided

Celebrations for Saturday of Lazarus Throughout Greece

KOS

On the island of Kos girls who are engaged make this holy bread or
“Lazaroudia” into the size of a small child, and fill it with ground walnuts, almonds, figs, raisins, honey, extra spices and send it to the groom. The older children in Kos, recreate Lazarus’image and place it on a special structure and decorated with rosemary. The children visit the sheep sheds (στανες) singing the carols where the shepherds give them eggs, cheeses and mizithres to take with them and make the “Lambropites”.

MAINLAND GREECE

In Central Greece, Thessaly, Macedonia and Thrace the custom of “Lazarines” or “Lazaritses”, is practiced where female participants go from home to home with baskets full of flowers and small lazarakia and sing carols to their neighbors. In the olden days, this was also informally known as a “nyfo-pazaro” meaning it was an opportunity for single girls to come out and become known as candidate brides.

TRIKALA

In Trikala there is an annual competition of Lazarines. The girls dress up, have decorated baskets with flowers, and sing songs to honor the day. The three most beautiful baskets, three most rare traditional songs and the best three total appearances (basket and singing) are awarded.

KOZANI

In Kozani, the Lazarines gather in one home and begin celebrating until late in the night. After the celebration, they visit the local priest, the mayor and then go directly to the Church of the Panagia. In Lefkopigi they also go from door to door and exchange their lazarakia for eggs. When they fill up their baskets, they gather in the square and engage in traditional dance and song.

RHODES

On Rhodes and particularly on Ialyssos, children go from home to home singing “Lazaro”, and collect money for their local churches. The same tradition is practiced on the island of Crete as well as in Epirus, where these visits are also accompanied by the ringing of bells.

CYPRUS

In Cyprus, children traditionally wear yellow flowers all over their heads and when other carolers begin singing to them, they lie down on the ground and pretend to be dead, much like Lazarus. (This is still practiced today at Orthodox funerals in Greece where they cover the whole body in flowers). When the carolers yell “Lazarus, come forth”, the young actors rise... and the game continues at another home!

https://youtu.be/O_XqvUV1Cpk

SKYROS

On the island of Skyros strangely Lazarus is depicted on a large slotted ladle spoon. «Σιδεροχουλιάρα» The spoon is dressed in infant type of clothing. A white daisy is placed in each of the holes, a red clove is used for the mouth for the mouth and to form the face. They tie a wooden stick cross-legged to make the hands. The children go from home to home, singing the carols, and the housewives givee them eggs, money or whatever they had.

LEFKADA

In the Ioanian, and particularly in Lefkada, children go out caroling on this day and while one child holds a wooden swallow, all the others hold decorated baskets in which they gather eggs. https://youtu.be/yAeDan-esaI

KERKIRA

In Kerkira, where Easter week is greatly celebrated, a man wears a red shirt and around his waist he ties colorful ribbons. He then parades like this from home to home, holding up a cane that has a depiction of Lazarus’ face carved on its head. He is accompanied by musicians who play carols that sound more like serenades. A long time ago, people were obligated to buy a decoration that adorned his cane (such as fake jewelry, etc), for if they hung it over their beds, it would bring them good fortune. Unfortunately, this tradition is only practiced in the Old Quarter of Corfu town, but nonetheless is a tradition that has recently been once again revived. In the village of Episkepsi (Northern Corfu), you can experience a custom unique to Corfu and perhaps to all Greece. In the evening, the local choir followed by crowd of villagers and visitors go from house to house playing and singing the Lazarus carols. They are offered food and drinks and the feast goes on all night.

https://youtu.be/ObU0FnCuzuQ — Kalanda Lazarou Kerkiras

References

https://www.helppost.gr/giortes/pasxa/kalanta-lazarou/ https://sinidisi.gr/savvato-lazaroy-kalanta-ethima-lazarines-lazarakia/ https://picfrappe.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/special-report-saturday-of-lazarus-traditions-customs- from-all-over-greece-videos/

April 5, 2020

Arika Madouros

Lesson for the 5th Sunday of Lent

April 5, 2020

Arika Madouros

Good morning!

We hope you are all doing well. Our normal schedule for our Lenten Project would have us doing our cards for those that are in prison this Sunday. Since we can't get the cards to them at this time...... We have 2 requests this Sunday....

1. Finish up our Week 4 Project

"For I was sick and you visited me..."

Our cards for the sick and shut ins. We have a list attached with the names of those in our community that would love to receive some of your creative Pascha cards this year. As you can see the "mail" bin is waiting right outside our Church office door for your deposits. Fr Nick will then see that they get to everyone on the list. Especially at this time they help bring joy and hope to many.

2. And since we aren't able to do our usual 2nd card project

There is another group of folks that could use the Hope & Joy that your cards give......Doctors, Nurses, Hospital workers, EMTs, delivery people, First Responders, National Guard - who came and cleaned our church top to bottom - people at the grocery. So lets do cards for them - expressing our love and thanks for all the things big & small that they are doing to try and make this time better for us all.

Our Lenten project each year is all about focusing on others and thereby focusing on Christ and witnessing our Faith. Yes, there are prayers we can say, but ACTION as PRAYER is what this is all about. Making sure all are thought about, cared for and loved.

Don't forget to continue filling your mission boxes. It is more important than ever to help others during this time of uncertainty. You will be able to drop them off next Sunday when you retrieve your palm crosses.

Today’s Lesson: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The Department of Religious Education has developed an 'At Home' curriculum. There is something for the whole family as well as each level of student (Preschooler to Adult).

Lesson and activities for this week »

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a virtual candle » (For instructions, click on the HELP tab)

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

Apolytikion
Plagal Fourth Mode
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion
Third Mode
Who once was filled with every carnal sin has become today, through repentance, the bride of Christ. She desired the company of angels. She trampled upon demons with the Cross as her weapon. This is why, O Glorious Mary, you became a Bride of the Kingdom.

March 29, 2020

Arika Madouros

Lesson for the 4th Sunday of Lent

March 29, 2020

Arika Madouros

Good morning!

Another week as come and gone and we may be wondering if we can do our next project. We have found ways as a community to Feed people, give people something to drink, but how are we going to do our cards and get them to those in our community who could use a bit of Pascha cheer. Well the first step is to make them. If you have paper, pencils, crayons or markers - you can do this! Be creative - through the years your creations have brought joy and a knowledge that even though they cannot be physically with us they are remembered by their Church Family.

Make your Pascha/Easter cards!!

As many as you like and if you can drop them in the church mailbox. Fr Nick will see that they get to our folks that need them.

Today’s Lesson: Saint John Climacus

The Church commemorates Saint John Scholasticus, or Climacus (which means ‘of the Ladder’), a 6th c. monastic and theologian at St Catherine’s Monastery in Mount Sinai, who wrote the famous book The Ladder of Divine Ascent. For the faithful, the Ladder is the spiritual guide on how to attain perfection in thirty steps – each step is the desired virtue that brings the soul closer to God.

LESSONS AND CRAFTS FOR ALL AGES

Lesson and activities for this week »

GOSPEL READING

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Mark 9:17-31At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

THE LENTEN PRAYER OF SAINT EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN

This beautiful prayer is read on the weekdays of Great Lent. It is a supplicatory prayer to our Lord and Savior to take away our passions and give us virtues – prostrations recommended:

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. (prostration)

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. (prostration)

Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. (prostration)

Amen.

Before you end your Sunday School session

Light a virtual candle » (For instructions, click on the HELP tab)

Learn more about our Sunday School program »

In the icon for this Sunday, the ladder represents our path in life and how we want it to lead to Christ. When we’re on the ladder, we are surrounded by angels to help guide us there. However, the dark figures are meant to remind us of temptations that can pull us off the ladder and away from Jesus. The bottom part of the icon shows a life without accepting Jesus’s love is lived in a dark place. On the left of the icon, we see St. John preaching. In the top left, the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist remind us to pray always and keep God at the center of our lives.