Fasting and prayer are a means of “spiritual and physical purification, and growth toward Heaven”. While praying, we can set aside “all earthly cares” and “lift up our hearts…to the Lord”.
We fast on Wednesdays in remembrance of Jesus’ betrayal and on Fridays in remembrance of His crucifixion. We also fast before receiving Holy Communion. Fasting involves abstaining from certain foods (usually animal products, olive oil and wine), from large quantities of food, and leading a life of prayer.
Pascha (Easter)
Saints Peter and Paul
Dormition of the Mother of God
Nativity of our Lord
Theophany of our Lord
To have children understand the importance of Fasting.
To have children understand what Great Lent is and what our responsibilities as Orthodox Christians are during this period.
To have children understand the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer, then to learn it.
For children and teenagers to gain an understanding, through the experiences of the young apprentice iconographer, of the role of icons in providing a sense of peace that is conducive to prayer, and to see an example of how to develop one’s God-given talents. Another objective is to present the concept of an icon and of a guardian angel.
For children and teenagers to gain an understanding, through the experiences of the young apprentice iconographer, of the role of icons in providing a sense of peace that is conducive to prayer, and to see an example of how to develop one’s God-given talents. Another objective is to gain an overview of the concept of an icon and of the life of St. Christopher.
This dish is a simple healthy meal that is easy to prepare and contains basic ingredients that are readily available. Vegans and those adhering to the fasting periods of the Orthodox Christian Church calendar will find this dish appealing. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, if more tomatoes…