St. Nectarios
St. Nectarios of Pentapoulas
Pray to God for us! (The patron saint in the Orthodox Church for educators.)
Pray to God for us! (The patron saint in the Orthodox Church for educators.)
Want to know more about St. Nectarios?
Here is an interesting blog that speaks about his miracles -Enjoy!
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/frbill/91-saint-nektarios-his-life-death-and-what-happened-after-that/
Here is an interesting blog that speaks about his miracles -Enjoy!
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/frbill/91-saint-nektarios-his-life-death-and-what-happened-after-that/
New
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
‘Man of God’ to Hit U.S. Theaters on March 21 - The Life of St. Nectarios of Pentapolis
https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/1146
Prayer for Children from St. Paisius Monastery, Arizona
This is a profound prayer for our times, to be prayed daily if possible:
A PRAYER FOR CHILDREN
By ST. NIKOLAI (VELIMIROVICH)
O ALL-PLENTEOUS Lord Jesus Christ, who wast once even Thyself a child and who used to love and bless children, have mercy upon the children of our time and save them- so that unbaptized children may be baptized, and so that baptized children may be strengthened both in their faith in Thee, who art Truth eternal, and in their love for Thee, who are Love ineffable.
Save, O Lord, those children whom unbelieving parents corrupt with atheism and turn away from Thee, their only Savior and Salvation.
Save, O All-meek Lord also those children whom evil teachers, with God or soul, alienate from Thee their Creator, and turn into packs of dogs.
Save, O Lord, also those children whose pure souls are defiled by all the immorality in the streets, in the theaters, and on television (in schools, on the internet*) -save them from the impurity of the streets and theaters, (schools and internet*), and from every other impurity.
Save, O All-merciful Lord, also those children who are orphans and have fallen into the hands of cruel guardians or bad stepfathers or stepmothers, or those who are supposed to rear them but do not- save them from hearing blasphemous words and from seeing malicious deeds.
Save, O Son of God, the sons of the sons of men, who the world tugs here and there into many physical trainings and occupations, without giving them any training in Thy holy law or training in in proper thoughts, in truth and mercy, and all deeds of goodness and righteousness.
Help the children of this age, O Almighty One, so that they may grow up and mature to divine sonship and heavenly citizenship, for their eternal salvation and for they glory and praise. Amen
*Additions to original text. ED
This is a profound prayer for our times, to be prayed daily if possible:
A PRAYER FOR CHILDREN
By ST. NIKOLAI (VELIMIROVICH)
O ALL-PLENTEOUS Lord Jesus Christ, who wast once even Thyself a child and who used to love and bless children, have mercy upon the children of our time and save them- so that unbaptized children may be baptized, and so that baptized children may be strengthened both in their faith in Thee, who art Truth eternal, and in their love for Thee, who are Love ineffable.
Save, O Lord, those children whom unbelieving parents corrupt with atheism and turn away from Thee, their only Savior and Salvation.
Save, O All-meek Lord also those children whom evil teachers, with God or soul, alienate from Thee their Creator, and turn into packs of dogs.
Save, O Lord, also those children whose pure souls are defiled by all the immorality in the streets, in the theaters, and on television (in schools, on the internet*) -save them from the impurity of the streets and theaters, (schools and internet*), and from every other impurity.
Save, O All-merciful Lord, also those children who are orphans and have fallen into the hands of cruel guardians or bad stepfathers or stepmothers, or those who are supposed to rear them but do not- save them from hearing blasphemous words and from seeing malicious deeds.
Save, O Son of God, the sons of the sons of men, who the world tugs here and there into many physical trainings and occupations, without giving them any training in Thy holy law or training in in proper thoughts, in truth and mercy, and all deeds of goodness and righteousness.
Help the children of this age, O Almighty One, so that they may grow up and mature to divine sonship and heavenly citizenship, for their eternal salvation and for they glory and praise. Amen
*Additions to original text. ED
Thanks to all those who have provided information on Classical and Christian Education, as well as articles listed here:
In The Works:
https://saintkosmas.org/conferences
Want to speak with someone who has been doing homeschooling?
Here are the remarks of a mother who has been doing Homeschooling for several years. You can contact Amy at the address below:
I decided to homeschool in 2011 as an alternative to what I viewed as a broken and dysfunctional public school system. I perceived it as a temporary situation until we could afford a suitable private school. As the years passed we saw fruits of our labor in the character formation of our children which wasn't even the reason we decided to homeschool in the first place.
Home education is truly accessible to anyone right now. The more confident parent can create their own lesson plans with minimal resources while the less experienced can purchase curriculums designed to use right out of the box. I don't have a teaching degree or previous experience and my eldest just passed his high school equivalency. If a humble mother like me can do it anybody can, by God's grace.
desertdweller18@gmail.com
An Option for Grades 6-8, High School and Associate of Arts Degree for High School Graduates or those interested in 'Growing in their Faith'
St. Athanasius Academy is now offering online Orthodox studies for homeschooling families -
For Grades 6 to 8:
- The New Testament - Fr. Joel Gilliam
-Lives of the Saints- Fr. Michael Heningham
-Virtues and Passions- Fr. Paul Girgis
For High School:
-The Old Testament - Fr. David Bibeau
-World History- Fr. James Purdie
- English- Fr Fred Shaheen
-Virtues and Passions- Fr. Paul Girgis
Registration for Fall 2020 opens Feb. 2020- Check out the details now at www.saaot.edu
St. Athanasius Academy is now offering online Orthodox studies for homeschooling families -
For Grades 6 to 8:
- The New Testament - Fr. Joel Gilliam
-Lives of the Saints- Fr. Michael Heningham
-Virtues and Passions- Fr. Paul Girgis
For High School:
-The Old Testament - Fr. David Bibeau
-World History- Fr. James Purdie
- English- Fr Fred Shaheen
-Virtues and Passions- Fr. Paul Girgis
Registration for Fall 2020 opens Feb. 2020- Check out the details now at www.saaot.edu
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Note: Some of these offerings may now be Zoom meetings during this time of social distancing, some may have been cancelled. You will need to check on those of interest individually for current updates. |
Cross-Road Institute - An Orthodox Christian Transformative Academic Summer Institute - High School Juniors and Seniors
"Cross-Road is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition. Participants from all over the country come together to experience daily worship, take theology classes from some of the best professors in the county, visit local parishes, serve their neighbor, tour the city and even spend a day at the beach." The application process begins in February but you might check in with website and see about this next year if it is too late for this one. http:// www.crossroadinstitute.org/ |
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Some thoughts on Great Lent and fasting from the Women's Group at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Santa Fe, NM:
For a cooking adventure with your child? How does the concept of simplicity relate to eating? How do we achieve simplicity in fasting? Is simplicity only about reducing consumption of certain things? Do we need to cultivate a different sense of value in order to appreciate what is simple? Can a can of Spam or peas be a source of joy - please forgive if you really love Spam or canned peas? Is giving thanks for everything the remedy to our disappointment with something that is simple or that is just not what we're used to? How do kids learn to appreciate simplicity? Does cooking with Mom and Dad make simple food more appealing? If it takes a lot of work to make something simple from scratch, is it really simple? If I spend a lot on already prepared food or restaurant meals, that frees up time, but decreases what I might give in alms. How do I balance constraints of time, energy, finances, and other obligations with simplicity in the kitchen? Is there a bad side to simplicity? A "simple" wine reduction sauce? Simplicity that results in food that others don't want to eat? Can simplicity be incorporated into feasts? How would you do that? Is there a value in simplicity for its own sake or is it because of its fruits? I think there are two aspects. The first is Simplicity with a capital S - being focused on, and attentive to, our good God. This would be, in my mind, simplicity worth cultivating for its own sake. The second is simplicity that consists of efforts we make in everyday life to become more focused on God. It could be a matter of reducing our focus on the possessions that seem too often to possess us. Or reducing our distractions (the time we spend surfing the internet, watching TV, reading mysteries, fixing elaborate or rich food, etc) , while increasing our focus on God - more time in prayerful food preparation, almsgiving, exercise, gardening, etc. Perhaps the details matter less than our attitudes. It's so easy to do even the good things in a distracted, mechanical, and thankless way. Tips: Avocado and coconut are good additives for a sense of being filled. From someone who traveled a lot in an RV with no cooking or refrigeration: 3 things put together (that don't have to be refrigerated or cooked) make a great meal. Prayer: Find a time when your children are playing to stop and pray. As your children get older and can accept more responsibly pick a time for prayer, and get them to help you protect it. Giving Thanks: For all of us who have some trouble with fasting, Rita Madden, author of Food, Faith, and Fasting, had suggested giving thanks for the food on our plates: where did that orange come from, who grew it, how did it get here, how perfectly designed it is to hide that juiciness inside that stiff peel. It seemed to me to be something that one could do with young children and perhaps be a part of home schooling - learning about the places our food comes from, the lives of those who grow it, etc. The versatile vegetable stir fry: veggies you like cut up a protein (optional) - nuts, tofu, seitan, etc ramen noodles or rice a sauce, bottled or homemade Tonight (Bulgogi Veggies) : I cut up broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper, onion, carrot, celery. and lots of garlic. Use whatever veggies you have and like. I heated oil till simmering and tossed in the veggies. Partway through I covered the skillet so the veggies would cook through. In the meantime, I made ramen noodles (or pasta or rice). When the veggies were about done, I removed half of them for tomorrow night. Then I threw in some cashews (or peanuts or almonds) and some bottled Bulgogi sauce (Seoul brand, don't remember where I got it - Whole Foods, the Coop?) and served it over ramen noodles. Tomorrow (Peanut Sauce or Curry Veggies); out come the leftover veggies and I'll heat them up in the skillet and add either peanut sauce (see Juliana's recipe, below) or a curry sauce (TJ's has a couple bottled sauces, but I like a Japanese curry that C M introduced me to - S&B Golden Curry in different degrees of 'hot'.) For the curry, as soon as the veggies are warm, I add enough boiling water to partly cover the veggies and make enough sauce, turn off the heat, then stir in the Golden Curry, one square at a time until the sauce is a consistency/flavor I like. I think I'll probably have it over rice or maybe cooked potatoes. J's recipe for Gado-Gado sauce aka Peanut Sauce, from Holy Trinity's first Lenten cookbook, where it was mistakenly shown as Gabo-Gabo Sauce (maybe it's gobble-gobble sauce): Put everything in a blender and blend till smooth: 1/2 cup peanut butter 3-4 T of tamari or soy sauce 1 small onion chopped 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 2 T honey 2 T rice vinegar or white vinegar 2 T dry sherry 1 tsp chili powder cayenne to taste 1/2 cup vegetable stock or water You can buy bottled peanut sauce or find other recipes on the web, but I've always liked this one. PK |
Now available at AncientFaith.com :
The St. Emmelia Homeschool Podcast is designed to promote, support and unite Homeschooling families throughout Orthodox North America Currently available- four podcasts that you will find of interest/ 001 Interview with Fr. Noah Bushelli, 002 Interview with Fr. Jason Foster, 003 Interview with Fr. Josiah Trenham, 004 2019 North Conference Interviews. https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/saintemmelia 
Educator.com This company offers a great opportunity to fill in and get a better grasp on often hard to comprehend subjects aimed at high school and college levels. Their fees seem to me to be very reasonable and the courses comprehensive. Sarah from Educator.com. says, "We're a startup e-learning site fit for both the next budding Aristotle or the kid who enjoys learning in his or her own time." From their website:
You can find more information on combining Classical and Christian concepts here:
https://www.classicalconversations.com/christian/classical-and-christian Website for St. Emmelia's Homeschooling Group. https://saintemmeliaconferences.com/all-conferences/
These are very popular and have branched out to be inclusive of the whole of the US. They are now held in North, South, East, West quadrants. Sounds like you have to be on top of this, as they are very popular and have thrived over the years as a powerful influence and resource! |
A Philosophy of Interest:
Recently heard in conversation with two educators: In the big picture, focus on Reading and Math. All other subjects should coincide with this and fit in around it.
From Fr. Noah Bushelli:
I would say that Kh. Nicole Damick would be the best person to get in touch with for the St Emmelia Homeschooling group.
Nicole Damick ndamick@gmail.com
Here are some other resources...
My family has benefited from our participation in Classical Conversations. http://www.classicalconversations.com/
This is an excellent Christian (ecumenical) parent organization and publishing house for campuses of coop-type one-day-a-week classes.
http://www.clrchomeschool.com/
http://raphaelschool.org/ - this is a new school put together by an experienced teacher and is something that my family is considering utilizing for my children.
http://www.circeinstitute.org/lost-tools-writing - this is not an Orthodox program, per se, but it is created and administered by an Orthodox Christian.
“They Shall All Know Me”: Seven Best Practices for Therapeutic HomeschoolsSummer Kinard
Register and Summary of Session:
Whether you’re an established homeschooler or just beginning, teaching children with disabilities requires shifts in strategies, teaching spaces, and priorities. This interactive talk will help you set expectations and rethink the scope of your teaching so that all children can thrive in your homeschool and grow in knowledge of Christ. You will come away with tools to evaluate your child’s goals and progress as well as practical tips for simple changes that allow your child’s strengths to emerge.
Summer Kinard:
Summer Kinard is the author of Of Such is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability. As an autistic mother rearing and homeschooling autistic children in the Faith, Summer knows firsthand many of the gifts and challenges of life with disabilities. She brings her extensive background in patristic theology and catechesis (B.A. in religion, M.Div., Th.M. in early church history and theology) to skillfully weave together the healing patterns of Holy Tradition with the daily patterns of life with disabilities. Summer has become acquainted with hundreds of Orthodox families with disabilities through sharing on her website (summerkinard.com) the resources she has developed to make faith accessible to them. At a time when at least twenty percent of people live with disabilities and two percent are autistic, there is an urgent need to apply Church teachings to questions about the care and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full members of Christ’s Body and full participants in learning environments. Summer brings the grace, kindness, and insight of an experienced teacher and mother to begin answering those questions. An engaging speaker and dynamic workshop leader, Summer shares her hard-won wisdom with her audience, walking with them through the narrow places of community life with disabilities. Summer Kinard is an Antiochian Orthodox Christian in the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America. She lives with her husband, Andrew, and their five children in Texas.
For the Speakers series registration:
https://raphaelschool.org/ancient-faith-speaker-series// - this site has a lot of resources for Orthodox education in general and has hosted online seminars in the past.
http://anaphorapress.com/music/writers/home-educator-barbara-shukin/ - great church history materials
Check out Fr. Noah's podcasts as well at Ancient Faith Radio: http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/letthechildren
See also http://illumination-learning.com/main/for Orthodox teaching/ education.
I would say that Kh. Nicole Damick would be the best person to get in touch with for the St Emmelia Homeschooling group.
Nicole Damick ndamick@gmail.com
Here are some other resources...
My family has benefited from our participation in Classical Conversations. http://www.classicalconversations.com/
This is an excellent Christian (ecumenical) parent organization and publishing house for campuses of coop-type one-day-a-week classes.
http://www.clrchomeschool.com/
http://raphaelschool.org/ - this is a new school put together by an experienced teacher and is something that my family is considering utilizing for my children.
http://www.circeinstitute.org/lost-tools-writing - this is not an Orthodox program, per se, but it is created and administered by an Orthodox Christian.
“They Shall All Know Me”: Seven Best Practices for Therapeutic HomeschoolsSummer Kinard
- Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2020
- Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST
- Live Zoom meeting
Register and Summary of Session:
Whether you’re an established homeschooler or just beginning, teaching children with disabilities requires shifts in strategies, teaching spaces, and priorities. This interactive talk will help you set expectations and rethink the scope of your teaching so that all children can thrive in your homeschool and grow in knowledge of Christ. You will come away with tools to evaluate your child’s goals and progress as well as practical tips for simple changes that allow your child’s strengths to emerge.
Summer Kinard:
Summer Kinard is the author of Of Such is the Kingdom: A Practical Theology of Disability. As an autistic mother rearing and homeschooling autistic children in the Faith, Summer knows firsthand many of the gifts and challenges of life with disabilities. She brings her extensive background in patristic theology and catechesis (B.A. in religion, M.Div., Th.M. in early church history and theology) to skillfully weave together the healing patterns of Holy Tradition with the daily patterns of life with disabilities. Summer has become acquainted with hundreds of Orthodox families with disabilities through sharing on her website (summerkinard.com) the resources she has developed to make faith accessible to them. At a time when at least twenty percent of people live with disabilities and two percent are autistic, there is an urgent need to apply Church teachings to questions about the care and inclusion of persons with disabilities as full members of Christ’s Body and full participants in learning environments. Summer brings the grace, kindness, and insight of an experienced teacher and mother to begin answering those questions. An engaging speaker and dynamic workshop leader, Summer shares her hard-won wisdom with her audience, walking with them through the narrow places of community life with disabilities. Summer Kinard is an Antiochian Orthodox Christian in the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America. She lives with her husband, Andrew, and their five children in Texas.
For the Speakers series registration:
https://raphaelschool.org/ancient-faith-speaker-series// - this site has a lot of resources for Orthodox education in general and has hosted online seminars in the past.
http://anaphorapress.com/music/writers/home-educator-barbara-shukin/ - great church history materials
Check out Fr. Noah's podcasts as well at Ancient Faith Radio: http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/letthechildren
See also http://illumination-learning.com/main/for Orthodox teaching/ education.
On the Merits of a Classical Education ·
Notes from Hierodeacon Benedict, former Headmaster of Christ the Savior Academy in Wichita, KS. Talk on Education 6/7/13
Notes based on the principles
for the start-up of Christ the Savior Academy
in Wichita, Kansas
Vision of Education: A Classical School Model
Saving education based on leading the child to a discerning mature adulthood
The Philosophy is based on the following premise:
We are spiritual beings and as such the goal is to train mind, body and soul for inheritance
of the Kingdom of God. All that is taught works for the common vision.
Mission: To teach the student to recognize unchanging truths that lead to higher education and a future vocation demonstrated by faithful
living that leads to an Eternal goal, based on belief in God and man as His Creation, thereby developing what is lacking and meeting the
needs of the individual in a life in accord with Jesus Christ. Ie: To be good and to be virtuous. All flows from this precept versus working within the framework of (modern) Culture.
Much wisdom is to be found into going to something old.
The current thought in education stems from the fact that we are considered Economic beings. A pragmatic approach, this teaches the
child that the main purpose in life is to make money. Money becomes the measure of success.
Looking back in history the Greeks defined the individual as political beings. The middle ages produced religious beings.
Our children should be taught more than this because education should be preparation for living, rather than using the current model that trains
a child for a life that fits into the current Culture. The vision takes a child into a preparation for living a life that strives for moral, intellectual and
spiritual wholeness. Many children taught in the current model of Culture never grow up. An unexamined life is not worth living. In the vision
of the Classical School Model the adult lives a life of work and leisure versus a life of work and entertainment. (See Leisure the Basis of Culture, Josef Pieper) Pop Culture reflects the values of the current society in which a life model is one of work and entertainment. This model militates against right belief and creates a society in which wisdom is not even mentioned. The very words virtue and wisdom do not sell. (re: The Merchants of Cool, (Amazon review) Today's teenagers have money and independence, their lives the object of obsessive focus by corporate America. FrontLine explores the culture of today's teenagers and how they view themselves and their parents. Teenage tastes, attitudes, and aspirations are endlessly sampled by adolescence. https://sites.google.com/site/uturnshparents/culture/mooks-and-midriffs
In the Classical Model literature is viewed as the bearer of culture. Wisdom and virtue produce maturity and mature adults. When there is too much liberty
(esp moral liberty) then old men begin to act like adolescents, and fathers imitate the lifestyles of their sons; An integral part of adolescence is moving from the small world of the family to the greater world, where parents become less important
and peers more important.
Socrates says that the beauty of reason has a greater potential to move the practitioner inward. Man is a being that can turn upward. If the student learns what beauty is, what is good and true, what is love then he will begin to see his own place in the world.
Man is the only creature that has a will and is able to reason. An animal does not have will power in conjunction with reason. Shaping thought and character which is born from will and reason by the best of thoughts and beliefs found in art and literature creates an upward
pull resulting in a vision of nobility.
It is a design that creates the five maturities:
Physical - biological adulthood; this is inevitable;
Emotional - ability not to be ruled by our feelings, but to rule them;
Intellectual - to be able to really think, and to discern between true and false ideas;
Moral - to know our values and to live according to them;
Spiritual - to know God and love Him.
Development of these needs makes a satisfied, intelligent, humane and discerning individual.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Classical Conversations
College Education for Home Schoolers...How is that approached?
This is a highly helpful looking website. Command Education offers many different helps to the college entrance process. I found this to be a very good sounding program. See what you think.
Homeschool Guide to College Prep
https://www.commandeducation.com/homeschooling/
We offer everything from free programs to disadvantaged communities to $500 accelerator programs to longer, more customized relationships with private sessions that work more like a consultancy. Lauren Bell, consultant
Homeschool Guide to College Prep
https://www.commandeducation.com/homeschooling/
We offer everything from free programs to disadvantaged communities to $500 accelerator programs to longer, more customized relationships with private sessions that work more like a consultancy. Lauren Bell, consultant
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Join Us for the 2022 Saint Kosmas Orthodox Education Conference!
March 16-18, 2022 — Gold Canyon, Arizona
Printing and cursive writing copywork using Orthodox verse
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Victoria at Nourishing Grace (Blog) has some very helpful material for both Homeschooling and Sunday School use. Please see her blog here: https://nourishinggrace.com/2019/12/28/theophany-of-our-lord-handwriting-copywork/
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Some creative advice on Homeschooling from a young Mom with several children
all home schooled.....Experienced advice from a good source. Creative ideas from the get go.....and the process of living out and teaching..... http://achimeofhearts.blogspot.com/p/homeschool-q.html
all home schooled.....Experienced advice from a good source. Creative ideas from the get go.....and the process of living out and teaching..... http://achimeofhearts.blogspot.com/p/homeschool-q.html
· Children in Orthodox Churches (a link)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Children-in-Orthodox-Churches/178321536566?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Children-in-Orthodox-Churches/178321536566?fref=ts
Great Book as a Resource
Classical Learning Resource (review seen on the Antiochian Website) http://www.antiochian.org/classical-learning-resource-center-enrollment-open-fall-2013
Check this site for Latin, Classical Greek, Greek Mythology, Homer, Philosophy, Music, Lit. and Composition, Critical Thinking
Online School http://www.clrchomeschool.com/
Order from the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese for some great material on Orthodox Christian Education: Catalog. http://orthodoxchristianed.com/files/1413/4503/0063/OCOC-Catalog.pdf
The Antiochian Village Bookstore will now be carrying all of the titles formerly stocked at the Archdiocese!
Curriculum now available through this site.
Note: The Christian Education materials list and Order Form now available! Download and use this new form to order materials for your parish program! Be sure to see the revised Billing and Shipping/handling sections of the Order Form.
You can now order your books online at: store.antiochianvillage.org
Check this site for Latin, Classical Greek, Greek Mythology, Homer, Philosophy, Music, Lit. and Composition, Critical Thinking
Online School http://www.clrchomeschool.com/
Order from the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese for some great material on Orthodox Christian Education: Catalog. http://orthodoxchristianed.com/files/1413/4503/0063/OCOC-Catalog.pdf
The Antiochian Village Bookstore will now be carrying all of the titles formerly stocked at the Archdiocese!
Curriculum now available through this site.
Note: The Christian Education materials list and Order Form now available! Download and use this new form to order materials for your parish program! Be sure to see the revised Billing and Shipping/handling sections of the Order Form.
You can now order your books online at: store.antiochianvillage.org
· from Amy:
Check out Memoria Press for texts and class materials grades 1-7 Her children have enjoyed learning Greek and Latin from Memoria's materials: Classical Core Curriculum | Memoria Presswww.memoriapress.com |
· Orthodox Parenting
Available through Zoe Press at $25 a copy. http://www.shop.zoepress.us/ A compendium of thought from a polling of Orthodox Parents composed over a period of years |
Contributing to Peace or War in your own home:
http://capturegrace.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/good-seeds-and-tares-finding-root-in-our-children/A Day At School
See also this link to a interview with Fr. Roman Braga from the same source:
http://capturegrace.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/good-seeds-and-tares-finding-root-in-our-children/A Day At School
See also this link to a interview with Fr. Roman Braga from the same source:
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Notes toward a definition of Orthodox Christian Literature
Article by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick at the time the article below was written he held a B.A. in English Language and Literature from North Carolina State University. He has become a Priest since that time and now hosts two podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio :
Roads from Emmaus and Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/DamickLitTheory.php
Notes toward a definition of Orthodox Christian Literature
Article by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick at the time the article below was written he held a B.A. in English Language and Literature from North Carolina State University. He has become a Priest since that time and now hosts two podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio :
Roads from Emmaus and Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/DamickLitTheory.php
High Quality Art Work as a Basis for Education: Here are some excellent resources for paintings and painters. You will find some of these are art poster businesses and some are non-profits and will need to cull as to what is appropriate for your needs:
http://www.wikigallery.org/recommended-art-resources
http://www.frida-kahlo-foundation.org/links.html
http://www.toulouse-lautrec-foundation.org/links.html
http://www.1st-art-gallery.com
http://www.wikigallery.org/recommended-art-resources
http://www.frida-kahlo-foundation.org/links.html
http://www.toulouse-lautrec-foundation.org/links.html
http://www.1st-art-gallery.com
Some Big Picture Thoughts:
I talked to different individual's associated with a couple of Orthodox Schools. In each case these people indicated that they would be willing to share their curriculum and text list with those homeschooling. If a school near you is available I would suggest asking if they would share their lists and possibly linking with them which may be to your benefit. I would also not hesitate to call a school that you feel would have good suggestions.
Some big picture information:
1. Use the Great Books (can be found online) for material choices as often as you can.
2. Pick out in the context of this material human values of good and bad that you see in the characters. Which ones do you like and trust? Which ones make you uncomfortable? Why? As you broaden your base of reading compare characters from one book to another and this will help your child begin to distinguish the characteristics of people around him as well as helping him make choices in friendships. Also important are the facts of the story, the child should retain the information that he has read as necessary practice for putting ideas together. Memorization is very good.
3.Tie as much information together from all of the disciplines as you can . That will help your child to see the practicality and the humanity in the world in which he lives.
4. As the greatest over-riding principle, ask the child to access where God is in what he is doing, reading, studying? What did Jesus say about the subject in question?
Some big picture information:
1. Use the Great Books (can be found online) for material choices as often as you can.
2. Pick out in the context of this material human values of good and bad that you see in the characters. Which ones do you like and trust? Which ones make you uncomfortable? Why? As you broaden your base of reading compare characters from one book to another and this will help your child begin to distinguish the characteristics of people around him as well as helping him make choices in friendships. Also important are the facts of the story, the child should retain the information that he has read as necessary practice for putting ideas together. Memorization is very good.
3.Tie as much information together from all of the disciplines as you can . That will help your child to see the practicality and the humanity in the world in which he lives.
4. As the greatest over-riding principle, ask the child to access where God is in what he is doing, reading, studying? What did Jesus say about the subject in question?
Games, Puzzles, Activities:
Activity - Paint hard boiled eggs with Wilton assorted icing colors for a special treat at lunch time.
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Activity - Use vegetables like this acorn squash to make prints to decorate something special...furniture? Maybe thinking smaller...a book bag, a lunch sack?
Some Great Nativity Gifts and Books
Dedicated to making the wisdom of the ancient Orthodox Christian Faith accessible to the modern child. https://www.paideaclassics.org/
This site has some wonderful possibilities: subscribe to their newsletter, gifts for the Nativity Season, (See their chocolate St. Nicholas coins, games, books), check out their blog.
This site has some wonderful possibilities: subscribe to their newsletter, gifts for the Nativity Season, (See their chocolate St. Nicholas coins, games, books), check out their blog.
More: Orthodox Books and Materials
For Nativity...An Advent Calendar Activity...
Elissa Bjeletich From Sebastian Press: Welcoming the Christ Child Ornament Gift Set
Journey through the Old Testament with forty wonderfully illustrated Bible readings, one for each day of the Nativity Lent. These short, beloved stories from Scripture are followed by a few thoughtful questions and answers to encourage family discussion, and can be used any of time of year to assist parents in their efforts to bring the Holy Orthodox Faith to life in their homes, increasing understanding and inspiring love for Christ and His Church. READ MORE
Price: $25.00
Sebastian Press also carries a Gift Set that includes a book with lesson plans as well as the ornaments. Check it out!
Also on Ancient Faith Publishing for more of Elissa's wonderful and instructive books on raising children. A new book On Creating an Orthodox Christian Home 'Blueprints for the Little Church', with Caleb Shoemaker, is sure to be of value as well as is 'In God's Hands'. http://store.ancientfaith.com/search.php?Search=&search_query=Elissa+Bjendich
The Planner- Ecclesiastical Calendar "And it was Good”
'The Planner' is from the Greek Orthodox Church, Religious Education Department. http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com
It is organized around the Orthodox Year beginning in September and ending in August of the following year. In the front matter it lists Orthodox Christian Contacts, Assembly of Bishops, Agencies of the Assembly, (Scouting, Charities etc.), Seminaries and Institutions. Also listed are the Ecclesiastical Calendar, Fasting Guidelines, Daily Prayers, (Morning and Evening), and the Nicene-Constantinopolian Creed. Preceeding each month is a short meditation/informational piece followed by the monthly calendar at a glance. In the weekly calendar format are three thumbnail months at a glance. The saints and feasts are listed daily, with Sunday readings and the liturgical calendar designations for each Sunday.. Measures 8.5' x 6". Mailed and shipped to me for $14.59. Discounted.
This would be a good daily record keeper for teaching. Thinking I might staple overview material into the calendar when new lessons are introduced. It would be better if it were bigger, and had larger note taking space; but it does offer a lot of material on Orthodoxy that other choices might not have. Please see Blog.
It is organized around the Orthodox Year beginning in September and ending in August of the following year. In the front matter it lists Orthodox Christian Contacts, Assembly of Bishops, Agencies of the Assembly, (Scouting, Charities etc.), Seminaries and Institutions. Also listed are the Ecclesiastical Calendar, Fasting Guidelines, Daily Prayers, (Morning and Evening), and the Nicene-Constantinopolian Creed. Preceeding each month is a short meditation/informational piece followed by the monthly calendar at a glance. In the weekly calendar format are three thumbnail months at a glance. The saints and feasts are listed daily, with Sunday readings and the liturgical calendar designations for each Sunday.. Measures 8.5' x 6". Mailed and shipped to me for $14.59. Discounted.
This would be a good daily record keeper for teaching. Thinking I might staple overview material into the calendar when new lessons are introduced. It would be better if it were bigger, and had larger note taking space; but it does offer a lot of material on Orthodoxy that other choices might not have. Please see Blog.
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· Chrissi Hart reads Orthodox Children's Stories on Ancient Faith Radio
Under the Grapevine.....http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/grapevine
Under the Grapevine.....http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/grapevine
St. Joseph Orthodox Boys School has flashcards/card games (go fish, turn-over)
These come in Icon flash cards -$10, Things that You See in Church Cards - $8, Church Feast Day Cards-$8http://www.easterngiftshop.com/orthodox-flashcards-and-memory-cards--FlashMemory.html
These come in Icon flash cards -$10, Things that You See in Church Cards - $8, Church Feast Day Cards-$8http://www.easterngiftshop.com/orthodox-flashcards-and-memory-cards--FlashMemory.html
Coloring Book of Church Feasts
My Book of Church Feasts...printed in Greece and available through both Orthodox Marketplace and Hellenic Literature Society @ $$7.95
can be found on Amazon as well.
My Book of Church Feasts...printed in Greece and available through both Orthodox Marketplace and Hellenic Literature Society @ $$7.95
can be found on Amazon as well.
Feasts Series of Books for Young Children:
Ancient Faith Publishing (Conciliar Press) publishes this fine series by Mother Melania for young children. At $5.95 each it is a great way to build a library for Elementary youngsters on a small budget.
Ancient Faith has many other children's books on all manner of subjects for older or younger children. There are some new things on just browsing that look very interesting:
http://store.ancientfaith.com/childrens-books/
Ancient Faith Publishing (Conciliar Press) publishes this fine series by Mother Melania for young children. At $5.95 each it is a great way to build a library for Elementary youngsters on a small budget.
Ancient Faith has many other children's books on all manner of subjects for older or younger children. There are some new things on just browsing that look very interesting:
http://store.ancientfaith.com/childrens-books/
Have you ever heard of Kyra Sarakosti?
I hadn't until I got an ad for a Lenten Cookbook from Sebastian Press.
Sounds like a really cute Lenten project. In this Greek recipe, the chef makes a cookie using flour, cinnamon, salt, with water as needed to create the dough. The cookie is cut out with a knife - a woman with a cross on her head, no mouth and seven feet. Seven feet? Here are the recipe and the ad from Sebastian Press that will tell you a little more.
This looks like a wonderful cookbook!
http://www.orthodoxmom.com/2015/02/11/kyra-sarakosti-recipe-2
https://www.sebastianpress.org/searchresults.asp?Search=the+festive&Submit=
A Blessed and Fruitful Great Lent.
Sounds like a really cute Lenten project. In this Greek recipe, the chef makes a cookie using flour, cinnamon, salt, with water as needed to create the dough. The cookie is cut out with a knife - a woman with a cross on her head, no mouth and seven feet. Seven feet? Here are the recipe and the ad from Sebastian Press that will tell you a little more.
This looks like a wonderful cookbook!
http://www.orthodoxmom.com/2015/02/11/kyra-sarakosti-recipe-2
https://www.sebastianpress.org/searchresults.asp?Search=the+festive&Submit=
A Blessed and Fruitful Great Lent.
· A Listing of Online Publishers of Games, Puzzles, Activities sympathetic to the Classical Model:
A publisher of games, reading help, puzzles etc in three separate monthly magazines Highlights Hello - 0-2, High Five - 2-6, Highlights - 6 and up
Highlights for Children http://www.highlights.com/
A Publisher of Classic Children's books; Also publisher of Games, Puzzles and Activities for Children in small paperback book format
Dover Publications - http://store.doverpublications.com/?gclid=CPvz693mgrgCFcZAMgodSHEA-A
A Publisher of Online (Kindle) Children's Books. Puts out an activities Newsletter for Children if you sign up with them.
Xist Publishing http://xistpublishing.com/
Activity Cards - Wipe Clean (can be wiped clean and used over and over again) with its own pen- a variety of different activities in a box...for example Animal Doodles...Can be doodled on over and over again. http://c0791.myubam.com/c/14/flashcards-activity-cards
Activity Cards - SmartyPants, Brain building cards with Questions, Puzzles, and Games- can your brain come out and play?
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/search?q=smartypants&button.x=-856&button.y=-83&button=Go
A publisher of games, reading help, puzzles etc in three separate monthly magazines Highlights Hello - 0-2, High Five - 2-6, Highlights - 6 and up
Highlights for Children http://www.highlights.com/
A Publisher of Classic Children's books; Also publisher of Games, Puzzles and Activities for Children in small paperback book format
Dover Publications - http://store.doverpublications.com/?gclid=CPvz693mgrgCFcZAMgodSHEA-A
A Publisher of Online (Kindle) Children's Books. Puts out an activities Newsletter for Children if you sign up with them.
Xist Publishing http://xistpublishing.com/
Activity Cards - Wipe Clean (can be wiped clean and used over and over again) with its own pen- a variety of different activities in a box...for example Animal Doodles...Can be doodled on over and over again. http://c0791.myubam.com/c/14/flashcards-activity-cards
Activity Cards - SmartyPants, Brain building cards with Questions, Puzzles, and Games- can your brain come out and play?
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/search?q=smartypants&button.x=-856&button.y=-83&button=Go
HARD SUBJECTS
Sex, God and Me
Two web sites for sex education
https://www.thenationalherald.com/38702/god-sex-facts-life-greek-houston/
http://stgeorgegoc.org/pastors-corner/sex-christians-the-church
CPR
These links are from a nurse. Important information for every parent...
http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/AboutCPRFirstAid/CPRFactsAndStats/UCM_475748_CPR-Facts-and-Stats.jsp
http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/AboutCPRFirstAid/CardiacArrestvsHeartAttack/UCM_473213_Cardiac-Arrest-vs-Heart-Attack.jsp
http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/AboutCPRFirstAid/CardiacArrestvsHeartAttack/UCM_473213_Cardiac-Arrest-vs-Heart-Attack.jsp
Death and Dying...Educational Material
A Children's book and activities book just released by Pascha Press:
When My Baba Died, and When My Baba Died, Activity Book; Pascha Press, ,www.paschapress.com written by Marjorie Kunch, Funeral Director, includes a story and activity book directed toward helping a child deal with grief, questions and process surrounding the death of a loved one within an Orthodox Funeral setting.
In her own words:
"The Orthodox Church excels in reinforcing this concept of remembrance, with our various services dedicated to deceased loved ones. This celebration of life culminates in our Bright and Glorious Pascha, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises of our Lord. So many times the answers to questions children and adults ask can be found within the Church. This workbook is meant to be a companion to the title When My Baba Died, a tool to reinforce the concepts presented in a gentle way. To help children begin their own journey of grief accompanied by the comfort of you, the helpers in their lives, and the comfort of Christ."
KUDOS for When My BaBa Died
“This wonderful book easily guides children through the funeral process, while helping to instill a lifelong reverence for and understanding of the importance of funerals.”
— Alexandra Kathryn Mosca, author of Grave Undertakings and Green-Wood Cemetery
“When My Baba Died is a welcome resource for Orthodox caregivers facing the difficult task of tenderly guiding their children through the mourning process. The author, Marjorie Kunch, writes gently and straightforwardly about what to expect at an Orthodox funeral service and the array of emotions attached to grief. Kids and adults alike will greatly benefit from this unique tool for teaching Orthodox Christians of all ages about the Church’s hope-filled response to death and eternity.”
— Molly Sabourin, author of Close to Home: One Orthodox Mother’s Quest for Patience, Peace and Perseverance
Other thoughts:
Majorie Kunch's book follows the mainstream practice of funeral procedure in the United States, incorporating embalming and preparation of the remains in a funeral home setting. Also used by some Orthodox Churches is the method of washing the body and preparing it for burial through funeral guilds within individual Orthodox Churches, incorporating the methods used in "A Christian Ending", by J. Mark and Elizabeth Barna. (http://store.ancientfaith.com/general-books/). If your church uses the procedure outlined in "A Christian Ending", some material will not apply in your situation. In this case, perhaps the purchase of the activities book will be most helpful, as the portions that do not apply may be omitted and portions that will be very helpful, can be incorporated.
Thanks to Marji for these titles on an important topic.
When My Baba Died, and When My Baba Died, Activity Book; Pascha Press, ,www.paschapress.com written by Marjorie Kunch, Funeral Director, includes a story and activity book directed toward helping a child deal with grief, questions and process surrounding the death of a loved one within an Orthodox Funeral setting.
In her own words:
"The Orthodox Church excels in reinforcing this concept of remembrance, with our various services dedicated to deceased loved ones. This celebration of life culminates in our Bright and Glorious Pascha, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises of our Lord. So many times the answers to questions children and adults ask can be found within the Church. This workbook is meant to be a companion to the title When My Baba Died, a tool to reinforce the concepts presented in a gentle way. To help children begin their own journey of grief accompanied by the comfort of you, the helpers in their lives, and the comfort of Christ."
KUDOS for When My BaBa Died
“This wonderful book easily guides children through the funeral process, while helping to instill a lifelong reverence for and understanding of the importance of funerals.”
— Alexandra Kathryn Mosca, author of Grave Undertakings and Green-Wood Cemetery
“When My Baba Died is a welcome resource for Orthodox caregivers facing the difficult task of tenderly guiding their children through the mourning process. The author, Marjorie Kunch, writes gently and straightforwardly about what to expect at an Orthodox funeral service and the array of emotions attached to grief. Kids and adults alike will greatly benefit from this unique tool for teaching Orthodox Christians of all ages about the Church’s hope-filled response to death and eternity.”
— Molly Sabourin, author of Close to Home: One Orthodox Mother’s Quest for Patience, Peace and Perseverance
Other thoughts:
Majorie Kunch's book follows the mainstream practice of funeral procedure in the United States, incorporating embalming and preparation of the remains in a funeral home setting. Also used by some Orthodox Churches is the method of washing the body and preparing it for burial through funeral guilds within individual Orthodox Churches, incorporating the methods used in "A Christian Ending", by J. Mark and Elizabeth Barna. (http://store.ancientfaith.com/general-books/). If your church uses the procedure outlined in "A Christian Ending", some material will not apply in your situation. In this case, perhaps the purchase of the activities book will be most helpful, as the portions that do not apply may be omitted and portions that will be very helpful, can be incorporated.
Thanks to Marji for these titles on an important topic.
