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Wolfman Tom was a ruthless murderer in nineteenth century Russia. This is the captivating true story of how God transformed this hardened criminal into a saint through the fire of repentance. Until the end of time, his story will be an example of repentance and salvation for anyone who has fallen deeply into sin.
This ornament kit includes 7 pre-printed shrink-plastic sheets and instructions to make seven easy-to-make (for all ages) ornaments including:
Entry into Jerusalem * Christ the Bridegroom * Christ Washing the Disciples Feet * The Last Supper * "Before Thy Cross We Bow" * The Burial of Christ * The Resurrection of Christ
Special note for parish schools: Custom bulk orders can be made of specific images with special discount pricing. Please e-mail paideaclassics@att.net for more information. *Be sure to use permanent markers like Bic or Sharpie brands.
Elegant watercolor illustrations highlight the beauty of this feast day. The simple, psalm-like poems are written especially for children, but the whole family will enjoy them. A wonderful book and series for children's Pascha baskets & from Godparents!
This ornament kit includes 7 pre-printed shrink-plastic sheets and instructions to make seven easy-to-make ornaments including:
Forgiveness Sunday * The Feast of the Annunciation * Sunday of Orthodoxy * St. Gregory Palamas * The Adoration of the Cross * St. John of the Ladder * St. Mary of Egypt Click here to order. Special note for parish schools: Custom bulk orders can be made of specific images with special discount pricing. Please e-mail paideaclassics@att.net for more information.
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On Motherhood- By a Hieromonk of the Orthodox Church in America
Your most important concern seems to be how to live a life in Christ while a housewife and mother and teacher to your children. I will write a little about the vocation of motherhood.
In his letter to Timothy the Apostle Paul says: "Woman shall be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."
It is not the mere act and moment of giving birth that the Apostle is speaking of which is a path of salvation but the vocation of raising children. This is a work, service or obedience, so-to-speak, which God has allotted to women as a means or path of salvation. To be a mother is a great responsibility and must be fulfilled in an Orthodox Christian way according to the commandments of God.
In order to accomplish this you must first accept motherhood as an act of obedience to the will of God. You must renounce your will desires and understanding - that is, in this case your own idea of what is good for you personally - and in humility comply to the will of God. You have been a co-worker with God in the creation of a new human being and now this new creation has been entrusted to you by the Lord to raise in a godly manner. The fruit of fulfilling an obedience is humility and while in fulfilling an obedience one is often subject to many temptations to rebel. This is because, as I mentioned above, in submitting to the will of God one must cut off one's own will, desires and understanding. So if you thus renounce yourself and attach yourself to the will of God and accept motherhood as His will, for the most part you shall be able to do this obedience joyfully, without grumbling and bear the fruit of humility.
The work or service you do for your family can be considered as a sacrifice and act of mercy for others. In the writings of Sts. Barsanuphius and John we read: "Do not lose heart in the sufferings which you bear for the sake of the community, for this too means 'to lay down our lives for the brethren' (1John 3:16), and I hope the reward for this will be great. As the Lord placed Joseph in Egypt in time of famine to feed his brethren so He placed you in the position to serve the community." It is interesting to take note that that which our Lord considers a sign of the greatest love one may possess "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13) - these saints liken to our work for those with whom we live together.
You should also consider and apply to your life the following words of the aforementioned Athonite monk which he spoke to me concerning work in a monastic community: "The elder emphasizes the Liturgy as the center of our life. This is in accord with the greatest commandments of the Gospel: the first is love of God and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. To live the Liturgy is to live for others more than for ourselves; therefore it is the fulfillment of this commandment. Everyone has a different program in the monastery, we serve and work for the community. Our program should not be to seek things we want or to have time for ourselves, but to help others without any resistance when we are asked." If you consider the work you do for your family as a sacrifice of yourself for others which is pleasing to God then it will be a means of attaining God's grace manifesting itself in tenderness of heart and as an increase in love.
Hope then, through the raising of your children to increase in the grace of God. Do not expect it to be easy, do not expect it to be free from struggles and do not expect to be free from falls. Do not expect to have a "spiritual life" according to what you think it should be, rather be obedient and humble, sacrifice yourself and struggle, this leads to holiness. And fulfilling this you will not only save yourself but by your example you will be as a light to your children and also lead them upon the saving path of the life-giving gospel commandments. Especially struggle to be patient, pray for patience at the time of struggle, dont fight against painful situations and suffering but rather accept them and pray for patience. Be patient, evey day in every thing. If you can do this then you can bear the fruit of peace.
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