Reflections

Over the last month and a half, I have been speaking on the theme of our Youth being connected to their parishes. I began with what the parish needs to do, and then I turned to what parents can do to assist their children to form healthy connections to their parish. I spoke on freedom, obedience, and love as important … Read More

In the last few weeks, I have addressed themes of obedience and freedom as some of the building blocks that can contribute to our kids making a healthy connection to their parish life and owning their membership in the Church. Today I will cite a few words on love which, for me, is the key part of this triad that … Read More

In the popular use of the word, “freedom” is erroneously linked to the idea of “I can do what I want, and no one can tell me what to do.” But there is no freedom in this statement. Whenever a child rebels against one’s parents, we need to understand it as the first stage in a process where a child … Read More

I have touched upon these themes before in previous postings. But given my recent notes on ownership by youth of their church life, I want to revisit the above three virtues of Christian life to see how they all work together; particularly in this area of ownership of faith and church life. Let’s talk about obedience first. Obedience is simply … Read More

I asked the question last week, “What does the church have to offer to youth and their parents when they do make more of an effort to get involved in the life of a parish?” The typical answers are; our services, our church school, and any youth activities a parish may sponsor. Yet, I think a key aspect to having … Read More

There are two calendars that many Orthodox Christians observe during the year: the public school calendar and the liturgical calendar. The attention given to these two has a significant impact on how well-connected kids are to their local church and their experience of parish life. If children are involved in several sports activities or musical programs at school, chances are … Read More

I was at the FOCA convention in Columbus, OH this past weekend. At their assembly, Dimitrios Rentel gave a presentation of the Youth Survey he has been conducting with our parishes. So far over 1600 people have responded. He also spent the summer visiting some of our camps and attending other youth-oriented activities. He spoke with many of our youth … Read More

There are two things to remember in addressing death with our children. First, if a parent is uncomfortable speaking on this issue, then do not try to discuss this with your child. Speak first with your parish priest. He might be able to help you work through your own discomfort. Once that is done and you are at peace, then … Read More

I remember when death came into our family for the first time. I was about 12 years old when my mother’s first cousin passed away. I was not prepared to deal with how my relatives dealt with death in Greek culture. When we went to the home of my mother’s first cousin, his wife and a few other women were … Read More