Center for Family Care
January 18, 2019
In the traditional sense, family is composed of the parents and children in a household all brought together by divine grace—the “domestic church.” Additionally, it must be understood that the Church—the body of Christ—constitutes a broader dimension of family through the very real spiritual relationship established through the baptism and chrismation that unites all of its members. We are all one family in Christ! Read More
Center for Family Care
January 7, 2019
What is the connection between music and our spiritual lives? The Bible is constantly referencing music as an integral part of worship. In Ephesians 5:19 we are called to speak to and worship God by “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Read More
Center for Family Care
January 1, 2019
The beginning of January, the first month of the civil calendar, is a traditional time in our society when countless people take something of an inventory of their lives, resolving to implement changes in the hope of bringing about the desired effect. Read More
Center for Family Care
December 18, 2018
Christ wasn’t born into a perfect family but, rather, a fallen one—as we all are. His entry into the world was neither cute nor pretty—he was born in a cave filled with smelly animals and, shortly after, his family fled the country because of a jealous, murderous king. So the Christmas story indicates all sorts of imperfection and turmoil. Ultimately, it says that in the midst of our own brands of chaos, we should really be focused on the One born in a manger for our salvation. Read More
Center for Family Care
November 6, 2018
With today’s common perceptions of what qualifies for being “strong,” we might be somewhat surprised to find an extraordinary example from a certain young girl from antiquity—one who was likely just a teenager. That is, however, exactly what we see when we look at the life of the Theotokos—strength in its most noble form. Read More
Center for Family Care
October 24, 2018
How can we, as Orthodox Christians, help our children reveal, nurture and cultivate the love and empathy hidden within their hearts in a society plastered with messages of self-seeking and self-fulfillment? How can we raise children who will become adults with a desire to care for and serve others wholeheartedly? Read More
Center for Family Care
October 17, 2018
As Orthodox Christian parents, we may find it difficult to address the topic of child abuse, especially regarding our own children’s well-being and safety. We may like to believe that our children are protected by our prayers and our Orthodox community, but in reality child abuse can happen to any child, anywhere. Read More
Center for Family Care
October 7, 2018
If we wish to serve [the church], whether male or female, we must all find our gifts and use them to serve our communities. It is particularly important to help our daughters identify the work women do in their parish and to help them see the value and richness of ministry and service that women provide. Read More
Center for Family Care
October 1, 2018
An effective Orthodox parenting plan dismisses worldly falsehoods such as the virtue of material possessions—wealth and the “child with the most toys wins” attitude—and instead brings forth a kingdom-focused approach that concentrates on eternal truths. By placing the proper focus with our families on humility, forgiveness and holiness, we are preparing them for God’s kingdom. Read More
Center for Family Care
September 19, 2018
The loss of a loved one—whether a parent, a spouse, a child or a good friend—can be one of the most devastating and painful experiences in life. It is an unavoidable reality that all of us will experience at some point in our life’s journey. As the old saying goes, time heals. Yet my observation through the years is that time itself is not the solution. Read More
Center for Family Care
September 14, 2018
The Orthodox Faith contains within it a rich visual, aural and tactile world for both children and adults to explore. Our worship services are incredibly layered; they weave Scripture and song together into the dance of liturgy. Our iconography plays a key role in this liturgy by facilitating worship and revealing the basic principles of our Faith. Icons are a visual expression of our theology, bringing to life the hagiography of the saints and preaching the Gospel to all ages. Growing our children’s visual literacy and understanding of faith using icons is a powerful tool at our disposal. Read More
Center for Family Care
August 21, 2018
This summer we have explored some of the characteristics that allow us the grace to serve as witnesses of our faith. Take some time to reflect on what you have gained from the 2018 version of Soak Up the SON through writings or images. This summer we have explored some of the characteristics that allow us the grace to serve as witnesses of our faith. Take some time to reflect on what you have gained from the 2018 version of Soak Up the SON through writings or images. Read More
Center for Family Care
August 20, 2018
On September 1, we celebrate the Ecclesiastical (Church) New Year. This day has also been set aside by the Ecumenical Patriarch as a special day of Protection for the Environment. During prayers this week, read Psalm 103 (104), which is read at the beginning of Vespers. Read More
Center for Family Care
August 11, 2018
How often do I sit at the feet of our Lord and attend to His every word? How can I expect to keep Him as my life’s center if I don’t really take time to focus on Him daily? I may say I don’t have time, but the fact is I am just disoriented—crashing into all sorts of things instead of focusing on God. Does this sound familiar? Read More
Center for Family Care
August 11, 2018
The word prosphoron (in the plural, prosphora) is translated from its Greek origin as “offering” and, as such, is a fitting name for the bread we bring to church for the Divine Liturgy. The making of prosphora in our homes is an opportunity for families to gather and participate in the life of the Church in a meaningful way. Read More
Center for Family Care
August 10, 2018
Although we can never be children again, Jesus is calling us to cultivate childlike qualities in our relationship with God. Think for a moment about how you relate with God. As you reflect on your connection with God, in what ways are you still trusting, honest with your feelings, inquisitive, joyful, and pure of heart? Read More
Center for Family Care
August 6, 2018
The significance of an Orthodox Christian’s regular participation in the sacrament of Holy Communion cannot be overstated. Having received the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are mystically united to Him and one another. It is only God Who makes us worthy of such a wondrous gift. In His great mercy, we approach the chalice with fear, faith, and love—fully committed to lead holy, transfigured lives. Read More
Center for Family Care
July 30, 2018
This week, on August 1, we enter the fasting period for the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15). This is an appropriate time to explore the virtue of compassion exemplified by the “Panagia,” the Mother of our God. Add the following troparion from the Small Paraklesis service to your family’s prayer time this week. If you’re able, learn to chant it: https://www.goarch.org/-/learn-to-chant-paraklesis. Read More
Center for Family Care
July 25, 2018
Instead of the interview we usually suggest, this week it’s time for a conversation. We’d like for you to to talk among yourselves as a family about truth. While the depth of the discussion will likely differ as it corresponds to the age of your children, it can still be fruitful when adapting the conversation in an appropriate manner. Read More
Center for Family Care
July 23, 2018
As the month of July expires, our attention turns to the two-week fasting period (August 1–14) preceding the final great feast day of the ecclesiastical year, the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15). At this time, it is customary for Orthodox Christian communities to gather and alternately pray the small and great Paraklesis (supplication) services to the Theotokos on most evenings during the fast. Read More
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