children Archives - Behind the Scenes

Mom and Kids review Rooted in Prayer Virtual Vacation Church Camp

August 18, 2020 · Sarah Geana

The most surprising result of the week of church camp was this deepening sense of prayer. My children have all grown up in the church and have been saying family prayers since they were born and attend church on a regular basis, etc., so you would think they would have a very firm grasp of what prayer is and its importance.

Laurel and the Wind: Picture Book Review by an Art Therapist

June 23, 2020 · Ama

In our digitally heavy world, where our senses are somewhat numbed by media overload, it is absolutely a breath of fresh air to read a book that is, in my opinion, a work of art that engages our imagination.

Using A Child’s Guide to Confession with My Kids: A Review

May 23, 2019 · Nikki Johnson

My kids especially appreciated the self-examination questions, which help with introspection and examination of conscience and focus first on love and our failures to love perfectly, rather than on sin.

Journey to Pascha 2019 Chart

February 11, 2019February 11, 2019 · Fr. Jonathan Bannon 3

We’re delighted to share this year’s edition of Fr. Jonathan Bannon’s wonderful “Journey to Pascha” chart. This chart can be used like a map of Lent, marking off the milestones along the way and providing a suggestion for personal spiritual practice for each week. Last year, the original edition of this chart traveled around the world. It was even translated into other languages. Glory to God! Fr. Jonathan came up with the…

A Year of Tending the Garden

January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 · Kristina Wenger 1

Had I known, when I received it a year ago, what all Elissa’s message would have entailed, I’d have said yes on the spot, without thinking about it for a few days.

Beautiful Things: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children

June 7, 2018 · Megan Gilbert 1

When I was 25 years old, I was working full-time as a Montessori assistant in a Kindergarten classroom. During morning circle time, I would take little notes on our scrap paper about what the head teacher was sharing with the 5-7 year olds. No holds barred, this teacher, a life-long lover of learning, poured into these children rich details about complex ideas and precise nomenclature. I love the Montessori concept of the…

How to Put Together a Traditional Easter Basket

March 29, 2018March 29, 2018 · Fr. Jonathan Bannon 3

Fr. Jonathan Bannon kindly shared this infographic he created to show the elements of a traditional Easter or Pascha basket. Pascha baskets are taken to the midnight service on Holy Saturday and blessed, and their contents are enjoyed at the feast after the service. This being so, they traditional contain many delicacies that cannot be eaten during the preceding Lenten Fast.

Journey to Pascha 2018 Chart

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 · Fr. Jonathan Bannon 5

The Journey To Pascha resource came from thinking of practical and fun ways to help my parish bring the goals of Lent home in creative ways for all ages.

Lighting the Candle: The Life Cycle of an Ancient Faith Children’s Book

August 31, 2017August 31, 2017 · Jane G. Meyer 2

At Ancient Faith Publishing, we LOVE creating books for kids! It is our belief that the books we make for children are just as important as the books we make for adults. In fact, since kids are under our care and guidance, since children are gifts given to us—whom we should teach and love and nurture–our work for them better be good. Children’s picture books are the most time consuming and…

Girl On A Plane: How to Handle a Meltdown

March 3, 2017March 23, 2017 · Dr. Philip Mamalakis

Recently, I was on a flight home sitting quietly in my seat as a mother of a toddler, probably around 2, came down the aisle to sit in the row behind me. The mom struggled to navigate the narrow aisle, diaper bag, and carry-on draped over her shoulders, pulling her toddler behind her in a car-seat stroller down the aisle. The toddler seemed content, with a bottle on her lap, just waking…