A Handful of Picture Books from The Orthodox Children’s Press

The Orthodox Children’s Press offers picture books that are simultaneously instructional and heartwarming. Presvytera Angela Alatzakis has written and illustrated each of these books, and the reader can hear her heart for children in the gentle and loving way that she teaches through each one. Whether she is defining “our Church,” reminding each child how they became a beloved member of that Church, or offering suggestions for how each of us can be the best kind of Orthodox Christian by making our cross and praying, Prevytera Angela writes and draws with compassion.

Our Church tells how a parish comes to be, and how the people in the parish are the community that makes it beautiful. She introduces individuals who are part of the parish in the book, showing how they contribute to that community and add to its beauty. Through the voice of the young narrator, Presvytera Angela encourages the reader (regardless of age) to see how they are contributing to their own community, and to look for even more ways to do so. Our Church helps its readers to better appreciate their own parish, welcome others into it, and find ways to contribute to the life of their community.

The Story of You is the lovingly-told tale of how a young child is anticipated, welcomed into the world, brought to the Church on the 40th day, then baptized and chrismated into the Holy Orthodox Church. Presvytera Angela has written this book with parents as the narrators, speaking directly to their own child. Her gentle illustrations bring the story to life. Each child who hears (or reads) this story will know that they were loved and prayed for before they were even born, and that they are still loved and prayed for, every step of the way. They will better understand their early journey with God, and they will be reassured that He is with them always as they travel through life.

Every Time I Do My Cross visually walks beside a young boy as he goes through his day. He tells his own story, mentioning how every time he does his cross, it’s for something different. Sometimes he is being thankful. Sometimes he is asking God for help. Sometimes he’s wanting God to protect him, or keep him from being afraid. Sometimes he’s making the cross with others at home or at church. Other times he’s making it alone, on the soccer field, to remind himself to be the best Orthodox Christian that he can (even if his team doesn’t win). There is so much theology packed into this little book, and Presvytera Angela has written and illustrated it in such a way that young children can easily understand, and be encouraged to make their cross and pray when they come into similar situations.

Our Church, The Story of You, and Every Time I Do My Cross will be beneficial to each family that reads them together. It’s very likely that parents will be encouraged by these books, alongside their children. Sunday school teachers will find these three books helpful for certain lessons. If your parish has a library or a collection of books in the narthex for children to take into church with them, these three should be in those collections. The books are educational, but written so gently that the reader doesn’t feel that they are learning, and the illustrations are simple but engaging. All three of these books can be very helpful to have in hand.

Find copies of these three picture books at the following sites based on your needs: orders of multiple copies (5+, may be a combination of titles from The Orthodox Children’s Press) can be placed at https://www.orthodoxchildrenspress.com; orders of 1-4 copies should be placed through Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAngela+Alatzakis&s=relevancerank&text=Angela+Alatzakis&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks The Orthodox Children’s Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.   

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

“A Glimpse at Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide” by Kendra Hunter, Kristina Tartara, Stephanie Petrides, and Dr. Philip Mamalakis

Ancient Faith Publishing’s Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide is aptly named. It is both a companion and a guide to parents whose aim is to help their children toward the Kingdom of God. Intended as a study guide to be used alongside Dr. Philip Mamalakis’ well-received book Parenting Toward the Kingdom (read our 2017 review, https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/gleanings-from-a-book-parenting-toward-the-kingdom-by-dr-philip-mamalakis/), this spiral bound book both supports and extends the original book while also personalizing it for each reader. This companion guide was written by a team, Kendra Hunter, Kristina Tartara, and Stephanie Petrides (who each led a parenting group in their parish, discussing the original book), along with Dr. Philip Mamalakis. Their investment in the project is evident through the insights in the companion guide.

The guide is set up in 10 sessions, each focusing on one or more chapters of the original book. (The authors suggest that it may take more than one group gathering to do justice to one “session” in the guide, so discussion groups should be open to some flexibility in extending their session discussions as needed.) There’s a prayer to open each session that includes a different part of the “Akathist to the Mother of God: Nurturer of Children” each time. Following the opening prayer, there are eight different segments in every session that open the discussion. These include additional insights from Dr. Mamalakis. They also incorporate individual experiences, allow parents to reflect on their past actions, encourage individualized practice, help parents set goals for future actions, and briefly review the session’s learnings. There is ample room for readers to write down their own insights, ideas, and goals in the guide’s pages. Each session’s pages are sprinkled with relevant quotes from the original book.

Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide offers a practical way for parents to take a close look at their parenting, consider how to apply the principles in the original book within the context of their own home, and set themselves up for growth in parenting their children toward the Kingdom of God. The book is intended to be used in a group setting, so that parents can bounce ideas off each other and support each other in their ups and downs. In order to get the best benefit from this book, the reader will have to invest time and thought into each session. This companion guide will enable parents who make that investment to become better parents, and better lead their children towards the Kingdom of God.

Purchase your copy of Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide at https://store.ancientfaith.com/parenting-toward-the-kingdom-a-companion-guide/ 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Ancient Faith Publishing for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.   

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

After reading the 2017 review of Parenting Toward the Kingdom (https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/gleanings-from-a-book-parenting-toward-the-kingdom-by-dr-philip-mamalakis/), and learning that there are six principles of child rearing which the Mamalakis family follows, you may wish to explore some or all of those principles a little deeper. We have linked our shorts posts for each principle below. May God help (and forgive!) all of us as we parent, grandparent, godparent, and otherwise raise His children towards His Kingdom!

1. Always parent with the end in mind. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-1-always-parent-with-the-end-in-mind/
2. Respond, don’t react. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/10/04/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-2-respond-dont-react/
3. Understand struggles in terms of the values and the virtues of the Kingdom of God. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/10/20/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-3-understand-struggles-in-terms-of-the-values-and-the-virtues-of-the-kingdom-of-god/
4. Separate feelings from behaviors. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-4-separate-feelings-from-behaviors/
5. Teach the joy of obedience. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/11/15/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-5-teach-the-joy-of-obedience/
6. Teach the joy of repentance. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/12/13/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-6-teach-the-joy-of-repentance/

A Glimpse at “Down the Valley” by Edith M. Humphrey

Professor Edith Humphrey has once again woven a beautiful tale for children, incorporating her own grandchildren as the main characters, and allowing them to time-travel and meet their very own saints! Fans of her Beyond the White Fence (Ancient Faith, 2021) will be overjoyed to learn that she has written a sequel, Down the Valley, which has been published by Cascade Books (an imprint of Wipf and Stock).

It’s been two years since some of the cousins found themselves beyond Gramgon’s (what they call their grandmother) white fence, and wondrously transported back in time to meet their saints. Many of the other cousins wished for a turn, but two years have passed with no opportunities. Until now. This time cousins James, Isaiah, Allie, and Kevin, and their friend from Gramgon’s neighborhood, TJ, each have their own adventure down in the valley beyond the fence. (Most of the adventures include several other cousins, as well.) Every trip across time introduces a cousin/friend to their saint and allows them to experience part of their saint’s life. 

How do some of the cousins cause a distraction that keeps one of Christ’s disciples’ homes from being searched? Will some of the boys make it all the way through the dark to Bethany (and find the right house there) in time to deliver something important to an early Christian leader? Who accidentally meets their saint inside the Jewish temple at night? Which of the children find themselves in another time and place alone? Who winds up in jail with their saint? Whose saint had an otter and a cow as their friends? Who was almost too late to this saint-meeting party, but arrives in time to find themselves on a beautiful beach in India, where they learn that their saint knows all about lateness and has learned to see the gifts in it? And why do the cousins keep snitching Gramgon’s giant book (that they almost can’t handle because of its size) off of her shelf? 

Find answers to these questions, and a great deal of adventure, with these real-life friends when you read Down the Valley. The book stands on its own, and will make sense to readers who have not read Beyond the White Fence, the first book in the series. Having read the first one, however, will give the reader deeper insights into these children and their escapades. Readers of both will meet many different saints, in the context of their time and culture. There is so much to learn about the saints and how the world looked during their lifetime, and these books are an adventurous way to do so without taking a single class.

This book will be a fun read-aloud for younger children, it is sure to be devoured by older children, and adults will also enjoy reading it (this one certainly did!). Purchase your copy of Down the Valley to begin your own learning adventure here: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666772067/down-the-valley/ 

Enjoy Kristina’s review of Humphrey’s first book in the series, Beyond the White Fence, in an earlier post on this site: https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/a-glimpse-at-beyond-the-white-fence-by-edith-m-humphrey/

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Cascade Books for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “The Little Way of a Pilgrim” by Jennifer Anna Rich, Illustrated by Diana-Elena Popescu

Ancient Faith Kids presents a child-friendly version of the late 19th century Russian work The Way of a Pilgrim. In the new picture book The Little Way of a Pilgrim, Jennifer Anna Rich invites her readers to walk alongside a likable protagonist, who suddenly decides one day to go on a wandering quest to try to find the meaning of something that he heard in church, “Pray without ceasing.” He can’t imagine praying and not ever stopping, so he goes walking to try to learn more about this idea from others. On his journey, this friendly wanderer meets a great variety of people, and he asks them his driving question, hoping to learn what they know about unceasing prayer. 

Jennifer Anna Rich’s carefully selected text draws the reader along on the journey through the senses of their imaginations. She includes a taste of soothing repetition which offers the reader a chance to join the wanderer in his question… and in the answer that he uncovers. She writes of reasons to pray without ceasing, and also teaches how to do so, in the context of a story that children can easily follow and understand.

Diana-Elena Popescu’s rich colored pencil drawings warm the reader with images that are visually comforting (all except for one, which by necessity is not). Her use of predominantly warm tones emphasize the light and warmth that pull the wanderer closer to the answer to his quest. The reader themself feels enveloped by the light and warmth, drawn inexplicably into the scene and soothed and comforted by it (with, of course, that one exception).

Does anyone look down on the wanderer because of his physical ailment? Who joins him on his journey? Does he limit his inquiry to those with holy vocations (like priests and monks) or does he learn from laypeople as well? What becomes the greatest treasure in his heart, the answer to his quest? Find these answers and more when you read Ancient Faith Kids’ picture book The Little Way of a Pilgrim, by Jennifer Anna Rich.
The Little Way of a Pilgrim is available at https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-little-way-of-a-pilgrim/

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Ancient Faith Kids for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “Dyed in Murex: the Mystery of the Porphyry Codex” by Evgenia Hatzithanasi-Reppa

Newrome Press’ first ever Young Adult novel, Dyed in Murex: the Mystery of the Porphyry Codex by Evgenia Hatzithanasi-Reppa, is a beautiful contribution to the world of Orthodox Christian historical fiction. Part history book, part vocabulary lesson, part mystery, part socio-economic study, sharing tidbits of wisdom along the way; this book blends all of the above into a riveting story that leaves the reader struggling to put it down.

First published in Greek in 2022, this book is carefully translated by Sister Rafailia Kaparelis. It provides (occasional) helpful footnotes as needed, to explain unfamiliar terms or important historical background. Dyed in Murex is instructive in Orthodox Christian history while also offering a variety of perspectives that help the reader to better understand both sides of numerous issues addressed in the story. While it teaches the reader and expands their horizons, the story subtly draws the reader in, and they feel as though they have just stepped back into the Byzantine Empire, to Constantinople, in the early 800s…

Who is Andronikos, and why does his army-commander father respond to him as he does? Why would an aristocrat like Andronikos care what happens to the peasant family including Eirini? When is Andronikos charged with delivering something of inestimable value to the Empress Theodora, and how on earth will he (and anyone who tries to help him) ever find it, in order to do so? Who will stop at nothing to halt the veneration of icons, and how does that affect Andronikos as he matures into a young man?

In addition to answering these questions while traveling across time, readers will glean wisdom as they read and ponder nuggets hidden throughout the book, including the following:

• “Strength is not just required for battling enemies. Strength is also needed for small everyday things. Virtue, too, demands resilience and bravery.” (p. 95)
• “What good were wealth, status, and position in society when there was no respect, understanding, or love at home?” (pp. 201-202)
• “Jealousy is a terrible emotion. It sneaks into the mind imperceptibly as a mere tiny thought, which, if unchecked, soon strengthens and grows… its victory only becomes final once it raises its banner in the heart. At this point, the jealousy tightens its grip so completely and so painfully that the person who initially lost his mind now loses his soul.” (p. 281)

Youth and adults alike will find the answers to the above questions and many more thought-provoking treasures when they read Dyed in Murex: the Mystery of the Porphyry Codex, which is available here: https://newromepress.com/dyed-in-murex/

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Newrome Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith” by Ellen Karis, Illustrated by Kristina Tartara

Godparents are an important part of each Orthodox Christian’s life. Children who were baptized and chrismated as infants, however, may not remember the beautiful way in which they attained Godparents and became a Godchild. Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith, written by Ellen Karis, and illustrated by Kristina Tartara, offers an easy-to-follow overview of these beautiful sacraments and of Godfamily life. 

Beginning with the baptism of Christ, Ellen Karis talks her readers through the baptismal process, including the sacrament of Chrismation. She explains the contributions that Godparents make to their Godchild’s baptismal service (this text and illustrations are based on Greek traditions, so these may differ slightly among other jurisdictions). She also provides insight into the many beautiful ways in which Godparents continue to provide for their Godchild’s needs throughout their life. 

Kristina Tartara’s delightful illustration style enhances this book and adds much to the text. Through her art, readers watch little “Eleni” (the main character, who is named only in the illustrations) in each part of her baptismal service. Throughout the rest of the book, they see her grow up, following her and her Godparents until she is an adult. Through both the text and the illustrations of this book, readers will also note how caringly Eleni’s Godparents support and love her over the years. 

Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith can benefit Orthodox Christians of a variety of ages. While the book is written for Orthodox children who were baptized as infants, to help them better understand what happened, it will also be a good review for older children whose family converted to Orthodoxy. The book may be primarily written for children, but it also extends a myriad of great ideas for adult Godparents, showing ways in which they can support and teach their Godchildren. Families and Church schools alike will benefit from reading and discussing this book together.

Get your own copy of the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Special-People-Godparents-Orthodox-Christian/dp/0578821958/

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks the author for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

“The Ten Commandments: A Guide for Today’s Orthodox Christian Families” by Fr. George Shalhoub

Experienced priest, parent, and grandparent Fr. George Shalhoub has drawn on his lifetime of experience in his recently released book The Ten Commandments: A Guide for Today’s Orthodox Christian Families. Through his many years of experience as a father, both to his parish and to his own children, Fr. George acquired insights that he has included in his new book. A useful resource to Orthodox Christians of all ages, The Ten Commandments invites its readers on “a special journey of God’s love,” intended to help them “discover how to navigate life.”  

The book takes the reader through each of the Ten Commandments, exploring the teachings of Christ and the Church Fathers about each one. After each chapter, related Orthodox prayers offer readers the opportunity to respond. In the book’s text, Fr. George raises intriguing questions, like:

• How does “have no other gods before me” apply to today’s practical realities?
• What sort of idolatry do we practice today?
• How can remembering the Sabbath day help our family and neighbors, and set the stage for the week?
• Are there other ways to murder besides ending another’s life?
• Besides stealing someone’s property, how do we steal?
• Who are we actually lying to and belittling when we bear false witness?

An excellent resource for parents and teachers, The Ten Commandments offers a roadmap on the journey with Christ. There is much content here for discussion with children of all ages, whether it is used as a “read aloud” book with younger children, or a book that older children, teens, or adults read on their own.

“I urge you…,” concludes Fr. George at the end of the book, “to use these works as a foundational roadmap to creating balance in a changing world. Teaching your children to love God’s laws and find joy by walking in the footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ is a gift to them that will last a lifetime… [strengthening] them in these times of radical change and [improving] their relationships with God as well as with others.”

The Ten Commandments: A Guide for Today’s Orthodox Christian Families is available in paperback (email: gshalhoub@tbosm.com) or as a Kindle eBook on Amazon. Books may be purchased through the St. Mary Church office for $15.00, and the proceeds will be donated to the Archdiocese’s Christian Education Ministry or to the parish. Checks can be sent to: St. Mary Orthodox Church, 18100 Merriman, Livonia, MI 48152.

Christian Education Ministry spoke with Fr. George about his book release.

How did this begin–at what point in your family life or your ministry years did the need for this book became apparent?  

In all my life through my experiences addressing marriage and family issues in light of the four gospels as a parent, pastor, and professor, I have discovered there are many common elements in the problems families face, such as respect for one’s own parents and nurturing healthy family relationships. When the pandemic hit, attendance in church was greatly reduced, and I lost the opportunity to teach in person. Our children did not have access to Sunday School for three years! During that time, I began to write this book on the Ten Commandments–the principles one can live by. 

In the book you discuss how Christ has expanded each Commandment. How has Christ deepened our understanding of the Ten Commandements through His related commands?

Christ asked us to exceed what the Ten Commandments state. In other words, it is not enough to love family, not enough to help friends, and not enough to pray for the one you love. As an extension of His life, Christ calls us to help strangers, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who mistreat us.

How have the concepts that you present in this book affected your own life? 

I’ve been married for 52 years and we raised four children, and I owe my wife a great deal of gratitude for how she taught our children to love, to forgive, and to respect others! The Christian virtues are so basic for human beings, if we want to exist in the image and likeness of God. In particular, we struggle to teach children how to honor their parents. Our experience taught us that we are to honor our children and be their role models, without preaching to them, through prayer and worship, and with mutual love and communication between us as their parents. 

I learned from my mother that you do not have to say or explain too much because children observe and absorb like sponges; they emulate their parents in times of joy or times of crisis. Children learn these virtues from home, not in school or in playing in sports. My children are now adults; the oldest is 50. All are married and are instilling the same virtues in raising their own children.

Is there a particular Commandment that has most strongly influenced your fatherhood (either as a parent or as a priest)? 

The first Commandment is the foundation of the rest of the nine commandments, as it states, “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me.” Without the first, no other commandments matter and nothing makes sense. There are two messages in the first Commandment. The first is, “I am your God.” As Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Light.” 

The second message is that nothing should come between us and God; we should not withhold our talents, our possessions, or our education from others. As we have received the gifts from God, we are to give back to people. We live in an age where the media, television, social events, and politics are directly attacking the morality of family. Today, we have created gods as role models for us: a sports player or movie star. Yet if they are the role models for our children rather than people of virtue and faith, there is no hope for our families to raise good children.

How would you recommend that families or parishes best utilize this book?

This book was written precisely to engage parents and children by its presentation. It asks the questions, “What do I treasure? How can we invite Christ into all aspects of our lives?” And the answer is given in the form of another question, “Where would an Orthodox Christian have an encounter with Christ, His disciples and saints, but in the Church?” This book challenges children and parents to take the time to make their home a little church. This is what the Church teaches us–home is the first church.

Is there a place where your readers can contact you with further questions?

Readers may contact me at gshalhoub@tbosm.com or (734) 422-0010. 

What is your hope for the book and its readers?

My hope is for readers to realize that God’s truth lies in understanding the Ten Commandments as embodied and flesh out by  Christ and His commandments. All these things lead to the promise of eternal life. Children and parents must lead a godly life–a balanced life, with time to play and time to pray. And lastly, my hope is that the book will confront the reader with these questions:

• What replaces God in your life today?
• Are there images that you worship?
• What are the things we say to others that offend God and others? 
• How can we honor our children to help them learn to honor us?
• What are the things that will kill a relationship in today’s world?
• How do we steal the will of others?
• What are the things that bring satisfaction to your daily life?

 
Father George Shalhoub has been the pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia, Mich. for over 50 years. In gratitude to God, Fr. George has offered this book for Orthodox families in a desire to help them draw closer to each other and to God. 

A Glimpse at “Where is God?” by Dimitri Kepreotes, illustrated by Vladimir Ilievski

Have you ever spent your entire day looking for God? Where is God?, a board book written by Dimitri Kepreotes and illustrated by Vladimir Ilievski, was published in 2021 by Newrome Press, and it follows someone doing just that! The book begins with a young boy’s mother asking him where God is. Throughout the book, readers will follow the boy as he searches for God.

The boy looks for God all day, indoors and out. Not until he asks God for help does he find where He is… And knowing where God is pleases both the boy and his family.

The words of this board book have a pleasant-to-hear touch of rhyme. The illustrations are colorful and bold. They lead the reader to “see” God’s hand at work in the world around the young boy.

Readers of this book will find themselves looking for God… and will be pleased to know where He is!

Find your copy of this board book at https://newromepress.com/where-is-god-/

The Department of Christian Education thanks Newrome Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.         

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

Two New Picture Books by Creative Orthodox

Fans of Creative Orthodox will be delighted to learn that two new books have joined the author’s other offerings! Michael Elgamal, the artist and author behind Creative Orthodox, first offered the graphic novels Anastasis (about Christ’s victory over death), and Forest in the Desert (about St. John the Short). Both are helpful tools for older children and lovers of graphic novels. Then he created My Saintly Friends, a coloring book about the saints, and Pope Kyrillos Loves to Pray, a board book especially for little ones. Now he has added two new picture books to help young children learn more about the Faith. 

Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet is the story of the leaves on a palm branch, who each want to be the reason that St. Antony rests under their palm tree. What happens to the big, proud leaves? Does St. Antony rest under their tree? Which leaflet gets the most attention from St. Antony, and why? Readers will see the beauty in humility through the leaflets’ story, which is told in rhyme and playfully illustrated. The book also includes a prayer to St. Antony, and a brief retelling of his life story: all illustrated in the fun, engaging manner for which Creative Orthodox is known.

My Saintly Family takes a look at an Orthodox Christian family’s life in a way that young children can understand and appreciate. Colorful pages and rollicking rhymes (i.e.: “My family is my Church, my church is family, too. With Jesus in the middle, uniting me to you!”) One child of the family introduces the reader to the rest of their saintly family. Not until the part of the book called “About the Saintly Family” does the reader realize that they already know the family who is featured! Which saintly family is featured in this book? Read it to find out! The book includes a prayer asking for the saintly family’s prayers for the reader, an introduction to the real family featured in the book, and a QR code in the back that opens a page full of free, related, coloring pages!

Both Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet and My Saintly Family will be read and enjoyed again and again. They are written in a way that is fun to read (or hear) and are joyfully illustrated with an appropriate touch of humor. Each has a positive message that will encourage readers to grow in the Faith. These books will be helpful to both families and church schools, and would make great gifts for young children!

You can buy Creative Orthodox books (and also find some free downloads/printables!) here: https://creativeorthodox.com/ 

The Department of Christian Education thanks Michael Elgamal of Creative Orthodox for providing copies of these books for us to review and share.

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

Nativity Season Resources for Families

The Nativity Fast – and the glorious Feast of the Nativity of our Lord – is approaching. Now is the time to make a plan to prepare your own heart, and the hearts of each member of our family, to welcome Our Lord at His Nativity. In the modern world, often there is much hustle and bustle associated with “The Christmas Season.” If you have a plan in place before Nativity Lent even begins, you will have the opportunity to decide what is your family’s priority, and which things do not have to happen.

Before this Nativity season even begins, make your plan. Consider watching each of the 6 short video clips found in the Center for Family Care’s “Potholes On the Way to Bethlehem” series. The series offers a handful of questions related to each video clip, that parents can discuss together – and with other parents, if possible. The series can help you focus on what is truly important during the Nativity season. Find the free series here: https://orthodoxmarketplace.com/potholes-on-the-way-to-bethlehem-navigating-the-stress-of-the-nativity-season-a-small-group-guide/.

Throughout the Nativity Fast, look for opportunities to be still together as a family, so that the importance of our Lord’s coming is not drowned out by the cacophony of activity. Here are some suggestions of choices that your family can make toward the end of stillness and focus. These are shared in no particular order:

1. Study the Nativity icon together. There’s a young-child focused lesson about this icon, complete with simplified explanations, at https://orthodoxpebbles.com/a-nativity-lesson/. Older children and adults will benefit from the more in-depth explanation of the icon, such as the one found here https://iconreader.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/the-nativity-icon/  or here: https://antiochianprodsa.blob.core.windows.net/websiteattachments/Nativity%20Icon%20-%20FR%20Kfouf.pdf. After your initial study, return to the icon weekly (or even daily). Be still before it and think about what is happening as Christ becomes incarnate in our midst. Each time you see it, it will mean more to you because you have spent time with it.
2. Set aside quiet moments to be still together and create beautiful things. Slowing down enough to create can be very helpful to family members who have a love for/need to create. (That said, if creating/crafting stresses your whole family, then do not do it!)

• Utilize one (or more) of the black and white printable icons for that nativity season available here, in creations of your own (How about making them into stained glass windows? Cards? Framed art? Or print miniature versions and make Christmas ornaments with them?) http://orthodoxeducation.blogspot.com/2011/12/orthodox-christmas-coloring-pages.html. On that site, you will also find interesting notes that your family can discuss as you look at or color these line art icons. 
• Work together to create some framed Nativity icon ornaments. These would make great gifts for Church school teachers, friends, godparents, etc.: http://orthodoxeducation.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-orthodox-craft-ornaments.html. 
• These paper Nativity scenes are fun for children to assemble, and play with, as well: https://madebyjoel.com/2013/12/travel-size-paper-city-nativity-scene.html

Paper City Nativity Scene (Joyfully Expanded!)

• Younger children may enjoy creating this Nativity-themed “stained glass” decoration: https://meaningfulmama.com/stained-glass-nativity-craft-for-kids.html 
• Older children and adults may prefer to create a beautiful decoration with card stock and a craft knife/scissors, using this free pattern: https://liagriffith.com/papercut-nativity-scene-freebie/ 

3. Have a daily Nativity reading/discussion time together. There are multiple options for this, including:

• Color your way through your Nativity Fast with this book: https://www.amazon.com/Color-Your-Through-Nativity-Fast/dp/1698389531 
• Read through a “Jesse Tree” project, such as this version created by two Orthodox moms. It compiles 40 scripture readings (including sketches to go with each), to help families prepare for the Nativity. https://orthodoxjessetree.wordpress.com/about/ 
• Walk through the Old Testament, and into the New, in this book, which contains a short reading for each day of the Nativity Fast. Many families find it comforting to read through this book every Nativity Lent, thus preparing their hearts for Christ’s coming: https://sebastianpress.org/elissa-bjeletich-welcoming-the-christ-child-book-only/. The book is also available with a daily ornament that can be hung on a bannister, tree, or as part of a wall display: https://sebastianpress.org/welcoming-the-christ-child-book-ornament-gift-set/ 
• If you have older children, take in this series of weekly studies, to keep your focus on Christ throughout the Nativity Fast: https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/advent 

4. If there are young children and/or visual learners in your family, consider finding a physical way to keep track of the Nativity Fast. Having a concrete way to track each day of the fasting period makes it more real for such individuals, helping them to better understand where they are in the season. There are many ways to do this. 

• One option is this beautiful pocket calendar: https://www.etsy.com/listing/720770322/40-day-advent-calendar-sew-it-yourself (This calendar comes with a star that can be moved from pocket to pocket as the days pass. However, the pockets can also hold the Welcoming the Christ Child ornaments listed above, or these countdown cards: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1311227825/40-day-advent-countdown-cards )
• Another option is a spiral candle holder such as one of these. Move a candle along the spiral, one step closer to the center, each day during a family prayer and/or study time, with this one: https://www.treasuresfromjennifer.com/products/wooden-spiral-candle-holder-for-birthdays-advent-and-lent-waldorf-birthday-ring; or move a candle as well as a wooden silhouette of Mary on a donkey along the trail towards the middle “Bethlehem” with this one: https://thekeepingcompany.com/products/cradle-to-cross-wreath-cherry  (This version of the spiral calendar also comes with a silhouette of Christ and the Cross, so that you can use it again to mark the days during Great Lent.)

5. There are so many wonderful services added to the Church calendar during the Nativity Fast. Regardless of whether or not you do any of the other above-suggested ideas for stillness and focus, be sure to attend as many services as you are able. Just before the Feast of the Nativity, try to be part of the beautiful Royal Hours service. This service calms and prepares the hearts of all who attend it, focusing them on what is about to take place. Children may enjoy marking the passage of each “hour” of this service with this page: http://manymercies.blogspot.com/2021/12/royal-hours-of-nativity-coloring-page.html 

When the Feast of the Nativity arrives, celebrate it together with much joy! Since our Orthodox celebration of the Nativity extends for 12 days, do not stop celebrating when Christmas day passes. Rather, find ways to continue the celebration, in order to properly observe the Feast. If your family does not yet have any “12 days of Christmas” traditions, you may wish to consider the variety of ideas found in Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas: A Family Devotional in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition, by AmandaEve Wigglesworth. This book offers celebratory suggestions each day, paired with a short devotional for your family to read and discuss together. Each meditation contains information about the feast or saint being commemorated that day; a related kontakion or troparion; and a short explanation of the Christian meanings behind both the number of that day of Christmas and the gift offered (in the “12 Days of Christmas” song) on that day. Each day there is also a suggested related activity to do together as a family. Activities vary from Christmas caroling to making thank-you cards to crafts (ie: making a St. Genevieve’s luminaria and coloring a “stained glass” icon) to baking vasilopita (recipe included) to cleaning your house together in preparation for your house blessing. This book can be an excellent resource for one year’s celebration of the “12 Days”, or it could become the guide for your family’s annual “12 day” traditions. Find more information about the book, including sample pages, here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/celebrating-the-twelve-days-of-christmas/ 

Taking a little time now, before the Nativity Fast even begins, to organize your thoughts, plans, and schedule can really help the whole season to be filled with peace. You know your family best and what they need. So, your plan may include some of the above suggestions, or it may not! Regardless, having and implementing a plan that works for your family can help all of you to focus on the reason for this beautiful season. What joy will fill your hearts as you take twelve days to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, when those hearts have been stilled and focused on His coming throughout the weeks leading up to His birth. 

May you and your family have a blessed Nativity Fast, as you prepare for the incarnation of Our Lord!