Orthodox Saints, Martyrs and the Heroes of Orthodoxy

True Heroes

Is your child obsessed with a sports star? A rock star? An imaginary TV or computer game star? Then we need to talk. The youth of today are grasping at thin air to find someone--anyone, to cling to, to elevate, to honor as their “hero”. Often times, they clench their fingers around one of the above, only to soon hear of that person’s drug addiction, felony or other fall from grace. Then they are forced to either overlook the flaw as minor (hey if it’s good for the President….?) or they discard them and move on in their never-ending, revolving quest.

What an inspiration and answer it would be if every child could learn of at least one, just ONE, true saint. Within the Orthodox Church there are volumes of saints, to include many child-saints.

These saints teach your child of true courage, strength, faith and all that is good and God-pleasing in this world. I can’t speak for you, but I would greatly prefer this over my daughter learning how to gyrate their hips watching a female rock star or my son trying to gang-bang a prostitute on the latest greatest computer game.

True courage does not consist of facing off with the meanest face in hockey. True strength isn’t being able to make a basket from across court. True courage and strength is believing in something that is so good and pure -- with your whole mind and soul -- to the point that you would lay your body out in front of your worst adversary, with no fear, in order to protect and/or witness to that something -- no matter what your age.

True beauty lies not in Daisy Duke cutoffs or bare mid-riffs. Nor can it be found in muscle-laden, tattoo-covered animals who scream out the lyrics of their rage towards the world. True beauty can be found in the atheist-turned believer-turned saint whose very countenance exudes faith, hope and love (three virtues which, by the way, happen to be the names of three Orthodox child-saints aged 9, 10 & 12).

Furthermore, it’s time that children learn that it’s not only cool, but NECESSARY, to respect, love and obey their parents. That putting all of their trust in these false heroes and turning their back on their parents, for the sake of “fitting in”, will result in a dead end of despair and confusion.

So rather than reading some television cartoon inspired book or the latest fantasy world novel to your child before bed, try picking up a copy of ‘St. Herman of Alaska’ or ‘Let the Little Children Come to Me’ or ‘Sergius of Radonezh’. The heart of a young child is virtually pure and untainted. Don't let it be corrupted by the messages of society which lack morality, good judgment and truth.

You will be amazed to see the reaction of a child who truly embraces these stories and yearns for more. You will see them grow to be considerate, responsible, industrious and courageous young adults who step into adulthood armed with all of the protection, guidance and courage that “wanna-be heroes” of today cannot even begin to touch.

Holy Pascha

Paschalion
(Dates of Pascha thru 2099)

Fasting Calendar Pascha 2009

Theotokos

Feast of the Dormition
of the Theotokos

Akathist Hymn

Hero Saints

Origins of the Church

Church of the Holy Wisdom