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Monthly family catechism and spiritual devotion for the Orthodox home
September 2024
"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Luke 18:15-17)
By following this reading plan beginning this month (September), your family will read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts by June 2025! Decide on a time you'll read the Holy Bible together and make it a new family tradition. The reading plan is included in the home catechism handout at our monthly gathering. Below is a copy of the September - November reading schedule for your reference.
September
Read the Gospel of Luke: Chapter 1 - 4
October
Read the Gospel of Luke: Chapter 5 - 8
November
Read the Gospel of Luke: Chapter 9 - 13
The Jesus Prayer
This month we learned about the Jesus Prayer, a treasured prayer of our Holy Orthodox Faith. St. Paul exhorts us to "pray without ceasing" and as Orthodox Christians we respond to this challenge by reciting the Jesus Prayer continually. The words of the prayer are:
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.
This is the prayer that the saints of our church recited constantly. It is simple yet difficult. Simple because it is short but difficult because our minds wander and are distracted. Reciting the Jesus prayer with faith and love for Christ, can bring calmness to our minds, peace to our hearts and joy to our souls. It is a powerful prayer that repels and burns the demons. Below is a video offering further reflections and explanations of the Jesus prayer and its power.
This month, we learned the shortest hymn that all the people sing at every Orthodox worship service: "Lord, have mercy." Play track #3 below to hear how it is chanted at our church during the Divine Liturgy. Learn it as a family and sing it with us next Sunday.
God is the Boss
At our September SOFIA gathering, the younger children learned the song "God is the Boss" which teaches how to make the sign of the cross and its special meaning. Below are the lyrics and videos by the award-winning Orthodox educator and songwriter, Presvytera Gigi Baba. A copy of the lyrics was provided in your binder. Sing it with your children at home!
When you make the sign of the cross you remember that God is the boss.
You say hallow my thoughts and cleanse my heart, take the heavy weight off of my shoulders
Hallow my thoughts and cleanse my heart, take the heavy weight off of my shoulders.
Watch my hands as they go, up and down to and fro
Hallow my thoughts and cleanse my heart, take the heavy weight off of my shoulders.
Three for the Trinity, two for the natures of Christ,
fully God fully man, now wouldn't you say that was nice.
When you make the sign of the cross you remember that God is the boss.
You say hallow my thoughts and cleanse my heart, take the heavy weight off of my shoulders
Thank you for participating in SOFIA! For any questions, please email Fevronia Benner.
