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Orthodox Coloring Books for Lent

January 28, 2018, 3:28 pm
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The time has come for Great Lent  - here are some extra resources to challenge your young ones! We have compiled a printable PDF workbook available for free at this Scribd link.It contains coloring icons, games and craft activities to accompany the Sundays during Lent as well as Lazarus Saturday and Holy Week. Please do not reproduce or sell this for profit in any way - it is simply available for parish and home use only.


To purchase other fantastic resources available in many languages visit http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com. Potamitis Publishing has extremely reasonable prices which include even the cost of shipping! They have informed me that the workbooks have nice explanations on each page in both Greek and English for example.


I wish you all a fruitful journey this year, with many blessings and illumination for a glorious Pascha celebration!
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Great Lent Curriculum

January 28, 2018, 6:40 pm
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For those interested, I'm re-posting a lesson plan chart and soon to follow workbook pages for Great Lent. The lessons are designed for each Sunday leading up to Holy Week, for a brief 1/2 hour immediately after the Divine Liturgy. Since other adults will be present to help in our situation, we're teaching the same lesson to kids ranging from 2 to 10 years of age.
    
Each session will include either a craft, coloring page, memory words, activity or hymn to chant. Every child will create necklace name tags on the first day, and decorate folders with fasteners inside that will become their workbooks. They only take home their craft each Sunday, as I will hold on to their folders until the end and add pages for Holy Week with Pascha.
     
So far, I'm really looking forward to creating the "Family Icon Tree's" and Mummy Wraps with toilet paper for the raising of Saint Lazarus! If you have other ideas I can include, please pass them along! I'll be converting this whole chart to Greek as well if anyone needs that.

Stay tuned for a follow-up PDF and SCRIBD link to download the workbook pages. Workbook Here

UPDATE: I've recently added a sentence scramble activity for the older ones in the group. Basically, seal envelopes with words from at least two memory phrases and ask the kids to work in groups to put the phrase together. This will work well on the Sunday of St John Climacus.
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Lady Sarakosti Poem & Coloring for Great Lent

January 29, 2018, 6:50 pm
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POEM
Lady Sarakosti, is a custom from long ago,
Our yiayias (grandmothers) used to make her, out of flour and H2O.

She wears a modest nun’s dress, with a cross upon her head, silently without a mouth she prays, to fast with fruits, nuts and bread.

Her feet teach us how to count, the weeks of Lent are seven, we cut one off each Saturday, until Pascha and the Resurrection to heaven.

**If you make a better translation of the original Greek poem, please share it! This is also my version of a more Monastic Lady Sarakosti drawing with a prayer rope in hand and head veil**

Lady Sarakosti Recipe
2-2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2-2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon                            
water (as much as needed)        
* Not to be eaten! *

Combine flour, salt and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl and gradually add enough water to form a stiff, but flexible dough. Roll dough out to 1/2" thickness. With a sharp knife cut out the figure as shown above. Cut out two long narrow strips for arms and join at shoulders (wet surface to which arms will be applied). Make slits in dough for fingers.  Mark closed eyelids and noise with pointed object. Wipe entire figure down with a lightly dampened cloth to make shiny. Bake in moderate oven until golden.

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Lazarus - Arise!

March 1, 2018, 7:30 pm
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This is a great way to involve your kids in the Raising of Lazarus! Wrap them in "burial" cloth and see who will be first to break free on your command!

It's extremely significant that the Church places Lazarus Saturday exactly one week earlier than the Resurrection of Christ. The miracle teaches us the power of God over death, so that we may learn to truly believe and have our faith transformed at Pascha. Just as we begin Holy Week, we get a glimpse and foretaste of the way God will save the world from the corruption of sin, from sickness and pain. As Christ said, Lazarus was merely sleeping. Although death had claimed him for four days in the tomb, and he smelled from the corruption of his body, he will live again. This is our Orthodox theology! Our view of death as sleeping in anticipation of whats to come. This is the joyful sorrow of what we are about to experience in Holy Week.
We mourn, all the while expecting the greatest of all miracles!

Lazarus is also one of the most convincing examples used to explain the respect, honor, and sanctity of the physical body in the Orthodox faith as we fully believe in the Resurrection of the BODY and the SOUL for eternal life. Although it remains a mystery, and we will not be in need of food as we'll be more like angels, we will indeed have our physical bodies. See  Ezekiel 37:5.


Lastly, remember: Lazarus is each one of us. Each and every time we attend a funeral or place a loved one in the grave, we should remember this very real example as a foretaste of our own earthly death. How does God feel about each one of us? Does He weep for us as He wept for Lazarus? Is He a loving God that desires us to be with Him? Why has He allowed Lazarus to die?

We find the answer in the words of Christ to His Father, which are for our benefit. He says,"So that they may believe."

Christ attends the funeral to join the people in their sadness, to display His own mourning over all of humanity's fallen and deteriorated state, and to transform the event into a celebration of life! He turns our tears of sadness into tears of joy!
Christ - the Joy, the Truth, and the Light of All, the Life of the World and the Resurrection - has appeared in his goodness to those on earth. He has become the Image of our resurrection, granting divine forgiveness to all. - See more at: http://lent.goarch.org/saturday_of_lazarus/learn/#sthash.w0V0m0Jz.dpuf
Christ - the Joy, the Truth, and the Light of All, the Life of the World and the Resurrection - has appeared in his goodness to those on earth. He has become the Image of our resurrection, granting divine forgiveness to all. - See more at: http://lent.goarch.org/saturday_of_lazarus/learn/#sthash.w0V0m0Jz.dpuf
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St Mary Egypt Craft - Turn Life Around

March 8, 2018, 8:45 am
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The powerful story of repentance that we find in the life of Saint Mary of Egypt which was recorded by the monk Zossimos, can be a memorable one for teenagers and college students. For the younger children though that you might be working with, consider this Orthodox craft:

1. Color two images of Saint Mary of Egypt
The first, from her former life possibly with brighter clothing, youthful skin, etc
and the second after her years in the desert as an ascetic. I chose these two images because one depicts the humility needed to bring about repentance, and the second with hope and stronger faith, prepared to meet God at her death.

2. Cut the images out

3. Glue those images, back to back, with a popsicle stick in between

4. Write the word "METANOIA" (or REPENTANCE) on the sticks with the definition "Turn one's life around" on the reverse side.

As I retell the story, I'll ask the children to show me which side of her we're looking at. Then, we will literally, TURN HER LIFE AROUND, but rotating our sticks to see her as a transformed woman of God, one of the most memorable Saints of our Church.

For more inspiration from her story, here is an excellent sermon in video form:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC3tEQlqdGY&feature=youtu.be

Talking Points to Remember:

  • She left home at 12 years old, to a live a life of sinfulness in the city, one which would not bring her happiness, but emptiness and distance from God.
  •  When God prevented her entrance into the Church to venerate the Cross of Christ, it was a BIG WAKE UP CALL, to stop and look at herself as unworthy, and in need of healing.
  • She did not flee to the desert to punish herself, but TO FIND HERSELF, that is, the true self that God created her to be, beautiful in His eyes.
  • She departed for the desert without much, but had one important thing: faith in God that He would provide for her daily food and shelter for 47 years.
  • Lastly, the four miracles show us that she became transformed and pleasing to God: she had the gift of clairvoyance and knew Father Zossimas' name before he told her, she was seen elevated off the ground in prayer, she walked on water to cross the river to receive the Holy Eucharist, and lastly, the lion was sent by God to help bury her.

I suggest ending your lesson by reading together or silently this:



St Ephrem the Syrian, Spiritual Psalter, 120:

'How many times have I promised...'
I am unworthy to ask forgiveness for myself, O Lord, for many times have I promised to repent and proved myself a liar by not fulfilling my promise. Thou hast picked me up many times already, but every time I freely chose to fall again...If a righteous man can barely be saved, then where will I end up, I who am lawless and sinful? If the path that leads to life is strait and narrow, then how can I be vouchsafed such good things, I who live a life of luxury, indulging in my own pleasures and dissipation? But Thou, O Lord, my Saviour, Son of the true God, as Thou knowest and desirest it, by Thy grace alone, freely turn me away from the sin that abides in me and save me from ruin.

St Ephraim the Syrian resources
Quote from 120th 'Psalm' in St Ephraim's Spiritual Psalter by our Holy Father St Ephraim of Edessa, the Syrian; excerpted and arranged by Bishop Theophan the Recluse according to the manner of the psalter of the Old Testament.
 


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    Pascha Greetings in 59 Languages

    March 8, 2018, 1:29 pm
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    Practice your Paschal greetings in 59 languages!


    Pascha Languages
    Be sure to print and save this one!

    I share with you also this resource page to
    reflect on the numerous uses of the word PASCHA
    in Holy Scripture, which helps to support why as Orthodox Christians we should avoid the use of the word "Easter" 

    Let us be set apart from the world in this way,
    and bear witness to the Gospel which is our risen Lord Jesus Christ, the Paschal Lamb!


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    Pascha Poem & Orthodox Craft Idea

    March 9, 2018, 4:20 am
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    How does one sum up the great feast of Pascha easily for kids?

    With a long white piece of paper, we made three folds and created our very own accordion Pascha card with original poem to accompany the Passion and Resurrection of Christ icons cut out from Orthodox catalogs. This simple craft turned out to be a nice way to reinforce the meaning behind each day for young and old. Especially for godchildren and penpals far away, it helps us stay in touch spiritually since we will not be able to celebrate together. Here are the words to our poem:

    1. To Christ our God, Who raised Lazarus from the dead...
    2. You traveled to Jerusalem with the people you led...
    3. Teaching all to be servants rather than trying to get ahead...
    4. Your Body and Blood for eternity us you fed...
    5. Then nailed to the Cross, You conquered death for three days dead...
    6. As we wait to proclaim with our eggs dyed red...
    7. "I am the Resurrection and the Life,
        he who believes in me shall never die." Jesus said.
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    Lenten Crafts: Pascha Candles

    March 10, 2018, 11:30 pm
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    Have you prepared a "Lambatha, or Pascha Candle" with your children yet for 2018? It is customary among the Greek Orthodox that the Godparents do so, and they give it as a surprise for their godchildren as the night of the Resurrection approaches. This candle has to be NEW, and will only be used for Pascha and 40 days afterward!

    Often these can be purchased with stuffed animals and ribbons, but we aim to use small icon stickers, wax decals, and symbols from our faith instead. Beeswax is an ideal offering, however white is also fitting for the Resurrection if this is what your parish offers.

    Here are a few symbols to incorporate:
    A small icon of the Resurrection
    A Cross
    Three Crosses
    Alpha and Omega
    Flowers
    IC XC NIKA (Jesus Christ Conquers)
    The "X" and P"
    Christ is Risen


    Here is a sample graphic to print on labels. If anyone else has done this craft before, please share your advice. I found the following links that were helpful:

    http://festalcelebrations.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/baptismal-and-paschal-candles/

    Secondly, a thought was offered to decorate the small plastic cup that is often used to catch the wax from burning little hands.

    Or thirdly, you could decorate a small white lantern to take the "Holy Fire" home. This is helpful protection from the wind as well during processions. We even had our "myrrhbearing girls" carry these.
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    Orthodox Pop Quiz - Sunday of the Cross

    March 11, 2018, 6:27 am
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    .







    "Orthodox Pop Quizzes"

    Who can tell us where the saying and superstition
    "Knock on Wood" comes from?

    good luck!
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    Akathist from Alpha to Omega

    March 16, 2018, 12:20 pm
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    This Akathyst "poem" to Panagia has been lost in translation! In many English uses, the first letter of each stanza no longer coordinates with the Greek alphabet, sadly.

    Refresh your alphabet skills

    Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eeta, Theeta, Iota, Kapa, Lamntha, Mee, Nee, Xee, Omikron, Pee, Ro, Sigma, Tauf, Eepsilon, Fee, Xee, Psee....Omega!

    Go back, and re-look at your Greek versions for you will find the author (could be St Romanos) wrote this hymn with each stanza corresponding to a letter in the Greek alphabet. The first ode begins with Alpha, and the remaining continue in order, until the last ode which beings with Omega. Purposefully done, I'm sure, as our Lord used these letters Himself to show us He is the Beginning and the End.

    At various Orthodox monasteries abroad, you may even find this famous and beloved hymn illustrated in Byzantine iconography. I've gathered and compiled a document to use with your parishes and youth showing just that. Click here to download the PDF for FREE. (Not to be sold or used for profit)

    * Update: the Sisters of the Lifegiving spring Monastery in Dunlap, CA have published a breathtaking children's book on this very topic! Support them below:*

    http://www.zoepress.us/life-giving-spring-monastery-products.html
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    Orthodox Flash Cards

    March 28, 2018, 1:32 am
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    If you and your kids enjoyed the
    "Orthodox Alphabet Game"
    here is a set of flash cards to
    build your vocab.

    Some letters proved a bit challenging so I'll graciously
    accept other suggestions for "X, Y, and Z!"

    For older kids, maybe it's best to
    leave off the word on the front
    and have them find the correct
    word on the back.


    Both PDF files have been added
    to the Orthodox Education Group
    on Scrib.com. They were set up for
    standard 3x5 notecards, or you
    can print 4 to a letter size page.

    For younger kids, I've placed these cards within an
    inexpensive photo album to help them turn the pages like a book.
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    PASCHA: The Red Egg

    March 31, 2018, 3:41 pm
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    Here's a look at the pious custom of red eggs in the Orthodox Church for you and your families to enjoy. Where did the tradition come from anyway? It seems there are a few possible answers to this question...of which I prefer to believe in the miracle that God worked through His handmaiden, Saint Mary Magdalene (whom by the way is often wrongly attributed as the prostitute who anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair - Here is an Orthodox Wiki for a well cited clarification).

    Other symbolism, not as dogma, but as tradition includes:

    *The egg as the new life in Christ through His resurrection

    *Red for the color of our Lord's blood shed on the cross but also for His divinity

    *The outer shell to be cracked as the doors of Hades are shattered open

    Since children enjoy decorating the eggs, why not encourage them to display their faith on them, as the picture shows! Be sure not to throw away any icons if you use them, but certainly include symbols like ~ icxc, fish, crosses, tree of life, the Trinity, 4 Greek Letters for Mother of God...etc

    Try creating a design on your eggs with with melted wax,
    then dip them to dye them red, and afterward, burn off the wax to reveal the design underneath.  This is a wonderful craft for older kids to try. Ukranian Egg Kits are available online. The simple wooden tools for the wax are called "kistkas"

    LASTLY - remember, eggs and eggshells from the Church that have been blessed should not be thrown away!  Please gather them to be burned with your holy items and ashes buried.

    This worksheet is available in PDF formathere
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    Pascha Basket

    April 1, 2018, 3:20 pm
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    If you are looking for ways to keep "Christ" in your celebration of Easter, consider making anOrthodox Pascha Basketinstead of the typical egg & candy overload! Each of the following traditional foods has a symbolic and spiritual significance.

    We focus on saying "Pascha" which encompasses our spiritual journey     to the Resurrection of Christ, and is our "passage" from the Hebrew "pesche, or passover from death to life." 

     Each year, the Church follows the same sequence of events - and one can't happen without the next. I encourage you not to skip right to the Resurrection without going thru the Cross. Living each component in correct Orthodox theology is truly "Orthobiosi"  

    ...Christ raising Lazarus, Christ's Entry to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Christ's arrival to those anticipating Him (Bridegroom) the Passover (Christ's Mystical Last Supper on Holy Weds and His washing of the disciples feet) the Crucifixion, Burial and Tomb, all culminating at the glorious Resurrection of our Lord.

    Finally..........Our eggs are red for a reason! (click for info)


    FAMILY BASKET INGREDIENTS: 
    Many parishes will bless the baskets all together after the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning. Ask your local priest to try this custom!
    • a yeast bread,
    • a bitter herb
    • wine, 
    • cheese, meat, butter, salt, and a red egg. 
    • Sweet bread is always included, leavened with yeast. This is a symbol of the New Covenant; the Jews made unleavened bread, and we, the children of the new covenant, make leavened bread. Kulich is the traditional Russian bread, and Tsourekia is the traditional Greek braided bread. The braided form of this bread is a display of the Trinity  - 3 in 1. 
    • The bitter herb, often horseradish or garlic, serves as a reminder of the first Passover (horseradish is eaten as a traditional part of the original Passover meal) and of the bitter sufferings which Christ endured for our sake. Sometimes the herb is colored red with beets, symbolizing the Blood of Christ. The bitter herb is also to bring to mind the Jews’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, or our 40 days of the fast. 
    • Wine, cheese, and butter are figurative of all the good things of life, and remind us of the earthly gifts that come from God. Meat is included in remembrance of the sacrifice of the Old Testament Passover, which has been replaced by Christ, the New Passover and Lamb of God. (slim jims, beef jerky, salami can be fun finger food) 
    • Salt serves as a reminder to us that we are “the salt of the earth.” 
    • The red egg, which we crack,  is likened to the tomb from which Christ arose. This is because of the miracle of new life which comes from the egg, just as Christ miraculously came forth from the tomb, shattering the bonds of sin. Of course, red for His blood shed for us, and the miracle from St Maria Magdalane when the egg in her hand miraculously turned red as she proclaimed "Christ is Risen" to the non-believing Emperor.

    Many Orthodox Christians also cover their basket with a Pascha basket cover.

    Hereand here  are some more links on Pascha Baskets.

    Read here for information concerning how the Orthodox Christian tradition of  Pascha baskets got started.http://www.iarelative.com/easter/bcover.htm


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    Holy Week for Kids

    April 2, 2018, 4:10 pm
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    Anyone with kids knows that Holy Week can be a challenging yet extremely rich experience!  Although the night services postpone bed time, we try to remember, it's just for one week, and nothing else quite seems to matter. Yes, the services can be long, so this post is dedicated to the "something special" in each night that makes it all worth it for young and old. Here's our list of things not to miss with your kids and teens ~

    Palm Sunday Morning- Find the kids worshiping Christ in this icon and hold your palms proudly like them for the procession. How do we greet a King? Who is our King?  RECITE:"Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord"


    Palm Sunday Evening - ACTION:Kneel for the Procession of the icon of Christ as the Bridegroom when the priest brings Christ out from the Holy altar for the first time.

    Holy Monday- Light a candle in the dark serenity of  this service. ACTION:Bow down to make 3 full prostrations in front of the Bridegroom icon of Christ.

    Holy Tuesday-RECITE:Memorize beforehand and listen for the verse "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom He shall find watching"PRACTICE: handwriting this phrase, or copying / tracing it as a memory verse.

    Holy Wednesday/Thursday Morning- Draw near to receive the Holy Body and Blood of Christ while commemorating His Last Supper and the beginning of this Life-giving Sacrament.Find the "one sided profile of Judas in the icon" which symbolized his two-facedness. Discuss this betrayal with your kids

    Holy Wednesday Evening- COUNT: 7 Readings for 7 Candles, Try fasting before receiving Holy Unction from a certain point in the afternoon; often we forget this is a Sacrament of our Church. (Some Priests also wash the children's feet - try this at home for the experience!)

    Holy Thursday- Take the chance to bow before, kneel and kiss our Lord on the Cross.TASTE: vinegar with your own kids as the soldier offered Christ on the Cross when He thirsted.

    Holy Friday Afternoon - Royal Hours - Witness or participate in the taking down of Christ from the Cross, identify in the icon who was involved (St Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus). Observe a period of silence and identify Christ's white burial cloth. Compare it to the white cloth of His manger at Christmas.

    Holy Friday- Chant the memorable melody of the Lamentations, Join the Procession outside the Church, Pass under the Tomb, take home a flower, prepare your red eggs

    Holy Saturday Morning - Ring a small bell and throw the bay leaves, save one in your book! Chant the words of the 3 Youths (Shadrach, Meshach and Abendago). Hold hands dancing in a circle as your practice singing this again and again"Praise Ye the Lord and Exalt Him Forever"

    Holy Saturday Evening - Experience a great celebration at Midnight - See the Church go dark, and witness the light of Christ illuminating all! Share your light with others - Plan to receive the Holy Eucharist of the Resurrected Christ after midnight, return home to crack your eggs and taste the traditional lamb soup mageritsa. Take the holy fire home to re-light your vigil lamps!

    Holy Sunday - Ask to read the Gospel in a different language, which is a tradition that conveys the  "good news" spreading to the whole world.

    Bright Week - Practice saying "Christ is Risen" (click link)  in as many languages as you can learn!

    If you parish plans other additional opportunities for the youth, please share! I have witnessed Holy Friday Retreats with activities and lessons, Holy Week Scrap booking , others ask the children and teens to decorate the Epitaphion (Tomb),  in some parishes, girls of innocence and purity dressed in white sprinkle rose petals during the procession with the Tomb,  others show a video from the Miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem , and an all time favorite, one parish taught the children the hymn for Palm Sunday and the children lined up to create a passage way for the Entrance with the Gospel chanting and waving their palms!

    How precious it is to see them involved! Our kids may not be awake, but they can still go home smelling like incense, which in some small way, reminds us of the unseen blessings we all receive just by being in there.
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    April 6, 2018, 5:43 am
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    Try asking your students to write "Christ is Risen" with the appropriate responses
    by tracing the foreign languages inside this beautiful illustration converted to black/white or in color.
    It's also a fantastic design for your Pascha basket covers if you know how to cross stitch.

    Kalo Pascha to your families!


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    A Friend in Need

    April 11, 2018, 12:48 pm
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    With a heavy heart, I am beseeching your help across the world. A personal friend of ours is being persecuted in Raleigh, NC for his Orthodox Christian faith. His daughter has been denied the right to even wear a cross! The Judge has not given him a chance to defend himself. He needs legal help urgently as he is being threatened with jail time on April 24. Please read his story.

    We cannot remain silent.
    Be so kind to spread this online petition and gofundme page.

    We pray that God may bless you for your help~
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    Dollars for Greek Dad

    April 12, 2018, 1:30 pm
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    An incredibly generous donor has offered to double the donations, dollar for dollar, that come in thru the gofundme.com/defendgreekdad link for Antonios in the next 24 hours.

    Many of you have already signed our petition
    This is a great effort so far! We thank you!

    His story is one of religious freedom as an Orthodox Christian, even within a divorce.The Raleigh, N.C. judge has ruled that by teaching his daughter these things, to venerate icons, dress modestly, wear a cross, read the lives of the Saints,
    and pray for the mother, that he is infringing on the child's freedom!
    Antonios is threatened with contempt of court, jail time, if he does not remove these tenants of faith from his parenting. They have denied him the ability to teach or speak Greek to his daughter
    as well. A right, to speak your native language, that every American citizen should have.
    We ask for your help to continue spreading the links and story so that others around the world can get involved. Click the link https://www.gofundme.com/defendgreekdad
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    Christmas Worksheet

    December 3, 2017, 12:08 am
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    Here is an Orthodox Christian Worksheet and Lesson on the Nativity that includes a bit of theology we often overlook. Although it might be for older ones, I hope it offers details that the younger ones can comprehend as well.

    Click here for the PDF Lesson available at the Orthodox Christian Scribd Group.


    Wishing you and your families a blessed Nativity ~
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    Christmas Crossword

    December 3, 2017, 3:52 am
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    ********REVISED**********

    Click on the crossword puzzle
    to the right for a little
    Christmas trivia!
    Located for free download here.

    Hopefully, it will be challenging
    for parents and kids of all ages.


    "Make ready, O Bethlehem:
    let the manger be prepared,
    let the cave show its welcome. The truth has come, the shadow has passed away..."

    Sticheron at the Royal Hours
    by St Sophronius of Jerusalem
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    St George Skit & Coloring Page

    April 23, 2018, 1:50 pm
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    While enjoying the light of  Pascha for 40 days, don't forget that there are still many great Saints on the calendar to learn about! Coming up Thursday April 23rd is the great martyr Saint George, who bears the title trophy-bearer in English.
    The Dragon
    Traveling on a white horse (Saint Demetrios is on the red horse), the soldier Saint George met a young girl, a local princess chosen by lot, who was about to be offered as food for the hungry dragon who threatened a certain town in Libya. He encouraged the maiden to have faith in Christ whom she did not know yet, and dropped to his knees in prayer, asking God to use that opportunity for others to believe in Him as the One True God. Upon meeting the dragon face to face, he made the sign of the cross, and the dragon fell like a meek puppy at the feet of the Saint. He instructed the girl to take her belt off and use it as a leash for the dragon
    His Suffering
    The Saint openly confessed himself as a Christian, and for that faced many tortures. He bore the weight of a large stone on his chest, was stretched on a wheel of knives, was buried in a pit with only his head above ground for three days and three nights, and was given a poisonous potion to drink from a magician. From all this, God healed and preserved him. When the Saint raised a boy from the dead through his prayer to God, the Empress Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, converted to Christianity. The furious Emperor imprisoned the Saint and beheaded Him in 303 AD. (Can you find those scenes below in his vitae icon?)
    His Appearances
    God continues to work miracles through the Saint, even until today. About fifteen years ago a generous man in Syria came to Germany to build a "home" as he was instructed for someone whom he saw in a vision. The Syrian man met our priest on the street corner who was exhausted and ready to give up building our Church because the money ran out. After an explanation and a large gift from the Syrian man, the Church was completed, bearing the name and icon of Saint George. The man finally recognized who spoke to him in the vision when he came face to face with the Saint George's icon!

    Video located here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu6egtZcun0

    Try ST GEORGE'S SKIT located here:
    http://www.scribd.com/doc/90523467
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