Christ is Risen !

A sleepy little girl, during Divine Liturgy

Christ is Risen !  What a glorious journey it has been for us !  Having my children with me really made it so special.   They were able to attend every single service through Holy Week (except the Hours on Holy Friday morning) and really enjoyed it.  We talked at length about the meaning of the week and of the Feast.  In their own simple understanding, they really were able to understand the meaning of Pascha (Easter) and were joyous and filled with anticipation as we arrived at the Resurrection service.

Of course, it was exhausting - but I think it takes every Orthodox family a few days to fully recover from Holy Week.  We are at Church services every single day and/or night, sometimes more than once a day.  Some of those services are very long and end very late - which can definitely be a challenge for families with children.  But to teach a child that our spiritual journey is NOT always easy, is a good lesson for them to start learning in their early years.

Of course, after a few hours of sleep...someone has to get up and start cooking for the dinner on Sunday. That "someone" is ME.   In our family, I have always taken this holiday in our home as it is so very special and I am honored to prepare the Feast !

My little man holding his own Paschal candle after receiving the Holy Light