{pretty, happy, funny, real}

pretty (and holy!)

Mike and I are teaching the sacramental prep class at our church this year. Because the children in the Byzantine rite receive all the sacraments of initiation at the same time, as babies (baptism, confirmation, holy communion) the kids don't need to go through the same classes that they do in the Roman rite before being confirmed, etc. However, around the age of 7-8, they are ready to prepare to do their first solemn confession and solemn profession of faith (basically, they get to recite the creed in front of their church family, symbolizing their ability to start to take more responsibility for their spiritual life.) It's just a very special occasion for them!

In our last class, we had the honor of showing the kids how the bread for communion is made. The bread is called "prosphora"- a Greek word for "that which is offered," and it is leavened. (In the Roman rite, they use un-leavened bread, i.e. they are more like wafers) 
There are many theological and historical reasons for this difference. I found a great website (Orthodox) dedicated to explaining prosphora, if you want to check it out sometime.  

The kids found it really interesting that the prosphora is made with only THREE ingredients: yeast, water, and flour. That's it! The process of making it is supposed to be a prayerful, contemplative process. After all, this is the bread that the priest will offer on the holy table, to be made into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord and Savior! Pretty amazing stuff. 

Another quick thing to note: the stamp on the top MUST be on the bread otherwise the priest cannot use it for consecration! The stamp says in Greek letters "Jesus Christ Conquers" 

happy 

I've already plastered these photos all over social media - but we took out a wall last weekend! After a week of living with it all open, we couldn't be happier! It still feels weird coming down the hall and seeing it all open up. I love it! It will obviously be much nicer once we get the drywall repaired, and our oak hardwood floors installed. Later on down the road we will be putting in an island and some new light fixtures, but that will have to wait a little longer for the budget to fill in again :)

funny

Sometimes I take cute photos of my kids. Sometimes my ideas backfire majorly. In my defense, the kids were already up here for the most part and it was my idea to have them line up for a photo. Emmett's legs were okay - but still, poor guy!

Real

Back to church. There have been many, many baptisms at our church in the last few weeks. Since our babies are baptized during liturgy, and only one per liturgy, it feels a little different. Liturgy is lengthened by an additional 20-25 minutes and the babies get the full treatment - (as I mentioned before, baptism, confirmation, and first holy communion) It's such a blessing to witness! All four of our children have been baptized in this church, and it is my sincerest hope that all our future babies are, too! 

Full immersion, too! Welcome to the church, little one! 

Linking up with Leila at Like Mother Like Daughter.  !

Pascha '16!

When we first enter the church on Pascha morning, everything is dark. This symbolizes the darkness of a world without Christ. Then, soon after Matins begins, the priest announces the Resurrection of Christ

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee from before his face!

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

(By the way, the word Pascha is simply the Aramaic form of the word "ha Pesakh" which means, The Passover. This would have been the term Christ used since Aramaic was spoken by Jews in the New Testament period in Israel. The theological connection between the Passover and the Ressurection would have been known by the Apostles, the Blessed mother and by our Lord. The Jews passed from slavery in Egypt to deliverance; we pass over from death into life!) 

Then, light emerges from behind the icon screen, where the priest and servers are. Pretty soon, the light of Christ spreads from person to person until the whole church is lit up. After forty days of fasting throughout Lent, this is a really beautiful and energizing experience! Christ is Risen from the dead! (We sing over and over again)

Then there is a procession around the church (which I did not get that many pictures of. It's not exactly easy using a camera while keeping four small children in order, plus fire(!) 

 Plus, we happened to be at the very end of the line since Mike was busy getting Emmett into the sling and we sat toward the back of the church.

Then, Matins continues, and Divine Liturgy. When all is said and done it's about a 3 hour service(!!!) and again, it's beautiful. Emmett fell asleep which was *so* nice. A blessing because we could actually enjoy it a little bit more. 

Then, of course at the end of liturgy we get to go downstairs and have the blessing of the Easter foods. It is a wonderful tradition that I love so much!

Here is a little explanation on how to make a traditional Pascha basket. 

People tend to go all out. :) Hey! Lent is over! Christ is Risen! It's time to FEAST!

Then, back home, the celebration continued with more Easter goodies, an Easter egg hunt, and a delicious meal!

(Poor Emmett had just been woken up from his nap. He cheered right up after this when he discovered the eggs had candy in them!)

Easter Sunday this year was a rather stormy day, so all the festivities took place indoors.

Mike made a wonderful turkey for us. It was really delicious! (Good job, honey!)

All in all it was another beautiful celebration for the books. Not everything was perfect (is it ever?) and we missed some family members, but the truth is Christ is Risen! And by death He trampled death!

I hope everyone not only had a lovely Easter, but enjoys the whole Easter season to it's fullest! Glory to Jesus! Glory forever!