The Catalog of Good Deeds

Shofar

"My bowels, my bowels, I writhe in pain! The chambers of my heart are throbbing! My heart moans within me!

I cannot keep quiet for I have heard the voice of shofar, the shout of war." - Jeremiah 4:19

Shofar is a non-musical signaling device made from the hollow horn of an animal and in some cases, specifically the horn of a ram. The shofar is played by buzzing the lips on the small end of an animal horn that has been cut, pierced and smoothed. As the range of an average size shofar consists of only a few playable tones, the calls that were used consisted of varying sequences of long and short tones.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Exodus 19:16, 19:19, 20:18 (20:15 JPS); Leviticus 25:9 (2x); Joshua 6:4 (2x), 6:5, 6:6, 6:8 (2x), 6:9 (2x), 6:13 (3x), 6:16, 6:20, 6:20; Judges 3:27, 6:34, 7:8, 7:16, 7:18, 7:18, 7:19, 7:20 (2x), 7:22; 1 Samuel 13:3, 2 Samuel 2:28, 6:15, 15:10, 18:16, 20:1, 20:22; 1 Kings 1:34, 1:39, 1:41; 2 Kings 9:13.

Cymbals

From the limited context within the Scriptures, this type of cymbal, briefly mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:5 and Psalm 150:5, most likely corresponded to the smaller variety of ancient cymbals found on cymbal clappers and the finger cymbals associated with Middle Eastern dance.

It is type of concussion instrument consisting of two small cymbal plates attached to a pronged, u-shape handle that when rapidly shaken causes the plates to concussively strike each other creating the rapidly oscillating rhythm referred to in the Hebrew texts as the teruah. Cymbal clappers are referred to in contemporary music as a cymbal castanets.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: 2 Samuel 6:5; Psalm 150:5

Bells

"And they made bells of pure gold and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hems of the robe round about, between the pomegranates:" - Exodus 39:25

Bells mentioned briefly in the book of Exodus; the bells (made of gold)were bell-like or clam-shell ornaments sewn on the hem of the priestly robe of Aaron between decorative pomegranates. Inside the bell was most likely a clapper or small pebble that would strike the bell casing creating a tinkling sound that could be heard when the bell was shaken or excited. Although considered as a percussion instrument and an instrumental sound effect today (e.g., jingle bells), the gold bells of the Hebrew texts refer specifically to one and only one non-musical usage; to act as some type of warning signal that was used to prevent the accidental death of Aaron or his sons (i.e., the priests)when entering or leaving the chamber of the Most Holy.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Exodus 28:33, 28:34 (2x), 39:25 (2x), 39:26 (2x)

Wooden Clappers

Wooden Clappers by implication of the single text found in 2 Samuel 6:5 "with all kinds of cypress wood " may refer to instruments like the wooden clappers and rhythm bones. The clappers originated as an ancient hunting implement and later as a rhythm instrument. The clappers had a semi-circular (boomerang) shape and were held (one in each hand) and struck concussively together to stir fowls from the underbrush. When the wildlife flew, the hunters would then throw the clappers at the birds to down them. As a rhythm instrument, the individual clappers were concussively struck together, providing a pronounced clack. 2 Samuel 6:5

Trumpets

"And YAHVEH spoke to Moses, saying,
'Make two trumpets of silver. Make them out of a whole piece of beaten silver and use them for the calling of the assembly and for sounding the order to break camp'" Numbers 10:1-2

A pair of non-musical metal signaling devices used by the Levite priests to signal the breaking of camp, assembly and in conjunction with various ritual functions. Originally crafted as a pair out of a solid piece of beaten silver, the instruments consisted of a mouthpiece, a straight bore body terminating in a flared bell and measured about 45 cm (17.75") from the bell to the mouthpiece. Like the shofar, sound is created by buzzing the lips on the mouthpiece while blowing. Also like the shofar, the calls of the two silver trumpets consisted of varying sequences of long and short tones.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Numbers 10:2, 10:8, 10:9, 10:10, 31:6; 2 Kings 11:14 (2x), 12:13 (12:14 JPS); Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:35, 12:41; Hosea 5:8 (traditionally translated as a single trumpet - chä-tsots-rä'); Psalm 98:6; 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:24, 15:28, 16:6, 16:42; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 5:13, 13:12, 13:14, 15:14, 20:28, 23:13 (2x), 29:26, 29:27, 29:28

Shakers/rattles

Small, handheld instruments used in celebrations and in conjunction with the dance. These simple instruments were most likely made of a hollow clay shell with pebbles, stones or nuts inside that would rattle when shook (like a baby's rattle). Contemporary instruments like shakers and maracas produce a sound that is somewhat, if not identical, to these rudimental concussion instruments and are still in common use today in Latin and popular music.

Frame-drum

"and Miriam took the frame-drum in her hand; and all the women went out after her with frame-drums and with dances" - Exodus 15:20

A large, thin drum, generally associated with female players, primarily used in secular celebrations and in conjunction with the dance. The frame-drum was held with the left hand and was played by striking the head of the drum with the alternating thumb and forefingers of the right hand in various rhythmic patterns.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:20 (2x); Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 10:5, 18:6; 2 Samuel 6:5; Isaiah 5:12, 24:8, 30:32; Jeremiah 31:4; Ezekiel 28:13 (a setting for jewelry); Nahum 2:7 (2:8 JPS); Psalm 68:25 (68:26 JPS), 81:2, 149:3, 150:4; Job 21:12; 1 Chronicles 13:8

Crotales

"and David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to them appoint some of their brothers as singing men with instruments of song; harps, lyres and melodic cymbals for lifting up with the voice for joy" - 1 Chronicles 15:16

The melodic cymbals referenced in the Septuagint in Psalm 150:5 most likely refer to instruments similar to our modern day crotales. Exclusively referenced in relation to being played by the Levite singers, this larger variety of ancient cymbals (always referenced as a pair) were capable of producing defined pitches like our modern crotales. Tuned to the tones A and C, which correspond to the name of YAH and an A minor triad, the melodic cymbals of the Levites were used not only to give the starting pitches to the singers, but also to praise the Name of YAH.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:17; 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 15:19, 15:28, 16:5, 16:42, 25:1, 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 5:13, 29:25

Rhythm Bones

By implication of the single text found in 2 Samuel 6:5 "with all kinds of cypress wood [instruments]" may refer to instruments like the wooden clappers and rhythm bones. Rhythm bones are a rudimental rhythm instrument consisting of two slightly curved pieces of wood, bone or ivory that were held in one hand and rhythmically struck together. Played in a manner similar to the playing of spoons, the bones also provided a rhythmic backdrop to the dance.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: 2 Samuel 6:5

Reed-Pipe

"after that, you are to come to the hill of the God, where the garrison of the Philistines is. And it will occur as you come into the city, that you are going to meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, harp and frame-drum and reed-pipe and lyre before them, and they will be prophesying" - 1 Samuel 10:5

Possibly a type of woodwind instrument of the double-reed category with a nasal, piercing tone like modern oboes and English horns. Due to the exciting flavor and timbre of the instrument and its distinctive modes, the reed-pipe was a popular instrument of the people and was used extensively in celebrations. Its unique ability to transmit emotion also made it a staple sound at funerals where it could emulate the plaintive wailing and sorrow of the mourners. Most likely a direct cousin of the the Arabic mizmar still in use today in conjunction with traditional dance and celebrations.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 1:40 (2x); Isaiah 5:12, 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36 (2x); Malachi 1:12 ( profane), Psalm 87:7

Cymbals

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: 2 Samuel 6:5; Psalm 150:5

Lyre

"Play to YAHVEH with lyre and the sound of a melody" - Psalm 98:5

An ancient type of stringed instrument used to accompany the voice or as a solo melodic instrument. With at least seven or possibly eight strings, the lyre was primarily considered a chording instrument in relation to the musical performances of the Levites providing the harmonic support for the singers and the harps.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: Genesis 4:21, 31:27; 1 Samuel 10:5, 16:16, 16:23; 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Kings 10:12; Isaiah 5:12, 16:11, 23:16, 24:8, 30:32; Ezekiel 26:13; Psalm 33:2, 43:4, 49:4 (49:5 JPS), 57:8 (57:9 JPS), 71:22, 81:2 (81:3 JPS), 92:3 (92:4 JPS), 98:5 (2x), 108:2 (108:3 JPS), 137:2, 147:7, 149:3, 150:3; Job 21:12, 30:31; Nehemiah 12:27; 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 15:28, 15:21, 16:5, 25:1, 25:3, 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 9:11, 20:28, 29:25

Harp

"Oh God, a new song I will sing to You.
With a harp of ten [strings] I will play to You" - Psalm 144:9

An ancient string instrument of ten strings used to accompany the voice. Standing almost three feet tall, the harp had of two sets of strings (five on each side of the instrument) that could be played in much the same manner as modern harps (by plucking with the fingers) or possibly with a bow. The harp was primarily a melodic instrument and most likely doubled or outlined the melodies sung by the singers.

Where it is mentioned in the Bible: 1 Samuel 10:5; 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Kings 10:12; Isaiah 5:12, 14:11; Amos 5:23, 6:5; Psalm 33:2, 57:8 (58:9 JPS), 71:22, 81:2 (81:3 JPS), 92:3 (92:4 JPS), 108:2 (108:3 JPS), 144:9, 150:3; Nehemiah 12:27; 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 15:20, 15:28, 16:5, 25:1, 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 9:11, 20:28, 29:25

Source: http://musicofthebible.com/instruments.htm

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Canon to St. Sergius.

In Tone VIII

ODE I

Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a Cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they marched on foot, * singing a song unto God.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Emulating Christ who humbled Himself for our sakes, even taking the form of a servant, thou didst love humility and, mortifying the soul, destroyed the passions. By copious vigil and prayer, thou hast ascended the mountain of freedom from passion, O Sergius full of riches.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Adorning thy soul with streams of tears as a lamp is adorned with light, thou hast offered up thyself as another Isaac, O Saint, and hast sacrificed thine heart unto God.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O most blessed Sergius, who from thy mother's womb hast shown thyself by thy threefold cry to be a servant Trinitarion and who, illuminated by the light of the threefold Sun, dashed the armies of devils like unto one destroying a spider's web!

Theotokion: Thou hast given birth outside the laws of nature to the Giver of the law. He Who was both God and man. As He is good, do thou who art all undefiled entreat Him to look away from or iniquities as we for ever cry aloud: ‘Let us sing to the Lord for He hath greatly been glorified’

ODE III

Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou who in the beginning established the heavens with understanding * and established the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy but Thou, O only lover of mankind.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

In thyself, as an example of good things to thy disciples, thou hast drawn to salvation many souls who, separated from worIdly passions, found their comfort in the joy of paradise.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O blessed Saint, thou hast flowered like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God, anointing with oil the souls of those who sing thy praises with love, O Sergius, and who cry aloud to Christ with faith: 'There is none holy save Thee, Who lovest mankind.'

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O blessed Saint, by watchful vigils thou didst put to sleep the soul-corrupting passions: and therefore, O Divinely-wise Sergius, hast thou ascended to dwell in the heavenly chambers, having received the grace of healing.

Theotokion: O Theotokos , thou appearest higher the cherubim and seraphim, for Thou art undefiled, and thou alone hast received in thy womb the uncontainable God. Wherefore we the faithful bless thee, who art pure, in song.

ODE IV

Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Abakum I cry to Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Father, thou art a temple of the all-holy Spirit, a river full of living waters, an unshaken foundation of the Church, the confirmation of those living the monastic life, wherefore O Father Sergius, thou art rightly called a wonderment.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O glorious Sergius thou, as also did the Prophet David, anointed thy bed each day with streams of tears, until thou didst dry up completely the depth of passion; wherefore we reverence thine ever honored and holy memory.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Saint Sergius, it was vouchsafed unto thee to see Christ face to face, not 'through a glass darkly', but with the glass truly abolished; and this also parted thee from this world sending thee aloft to thy beloved Desire.

Theotokion: By the prayers of her that bore Thee, grant us O God, as Thou alone art without sin, the cleansing of our transgressions committed in ignorance and grant unto Thy world peace.

ODE V

Irmos: O Light that never sets, * why hast Thou rejected me from Thy presence, * and why has the alien darkness surrounded me, the coward that I am? * But do Thou I implore Thee direct my ways * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O wise Saint, thou didst dwell without wavering in acts of asceticism and up unto thine own departure these practices thou didst thus firmly adhere to, whereby incorruptible bliss hath plainly been vouchsafed unto thee.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Possessed of a mind sharpened to listen to God, thou didst subdue the soul-destroying passions and reaped fruitful sheaves, feeding those who praise thee, O Sergius, Saint and Father.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Bright has been thy life, O Saint Sergius, and known unto all the ends of the earth, filled with divine beauty, with prayer and fasting and love towards Christ Who loveth mankind.

Theotokion: Having thee as wall, and watched over by thy protection, we bless thee exulting in thy divine glory: For thou, O all-pure one, pourest forth gladness and rejoicing upon our souls.

ODE VI

Irmos: Cleanse me O Savior, * for my iniquities are many; * and bring me up, I beg Thee, from the depths of evils * for unto Thee have I cried * harken unto me, O God of my salvation.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Pray the Deliverer without ceasing to grant the remission of sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memorial, O blessed Father, that they may receive the heavenly Kingdom, where the voices of those that keep festival make all men glad.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Made strong in Christ, thou, O Sergius, hast torn to pieces with thy steadfast mind all the craftiness of the evil one as though it were a web and thou hast shown thyself, O Sergius, to the world as a most radiant light.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Shining with the divine light, and now living with the angels in heaven, do thou ever remember those who honor thy memorial with faith, O Saint Sergius of memory eternal.

Theotokion: In truth thou hast raised on high the fallen nature of man, for thou hast borne in thy womb without seed, O Mother of God, Him Who unchanged is the visible Son, the divine image of the Father and His equal.

Kontakion, In Tone VIII:

Smitten with the love of Christ thou, O Saint, * hast followed Him without looking back, * hating all the pleasures of the flesh * and shining like the sun upon the land of thy birth: * wherefore Christ hath enriched thee with the gift of working miracles. * Remember us who honor thy radiant memory that we may call to thee: * Rejoice! O Sergius thou Divinely-wise one.

Ikos:

Having heard the sound of the Gospel, thou didst set aside, O Father, all the wisdom of the flesh, and counted as dust wealth and glory, fighting against the passions as one without flesh, thou hast been vouchsafed the honor of standing with the choir of bodiless angels. Receiving the gift of understanding which thou dost grant to those who sing unto thee thusly: Rejoice! O Sergius, saint and bearer of God; thou heavenly man and earthly angel: Rejoice! thou dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice! thou who by prayer hast received a gift bestowed by God; Rejoice! For before thy birth, thou didst cry out glorifying the Holy Trinity Who glorified thee in this life and after death. Rejoice! Pillar of chastity by whom every passion hath been vanquished. Rejoice! For from thine early childhood thou didst follow Christ. Rejoice! Intercessor for the salvation of those that run to thee; Rejoice! pride of the land of thy birth. Rejoice! thou who adorned with prophecy foretold the future as though it were today. Rejoice! for by thy prayers the adversaries are conquered. Rejoice! pride and confirmation of truly believing people. Through thy prayers keep us unharmed by the enemy that we may cry to thee: Rejoice! O Sergius, Divinely-wise one.

ODE VII

Irmos: The fire in Babylon once stood in awe of God’s descent. * And so the Youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyful steps as in a meadow, * sang, ‘Blessed art Thou the God of our Fathers!’

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

In the furnace of flaming temptations divine grace bedewed thee, O Saint, and it showed thee to be full of light in thy desire for the Trinity, and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O glorious Sergius, despising the world, thou didst live as an Angel on earth and thereby vouchsafed a place in the angelic choir. Wherefore we venerate thee with faith, O thou who art worthy to be called a wonderment.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Saint, wise in God, travelling unto the calm haven, thou didst shun the sea-wanderings of this world, being a saving pilot for those sailing the rough seas of this life and who cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

Theotokion: O Virgin, a rod has sprung forth from the root of Jesse, an all-blessed Fruit, that bears a Flower of salvation for those who cry aloud with faith to thy Son: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.

ODE VIII

Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Deliverer, * ‘O ye Youths bless, O ye priests praise, * O ye people, highly exalt Him unto all the ages’.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O most blessed Sergius, thy light bearing feast hath filled with joy and spiritual gladness, with fragrance and enlightenment, those who have thee as their defender and as their rule of monastics.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou didst ascend upwards to God with unceasing prayer and from there enlightened by the radiance of the threefold sun, established a stronghold of struggle against the enemy. Thou didst lead companies of monks towards a new life, crying aloud to Christ: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him, O ye priests, O ye people exalt Him above all for ever.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

O Sergius, strong in fasting, never slothful in prayer, on earth thou didst shown patience in temptation, crying: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him O ye priests, O ye people exalt Him above all for ever.

Theotokion: O all-pure Mother of our God, cleanse the sinful sores and temptations of my soul steeping them in the waters that flow in copious streams from the side of thine Offspring: for I cry unto thee and take refuge in thee, and call upon thee, who art full of the grace of God.

ODE IX

Irmos: Heaven stood amazed and the ends of the earth astounded: * for God hath appeared to mankind in bodily form, * and thy womb hath become far wider than the heavens. * Wherefore, O Theotokos , * the ranks of Angels and of humans magnify thee.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Thou, filled with the manifestation of spiritual radiance, hast appeared as a lamp lighting front afar, and shining the light of reason upon us, thou hast shown thyself to be the habitation of the most divine Trinity.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Christ gave thee, wise Sergius, to the land of Russia, a great teacher indeed who directed the land of his birth in the right direction, pouring forth teachings sweeter than honey from which as from a vessel we faithful draw.

Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.

Having conquered the soul-destroying passions, thou, as a true shepherd, hast tended the reasonable flock of Christ, ever reading it with the grace of the Spirit as with flowers from paradise.

Theotokion: O thou who hast found favor, we sing thy praises in psalms and with voices that are never still we cry aloud: Thou hast poured forth joy for all.

Troparion, In Tone IV:

As a virtuous ascetic athlete, and true warrior of Christ our God * fighting fiercely the good fight against the passions during this earthly life, * laboring in song, vigil and fasting thou wast an example to thy disciples. * Wherefore, the Holy Spirit made His abode in thee * Whose activity adorned thee with radiant beauty: * Since thou hast great boldness towards the Holy Trinity * remember thy flock wisely gathered by thee * and forget not as thou didst promise to visit thy children, O holy Father Sergius.

Kontakion, In Tone VIII:

St Sergius of Radonezh

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"Let the children come to me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Mark, 10: 14-15).

Christian education is a permanent challenge within the frameworks of the Church. Not only did our Lord and Savior continuously teach the word of God during His early mission, but the Church as a whole has looked upon Christian education as one of its essential ministries from the beginning. As the first Christians joined the Church "they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts, 2:42).

The greatest gift, the most precious inheritance that we have to give to our children is our Orthodox Faith. Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and that He considers it a grave offence for an adult to hinder this process or lead the child astray: "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew, 18:6).

The primary goel of Christian education in the Church is to evoke and nurture the faith in Jesus Christ. The Church nurtures a living awareness of the resurrected Christ in our midst, who is the true Celebrant of Sacraments and the true Teacher of His people, and makes Himself known to use by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The whole range of Orthodox educational material - books, filmstrips, visuals, Bible Studies, lives of saints contemporary discussion of Christian values - becomes effective to the degree that communicates the love and sprit of Christ.

The focus of our efforts to educate our beloved children in the Orthodox Christian Faith must remain in our Sunday School program. When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has a lifelong value and significance.

The need of Christian education is as immediate as when the disciples first appealed to Jesus: "Teach us to pray" (Luke, 11:1).

Christian education is an essential and abiding ministry in the Church. As other important ministries, it is never finished. It can be as vital and meaningful as the whole body of the Church makes it through provision of adequate personal, spiritual and financial resources.

The validity of Christian education is demonstrated by the truth that a well informed Christian is a spiritually committed Christian within the greater body of the Church. The commission of Christian education comes from the Lord Himself: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, to the close of the age" (Matthew, 28: 19-20).

Sunday School of St. Elisabeth Convent

In October the Sunday School of St. Elisabeth Convent begins a new academical year. Children can study there from the age of 6. In our Sunday school they learn about God and the Orthodox Church, about the Christian sacraments, Christian life, saints and Holy Fathers, and of course together they attend liturgy, confess, and take the communion.

In our Sunday school there are singing and drawing hobby groups; national puppet theatre "batlejka" , which children like very much, and a studio of national art, where children are learning icon-painting and tessellating, make the icon cases and decorate church items.

Apporximatley 150 children attend the school every Sunday. At our school there is also a group for young teenagers, who gather on Sundays or any other day. Together they pray to Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sofia, and discuss various spiritual topics that are of interest to the or issues that worry them. What is more, they often organize festal celebrations with the children from the junior groups of the Sunday school, take part in pilgrimages and visit different holy places, help in restoration of Belorussian churches and maintain contact with the other brethren. Many of them work in the workshops of the convent and take part in Orthodox fairs. Alsom the young people visit the boarding home for children with special needs and make them feel as part of a greater Orthodox Christian family.

Learn more abot the sunday school of St. Elisabeth Convent.

Source: http://www.stathanasiosnj.org/the-importance-of-sunday.html

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13 musical instruments from the Bible

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13 musical instruments from the Bible

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Back to Sunday School: The start of the new year at the Sunday School of St.Elisabeth Convent

Why is it important to take your children to Sunday school?

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