Chaplain's Corner
Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Хрїсто́съ воскре́се! – Вои́стинꙋ воскре́се!
المَسيح قام! حَقّاً قام
As we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection, I want to offer a few reflections on how the life of the Risen Christ can shape our homes, our routines, and our hearts — no matter the age of your children.
The Resurrection of Jesus is not just the happy ending to the story of His life—it is the beginning of our new life. When Christ rose from the dead, He opened the way for us to live with hope, joy, and freedom from fear. He defeated death so that we could live forever with Him.
For our little ones, this may be something they understand in simple ways: “Jesus is alive! Jesus loves me!” For our teens, it may invite deeper questions about life, purpose, and identity. But for all of us—young and old—the Resurrection is at the heart of who we are as Orthodox Christians.
The Church is the place where we encounter the Risen Christ most deeply. In every Divine Liturgy, we are invited to stand together as one family—praying, singing, and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Sunday is not just a day off or a time for catching up—it is the Lord’s Day, a weekly celebration of the Resurrection.
Bringing children to church—especially young ones—can be hard. We understand. But even if they wiggle, whisper, or get distracted, just being present in the holy space is forming their hearts and minds. They are learning to love God simply by being there.
For our older students, regular attendance becomes even more important. In a world full of noise and pressure, the Church offers stillness, meaning, and connection to something greater than themselves.
When families attend church together, something beautiful happens: children see faith lived out, parents are strengthened, and homes are united by grace.
Our homes are like “little churches.” Just as we gather to worship in church, we also live our faith every day around the kitchen table, in car rides, and during evening prayers.
Obedience in the home—especially from children to parents—is not about strict rules. It’s about love, trust, and respect. When children listen to their parents with open hearts, they learn humility and patience. When parents guide with gentleness and faith, they reflect the love of Christ.
Of course, no home is perfect. There are tantrums, teenage moods, and tired parents. But in the middle of the mess, the light of the Resurrection can still shine. Forgiveness, kindness, and prayer are what help a family reflect the Kingdom of God.
Here are a few simple ways to keep the joy of Pascha alive at home:
- Start the day with a short prayer, even just “Christ is Risen!” with a kiss on the forehead.
- Make Sunday liturgy a non-negotiable family rhythm, just like meals or bedtime.
- Light a candle and pray together as a family each evening, even for 1–2 minutes.
- Talk about Christ naturally—in the car, during dinner, when someone is struggling.
- Celebrate little feast days at home with icons, candles, or special meals.
- Model obedience and love between parents, so children can learn by example.
These small things build habits, and habits form hearts.
To all our parents: You are doing holy work. Every time you wake up early to get to church, explain a prayer to your child, offer forgiveness in a tough moment, or make space for God in your home—you are building the Kingdom.
And to all our students, young and old: Know that you are loved by God, called to holiness, and invited to live with joy because Christ is Risen!
Let the Resurrection of Jesus be not just something we talk about, but something we live together—at church and at home.
With love in the Risen Christ,
Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas
Parish Priest and School Chaplain