It was a gift for someone who recently lost a family member, it was greatly appreciated.

I'm not religious but read this with a couple dads. I found it enlightening in various ways and gave me plenty to think about both for myself and ways to empathize with what was possibly making my kids act certain ways. It's the only parenting book I've ever read and I enjoyed it very much.

I understood (perhaps incorrectly) that a sticker sheet — birthdays, namedays, etc) would be included. Mine did not have a sticker sheet.

Parents are loving it but the price is a bit high for some young families .

This is a truly beautiful book, both visually and in story. It’s been several weeks since I read it and it’s still with me; there are many layers of meaning that I’m still processing. I’ve been hoping for Georgia Briggs to write another book after Icon, her first book, came out several years ago and I’m glad that she did.

I was very happily surprised to find the beautiful, color illustrations throughout this chapter book – drawn by the author herself. They add a great deal and a wonderful richness to the text. Young readers and adults alike will appreciate them.

As others have said, this is an easy read on one level – but on another level, it’s a complex read that can take some time to process. Using a bear named Joy as a window into St. Seraphim’s life is a clever way to draw readers into his story.

But the bear is also a window into our own lives as humans struggling to make our way through jealousy, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness. Like Joy, we often fail to see our flaws and how they impede us from what we seek. But, like Joy, patience and faithfulness can help us work our way toward Light and understanding – toward the Bread of Life that Joy herself often snuffled out of St. Seraphim’s hands.

I believe this book would also be a helpful read during the Advent season, with its themes of darkness and light.

The themes and layers are complex enough that it would be helpful for most young readers to have an adult to discuss the book with after reading. I’d love to see a conversation guide online for this purpose. There are many intense scenes in the book that bode discussion. I will definitely read this book again, and again. As they say, the best sermons are often the ones told through story – and this book does just that. Thank you, Georgia and Ancient Faith!

Absolutely beautiful!

Beautiful!

As Protestants who have little knowledge of the Greek Orthodox tradition, my wife and I couldn't have imagined how much this would inform our approach to holistic discipleship of our kids. The reframing of my kids' misbehaviors and tantrums as their struggle to learn values and virtues of the Kingdom enables me to respond with more patience and thoughtfulness. I've learned to step back to ask myself questions like, "what is my child struggling to learn in this moment" and "why does their defiance make me so angry?"

By laying solid groundwork from his knowledge of child development and theology of kids as image-bearers of God, Dr. Mamalakis helps center you on the most important things that every kid needs: connection, respect, and unconditional love. He then builds from there, discussing the purpose, timing and types of limits and consequences that help give your children guardrails as they struggle to learn the way God intended us to live. And gives a plethora of stories from his own journey of parenting 7 kids.

The content of this book created a perfect centering conversation between my wife and I on how we would choose to discipline and guide our daughters, and identify our areas of strength and weakness. I'm actually on my second read through of the book; I had a baby and 2.5 year old the first time and now with a 4 and 6 year old I'm gleaning even more from it. I've also invited of a group of dad friends to journey through it with me and we have all found it incredibly centering and practical as we try to be the best fathers we can be.

That's many words to say, I am grateful for this book. It has helped me become a more compassionate, present, and intentional father.

Loved all the Chritmas ornaments I purchased! I already gave 1 as a B-Day gift and it was a big hit!

Mary Lynn Gudovic

Not only are these coloring pages beautifully executed, but the stories of the saints accompanying them are a treasure. This is both a coloring book and a way to learn the lives of the saints.

My grandfather fell asleep in the Lord last month and I was blessed with the opportunity to listen to a free audio version of “Memory Eternal: Living with Grief as Orthodox Christians.” What a blessing this book has been for me going through the grieving process.
The book talks a lot about the secular idea that one should be done grieving after one year. As if there is some sort of switch to turn off the feelings you have. This book flipped that notion upside down and gives the grieving reader permission to feel exactly how they are feeling for as long as they need to feel it. This was a huge sigh of relief for me. I had a traumatic loss when I was a teen and was never told this.
I also loved the parts of the book when the author talked about being connected to your loved ones after they have passed. As a cradle Orthodox Christian, I grew up praying to the Saints for their intercessions but I never thought to pray to my loved ones who had passed to also help. Knowing that it is normal and ok to have a connection with a loved one who has passed brought a lot of comfort for me, and I do still feel my grandfather’s presence.
But I think the biggest highlight of this book for me is the bereavement group guide that is provided in the book. What a great ministry for churches to offer for their grieving parishioners and a platform for them to make true connections with others in the church whom they might never had without the bereavement group.
This being said, I wouldn’t recommend the audio version of this book if you are looking to use the prompts, questions, and exercises the author talks about in the book. It is worth getting the physical book instead to be able to participate in these more easily. Great book and a great asset for the Orthodox Community to be able to use!

Absolutely lovely

A must read for any serious growing Christian.

incredibly informative, a great compliment to the podcast

amazing book, always love reading and listening to anything by Fr Stephen De Young

Fr Stephen De Young is one of my favorite resources for insight on all things scripture

enlightening

I have read up to the analysis of the creed only. Its been a very worthwhile read so far. But cannot do the Saint justice until I have read the entire book but I have a feeling it is largely what I'm looking for in an Orthodox catechism.

Lovely gift.

I recently received the 2023 Icon Calendar: Saints and Martyrs of the Early Church and it is absolutely beautiful and amazing. The pictures are stunning and it's ideal for Orthodox dates and fasting days. I am very, very pleased with this calendar.