Royal Monastic
Princess Ileana of Romania

A timely message in today’s troubles.

I found the story of Princess Ileana or Mother Alexandra to be very encouraging. In our current social and political climate it can be so stressful. Listening to her life and all that she suffered as a princess caused me to examine my own life. How am I handling trials that come my way? Am I relying on God as did Mother Alexandra?
Her faith was remarkable. The way she was quick to help those around her, the loss she knew, the exile, the betrayal; I can only hope to one day have her faith!
Having lived near the place of the monastery she established and raising children in the city she took her last earthly breaths, I feel a deep connection to Mother Alexandra. Her story was so captivating that I longed to hear more about her life.
I feel blessed to have learned of her and now can ask for her intercessions.
Mother Alexandra pray to God for us.

First off, this review does contain spoilers ;) When Melinda posted on FB that she was looking for reviewers for the last installment of the Sam and Saucer book series, I knew we had to jump at the chance! I am going to share the kids thoughts and then mine ;)

DD9 - “Painting Angels was fun, my favorite character was Macrina. Saucer is a pretty enjoyable character, as always. I loved how they finally got along at the end of the book.”

DD11 - “Really good book. I like how Sam & Marina became friends in the end. Overall I’d give it 4 stars”

DS13 - “I thought it was an overall good book, I like the part at the end with the story of the girl on the farm (Veronica). And Saucer, as usual, is a fun character.”

Painting Angels by Melinda Johnson is such a cute book and the perfect ending to the Sam and Saucer series. I love how she creates characters that are so very relatable to kids. I also love the nuns, especially Gerontissa. I’ve never been to a monastery myself, the idea intimidates me (not sure why - I should think on that one a bit more), I’d love to meet someone like Gerontissa if I did go though. My favorite lines in the book are when Sam & Macrina are arguing at the end of the book and Sam says, “The truth will set you free.” and Macrina says, “Love is the only rule.” and they are shouting it back and forth to each other and Macrina says, “It’s the same thing, Sam...We are saying the same thing.” A very simple and profound thought.

We also love Veronica Naasko’s description of her family farm at the back of the book. We have goats and chickens and dogs and a kitten, which made it more fun to read what Veronica’s days are like on her farm (I especially liked that she says she gets up early to care for the animals even when she doesn’t want to).
This is a short read and can be read in a sitting or two, or more ;) We enjoyed taking turns reading Painting Angels over a few week period as we *finished up* our homeschool year.

It's a rarity for an author to successfully write a book that includes theological teaching, reflections from ancient fathers and practical application. Bravo, it is done well in this book. Living in the now with our timeless God is our best weaponry against acedia (despondency). If you've ever wondered the best way to do that, this book offers tried and true tips. Tried for thousands of years, and found effective. A good book ro read multiple times as you need reminding.

I need to read and reread this. Timely also for COVID!

“Don’t worry, my friend, for Raskova,” she whispered to me. “I clean baby [crap]. It small thing. You sit. Read.” She said, “I am here,” tapping the pages with socket-wrench fingers. “At Dachau too, my job, priest say, sew sheets for vestment, is very small, he tell me, but big in heaven.” (page 13)

Big in Heaven is a book of short stories, by Fr. Stephen Siniari, centered in and around the people of the fictional Saint Alexander the Whirling Dervish parish (Saint Alexander is very real, the parish is fictional), an ethnically Albanian church in a Fishtown neighborhood. The stories mostly follow the parish priest, Father Naum, through a variety of times, places, and narrators (some more reliable than others). The stories are not sequential. In some we find Naum young and impatient, in others we find Naum near retirement, wiser, but bearing the scars of many years. In all of the tales we bear witness to how the parishioners and their friends and neighbors are simply living their lives as well as they know how, saints and sinners alike.

Each of the tales is a brief glimpse into the lives of the people of the parish. Through the changing voices of the narrator we learn, sometimes, of backstories and histories of the people, but not always. Sometimes the backstories are unnecessary, or merely inferred. Not all of the people belong to the parish - Father Naum is friends with an Evangelical pastor, and regularly has tea with the rabbi of the synagogue across the street. The author studiously avoids common ecumenical stereotypes, however, in these interactions, and each person has his or her own voice and motivations.

The people in and around St. Alexander’s have their own voices and motivations as well. Many have borne heavy burdens and tragedies in life, while others seem to have largely skated through unscathed. Some in the community are quietly loyal, doing their jobs and raising their families, while others are out and out villains. For others, it may depend on the day, or the minute. Ultimately these are the stories of who and what a priest or a pastor encounters every day, if he is around long enough.
The book is not long, and it reads quickly. Fr. Siniari has proven himself an excellent writer and story teller, and I left the book hoping he had a few more tales to tell of St. Alexander’s, and of Father Naum.

Ancient Faith provided me with a copy of this book for review.

Arguably one of the best books when it comes to orthodoxy. Filled with excellent information for the wandering soul, this book is immensely helpful in answering questions and directing you on your way.

It is a beautiful piece, but I returned it because I was shopping for baptism crosses and purchased it by mistake.

This can be helpful for adults as well!

The recent endorsements of His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, in favor of communing non-Orthodox spouses, have generated an online tempest. Reaction to the Archbishop’s comments focused on a breach to the Orthodox Church’s ancient canonical discipline of restricting the eucharist to Orthodox Christians (i.e., ‘closed’, or better, ‘monogamous’ communion). However, the long-standing practice of allowing a non-Orthodox person to participate in one of the Church’s sacraments, the Holy Mystery of Marriage, a practice of ‘economy’ that violates the governing canons, is the context for the Archbishop’s position. His Eminence is only signaling a willingness to follow a certain logic in allowing non-Orthodox spouses to come to the chalice. Hence the timely publication by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press of Fr. Anthony Roeber’s book, Mixed Marriages: An Orthodox History.

Fr. Anthony’s survey of marriage in the Church between Orthodox and non-Orthodox is primarily a historical treatment. In order to follow his survey, his paradigm of how Orthodoxy perceives the boundaries of the Church is key. On the one hand these boundaries can be conceived of as ‘porous’ frontiers, frontiers already open to crowning the non-Orthodox partner in marriage, and by implication, open to an extension of economy by giving the non-Orthodox partner full communicant status. In contrast, these boundaries can be conceived of as borders, in essence barricades around the Church, which protect her purity by allowing the non-Orthodox partner to be crowned in the wedding rite, but without participation in the other sacraments in the absence of conversion. On this basis, Fr. Anthony concludes his survey by recommending communing of the non-Orthodox spouse from those communions closest to Orthodoxy, the non-Chalcedonian Orthodox and Roman Catholics.

Because the author’s frontiers/borders paradigm is foundational to his survey, it is unfortunate that his introduction and description of this paradigm is so cursory. Fr. Anthony does not offer an overt rationale for why the frontiers/borders paradigm is the appropriate lens through which to consider mixed marriages in the Church, beyond implying that this question is downstream from the much larger issue of how the different autocephalous Churches regard the operation of grace outside of Orthodoxy. The author locates the canonical prohibitions of mixed marriage in a concern for ‘purity’ that is alleged to be a legacy of Judaism and Syriac Christianity, but there is no attempt to present a scriptural-theological rationale for these prohibitions: why did the conciliar fathers at Laodicea (10), Chalcedon (14), and Trullo (72) compose rules prohibiting the marriage of an Orthodox Catholic to a heterodox Christian or unbeliever? We can surmise that profound scriptural-theological reasons—concern for the salvation of the souls involved—underlay the reasoning of these councils, but we are left wondering. In various passages, I had the impression that I was reading a ‘distanced’ academic, and indeed, sociological appraisal of what Orthodox do, at the expense of a treatment of these canons that is reverently empathetic, but nonetheless critical of their contemporary application.

The author’s treatment underscores the fact that much of Orthodox teaching about marriage is at most in the realm of theologoumena (e.g., in what way is marriage eternal?), and is rather inchoate in a way that demands clearer explication. His discussion of the praxis of marriage in the Church as a legacy of accumulated civil, legal, and social conditions that in many instances no longer obtain, is spot-on. Because what the author refers to as ‘natural marriage’—one man plus one woman in a one-flesh union for life—has been under such sustained cultural and legal attack in the West for the past half-century or so, it and its related issues (e.g., church remarriage after divorce) should be at or near the top of any conciliar agenda for cooperation by the autocephalous Churches. Clearer development and catechesis of the theology of marriage is attainable while allowing for differences in context. (In this regard, Fr. Anthony’s discussion of the differing reasons why the Patriarchate of Antioch and its daughter Church of Georgia both refused to participate in the 2016 council on Crete is interesting.)

Furthermore, Fr. Anthony is surely correct in conceiving of Christian Orthodox marriage as a shared journey further into the Kingdom, in which, to quote Patriarch Theodore Balsamon, husband and wife possess “more or less the same soul…perceived in two hypostases.” Based on this Iconic ideal, mixed marriages and marriages outside the Church are capable of aiming towards this “iconic realization” in varying degrees.

But this truth can be pastorally implemented in a way that upholds the traditional practice of monogamous communion. For one thing, the idea that because economia has come to be the norm in giving a full Church wedding to mixed couples, it should follow that the chalice should also be made available, is highly questionable. Some ‘logical’ consistencies are foolish; and this one would be a psychological preparation for open communion. The North American scene is confessionally sloppier (with evangelicals, nones, and poorly-catechized Roman Catholics) than a Syrian town limited to Chalcedonians and Jacobites. Extending the chalice to non-Orthodox partners would be an example of how economy as a practice originally applied in a civil and socio-religious context that has now profoundly changed, would be used to undermine the integrity of the Church as Christ’s Bride—regardless of whether we conceive of her canonical limits as ‘frontiers’ or ‘borders’.

In regard to mixed marriages, I venture that it is precisely a more robust affirmation of ‘natural marriage’ that is now required in the Orthodox Church; obviously in stark contrast to the various living arrangements that positive law now labels as ‘marriage’, but also as a constructive stepping-stone (for many couples) towards the iconic ideal in the Church of a full sacramental marriage. For example, instead of bowing to emotional pressure to extend the economy of mixed sacramental marriages further by communing non-Orthodox spouses, our hierarchs might instead decide that restoration of communion to the marriage rite is preferable, with crowning and eucharistic sharing limited to Orthodox couples. As a corollary to this tightening of praxis, many ‘natural marriages’ that are mixed could be recognized in the Church with something analogous to the current betrothal rite. This would entail a shift in the use of economy, which would be applied by our shepherds to these unions by continuing to commune the Orthodox partner, coupled with a commitment that offspring will be baptized and reared in the Church. A discerning recognition of the positive potential of many such mixed, ‘natural’ unions justifies the well-grounded hope that the other partner will eventually embrace the Church, thus opening the way to crowning and eucharistic sharing.

The last suggestion would not be free of controversy. It is unlikely that resolutions will be found that do not in some way transgress any of the applicable canons. But because the Church has now long been severed from the State, our hierarchs are free to protect more fundamental canonical principles such as monogamous communion with creative pastoral applications that could not have been foreseen in late Byzantium or Tsarist Russia, where ‘natural marriage’ was almost totally subsumed into sacramental crowning.

What's really compelling about Painting Angels- the third book in the Sam and Saucer series- is that it portrays children, and their emotions, as realistic, and not something to quash. The two main characters, Sam and Macrina, see the same world in different ways, and they both learn a lesson in how love is the greatest commandment. The three nuns of the monastery are sources of joy, support and love for the characters, and the book portrays them as being just like Sam and Macrina- human, trying to negotiate the world, and trying to do their best for others. The story is light-hearted but deep, and adults will enjoy the story just as much as kids.

The sayings of Elder Thaddeus are a spiritual master class and will immediately bring you to the simplest center of yourself, allowing you to reach that place of peace and joy.

I bought this to do with my children (ages 3-8) this summer. I have been very happy with it! The program is so well put together and it was very easy for me to prepare and present. I appreciate the variety of activities, there are so many choices that it was easy to find something that would be both interesting for the kids and not too much work for me to prepare. We spent about 3 hours each morning doing that day's activities, but we could have easily spent more time if we wanted to, we had to rush through some of the activities a little bit. The kids found the video's very interesting, especially the saint of the day video's, which they usually asked to watch again and again. I am so grateful for this program, and I would love if they did a new one every summer!

From the moment I started reading this book, I was carried away by the craft of the author as a wordsmith. This book explores the themes of mystery and faith through powerful imagery of wind, Constantinople, and Orthodox iconography. Laurel is transported in a dream from her sailboat, Etesian, to high above Constantinople and into Hagia Sophia. With all her senses she experiences the divine liturgy and sees up close the history of salvation in the icons. I will most remember the author’s exquisite use of alliteration in this book. The use of such poetic devices really helps to draw the reader in and increases both anticipation and the beauty of the written word; I highly recommend reading this aloud to your children. One other thing I enjoyed is the little details the author includes, such as the name of Laurel’s sailboat. Etesian refers to the annual winds that blow from the north across the eastern Mediterranean. Readers can look forward to stunning images and moving words that will transport them along with Laurel back to Constantinople and to a deeper understand of Christ’s work and words.

Excellent resource, with beautiful illustrations. Our church purchased a set prior to Covid 19, for the children of our community which were placed in the pews. Well received with the children 6 years and older.

Excellent!

Rooted in Prayer was created by Tending the Garden of our Hearts podcasters, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger, which are familiar voices to many Orthodox children and parents. Their gentle, yet enthusiastic tones and demeanors appeal to children and present materials at the child’s level, not from an adult perspective, but with mature guidance. These two make a fantastic team to open children’s hearts and minds to new ideas and faith concepts. The content is great, of course, and I really love the songs from Cece Yentzen. My boys really engaged with them and I will catch them singing these songs throughout the day. I do have an item to note. Not all families will have access to high-speed internet at home. We live in the country so our internet is slow at best and it’s capped at not so many gigabytes. I would appreciate being able to have a transcript of the videos, especially the songs. That being said, I definitely recommend this program to families and churches, alike. It’s a fun way to engage children in the faith.

I was able to review this material free of charge in exchange for my feedback. I have actually used it with my own children and have relayed my honest review.

I love it, it's beautiful

Some biographies are deep, exhaustive, and richly researched. They are a literal intellectual feast of citations including correspondence, interviews, and historical narratives to hold up the writing. Some biographies are appetizers; a light bite there to whet your appetite and make you want to learn more about the subject. Royal Monastic is an appetizer of a biography. That is not a bad thing, but it was not what I was expecting. Bev Cook, the author did intimately know her subject and provided a lot of information about Princess Ileana’s life for me to have a grasp of who she was and some of what made her who she was. I was still left feeling rather “more-ish.”

That being said, I enjoyed the “Imagine This” slice-of-life scenarios that were sprinkled throughout the book. They were engaining and invite the reader to take part in building the picture Cook was trying to tell. There were some of the imagined conversations that I wasn’t sure about but that is just me.

Narration: Good narration. Sometimes the reader was a bit too “wide eyed ingenue” for me but she told a good story, although since it is a biography not a work of fiction based on real life, I feel some of the emotion was a bit overdone. It got sticky sweet at times which threw me off.

All in all, I give 4 for content and 3 for narration.

3.5 stars

Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to do this, AFP!

We were given Rooted in Prayer in exchange for our honest feedback.

I have 4 children (ages 6, 4, 3, and 1), and this became the thing they looked forward to every day for 5 days! As a busy mom, I was a little nervous about when and how to incorporate this into our lives, but it was surprisingly easy - this is absolutely an "open-and-go" vacation church camp that takes very little preparation time. I started by looking over everything, selecting what activities and snacks we would do, and making a quick shopping trip (we actually had most of the things for the snacks and crafts in our home already!). The kids came with me on the shopping trip and were pretty excited with some of the craft supplies! We did this alone, but it's completely doable with a group on Zoom (and there is an outline given on just how to make that work - great for a parish, homeschool community, or just a group of friends with kids - and the kids don't even have to be the same age)! I had everything already downloaded, so it was simple enough just to double click and go. We started with opening prayers, and then there was a lesson on prayer (that tied in well with the saint of the day, which came later). I don't think any lesson was longer than 20 minutes, which was the perfect length for my kiddos. Then we went and did the craft, which was simple enough that I could do it by myself with my 4 littles. There is a selection of activities for each day, so you can pick what works best for your family (some of the options are definitely more appropriate for older kids; we just filed those away for a few years from now). Then we had a snack and came back for music time, which was appropriate for my kids but could be easily skipped for teens. If I had teens, I would replace the music time with discussion time; I think the music section is more appropriate for preschool and elementary ages. Then we finished with the saint of the day and closing prayers.

All together, it didn't take long for us to do everything for the day (maybe an hour to an hour and a half?), and I have seen even my little ones work to develop their prayer lives. As a convert, I even learned some things!

My 6-year-old enjoyed learning about the iconography and hagiography the most. She also enjoyed the snacks (which had some international flair) and she feels like she knows more about prayer in general. Every day, the kids would ask, "When are we doing vacation church school??" And as they grow, I feel like we can do it again!

“Simply begin”. This is the challenge that the author, Donald Sheehan, gives us to heal our sin sickness, dis-ease, and slavery to the evil one by embarking on daily Psalmic meditation and prayer. We are in a spiritual battle that takes its toll on our bodies and our minds as well as our souls. Praying the Psalter provides us with the shield to defend ourselves against constant attack. Sheehan doesn’t tell us to do more than we are able but just to take that first step; begin at Psalm 1 and continue each day until Psalm 150. Start again.

When this book arrived, I had been praying for something to inform my reading of the Psalms. Glory to God for this gift! I soon discovered that this is not a book which must be read in a linear fashion, unless that is your choice. Conversations don’t tend to be linear. Reading this book is like sitting at the feet of the master (teacher) and having a delightful, engaging, and intellectually challenging conversation.

If the news or social media posts get you down, this book will help you find a defense to such daily attacks. Perhaps, as I did, you want to understand the placement of Psalm 118 in the Matins of Holy Saturday, how it is a poem of “noetic healing”, and how the nine words for ‘law’ constitute an “entire system of spiritual life-givingness”. You will find the answers in Chapter 11, The Asymmetry of His Immeasurable Love: Psalm 118’s Nine Words, the Lamed-Stanza, and the Defeat of Depression. If you enjoy exploring the Hebrew and/or Greek meanings of words in the Psalmic lexicon, then you will find a treasure here.

If, on the other hand, you are not a fan of ‘big words’ don’t let this turn you away from this well of healing water. There is a glossary to guide you and make any murky, linguistic waters, appear crystal clear.

This is not a book to be read once. Each reading will bring forth new growth. It will engage the reader in lifelong conversation, meditation, and prayer. “Simply begin”.