Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils...

TODAY IS THE Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils. To me even though this isn't one of the Twelve Great Feast of the year it is so important. This year my oldest will be studying some church history in addition to his 20th Century World History and the ecumenical councils are a large part of that. I want my kids to know about the councils and understand how important they are to what we believe and how we worship today.

In our studies we will be using Orthodox Christianity Volume I: The History and Canonical Structure of the Orthodox Church . I picked this up at the All American Council that was held here in Washington just recently. This is the first of several volumes that will be out. It looks like a wonderful resource and after speaking with a monk at the council it sounded like a good option for my teenage son. As I post throughout our school year I'll let you know how it goes.

As for today, read something about the councils. Go online and find an icon and talk about all that is represented. While we follow the life of Christ throughout the year and look to the saints for our example, we also honor the men that attended and upheld the faith at the councils so that we can be united in Christ today!

A blessed feast to you all!

Troparion - Tone 8

You are most glorious, O Christ our God!
You have established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth!
Through them you have guided us to the true faith!
O greatly Compassionate One, glory to You!

Kontakion - Tone 8

The Apostles' preaching and the Fathers' doctrines have established one faith for the Church.
Adorned with the robe of truth, woven from heavenly theology,
It defines and glorifies the great mystery of Orthodoxy!