For the sixth year in a row, the St. John Cassian Parish celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the youth and children of the parish. It is a special Liturgy, served twice a year, during Lent and Christmas, only with and for children. Joining the children were the teachers of the parish school.
The children actively participated in the Liturgy. Father Valentin did the Proscomidia in the middle of the church, surrounded by children. They had the opportunity to observe in detail how the Proscomidia took place and they were the ones who remembered the living and the dead of their families. It is a chance for young people and children to unite in one voice and one soul in this holy and moving moment. The Liturgy continued with young people and children singing and actively participating in the service.
After the Divine Liturgy, the participants had lunch with Fr. Valentin and the teachers of the parish school. The day continued with craft activities such as card making, beaded eggs, wood painting and a special project created by each children and youth. On a large board, they each drew a cross divided into 40 boxes, each representing a day of Lent. Each Sunday is identified and marked with a drawing and text. For example, the Sunday of Orthodoxy has an icon next to it, the Sunday of the Holy Cross has a cross next to it, etc. This project will continue each Sunday of Lent until it is completed on the first Sunday of Pascha. Fr. Valentin also dedicates this day to the confession of children and young people.
Another activity that has already become a tradition is the chess competition. This year, the youngsters first had the chance to teach eachother chess. Afterwards, the chess competition between the young people of the parish took place.
The Children's Liturgy is an opportunity for the little ones, as well as the teenagers of the parish, to actively participate in the Liturgy, to spend time together, to practice virtues such as faith, kindness, patience, but also compassion, love of neighbor, and understanding.
Praise God for all!
Adina Pasnicu
