Not Of This World

A great influence is exercised on the children by frequently taking them to church, by having them kiss the holy Cross, the Gospel, the icons, and by covering them with the veils. 

Likewise, at home frequently placing them under the icons, frequently signing them with the sign of the Cross, sprinkling them with holy water, and the burning of incense. 

Also by making the sign of the Cross over their cradle, as well as over their food, and everything connected with them, the blessing of a priest, the bringing into the house of icons from Church... and in general everything from the Church. 

All of these things warm and nourish in a wondrous way the life of grace in the children and constitute always a most safe and impenetrable protection against the attacks of the invisible dark powers who everywhere are ready to penetrate their developing souls so as to infect them by their activity.

+Saint Theophan the Recluse

The way in which we raise our children will either lead them toward Christ or away from Christ. We are at war with a world that will steal our children and destroy them if we are negligent. If you are vigilant, you will see how so much of the evil in this world is targeted at our children. From the music, shows, advertisements, toys to the academia and literature directed at our children- so much of it is brimming with evil content meant to indoctrinate and corrupt the most innocent. We are called to shield our children from these demonic attacks by exposing them to “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report” as instructed in Philippians 4:8. Let’s keep our children away from things that would otherwise aid in their destruction, even if it means being viewed poorly by the eyes of the world. For we are not called to be of this world, but of Christ who dwells in heaven. This is the greatest reward.