August is a unique month! The Church is bringing our focus back, once again, after a busy summer of feasting and celebrating. We begin with the Dormition Fast on August 1st, the final fasting season in the year. We also will celebrate 2 Great Feasts this month : Dormition & Transfiguration - two of the 12 Great Feasts of the Year! As we turn our focus to the end of the Liturgical calendar, we begin to prepare our hearts for the new Liturgical year which begins September 1st. For our family, school is around the corner, and I am beginning to crave more structure and routine after a fun and free summer together. There are many opportunities to lean into the Liturgical year this month, and many more opportunities to bring Christ into our homes. I’m glad you are here! If you’re reading this, you likely desire to bring Christ into your home as well. God bless your efforts and good strength as we strive for the Kingdom together!

Dormition Fast - August 1st through 14th

We begin August with the final fasting season in the Liturgical year, Dormition Fast. But why do we fast? We fast, not to get what we want, but to prepare ourselves to receive what God wants to give us. Fasting is intended to bring us to the realization of “the one thing needful.” It is to help us put God first and our own desires second, if not last. It also serves to prepare us to be instruments of God’s will, as with Moses in his flight from Egypt and on Mt. Sinai, as well as our Lord’s fast in the wilderness. Fasting turns us away from ourselves and toward God. It helps us become more like the Theotokos, an obedient servant of God, who heard His word and kept it better than anyone else has or could.

What is the Dormition? It is Death or Falling-asleep of Mary, and translation into life which is celebrated on August 15th

So why do we fast before Dormition? I love this analogy- In a close-knit family, word that its matriarch is on her deathbed brings normal life to a halt. Otherwise important things (parties, TV, luxuries, personal desires) become unimportant; life comes to revolve around the dying matriarch. It is the same with the Orthodox family; word that our matriarch is on her deathbed, should have a similar affect on us.

The Church, through the Paraklesis Service, gives us the opportunity to come to that deathbed and focus on the woman who bore God, the vessel of our salvation. She is our advocate in heaven, and one we can ask for to intercede for us.

Source: Antiochian Archdiocese

Check out these edible flower shortbread cookie recipe for the Feast of Dormition

Fasting Resources:

Here are a number of resources collected by Parousia Press to assist your family during the Dormition Fast:

Fasting Resources by Parousia Press
Family Fasting Tips for the Dormition Fast from Orthodox Motherhood
Small Paraklesis to the Mother of God from Orthodox Mom

Check out this Saints of August book Set

Draw Near Designs is selling a collection of 4 Paterikon books for your family to enjoy as you journey through the month and celebrate the feast days of these various saints! Easy peasy planning + fast shipping! This 4 book set costs $16, which is a STEAL! Click HERE to purchase your own set!

August 6 - Transfiguration

Transfiguration is one of the 12 Great Feasts in the Orthodox Church. Transfiguration is the story in Luke 9 & Matthew 19, when Jesus took Peter, John, and James and up on a mountain to pray, and as He prayed, He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Two men appeared and talked with Him: Moses and Elijah; who appeared in glory and spoke of His death which He was about to occur. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then, as they were leaving from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. They told no one any of the things they had seen.

In the hymn sung during the service, the church offers a beautiful explanation: “Thou was transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory as far as they were capable, that when they should see Thee crucified, they might know that Thy suffering was voluntary and might proclaim to the world that Thou art indeed the reflection of the Father.” + Kontakion for Transfiguration

Activity Ideas:

Bring Grapes or Fruit to be Blessed! On this feast day, in many churches, the faithful will bring grapes or other fruit to be blessed. It’s a beautiful reminder of the final transfiguration of all things in Christ where all of creation will be transformed by the glory of the Lord 🍇
- Take a trip to the market to purchase grapes (and even other fruits) to be blessed after Liturgy. Purchase as many different varieties of grapes as you can (i.e. Green, Red, Champagne, and Midnight Beauty - all seedless) and have the children wash them and arrange them in a basket. If you have enough baskets for each child, allow them to bring their own basket of grapes to church. (Idea from Charming the Birds from the Trees)
Create a shadow box - the story of the Transfiguration brings our attention to the light of Christ. Matthew 17 says “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Playing with shadows/light is a great tool to talk about the distinctions between light and darkness and the light of Christ! Using a shoe box or other small cardboard box, cut out a hole and practice playing with shadows of the wall using different figures. You can see an example of Shadow Play HERE.
Listen to a Kids song about Transfiguration by Gigi Baba Shadid “Transfiguration” FREE on YouTube

Color an Icon of the Transfiguration from Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids or from Orthodox Sunday School HERE
Serve a charcuterie board - Feature the grapes and other fruits that were blessed at Liturgy! Have your kids help create the charcuterie board with lots of veggies, crackers, nuts, dried fruits and hummus! Perfect post-Liturgy meal! Check out this vegan charcuterie board from Vegetarian Mama blog. You can thank Mariam of Draw Near Designs for this genius idea!

Book Recommendations:

Climbing Your Mount Tabor Study Journal: Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ by Family Chotki - This Study Journal is a 52-page exploration on the theme of Climbing Your Mt. Tabor through the lens of the Transfiguration feast day. The guide uses vibrant and colorful illustrations to help teach the content in a visual way. At the end of the Study Journal, there is a list of suggested activities to further your learning.
The Children's Bible Reader Pages 218 - 219 “God shows Who Jesus Is” (I couldn’t find this in stock anywhere, but I know many families own this book, so perhaps you have it on hand too!)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord - One book in the 12 Great Feasts Series from Orthodox Christian Children

Heaven Meets Earth: Celebrating Pascha and the Twelve Great Feasts by Ancient Faith Publishing

Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Exaltation Press

August 9 - St Herman of Alaska

St Herman of Alaska has many feasts days. He is Commemorated November 15, December 13, and August 8th. He was born in 1751 in a small village in Russia, into a very devout peasant family. From his early youth he was a pious boy, and he made several pilgrimages to the Sarov Monastery. He joined the army when he was 17. During his time in the military, he was visited and healed by the Theotokos. He developed an abscess on the right side of his neck under his beard which was horribly painful and disfigured his face. St Herman did not turn to an earthly physician, but, with warm prayer and tears he fell before the icon of the Heavenly Queen, entreating healing from her. He prayed the whole night, then with a wet towel he wiped the face of the icon of the Most Pure Theotokos, and with this towel he wrapped his swelling. Continuing to pray with tears he fell asleep on the floor in exhaustion and saw in a dream that he had been healed by the Most Holy Virgin. In the morning he awoke, stood up and, to his great amazement, found himself completely healthy; the swelling had dispersed without rupturing, leaving only a small lump as a reminder of the miracle.

At the age of 26, he was released from the army he was accepted as a novice in the Sarov Monastery - the same year the future St Seraphim of Sarov became a novice. After 5 years he tonsured as Herman and moved to Valaam Monastery. St Herman was chosen, along with 10 other brethren of the Valaam and Konevits monasteries by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church to assist in the missionary efforts in Alaska. Thus, he marks the first arrival of Orthodox Christian missionaries in North America. He preached the love of Christ to the Aleutians and drew many to the Church through his charitable life, caring for their orphans, building a school, and frequently defending them from the injustices and exploitation of the Russian traders. He was known to them as Apa which means "Grandfather." He lived most of his life as the sole resident of Spruce Island, a tiny wooded island near Kodiak Island for nearly 40 years.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, ran a school and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life of Orthodox Monasticism which has been standard since the time of the desert fathers. He built a small chapel, school and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a simple monk who had not been ordained. His love for the native peoples grew continually. His greatest pleasure was being with the children under his care. When a ship from the United States brought an epidemic to the Alaskans, he remained with those stricken with disease constantly comforting the dying and praying with them. His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them.

When there was a tidal wave on the Island, Fr. Herman took an ikon of the Theotokos, place it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the ikon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. He was Canonization on August 9, 1970.

Image by Caitlin Romero (https://www.instagram.com/mommingwithgrit/)

Fun Fact: St. Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kodiak, Alaska) is named in his honor. A portion of his relics are enshrined at the St. Ignatius Chapel at the Antiochian Village, where he is regarded as one of their patron saints.

Activity Ideas:

Make St Herman Spruce Tree Cookies - these shortbread cookies are super fast and easy to whip up, and the kids will love decorating them too! They are lenten cookies, which is perfect for fasting periods! All you’ll need is a Christmas Tree cookie cutter (amazon sells one for less than $2 here). Find the recipe here.
Hang an Icon of the Theotokos on Your Porch or in the Garden to Remember the Miracle of Saint Herman saving Spruce Island from a Tidal Wave - Thank you Matushka Emily (Charming the Birds from the Trees Blog) for this idea!
Spend Some Time Stargazing to See if You Can Spot the North Star
Listen to the Life of St Herman of Alaska (28 mins long) from Monastery Trapeza : Spiritual Readings from Holy Cross Monastery on Ancient Faith. Or you can listen to the child’s story North Star: Saint Herman of Alaska read aloud by Readings from Under the Grapevine here.
Watch a YouTube video of a pilgrimage to Spruce Island here

Make Soft Pretzels - It’s said that he made soft pretzels in order to teach the orphans how to cross themselves. You can find a recipe here, or watch this video below

Sensory Water Bottle - It’s said that St Herman once saved Spruce Island from a tidal wave with the icon of the Theotokos. One fun way to remember his miracle is by making a sensory water bottle! Watch this Reel on Instagram to see how it’s made: HERE

Book Recommendations:

North Star: Saint Herman of Alaska by Dorrie Papademetriou - Children’s picture book. If you don’t own a copy, you can listen to it read aloud through here Readings from Under the Grapevine on Ancient Faith
The Tumbled Stone by Claire Brandenburg - This picture book story is about a Pilgrim who finds a smooth stone on the island of St. Herman of Alaska. In it God speaks to him of the Saints of North America.
Akathist to St. Herman (PDF) from the Diocese of Sitka & Alaska

August 15 - Dormition of the Theotokos

Dormition of the Theotokos - The circumstances of the Dormition of the Mother of God were known in the Orthodox Church from apostolic times. Already in the first century, the Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite wrote about Her “Falling-Asleep.” Although there is no account of the circumstances of Her death in Holy Scripture, we know about them from the most ancient and credible Tradition. This tradition was gathered and expounded in the Church History during the fourteenth century. At the time of Her blessed Falling Asleep, the Most Holy Virgin Mary was again at Jerusalem. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to Her and announced Her approaching departure from this life to eternal life. With these heavenly tidings the Mother of God returned to Bethlehem and summoned Righteous Joseph of Arimathea and other disciples of the Lord, and told them of Her impending Repose. Just before her death, the Apostles were miraculously transported to her deathbed, an answer to her prayer. Seeing Her Son, the Mother of God exclaimed: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God My Savior, for He hath regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden” (Luke 1:46-48) and, rising from Her bed to meet the Lord, She bowed down to Him, and the Lord bid Her enter into Life Eternal. Without any bodily suffering, as though in a happy sleep, the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave Her soul into the hands of Her Son and God. On this day we commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ’s mother.

Activity Ideas:

Listen to a Song for Kids
- “Feasts of Mary” By Gigi Baba Shadid - Listen to this song written for kids to help them learn more about Mary about her Feast Days throughout the year! Listen for free on YouTube here.
- “Full of Grace”’ Also by Gigi Baba Shadid - written with kids in mind, this song is more solemn but a beautiful faith-filled song to the Theotokos. Listen for free on YouTube here.
Make a Card with the Icon of the Theotokos - Check out this thoughtful lesson by Orthodox Pebbles about the Theotokos, which includes printables to create your own card for the Theotokos.

Bring Herbs or Flowers to be Blessed: On the Feast of the Dormition, it was long the custom to bring baskets of flowers and herbs to church to be blessed. Their fragrance reminds us of the scent of holiness, which filled the empty tomb of the Theotokos.

Make Herb Butter - At the conclusion of the fast, we feast, which means we re-introduce butter, meats and dairy products! Since Dormition is associated with the blessing of herbs, you can make yourself some yummy (and beautiful) herb butter. Recipe by @Shefollowsflowers:
- Here is what you will need:
  1 stick of butter, softened to room temperature
  1 clove of garlic
  1/4 t of salt
  Finely chopped herbs and flowers (rosemary, parsley, thyme, violas, roses, anything goes!
  Mix the butter and herbs well. Place on a sheet of parchment paper or cling wrap in a log shape and roll up. Chill overnight and enjoy!
Make Edible Flower Cookies - Along the same lines as the herb butter, making shortbread cookies with edible flowers can be a fun and beautiful way to honor the mother of God, and easily shared with others! Check out this recipe on how to make them!

Plant a Garden of flowers named after the Theotokos: in this link you can find a list of common flowers associated with Marian themes HERE, but any flowers of your choosing would be lovely as well.
Wear Blue to Liturgy - The Theotokos is often associated with the Liturgical color blue since ‘her womb was more spacious than the heavens!” Blue…heavens/sky…!
Color an Icon of the Dormition from Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids
Buy or Pick Flowers to bring with you to Liturgy to leave before the icon of the Theotokos

Book Recommendations:

Dormition of the Theotokos - by Potamitis Publishing
Maria The Mother of God by Newrome Press - this picture book tells the wondrous story of Mary, who became the Mother of God by God's grace and her willing assent to His holy will, from her conception to her barren mother St. Anna, to her Falling Asleep. It’s a large book, beautifully illustrated and includes the hymns that you would find in the services.
The Mother of God in Icons by Marina Paliaki
Heaven Meets Earth: Celebrating Pascha and the Twelve Great Feasts by Ancient Faith Publishing

Twelve Great Feasts for Children by Exaltation Press

August 27th - St Phanourios

St Phanourios - In 1500 AD, in Rhodes, Greece, an icon of St Phanourios was uncovered in the ruins of an ancient church. All of the icons were in a state of decay or near ruin with the exception of one, which appeared as new and as fresh as though it had been painted the day before. It was the icon of St Phanourios. At the time, he was an unknown saint, but examining the icon further, it was inscribed with the name “Phanourios” in what appeared to be fresh lettering. Drawn around the saint were twelve additional icons showing how he endured such cruel tortures, ultimately ending in his martyrdom.

There was no literature available in the church prior to discovering his little church in Rhodes so not much is known about St. Phanourios' life other than the images of his martyrdom on his icon. St Phanourios, lost for centuries in the ruins of a church, became the patron saint of things lost. St. Phanourios has become well-known for assisting the faithful in revealing lost or hidden spiritual matters of the heart, objects, directing or revealing actions that should be taken, restoring health and similar situations. He is then honored by the faithful through a symbolic cake, called the "Phanouropita" which should be shared with others.

The Tradition of the Phanouropita (Fanouropita) - The tradition of the Phanouropita (St Phanourios cake) is a Greek and Cypriot tradition, but has been adopted in many regions throughout the Orthodox world. Phanouropita is simple, vegan cake with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange juice. It is typically made using either 7 or 9 ingredients (holy numbers in the Church). The faithful make this cake whenever the saint helps reveals a lost object, or anything else the person has sought to find, is found. It is also a tradition for each person to say a prayer for St. Phanourios’ mother when eating their slice of the cake. The cakes (pita) can also be brought to church to be blessed and shared with others. Another appropriate opportunity to make this cake is on his Feast Day August 27th. You can find the recipe below.

Mini Phanouropita Bundt Cakes by Ascetic Life of Motherhood

Activity Ideas

Make Phanouropita (Fanouropita) - It means Phanourios cake or bread. I can’t think of a more fitting activity for the feast of St Phanourios! The faithful generally make this cake whenever the saint helps reveals a lost object, or anything else the person has sought to find, is found. You can also make it on his feast day! You can find a traditional fanouropita cake recipe by Orthodox Mom here or check out these mini phanouropita bundt cakes, perfect size and easily sharable! If you’ve never made phanouropita, it’s a very simple, vegan, citrusy batter, topped with powdered sugar. Just be sure to share it with others, and say a prayer to St Phanourios. * We ordered our mini bundt cake pan from Amazon which you can see here
Play “Hide and Seek” Games - A fun way to remember St Phanourios is to play some games like “Hide and Seek” or “Sardines” or have a scavenger hunt! You can also play a version of hide and seek where you hide items around the room ahead of time for the children must find them! There are so many fun ways to engage in these games. Be sure to read the story of St Phanourios who is the patron saint of lost things!
Print this icon and Hide St. Phanourios - An easy way to remember the story of the miraculous discovery of the icon of St Phanourios would be to hide the icon somewhere and send your kids to find it! Or pint it and add it to your prayer corner along with the prayer so you can sing it together during family prayers.

Book Recommendations

Saint Phanourios by Potamitis Press
Draw Near Designs is selling a collection of 4 Paterikon books for this month, including St Phanourios, for your family to enjoy as you journey through the month and celebrate the feast days of these various saints! Easy peasy planning + fast shipping! This 4 book set costs $16, which is a STEAL! Click HERE to purchase your own set!
Orthodox Search and Find Book by by Orthodox Design Co. - Although not specifically about St Phanourios, this can be a great activity for the his feast day! Like the beloved “I-Spy” series, but with an Orthodox twist! Not specifically for St Phanourios but a perfect pairing for his feast day if you have a copy! These rhyming riddles will be enjoyed by young and old, and the pictures contain things recognized by any Orthodox person.

August 29th - Beheading of St John the Baptist

The gospel account tells us that Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared st John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mark 6:17-29)

Activity Ideas

Prepare a Lenten Meal without using a knife, avoIding eating round foods and avoid eating on a plate- The beheading of St John the Baptist feast day is a strict fasting day. His feast day is always observed with strict fasting, and in addition, many pious Orthodox Christians will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat round food on this day. Why? It’s to help us remember the story of St John’s beheading, as his head was served on a platter and given to Herodias’ daughter, according to the Scriptures. By avoiding a knife, plate, and round things, we are avoiding serving anything that resembles a head on a platter. The challenge itself reminds us of the story, and since it’s a solemn feast, we fast on this day.

Involve your kids and see if they can help you come up with some ideas! Here’s a few food suggestions you shared with me through instagram:
🥣 Serve food in a bowl
🍝 Pasta or noodles
🍤 Shrimp
🍚 Rice and beans and salad
🍜 Soup with frozen chopped veggies
🍃 Curry and lentils
Make Locust and Honey Crescent Rolls - We know from the Bible that St. John lived in the wilderness, preaching repentance, preparing the people’s hearts to receive Him and paving the way for our Lord’s ministry. Did you know what he ate while in the wilderness…. ? Locust and honey! These deserts are very simple to make and kids will enjoy participating! You can find the blogpost with the recipe HERE.

Music :
- “Guess Who?” (St John the Baptist) By Gigi Baba - Check out this FREE song on Youtube. This song is a fun way for kids to learn more about St John the Baptist. It tells his story from his mission (preach repentance) to his martyrdom. We love Gigi Baba Shadid! She is an Orthodox Priest wife and she creates very catchy music for kids to help them learn about our faith. You can find all of her CDs available for purchase HERE would be a good one to start with. You can also find this song on Spotify.
- Print the words for Guess Who? Right HERE! Having the words is great for readers to be able to sing along more easily. Special thanks to Gigi for sharing this with us!