Snack Leader Guide

Leader Guide

Snack

Week at a glance

Saints Saint John the Baptist Saints Constantine and Helen

Objective

Bible Passage

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Matthew 3: 1-11

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness.

John 14: 1-7

Memory Verse Matthew 3:2 John 14:6

Songs

The Path Guess Who? As Many as Have Been Baptized

God Is the Boss Finding the Cross

Crafts

Snacks

Games

& Wild Honey

Falling Down & Getting Back Up Turn & Repent

Preparing the Pathways

Locusts & Honey Bees

Truth Direction

Cross Puzzle Relay

Cross Target Toss Let’s Make the Shape of the Cross

Icon Collage

Stained Glass Cross

Baptism Oreos or Locusts

Rice Cake Crosses or Mini Margherita Pizzas

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Ephesians 6: 13-17

Ephesians 6:13

The Path Stand Firm Fruit of the Spirit

St Catherine’s Ring From Christ Standing Firm Painted Rocks

“Armor of God” Snack

Shield of Faith

Armor of God Matching Game

Stand Firm or Stand Floppy Stand Firm Tag

Saint George the Trophy-Bearer

Students will understand we are like a candle in the dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Matthew 5: 13-16

Matthew 5:16

Patron Saint George This Little Light of Mine

Colorful Votive Candle Olympic Torch

“Light of Mine” Cupcakes or Sunshine Snack

Lights On/Lights Off Parachute Activity

Let Your Light Shine Relay

Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker

Students will understand that the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10: 16-22

Matthew 10:22

O Pure Virgin O Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Beeswax Candles

Race Ready Snack Mix or Endurance Energizer Bowls

Parachute Endurance Popcorn

St. Nektarios Kindness Exchange Super Saints Challenge

Super Saints Objective

Each day centers around the daily Super Saint, theme, and memory verse. Through songs, lessons, crafts, games, and snacks, you will help students meet the objectives of each day, culminating in achieving the objective of the week!

Weekly Objective: By the end of the week, the students in your parish will understand why we honor the saints—the “Superheroes of our Faith”—so intentionally and how their lives provide examples to emulate as they journey on their own path to holiness. DAY 1

St. John the Baptist: Repent

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Memory Verse: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Saints Constantine & Helen: Seek Truth

2

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness, focusing on the examples of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Memory Verse: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

St. Catherine of Alexandria: Stand Firm

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Memory Verse: “Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

St. George the Trophy-Bearer: Witness

Students will understand we are like a candle in a dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Memory Verse: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

St. Nektarios the Wonderworker: Endure

Students will understand the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Memory Verse: “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Your Role as the Snack Leader

• Plan the snacks in advance and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and supplies.

• Recruit and collaborate with additional volunteer staff you might need.

• Make sure to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions of the students attending VBS. Provide alternative snacks as needed.

• Offer healthy snacks that reinforce the theme of the day.

• Provide plenty of water for the students to drink, especially if the weather is hot.

• Encourage socialization. Use snack time as an opportunity for students to socialize and interact with each other. Consider setting up tables or seating areas where they can gather and talk.

As

• Serve appropriate portions of snacks to ensure all students have enough to eat but also to avoid excessive waste.

• Use this time for bathroom visits.

• Offer a selection of books about the saints that leaders can read to their group or students can read on their own while enjoying their snacks.

• If time allows, take students outside for some sidewalk chalk or bubbles for some extra play time.

• Share your energy and enthusiasm about the saint, theme, and lesson of each day.

• Pray about all aspects of the snacks for Super Saints—before, during, and after.

a leader, you are the heart of this Vacation Bible School!

How to Create a Successful and Spiritually Enriching Experience

Plan ahead: Take some time to prepare your snacks in advance and gather any necessary ingredients and supplies. Make sure you have enough for each student.

Be flexible: Use what works for you in this list. Don’t feel you need to use all of the ideas.

Demonstrate: Show the students how to make their snacks each day.

Keep it fun: VBS is a time for students to learn about God in a fun and exciting way. Incorporate snacks that tie into the lesson for the day. Keep the energy level up and make sure the students are engaged.

Make it interactive: Encourage the students to participate in discussions that relate to the lesson. This helps to keep them engaged and reinforces the concepts you’re teaching.

Be patient: Students may have a lot of energy and need reminders to stay on track. Be patient and positive—you’re making an impact in their lives!

Keep safety in mind: Make sure the environment is safe and secure for students. Review each student’s allergies on their registration forms to accommodate. Clean up any spills or messes promptly, and ensure that any hazards are properly marked and avoided. Have a plan in place for emergencies or unexpected situations.

Supply List

Day 1

• verse poster

• Snack Option 1: Baptism Oreos

• Oreo cookies

• milk

• 9 oz. plastic cups

• Snack Option 2: Locusts & Wild Honey

• crescent rolls

• pretzel sticks

• cinnamon

• butter

• honey

• sugar

• raisins

• small paper plates

Day 2

• verse poster

• Snack Option 1: Rice Cake Crosses

• plain rice cakes

• Nutella, Sun Butter, or almond butter

• bananas, strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips

• Snack Option 2: Mini Margherita Pizzas

• mini tortillas or flatbread

• pizza sauce

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• fresh basil

Day 3

• verse poster

• small paper plates

• bowls for each ingredient

• green pepper cut into squares

• skinny slices of carrots and celery

• mandarin orange slices

• Pringles

• Tostitos Scoops

• licorice

• hummus (optional)

Day 4

• verse poster

• Snack Option 1: “Light of Mine” Cupcakes

• small paper plates

• bowls for each ingredient

• cupcakes, unfrosted

• yellow frosting

• candy corn

• orange Tic Tac mints

• licorice whips or Twizzlers

• Snack Option 2: Sunshine Snack

• dinner paper plates

• bowls for each ingredient

• apple slices

• blueberries

• strawberry slices

• fruit dip

Day 5

• verse poster

• Snack Option 1: Race Ready Snack Mix

• small paper bowls

• bowls for each ingredient

• spoons/scoops

• dried bananas

• dried apricots

• dried cranberries

• lightly-salted popcorn

• pretzels

• crunchy granola bars or granola

• Snack Option 2: Endurance Energizer Bowls

• small paper bowls

• bowls for each ingredient

• spoons

• yogurt (2-3 flavors)

• dried bananas

• dried apricots

• dried cranberries

• sliced strawberries

• blueberries

• crunchy granola bars or granola

Day 1

Day 1 at a glance

Saint

Saint John the Baptist Theme

Repent

Objective

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Passage

St. John the Baptist’s Call to Repentance (Matthew 3:1-11)

Memory Verse

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Songs

• The Path (VBS Theme Song)

• Guess Who?

• As Many as Have Been Baptized

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Know-Want to Know-Learn

• Read the Bible Passage

• Act It Out: Repentance

• Memory Verse

• Salt & Pepper Activity

• Color the Icon of the Saint

Snacks

• Baptism Oreos OR Locusts & Wild Honey Crafts

• Decoupage/collage of icons with mirror Games

• Falling Down & Getting Back Up

• Turn & Repent

• Preparing the Pathways

• Locusts & Honey Bees

Like a Candle:

When we sin, it is like the candle light is blown out. Each time we repent, we relight our candle. REPENT, RELIGHT, and REPEAT.

Day 1 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 1: BAPTISM OREOS

Supplies:

• Oreo cookies

• milk

• 9 oz. plastic cups

Objective:

Connect the snack to the theme of repentance and baptism while providing an enjoyable and interactive treat.

Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a few Oreo cookies and a cup of milk.

2. Explain to the students they will be enjoying a special treat that reminds us of Jesus’ baptism.

3. Encourage the students to dunk their Oreo cookies in the milk, symbolizing the act of baptism.

4. While enjoying the snack, talk to the students about the significance of baptism and how it represents repentance and a new beginning.

Day 1 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 2: LOCUSTS & WILD HONEY

Supplies:

• small paper plates

• crescent rolls*

• pretzel sticks

• cinnamon

• butter

• honey

• sugar

• raisins

Objective:

Provide a fun and creative snack resembling locusts and wild honey while discussing the unique diet of St. John the Baptist and his message of repentance.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the crescent roll package. (*Bake ahead of time.)

2. In a bowl, melt butter and stir in cinnamon to create a mixture.

3. Give each student a crescent and ask them to open them.

4. Brush the butter-cinnamon mixture over the crescent rolls.

5. Sprinkle raisins and sugar over the rolls.

6. Add pretzel sticks for legs and raisins for eyes.

7. Drizzle a little honey over each “bug.”

Closing: Let’s review the verse

Have the students say the entire verse together: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Day 2

Day 2 at a glance

Saint

Saints Constantine & Helen

Theme

Seek Truth

Objective

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness.

Passage

The Way to the Father (John 14:1-7)

Memory Verse

“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

Songs

• God Is the Boss

• Finding the Cross

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Activity: Find the Cross

• Act It Out: Finding the Cross

• Plant Basil Seeds in Small Pots OR Make Cross Necklaces

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Color the Icon of the Saint

Snacks

• Rice Cake Crosses OR Mini Margherita Pizzas

Crafts

• Stained Glass Cross Games

• Truth Direction

• Cross Puzzle Relay

• Cross Target Toss

• Let’s Make the Shape of the Cross

Like a Candle:

We need light in order to see and to SEEK the TRUTH. Christ is the light of the world. HE is the Truth we are seeking.

Day 2 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 1: RICE CAKE CROSSES

Supplies:

• small paper plates

• plain rice cakes

• Nutella, Sun Butter, or almond butter*

• bananas

• strawberries

• blueberries

• chocolate chips

Objective:

Connect the snack to the theme of seeking truth (the Cross) while providing an enjoyable and interactive treat.

Instructions:

1. Have students spread Nutella, Sun Butter or almond butter on a plain rice cake.

2. Explain how we are called to spread the Gospel.

3. Arrange pre-cut fruit into the form of a cross.

4. Show how this is a reminder of today’s Saints, Constantine and Helen. It’s a pretty treat, and it tastes good too!

5. While enjoying the snack, talk to the students about how they can seek truth on their journey to holiness.

*Please confirm allergies from each student’s registration.

Day 2 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 2: MINI MARGHERITA PIZZAS

Supplies:

• small paper plates

• mini tortillas or flatbread

• pizza sauce

• shredded mozzarella

• fresh basil

• baking sheet

Objective:

Discuss how the sweet smell of basil helped St. Helen find the true Cross.

Instructions for Baked Option (bake ahead of time):

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Assemble the pizzas with sauce and cheese.

3. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

4. Serve pizzas to the students.

5. Explain the tomato sauce represents the blood of the Cross.

6. Have the students add basil to their pizzas.

7. Share how the smell of basil helped Saint Helen find the Cross.

Instructions for Unbaked Option:

1. Have the students assemble their own pizzas with sauce and cheese.

2. Explain the tomato sauce represents the blood of the Cross.

3. Have the students add basil to their pizzas.

4. Share how the smell of basil helped Saint Helen find the Cross.

Closing: Let’s review the verse

Have the students say the entire verse together: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

Day 3

Day 3 at a glance

Saint

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Theme

Stand Firm

Objective

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Passage

Spiritual Weaponry (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Memory Verse

“Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Songs

• The Path

• Stand Firm

• Fruit of the Spirit

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Armor of God Experiment

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: Armor of God

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snack

• “Armor of God” Snack

Crafts

• St. Catherine’s Ring From Christ

• Stand Firm Painted Rocks

Games

• Shield of Faith

• Armor of God Matching Game

• Stand Firm or Stand Floppy

• Stand Firm Tag

Like a Candle:

Imagine your candle standing firm in the sand after you light it. Let us be like the candle and STAND FIRM in our faith.

Day 3 Snacks

“ARMOR OF GOD” SNACK

Supplies:

• paper plates (small)

• bowls for each ingredient

• green pepper cut into squares

• skinny slices of carrots and celery

• mandarin orange slices

• Pringles

• Tostitos Scoops

• licorice

• hummus (optional for dipping)

Objective:

Connect the snack to the theme of putting on the whole armor of God. The armor protects us from evil and helps us stand firm in the Faith.

Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a plate.

2. Allow students to assemble their snack by selecting:

• 1 Tostito Scoop chip

• 1 green pepper square

• 4 carrot sticks

• 1 celery stick

• 1 Pringle chip

• 2 mandarin orange slices

• 1 piece of licorice

• 1 scoop of hummus (optional)

3. Explain they are creating a snack that has the whole armor of God:

• Squares of green bell pepper for the Breastplate of Righteousness

• Celery sticks for the Sword of the Spirit

• Mandarin oranges for the Shoes of Peace

• Pringles for the Shield of Faith

• Tostitos Scoops for the Helmet of Salvation

• Licorice for the Belt of Truth

Closing: Let’s review the verse

Have the students say the entire verse together: “Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Day 3 Snacks

Feel free to purchase pre-made options for each day’s snacks. If you prefer a homemade option, here is a recipe we love!

Recipe: “ARMOR OF GOD” Hummus

Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz. cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 3/4 cup lemon juice (just shy of 3/4 cup, adjust to taste)

• 3/4 cup tahini

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup water (or so)

• optional: olive oil, paprika, parsley

Instructions:

Put all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add a bit more water if needed. Garnish with olive oil, paprika, and parsley.

Day 4

Day 4 at a glance

Saint

St. George the Trophy-Bearer

Theme

Witness

Objective

Students will understand we are like a candle in a dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Passage

The Disciples in the World (Matthew 5:13-16)

Memory Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Songs

• Patron Saint George

• This Little Light of Mine

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• This Little Light of Mine Experiment

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: Lightbulb

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snacks

• “Light of Mine” Cupcakes OR Sunshine Snack

Crafts

• Colorful Votive Candle

• Olympic Torch Games

• Lights On/Lights Off

• Parachute Activity

• Let Your Light Shine Relay

Like a Candle:

When you let your candle light shine, you become a WITNESS. Let your light so shine “that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Day 4 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 1: “LIGHT OF MINE” CUPCAKES

Supplies:

• verse poster

• paper plates (small)

• bowls for each ingredient

• cupcakes, unfrosted

Objective:

• yellow frosting

• candy corn

• orange Tic Tac mints

• licorice or Twizzlers (cut into small pieces)

Discuss how just like the sun shines its light, we will witness the Faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a paper plate.

2. Allow students to decorate their cupcake by selecting:

• 1 cupcake

• 1 small scoop of yellow frosting

• 9-10 candy corn pieces (for the sun’s rays)

• 2 orange Tic Tac mints (for eyes)

• 1 piece of licorice (for a smile)

3. As they enjoy their cupcakes, discuss how we are like a candle in the dark world and can witness the Faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Day 4 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 2: Sunshine Snack

Supplies:

• verse poster

• paper plates (dinner)

• bowls for each ingredient

• apple slices

• blueberries

• strawberry slices

• fruit dip

Objective:

Discuss how just like the sun shines its light, we will witness the Faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a dinner-sized paper plate.

2. Allow students to create their sun by selecting:

• 8 apple slices

• 1 scoop of fruit or caramel dip

• 2 blueberries

• 1 strawberry slice

3. To assemble:

• Add one scoop of fruit dip to the center of the plate

• Spread the apple slices around the outside of dip to form a “sun”

• Place two blueberries on the dip for the eyes

• Place one strawberry slice on the dip for the mouth

Feel free to purchase pre-made options for each day’s snacks. If you prefer a homemade option, here is a recipe we love!

Recipe: Sunshine Snack Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Closing: Let’s review the verse

Instructions:

Put all ingredients into a mixer and blend until smooth.

Have the students say the entire verse together: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Day 5

Day 5 at a glance

Saint

St. Nektarios The Wonderworker

Theme

Endure

Objective

Students will understand that the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Passage

Persecution and Martyrdom (Matthew 10:16-22)

Memory Verse

“But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Songs

• O Pure Virgin

• O Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Activity: Soak up the Sponge

• Stories of St. Nektarios

• Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: My Future Icon

• Weekly Themes Review

• Be Like a Candle

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snacks

• Race Ready Snack Mix OR Endurance Energizer Bowls

Crafts

• How to Make a Beeswax Candle

Games

• Parachute Endurance Popcorn

• St. Nektarios Kindness Exchange

• Super Saints Challenge

Like a Candle:

A candle must ENDURE heat and fire. “Set your heart right and be steadfast…because gold is tested in fire.” (Wisdom of Sirach 2:2-5)

Day 5 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 1: Race Ready Snack Mix

Supplies: Instructions:

• verse poster

• small paper bowls

• bowls for each ingredient

• spoons/scoops

• dried bananas

• dried apricots

• dried cranberries

• Lightly-salted popcorn

• pretzels

• granola bars (broken into bitesized pieces) or granola

Objective:

To highlight that just as certain foods help a long-distance runner have energy and endurance, we Christians need God’s energy to help us on our journey to holiness—to help us endure.

1. Provide each student with a small paper bowl.

2. Allow students to create their own Race Ready Snack Mix by adding:

• 1 spoonful of dried bananas

• 2-3 dried apricots

• 1 spoonful of dried cranberries

• 1 scoop of popcorn

• 1 scoop of pretzels

• 1 scoop of granola

3. As they enjoy their snack mix, explain to the students they are eating snacks a long-distance runner would eat. As Christians we are also running a race, and we need nourishment from God to complete it.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

(Hebrews 12:1)

Day 5 Snacks

SNACK OPTION 2: Endurance Energizer Bowls

Supplies:

• verse poster

• small paper bowls

• bowls for each ingredient

• spoons

• yogurt (2-3 flavors)

• dried bananas

• dried apricots

• dried cranberries

• sliced strawberries

• blueberries

• granola bars (broken into bite-sized pieces) or granola

Objective:

To highlight that just as certain foods help a longdistance runner have energy and endurance, we Christians need God’s energy to help us on our journey to holiness—to help us endure.

Instructions:

1. Provide each student with a small paper bowl.

2. Have them add a generous scoop of yogurt.

3. Allow students to create their Endurance Energizer Bowls by adding:

• 1 spoonful of dried bananas

• 2-3 dried apricots

• 1 spoonful of dried cranberries

• 1 spoonful of sliced strawberries

• 1 spoonful of blueberries

• 1 scoop of granola

4. As they enjoy their yogurt bowl, explain to the students they are eating snacks a longdistance runner would eat. As Christians we are also running a race, and we need nourishment from God to complete it.

Closing: Let’s review the verse

Have the students say the entire verse together: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Why These ingredients are good (Optional)

If you want to explain the importance of each ingredient, here are some talking points.

Bananas: These are like nature’s power-up! They’re full of good stuff called carbohydrates that give you energy. Plus, they have a special vitamin called B6 that helps your body use protein, which is super important for when you’re running around.

Dried Apricots: These are like little superheroes! They’re low in fat and have lots of carbohydrates, which also give you energy. Plus, they have vitamin A, fiber (which helps your tummy feel good), and potassium (which helps your muscles work right).

Dried Cranberries: These are like tiny boosters for your energy! They have special things inside that help provide extra fuel for your body when you’re doing exercises that need lots of endurance.

Popcorn: Think of this as a movie snack that’s also good for you! Perfect when you want something salty but not too heavy.

Pretzels: These are crunchy little helpers! They have sodium in them, which is something you lose when you sweat from running around. Great for a snack when you’re playing outside.

Energy Bars or Granola: These are special treats that keep you going! They’re packed with carbohydrates, which give you energy. And they also have protein and fiber, which are good for your muscles and tummy. Eating granola is like having a bowl of oatmeal, which gives you energy slowly so you can play all day without getting tired.

Berries: These are like tiny flavor bombs that keep you full! They’re one of the best snacks for when you’re running because they have lots of carbohydrates and fiber. Carbohydrates give you energy, and fiber makes sure you’re not hungry again too soon. So they’re perfect for keeping you going strong!

Icons

St. John the Forerunner

Sts. Constantine and Helen

St. Catherine

St. George

Jesus Christ

Troparia

St. John the Baptist

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou wast granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed.

Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.

Troparion

Sts. Constantine and Helen

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man.

Troparion

St. Catherine

Let us praise the all-lauded and noble bride of Christ, the godly Catherine, the guardian of Sinai and its defense, who is also our support and succor and our help; for with the Holy Spirit’s sword she hath silenced brilliantly the clever among the godless; and being crowned as a martyr, she now doth ask great mercy for us all.

Troparion

St. George Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Troparion

St. Nektarios

The offspring of Selyvria and the guardian of Aegina, the true friend of virtue who didst appear in the last years, O Nektarios, we faithfully honor thee as a godly servant of Christ, for thou pourest forth healings of every kind for those who piously cry out: Glory to Christ Who hath glorified thee. Glory to Him Who hath made thee wondrous.

Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee.

But

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

—Matthew 19:14

Heroes of our Faith

Heroes of our Faith