New OCA activity book for children

Although each Christian generation has its own unique challenges there were those followers of Christ – in various times and places – who suffered extraordinarily for the Faith. They gave their lives completely through sacrificial service or in death, " for the sake of Christ and the Gospel." Saints in Times of Trouble bears witness to twelve such disciples.

The popular Saints of North America Activity Book, put forth by the OCA's Department of Christian Education, has now been complemented by what promises to be an equally useful resource: a workbook focusing on Saints in Times of Trouble.

What makes this brief collection distinct from some others is the diversity of examples presented. Descriptions include, for example, St. John Chrysostom and the deaconess St. Olympias and St. Poplia from the 4th century; St. Aidan (Scotland) and St. Cuthbert (Britain) from the 7th century; St. Alexander Nevsky (the Russian Prince) 13th century, and the Iconographer St. Andrei Rublev, 14th century. Moving forward, the 19th and 20th centuries are represented by such figures as: St. Barbara the Nun-Martyr of Russia; St. Gorazd, Bishop and New-Martyr of Prague; St. Maria Skobtsova of Paris; St. Mitrophan of China; and St. Patriarch Tikhon.

In addition to facts concerning their lives each entry contains the Troparion and Kontakion for the Saint, and journal questions to facilitate discussions with students as well as puzzle activities. Further resources, including a large glossary and full color displays of cultural points of interests are cited for those who want more information. As in the first book, Saints of North America, this second activity book features beautifully detailed iconographic line drawings as well as a map of where each Saint journeyed during their lifetime.

A compilation such as this will prove invaluable for parents and teachers alike. God provided a witness to Himself through the men and women herein described. The Church does her children a great service by teaching them about those "heroes" for the faith, to follow in their footsteps.

Christ said, " In the world you shall have tribulation." He followed with these words, "Rejoice, for I have overcome the world." Saints in Times of Trouble reveals how that possibility is given regardless of the outward circumstances of one's life, a necessary lesson for people of all ages.

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