Saints Peter and Paul

Troparian
O Leaders of the Apostles and teachers of the world, Peter and Paul, pray to the Lord of all to grant peace to the world and abundant mercy to our souls.

Monday, June 29th, is the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. It also marks the end of a fasting period called the Apostle's Fast (which begins every year after All Saint's Sunday). On this day, focus on talking with your children about how even great sinners can become great saints through repentance.

Activities:

• Make Mandryky (meaning 'to wander')! It is a Ukranian custom to eat this on the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul due to a legend that the Saints were sustained by these rolls while traveling for missions. Here is a recipe for the dish. If you lack the time, energy or skill to make it, go ahead and buy the pre-made rolls (or bread dough from the freezer section) and add the topping yourself.
  

• While the kids enjoy the rolls, talk about the lives of these great Saints and read some of the scripture stories. Suggestions include: Peter walking on water, Peter' denial and restoral, Paul's conversion, Peter's escape from prison, etc.

• Make some sidewalk paint and help your children depict stories of the lives of Saints Peter and Paul in color!

• Talk about missions with your children. Does your church support a missionary? If not, why not support one as a family? You can find one at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Talk about a missionary family with your children and pray the prayer for missions. Decorate a jar/small box/can with your children to collect money for the missionary. For some decoration ideas, look here or here or here!
  

Happy Feasting!