Comments on St. Theophan Academy: On Halloween

Thanks so much for reposting this article, as I...

2011-10-18T16:27:20.982-05:00

Thanks so much for reposting this article, as I'd never seen it! I really like the articles you refer to here and appreciate the support for leaving Halloween out of life. When we were with the Western Anglican church I tied it to the All Saints Day of November 1st as much as possible; now in the Eastern Orthodox Church it makes much more sense to gather and say the prayers. Thank you for your encouragement!

I recently listened to this podcast by Fr. Morelli...

2011-10-18T12:27:04.530-05:00

I recently listened to this podcast by Fr. Morelli about "healing" Halloween: http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/morelli/orthodoxy_and_halloween

He says something like, "If the early church could turn a pagan holiday into a church feast day, why not do the same with Halloween?" I love this idea! He offers some suggestions about what this could mean, specifically preparing for All Saints Day. I like the idea of the the kids learning about and dressing up as a saint, perhaps putting on a play. In that way, they don't "miss out" rather they gain something.

It is consoling to know that our school system has...

2011-10-18T09:12:53.210-05:00

It is consoling to know that our school system has taken steps in the right direction since we were children. There is no Halloween party at all. They have a fall party. It was celebrated a full two weeks before Halloween. No costumes, no Halloween themed treats, games, or prizes.

Bravo! We have never celebrated Halloween with ou...

2011-10-18T06:12:51.035-05:00

Bravo! We have never celebrated Halloween with our children, but I've always felt the reasoning the fathers gave us was a little weak. Neither my mother (a former teacher and big lover of Halloween) nor the teachers and parents at our Catholic school (where there is a big costume parade for the little ones and a PTO Halloween party) have any direct intention of celebrating Satan, so that argument has always fallen a little flat. "We celebrate life" is much more powerful and much harder to take offense at, because it is positive. It's the best explanation I've ever heard regarding Halloween, and the one I will use from now on. Thank you.

We are on the Julian calendar, so our parish always has great vespers for St. John of Kronstadt, usually followed by a little party downstairs.