A Child's Guide to Vespers

WELCOME to A Child's Guide to Vespers! We at Ancient Faith Kids are excited to offer you this small book to use as an aid during Vespers or simply as a tool for learning about the Church and our Faith.

This book was designed with several things in mind:

• We divided the book into color-coded sections so that each part is easy to find.

• We intentionally kept the amount of text in the Vespers section of this book spare. Even for children who can read, we want to encourage their attention forward, toward the alter.

• We included illustrations and vocabulary for the very young child, as well as prayers, quotes, and psalms for older children to learn and read.

• The glossary at the end defines terms and vocabulary that are often heard throughout the liturgical year.

We wish you, and all the children of the Orthodox Faith, continual growth toward Christ as we all seek to be lights to the world, and as we help each other toward the Kingdom of Heaven!

IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH, a new day begins during Vespers—when we sing “O Gladsome Light.” This hymn is about the true Sun—Jesus—who is also the Son of God. His light is even brighter than the sun in the sky. The word vespers is from the Greek word meaning “evening.” Coming to Vespers is an important way to begin the new liturgical day, which starts when the sun sets.

PREPARING FOR VESPERS

This is the day which the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!