The contribution of the Theology of Elder Sophrony to the task of raising
children
If the aim of the Christian life is sanctity and if education, according to
Saint John Chrysostom, is the „partaking of sanctity”, it is clear how far
parents are responsible for forming and shaping persons receptive to the Grace
of God, since children are persons „under development”, but full members of the
Church. Elder Sophrony Sakharov (1896-1993), who made his mark on the twentieth
century through his work, was a multi-faceted, multi-talented and dynamic
personality. The wise Elder did not write any study on family life or the
Christian upbringing of children in particular. But he did set great store by
the children who visited the monastery with their parents. He accommodated
himself to their age and their inquiries. This accommodation had a symbolic and
also practical purpose. This attitude was the consequence of the theology of
kenosis (self-emptying), which imbues all his texts. The empirical approach to
the mystery of faith, when connected to guileless and sincere Love, is the most
certain road for Christian parents to bring up their children. Besides, „There
is no human Love on earth more powerful and unchangeable that that of a
mother”, as Elder Sophrony teaches. This Love can inspire prayer and
participation in worship and can contribute decisively to the formation of the
child’s character. In particular, motherhood in all its dimensions is an
example of self-emptying Love, in accordance with the example of that of Christ
Himself. In the difficult task of bringing up children, the negative and,
thereafter, the positive method may be used. The negative method, control and
chastisement, prevents the development of the passions and removes the
obstacles which egotistical and selfish thinking raises to prevent the
acceptance of the divine will. The positive method is more painstaking, more
elevated and more creative. It is an initiation into the mystery of faith and
requires time, patience and intense prayer. In the difficult task of raising
children in a Christian manner, not only the mother and father but also the
entire Church community have an important role to play.
VASILIOS KALLIAKMANIS
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