2nd Day of Christmas December 26 The Theotokos By: Alyssa Kyritsis

	Devotional Readings First Ode of the Canon from the Paraklesis Service Click Here. Journal about what these hymns mean to you. You may consider writing a prayer or a poem to the Theotokos. Family Questions In the Canon of the Paraklesis we sing “Assaults of the passions have shaken me” and “with many temptations surrounding me.” How can we keep our focus on God during Christmas, while being constantly attacked by temptations worldly? What are some of the biggest temptations that keep away from God? Many times our struggles are inward (spiritual and emotional). How does using our soul and our reasoning in prayer help us to find the peace which is beyond all understanding? How can we be more like the Theotokos and put our full trust in God?

		Fun Fact! There are Four Major Feast Days of the Theotokos. The Annunciation, March 25, we celebrate her hearing the good news from Archangel Gabriel. The Dormition of the Theotokos, August 15, we commemorate her falling asleep. Nativity of the Theotokos, September 8, we celebrate her birth. Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21, we celebrate her being brought into the temple.  Click here for a Coloring Pages!