To be honest, I do not even think he knows the difference between Orthodoxy and 'non-denominationalism' other than the externals. But, I think that the externals are really drawing him to Orthodoxy.
That's OK. "Externals" is how the Patriarchate of Moscow, the largest Orthodox Church, got started.
For some reason I started laughing under my breath, because even a small child was being drawn to the truth and was disappointed by going to a 'non-denominational' mainline Church.
My sons disparaged going to "the church where we don't pray" (Willowcreek. My one said "it's not a church, it's a mall," and "it's not really a church. We sit and watch people do things on like a stage.")
Anyway, enough blogging. I was wondering if anyone here had any advice on how I can sort of introduce and teach the basics of Orthodoxy to a nine year old coming from a 'non-denominational' background without dishonoring our mother or causing uproar and confusion in the house by making her think that I'm 'stealing' her son away or something. Fortunately, he loves the externals as he attended Vespers with me once, and the little guy even told me he wants to be a Priest, not a Pastor, lol. I guess I'm wondering how I can teach him the basics of what we believe. I mean, he is at the age where he asks a lot of questions, and sometimes I answer them and sometimes our parents do. So, given my situation, I think I need to answer his questions and teach him, yet, I need to be somewhat respectful of our parents. He might come with me to Liturgy this Sunday or to a Presanctified next wednesday. So, I was just wondering if anyone had any advice as I sort of take the little guy under my wing.
I don't know if he is too big for this:
http://www.archangelsbooks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SDUGUARDANG(it's from the UGCC, but it's good)
There are a number of books for kids now.
Make sure he gets antidoron. When he misses a Sunday, bring some home for him.
