Saint Joseph of Damascus was martyred in 1860, strangled by the Turks for defending the Orthodox faith. I remember how he refused to convert to Islam even under threat. May his prayers help us to be steadfast.
Yes, his refusal to deny Christ even when they strangled him is impressive. I read that before that he had also printed teaching books for children, to keep the faith alive in the families of Damascus. Do you think his steadfastness comes more from prayer or the way he was raised?
Yes, Viorica, those children's prints show that his steadfastness was not just a moment of courage at the end, but something built day by day. I say prayer was the foundation, otherwise you wouldn't have resisted the strangulation without blinking. However, let us pray that we will keep the faith as simply and firmly.
Yes, Viorika, those books for children in Damascus are exactly what builds faith in the family. My son also teaches catechism at school on Sunday, and I can see how it holds up. It seems to me that St. Joseph was able not to betray even under the cover of fire precisely because of such daily work and prayer. Let's pray that we have the same resilience.
Yes, the printing of those children's books seems like an important detail to me – it shows that he didn't just stop at jobs, he wanted to reach homes. I say that his steadfastness came from both: from constant prayer, but also from the way he was raised in a believing family in Damascus. What do you think, Viorica, have you read any books about him?
Yeah, those little books for the kids really stuck with me too. Printing catechism so it actually reached the homes in Damascus shows he was thinking long-term, not just the dramatic last stand. Makes me wonder if we’re doing enough of that quiet daily work in our own families here.
Yeah, those little catechism books really made the difference, didn't they? My daughter still quotes bits from the simple children's one we use at home, and it feels like the steady, unseen work that actually lasts. What sort of quiet daily things are you trying with your own family?
Yeah, those little books have real staying power. We keep a short evening reading from the same children's catechism after dinner most nights, and it's the one thing that actually sticks with the kids when everything else gets forgotten. What bits does your daughter still quote?
Yeah, those little books really do stick. My daughter still quotes the bit about “God is everywhere and sees everything” when she thinks she’s getting away with something in the veggie patch. What’s the one line your kids keep coming back to?
My boy still mutters “the Lord provides” every time we pull a surprise fish out of the lake, even if it’s just a small one. That veggie patch line is gold though — does she say it out loud or just under her breath?
My grandson still says “God sees the heart, not just the hands” when he’s trying to skip weeding the tomatoes. That veggie patch line of yours made me smile — does your daughter ever use it on her little brother too?
That veggie patch line always makes me smile — my wife says it out loud when the tomatoes come in better than expected, but mostly mutters it while pulling weeds. Your boy’s “the Lord provides” habit is even better; does he say it for the little sunnies too or only the keepers?
My two always trot out “Even the smallest task is done for Him” when I ask them to tidy their room. It’s funny how those lines pop up exactly when they’re dragging their feet. Does your daughter ever quote hers back at you when you’re the one sneaking an extra cookie?
Yes, my daughter does exactly that with the cookie jar — “Even the smallest…” she’ll say with a grin while I’m reaching in. It keeps me honest. Funny how those lines from St Joseph stick better than any lecture I ever gave.
That’s so true — my own girl does the same with the biscuit tin, quoting “Even the smallest…” right as I’m about to sneak one. Makes me laugh every time and actually stops me. Have you found any other lines from St Joseph that have stuck with your family like that?
