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Orthodox Father Explains Family's Decision Against Halloween

The author, an Orthodox Christian father, writes that his position is not one of condemnation or judgment towards anyone but a personal conviction concerning how he chooses to lead his household and raise his children in Christ. He states that as an Orthodox Christian father his responsibility is to guide his family towards the Light of Christ, not towards the darkness of this world.

He explains that he does not want his children growing up with the impression that demons, evil spirits and spiritual warfare are merely fictional characters or make-believe; these are spiritual realities, not costumes or entertainment. He describes his duty as a father as raising his children in accordance with the commandments of Christ and the teachings of His Church, teaching them to discern between light and darkness.

He adds that he is not there to judge another family's decisions; he is accountable for his own household and the spiritual direction in which he leads it. For him it has always been Christ first, and in his home Christ is King. He concludes with "Glory to God for all things. Always steadfast in the Lord."

The accompanying video summary records that when asked why they do not participate in Halloween, the speaker answers that they serve the King of Glory rather than the evil one, that they stand in the light and not in darkness, and concludes with "Slava Bogu, slava to Teo. Glory to God."

Key moments

The speaker explains they do not partake in Halloween because they serve the King of Glory, not the evil one, and they stand in the light, not the darkness.

6 opinions in the discussion 6 participants, 1 replies to each other The opinion with the most support My position is not one of condemnation or judgment towards anyone. It is a personal conviction about how I choose to lead my household and, above all, raise my children in Christ. As an Orthodox Christian father, I believe my responsibility is to guide my… Read the discussion

126 comments at the source Original on Instagram

Discussion · 6

Opinions are anonymous retellings of real comments from the original discussion. The same colour marks the same participant.

opinion#2818 41 likes at the source
My position is not one of condemnation or judgment towards anyone. It is a personal conviction about how I choose to lead my household and, above all, raise my children in Christ. As an Orthodox Christian father, I believe my responsibility is to guide my family towards the Light of Christ, not the darkness of this world. I don't want my children growing up thinking demons, evil spirits and spiritual warfare are just fictional characters or make-believe. These are spiritual realities, not costumes or entertainment. My duty as a father is to raise my children according to the commandments of Christ and the teachings of His Church, teaching them to tell light from darkness. I'm not here to judge another family's decisions. I answer for my own household and the spiritual direction I lead it in. For me it has always been Christ first. In my home, Christ is King. Glory to God for all things. Always steadfast in the Lord.
- opinion#2819 3 likes at the source
  
  Wow, what a wild thing to say, just because my wife and I don't want our kids dressing up as demons. You seem to be the fundamentalist here, thinking you can correct a father on how to raise his own children. Take a second to think about that.
opinion#2817 8 likes at the source

As scripture tells us, if something convicts your heart, whatever it may be, do not do it, for your conscience will be defiled. But do not hold others to your conviction and do not condemn them. Meet them with love and grace anyway, as we are all commanded to do. Glory to God in all things.
opinion#2814 1 likes at the source

As a Catholic, All Hallows Eve was a Christian tradition back when we were One. My view is that we do celebrate it and make it a holy night to remember those who died in the friendship of Christ. Much respect to you as a father for guiding your children in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic choice. You are a rich man, my friend!
opinion#2815

Please take some time to learn the history of Halloween. It is not the devil's day. At least educate yourselves on where the masks and costumes actually come from before spreading misinformation. And another thing: if you're a believer, simply dressing up as a fairy or your favourite character one day a year doesn't mean you're worshipping or glorifying the devil. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a day of dressing up as a character we love. Every holiday can be celebrated in our own way. Halloween had different names and traditions long before it became what we know today. Its origins are rooted in ancient traditions, including the belief that costumes and masks could ward off evil spirits, not worship them. Please do your research before spreading false claims and making people hate religion because of it.
opinion#2816

Halloween is an ancient Irish tradition. On this night they believed the veil between the living and the dead was thin and spirits and demons could cross over. Dressing up was a way to blend in or disguise yourself for protection, and it had nothing to do with worshipping evil or anything satanic.