Note: A $35 donation is requested for this book.  Book stores can get a 40% discount for purchases of 5 or more books by placing "CC40" in the promo code, or email us at www.wenorthodoxy@gmail.com if you are requesting us to invoice you.  (See also endorsements below)
 
The Good Samaritan is a first-of-its-kind catechism  written specifically for young people (ages 6-12) to communicate the unchanging truths of the Orthodox Faith in the most accessible and engaging way.  This beautifully illustrated, hard cover catechism (111 pages)  follows the patristic model of sin as illness, Christ as the Medicine and the Church as the Hospital for the healing of the soul.
 
The introduction presents the parable of the Good Samaritan as an icon depicting the whole economy of God and Orthodox way of life. The thirteen subsequent lessons expand on the introduction, forming a comprehensive and creative kid-friendly catechism that can easily be used by priests, youth workers, Sunday school teachers, and parents. Lessons can be taken in one-at-a-time, as conversation-starters or as bedtime story reading. It may also be used as part of a homeschooling curriculum. 
 
In the catechism we are taken from life in Paradise (Lesson 1), through the Fall of Adam (Lesson 2) and the reality of sin (Lesson 3), and into life and redemption through Jesus Christ (Lesson 4).  In The Church (Lesson 5) we then encounter Holy Tradition (Lesson 6), the dynamic "river" that runs through the midst of the Church and provides the living water for thirsty souls.  The treasure of Holy Tradition then presents the Holy Mysteries of the Priesthood (Lesson 7), the Eucharist (Lesson 8), and Baptism (Lesson 9), along with Repentance and Confession (Lesson 10), all of which are essential for the health and salvation of our souls.  Finally, Prayer (Lesson 11), Fasting (Lesson 12) and Almsgiving (Lesson 13) are shown to be the indispensable means of union with God and as lifegiving manifestations of faith, hope, and love.
 
The text brings together Father Michael Shanbour's many years of work and interaction with young people (particularly pre-teen children) as a youth director and priest, for the purpose of sharing the fundamental truths of the Faith as taught and lived out in the Orthodox Christian Church.  Nicholas Malara's illustrations and artistic formmating help to bring the teachings to life.
 
ENDORSEMENTS:
 
What a wonderful gift you have given to the Church in “The God Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism”! Not only is it doctrinally sound, but it is written and illustrated to fully engage its intended audience in learning of the great love of our Triune God for His people. May it be mightily blessed for the edification of the little lambs of Christ’s flock and for the upbuilding of His Body, the Holy Orthodox Church. 
Bishop Basil Essey, Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America
 
Fr. Michael captures the beauty of Orthodoxy and of God’s love for mankind in this educational book that our youth and adults alike will benefit from reading and exploring. The methodology of presentation is rich and enlightening. A powerful and thought-provoking introduction leads into the other lessons that offer the depth and richness of the faith and of God’s loving and compassionate relationship with us. The high quality of content, presentation, printing, and binding and the care of production matches the treasures within the book!
V. Rev. Dr. Joseph F. Purpura
Professor of Youth Ministry – Antiochian House of Studies
 
This lovely book presents the basics of the Orthodox Faith in clear and gentle language, with beautiful illustrations. It will be helpful to parents and Sunday School teachers aloke, and even adults who'd like to brush up on their understanding.
Frederica Mathewes-Green
 
We received our first order from you of 5 copies of your wonderful new book: Children’s Catechism on 3/31/20 and we are already sold out! We would like to place our first re-order for 25 copies. Please ship these ASAP!...Fr. Michael, since 11/1/11, I have been the manager of Awakenings, and I would rate your wonderful new book on a scale of 1 to 10, an easy 12!!
Symeon, Awakenings Bookstore (Email from April 6)
St. Lawrence Orthodox Church, Felton, CA
 
As manager of the bookstore for St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska, I have sold Father Michael's Catechism to my parish priest, to parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and one of our parishioners who bought five copies for an Orthodox retreat center he is starting. I bought a copy for myself to share with my non-Orthodox great niece, who is 10 years old and very interested in learning about the Orthodox faith. I expect A Children's Catechism to continue to be a popular item in our parish bookstore.
Kit Thompson, Omaha NE
 
As a parent, priest, and homeschooling advocate I've often lamented the few solid resources for children's catechism.  Fr. Michael, from his rich pastoral experience and His life in Christ has addressed this need in a biblical, patristric, thorough and kid-friendly way....I think all parents and priests who take their most important responsibility serously will join me in gratefully making this book available to parish libraries and bookstores as well as our own bookshelves and children's icon corners.
V. Rev. Fr. Noah Bushelli
Director of Homeschooling
Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America