Embracing an Orthodox Waldorf-Inspired Weekly Rhythm for Families
In Orthodoxy, there are yearly, weekly, and daily cycles. These cycles provide us a way to mystically participate in the life of Christ, bring remembrance to what not ought be forgotten, bring sacramental life into the ordinary, and bring meaning and purpose into our time here. The yearly cycle keeps us busy enough that we often forget to bring the same attention to our weekly schedules, but in it lies a true treasure, especially for families.
Waldorf is a popular pinterest word, but it is more than an aesthetic, but an educational philosophy. A strong component of that philosophy stresses the importance of rhythms. Many Waldorf schools incorporate planets, colors, or grains of the day depending on the day of the week. The theme might play out in different ways such as eating red snacks on Monday, dressing in orange on Tuesday, and painting with yellow in art class on Wednesday. As arbitrary as it sounds, many people embrace it because humans crave sacrament and purpose. In the defense of Waldorf schools, they often have other rhythms more purposeful, such as a wash day, a baking day, and a gardening day implemented into the pattern of the week.
As an Orthodox Christian, I am thankful I don’t need to make up my own themes. Every week, Orthodox Christians acknowledge the resurrection of Christ, a “little Pascha”, on Sunday, the angles and heavenly powers on Monday, the prophets and St John the Forerunner on Tuesday, the cross on Wednesday, the apostles on Thursday, the crucifixion on Friday, and finally, the saints and departed on Saturday.
These themes can be incorporated into your week through prayer and reflection, but I humbly suggest, if possible, to take it one step further, and sprinkle a dose of Waldorf flair, by imagining ways to bring these themes into your tasks and schedules. This can really bring a special closeness to the church for yourself and your home. We may not be able to fit all the pious acts we wish to do in our daily routines, but if we are willing to dedicate our week, there we can find space to realize our devotional longings towards God. Below are some ideas to consider adopting into your week.
If you are looking for more resources on the weekly cycle, we now offer a weekly cycle flipbook that includes themes, prayers, and reflections to use every day of the week. We additionally have a free banner for families with children!
Monday : Holy Angels
— Make it a point to pray to your guardian angel throughout the day on Mondays.
— Pray for monastics, who imitate the angels through their devotion.
— If possible, dedicate this day to go to a monastery service and allow the icons to remind you of the surroundings of angels.
— Make this a day to regularly create beauty.
Tuesday : Holy Prophets & St John the Forerunner
— Pray to St John the Forerunner, the greatest of the prophets and “those born of women.”
— Make this a day for washing, bathing, or laundry, remembering and praying to him who baptized Christ while doing so.
Wednesday : The Cross
— Participate in the weekly fast.
— Lift up hardships and sufferings to the Lord in particular on this day.
Thursday: The Apostles & St Nicholas
—Make this a day to regularly give alms
—Pray to St Nicholas
—Make this a baking day, remembering the Pentecost fire the apostles experienced and shared with others.
Friday: The Crucifixion
— Participate in the weekly fast.
— Lift up hardships and sufferings to the Lord in particular on this day.
Saturday: The Saints & Departed
— Pray to patron saints or other saints you wish to grow a connection with.
— Pray for departed loved ones.
— Pick a saint to embody on this day, asking for intercession.
Sunday: The Resurrection (Little Pascha)
— Sing praises to the Lord while getting ready for Liturgy
— Go to Liturgy
— Greet people with, “Blessed day of the Lord!”
— Charitable deeds after Liturgy, like visiting the sick and elderly
— Read Scripture
— Reflect on past week and make a plan for spiritual goals and focus for the coming week.
-V.W
