Why are Orthodox parables

The parable is a short instructive story, it differs from the fable only in that it is not stated in verse. At the word "parable", first of all, the gospel is remembered. The first Orthodox parables are really set forth in the Gospel, Christ told them. They are quite simple, often it's not even stories, but a description of several everyday moments. For example, a parable about a woman who lost one coin. She just dropped it - an event not worth much attention. But the conclusion that Christ makes from the behavior of this woman is amazing. It turns out that the Heavenly Father also looks for the soul of a lost sinner, as a woman searches for her coin. The other parable, similar to this one, is more known. This is a story about a lamb lost in the mountains.

Orthodox parables, set forth in the Gospel, became the theme of paintings, literary works, musical compositions. The most famous parables of all evangelicals are probably the parable about sowing in the field, about the prodigal and unlearned son, about the Pharisee who was proud, and the publican who resigned himself.

They are known as the most understandable and brightest of all evangelical parables. But these three stories do not limit the Orthodox parables set forth in the Gospel. There is also a story about a woman who put a yeast dough, about a cunning manager, about a son who asks his father for fish. Why did the Lord speak in parables? First of all, it was necessary for the people who surrounded him. They were peasants and fishermen, who knew their business well, their economy. The abstract subjects and complex theological concepts were completely alien to them. They would not listen to an incomprehensible account. It was necessary to explain what is called, on the fingers, that's Christ explained.

But why should enlightened people of our time have examples that were invented for the rude Galileans almost two thousand years ago? But, if you think about it, it becomes clear: in these short stories the whole essence is expressed so much that there is nothing more to add. For example, Orthodox preaching (the word of God) does not really reach the heart precisely for the reasons set forth in the history of the sower. Some do not believe, others, and such among the believers are the majority, they believe, but vanity absorbs all their good intentions. And still others listen and try to follow the word of God, but they themselves do not notice that they have turned aside.

The story of the prodigal son is even closer to our contemporaries. If most people now have a very conventional concept about sowing in the field, complex children are the scourge of our time. The boy asked his father to give him an inheritance, as if he had already died, and went away to seek a cheerful life. And then he returned. And his father met: that is the power of God's love. Everyone can feel.

But the stories from the Gospel are not all the existing Orthodox parables. Christian stories were told in the form of parables, not only as a Savior. Many preachers used this technique. There are many stories about the deserts and ascetics, which are set forth in the Patericon and the Lives of the Saints. And many of these stories resemble classic Orthodox parables. That is, they are short and instructive stories about monks. They are about obedience, humility and love.

Orthodox parables for children are sometimes published in separate books with rich illustrations. A child who is taught the basics of faith, you need to know these stories, and most importantly - to understand their true meaning.