Archpriest Rostislav Valihnovsy is a MD, holding the rank of an Honorary Physician of Ukraine. He is producing a video-project named "Immunity of the Spirit". The latest episode is dedicated to raising children — in sound health of body and spirit, in happiness and freedom.

"There is no sense in attempting to force children into improvement, into 'being good'. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). And so often we are overcome by evil through our quarrels, dirty words, and malice," says the clergyman. "The soul of a child is like a sponge — it absorbs all the evil impressions. Later, as an adult, laden with the negative legacy of childhood, such a person — contrary to the Divine will — can never attain to happiness."

Realizing that we can only affect the souls of our children through God, there is a straightforward way to make it happen. That is, to live in Christ, to pray to Him, to follow His commandments, and to participate in the Sacraments of the Church.

"Our prayer has faded from inside. It has lost its savor," warns Fr. Rostislav. "If our prayer regains its spiritual energy, then we gain influence upon those around us by our own state of mind and repentance."