The Little Seekers: Conversations with Abbas and Ammas

Dear Friends,

This is one of my long-awaited personal projects. Today, as we celebrate the feast of two great Fathers of the Church, St. Gregory and St. Basil, I am delighted to share the beginning of a new initiative close to my heart.

I have often reflected on how the timeless wisdom of the Fathers (Abbas) and Mothers (Ammas), including the more recent saints of the Church, has become overlooked in our modern world. Their profound insights hold answers to many of today’s pressing questions, yet these treasures remain distant for many, especially the younger generation. While we celebrate their feasts, we often remain unaware of their teachings. Abbas and Ammas were the titles of early desert fathers and mother who lived in the desert. They were perhaps the first pastoral counsellors. Such a tradition of having Abbas and Ammas is still very much active in many Orthodox Churches. In this project I am using this same title for all the Fathers and Mothers of the Church, ancient and recent both.

I want to bring this wisdom to life in a manner that is simple, engaging, and relatable. That’s when this idea was born: to present life’s concerns as questions asked by children, with the answers drawn directly from the writings, sermons, and testimonies of these saintly souls.

Through “The Little Seekers,” we aim to create a series of illustrations where curious children ask questions that resonate with all of us. The responses, drawn from the original teachings of the Fathers and Mothers, will provide timeless guidance and inspiration. Many of the questions will be real, asked by people from different walks of life, while the answers will reflect the wisdom of these saintly guides.

This is more than just a project for me—it’s a mission to bring ancient wisdom to the forefront of contemporary faith conversations. I hope you all will support and join us on this journey. Stay tuned for the first illustration!

Seeking your prayers, feedback, and encouragement.

Fr Rijo Geevarghese