Short moral precepts for children

Rev. David F Abramtsov. The Orthodox Companion. – New Jersey, 1999, pp 231 – 233.

Remember always that God looks not only upon every man’s deeds, but he looks also upon the very thoughts and intentions.
God gave you life; He preserves it, and no matter what good fortune you have in your life, you received all from Him.
Because of this give thanks to Him at all times for all of His gifts to you: love Him with all your heart; obey Him in all things; call upon Him for help in everything you do.
Honour your civil authorities, as powers established by God, and submit yourself to them in all things.
Show respect and honour to your Spiritual Pastors, your father and mother, your superiors, to all elders and benefactors, and follow their good instructions and directions.
Always remember that you were born in to this world that you may do good in all things and at every opportunity, as best as you are able.
Love not only those close to you and your benefactors, but even your very enemies: through this you can humble them and make better people of them.
Do not have arguments or bear any animosities against others. If anyone offends you bear it magnanimously.
Be on guard not only against bad deeds, but even filthy language, which is disgusting to the ear.
Do not desire that which belongs to another, and, what is worse, do not steal or take from another; but be satisfied with what you have.
Do not desire everything that you see.
Be industrious and flee laziness. Industry is pleasing to God and is profitable to yourself, whereas laziness, as the source of every evil, is a sin disgusting to God.
Never lie, but always tell the truth, for every lie and deceit is the most harmful of all vices. If you lie once, you will not be believed in the future.
Do not speak everything that you know, but only in its time and place.
What you do not know do not confirm or deny.
If someone older is speaking to you, be still and listen. When you want to speak, think first of what you intend to talk about.
Be meek and not impudent; more silent than talkative.
Do not be proud; but be kind to all and charitable to the poor.
If you are friendly towards others, you will be liked yourself.
Do not envy anyone, but wish the best to all.
Be helpful and try to please all good people.
Be obedient to your superiors and teachers. Never deride or make fun of your elders or of common folk.
Be kind to animals; they were given for man’s service by God.
Do not be interested in fancy and showy clothes, but best of all be neat and clean. Rich and sumptuous attire will not make a fool wise, but will only serve to make people laugh the more.
Keep God unceasingly in your mind and heart, and turn to Him with your thoughts and with prayerful invocations at every occasion and circumstance of your life.
For the benefit and salvation of your soul, read daily, in the morning and in the evening, some Psalms or a few chapters from the Gospel or Epistles, and the life of the Saint whose memory is commemorated each day.
Whenever you enter any Orthodox Catholic home always first pray to the Saints whose Icons are kept in the house, and then greet the inhabitants of the dwelling.
Go to God’s House as often as you can. When in Church stand with reverence and attention as before the face of God Himself. It is sinful to omit services on Sundays and Feast Days through carelessness.
Always be in church on your Name Day and pray to your Heavenly Patron, whose name you bear, and read about his life. On this day especially guard yourself from all bad behaviour.
On days marked by some special benefaction to your from God, as also on your Saint’s Day, and upon the day of the death of your parents and benefactors, go to church and ask the Priest to say a service of Thanksgiving or Intercession, or a Parastasis.
Always try to live as you will once wish you had lived, when you are lying on your deathbed, for then you will see how all is vanity except to love God and serve Him religiously all your life.

In general live and conduct yourself in all things as is proper for an obedient son or daughter of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church, remembering that to whom Holy Church is an honoured Mother, to him is God a compassionate and loving Father.