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What is your opinion on the idea of having a separate “Children’s Liturgy” for young kids to attend a Liturgy accessible to their age?  I am concerned that this seemingly harmless idea could further evolve in the future to scary things like a “Teen Liturgy” or “Youth Liturgy."

A separate Divine Liturgy for children for educational purposes is a wonderful idea but only every now and then on Saturdays or one day during the week during summer camps. I do not recommend having a separate Divine Liturgy during the same time the parents are attending a different Divine Liturgy. Children learn best through modeling. Parents need to model prayer, worship, and reverence in church. When the children grow up and mature, they will recall their parents' attitude and presence at church, as well as other adults. Though some parents also need modeling from other parents and servants, separating them from their children during the time of worship will not help. Children and youth are exposed to an abundance of inappropriate conduct all day and all week. There is no need to conclude that they are incapable of behaving and cooperating during church services. In addition, there is usually no evidence of their disruptive behavior at their schools or at extracurricular activities. Therefore, the problem is most likely not with the children, but with the adults who have misconstrued expectations and perceive no other option than to separate the children during this critical weekly opportunity of church prayer and worship. Thus, the parents and servants subconsciously admit to inadequate parenting through negligence of lack of instruction and preparation of children to develop a strong relationship with God and respect for the church. Without a doubt, the children will pick up on this negative attitude. In most other cultures and denominations, the children stand alongside their parents and emulate their worship and involvement without any issues. It is better to initiate parenting classes and help parents learn how to raise their children well with appropriate values, respect, and integrity.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).