A parable is a short instructive story, it differs from a fable only in that it is not written in verse. When the word "parable" comes to mind, first of all, the Gospel. The first Orthodox parables are indeed set forth in the Gospel, they were told by Christ.
They are quite simple, more often they are not even stories, but descriptions 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 draws from the behavior of this woman is amazing. It turns out that the Heavenly Father is also looking for the soul of a lost sinner, just like a woman is looking for her coin. Another parable similar to this one is better known. This is a story about a sheep lost in the mountains.
Orthodox parables set forth in the Gospel have become the subject of paintings, literary works, and musical compositions. The most famous of all the gospel parables is probably the parable of the sowing in the field, of the prodigal and wicked son, of the Pharisee who was proud, and the publican who humbled himself.
They are known as the most understandable and brightest of all gospelparable But the Orthodox parables set forth in the Gospel are not limited to these three stories. There is also a story about a woman who put in 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 and their economy well. Abstract subjects and complex theological concepts were completely alien to them. They would not listen to an incomprehensible exposition. It was necessary to explain what is called on the fingers, so Christ explained.
But why do enlightened people of our time need examples that were invented for 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 capaciously that there is nothing more to add. For example, the Orthodox sermon (the word of God) really does not reach the heart precisely for the reasons that are set forth in the story of the sower. Some do not believe, others, and such are the majority among believers, 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 deviated to the side.
The story of the prodigal son is even closer to our contemporaries. If the majority now has a very conditional concept about sowing in the field by hand, then difficult children are the scourge of our time. The boy asked his father to give him the inheritance, as if he had already died, and went off in search of a merry life. And then he returned. And his father met him: that's whatthe power of God's love. Anyone can feel it.
But stories from the Gospel are not all Orthodox parables. Christian stories were told in the form of parables not only by the Savior. Many preachers have used this technique. There are many stories about hermits and ascetics, which are set forth in the Patericons and the Lives of the Saints. Moreover, many of these stories resemble classical Orthodox parables. That is, these are short and instructive stories about monks. They are about obedience, humility and love.
Orthodox parables for children are sometimes published as separate books with rich illustrations. A child who is taught the basics of faith needs to know these stories, and most importantly, to understand their true meaning.
