Glory to God is designed for children ages three and four. The main themes are thankfulness and learning about worshiping God. Program follows the church year. May be used in pre-school or combined pre-school/Kindergarten classroom. Book can be used over the course of two years—the second year lesson content is the same but with different reinforcement activities.
Oriented to the young child’s relationship with God and the Church. Lessons introduce the birth of Jesus, His Baptism in the Jordan, The Great Fast and Pascha (Easter). Children learn prayers and church worship and come to know God’s love for them. Very visual book; many activities. May be used in combined K/Grade 1.
The young child’s concept of God is expanded to include Christ as the Son of God and the Trinity. Bible stories about love and forgiveness. Presents ‘Church’ as the communion of saints, uniting all holy ones. May be used with readers and non-readers with two levels of activity sheets. Includes simple words and phrases. Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) are presented beautifully with picture and rhyme. May be used in combined K/Grade 1.
The lessons in this book, leads the children to awareness of the mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist and Repentance. Children come to see themselves as one with Christ through these mysteries. Our response to life in Christ is through prayer participation in the Divine Liturgy and keeping the Commandments. Loving God; loving neighbor.
A sense of belonging to a group is important at this age. Children learn they belong to Jesus’ group—the Church. Together we believe the good news of Salvation, pray together, listen to the Word and break bread in the Eucharist. Great Feasts of the church are explained.
The objective of the lessons at this level is to develop a deeper awareness of divine life by introducing the sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels. The student comes to know the parts of the Bible and should be able to find books of the Bible and various passages. Stress is placed on the Exodus, Ten Commandments, the two Great Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and Beatitudes. The Feast of Transfiguration is introduced and likeness to the glorified Christ (theosis) is presented as the goal of Christian living. Each student is required to have a Bible to use beginning at this level through to Book 8. BIBLE needed.
Explores Christian stewardship; ways in which Christians share the good news and minister to one another according to the gifts received from the Holy Spirit. Encourages to put faith into action. Introduces scriptural accounts of life in the early Church and conversion of Paul. Various prayers of the church are presented. Continues exploration and reading of the Bible. BIBLE needed.
With the Nicene Creed central to the instruction in this 7-part series, the learner is prepared to understand and practice ‘faith.’ Highly recommended for preparation for First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion. Helps the child commit the Creed to memory through an understanding of the parts of the Creed. Recommended for Grades 1-3 based on reading level, vocabulary and concepts. Excellent for multi-age and grade groups. The Teacher’s Manual (63 pages) includes teaching strategies, activity sheets, crafts and suggestions extending the lesson. Prayers for the various Eastern jurisdictions appear in the appendix. The revised wording of the Nicene Creed for the Ruthenian Metropolia should be taken from the pew book.
This series offers a more in-depth study of the precepts of our faith contained in the Nicene Creed. This understanding leads to more ‘authentic’ prayer rather than rote recitation. It helps the individual verbalize his/her beliefs with confidence. What we believe as Christians is substantiated in the Creed. Also includes the Mysteries of Initiation—Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist. Recommended for Grades 4 to 6 based on concepts, reading level and vocabulary. Recommended for those preparing for First Confession and Solemn Communion in Grade 4. Excellent for multi-grade level and multiple age groups. The Teacher’s Manual, 65 pages, is necessary to teach each lesson more fully. Contains important background on concepts, activity and prayer sheets for copying as well as craft ideas.
St. Paul encourages us to “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thess 5:17. Help children develop a sense of prayer, learning to talk with God every day in praise, in saying ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘Thank You,’ and ‘I love You!” This series begins with the words and illustration of the Eastern Church gesture of the ‘sign of the Cross’ and bowing. Set of seven leaflets in each student packet—to use in instruction and with suggestions to parents for home activities. Design a ‘book of prayer’ with the leaflets and activity sheets. Designed for use in seven lessons. Recommended for Grades 1 – 3 based on reading level and vocabulary.
At this level, the student learns about personal, private prayer and public worship. The “Beginning Prayers” (Trisagion Prayers) provide the basis for this overview. The students come to understand and practice the four types of prayer through the acronym “ACTS, ” Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication. Set of seven leaflets in each student packet. Suggestions included for home activities. Recommended for Grades 4 – 6 based on concepts, reading level and vocabulary