Journey to Pascha

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Help students understand these parts of the prayer:

Spirit of Truth: This is the Holy Spirit

Come and abide in us: Be with us, like someone who loves us very much

Cleanse us from every impurity: Help us to do good things, and to get rid of the things that make us feel bad or make us feel far away from God

Discussion Starter

Explain to children that Great Lent is a time of preparation for Pascha, the day when we celebrate Jesus being raised from the dead. It is a time for change.  Some of the things we do to prepare for Pascha are to:

• Go to church more often.
• Pray more
• Read stories from the Bible
• Not eat meat
• Watch less television

Discussion Questions

Give sufficient time for each student to respond if they so desire.Responses will vary.

• What things can you do to prepare for Pascha?

Preparing for Pascha

On the construction paper have students show four ways they will prepare for Pascha – one in each section. These can either be pictures the teacher provides, pasted or taped onto the paper, or something the student draws. The teacher should label the section to help parents identify the things the children will do during Great Lent.

Have the students identify one person, other than a member of their immediate family, for whom they will pray during Great Lent. On the chalkboard or on a chart place the student’s name and the person for whom they will pray. Have students explain why they selected this person. The chart should be posted in the church schoolroom as a reminder.

Project Introduction

Explain to the class that, during some of your classtimes together, they will be doing a mural project that will show the events of Holy Week – the last week of Great Lent.

Wrap Up

As students are cleaning up and preparing for closing prayer, ask the following:

• What will you be doing to prepare for Pascha?

Closing Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Discussion Starter

Explain to students that Lazarus Saturday is the beginning of Holy Week – the week before the feast of Pascha. Read or tell the story of the Raising of Lazarus.

Say: As you listen to the story I am going to read (or tell), see whether you can tell me what wonderful thing Jesus did. Have the Bible open even if you are retelling the story or reading a shorter version of the Biblical text.

Discussion Questions

Note: Give sufficient time for each student to respond if they so desire.

• What miracle did Jesus perform at Lazarus’ home?
  He raised Lazarus from the dead.
• How were Mary, Martha and Lazarus related? Were they cousins, or brother and sisters, or a dad and mom with their daughter? (These examples should help young children understand  what "related" means if they are not sure. You can also mention people the children are related to--parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, etc.)
  They were brother and sisters.
• Were Lazarus and Mary and Martha related to Jesus? 
  No, but they were all good friends.
• When Jesus arrived at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, what had happened to Lazarus?
  He had died and was buried.
• Who in our group here today has a really good friend? What is his/her name? What are some things you might do to help your friend?
  Responses will vary.
• What did Jesus do for His good friend?
  He raised him from the dead.
• Why is the raising of Lazarus important to us?
  This is a difficult question, but one that young children can think about on a simple level. Explain that Jesus promises us that we can be with God forever in heaven. By raising Lazarus, Jesus shows that He has the power to keep that promise.

The Living Icon

Resource Project: Mural of Events

Have students color and construct the Lazarus Saturday panel. Ask the children to recall the events you have read about, and then assign each an event. They can each draw very simple depictions of their assigned events on small pieces of paper, which you can place in and around the mural panel. Or have them all draw the same event (such as Jesus standing in front of the open tomb) and place them in and around the panel. You might also have them draw small pictures to take home.

Extra Activity

Begin practicing the singing of Paschal Troparion (Christ is Risen).

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Explain this is sung at all services beginning with Pascha, is sung for 40 days, and that we will be practicing it until Pascha. Make sure students know that "bestowing" means "giving."

Wrap Up

As students are cleaning up and preparing for closing prayer, ask the following:

• When someone in our family is sick, whom do we call? You call a doctor.
• Who else might you call? A priest.
• What do you do for the person who is sick? You pray for them.

Closing Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Discussion Starter

Let students tell what they know about Palm Sunday. Make sure they know that Palm Sunday celebrates the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem; that people and children met him waving palms.  Say that some churches are in countries where palms do not grow. When these churches celebrate Palm Sunday, they use what they have--pussywillows, for example.

As you read or tell the story of Palm Sunday, ask the students to listen for what the children and people call out to Jesus. Tell the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem and discuss how the people honored Him as a king. Have the Bible open even if you are retelling the story or reading a shorter version of the Biblical text

Discussion Questions

Give sufficient time for each student to respond if they so desire.

• Where was Jesus going?
  To Jerusalem
• On what was he riding?
  A donkey
• How did the people honor Him as king?
  Waving palm branches
• What did the children and people shout out?
  "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord"
• How do we greet presidents or kings today?
  Clapping, cheering etc.

Hosanna in the Highest!

Show the icon of the Entrance into Jerusalem/Palm Sunday and discuss who is in the icon and what each person is doing. Sing or say the words:

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.

Extra Activity

Practice singing of Paschal Troparion (Christ is Risen).

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Resource Project: Paper Palms on Sticks

Have each student make 2 paper palms on sticks. One of the paper palms will be sent home with the student and the other will be kept for Palm Sunday. Have the students color   line drawings which can be placed on the mural. (If you have several students, the drawings can  be placed above and below the mural as well as on it.)

Ask your priest whether it would be all right for students to stand at the front of the church, with either real palms/willows or those they make, while the Gospel is being read on Palm Sunday.

Have each student draw a small picture of a palm, and place these on the "Palm Sunday" panel of the mural.

Closing Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every purity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Discussion Starter

Discussion Starter: (10 minutes)

Tell or read the story of the Mystical Supper. Say: While I am reading/telling the story of the Mystical Supper, see if there are words in the story that you hear in church. Have the Bible open even if you are retelling the story or reading a shorter version of the Biblical text.

Discussion Questions

Give sufficient time for each student to respond if they so desire.

Ask the children, "We have read how the apostles had a special meal with Jesus Chirst. We get a chance to be with Him that way, too. When do we have that chance in church? (Children may or may not be able to answer--when we take Holy Communion.)
Ask,"How do we hold our hands when we go to Communion?" (Right hand over the left, crossed on their chest - over their hearts.) Have students demonstrate what they should be doing.
Ask, "How should we return to our places after Communion?"  (Walking slowly and quietly.)

Mystical Supper

Show and explain what antidoron/prosphora is and say that the priest blesses it with prayers, and then we receive it at Holy Communion time. (Tell the students they will each receive a piece at the end of the class.) Show the icon of the Mystical Supper/Last Supper and identify a few of the people in the Icon. Relate the Holy Communion we receive in church to Jesus’ act of sharing bread and wine with His disciples at the Supper, as shown in the icon.
Practice again the correct way of going to communion and returning to their place.
Explain to children that their friends may call the Mystical Supper by a different name – the Last Supper.
Have students color their copies of the line drawing. Again, go over the identities of Jesus and one or two other people in the icon. Ask the students to review the names of the people who were at the Mystical Supper with their parents at home.

Extra Activity

Practice singing of Paschal Troparion (Christ is Risen).  Send a copy home for parents to help the students.

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Wrap Up

As students are cleaning up and preparing for closing prayer, talk about the following:

• When do we remember the Mystical supper in the Liturgy?
  Holy Communion

Closing Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

When you finish the prayer, distribute antidoron.

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every purity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Discussion Starter

Ask children to retell the story of the Mystical Supper (Last Supper) that you read last week.  If they have difficulty, retell the story for the children.

Discussion Questions

Give sufficient time for students to think about and respond to the following:

Ask the children when we take part in the Mystical Supper. Ask whether, when they went to Communion, they saw other people crossing their hands over their hearts as they went up.  Did the children remember to do this and to return to their seats quietly?

Ask the children what kinds of things they do that God will forgive? (Answers will vary, but try to help children understand that God forgives all things for which we are truly sorry, and helps us to do better next time. Things we are sorry for include being mean or selfish, forgetting to pray and be close to God.)

Why does God forgive us? Because He loves us.

Ask children if they are still praying for the person they selected at the beginning of Great Lent.

Remind the children that Lent is a time for change. (Lesson 1).

Ask if they have changed what they are doing during Great Lent. Discuss what else they can do during this period. (Examples: Pray more. Read the Bible with their parents. Do things to help at home.)

The Last Supper

Resource Project: Holy Thursday Panel

• Have students color events of the Last Supper. Put their papers on the Holy Thursday panel of the mural, surrounding the space with them if they don't all fit on the mural.
• Have students draw pictures of things they can do during the remainder of Great Lent that will make God happy.

Extra Activity

Practice singing the Paschal Troparion (Christ is Risen).  Send a copy home for parents to help the students.

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Wrap Up

As students are cleaning up and preparing for the closing prayer, ask:

• Why do we go to communion?
  To be with Jesus Christ as His apostles were when they shared bread and wine with Him at the Last Supper.

Closing Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, the comforter, the Spirit of truth,
Who art everywhere and fillest all things,
Treasury of blessings and giver of life,
Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every purity,
And save our souls, O Good One.

Discussion Starter

To approach the delicate subject of Christ’s death and burial with these young children, we suggest that you not go into detail about the crucificixion, but emphasize the joy of the Resurrection and the love Christ showed for us by facing and overcoming death, as well as His promise of everlasting life for us. Here is a way of presenting these concepts:

Say: Jesus died on the cross. He was buried in a tomb, just like any person. But Jesus Christ was not just any person. He was God’s own son, and God loved Him very much. Jesus did not stay dead in the tomb. He rose from the dead. He is alive forever with His Father.

Jesus died and then rose from the dead so that we could have life forever with Him. That’s why we are so happy to know that He rose from the dead. That’s why, on the Feast of Pascha and for many days after Pascha, we tell each other the good news. We say, “Christ is Risen!” and when someone says that to us, we answer, “Indeed He is Risen!”

If your students are very young, you may want to skip this discussion. You might review the events of Palm Sunday. Still, it is good for very young children to hear the words of the Paschal troparion, even without explanation.

Discussion Questions

Note: Give sufficient time for each student to respond if they so desire.

• Where else have you heard the words “Christ is risen?
  The song they have been practicing – The Paschal Troparion
• Where was Jesus put after he died?
  In a tomb
• When the women went to the tomb on the third day after Jesus’ death, what did they find?
  An empty tomb

Activity

• Discuss how they will celebrate Pascha at their home. Explain how important it is to attend church at midnight.
• Tell students that, if they would like ro, they can tell the person for whom they were praying about the class prayer project.
• Ask students to again review what they did/are doing to prepare for Pascha. Reading the Bible; praying more; helping others.
• Have students practice the Paschal greeting.
  Christ is risen. Indeed He is risen.
• Remind students that this is only said after Matins – the beginning part of the Resurrection (Pascha) service. They must wait for Pascha to express their joy about Christ having risen from the dead. Remind students that you would like to be greeted by them in this way.

Resource Project: Resurrection Panel

Have students color the Resurrection Icon for the Mural of days/events from Lazarus Saturday to Pascha. After the mural of days/events is completed review the happenings of the week before Jesus’ resurrection. If the students each made individual murals, they can take their murals home. If only one class mural was made, display it in the classroom, in a hall near the classroom, or in some place where parishioners can see it.

Extra Activity

Practice singing the Paschal Troparion (Christ is Risen).  Send a copy home for parents to help the students.

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Wrap Up

As students are cleaning up and preparing for closing prayer, ask the following:

• What is the most important feast day we have?
  Pascha

Closing Prayer

Sing/Recite together (1 minute)

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.