Mini Units
Working in conjunction with the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Department of Christian Education constructs mini units of study based upon timely pertinent subjects, conducive to parish-wide involvement and national interest. General Mini units include yearly themes provided by the Holy Synod of Bishops as well as mission, seminary, and charity appeals. These age leveled units can run from several weeks to a year's worth of short, ongoing lessons, depending upon need and teacher discretion. It is important that our children know that everyone at the church, young children, teens and even parents are always learning more about the church and about God. All-Parish Education Sessions offer more presentation than hands on crafts and traditional teaching.
I Have Sent Them Into the World: The Church’s Ordained Ministries
Lesson plans and family discussion sheet for all ages about the Orthodox Church's main ordained ministries and the studies which take place at seminary connecting with the Orthodox Church in America's Seminary Appeal each June.
Saints of South Canaan
The Saints of South Canaan is a mini unit, based on activities designed for the 100th anniversary of St. Tikhon Monastery, the oldest Orthodox monastery in the United States. The lessons are designed for 1 to 2 sessions, with activities for 2 more sessions. The additional activities will also enrich and enhance the unit. This unit can also be utilized for Vacation Church School, or special church school activities.
Repentance & Forgiveness
An All-Parish Education Session centered on the theme Repentance & Forgiveness. Sample Timeline, Discussion Questions and Example Groupings used for this activity are included.
Laborers for His Harvest
Educational materials for children of various ages and parents in connection with the annual appeal for Orthodox Church in America Missions Appeal.
Sharing the Good News: Orthodox Christian Mission
Educational materials for children of various ages and parents in connection with the annual appeal for Orthodox Church in America Missions Appeal.
Let Your Light So Shine
Let Your Light So Shine, The OCAY Theme for 2004, is intended to be a unifying principle for the youth of the OCA. These lessons are intended to supplement your regular church school curriculum.
Responding to God’s Gifts: Orthodox Christian Stewardship
Evangelism
An All-Parish Education Session centered on the theme Evangelism. Sample Timeline, Discussion Questions and Example Groupings used for this activity are included.
Love Thy Neighbor: Orthodox Christian Acts of Charity
Defenders of the Faith
Our Church and the Future
The 2006 OCAY theme was titled Our Church and the Future. The lessons contained in this Mini Unit are intended as supplements to regular Church School sessions, and may be used at any time that is convenient for your particular parish situation and schedule.
Champions of Faith
Champions of Faith, two Christian education sessions written on the Orthodox Church in America's Youth theme. These lessons are intended as a supplement to your regular church school curriculum. The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America encourages their use. The theme is intended to be a unifying principle for the youth in the church. This theme is particularly important during the school age years when young people seek models, mentors, heroes and champions.