A Handful of Picture Books from The Orthodox Children’s Press

The Orthodox Children’s Press offers picture books that are simultaneously instructional and heartwarming. Presvytera Angela Alatzakis has written and illustrated each of these books, and the reader can hear her heart for children in the gentle and loving way that she teaches through each one. Whether she is defining “our Church,” reminding each child how they became a beloved member of that Church, or offering suggestions for how each of us can be the best kind of Orthodox Christian by making our cross and praying, Prevytera Angela writes and draws with compassion.

Our Church tells how a parish comes to be, and how the people in the parish are the community that makes it beautiful. She introduces individuals who are part of the parish in the book, showing how they contribute to that community and add to its beauty. Through the voice of the young narrator, Presvytera Angela encourages the reader (regardless of age) to see how they are contributing to their own community, and to look for even more ways to do so. Our Church helps its readers to better appreciate their own parish, welcome others into it, and find ways to contribute to the life of their community.

The Story of You is the lovingly-told tale of how a young child is anticipated, welcomed into the world, brought to the Church on the 40th day, then baptized and chrismated into the Holy Orthodox Church. Presvytera Angela has written this book with parents as the narrators, speaking directly to their own child. Her gentle illustrations bring the story to life. Each child who hears (or reads) this story will know that they were loved and prayed for before they were even born, and that they are still loved and prayed for, every step of the way. They will better understand their early journey with God, and they will be reassured that He is with them always as they travel through life.

Every Time I Do My Cross visually walks beside a young boy as he goes through his day. He tells his own story, mentioning how every time he does his cross, it’s for something different. Sometimes he is being thankful. Sometimes he is asking God for help. Sometimes he’s wanting God to protect him, or keep him from being afraid. Sometimes he’s making the cross with others at home or at church. Other times he’s making it alone, on the soccer field, to remind himself to be the best Orthodox Christian that he can (even if his team doesn’t win). There is so much theology packed into this little book, and Presvytera Angela has written and illustrated it in such a way that young children can easily understand, and be encouraged to make their cross and pray when they come into similar situations.

Our Church, The Story of You, and Every Time I Do My Cross will be beneficial to each family that reads them together. It’s very likely that parents will be encouraged by these books, alongside their children. Sunday school teachers will find these three books helpful for certain lessons. If your parish has a library or a collection of books in the narthex for children to take into church with them, these three should be in those collections. The books are educational, but written so gently that the reader doesn’t feel that they are learning, and the illustrations are simple but engaging. All three of these books can be very helpful to have in hand.

Find copies of these three picture books at the following sites based on your needs: orders of multiple copies (5+, may be a combination of titles from The Orthodox Children’s Press) can be placed at https://www.orthodoxchildrenspress.com; orders of 1-4 copies should be placed through Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAngela+Alatzakis&s=relevancerank&text=Angela+Alatzakis&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks The Orthodox Children’s Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.   

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “The Light” by Presvytera Angela Alatzakis

The Orthodox Children’s Press has a lovely picture book about the light of Pascha. The Light by Presvytera Angela Alatzakis walks with a child through the black night of Holy Saturday, into the darkened church, and slowly through the glorious services of Pascha. The focus of the book is on the light that each parishioner receives (and then takes with them to share with the world) to remind them of the Light of Christ. 

The book is (appropriately) very darkly illustrated at the beginning, as both the world and the church are dark at the beginning of the Paschal services. The gently engaging illustrations gradually brighten, as the light is shared from priest to parishioner, across the parish, and then outside and around the neighborhood…  Until the whole world is saying “Christ is risen!” in their own languages, and the reader’s own heart lights up with joy as they anticipate that moment once again.

This book will be a valuable Lenten/Paschal resource for anyone working with children. It will likely be read by families year after year, as together they anticipate (and prepare to receive) the light of Pascha. It will also be helpful to Church school teachers who want to teach their students about the Paschal services, so that they can better participate in the events.

In how many languages can you say “Christ is risen” after reading this book? And why do many Orthodox Christians take their light home, to keep it for a long time? Read the book to find out! 

Find a copy at the following sites based on your needs: orders of multiple copies (5+, may be a combination of titles from The Orthodox Children’s Press) can be placed at https://www.orthodoxchildrenspress.com/product/the-light-paperback; orders of 1-4 copies should be placed at https://www.amazon.com/Light-Angela-Alatzakis/dp/0991216466/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RU43M3K5RSPP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ErB9elfUHm8SnxjlpK8YvYGsPEYdfhM1302BnCMchhu6tC9SOsxuQ-5vq-4mwrEMc-61njmDuEBBFjx1pMpH8tmyWkpLrDWU2HmKNkX0bJ8.yjPWMjVy0H-D-P_ZgVvDnEYFa4m2Ps-fQhRvXQePqbo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Alatzakis&qid=1713287210&sprefix=alatzakis%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks the Orthodox Children’s Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.  

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “You are an Orthodox Christian” by Theofanis Sawabe, Illustrated by Vladimir Ilievski

Newrome Press’ picture book, You are an Orthodox Christian, helps its readers to better understand who they are, and gives them the chance to learn why/how to better value their faith. Theofanis Sawabe begins the book with, “You are an Orthodox Christian. Do you know what that means?” He begins to answer his own question by taking a look at Orthodoxy’s family tree, which stretches all the way back to Christ and His apostles. 

Page by page, Sawabe shows how Orthodox Christians through the years have carried the Faith so that we, today, can be part of it. He tells of their kindness to strangers, their courage in the face of impossible situations, their steadfastness in maintaining the Faith. He continues into modern times, showing how Orthodox Christians continue to carry and share their faith as they are able. He emphasizes that the reader (who he calls “dear child”) is part of this big Orthodox family, and that they are inheritors of a great blessing: the Holy Orthodox Faith.

Vladimir Ilievski has illustrated this book in a truly Orthodox manner. Almost every page features a saint (or more) whose life illustrates the words on that page. Readers may easily recognize the saints, as they look similar to their icons, but the saints’ illustrations also beautifully fit the style of the rest of the illustrations in the book.

You are an Orthodox Christian concludes with an appendix of several pages that tell abbreviated life stories of those saints and notes which previous page of the book features their image. This book offers the opportunity for readers to come away from it better appreciating their faith. Readers will also have learned more about twenty of the Church’s saints!

This book will be an excellent resource to families or Church schools. It encourages its readers to not just appreciate their faith, but to carry it on (as so many others have) for the generations to come. It is a book about family, the family of the Orthodox Church.

Find your copy of You are an Orthodox Christian here: https://newromepress.com/you-are-an-orthodox-christian/ 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Newrome Press for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

A Glimpse at “Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith” by Ellen Karis, Illustrated by Kristina Tartara

Godparents are an important part of each Orthodox Christian’s life. Children who were baptized and chrismated as infants, however, may not remember the beautiful way in which they attained Godparents and became a Godchild. Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith, written by Ellen Karis, and illustrated by Kristina Tartara, offers an easy-to-follow overview of these beautiful sacraments and of Godfamily life. 

Beginning with the baptism of Christ, Ellen Karis talks her readers through the baptismal process, including the sacrament of Chrismation. She explains the contributions that Godparents make to their Godchild’s baptismal service (this text and illustrations are based on Greek traditions, so these may differ slightly among other jurisdictions). She also provides insight into the many beautiful ways in which Godparents continue to provide for their Godchild’s needs throughout their life. 

Kristina Tartara’s delightful illustration style enhances this book and adds much to the text. Through her art, readers watch little “Eleni” (the main character, who is named only in the illustrations) in each part of her baptismal service. Throughout the rest of the book, they see her grow up, following her and her Godparents until she is an adult. Through both the text and the illustrations of this book, readers will also note how caringly Eleni’s Godparents support and love her over the years. 

Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith can benefit Orthodox Christians of a variety of ages. While the book is written for Orthodox children who were baptized as infants, to help them better understand what happened, it will also be a good review for older children whose family converted to Orthodoxy. The book may be primarily written for children, but it also extends a myriad of great ideas for adult Godparents, showing ways in which they can support and teach their Godchildren. Families and Church schools alike will benefit from reading and discussing this book together.

Get your own copy of the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Special-People-Godparents-Orthodox-Christian/dp/0578821958/

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks the author for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.      

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

Two New Picture Books by Creative Orthodox

Fans of Creative Orthodox will be delighted to learn that two new books have joined the author’s other offerings! Michael Elgamal, the artist and author behind Creative Orthodox, first offered the graphic novels Anastasis (about Christ’s victory over death), and Forest in the Desert (about St. John the Short). Both are helpful tools for older children and lovers of graphic novels. Then he created My Saintly Friends, a coloring book about the saints, and Pope Kyrillos Loves to Pray, a board book especially for little ones. Now he has added two new picture books to help young children learn more about the Faith. 

Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet is the story of the leaves on a palm branch, who each want to be the reason that St. Antony rests under their palm tree. What happens to the big, proud leaves? Does St. Antony rest under their tree? Which leaflet gets the most attention from St. Antony, and why? Readers will see the beauty in humility through the leaflets’ story, which is told in rhyme and playfully illustrated. The book also includes a prayer to St. Antony, and a brief retelling of his life story: all illustrated in the fun, engaging manner for which Creative Orthodox is known.

My Saintly Family takes a look at an Orthodox Christian family’s life in a way that young children can understand and appreciate. Colorful pages and rollicking rhymes (i.e.: “My family is my Church, my church is family, too. With Jesus in the middle, uniting me to you!”) One child of the family introduces the reader to the rest of their saintly family. Not until the part of the book called “About the Saintly Family” does the reader realize that they already know the family who is featured! Which saintly family is featured in this book? Read it to find out! The book includes a prayer asking for the saintly family’s prayers for the reader, an introduction to the real family featured in the book, and a QR code in the back that opens a page full of free, related, coloring pages!

Both Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet and My Saintly Family will be read and enjoyed again and again. They are written in a way that is fun to read (or hear) and are joyfully illustrated with an appropriate touch of humor. Each has a positive message that will encourage readers to grow in the Faith. These books will be helpful to both families and church schools, and would make great gifts for young children!

You can buy Creative Orthodox books (and also find some free downloads/printables!) here: https://creativeorthodox.com/ 

The Department of Christian Education thanks Michael Elgamal of Creative Orthodox for providing copies of these books for us to review and share.

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

A Look at “Old Testament Games & Relays” by Summer Kinard

Park End Books’ latest addition to their Accessible Church School series is Summer Kinard’s Old Testament Games & Relays. In the book’s introduction, Kinard reminds her readers how important play is in children’s learning. She points out how frequently lessons (particularly religious education lessons) omit this important means for learning, offering only “a lesson, a coloring page, and a snack.” In her effort to create an educational atmosphere that includes everyone and meets all children’s needs, she has created these fun games.

Old Testament Games & Relays features 25 games in the following categories: Creation and the Fall; Noah; Abraham and Sarah; Joseph; Moses and the Exodus; The Promised Land; King Saul, King David, and King Solomon; and Prophets and Forebears. Kinard has written each game in such a way that instruction and play are happening simultaneously. Because of this, children will romp their way through these games, learning truths from the Old Testament while playing them, without even realizing that they are learning.

Each game’s description offers a succinct explanation of the story on which it is based, complete with scripture reference; the goal of the game; the ages for which it is appropriate (as well as suggestions for how to mix age groups if needed); the materials/setup for the game; suggestions for multiple ways to play; and related notes. Kinard has 30 years of Sunday school teaching experience under her belt, which is very well evident in the thorough suggestions/offerings for each game. An appendix at the end of the book groups the games in categories: messy games, water games, indoor games, and Sunday best clothes games. Kinard has intentionally utilized fairly readily available “props” for the games, many of which are easily at hand or can be used again in other settings if they need to be purchased/created.

This book is a valuable resource for any Sunday school teacher, homeschool group, parish event planner, or family that gathers neighborhood children for organized games. Sunday school teachers will find games they can use with their Church school curriculum. Homeschool groups could use this book as a guide for weekly Bible study (for 25 weeks: almost a full school year!), basing their weekly study on an Old Testament story reflected in a game from this book. Parish event planners could use a game (or more) from the book to drive the theme for a family night or for a children’s group gathering. Families who are intentionally building relationships with neighborhood children could pick a game or two from the book, briefly share the story related to it, and have a lot of clean neighborhood fun as they all play the game(s) together.

Children learn so well through play. It is imperative that any adult working with children keeps that fact in mind, and finds ways to incorporate as much play as possible into their interactions with children. This book is an excellent place to start.

Find your copy of the book here:  https://parkendbooks.com/shop/oldtestamentgamesandrelays/ 

Reviewed for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Heart.

A Handful of Educational Books for Young Orthodox Learners

For those of us in the USA, it’s time to head back to school. Whether children attend public or private schools, or are homeschooled, there is always a need for them to continue to grow in their faith. These three books from Newrome Press offer ways to help them learn and grow.

O is for Orthodox, written by Theofanis Sawabe and illustrated by Vladimir Ilievski is a board book unlike any other. This book with “peek-a-boo” pages introduces its readers to Orthodox vocabulary, offering one familiar* Orthodox word per letter of the alphabet. Each letter has its own page, most of which have been cut around the letter to allow the reader to “peek” onto the next page, where the featured word is revealed and illustrated. Each spread is painted with colors common to iconography, and include recognizable icons when appropriate. 

This book can simply be read to the youngest learners, who will enjoy turning the partial pages, and proclaiming the word related to the letter (once they have read the book enough times to know what is coming). However, it would also be an excellent launching pad for 26 studies of Orthodox words that enhance the learners’ faith, regardless of the age of the learner. Families or Church school classrooms will benefit from starting with each of these Orthodox words and pulling together a lesson of study about that word. For each word, they can talk together about questions like “When do we see this word? Is this found in the scriptures or the Church fathers? What else is said about it there? How does it apply to our life?” There are children’s books related to many of the words that would greatly enhance such a study, and simple crafts or games could also be incorporated, depending on the length of the lesson desired.

So, it is this reader’s opinion that O is for Orthodox is a book that can grow with a child. It welcomes the youngest Orthodox Christians by gently teaching them important vocabulary, associating these words with its colorfully peaceful illustrations. But if the book is used as a family or Church school launching pad for study, each letter and its related word will stay in the mind of its readers for long after they’ve “outgrown” board books, because of the lessons related to its content. 

Purchase a copy of O is for Orthodox at https://newromepress.com/o-is-for-orthodox/. 

*Note: All of the words are about concepts familiar to the Orthodox Christian way of life. This reader was not familiar with the Greek word zōnē, the last word in the book, and had to look it up. It means “belt or sash,” in this case, of the Theotokos, which fits perfectly with the illustration. All of the other words were quite familiar to a native English speaking Orthodox Christian.

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Christ Amongst Us: An Easy to Understand Commentary on the Divine Liturgy According to the Writings of the Holy Fathers and the Experiences of the Saints, by George Danias and Christina Hatzithanasi-Dania, illustrated by Paraskevi Hatzithanasi-Antonatou both explains and contains the Divine Liturgy. The first two thirds of the book offer insights, stories, and explanations about each part of the Divine Liturgy, written at a level that anyone mid-elementary-aged or older can understand. The last third is the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, followed by a thorough glossary. The book comes with a poster featuring twelve parts of the Liturgy, with an illustration and brief exposition for each. 

Readers will find out the answers to questions like these:

• When in the Liturgy is Christ “appearing for the first time to begin preaching the Divine Word?”
• Why is the Trisagion Hymn repeated three times?
• Besides clergy and altar servers, who is always present at the altar during the liturgy? (Read the answer in two eyewitness accounts from St. John Chrysostom and Elder Iakovos Tsalikis!)
• What are each of us meant to watch, when we hear the reminder “The doors! The doors! Let us be attentive!”?
• Why is it so important that we not talk during the Liturgy? What should we do instead? 
• Have you ever had doubts about Holy Communion? What happened to the priest Pelagios when he had doubts about Holy Communion being the Body and Blood of Christ?
• What kind of fear should we have as we come to communion?

The book itself is a sizable, sturdy paperback that will last through many readings. Its front and back covers have fold-in flaps that will serve well to mark the reader’s place, or make it easy to jump to a particular spot (for example, the back flap could mark the Creed if the book is taken along to the Liturgy). The text is carefully translated from the Greek and is easy to follow. There are perhaps a few parts of the book that may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, the reader’s parish may very likely have catechumens, different from the book’s statement on p. 43, “While there may not be any unbaptized catechumens in our own parish, we should still call to mind the catechumens throughout the whole world.” Also, the reader’s entire parish may exchange the kiss of peace, while the book says on p. 54, “Today the Kiss of Peace is only exchanged amongst the serving clergy.” Paraskevi Hatzithanasi-Antonatou’s beautiful and detailed pencil illustrations throughout the book will help each reader appreciate and better understand the part of the Liturgy it is illustrating. 

This book is an invaluable resource for families and Church school teachers who desire that their young charges understand, appreciate, and participate in the Divine Liturgy, instead of merely attending it. There is so much information in this book that it may be advisable to read and discuss just one small portion at a time. It will take quite a while to get through the entire Liturgy if it is read that way, but everyone involved will likely have a more lasting understanding of each piece of the service if they take it on bit by bit. 

Find your copy of this very helpful book at https://newromepress.com/christ-amongst-us/

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Vested in Christ: Understanding the Mysteries of Holy Baptism and Sacred Chrismation by George Danias and Christina Hatzithanasi-Dania, illustrated by Paraskevi Hatzithanasi-Antonatou is a well-made paperback book that takes a closer look at the Holy Mystery of baptism. The first three quarters of the book feature information, stories, and teachings about baptism, and the last quarter contains the actual baptismal service (translated from the service celebrated by the Church of Greece) and a helpful glossary. The book also includes a poster about the different parts of the baptismal service, illustrated and succinctly explained.  Paraskevi Hatzithanasi-Antonatou’s beautiful pencil illustrations (scattered throughout the book) add dimension to the text, helping the reader to better understand the information being presented.

• Name at least two Old Testament events that allegorically foreshadow baptism.
• In what miraculous way was St. Philemon baptized just before his death? 
• What exactly is our second birth? 
• What athletic event from ancient times is recalled when the baptismal candidate has their whole body anointed with oil before their baptism?
• Who baptized St. Christina?
• The newly-baptized person is dressed in white. Why?
• In the early Church, how long did the newly-baptized person wear white?

Readers will find the answers to all of these questions, and much more, in this book!

Parents and Sunday Church school teachers will find this book to be a helpful resource as they teach the children in their care about baptism. There is much information here, written at a level appropriate for upper elementary (and older) learners. The book is made with a very sturdy paper cover, with front and back flaps that will help to mark pages for its readers.

Purchase your copy at https://newromepress.com/vested-in-christ/ 

The Antiochian Department of Christian Education thanks Newrome Press for sharing these books so that we could read and review them. 

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

New Releases for Children from Ancient Faith Publishing: “The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism” by Fr. Michael Shanbour, illustrated by Nicholas Malara; and “Beautiful Days: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children”, illustrated by Abigail Holt

Ancient Faith Publishing has just released two publications for children. The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism by Fr. Michael Shanbour, illustrated by Nicholas Malara; and Beautiful Days: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children, illustrated by Abigail Holt. 

Fr. Michael Shanbour previously self-published The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism, and at that time, he generously allowed the Department of Christian Education to review each of its lessons closely. Read an overview of this beautifully concise catechism here https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2019/12/11/gleanings-from-a-book-the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism-by-the-very-reverend-fr-michael-shanbour/ and take a closer look at the lessons, beginning here https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2020/03/11/a-closer-look-at-the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism-by-fr-michael-shanbour-introduction-and-lesson-1/.

Ancient Faith Publishing has slightly reformatted the text and pictures, and has bound it into a beautiful hardcover book. AFP is helping the book to be more widely available to the Orthodox Christian world. Purchase your copies of this very helpful catechism at https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism/. 

Abigail Holt, whose art may be familiar to many (she has illustrated everything from board books to cards, stickers, prints, tea towels, and even mugs – all available in various Orthodox marketplaces) walks her readers/book colorers through the Church year in her 64-page coloring book Beautiful Days. Feasts, fasts, and family are all themes in this coloring book filled with the beautiful experiences in an Orthodox child’s year. Holt’s clean lines and joyful pictures bring the Church year to life. Purchase your own copy here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/beautiful-days-an-orthodox-coloring-book-for-children/.

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.

Preparing to Walk Through Holy Week Together

Journeying through Holy Week with children can be a challenge. The altered schedule, additional services, and the overall intensity of the week are a lot for anyone to participate in and to fully embrace, regardless of their age. However, a little pre-planning can focus each person’s attention during the Holy Week journey, allowing for a beautiful and more peaceful experience for grownups and kids alike. We have gathered a handful of resources that may help. We have included ideas of ways that you can prepare ahead of time in order to be ready for the whole week, as well as ways to encourage children to embrace each day’s experiences and service(s). We hope that one or more of these will be helpful to you and the children in your care.

To Prepare for the Week as a Whole:

Here are ideas for learning boxes for young children to explore during Holy Week, offering a hands-on way for little children (or anyone who understands the world better through tactile experiences) to interact with the events of the week as it unfolds.

Find a variety of craft ideas and resources for engaging children in Holy Week.

Check out The Children’s Word, a free printable resource that is offered every Sunday (not just during Lent). It offers insights and activities for children to engage in, every Sunday, to help them better understand what they’re experiencing in the Liturgy.

The Center for Family Care of the GOA offers this guide to Holy Week that is helpful to parents and teachers alike. It includes an entire page of ways to prepare ahead of time, to enhance the experience of the week. It also has useful information about each service of Holy Week that can hone your focus.

Print and assemble a booklet for each child to take with them to the services of Holy Week. Each service’s activities are listed in order, with a pictorial listing included as well, to help the children follow along in the service. These free downloadable booklets are available in a variety of forms and languages.

Lazarus Saturday activities:

This Lazarus game uses pre-wrapped treats, passed around a small group of children, to illustrate a point. *Note: if the children in your care have allergies, please keep those in mind as you prepare the treats, or select small prizes that are non-food gifts.

Find several resources (including a book suggestion, craft idea, and even a recipe) for helping children learn about Lazarus Saturday in this blog post.

Practice folding palm crosses.

Palm Sunday activities:

Find a simple retelling of the story of Palm Sunday, an activity page, and even a lesson plan from OrthodoxABC.

Read the Palm Sunday story, written in easy-to-understand language.

Here you will find a printable guide to Palm Sunday and Holy Week for kids.

(Also, find Bridegroom Services info for older children and parents/teachers.)

Holy Week activities:

Here is a helpful webinar with ideas of ways to help children participate in Holy Week.

Find brief descriptions of the Holy Week services, written in a way that children can understand.

Find practical, hands-on tips for helping children to better experience Holy Week here: http://orthodoxeducation.blogspot.com/2010/03/holy-week-for-kids.html?m=1 and here: https://www.orthodoxmom.com/blog/2011/04/18/holy-week-activities-for-kids. 

Find a fantastic selection of lesson plans, discussion ideas, and activity suggestions for helping children “Journey to Pascha”. The lessons are leveled by age group, so be sure to check out each lesson for the ages of your children! (There are also many printable pdfs including a “Guide to Holy Week” that children can take with them or read, prior to each service.)

Spend some time looking closely at the icons of Holy Week, and then talk together about these insightful questions related to each one.

Make a mural for the events of Holy Week.

Watch a 5-minute story, animated with Legos, from the Last Supper through the resurrection.

See the 25-minute animated story of Holy Week through the resurrection from The Beginner’s Bible.

Find printable coloring pages for Holy Week.

The Pascha Preparations page on the Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids site has a free Holy Week Coloring Booklet, a coloring page for “Lord Of the Powers” hymn, as well as a few craft ideas.

Holy Thursday activities:

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet word search. 

Find a printable Holy Thursday notebooking page.

Read the Last Supper story written in easy-to-understand language.

Find the Last Supper icon to color from the OCA Department of Christian Education.

Find a printable, colorable icon of Christ washing His disciples’ feet, also from OCA Department of Christian Education. 

Holy Friday activities:

Quiet activities for Holy Friday and Saturday.

Printable coloring pages for Holy Friday.

Read the story of the crucifixion written in easy-to-understand language.

Print the crown of thorns icon to color.

Print a colorable icon of the crucifixion.

Find a printable, colorable icon of the burial of Christ.

A Glimpse at “The Mystery of the Holy Light” written by Anna Iakovou and illustrated by Spyros Gousis

Every year, to our great joy, we receive the Light of Christ at Pascha. We receive a flame for our Pascha candle in church from our priest, during the Paschal liturgy. But Christ’s Light comes of its own accord each year in Jerusalem, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We call this the Miracle of the Holy Fire, and it happens every Holy Saturday. 

Have you ever thought about this miracle and wondered what it is like when the Holy Fire descends and fills the Sepulcher? Have you ever wished that you could be right inside there with the Patriarch as he receives that Holy Fire, the Light of Christ? If so, you’re not alone: almost 100 years ago, someone else was wondering the very same thing…

The Mystery of the Holy Light, written by Anna Iakovou, and illustrated by Spyros Gousis, tells the story of a young monk who wished to see the Holy Fire arrive! The monk was named Father Mitrophanes, and it was his job to guard the Holy Sepulcher. Father Mitrophanes was very humble and did not feel worthy of doing this work, but he did it to the best of his ability, even going above and beyond what was required. When an accident inside the tomb of Christ required cleanup, he noticed that the ceiling of the sepulcher was covered in soot from years of candles burning! Fr. Mitrophanes received a blessing to go into the Sepulcher and carefully clean the soot off so that none of it would fall onto the marble slab where Our Lord lay, and ruin it. Beneath the soot, to everyone’s surprise, Fr. discovered something incredibly beautiful! He also found a hidden niche high in the sepulcher wall that could maybe help him fulfill his heart’s desire to see the Holy Fire descend. 

Read this book to find out what beautiful thing Father Mitrophanes discovered beneath the soot, and whether or not his heart’s desire was fulfilled. Based on a true story that happened in 1926.

Adults and older children alike will enjoy this story, and younger children will be drawn to its illustrations but may need help with some of the wording. 

Find The Mystery of the Holy Light, by Anna Iakovou, illustrated by Spyros Gousis, here: https://newromepress.com/the-mystery-of-the-holy-light/ 

We thank Newrome Press for sharing this book with us, so that we can share it with you. 

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.