Resource Reviews
Resource Reviews will be added below as they become available:
Basil's Search for Miracles
Basils Search for Miracles
Written by Heather Zydek
Conciliar Press
I read the book and, well I guess in the end, I liked it. It's a story about a boy named Basil who is at a new school. He joins the school newspaper and begins to make friends. His teacher makes him write articles about miracles. At first, Basil doesn't want to do it, but his stories are a hit with the other students.
At first it was a bit slow but when another kid named Anthony came into the picture it sped up and got interesting. Anthony is the kid everyone hates but he becomes Basil's friend. Anthony has a secret that is revealed toward the end of the book. I like how the author describes the church service Basil attended because its very detailed and I could see it very clearly in my head. Basil also meets many interesting people as he researches his articles.
I do, however, dislike how the book begins. It is detailed like the rest of the book and the detail is a bit boring at first. Basil and his mom argue a bunch at the beginning and, well, it made it so that I was not interested in the book until I read a lot more of it. By the end of the book, Basil becomes more religious and argues less with his mom. Some of his friends also change. A girl named Christian becomes more friendly and helps both Basil and Anthony in the end. But over all it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewed by T.R. Carmack
CD Reviews - Fruits of the Spirit / Celebrate the Feasts
Fruits of the Spirit
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this production. Renown youth worker Gigi (Baba) Shadid produced this awesome folk CD to teach children and to help them grow in their faith in Christ and their love for His holy Church. While many of the songs are directed specifically toward youth, all ages will appreciate the music, lyrics, and Gigi's joyful approach to life and faith.
The CD features musical stories about saints, Scriptural passages, and aspects of Church Tradition from a uniquely Orthodox perspective.
By Fr. Jon Peter Gillquist
Celebrate the Feasts
The much-anticipated sophomore disc from Khouria Gigi (Baba) Shadid is finally here!
The CD is a collection of 11 original tunes from American Orthodoxy's favorite female folk singer, plus 16 more tracks of Gigi and friends singing various festal hymns of the Church.
Take a listen and you will agree that "Celebrate the Feasts" exceeds all expectations. May God bless Khouria Gigi and all of the work she does for our youth!
By Fr. Jon Peter Gillquist
To order these CD's, visit stromanosrecords.com, or e-mail gigishadid@yahoo.com.
Children’s Orthodox Parochial School Bulletin
Children's Orthodox Parochial School Bulletin
Published by St. Nicholas Orthodox Parochial School, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Reviewed by Reverend Fr. George Alberts
St. Nicholas Orthodox Parochial School, Inc publishes the Children's Orthodox Parochial School Bulletin weekly from September through June of each year. The bulletin is a copyrighted piece which is distributed electronically in PDF, Adobe Acrobat Standard Format to approximately 1,000 individuals and organizations in the United States, Canada and the Far East.
The Bulletin is provided in color, which is the preferred method of reproduction, but it can also be produced in black and white. The format is 8 ½ x 11 paper folded in half and run off in booklet form. The back cover of the bulletin contains a box with the heading "Reproduced by" which allows you to insert your name, address, phone number or any other information up to four lines.
The section entitled, "THE GOSPEL Under the Microscope" examines the Sunday gospel reading and clarifies and comments on its meaning. The second section entitled "FOCUS ON A FEAST" focuses on a Feast of the Church or may relate to one of the saints mentioned in the Gospel reading. An example of this is the Gospel for St. Thomas Sunday being put "under the microscope" in the first section and then in this second section the life of St. Thomas and other apostles is examined. The third section entitled, ‘DID YOU KNOW? Facts about the Feast" gives a list of facts concerning the feast spoken of previously. The next two pages contain "Fun and Games" such as word searches or pages to color. Finally, the back cover gives information about St. Nicholas Orthodox Parochial School, Inc, and contains the box "Reproduced by" as mentioned above.
The Children's Orthodox Parochial School Bulletin is an excellent resource for parents as well as church school. Parents can run the bulletin off and use it together with their children. This would provide them with an opportunity to discuss the faith with them and perhaps do the activities together. It is also useful if it becomes difficult to get to church for church school, or if the church does not have a program in place. It can be used as a resource for those classes that are studying the gospel reading as part of their Sunday morning lessons.
Those who wish to use the Bulletin must establish an account, and log in each week. The Bulletin is provided for free, and posted on Tuesday of each week. You may access this resource at: http://www.StNicholasOrthodoxChristianSchool.org/html/childrens_bulletin.asp
Keeper of the Light
Keeper of the Light: St. Macrina the Elder, Grandmother of Saints
By Bev Cooke
Illustrated by Bonnie Gillis
Conciliar Press
Once wealthy Christians, Macrina, her husband Basil, and her son Basil (whom she calls, "Mus," meaning "mouse") are forced to leave their home and run away from Roman rule. For seven more years, Christians are arrested and executed. Macrina must work hard, with her good husband Basil at her side, to provide for their small son.
Just when she thinks things are turning for the better, Macrina is pushed into poverty and danger in the city of Neocaesarea. While her husband is away trying to regain their home and Mus is being cared for by a priest, she is forced to tell stories to Roman children and is persecuted by a proud and hateful woman named Selina.
Finally, when she is on her last cup of faith in God, her life is restored when the Roman emperor legalizes Christianity. Soon after, Mus is grown up and married to Emmelia, who is Macrina's good friend. Together Mus and Emmellia have nine children not including the one who died due to Emmelia's sickly pregnancy. Three of these children grow up to be saints. Macrina dies telling stories of Gregory the Wonderworker to her beautiful grandchildren, content in the faith.
I recommend this book to ages eleven and up and to anyone else who might be interested in seeing what true faith looks like. Take it from me, a twelve year old girl, St. Macrina the Elder who was grandmother of three saints, will definitely show you what real faith looks like. St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Macrina the younger must be mighty proud of their old "Nona."
By Hannah E. Crenshaw
Christ the Saviour Antiochian Church
Anderson, South Carolina
Orthodox Children’s Bible Reader
(Orthodox) Children's Bible Reader
Greek Bible Society, 2006
Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou, Editorial team leader, Presbytera Katherine Chapekis Sietsema.
Reviewed by Carole Buleza
Alleluia! We finally have an Orthodox Children's Bible Reader in full-color, and wonderful quality. The Old Testament selections number 75 and include seven of the stories of redemption heard on Holy Saturday. I was pleased to see these as they form the context for understanding Christ's death and resurrection. Many of the "types" of the Old Testament, fulfilled in the New, also have a place in this Reader. The three "pillars" of the Old Testament, the law, the prophets, and the wisdom writings are all included in the selections, with excerpts from the psalms and the proverbs of Solomon comprising the wisdom segment. In addition to Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah and Rachel, we have Deborah, Ruth and Naomi representing the women of the Old Testament. The icon-like illustrations are lovely, and the Trinity icon illustrates the story of the angels visit to Abraham and Sarah. You won't find that in a Protestant children's Bible!
On the New Testament side, we have all the stories which became the 12 Great Feasts of the Church, with the exception of those pertaining to Mary. When chronological ordering isn't important, such as for the teachings, and the healing stories, they are grouped so a thematic lesson can be easily planned. Beyond the gospels, we have several episodes from Acts of the Apostles, and finally two selections from the epistles and a selection from Revelation.
All selections are at a 3rd grade reading level; however, they are so well-written, when read aloud, they could be understood by pre-schoolers. The table of contents has not only the name of the story, but also the citation. Finally, several simple and valuable maps are appended. At $19.99 each, or $159.99 for a case of ten, the Children's Bible Reader should be in every home, and every classroom. Available through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, "Orthodox Marketplace" (www.store.goarch.org).
Praxis
PRAXIS is a magazine published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education. The magazine's format focuses on total parish education" and includes catechetical material, religious home school lessons, leadership development, internet reviews and continuing education for Orthodox Christians. Annual Subscription rate: $15.00 To subscribe, call: 800-566-1088 or 617-850-1218.
Under the Grapevine
Under the Grapevine, written by Chrissi Hart, illustrated by Claire Brandenburg; Conciliar Press, 2006.
Reviewed by Susan Smoley
Under the Grapevine is a sumptuous picture book with much information in the text. It tells the story of the miraculous healing of the author's grandmother in in Akhna on the island of Cyprus. Dr. Chrissi Hart skillfully weaves the narrative with descriptions and explanations of life lived as an Orthodox; actions such as regular worship, crossing yourself, lighting candles, venerating icons, preparing killiva and propsphora. Central to the story are the prayers of the people-at first for intercession and then in gratitude and praise. That the actions and prayers occurred then as they should today, provides a wonderful sense of continuity and knowledge about the Orthodox faith.
At the end of the book, Dr. Hart includes additional facts about St. Kendeas who lived between the 7th and the 10th centuries and was born in what is modern-day Germany. Dr. Hart has produced a compelling educational work that is equally suited to both home and classroom for children through middle-school age.
"Readings from Under the Grapevine," http://www.ancientfaithradio.com/
After the publication of her first book, Under the Grapevine, Chrissi Hart was asked to present a Saturday-night reading time for Ancient Faith Radio, "Readings from Under the Grapevine." Several works have been presented and are archived. With her slight British accent, Dr. Hart's voice gives a charming quality to the narratives, making each a special experience.
My Prayer Journal
International Orthodox Christian Charities’
My Prayer Journal
Reviewed by Kristina Wenger
My Prayer Journal is a good start to helping our children learn about what the IOCC is doing, both in our country and abroad. It helps the children learn about other places, recognize the needs there, and formulate prayers to ask God to meet those needs.
Each month, the journal presents one area of need and the IOCC’s response to that need. Each spread features a map of the world, showing where the needy area is, and outlining the shape of the country in need. The spread includes several pictures from that country, a fast fact about the country, a related quote from the church fathers, a selection of a prayer from the Divine Liturgy, and a verse from the Scriptures. There is also room for the children to write what they’re praying for and what they’re thanking God for.
When I first used the book with my children, I had to talk them through what they could pray about. As they have continued to work in the book, however, I am amazed to see them begin writing almost as soon as we have finished reading the information. They find ideas or inferences in the information that leads them to praying for the needy people, and they always have something to thank God for, as well.
After we read and the children write their prayers, we stand before the icon of Christ blessing the children that we have on the wall in our schoolroom, and pray. The children have prayed their written prayers as well as other unwritten ones, for the people they’ve just learned about. It has been a beautiful way for us to work on helping the children pray in their own words for the needs of others.
In addition to the journal, the IOCC offers "extenders" online which give more information about the country, a fun activity related to the country to do together, a story from someone in the country about how the IOCC’s intervention has been helpful, and an idea for how kids can help. This added information helps to meet the one criticism that my children had of the journal: they wanted more information about each location!
Thaniel, our 7-year-old second grader, likes the journal because "it helps me get to know more about places and what to pray about the places." Our 10-year-old 5th grade daughter Katia recommends the journal to others so that "they would learn more about countries and know that everyone is not like us with all the money and stuff that we have in the USA." She also hopes that readers will "know that they shouldn’t brag about having more money, but should help other places (in need)." St. John Chrysostom said "For in nothing do we draw so close to God as in doing good to man." Through My Prayer Journal, our family is finding that the IOCC is working at just that. Thankfully, they have created a way for our children to learn about their endeavors and help by adding their prayers and donations. May we all together join the hosts of saints already praying for the needy people of our world, and do what we can to help them. This booklet is a good place to start. NOTE: The booklets are available in August of each year. To order individual copies, go online at www.iocc.org/journal. For parish orders, contact the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese toll-free at 1-800-566-1088. The prayer journal is free, but shipping charges may apply. Kristina Wenger and her husband Timm help children learn about other cultures with their organization, Kids and Cultures (kidsandcultures.com). They attend St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church in York, Pennsylvania.
Web Resources
Web Resources
1) At www.antiochian.org/christianeducation
1.1) "The Antiochian Orthodox Gospel Program"
Ready/Grade-Spanning
Our departmental website offers each Sunday's Gospel with a page for each of four levels. A boxed area contains questions and comments that can be used by parents who wish to read and discuss the Gospel with their child, or by a church school teacher. The pages for the younger children have line art to color, and for the older, color icons of the Gospel whenever possible.
1.2) "Celebrate the Feastdays!"
Ready/Grade-Spanning
One of the distinctive features of Orthodox Christianity is its emphasis on celebrating the feast days of the Church during the liturgical year. Orthodox Christians know that the feasts are timeless and significant to our personal growth in the faith. On this page you will find several resources with their and ordering information. We have also prepared “standup centerpieces” for each feast. These can be printed on ordinary paper, or on heavier paper for better quality.
1.3) Cross and Quill (CQ) Articles.
Ready/Grade-Specific
The web-based publication by teens and for teens is no longer in production; however, the two-plus years during it existed yielded a harvest of over 100 very good articles. Most articles come with a response column containing questions to guide discussions. They are available individually by reviewing the index and clicking on the article you wish to download.
2) At http://dce.oca.org
2.1) Bible Stories.
Ready/Grade-Specific
There are many Bible stories geared towards upper elementary students available to print out. They do not have illustrations.
2.2) FOCUS Units.
Ready/Grade-Spanning
The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has a large resource web page called FOCUS. There are abundant resources in "bins" and a template for creating lesson plans. If you don't have the patience for this activity, there are also Study Themes of shorter duration, including: "Journey to Pascha," "My Orthodox Family," "The Nativity Season." The Study Themes are broken out in six levels from Preschool to Adult. Go to FOCUS on the website.
3) At www.phyllisonest.com
Phyllis Meshel Onest, M.Div., is the Director of Religious Education for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh. She has compiled an exhaustive resource list for both church school and home use, called "The Yellow Pages." A sample of the table of contents:
Sources of books, icons, tapes, magazines; Home Schooling Resources; Websites at Your Fingertips; Church School Director Resources; Church School Teacher's Notebook; Great Lessons Need These...!; Jr. & Sr. High Resources; Parents & Families Resources; Pre-School Resources; Small Church School Resources
Printed Resources
Published Resources: General
The sources for items mentioned in the published resource section are as follows, unless otherwise noted:
- Antiochian Bookstore (201) 871-1355
- Orthodox Christian Education Commission
(OCEC) (1-800) 464-2744; www.orthodoxed.org
TOPIC: DIVINE LITURGY
A unit of study on the Divine Liturgy can be easily accomplished over several weeks by exploring in greater detail what the margin notes offer in The Divine Liturgy for Children, the activities of companion The Divine Liturgy Activity Book, and the Divine Liturgy segment of the Teaching Pics.
1) Teaching Pics.
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
Forty 8 x 10 photos in the categories: Divine Liturgy, Sacraments, Great Fast and Pascha, and Feastdays comprise this package. On the back of each is a description of the photo and suggested activities in regard to the lesson being taught with the photo. These are useful additions for adult classes as well. Antiochian Bookstore ($35.00).
2) The Divine Liturgy for Children, and The Divine Liturgy Activity Book.
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
The first book offers the words of the service, and margin notes telling the children what to listen for, look for and think about. Line art illustrates the book. The Activity Book offers activities for preschoolers as well as middle and high school students, although not so coded. The Divine Liturgy books are $5/apiece, from the Antiochian Bookstore, and sometimes sold only in sets.
3) The OCEC fifth grade text, Our Life in the Church
For Creating/Grade-Spanning as well as Read/Grade-Specific
This is an additional resource; student book $7.50, teacher book $8. Another resource is the OCEC optional third grade text, We Worship God in Church, student book $7.50, teacher book $8, both available from the Antiochian Bookstore.
TOPIC: CONFESSION
For a unit on Confession, the books "Making Things Right," and "If We Confess Our Sins" can be used for younger, and older children respectively. The "Teaching Pics" can add the dimension of illustration to the unit, as there Confession pics in the Sacraments category with
suggested activities as well.
1) Making Things Right.
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
It is good to focus on repentance and the Mystery of Confession at least once a year. The twelve lessons of Making Things Right are well constructed and God's abiding love is woven throughout. For Grade 2 but adaptable to all elementary. Available from the Antiochian Bookstore. The prices are: student book $5, teacher book $10, and activity packet $3.
2) If We Confess Our Sins
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
For grades 5-7, offers an overview of the Christian life and the Mystery of Confession, self-examination guide, and Bible readings; available from the OCEC for $3. For either of the Use with the Sacraments segment of Teaching Pics.
TOPIC: ICONS AND FEASTDAYS
1) Come Bless the Lord Icon Packet.
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
The forty glossy colored icons are printed on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper and come with an explanation of the event or person depicted. The major feastdays are included. These are useful for framing when the feastdays are celebrated, and are a valuable supplement to any educational effort. The packet is available through OCEC for $15.
TOPIC: DOCTRINE
1) A Visual Catechism of the Orthodox Church by Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos.
For Creating/Grade-Spanning
The book provides the basic tenets of Orthodoxy from creation to the Church in 58 pages each with a sentence and full-color illustration. The second part of the book gives a fuller analysis of the 58 statements, and is suitable for adult classes. The book is a handy general resource and has been used with children who have had no prior classroom introduction to the faith to help them "catch-up" with their classmates. Available at $16 from: St. Nikodemos the Hagorite Publication Society, (724) 375-7867.
Published Resources: Age-Specific
HIGH SCHOOL
1) The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
For Creating/Grade-Specific
The first text of the new OCEC series offers firm knowledge of the Orthodox faith, and encourages spiritual maturity. It is comprised of four units of six lessons each that cover doctrine, church history and scripture, spirituality and morality, and liturgy. It is very easy to use with a teacher manual that offers scripted lesson plans, all required worksheets and visual aids. In addition, the teacher manual offers paragraphs of background reading to help educate the presenters, or to supplement the lessons presented to an adult class. The student book is written in two parts. Part I offers 24 four-page lessons with illustrations and graphics that invite participation. Part II contains four resource sections: 1) "Feast Days and Icons," 2) "Saints," 3) "Briefs," and 4) "Glossary." The student book is $15.95, teacher book, $21.95, available from the Antiochian Bookstore.
2) "Interim Curriculum Units"
Ready/Grade-Specific
Several units of seven lessons each called "interim curricula," have been produced over the last few years, in many cases created by using booklets for vacation church and modifying the lessons. They cost about $6 each. Some have a bound booklet to be purchased at an additional cost. The units arelisted at the right. Consult the OCEC for further information.
3) Celebration: Feasts and Holy Days (not shown).
Ready/Grade-Specific
The liturgical year is explored in this work that offers interesting lesson plans and cooperative learning structures. Also appropriate for adults. Teacher book, $10., student book, $8.75, available from the Antiochian Bookstore.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
1) "Interim Curriculum Units"
Ready/Grade-Specific
Several units of seven lessons each called "interim curricula," have been produced over the last few years, in many cases created by using booklets for vacation church and modifying the lessons. They cost about $6 each, with a possible bound booklet at an additional cost. The units are listed to the right. Consult the OCEC for further information.
PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
1) A Way of Life
Ready/Grade-Specific as well as For Creating/Grade-Specific
Written as a homeschool program to teach Orthodoxy to preschool children, the extensive book offers instruction, stories, and coloring pages (that include the icons of major feastdays) that take the child through the liturgical year, the Divine Liturgy, and all age-appropriate aspects of the faith. The book presents lessons that follow the liturgical year; however, units of study can be easily comprised as well. Available from the OCEC for $18.
2) The Icon Book (not shown).
For Creating/Grade-Specific
The coloring book is an educational resource for preschool and higher grades as it offers line art of 25 icons, and explanations of each. Available from the Antiochian Bookstore.