REQUIEM
Objectives:
Possible Lesson Plan:
2. Scriptural basis: John 11:1-46.
3. Order of the service: This service is quite brief; in the Russian tradition it is called a panikhida. It opens with the Trisagion prayers, the Lord’s prayer, psalms and litanies for the deceased. The family hold candles, reminding them of the light of the resurrection. The priest then prays for rest for the soul of the departed, exclaiming that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. There follow hymns to God and to Mary, another litany and canon. In the end all sing “Memory Eternal”.
4. Songs of the service: “Memory Eternal”; that’s all the words! Sing it now.
5. Discussion questions:
What is the meaning of death? Why does God allow death? How did death enter the world? Whose victory is death? How does the world around us explain death? If death is the end of everything, how would you live? How do other religions view death? In what way would say that our entire spiritual life is a preparation for death? Are you afraid of dying? Why or why not? Does God care if we die? (Remember, “Jesus wept.”) Why is death always a tragedy? Has anyone ever escaped death? Did Mary die? How do we know we have victory over death? (the resurrection) What happens after death? What is the meaning of heaven and hell? What is the Last Judgment?
St. John of Kronstadt states: "We say that our dead have “fallen asleep” or “passed away.” What does this mean? This means that for the true Christian there is no death. Death was conquered by Christ on the cross. But there is a translation, i.e, a rearrangement of his condition, i.e. his soul is in another place, in another age, in another world beyond the grave, eternal, without end, that is what is meant by “falling asleep”. It is as if it were a temporary dream after which, by the voice of the Lord and the fearful yet wonderful trumpet of the Archangel, all the dead shall live and come forth each to his place: either to the resurrection of life or to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:29). This is what the Christian means by translation. We should be ready for this translation, for the day of the general resurrection and judgment, for this indescribable world event, recorded in the Holy Scriptures."
6. This lesson occurs right around the time of Memorial Day. Review with the students the real meaning for this Day of Memory. You might consider a field trip to a local national cemetery or memorial with flags or a wreath to place on the graves of servicemen on Memorial Day.
7. Make koliva. Have the students use the recipe in their cookbook or use your own. We’ll be making koliva after Church School in a workshop.
8. Close with prayer.