Pascha

PASCHA

Objectives:

Children should know the Paschal greeting and response, in as many languages as possible.
Children should know that on Pascha we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead.
Children should recognize the icon and the figures in it.

Possible Lesson Plan:

Open with prayer: Teach and sing the hymn, “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”

Read the story of Palm Sunday in the Beginner’s Bible, pages 453-458, the Children’s Bible Reader, pages 257-258, or the Read with Me Bible, pages 398-399. Supplement with the Golden Children’s Bible, pages 356-358, if desired. Who came to the tomb? Why are we so happy on Pascha? Use the icon to retell the story, pointing out each character. Review the stories of Adam and Even, of John the Baptist. You can also read on of the Arch books, either “Kiri and the first Easter” or “The Glory Story.”

True False

Jesus rose from the dead on Pascha. Jesus rose from the dead on Palm Sunday.

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. Jesus was crucified on Pascha.

Jesus was crucified on Holy Friday. Caiphas, the high priest, loved Jesus.

Two Marys went to the tomb. Mary and Mary saw a snake in the tomb.

The noble Joseph of Arimathea Peter never denied he knew Jesus.

buried Jesus’s body.

English: Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!

Greek: Christos anesti! Alethos anesti!

Russian: Christos voskrese! Voistinue voskrese!

Arabic: Al-masi-kam! Haq an qaam!

Make an Easter Planter. Cut the outline out of a Styrofoam cup as in the picture. The children can color the outside of their cup, if desired. Write the words, Christ is Risen, on each cup with permanent marker. Fill cups with dirt. Sprinkle with grass seed. Tell the children to water as soon as they get home. The grass will actually come up even by next week!