Dear Friends,
On February 24th, our holy Orthodox Church celebrates the First and Second Findings of the head of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John. St. John the Baptist holds a place of great honor in the Church, venerated second only to the Theotokos and above all other saints. As the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets, he was accounted worthy to see and baptize "Him Whom they foretold." The very hand that was accounted worthy to touch the head of Christ Our Savior is a treasured relic at Dionysiou Monastery on Mount Athos.
The sacred relic of the right hand of St. John the Baptist
In this lesson, we share resources to help your students understand who St. John the Baptist is, the circumstances surrounding his conception, birth, and martyrdom, why the Church honors him so highly, and his important role as a model for all monastics.
To support this teaching, this issue includes a comprehensive lesson plan for grades K-7, which is suitable for older children as well. This lesson is longer, but all the content is important. At Three Hierarchs Academy we focus on St. John the Forerunner during February, as school is not in session during his other major feasts. The lesson also acts as a wonderful transition into the Lenten season of repentance.
In this issue, you will find:
A Comprehensive Lesson Plan: A complete printable lesson plan, including all attachments, covering the biblical testimony about the conception, nativity, and martyrdom of St John, how John recognized Jesus as the Messiah from his mother's womb and pointed Him out both on earth and in Hades, and the six feast days dedicated to his memory throughout the Church year. The plan includes discussion questions, icon study activities, and differentiated assignments connecting St. John's feasts with those of the Theotokos.
Icons for Study:
We’d love to hear your feedback on these materials. Feel free to reply, or leave a comment and share this issue with someone who might find it helpful.
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Through the prayers of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist John, may the Lord bless your teaching!
In Christ,
Three Hierarchs Academy Press
