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An Orthodox Christian lesson plan on discovering virtues for pre-teens and teens, including activities, a craft, and quotes from the desert fathers on obedience, chastity, humility, love, generosity, patience, wisdom, etc**For parish or home use only - not to be reproduced for profit**Visit www.orthodoxeducation.blogspot.com for more ideas and resources
Citation preview
discovering
virtue
An activity book
Orthodox Christian
discovering
virtue
An activity book for
Orthodox Christian youth
The Orthodox
is to reach a state of holiness
by uniting ourselves
through grace
and
in this
virtues of Christian perfection.
The Orthodox Christian goal
to reach a state of holiness
by uniting ourselves
through grace to Christ
and by acquiring
in this present life the
rtues of Christian perfection.
What is Vi
The�word�“virtue”�is�used�to�define�a�person’s�character.
�
Every�good�quality�to�be�found�in�
He�made�each�and�every�person�
All�good�things�come�from�Him�and�
Therefore,�to�be�like�God,�is�to�acquire�
In�Greek,�this�is�
These�qualities�
which�we�often�fall�short�of�doing�because�we�are�sinners.
However�the�closer�we�g
His�virtues�
“be�ye�perfect�as�your�heavenly�Father�is�perfect."
Words�of�Christ�from�the�Gospel�of�St.�Matthew�5:48
What is Virtue?
The�word�“virtue”�is�used�to�define�a�person’s�character.�
Every�good�quality�to�be�found�in�a�person�is�really�first�and�foremost�found�in�God.
each�and�every�person�in�His�image,�with�the�potential�to�become�like�Him.
�
ll�good�things�come�from�Him�and�He�desires�that�we�share�in�this�goodness
�
Therefore,�to�be�like�God,�is�to�acquire�His�goodness�and�His�virtues.
�
In�Greek,�this�is�called�ηθικη�αρετη,�or�"habitual�excellence."�
These�qualities�are�practiced�at�all�times,�in�a�state�of�perfection,�
ch�we�often�fall�short�of�doing�because�we�are�sinners.�
the�closer�we�grow�towards�Christ,�the�more�we�will�resemble�
�or�otherwise�known�as�the�fruits�of�the�Spirit.�
�
“be�ye�perfect�as�your�heavenly�Father�is�perfect."��
Words�of�Christ�from�the�Gospel�of�St.�Matthew�5:48�
The�word�“virtue”�is�used�to�define�a�person’s�character.�
and�foremost�found�in�God.�
with�the�potential�to�become�like�Him.�
He�desires�that�we�share�in�this�goodness.��
virtues.�
,�or�"habitual�excellence."��
perfection,��
�
we�will�resemble��
�
"Put�on�therefore,�as�the�elect�of�God,�
holy�and�beloved,�bowels�of�mercies,�
kindness,�humbleness�of�mind,�meekness,�longsuffering;�
forbearing
if�any�man�have�a�quarrel�against�any:�
even�as�Christ�forgave�you,�s
And�above�all�these�things�put�on�charity,�
And�let�the�peace�of�God�rule�in�your�hearts,�
to�which�also�ye�are�called�in�one�body;�
Let�the�word�of�Christ�dwell�in�you�richly�
in�all�wi
one�another�in�psalms�and�hymns�and�spiritual�songs,�
singing�with�grace�in�your�hearts�to�the�Lord"
"Put�on�therefore,�as�the�elect�of�God,��
holy�and�beloved,�bowels�of�mercies,��
kindness,�humbleness�of�mind,�meekness,�longsuffering;��
forbearing�one�another,�and�forgiving�one�another,��
if�any�man�have�a�quarrel�against�any:��
even�as�Christ�forgave�you,�so�also�do�ye.��
And�above�all�these�things�put�on�charity,��
which�is�the�bond�of�perfection.��
And�let�the�peace�of�God�rule�in�your�hearts,��
to�which�also�ye�are�called�in�one�body;��
and�be�ye�thankful.��
Let�the�word�of�Christ�dwell�in�you�richly��
in�all�wisdom;�teaching�and�admonishing��
one�another�in�psalms�and�hymns�and�spiritual�songs,��
singing�with�grace�in�your�hearts�to�the�Lord"�
�
(Colossians�3.12-16)�
�
chastity
faith
Hope
Knowledge
wisdom
Honesty
Humility
Obedience
patience
courage
faithfulness
chastity & self control
generosity
gratitude
love
achieve
We�know�it’s�possible�to�achieve�virtues�and�share�in�
God’s�perfection�in�this�life,�because�the�Saints�of�the�Orthodox�Church�
did�so.�If�we�look�at�their�lives,�we�will�find�a�map�to�follow!
All�of�the�Saints�have�something�in�common.�They
and�made�great�
Some�Saints�led�sinful�lives�at�first,�but�through�repentance�they�
committed
great�wealth�and�fame�to�follow�the�narrow�path.��Some�willingly�
clothed�themselves�in�simple�attire,�ate�very�little,�slept�
vigil�during�the�nights,
surrounded�themselves�with�silence.
were�filled�with�
Just�as�God�blessed�them,�He�will�bless�us�too�when�we
small�
Can�you�write�a�few�examples�below�of�things�you�can�do�for�God?
How do we
achieve Virtues?
�
We�know�it’s�possible�to�achieve�virtues�and�share�in��
God’s�perfection�in�this�life,�because�the�Saints�of�the�Orthodox�Church�
did�so.�If�we�look�at�their�lives,�we�will�find�a�map�to�follow!
�
All�of�the�Saints�have�something�in�common.�They�struggle
made�great�sacrifices�because�of�their�love�for�God.�
�
Saints�led�sinful�lives�at�first,�but�through�repentance�they�
ted�the�rest�of�their�lives�to�Christ.�Others�gave�up�
great�wealth�and�fame�to�follow�the�narrow�path.��Some�willingly�
clothed�themselves�in�simple�attire,�ate�very�little,�slept�few�hours�to�keep�
vigil�during�the�nights,�offered�everything�they�had�to�the�poor
surrounded�themselves�with�silence.�Because�of�this,�their�days�
were�filled�with�prayer�and�abundant�joy!�
�
Just�as�God�blessed�them,�He�will�bless�us�too�when�we�attempt�
small�gestures�for�Him�to�show�our�gratefulness.��
�
Can�you�write�a�few�examples�below�of�things�you�can�do�for�God?
�
�
�
�
�
��
God’s�perfection�in�this�life,�because�the�Saints�of�the�Orthodox�Church��
did�so.�If�we�look�at�their�lives,�we�will�find�a�map�to�follow!�
struggled��
�
Saints�led�sinful�lives�at�first,�but�through�repentance�they��
�
great�wealth�and�fame�to�follow�the�narrow�path.��Some�willingly��
few�hours�to�keep��
offered�everything�they�had�to�the�poor�and��
heir�days��
mpt��
Can�you�write�a�few�examples�below�of�things�you�can�do�for�God?�
faith,�hope,�knowledge,�wisdom,�honesty,�humility,�obedience,�
patience,�courage,�faithfulness,�
faith,�hope,�knowledge,�wisdom,�honesty,�humility,�obedience,�
patience,�courage,�faithfulness,�temperance,�generosity,�gratitude,�love
faith,�hope,�knowledge,�wisdom,�honesty,�humility,�obedience,��
,�gratitude,�love�
• Faith
• Hope
• Knowledge
• Wisdom
• Honesty
• Humility
• Obedience
Knowledge
Wisdom
Honesty
Humility
Obedience
�
�
to�be�truthful�at�all�times�and�
avoid�hypocrisy�
�
to�follow�the�will�of�God�by�
sometimes�denying�our�
desires�joyfully�
�
undoubting�belief�in��
things�hoped�for�
illumination�not�from�books�
but�from�a�holy�way�of�life�
pleasing�to�God�
�
belief�in�what�is�possible
�
complete�reliance�on��
God�for�all�things�rather�
than�ourselves�or�others
the�ability�of�the�mind��
to�understand�God
�
Virtue Match-upDraw�a�line�connecting�the�correct�definition
to�be�truthful�at�all�times�and�
the�will�of�God�by�
enying�our�own�
illumination�not�from�books�
but�from�a�holy�way�of�life�
belief�in�what�is�possible�
rather��
or�others�
�
up Draw�a�line�connecting�the�correct�definition
�
the�care�and�concern�for�
the�well-being�of�others
To�wait�upon�God’s�doing�
with�acceptance�of�your�
and�the�faults�of�others
�
A�commitment�to�achieve�
your�calling,�and�bearing�
fruit�with�the�gifts�and�talents�
given�to�you�by�God�
Having�no�fear�even�unto�
martyrdom�or�humiliation
being�thankful�for�everything�
and�full�of�inner�peace�
to�truly�imitate�God�
�
making�sacrifices�and�decisions�
for�a�holier�mind,�body,�and�soul
Virtue MatchDraw�a�line�connecting�the�correct�definition
• Courage
• Gratitude & contentment
• Self-Control & Chastity
• Faithfulness
• Patience
• Generosity & Kindness
• love
care�and�concern�for��
doing��
�faults��
A�commitment�to�achieve��
your�calling,�and�bearing��
fruit�with�the�gifts�and�talents��
Having�no�fear�even�unto�
or�humiliation�
thankful�for�everything��
sacrifices�and�decisions��
mind,�body,�and�soul
Virtue Match-up Draw�a�line�connecting�the�correct�definition
contentment
Control
Faithfulness
"The demons very much fear six virtues:
1. Hunger�
2. Thirst�
3. The�Prayer�of�Jesus�
4. The�sign�of�the�Cross,�that�is�he�who�makes�the�sign�of�the�cross�correctly�upon�himself�
5. FrequentMysteries�of�Christ,�if�one�worthily�communes��
6. Undoubting�hope�in�God.
There is nothing more frightful
that this weapon against the demons.”
Write the number from
Which numbers can remember to do daily?
"The demons very much fear six virtues:
Hunger�
Thirst�
The�Prayer�of�Jesus��(Lord�Jesus�Christ,�have�mercy�on�me)
The�sign�of�the�Cross,�that�is�he�who�makes��sign�of�the�cross�correctly�upon�himself�
Frequent�Communion�of�the�Most�Pure��Mysteries�of�Christ,�if�one�worthily�communes��
Undoubting�hope�in�God.�
There is nothing more frightful
that this weapon against the demons.”
-St�Paisios�Velichkovsky�
rom these six virtues that seems the hardest?
can remember to do daily? ____ _____ _____ _____
"The demons very much fear six virtues:
(Lord�Jesus�Christ,�have�mercy�on�me)�
There is nothing more frightful
that this weapon against the demons.”
seems the hardest? _____
____ _____ _____ _____
'Faith�gives�wings�to�prayer,�
and�without�it�we�cannot�
fly�up�to�Heaven.'
St John of the Ladder
Question: List two events from the Bible
Answer: 1. __________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
FAITH �
�
'Faith�gives�wings�to�prayer,��
and�without�it�we�cannot��
fly�up�to�Heaven.'�
St John of the Ladder
�
List two events from the Bible that happened because of faith
Answer: 1. __________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
�
that happened because of faith
Answer: 1. __________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
A story
In�the�Sayings�of�the�Desert�Fathers�
a�dry�stick�in�the�sand�and�to�water�it�daily.�The�spring�was�so�far�from�his�cell�that�
he�had�to�leave�in�the�evening�to�fetch�the�water�and�he�returned�the�following�morning.�
For�three�years�he�patiently�fulfilled�his�Abba's�command.�At�the�end�of�thi
the�stick�suddenly�put�forth�leaves�and�bore�fruit.�The�Abba�picked�the�fruit,�took�it�to�the�
church,�and�invited�the�monks�to�eat,�saying,�
Circle the people in your life that you can practice obedience
Mom Principal
Coach
Teacher Dad
A story of obedience
�
Sayings�of�the�Desert�Fathers�there�once�was�a�monk�who�was�told�to�plant�
a�dry�stick�in�the�sand�and�to�water�it�daily.�The�spring�was�so�far�from�his�cell�that�
he�had�to�leave�in�the�evening�to�fetch�the�water�and�he�returned�the�following�morning.�
�
For�three�years�he�patiently�fulfilled�his�Abba's�command.�At�the�end�of�thi
the�stick�suddenly�put�forth�leaves�and�bore�fruit.�The�Abba�picked�the�fruit,�took�it�to�the�
church,�and�invited�the�monks�to�eat,�saying,�"Come�and�taste�the�fruit�of�obedience."
Circle the people in your life that you can practice obedience
Principal Parish Priest Grand
Older Sibling Nouno/Nouna
Dad Monk/Nun Spiritual Father
monk�who�was�told�to�plant��
a�dry�stick�in�the�sand�and�to�water�it�daily.�The�spring�was�so�far�from�his�cell�that��
he�had�to�leave�in�the�evening�to�fetch�the�water�and�he�returned�the�following�morning.��
For�three�years�he�patiently�fulfilled�his�Abba's�command.�At�the�end�of�this�period,��
the�stick�suddenly�put�forth�leaves�and�bore�fruit.�The�Abba�picked�the�fruit,�took�it�to�the�
"Come�and�taste�the�fruit�of�obedience."��
Circle the people in your life that you can practice obedience with:
Grandparents
Nouno/Nouna
Spiritual Father
Painting rocks of virtue
����
�
�
Supplies needed:�Smooth�rocks,�paint,�paint�brushes�
�
Instructions:�Choose�a�favorite�virtue�to�paint�on�a�stone�and�carry�it��
around�in�your�pocket�as�your�special�reminder.�
lovelovelovelove �
patience�peacepeacepeacepeace����
A story
A�monk�once�asked�elder�Macarius�how�to�be�saved.�
St.�Macarius�answered�him,�
The�monk�wondered�at�the�
at�the�tombs,�insulting�the
Macarius�asked�him,�
And�he�replied,�"They�did�not�notice�me."
"Go,�then,�again,"�
The�monk,�wondering�yet�more,�went�and�praised�the�dead,�calling�them�
righteous�men,�apostles,�saints.�Returning,�he�told�what�he�had�
"I�have�praised�the�dead."
And�the�monk
Then�said�elder�Macarius,�
and�with�what�praises�you�have�flattere
If�you�desire�salvation,�you�must�be�like�these�dead.�You�must�think�nothing�
of�the�wrongs�men�do�to�you,�nor�of�the�praises�they�offer�you.
Be�like�the�dead.�Thus�you�may�be�saved
A story of humility �
A�monk�once�asked�elder�Macarius�how�to�be�saved.��
St.�Macarius�answered�him,�"Go�to�the�tombs�and�attack�the�dead�with�insults."
wondered�at�the�advice.�However�he�went,�as�he�was�told,�and�cast�ston
at�the�tombs,�insulting�the�dead.�Then�returning,�he�told�what�he�had�done.�
Macarius�asked�him,�"Did�the�dead�notice�what�you�did?"
And�he�replied,�"They�did�not�notice�me."�
�
"Go,�then,�again,"�said�elder�Macarius,�"and�this�time�praise�them."
,�wondering�yet�more,�went�and�praised�the�dead,�calling�them�
men,�apostles,�saints.�Returning,�he�told�what�he�had�done,�saying,�
"I�have�praised�the�dead."�Elder�Macarius�asked�him,�"Did�they�reply�to�you?"
the�monk�said,�"They�did�not�reply�to�me."��
�
Macarius,�"You�know�what�insults�you�have�heaped�on�them�
and�with�what�praises�you�have�flattered�them,�and�yet�they�never�spoke�to�you.�
If�you�desire�salvation,�you�must�be�like�these�dead.�You�must�think�nothing�
of�the�wrongs�men�do�to�you,�nor�of�the�praises�they�offer�you.
Be�like�the�dead.�Thus�you�may�be�saved.”�
�
the�tombs�and�attack�the�dead�with�insults."��
,�and�cast�stones��
dead.�Then�returning,�he�told�what�he�had�done.��
did?"��
and�this�time�praise�them."��
,�wondering�yet�more,�went�and�praised�the�dead,�calling�them��
done,�saying,��
"Did�they�reply�to�you?"��
"You�know�what�insults�you�have�heaped�on�them��
d�them,�and�yet�they�never�spoke�to�you.��
If�you�desire�salvation,�you�must�be�like�these�dead.�You�must�think�nothing��
of�the�wrongs�men�do�to�you,�nor�of�the�praises�they�offer�you.
the opposite challenge Fill�in�the�empty�spaces�below�with�an�opposing�character�trait�of�the�virtues�up�above
�
faith� � � � � �������love� � � � � ���generosity�
� � hope� � � � � � ��������������������chastity�
� � � ������������knowledge�
� � � � � � � � wisdom� � ���������������courage�
� � � � � � ���honesty�
�������humility�
� � ��������obedience�
� � � � � ������������ � � ��patience�
������������������������������������������������������������������gratitude�
�
indifference
disbelief
What is
the�ascetic�George,�who�was�well
Early�on�he�realized�all�the�vanity�of�worldly�life�and�went�to�a�monastery,�
but�was�not�satisfied�even�with�this�and�chose�for�himself�absolute�solitude
Here�he�spent�his�time�in�fasting,�prayer�and�contemplation�of�God,�but�temptations�
did�not�leave�him.�When�he�was�still�in�the�world,�he�had�loved�a�girl�with�a�pure�love,�
and�her�image�often�stood�before�him,�disturbing�his�state�of�spiritual�c
his�helplessness�in�the�struggle,�he�cried�out:�"O�Lord,�if�this�is�my�cross,�give�me�the�
strength�to�bear�it;�but�if�it�is�not,�then�erase�the�very�recollection�of�her�from�my�
memory."�The�Lord�heard�him.�And�on�that�very�night�he�saw�i
maiden�of�uncommon�beauty,�clothed�in�gold�raiment.�In�her�gaze�there�radiated�such�
unearthly�majesty�and�angelic�purity�that�George�was�unable�to�tear�his�eyes�away�from�
her,�and�with�reverence�he�asked,�"Who�are�you?�What�is�your�name?"
chastity,"�she�replied,�and�the�vision�came�to�an�end.�Coming�to�himself,�the�ascetic�
offered�up�thanks�to�the�Lord�for�bringing�him�to�reason.�The�image�he�had�seen�in�
his�dream�was�so�ingrained�in�his�mind�that�it�completely�erased�all�othe
-Elder Barsanuphius of Optina
The holy canons of the Orthodox Church specify that male candidates
for the priesthood are to be virgins.
What is chastity?
�
�
In�Zadonsk�there�labored��
the�ascetic�George,�who�was�well-known�in�his�time.��
Early�on�he�realized�all�the�vanity�of�worldly�life�and�went�to�a�monastery,�
but�was�not�satisfied�even�with�this�and�chose�for�himself�absolute�solitude
Here�he�spent�his�time�in�fasting,�prayer�and�contemplation�of�God,�but�temptations�
did�not�leave�him.�When�he�was�still�in�the�world,�he�had�loved�a�girl�with�a�pure�love,�
and�her�image�often�stood�before�him,�disturbing�his�state�of�spiritual�calm.�Once,�sensing�
his�helplessness�in�the�struggle,�he�cried�out:�"O�Lord,�if�this�is�my�cross,�give�me�the�
strength�to�bear�it;�but�if�it�is�not,�then�erase�the�very�recollection�of�her�from�my�
memory."�The�Lord�heard�him.�And�on�that�very�night�he�saw�in�a�dream�a�young�
maiden�of�uncommon�beauty,�clothed�in�gold�raiment.�In�her�gaze�there�radiated�such�
unearthly�majesty�and�angelic�purity�that�George�was�unable�to�tear�his�eyes�away�from�
her,�and�with�reverence�he�asked,�"Who�are�you?�What�is�your�name?"�"My�name�is�
chastity,"�she�replied,�and�the�vision�came�to�an�end.�Coming�to�himself,�the�ascetic�
offered�up�thanks�to�the�Lord�for�bringing�him�to�reason.�The�image�he�had�seen�in�
his�dream�was�so�ingrained�in�his�mind�that�it�completely�erased�all�othe
Elder Barsanuphius of Optina
Did you know?
The holy canons of the Orthodox Church specify that male candidates
for the priesthood are to be virgins. Chastity is for guys and girls alike!
Early�on�he�realized�all�the�vanity�of�worldly�life�and�went�to�a�monastery,��
but�was�not�satisfied�even�with�this�and�chose�for�himself�absolute�solitude—reclusion.�
Here�he�spent�his�time�in�fasting,�prayer�and�contemplation�of�God,�but�temptations��
did�not�leave�him.�When�he�was�still�in�the�world,�he�had�loved�a�girl�with�a�pure�love,�
alm.�Once,�sensing�
his�helplessness�in�the�struggle,�he�cried�out:�"O�Lord,�if�this�is�my�cross,�give�me�the�
strength�to�bear�it;�but�if�it�is�not,�then�erase�the�very�recollection�of�her�from�my�
n�a�dream�a�young�
maiden�of�uncommon�beauty,�clothed�in�gold�raiment.�In�her�gaze�there�radiated�such�
unearthly�majesty�and�angelic�purity�that�George�was�unable�to�tear�his�eyes�away�from�
"My�name�is�
chastity,"�she�replied,�and�the�vision�came�to�an�end.�Coming�to�himself,�the�ascetic�
offered�up�thanks�to�the�Lord�for�bringing�him�to�reason.�The�image�he�had�seen�in��
his�dream�was�so�ingrained�in�his�mind�that�it�completely�erased�all�other�images.
The holy canons of the Orthodox Church specify that male candidates
Chastity is for guys and girls alike!
��
Abba Longinos was once asked which virtue
he considered most important of all.
"Just as pride is the greatest of all evils, since it
succeeded in casting the angels from heaven to the
abyss, so humility is the greatest of all virtues. It
had the power to raise the sinner from the abyss
up to heaven. For this reason, the Lord blesses,
before all others, the poor in spirit."
��
"Unless
a man
keeps the
commandments
of God,
he cannot
progress,
even in
a single
virtue"
-Abba�Agathon
commandments
“One�of�them,�an�expert�in�the�law,�tested�him�with�this�question:
"Teacher,�which�is�the�greatest�commandment�in�the�Law?"
your�God�with�all�your�heart�
and�with�all�your�soul�
and�with�all�your�mind.”
“And�the�second�is�like�it:�'
One�of�them,�an�expert�in�the�law,�tested�him�with�this�question:
"Teacher,�which�is�the�greatest�commandment�in�the�Law?"
�
Jesus�replied:��
“Love�the�Lord��
your�God�with�all�your�heart��
and�with�all�your�soul��
and�with�all�your�mind.”�
And�the�second�is�like�it:�'Love�your�neighbor�as�yourself.”
�Matthew�22:35-38�
One�of�them,�an�expert�in�the�law,�tested�him�with�this�question:�
"Teacher,�which�is�the�greatest�commandment�in�the�Law?"��
�
Love�your�neighbor�as�yourself.”�
startstartstartstart
CLOSING PRAYER
Prayer�of�a�Single�Person��
Jesus�my�Lord,�Who�became�man�and�graced�us�with�the�beauty�of��
Your�life�and�with�the�example�of�faith,�purity�and�love;�help�me,�I�pray,��
to�love�You�with�all�my�mind,�heart�and�soul,�and�to�live�according��
to�Your�teachings.�Strengthen�me�when�temptations�strike,�that�I�may��
remain�pure�in�thought�and�steadfast�in�virtue,�doing�only�things�that�are��
pleasing�to�You.�Guide�me�to�live�Your�will�and�not�my�own�as�I�look��
to�the�future.�Grant�me�faith,�courage�and�love,�that�I�may�serve�You�in��
holiness�all�the�days�of�my�life,�through�the�prayers�of�the�Theotokos��
and�of�all�the�Saints.�Amen.�
It is impossible for a man without legs to walk,
even if the rest of his body is healthy,
so it is impossible to approach god,
or reach god in prayer,
without active virtue.
By�St.�Theophan�the�Recluse,�On�Prayer,�Homily�4�