4th Grade

“Our Family in Church” is the theme for the 4th Grade. A story of the George family’s journey in learning and experiencing Orthodox Christian practices within their Church community. They uncover great mysteries, explore true worship, understand the Resurrection, remember the Church Fathers and Mothers, and delve into the significance of the Holy Bible and Holy Matrimony. The family’s story connects with the Nicene Creed and highlights the importance of faith, tradition, and community in their lives. The title captures the essence of their shared experiences, growth, and learning in the context of their Orthodox faith and church involvement.

Learning Outcomes

This list summarizes all the learning outcomes a child should know at the end of this Grade and at this age. For more information on this approach of "what a child should know?", we recommend reading "The Goals and Objectives of Education in the Orthodox Church", by Rev. Fr. Dr. Anton.

Holy Matrimony

G4.LO1 - Understand the meaning of Holy Matrimony.

G4.LO2 - Learn about the two parts of the service of Holy Matrimony.

G4.LO3 - Introduce the symbolism behind the minnu and manthrakodi.

Holy Confession

G4.LO4 - Understand what Confession and Repentance are. (Lesson 4)

G4.LO5 - Understand the role of a priest in Confession. (Lesson 4)

G4.LO6 - Relate the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Loving Father) to Confession. (Lesson 4)

Burial

G4.LO7 - Discuss how remembrance of the departed is an act of love.

G4.LO8 - Outline and illustrate the funeral service.

Consecration of the Building of the Church

G4.LO9 - Compare and Contrast the House of God (Consecrated Church) Vs. House of Prayer (Non-Consecrated Church).

G4.LO10 - Outline the four parts of the consecration of the Church, especially laying of the foundation stone of the Church.

G4.LO11 - Understand why the Church is oriented East-West and why we face East during Prayer.

Circumcision/Naming of our Lord (Gazurthe)

G4.LO12 - Relate that the Naming of our Lord is always celebrated on January 1 because this is the 8th day of birth.

G4.LO13 - Understand it is a continuation of Jewish tradition.

G4.LO14 - Indicate this is when babies in Jewish tradition would be given their names.

G4.LO15 - Identify the name "Jesus" means savior.

Ascension (Sooloqo)

G4.LO16 - Describe the Feast of Ascension.

G4.LO17 - Identify the symbolism in the Ascension icon.

Pentecost (Siom Boorke)

G4.LO18 - Know that Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday.

G4.LO19 - Understand the Tower of Babel in relation to Pentecost.

G4.LO20 - Recognize the meanings of the icon of Pentecost.

Transfiguration (Mtale)

G4.LO21 - Know that Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th.

G4.LO22 - Identify main characters in the story (Jesus, Peter, James, John, Moses, Elijah).

G4.LO23 - Identify main events of the story.

G4.LO24 - Introduce the icon of the Transfiguration.

Assumption/Dormition of the Theotokos (Shoonoyo)

G4.LO25 - Know that St. Mary was a regular human being and she is not a goddess.

G4.LO26 - Recognize that we do not worship St. Mary, rather venerate her and seek for her intercession.

G4.LO27 - Know the significance of the date August 15th.

G4.LO28 - Understand the importance of Shunoyo Fast.

Fasting and Prayer

G4.LO29 - Define what is fasting.

G4.LO30 - Identify the different kinds of fasting.

G4.LO31 - Identify the five canonical (obligatory) fasts.

Denominational Studies

G4.LO32 - Understand that not everyone has the same faith and beliefs as we have.

G4.LO33 - Recognize that Orthodoxy is the continuation of the Ancient Church. (Lesson 1)

G4.LO34 - Know that we only receive sacraments in the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Syriac Liturgical Traditions

G4.LO35 - Understand the basic context of Liturgy as well as liturgical tradition. (Lesson 2)

Monasticism

G4.LO36 - Define what is Monasticism.

G4.LO37 - Identify the different levels of monks.

G4.LO38 - Illustrate how the life of St. John the Baptist exemplifies monasticism.

Scripture

G4.LO39 - Identify the major sections of the Bible. (Lesson 3)

G4.LO40 - Familiarize the use of Scripture in the Holy Qurbana. (Lesson 3)

Church Fathers

G4.LO41 - Explain how Church Fathers are great teachers and leaders of the Holy Church. who taught the faith through prayerful meditations and contemplation.

G4.LO42 - Understand that participants of the Holy Synods, that defined and refuted the faith of the Church, are main Church Fathers.

G4.LO43 - Name some of the main Church Fathers.