Holy Bread
OBJECTIVE
The theme for the liturgy module in first grade is to teach about objects used in the liturgy. As students begin to learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the things we use in the liturgy, they will begin to appreciate it more. For the next 5 weeks, make connections between what you are teaching and what the students see in the church. Constantly point out the importance of it and what purpose it serves us and the church. Take the children into church and show them the items or bring them into the classroom (with the priest's permission of course). The objective of this module is to continue to foster an understanding and love for our church. Today, we are going to focus on the Holy Bread.
INTRODUCTION & HOOK- 10 Minutes
Draw a big circle on the board. If you can, have the children hold hands and form a circle. Then ask them:
- Where is the beginning of this circle and where is the end? There is no beginning or end
Hold up an orbana. Ask:
- What shape is this orbana? A circle It is round because it represents God, who has no beginning and no end.
Say:
- Did you ever wonder who makes the orban at church, how it's made, and what all the crosses on the orban mean? Well that's what we will be talking about today
HOLY SCRIPTURE - 10 Minutes
Memory Verse: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
CONTENT (Key Points) - 10 Minutes
Deacons make orban. While they are making the orban, they pray the Psalms from the Agpeya.
The Orban is always round and has no beginning and no end.
- This represents God because He has no beginning and no end.
It is stamped in the middle with a special wooden stamp.
- The stamp has one big cross in the middle surrounded by twelve little crosses.
The big cross in the middle represents Jesus Christ. The middle part is called the Spadikon. The 12 small crosses surrounding Jesus represent the 12 disciples.
There are five holes in the orban. The 5 holes represent Christ's wounds:
- The 2 holes in His hands.
- The holes in His feet.
- The stabbing of the spear on His side.
- The final hole representing the Crown of thorns.
Around the cross is written "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal" in Greek.
The Orban is made from pure wheat and is always freshly baked in church.
The Orban has to be made as perfect as possible, free of all cracks and deformities, representing the all-perfect Christ that is free of all deformities.
The Orban is then transformed into the Body Of Christ during Holy Communion through the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION - 5 Minutes
If you could coordinate with the person who makes orban to do a demonstration or a class for the children to make orban, that would be the most ideal and a very memorable activity
Kids can follow along this video while making orban with play-doh.
If that is not possible, have the children mimic making orban out of play-doh. They could draw the crosses and other details with toothpicks.
Activity sheet is also attached below.
DISCUSSION
Write each of the following questions on separate index cards and have students choose a card and answer the questions on them
- Why is the orban made in the shape of a circle?
- What do the 12 crosses around the middle represent/symbolize?
- What does the large cross in the middle represent?
- What is written around on the orban?
- What does the orban maker pray while making orban?
RESOURCES
PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK
Today, we talked about who makes the orban and what all of the crosses and symbols mean on the orban. Review these points with your children: There are five holes in the orban.The 5 holes represent Christ's wounds. The 2 holes in His hands. The holes in His feet. The stabbing of the spear on His side. The final hole representing the Crown of thorns. It helps to know the meaning of orban and its symbolism.