Our learning set is an act-out educational resource made out of felt fabric. It teaches the story of Holy Pentecost in a hands-on, Orthodox-focused way, helping the children better understand and remember the commemorated events and meanings of this Great Feast. The illustrations are based on the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, incorporating all relevant theological elements.

The finished set consists of:
– Twenty five learning pieces.
– A background mat, which can also be used to store the pieces.

ORTHODOX CONCEPTS TAUGHT BY THIS SET

Using our fabric set, the children will learn the story of the Great Feast, as well as the basic Orthodox theology about it.

THE STORY

Fifty days after our Lord’s Resurrection, the disciples were gathered in a room, in Jerusalem. They were about 120 men and women, including the Theotokos. The Holy Spirit appeared in the room as a rushing mighty wind, then tongues of fire descended upon the disciples. Until that moment, the disciples were confused and frightened. They hadn’t really understood what Christ’s life, death and Resurrection actually meant. The Holy Spirit filled all of them with Himself, revealing to them the whole Truth, and turning them into Apostles (Apostle = he who is sent). St Gregory Palamas tells us that each Apostle received his own gift and the ability to speak in tongues, according to his character and mission. They immediately understood everything, and courageously set out to preach the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. Following the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter gave his first sermon to the people of Jerusalem, and 3,000 people were baptized. Together with the Apostles, the Theotokos, and the pre-existing followers of Christ, they formed the first Church.

SYMBOLS and HIDDEN MEANINGS

The icon of Holy Pentecost is not a literal depiction of the historical event as it happened on the day of the Pentecost, but rather a depiction of the whole Church, with deep theological meaning. This is reflected in many of its details, which are faithfully reproduced in our fabric set. A description of the icon and all its hidden symbolisms can be found in our lesson plan on Holy Pentecost.

Please note:

This is an educational resource to help teach Orthodox Christian children. Even though it isn’t an icon itself, it depicts images inspired by icons, which in real life are treated with reverence. Please be mindful when using, washing or storing it. Finished item not suitable for children under three years old.

Making your own learning set is a very easy DIY project. The preparation mostly involves cutting the pieces, all the instructions are printed on the fabric, and, depending on your preference, there is very little or no sewing required.

Each learning set comes with an exclusive code to download additional activities that pair with the Pascha learning set. To find instructions and more, please visit: https://orthodoxpebbles.com/pentecost-set/