St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
A Classroom & Family Life Activity
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Materials
Icon of St. Nicholas
Materials needed for a charitable project (such as explanatory notes to take home and a box or basket for donations. Perhaps several smaller ones scattered in various locations would work also.)
Procedure
Read St. Nicholas' life. A simple one is found in A Way of Life
Emphasize his good deeds, kindness, and generosity. Discuss how St. Nicholas often gave gifts to others and no one knew who gave them. St. Nicholas was also a great Bishop. What is a bishop? Who is our bishop? Recall and show pictures of a time when the bishop visited your parish. Decorate the boxes with bright colors to attract attention. Or use stickers for decoration. Use these collection boxes throughout the Nativity Fast season.
Optional Activities
- Some cultures leave shoes out so that St. Nicholas can fill them with treats. This could be done outside the classroom door during class for a wonderful surprise! Letters can also be sent home explaining this custom, so this could be done on the exact day of St. Nicholas' commemoration (Dec. 6).
- Learn to sing the greeting hymn for the bishop found in Orthodox Hymns for Children
From "Classroom and Family Life Activities/Projects for the Season of Christmas—Week 2, Session 4: St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra" Department of Christian Education, Orthodox Church in America. Used by permission.