Serbia 8th Grade Curriculum - Religious Education (Orthodox Christian)

This curriculum is suggested by the Department of Religious Education of the Serbian Orthodox New Gracanica Midwestern Diocese. It focuses on core theological concepts, Biblical lessons, saints' lives, and practical applications of Orthodox faith.

7th Grade (Age 13)

• Christian Virtues: Understanding major Christian virtues such as faith, hope, love, humility, and patience.
• Moral Law: The importance of moral law in Orthodox Christian teaching.
• History and Figures:
• The Battle of Kosovo and its significance.
• The lives of Czaritza Militza and Stephen Lazarevich.
• The conversion of St. Paul and the meaning of paganism.
• The conversion of the Greeks and the role of missionary work.
• Orthodox Dogma: Key dogmas, including the Holy Spirit and the two natures of Christ.
• Church Life and Practice:
• Respect and obedience within the Church.
• The significance of St. Paul's epistles.
• The concept of God's revelation to humanity.
• The Nativity Icon and its symbolism.
• The structure and meaning of the Divine Liturgy.
• The concept of time in Orthodoxy (chronological vs. God's time).
• Christian Living:
• Church teachings on relationships.
• The meaning of God's Providence.

8th Grade (Age 14)

• The Orthodox Creed:
• Understanding the meaning of believing in "One God."
• Jesus as both Son of God and Son of Man (with Biblical references).
• The meaning of "One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church."
• Key Events and Figures:
• The significance of Pascha (the Resurrection of Christ).
• The significance of martyrdom in the Orthodox Church.
• The Great Schism between Eastern and Western Churches.
• Church Teachings and Practices:
• The Church's view on suicide and lying.
• The Church's view on cults, magic, and astrology.
• How to respond to the question "Are you saved?".
• The life of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• Differences between Eastern and Western Christmas celebrations.
• The beginnings of the Serbian state and its connection to Orthodoxy.
• The role of St. Sava in Serbian history.
• The importance of prayer and "taking up your cross."
• The Parable of the Publican and Pharisee (lessons on humility and repentance).
• The meaning and significance of Great Lent and fasting.
• The meaning of "for the salvation of all" in the Divine Liturgy.
• The structure and significance of the liturgical year and major feast days.
• The meaning and importance of the Feast of the Annunciation.
• The nine ranks of angels in Orthodox Christian teaching.
• The meaning of marriage in the Orthodox Church.
• The role of the Orthodox Church in the modern world.
• The Church calendar (feasts and fasts).
• The meaning of the Cross and "taking up your cross."
• Sects and sectarianism (including Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons).
• The Trojeruica Icon and its significance.
• The role of the family as a "small Church."
• The meaning of God's grace and providence.
• The Feast of the Annunciation and God's plan for salvation.