Інтегрований урок «Theology»

Lead-in 3-4 minutes

Brainstorm with the class what theology stands for. Help with vocabulary when needed.

• What do you think theology is?

• Is theology the same as religion? Why or why not?

Fast finishers: Students think of the definitions to these keys words:

• Theology

• Faith

• Doctrine

• Scripture

• Belief

• Morality

• Worship

With a weaker class, ask students to match the words with their definitions.

1. The study of God and religious beliefs

2. Strong belief in God or religious teachings

3. A set of beliefs taught by a religion

4. Holy written texts (e.g. the Bible)

5. Something you think is true

6. Ideas about right and wrong behavior

7. Showing respect and love for God

Drill words which may be difficult to pronounce, e.g. worship

Tell students to look just at the title of the article. Brainstorm with the class what it might be about. Point out to the class that often the title gives us a good indication of the content to follow.

From Pagan Roots to Christian Faith

The history of religion in Ukraine is traced back many a century. Ancient people worshipped forces of elements and ancestors' ghosts. Gods like Yarylo, Dazhboh and Perun personified the might of heavens, on enrth people were surrounded by evil spirits. But all people were protected by Mother Goddess Berehynia.

With the development of the state system there emerged the need in a different religion. Beginning in 988, prompted by political considerations, Grand Prince Volodymyr resolutely imposed Christianity in Kyiv Rus. In the 11th c.

Christianity became the dominant religion, although pagan beliefs persisted in the provinces for some time. In Kyiv, Volodymyr built the church of the Tithe, St.Basil's Church, the Church of our Savior in Berestove. The glorious St.Sophia's Cathedral (1037) is rich in mosaic and fresco decorations and icons which were revered by the faithful.

With time icons appeared in people's homes and were treated as the most cherished family procession.

Churches were not only places of prayer but also venues of public, business and educational activities.

Alongside parish churches appeared monasteries and convents. The first was the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery of the Caves (second half of the 11th c.)

In the 12th c. church life and traditions were clearly formed. It was also then that the first differences with Rome were defined, primarily because the Holy See insisted that the divine services be celebrated in Latin. However, the Greek Orthodox East was closer to the religious spirit of the Ukrainian people, the more so that Constantinople didn't mind Church Slavonic, which was ensily understood by the common folk.

Task 1:

Put the following events in the correct chronological order:

• The construction of St. Sophia's Cathedral

• The spread of pagan beliefs

• The Christianization of Kyivan Rus

• The founding of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

  Task 2: Who Am I?

  Match the names with their roles:

  • Perun

  • Berehynia

  • Volodymyr the Great

  • Constantinople

  1. Mother goddess and protector

  2. Pagan god of thunder

  3. The ruler who introduced Christianity

  4. Religious center closer to the spirit of Ukrainians

Think & Discuss

Answer in 3-5 sentences:

• Why do you think Prince Volodymyr chose Christianity for Kyivan Rus?

• Why was language an important issue in religious services?