THANK YOU for your interest in our Holy Week Craft Kit! We are very excited to be taking this Christ-centered creative journey together with you. Please scroll down for a tutorial on how to make today’s craft and for additional teaching resources.
It is a popular Greek tradition on Lazarus Saturday to bake Lazarakia – sweet bread rolls in the shape of Lazarus – to commemorate the miracle of the Raising of Lazarus which is the main theme of the day. Our craft is inspired by this tradition.
THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
Lazaraki lacing card
(plus options for older children)
LACING CARD
You will need:
- The printed Lazaraki template provided in the kit
- A shoe lace or a similar piece of cord or string, edges taped all around so they won’t fray
- A pair of scissors
- A hole puncher
How to make the craft
Cut out the paper Lazaraki.
Using the hole puncher, punch several holes all around the “body” of the Lazaraki, avoiding the head.
Ready! The child can thread the shoe lace through the holes to wrap the Lazaraki up just like Lazarus was wrapped in cloth strips. The craft can be used as a prop to discuss the story of the Raising of Lazarus and the tradition of the Lazarakia bread rolls. You could also bake real Lazarakia rolls, for a special and sweet treat. Look for our favorite recipe at the additional resources below.
ALTERNATIVES FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Older children might find this craft a bit childish, so we are offering two additional ideas below.
Lazaraki recipe card
You will need:
- The Lazaraki template
- A sheet of card stock in any color
- A pair of scissors
- Glue or tape (double-sided tape works best)
- Pencils, pens or markers
First the child cuts out the paper Lazaraki. Then s/he folds the sheet of card stock in half and cuts it around in an oval shape. Inside the card, the child writes the recipe for the Lazarakia, the ingredients on one side, and the method on the other; s/he can also decorate the inside of the card as desired. Then s/he glues the back of the card behind the body of the paper Lazaraki.
The card can be offered as a gift to a family member or a friend who might want to make Lazarakia, or, if the circumstances allow, it can be used by the child(ren) to make real Lazarakia rolls with the help of an adult. Our favorite recipe for Lazarakia can be found at the additional resources below.
Lazaraki hand puppet
You will need
- The Lazaraki template
- A paper lunch bag
- Scissors
- Glue or tape (double-sided tape works best)
Glue a paper lunch bag, bottom up, on the back of the paper Lazaraki, then cut off the parts of the lunch bag that are protruding beyond the Lazaraki shape. Make sure not to cut all the way through the sides of the bag, so it will hold together when the hand is placed inside of it.
The child can then use the puppet to tell the story of the day from the point of view of the Lazaraki (“I am a Lazaraki, a special sweet bread. People only bake me once a year, on Lazarus Saturday. I am named Lazaraki in honor of Lazarus. He was…”).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
BIBLE READING: John 11:1-45
Extra lesson plan
Resources for teaching about the Raising of Lazarus.
Printable packet
Planner, fact sheets, worksheets, and flashcards.
Digital activities
Animated slideshow and a variety of games.
Lazarakia recipe
Our favorite recipe for making Lazarakia bread rolls.
This tutorial is part of the HOLY WEEK CRAFT KIT
by Orthodox Pebbles.
Special thanks to Presbytera Destinie of Ascetic Life of Motherhood for exploring the kit with her sweet little children and sharing wonderful photos with us.
Orthodox Pebbles 