LessonsLesson 17

Preparing for Lent · Week 17

Paregentan

Բարեկենդան

feast

For younger children (5-6), focus on the vocabulary cards and repetition. For older children (8-10), engage with the discussion questions and encourage them to use the words in sentences.

🙏 Opening Prayer

Read together, slowly.

Տէր Աստուած, օրհնեա́ մեզ.

Der Asdvadz, orhnyal mez.

Lord God, bless us.

📖 This Week's Story

Before the serious time of Lent begins, Armenians have a big celebration called "Barekendan" — which means "good living" or "good eating"! It's the last day of fun and feasting before we start fasting. People dress up in costumes, dance, eat delicious food, and have a wonderful time. It's like a big party! Armenians say: "Eat well today, because tomorrow we begin our Lenten journey." Barekendan reminds us that our faith has room for both celebration and quiet reflection. We enjoy God's gifts today, and tomorrow we'll focus on growing closer to God through prayer and fasting.

📝 Vocabulary

Տոնախմբութիւն

Donakhmpootyoon

Celebration

Barekendan is a big donakhmpootyoon.

Պար

Bar

Dance

We bar at the celebration.

Միմակ

Meemag

Mask/Costume

Kids wear a meemag for Barekendan.

🎮 Activity

game

Freeze Dance! Play music and have the kids dance. When the music stops, everyone freezes. Last one to freeze is out. Celebrate the joy before Lent begins!

  1. 1What is your favorite way to celebrate?
  2. 2Why do we celebrate before the quiet time of Lent?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Փառք քեզ, Տէր. Ամէն.

Park kez, Der. Amen.

Glory to you, Lord. Amen.

Want your child to learn Armenian at home?

Try our K-5 curriculum — interactive lessons from alphabet to reading.

Get Started →