What do Christian cartoons teach?
Many Christians, when raising children, forbid them to watch cartoons, believing that this activity is a waste of time. Perhaps this is partly true, unless we are talking about watching Christian animated projects. There are more of these every year. Old and new, they allow kids to combine business with pleasure. On the one hand, the baby rests, on the other hand, he receives the most important information, discovers for himself the basic truths of the faith in which he is raised.
Prayers to Jesus Christ for children.
Christian cartoons are good because they can be used to explain to children in a simple and accessible way:
- what is the Bible and why is it so important for believers;
- who Jesus Christ was, what he preached;
- what historical events and figures are key in the history of Christianity.
A captivating plot, bright and beautiful pictures, God's truths - a combination that is worth betting on for any parent seeking to raise a righteous person, a person seeking to serve the Almighty not only in word, but also in deed.
Bible cartoons for children
For educational purposes, families with children can use a variety of materials, including animation projects, which are a worthy alternative to meaningless modern cartoons. Are you looking for the best animated films and TV series telling about the life of Jesus, prophets, saints, saints, Christmas miracles, miracles created by icons? The selection below will be useful to you.
"Christmas" 1997
The cartoon is an invaluable find not only for fans of the book of the same name by Mikhail Aldashin, but also for those who are just getting ready to get acquainted with his work. In the video, the characters don’t say a word, but that doesn’t make its plot any less interesting.
"Soldier's Song" 2009
Who is a guardian angel and how important is his presence in the life of an ordinary person? Explaining these things to a child is more difficult than it seems at first glance. You can make this task easier for yourself with the help of the unique project “Soldier’s Song”.
“Reverend Seraphim of Sarov” 2008
Seraphim of Sarov devoted his entire life to serving the Almighty, which was manifested not only in his respect for church canons, but also in the many good deeds he created. It will be interesting for children to get acquainted with the latter by watching the cartoon by Alena Ivakh and Vladislav Ponamarev.
"Guide" 2008
Are you opening up the world of iconography to your child? Are you preparing for a serious conversation about the history of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Tikhvin”? This video will become indispensable for you. In a simple form, it will explain to the child why this face is so important for all Christians.
"Biblical parables" 2009
A real masterpiece that makes it easier for parents to have an important task - to explain to their child who Jesus Christ is and what truths he wanted to convey to people. The educational mission is realized in 4 exciting hand-drawn animated stories.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Read the interpretation
Parable of the Lost Sheep
Read the interpretation
Parable of the Sower
Read the interpretation
Parable about the future son
"Annunciation"
This cartoon is the result of the efforts of masters participating in the multimedia project “Living Poetry/The Circle of the Lord’s Summer.” Familiarization with it allows you to better understand the essence of the Annunciation, its symbolism, as well as the most important story for believers that stands behind this holiday.
“Peresvet and Oslyabya” 2008
It is impossible to talk about the Battle of Kulikovo without mentioning the exploits of Peresvet and Oslyabi. Do you want your child to know about the heroism of these historical figures? Be sure to play him an animated film by Stanislav Podivilov.
“The Most Ordinary Story” 2014
Can the life story of Sergei of Radonezh change a person’s destiny? Maybe this is what the cartoon about the boy Lesha and his acquaintance with one of the most revered saints in Russia proves. This project is suitable even for the youngest Christians.
"A Tale with an Angel" 2004
The main characters of this cartoon are a little girl, a toy bear and a guardian angel. These three are guaranteed to attract the attention of little ones. Their story is fascinating and, among other things, teaches important things and instills Christian values.
"History of the Old Testament" 2010
A beautiful and interesting animated series. Each part of it (and there are only 6) explains to the child in an accessible form the essence of important stories described in one of the oldest books that play a key role in the spiritual life of every believer.
"Meeting" 2009
The story of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God in the format of an animated film, impressive in its quality and originality. Each frame looks bright and interesting, and the expressive narration of the narrator does not allow one to be distracted from the most interesting plot.
"Prince of Egypt" 1998
Getting to know the Christian religion is impossible without familiarizing yourself with the story of Moses. Do you want to tell your child who this prophet and leader was? A beautiful animated film will do this for you, telling the story of the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery.
"The Snow Queen" 1957
Who said that there are no important Christian truths in ordinary fairy tales? You can be convinced of the opposite by watching the film adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's masterpiece, the film adaptation of The Snow Queen. The project, created by Lev Atamanov and Nikol Fedorov, will appeal to children of all ages.
"A Christmas Story" 2009
An adaptation of Charles Dickens' masterpiece, an instructive, exciting story imbued with the spirit of Christmas. The wonderful metamorphosis of the miser Scrooge will be remembered by all the kids. Children are guaranteed to want to return to this project, full of deep meaning, again and again.
Animated New Testament Stories"
A multi-part project, after reading which children will learn who the Messiah is, how he came to earth, and what his life was like on it. In addition, kids will discover many important truths and the deep meaning of the most popular parables from the New Testament.
“Unquenchable Light” 2012
Another masterpiece by Natalia Fedchenko, an animated film that allows children to realize the power of the miraculous Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. The story about a boy who, with the help of this face, chose the path of truth will be interesting not only to children, but also to their parents.
"Polar Express" 2004
This cartoon is more than just a story about a New Year's miracle. This is an instructive and interesting Christmas tale, viewing which will allow the child to make the right choice in the future and strive to develop Christian virtues.
“The Tale of Peter and Fevronia” 2008
An example of family happiness can be demonstrated to children in various ways, including by introducing them to the lives of Peter and Fevronia, saints who remained faithful to each other in sorrow and joy. This and other important points are emphasized in the 2008 animated film.
"Intercessor" 2014
The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most important for all Orthodox Christians. It is easy to explain to a child the reason for this state of affairs, having access to a colorful and exciting cartoon created by Natalya Fedchenko.
“About St. Basil” 2008
A project that charges everyone who gets acquainted with it with positivity, instilling in them the will to do good deeds in the name of the Almighty. This cartoon tells children about the life of St. Basil and the construction of the temple named in his honor.
"Brothers" 2012
Brothers Boris and Gleb went down in history not only as Russian princes, but also as the first saints in Rus', true believers, inspiring Christians with their example to this day. The original project created by the talented Artem Lukichev tells about their lives.
"Yegory the Brave" 2009
St. George the Victorious is one of the most revered saints in Orthodoxy, a pious warrior who is considered the patron saint of the capital of Russia. Do you want to tell your child about his exploits? Do this with the help of the bright cartoon “Egor the Brave”.
"Yuletide Stories" 1994-2007
A real find for all connoisseurs of hand-drawn, non-standard “computer” cartoons. This is a collection of instructive stories that, among other things, will allow children to learn as much as possible about the very essence of Christianity.
“The Extraordinary Adventures of Seraphim” 2015
Interesting storytelling and dramatic elements are just a few examples of what made this cartoon popular. However, its main advantage is its deep meaning, which should be introduced to every child raised in the Christian faith.
"The Ugly Duckling" 1956
The well-known work of the talented Vladimir Degtyarev, a film adaptation of the well-known fairy tale about the ugly duckling. This cartoon teaches children how important it is to believe in themselves, remain themselves and fight back against all unfavorable circumstances.
"A Christmas Tale" 1993
An incredible story of the rescue of little Marusya, who almost froze to death on a frosty Christmas night. This is an animated tale about a miracle created by the messenger of God, a guardian angel assigned to a person to protect him.
"The Tale of Bygone Years" 2011
The chronicle collection of the same name is something that is difficult to read even for adults, not to mention children. Despite this, do you want to introduce your child to this work? Use the 24-episode project by Inga Monaenkova and Maria Khovenko for this.
"Enchanted Boy" 1955
Greed and cruelty are something that is despised in Christianity, something that every believer must fight against. An emphasis on this while teaching children can be done by showing them the Soviet film adaptation of “The Adventures of Nils”, a cartoon by V. Polkovnikov.
"Angel" 1996
The story is about the soul of a deceased child, about her meeting with an angel. What at first glance seems creepy and chilling, in fact turns out to be an exciting fairy tale with a deep meaning, which T. Ivanova’s animated project helps children understand better.
"Andrew the First-Called" 2012
The life of St. Andrew the First-Called is a story that inspires Christians to follow the truths of the Lord. Do you want to introduce your child to her? The best way to do this is with the help of a cartoon telling about the good deeds and fate of the apostle.
Saint Blessed Basil, Moscow Wonderworker.
Saint Blessed Basil, the Moscow wonderworker, was born in December 1468 on the porch of the Yelokhovsky Church near Moscow in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. His parents were simple people and sent their son to study shoemaking. During the teaching of the Blessed One, his master had to witness one amazing incident when he realized that his student was not an ordinary person. One merchant brought bread to Moscow on barges and went into the workshop to order boots, asking them to make them so that he would not wear them out in a year. Blessed Vasily shed tears: “We will sew you such that you will not wear them out.” In response to the master’s puzzled question, the student explained that the customer would not put on boots and would soon die. A few days later the prophecy came true. At the age of 16, the saint came to Moscow and began the thorny feat of foolishness. In the scorching summer heat and biting bitter frost, he walked naked and barefoot along the streets of Moscow. His actions were strange: he would knock over a tray of rolls of bread, or spill a jug of kvass. Angry merchants beat the Blessed One, but he gladly accepted the beatings and thanked God for them. And then it turned out that the kalachi were poorly baked, the kvass was prepared unusable. The veneration of Blessed Basil quickly grew: he was recognized as a holy fool, a man of God, a denouncer of untruth. One merchant planned to build a stone church on Pokrovka in Moscow, but its vaults collapsed three times. The merchant turned to the Blessed One for advice, and he sent him to Kyiv: “Find poor John there, he will give you advice on how to complete the church.” Arriving in Kyiv, the merchant found John, who was sitting in a poor hut and rocking an empty cradle. “Who are you rocking?” - asked the merchant. “Dear mother, I pay the unpaid debt for my birth and upbringing.” Then the merchant only remembered his mother, whom he had kicked out of the house, and it became clear to him why he could not finish building the church. Returning to Moscow, he returned his mother home, asked her forgiveness and completed the church.
Preaching mercy, the Blessed One helped first of all those who were ashamed to ask for alms, and yet needed help more than others. There was a case when he gave rich royal gifts to a foreign merchant, who was left without everything and, although he had not eaten anything for three days, could not ask for help, since he was wearing good clothes. The Blessed One severely condemned those who gave alms for selfish purposes, not out of compassion for poverty and misfortune, but hoping in an easy way to attract God's blessing to their deeds. One day the Blessed One saw a demon who took the form of a beggar. He sat at the Prechistensky Gate and provided immediate assistance in business to everyone who gave alms. The blessed one unraveled the crafty invention and drove away the demon. For the sake of saving his neighbors, Blessed Basil also visited taverns, where he tried to see the grain of goodness even in the most degraded people, to reinforce them with affection, and to encourage them. Many noticed that when the Blessed One passed by a house in which they were madly having fun and drinking, he hugged the corners of that house with tears. They asked the holy fool what this meant, and he answered: “Sorrowful angels stand at the house and lament over human sins, and with tears I begged them to pray to the Lord for the conversion of sinners.” Having purified his soul through great deeds and prayer, the Blessed One was also granted the gift of foreseeing the future. In 1547 he predicted the great fire of Moscow; prayer extinguished the fire in Novgorod; once reproached Tsar Ivan the Terrible that during the Divine service he was busy thinking about building a palace on the Sparrow Hills. Blessed Basil died on August 2, 1557. Saint Metropolitan Macarius of Moscow with a council of clergy performed the burial of the saint. His body was buried near the Trinity Church, on the moat, where the Intercession Cathedral was built in 1554 in memory of the conquest of Kazan. Blessed Basil was glorified by the Council on August 2, 1588, which was headed by His Holiness Patriarch Job. The description of the saint’s appearance retains characteristic details: “all naked, with a staff in his hand.” The veneration of Blessed Basil has always been so strong that the Trinity Church and the attached Church of the Intercession are still called the Church of St. Basil. The saint's chains are kept in the Moscow Theological Academy.
