From our Archdiocese:
“The purpose of Orthodox Christian Education (catechesis) is to help build up the Church, the Body of Christ, by nurturing every person in the life of personal communion with the Holy Trinity (theosis), and thus, through this ministry, to bear joyful witness to God’s loving and redeeming work in the world.”
It our hope that every student who comes to us for instruction should gain the profound understanding that Orthodoxy is not a mere list of sacraments or a system of rules, but is in fact a way of life, and that the meaning and purpose of our days is to live in personal communion with the Holy Trinity. We are equipping our students to live the Way, by offering instruction that will nourish and sustain, whether the student is a young child just beginning to learn the basics of the faith, a catechist seeking to understand the richness of Orthodoxy, or a learned parishoner seeking spiritual sustenance for the journey.
Sunday School
Throughout the traditional school year, students from Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to join our Sunday School classes, offered in Mt. Tabor Hall after communion until approximately 12:15. Students learn age-appropriate lessons, covering topics such as the Sacraments, the Nicene Creed, the Old & New Testaments, Icons and Prayer, Theosis, and The Path of Orthodoxy. The Sunday School also participates in charitable projects, such as the IOCC Sunday fundraising drive and food and clothing drives.
http://tgocsundayschool.blogspot.com/
Greek Orthodox Ladies’ Fellowship (G.O.L.F.)
Father Michael Lambakis leads our women’s fellowship throughout the traditional school year. The group meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. Everyone is welcome to attend. Childcare is available.
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
As part of our Sunday School program, our parish participates in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Students in the Junior (7th – 9th grades) and Senior (10th – 12th grades) Divisions are given the opportunity to select and research one of several topics designated annually by the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, and to compete in a parish oratorical festival. The winners have the opportunity to proceed to the regional, Metropolitan and Archdiocesan festivals. Our next parish oratorical festival will be held on March 7, 2010.
Children’s Choir
In conjunction with the Sunday School program, students join our Children’s Music Director, Mrs. Lainie Horwedel, to learn liturgical hymns. At Nativity, the Children’s Choir presents a moving Nativity Pageant for the parish community. Children’s Choir 2006Children’s Choir 2006
Children's Choir 2006
Vacation Bible Camp
Every summer, our parish offers one week of Vacation Bible Camp. All children from preschool through 5th grade are invited to join us for a week of fun, fellowship and learning. Children learn important religious lessons, create fun arts and crafts projects, learn to sing beautiful hymns and enjoy wacky outdoor games. Camp usually concludes with a field trip to nearby Holy Archangels Monastery.
Vacation Bible Study at Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery