Christian Education
WELCOME!
The Antiochian Orthodox Department of Christian Education (AODCE) supports church school directors, teachers, parents, and all who participate in the work of Christian education on the local level.
FEATURED EVENT
Orthodox Institute for Christian Education 2010
- 2010 Orthodox Institute, November 4-7
- 2010 Orthodox Institute Southern California, September 18
- 2010 Orthodox Institute Ontario, October 23
Update: May 12, 2010
November 4-7, 2010
Antiochian Village
Download Brochure (PDF)
Download Flyer (PDF)
Download Registration Form (PDF)
Registration Deadline: October 8
The Orthodox Institute is a pan-Orthodox event offering 15 courses for teachers, directors and those interested in the faith in an enjoyable atmosphere of fellowship and learning. The Institute is held at the Antiochian Village Conference Center which sits nestled in the beautiful Laurel Mountain region, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, an hour from Pittsburgh. Plan to arrive before 5:00 for dinner on Thursday evening. The first program will be the keynote address at 7:00 that evening. The keynote address is by Frederica Mathewes-Green, based on her book, The Open Door, Entering the Sanctuary of Icons and Prayer. The event ends Sunday afternoon, around 1:00, after the brunch that follows Divine Liturgy.
We are pleased to offer a spectacular event for our 10th Anniversary Institute: “Icons: Windows to Heaven,” with iconographers Niko Chocheli and Cheryl Ann Pituch. Read interviews with both iconographers here. We are also pleased that Dr. Anton Vrame, Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, will be with us to present a course on his work, The Educating Icon. The books noted above will be available at the Conference Center bookstore and the presenters will be available for a book-signing. The schedule allows you to take three classes on Friday, and three on Saturday. The courses marked with an asterisk will be offered both days. The course listing is as follows:
FEATURED ARTICLE
New Season of Learning Begins Sept. 12
Some of the busiest people in Antiochian parishes currently, are teachers and church school directors preparing to kick off the 2010/2011 Sunday School year. Supporting all of this activity is the Department of Christian Education, headed by experienced educator Carole Buleza. Antiochian.org was able to catch up with Carole and find out about how her department is making a difference in the lives of teachers and children in parishes all across the country. Last summer in a groundbreaking presentation at the Clergy Symposium at Antiochian Village, Carole outlined "a new way thinking about Orthodox catechesis."
1. Can you articulate for us your philosophy of Orthodox Christian Education, as it has developed over your years of experience?
My philosophy of successful Orthodox Christian Education developed first of all from my childhood. I was raised in a home where Sunday was for church and visiting, the holy days meant going to church, and the very special holy days involved special meals. I saw my mother pray the Divine Liturgy when she could not make it to church, and my dad read the Bible.
FEATURED PROGRAM
Touring the New Christian Education Website
Tour Guide: Carole A. Buleza
Thanks to the Internet, we have a twofold blessing: abundant resources, and a community of Orthodox Christians with whom we share our task.
Computer on? Internet connected? You’re ready to roll. Navigate to www.antiochian.org/christianeducation.... Welcome to the home page of our new, improved Christian Education website! Find our logo and you will be reading a letter of introduction that includes information about our office and also about the volunteer Diocesan Christian Education Coordinators. Look below and you’ll see several “featured” items—an event, an article, a program, a resource—that are refreshed monthly.
FEATURED RESOURCE
Vacation Church School
1. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has published the first of three VCS programs: The Twelve Great Feastdays, available only in print. It is designed for five half-day sessions for ages 5-11, but includes suggestions for adapting it to different schedules and ages. It is available for purchase at 800-566-1088.
2. The Hub describes many details, such as choosing a theme, daily schedule, choir rehearsal, and more.
