April 2007

St. George’s, Portland Training
Submitted by Alexandra Obeid

On November 21, 2006, the church school staff of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon gathered with the neighboring Antiochian, OCA, and Greek Orthodox church school faculties to participate in a workshop led by Kh. Linda Funk, of the Antiochian Department of Christian Education.

The workshop, “Educating Ourselves and our Children in Godliness,” was very effective, informative and spiritual. The participants felt ready at the end of the day to meet the challenge that lay ahead of them in their classrooms. Kh. Linda is a gift to the Department. Her love for Christ and His Church is obvious and her teaching method is very practical and convincing. We hope we will have her visit our parish again in the near future. Fr. Alban West is the pastor; Alexandra Obeid is the Church School Director.

From the Director’s Desk

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

As the church school year winds down, a certain question is typically asked by every teacher, “Just what did the students learn this year?” The question arises as our church school attendance is often inconsistent due to distance, athletics, and other activities. Having both taught, and been a church school director for years, when I came into my current position, I vowed to make “firm knowledge of the faith,” one of my priorities for the students, along with nurturing their spiritual maturity.

Use OCEC Materials (Available through the Chancery). The Way, The Truth, and The Life, a high school or 8th grade book that offers the basics of our faith, was the fi rst response. A second step towards the goal is “Knowing Your Faith.” This web-based program is detailed on the following pages. The fi nal step will be the revision of all the OCEC texts. For those who have not been using OCEC texts, it is time to begin to use them, complemented by the materials in “Knowing Your Faith.” Use of the OCEC material will now systematically build a body of knowledge for our students to acquire.

Teacher Training. With the standards raised for our students, we need to provide adequate training for our teachers. Along with the OCEC Department of Teacher Training, we have been offering workshops I and II of “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness.” If you would like to host a teacher training, please contact your Diocesan Representative (listed on page four of this newsletter).

Orthodox Unity. The departmental staff held our annual midwinter meeting in early February. At this meeting we plan the next Orthodox Institute at the Village. The theme for 2007 is “Orthodox Unity.” This is a cause that Metropolitan PHILIP has championed. Our Department has also worked consistently toward this end by having presenters from various jurisdictions at our Institutes. Please make arrangements now to be at the Village November 1-4! We are also planning the second Orthodox Institute Northern California in San Francisco in September. Information on both events is on page four of the newsletter.

Creative Festivals. Seven years ago it was brought to my attention that participation in the Creative Festivals was a challenge for most of our teachers. After extensive study and much discussion with the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, our department will assume leadership for the Creative Festivals in August 2007. Kh. Leslee Abud is the Chair for this project. Details will be forthcoming; however, changes will be minimal the first few years.

Thank you for another year of dedication,
Carole Buleza

The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April.
The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday.

Phone (717) 747-5221. FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: DCE@antiochian.org.
Web page: www.antiochian.org/christ...

The Department gratefully acknowledges the on-going support of The Order of St. Ignatius which helps fund, in part, the programs we offer.

“Knowing Your Faith”
Teachers + Parents (Working Together) = Children Knowing the Faith

In most parishes, children do not come regularly to Church School, and teachers can become discouraged. If you have wondered, “Just what did I teach the students this year,” this program, based on the OCEC publication, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, will help you answer that question.

The educational standards found in The Way, The Truth, and The Life, have been cross-referenced with the lessons of the current OCEC texts for grades K-5. Repetition is key to the success of the program. The students should see the questions and answers posted, and go over the ones they have learned for a few minutes every Sunday. In this way, even the child who comes half of the time has a good chance of knowing the year’s standards.

The other key component is the home. The prayers can be placed in the child’s icon corner and practiced each night. A parent can choose the first Sunday of each month to review standards with the children. As with public school, when parents work with teachers, children achieve more. The letter at the right provides an explanation of the program. Some of the program visual aids are shown as well. The program is offered free via the website at www.antiochian.org/christ..., click “Knowing Your Faith.”

The teacher materials include an 11 x 17” scroll, a simple game, and the standards printed individually.Those who have classrooms can put the individual standards on bulletin boards, or walls. Those who don’t have classrooms can mount the scroll on a piece of foamboard and prop it on a chair. Only the OCEC materials, combined with “Knowing Your Faith,” provide our students with a knowledge base culminating in The Way, The Truth, and The Life. As one of the disappointments with the OCEC material is its lack of color and engaging graphics, please note that for the lessons referred to in “Knowing Your Faith,” we will be providing, during the coming year, replacement lessons that are beautifully rendered, and which seamlessly present the educational standard specifi ed for the lesson.

Resource Review
International Orthodox Christian Charities’ My Prayer Journal

My Prayer Journal is a good start to helping our children learn about what the IOCC is doing, both in our country and abroad. It helps the children learn about other places, recognize the needs there, and formulate prayers to ask God to meet those needs.

Each month, the journal presents one area of need and the IOCC’s response to that need. Each spread features a map of the world, showing where the needy area is, and outlining the shape of the country in need. The spread includes several pictures from that country, a fast fact about the country, a related quote from the church fathers, a selection of a prayer from the Divine Liturgy, and a verse from the Scriptures. There is also room for the children to write what they’re praying for and what they’re thanking God for.

When I first used the book with my children, I had to talk them through what they could pray about. As they have continued to work in the book, however, I am amazed to see them begin writing almost as soon as we have finished reading the information. They find ideas or inferences in the information that leads them to praying for the needy people, and they always have something to thank God for, as well.

After we read and the children write their prayers, we stand before the icon of Christ blessing the children that we have on the wall in our schoolroom, and pray. The children have prayed their written prayers as well as other unwritten ones, for the people they’ve just learned about. It has been a beautiful way for us to work on helping the children pray in their own words for the needs of others.

NOTE: This is an excerpt from a longer review. The full review, including a page from the booklet, is posted on the website, under Resource Reviews. The booklets are available in August of each year. To order individual copies, go online at www.iocc.org/journal. For parish orders, contact the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese toll-free at 1-800-566-1088. The prayer journal is free, but shipping charges may apply.

February 2005

SHARING THE FAITH
NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & TITHING

From the Directors’ Desk
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have begun a colllaborative effort with the Orthodox Christian Education Commission, to offer an intitial teacher training program called "Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness." Matushka Myra Kovalak, of the OCA, is coordinating trainings on behalf of our Archdiocese, and all who are members of the OCEC. There has been a very good response to this program. If your parish would be interested in hosting this workshop, please let me know, and I will forward your request to Mat. Myra.

Our Orthodox Institute 2004 was a great success, with participants learning, sharing and enjoying our beautiful Antiochian Village. There are more photos on the website in "Photo Gallery." We thank Bishop Basil, and Sr. Magdalen for four excellent presentations, and for being with us during the weekend.

As we enter a new year, I wish to highlight two new initiatives begun at year end.

Teacher Training.

"To Tithe is To Love."

I ask that church school directors, pastors, and parents let me know how the tithing program worked in your parish. I can be reached by email at DCE@antiochian.org.

Website. May God bless all of us with a fruitful new year! With great enthusiasm the Department launched a more extensive website. With the coordination of several volunteers, we have made progress, although by "fits and starts--" my sincere apologies! If you have not checked out the Antiochian Gospel program, that follows the lectionary for the year, please do so! After the Gospel program, my next goal is to have material posted for all the feasts, in "Celebrate the Feasts!" I am not going to indicate a timeframe, so as not to disappoint. Be a web-watcher and be surprised!First, and most importantly, the Department met the challenge of Metropolitan PHILIP who mandated that tithing be taught to the children. It is God whom we imitate when we give, sacrificially. In Jesus birth, and death and resurrection, we see that "giving" is what (Christian) life is all about. We give our tithe so that our churches may be strong in order to become what we are, the Body of Christ, for the world. The children are to continue to bring in their tithe, and teachers are to continue collecting their offerings, throughout the year. If this seems God does not ask of us anything that is not for our own good!

Carole Buleza

Department of Christian Education
Regional Coordinators
Please contact the Regional Representatives for updates on trainings and other events in your region

Eastern: V. Rev. George Alberts (203)798-1771
Midwest: Robert Snyder (330)493-4029
Western: Joseph Tershay (831)335-8350
Can-Am: Jacquelyn Fadel (716)282-8243
Southwest: Vasiliki (Billie) Oldziey (512)459-6264
New England: Anna Timko-Hughes (978)686-3274
Southeast: Betty Randolph (864)639-2204

The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April.

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221. FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: DCE@antiochian.org. Web page: www.antiochian.org/christ...

The Department of Christian Education gratefully acknowledges the financial contribution of the Order of St. Ignatius which funds, in part, its operations and programs.

"Following the Star into the New Year"

by Carole Buleza

As I write this in December, I am listening to the familiar Christmas carol, "O Come! O Come, Emanuel!" The song continues with, "and ransom captive Israel, who moans in lowly exile here, until the Son of God appear." Pondering the phrase, it occurs to me that the traditional carols have some common threads, evidenced in these familiar lyrics, "Joy to the world, the savior reigns!" "Hark, the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king!" "O holy night, the stars are brightly shining! It is the night of our dear savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ’til he appeared, and the soul felt its worth!"

At the time when these carols were written, as well as long before Christ, life and what it meant, was different than today. Centuries ago, many grew their own food, or labored hard in a trade. Life was about the cycle of the seasons, and hard work. For those who suffered from disease, war, famine and other handships, life was about surviving bad situations, and hoping that there was an afterlife that would be better. Even if one survived hardships, death generally came earlier than today—often in the fourth or fifth decade of life. There is an adage more appropriate to earlier centuries, but still around, "As soon as you are born, you begin to die."

Enter the nativity of the Son of God, sent to save us

In the traditional carols we see the words, "ransom," "captive," "exile," "savior," "king," "sin," "error," "pining." The carols speak to the longing of humanity, for a savior who will rule the world with truth and justice, and who will save us from our sins. They speak to, perhaps, a different experience of life—one where hardship predominated, death was never far away, and sin was real. Today, for most of us in the western world, life is not too hard. We sing the traditional carols as glibly as "Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Our Orthodox children know that Christ’s birth is celebrated at Christmas, but I venture to say that they don’t bring to the feast the understanding of what it is like to be in need of anything, much less salvation. We have, in the western-secular world, become the Pharisees—the ones who didn’t need Christ.

The situation needs to be corrected, first by contemplating our own need for salvation, and then by addressing the situation in our families. I have a few thoughts to share. First, in the home, the children must have a focal point, where the family prays together, where children can be brought to ask forgiveness of one another, and where a candle can be lit in time of need. This is known as "the icon corner." Also in the home, the children need to learn

heartfelt "thankfulness" for even the cup of juice that Mom or Dad serves, so as to be formed into people who realize their dependency on others, and most especially, on God. Second, the children must see church as their second home. They must see their parents venerating the icons, asking for the Mystery of Confession, and they must be brought to it often. By attending services, and participating in church activities, the children see that church is of utmost importance for their family.

In regard to the third idea, it is imperative that the family discuss what it means to offer the weekly donation. The Department of Christian Education and Tithing has provided a kit to every parish for the program, "To Tithe is To Love." By helping our children learn to tithe, or offer 1/10th of all they receive and earn, we are offering a priceless education. One who tithes learns obedience, stewardship, and trust in God--all these are qualities on the path to salvation. One who tithes grows into the knowledge that one’s whole life is to be "at God’s service." In Christ, the soul feels its worth. Christ becomes the reason for living, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:34).

The three kings, or wise men, of the nativity story, have much to teach us. As we know, from the carol, they traveled over field, moor and mountain, from "afar" to see the newborn king. Our troparion also speaks of them, "Thy Nativity, O Christ, our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest thou didst come O Lord, glory to Thee." We, like the kings, must be ever-seeking, Christ, our savior, even if it means a journey that makes us change our life. We, like the wise men, need to turn from worshipping material goods, money, or prestige, and turn to worshipping God. We, like the kings, need to present our treasure to God, in church, out of love, so that our church grows strong to become a beacon of salvation for the community.

The Christmas themes of "awaiting," "seeking salvation" occur regularly during our fasting periods. As we enter into the Lenten season, Zaccheus, the Publican, and the Prodigal Son are all offered to us as models of ever-seeking God and salvation, with each having his own lesson to offer.

Let us follow the star of Bethlehem into the new year. Like the wise men, let us overcome all obstacles and distance to come into God’s presence. Let us, like the wise men, offer our treasure to God humbly and with gratitude. Let us find our treasure in Christ.

from the consequence sin, namely, eternal death; and for eternal life with God. To the weary he said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). To the sick, he gave healing, and to the sinners, he offered forgiveness and a new life. The ones who did not listen to his words were the Pharisees, who needed nothing, and were content in their self-judged righteousness.

Photos from the 2004 Orthodox Institute

December 2004

From the Directors’ Desk
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that the school year has begun well for all of you. Are you seeing, in each of your students, the image of God? Each person is made in His image, so the opportuntity is always there. Let us seek, and find, what is godly in each child we teach. One of the saints used to greet each of those who called on him with the phrase, “My joy . . .”

The past few months have been exceptionally busy with the formal launching of the teacher certification training, “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness.” I had the pleasure of visiting many, many fine parishes and meeting scores of dedicated teachers. I typically forget to take photos, however, and apologize that the only two I can share are from St. Matthew’s Parish in Torrance, California, where Fr. Simeon Corona is pastor.

The Department has launched a new website, so please check it out, and a new program, “To Tithe is To Love,” to teach this venerable tradition to our children. I explain the program more on the following pages. Finally, my regional coordinators and myself sent out 250 red folders for every parish priest and church school director, to acquaint all with our resources, services, and events. I managed to create a handy one-page reference sheet, which I have included as the last page of this newsletter.

Finally, in our next newsletter, in the February issue of The Word, you will see photos and find remarks of participants of the 2004 Orthodox Institute with Keynote Speakers, His Grace, Bishop BASIL, and Sr. Magdalen of England.

May God be with you,
Carole A. Buleza

Department of Christian Education
Regional Coordinators
Please contact the Regional Representatives for updates on trainings and other events in your region

Eastern: V. Rev. George Alberts (724)684-5472
Midwest: R.obert Snyder (330)493-4029
Western: Joseph Tershay (831)335-8350
Can-Am: Jacquelyn Fadel (716)282-8243
Southwest: Vasiliki (Billie) Oldziey (512)459-6264
New England: Anna Timko-Hughes  (978)686-3274
Southeast: Betty Randolph  (864)639-2204

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221.
FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: AODCE@AOL.com

Web page: www.antiochian.org/christianeducation

Introduction of “To Tithe is To Love”

The program to teach the children to tithe, “To Tithe is To Love,” will begin this year and run during four Sundays of the Nativity Fast. In preparation, tithing was the topic of the Department’s workshop at each Parish Life Conference this year. In cooperation with Ron Nicola, Chair of the Stewardship Department, the Parish Council Symposium participants benefitted from that same workshop as well as teachers and church school directors, at the 2004 Orthodox Institute in early November.

Program Implementation. The Church School Director will receive a kit for the program in November. The teachers will receive lesson plans for 10 minute add-on lessons to those they have already prepared. This year, the aspects of tithing that will be taught are those found in stewardship: the giving of time, talent, and treasure (tithe).

In addition, I have determined that the spiritual qualities we need to build in our students in order to make tithing a lifelong habit are: trust, stewardship, obedience, and giving oneself to God. I have identified a saint for each of these qualities, so that a saint will be highlighted along with each lesson plan. A set of visual aids, or small posters, with these saints will be available. Each week, the children will be provided with a doorknob hanger highlighting one of the saints, to remind them to bring in their offering each Sunday. Parishes that have children’s offering envelopes can simply have the children place their offerings in the box.

The children will bring in their tithe each week, and place it in a collection box with a cover of the “logo” for this year’s program. The classes will bring their boxes to the ushers, or to the priest, each week. This will continue throughout the year. Please contact the Department if you have any questions or need further materials. May God bless us in this new program!

AODCE Services and Resources

Church School Directors can request “Basic Church School Director” training which comes with a valuable manual. In addition, many valuable resources are found on our website,
www.antiochian.org/christianeducation
• “Sharing the Faith,” our Departmental newsletter, also found in The Word magazines for the months of September, December, February and April;
• Creative Festival Lesson Plans,  four levels of lesson plans designed to assist teachers as they introduce the year’s theme to their students;
• A Listing of Our Curriculum, published by the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (O.C.E.C.);
• “One Month At A Time,” a page written by an experienced Director who shares what she is planning and doing each month;
• “Resources and Ideas for Small Church Schools,” a paper listing and explaining valuable websites and material resources with ideas for implementing grade-spanning lessons.

Parents can look to the website for resources as they strive to raise their children Orthodox. The Department offers a 2-hour workshop, “Raising Children Orthodox.” The website section for parents has two pages at this point, but will receive others during the year. The pages are:
• “Antiochian Gospel Program”: features five levels of pages to introduce the Gospel of each Sunday, with discussion questions and illustrations. The Gospel is paraphrased for the younger children. Parents can print out the pages to read to, or with, their children on Saturday evening in anticipation of the Gospel, or on Sundays to reinforce the message. The program is also a resource for small church schools.
• Children’s Book Reviews: Orthodox publishers are now offering beautiful full-color books for children, which will be presented and reviewed on this page.

“Seekers” will have a page on the website with two sections:
• Book Reviews: Orthodox publications will be reviewed
• Inspiration: Passages from classic Orthodox writers will be highlighted.

Teachers can benefit greatly from the training, “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness,” which is given through the Orthodox Christian Education Commission. The training is comprised of two hours in each of the following courses: Introduction to Teaching, Overview of Orthodoxy, and Orientation to Curriculum. Effective teaching techniques are modeled during the presentations, and notebooks are distributed so that participants can easily implement what they have learned. More information (as well as participants’ comments) on the training can be found on our webs

The website is also a place to find many teaching aids. The following pages comprise the Teacher Section: 
• “Celebrate the Feasts:” A listing of the major feasts of the Church, with lesson resource material for five levels of students;
• “Out of the Box”: Ideas submitted by teachers and the Departmental Staff;
• Middle School: A listing of the “interim curriculum” units that are available;
• High School: A description of the new text, The Way, The Truth, and The Life; a listing of the “interim curriculum” units that are available, and the “Cross and Quill” archives indexed by topic, so that a single article can be printed.

December 2006

From the Director’s Desk
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
During this holy season, I am pleased to present photos from teacher trainings we have held in the Archdiocese, with the collaboration of the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC). As we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, let us appreciate how our teachers are striving to be the best they can be in order to “bring to birth” Christ in each of our students.

To Tithe is To Share. This year’s program is now on the website and ready for your use. A monthly booklet has been prepared, in four levels, with the theme of the liturgical year. The pages are simple, and take only five minutes once a month. In this way we are regularly teach about tithing, and remind the students to continue in the practice. Posters are available on the site, and measure 8.5” x 14”. If you don’t have a printer that can handle a larger size, simply download the file onto a disk, and take it to an office or copy store and have them print it for you.

While you are on the site, check out “The Scribe,” a program for middle school students, and “Knowing Your Faith: Educational Standards for the OCEC Texts.” May God bless you all!

Carole A. Buleza

Knowing Your Faith: A Firm Step in the Right Direction

“Knowing Your Faith” offers educational standards for the OCEC textbooks, grades K-5. In most parishes, children do not come regularly to Church School, and teachers can become discouraged. If you have wondered, “Just what did I teach the students this year,” this program, based on the OCEC publication, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, will help you answer that question.

The educational standards found in The Way, The Truth, and The Life, have been cross-referenced with the lessons of the current OCEC texts for grades K-5. The program will be offered free via the website. For updates on its availability, go to www.antiochian.org/christ..., or www.orthodoxed.org.

First Orthodox Institute of Southern California held in Irvine

Top: Participants gathered before the iconostas of St. Mark’s Church. Bottom, Mat. Myra Kovalak presenting, “Introduction to Teaching.”

St. Mark’s Church, Irvine California, was the site of the first Orthodox Institute of Southern California, held on September 10. Mrs. Carole Buleza, Director of the Department of Christian Education, Mat. Myra Kovalak, Director of the OCEC Department of Teacher Training, and Mr. Joseph Tershay, Diocesan Coordinator for Christian Education, presented the courses to over 40 participants, representing five local Orthodox communities.

Those in attendance were very pleased with the day, and expressed gratitude to Fr. Michael Laffoon, Kh. Donna, and Mr. Joseph Tershay for organizing the event.

The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April.

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday.
Phone (717) 747-5221.
FAX (717) 747-5832.
E-mail: DCE@antiochian.org.
Web page: www.antiochian.org/christ...

The Department gratefully acknowledges the on going support of the Order of St. Ignatius which helps fund, in part, the programs we offer.

St. George Little Falls, NJ Hosts Training

On October 21st the OCEC teacher training event, “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness, I” was held at St. George Parish, V. Rev. Elias Bitar, pastor, Mr. Brian Nafash, Church School Director.

The presenters were Mrs. Carole Buleza, Director of the Department of Christian Education, and V. Rev. George Albert, Diocesan Coordinator for Christian Education. Three parishes were represented at the training, and all enjoyed the wonderful Lebanese luncheon as well as the activities.

TITHING PROGRAM 2006
To “tithe” is to return to God ten percent of all we earn and receive.

The Department of Christian Education Tithing Program, “To Tithe is To Share,” is now available on the website (www.antiochian.org/christianeducation/Tithing2006.) This children’s program is mandated by the Archdiocese, and reinforces the decision of the Archdiocesan Convention of 2005 that parishes will tithe 10% of their income to the Archdiocese by 2008 for programs that support departmental efforts, and benefit the needy.

Featuring booklets that follow the liturgical year, the students spend five minutes per month with the activity on one of the pages of their books. There are four levels of booklets available, along with teacher notes: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and a combined Middle School and High School. The children will also receive special envelopes with the program logo on them. The envelopes are meant to be reused. It is suggested that parents keep the envelopes in the family icon corner during the week, so that tithing as soon as allowance is received is made easy.

Tithing builds strong churches, and more churches. To tithe is to share; to tithe is to care. Tithing benefits all of us!

April 2004

April 2004
The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April. The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221. FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: AODCE@AOL.com

The Department of Christian Education gratefully acknowledges the financial contribution of the Order of St. Ignatius which funds, in part, its operations and programs.

Sharing the Faith
Religious Education News From Around the Archdiocese

Recommended for All Church School Teachers!

Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness
Initial Teacher Certification Training

Consisting of three two-hour courses:
Introduction to Teaching, Overview of Orthodoxy, Orientation to Curriculum

Participants are asked to bring a copy (student and teacher manual) of the program they are using.

The following events have been scheduled for the spring:
* April 30-May 1, Cicero, Illinois
Info/reservation: Robert Sweiss (708)945-6969
* May 14-15, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Info/reservation: Kh. Linda Funk (306)244-4009

Please phone ahead for details and reservations.

Christian Education Workshop for Parish Life Conferences 2004

"As For Me and My Household, We Shall Serve the Lord”"
What is the role of the family, parish and diocese in the salvation of the world?

Call for Ideas
What would help you raise your child Orthodox?

As we enter the 2004-2005 school year, we will be developing new programs and resources for parenting. Do you observe your child lacking in certain aspects of the faith? What would you like to see us develop to help you be successful at your job of passing on the faith? Send your ideas to the Department.

From the Director’s Desk
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

When I first took this position, I told those to whom I addressed that improving Orthodox Christian Education hinged on the curriculum, staff, and parents, and their working together. I am pleased to report that we are now ready to address the needs of parents and home.

As a parent of two young children, I have many ideas for resources that would make my job easier. I hope that in the coming months you will brainstorm with one another about your ideas and begin sending them via email or ground mail to the department. This year's Christian Education Workshop at the Parish Life Conferences will begin to explore the aspects of Orthodox Christianity that build a strong family for Christ. Come and share your ideas there as well!

Our next Orthodox Institute will feature Sr. Magdalen of Essex, England. Look for brochures to be available at your parish life conference. I would recommend her two books to any parent! If you have a parent group at your parish, these would make excellent read and discuss materials.

The teacher certification program begun this school year has been endorsed by the Orthodox Christian Education Commission. You may attend any O.C.E.C. sponsored event at parishes of other jurisidictions, and you will receive the same training and certificate as you would from our Regional Representatives and Trainers. I urge all teachers to take the six hours of coursework--thus far every evaluation has been extremely positive, even those from professional teachers! Contact the Department if your parish would like to host an event.

May God bless you as we near Pascha!
Carole A. Buleza

Department of Christian Education Regional Coordinators

The following Regional Coordinators are available for updates on trainings and other events in your region.  Please contact the Department of Christian Education for more information or see the Regional Coordinators page. 

Eastern: V. Rev. George Alberts
Midwest: Robert Snyder
Western: Joseph Tershay
Can-Am: Jacquelyn Fadel
Southwest: Vasiliki (Billie) Oldziey
New England: Anna Timko-Hughes
Southeast: Betty Randolph

Resource Review
Children in the Church Today

By Sr. Magdalen
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press

Children in the Church Today is a short book filled with practical advice that was written by Sr. Magdalen. It is based on a series of informal talks given to Orthodox Christian parents at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England. Sister Magdalen addresses various problems that parents might face, whether their children are toddlers or teenagers. She acknowledges that every family is unique, with its own special circumstances and challenges, but she offers suggestions that are applicable to any Christian family.

At the very heart of Sr. Magdalen's advice is the necessity of prayer: "In the upbringing of children, a knowledge of child psychology, or even a fine intuition about one's own children will not lead to eternal being unless we also 'invite' divine grace by prayer. We must pray in the morning, in the evening, and at any moment when we need God's will, and learn to discern the inspiration of God. By the practice of prayer we achieve our highest aim: to be saved, and to help our children reach eternal life." She is aware that in our busy lives today, most people have difficulty finding enough time to pray, so she suggests incorporating prayer throughout the day as we go about our daily activities. For example, a short prayer can be said when leaving or entering the house, on the way to work or school, while cooking dinner, and carrying on the rest of our tasks each day.

Other topics include the responsibility to set a good example in the way we lead our lives, and the need to raise children in a home filled with love and respect for one another. While attending church services is very important, she recognizes the delicate balance that must be maintained between the spiritual and material worlds: "Children should not be over-burdened by …being taken to every church service because the parents would like to attend. We would not wish our children to give in to laziness about attending church, but if they see church as a boring obligation, they are likely to revolt against it."

She also discusses such issues as leisure time, social life, and leading a Christian life in the teen years. Although one might assume that Sister Magdalen would think of amusements and social life as irrelevant, she states, "If we neglect this vital aspect of our life our children will either drift with the world's current, or feel stifled and rebel."

I highly recommend this book to all parents. You will find a wealth of guidance and inspiration as you meet the daunting challenges of today's society and engage in the difficult task of raising Christian children to adulthood.

Rosemary Shumski, Administrative Assistant, Department of Christian Education

Orthodox Institute 2004
Keynote Speaker:
Sr. Magdalen of England

We are very pleased that Sr. Magdalen of England has agreed to be the keynote speaker at our next Orthodox Institute. She will be addressing the difficult issues children raise in regard to the faith, and will also give guidance on how to find peace through contemplative prayer.

Resource Review
Conversations with Children: Communicating our Faith

by Sister Magdalen
Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Essex, England

"Conversations with Children" is a wonderful guide to teaching and parenting. While giving no pat answers, because there are none, we are given examples of various ways to convey our Faith to our children with wisdom, grace, love, and humility. It is easy to see why Sr. Magdalen's Sunday School is so successful from the free and easy exchange between her and the children. Her love and respect for the children is evident as she listens and learns from them.

Divided into three chapters, "Conversations" can be read in order or not. Each chapter has an introduction, a chapter summary with sub-categories in-between. Throughout, Sr. Magdalen uses the conversations as examples of successful and not so successful lessons. She quotes heavily from Saint Silouan the Athonite, Archimandrite Sophrony, Holy Scripture and the Church Fathers. She sets the example for us as a teacher who is continually learning and growing. Most importantly she instructs us to pray for guidance. ". . . we can pray: "Teach me what I should say and how I should speak. If it be thy will that I make no answer, inspire me to keep silent in a spirit of peace that causeth neither sorrow nor hurt to my fellow." Archimandrite Sophrony.

From these conversations we see that every teaching situation is different as every child's journey is different. Our roles as teachers and parents are to guide our children along the path to God to become "eternal persons". We do this by being role models (imperfect, but striving to do better) for the children to follow. As Sr. Magdalen points out, " . . . children must know us as real people, not merely as educators . . . If teachers are themselves grateful children of our Heavenly Father, their children will learn from this attitude more than from anything else." Elsewhere she says, "Those who speak most effectively are those whose life reflects what they teach . . ."

Never should we force our children to fit into a mold which we have created. She quotes from St. Maximus: "The mystery of salvation belongs to those who choose it, not to those who are compelled by force." They must find their way and come willingly and lovingly to God. Our role is to be there for them with God-inspired love.

Vasiliki Oldziey, Southwest Regional Coordinator

Orthodox Institute 2004, November 4-7, Antiochian Village
(Workshops begin on Thursday evening, and conclude on Saturday evening)

What did Christ save us from?
By Carole A. Buleza 

On a Sunday morning a few years ago, we were getting ready to visit an Orthodox Church in the region. "Where are we going?" my daughter asked.

"To Christ our Saviour Church," I replied.
After a moment she inquired, "Mom, what's a savior?"
"A savior is someone who saves people."
"What did Christ save us from?" she asked, puzzled.

After responding, I mused over the fact that she had sung the Paschal troparion by heart for several years. She had attended church school regularly. I tried hard to remember when I knew the answer to that question, and decided I definitely knew it by age seven. I believe now that she didn't know the answer because "savior," and "salvation" are not so widely understood as when I was young and most people believed in sin. Kenneth Woodward lamented this state of our society, in a recent review of "The Passion." To make a point about western Christians who have forsaken the cross, he quoted H. Richard Neibuhr: "A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment though the ministrations of a Christ without a cross."

It is not difficult to fall into that way of thinking. Our ancestors no doubt thought more about salvation than we did, especially if they were poor or oppressed. Today we enjoy so much material prosperity that it is easy to get lulled into thinking we have few needs, and only ourselves to thank for what we have. 

In the Old Testament there are many stories of salvation. God saved Noah and his family. God saved His people from slavery in Egypt. God saved Daniel in the Lion's Den. Our Holy Saturday Vespers service is filled with the stories of God's mighty acts of salvation. They remind us that our God is a God of salvation-of life. They set the stage, so to speak, for the definitive act of salvation, Christ's death and resurrection, to be experienced that night.

Of all the Old Testament stories of salvation, the Passover and the Exodus, is the most significant, and Moses is the most important person. After the Pharaoh had repeatedly gone back on his promises to release the Hebrews, God told the people what to do. A lamb was to be slaughtered and hyssop dipped in its blood. The lintel and doorposts were to be sprinkled with the blood. "You shall observe this as a perpetual ordinance," said the Lord, "for yourselves and your descendants . . . When your children ask you, 'What does this rite of yours mean?' You shall reply, "This is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt; when he struck down the Egyptians, he spared our houses'" (Exodus12:24, 26-27). And so it happened. The Lord slew every first-born in the land of Egypt.

The Passover ("pesach" in Hebrew) for the Jewish people set the stage for Christ, the "New Moses." The New Moses shed his own blood, not just for the Jews, but for all people, that we may pass from death to new life. "Pascha" is taken from the word, "pesach." Jesus has saved us from eternal death. Jesus has saved us for eternal life. We who are baptized have passed over from death to life. 

Orthodox Christianity has kept salvation at the forefront. For us, life is about salvation-consider how many times in the Divine Liturgy we say the words "save, Savior, salvation?" Yet, how often do we reflect on our need to be saved? We say, "Lord, have mercy" during the litanies, but do we realize that without God's mercy we don't stand a chance of eternal life?

At Forgiveness Vespers my seven-year old son hesitated when it came time for the prostrations, despite the fact that he had done them for years. "What are we doing?" he asked.
"A prostration," I answered. "Jesus is our savior. He saved us from eternal death. He is our Lord and Master. We are showing with our bodies that we are His servants; this is what a servant might do in front of a king," I explained not quite so articulately in between all the going downs and getting ups. That evening, I told both children that we would be fasting. My first-grade son, finally eating lunch at school, has developed a love of corndogs. He wasn't happy to learn they were on the "no" list.  

"We fast to remind ourselves that our lives depend on God, not food," I explained. He still grumbled. When they told me they were invited up the street Friday for a play date, I told them we would be attending services every Friday during Lent. Having been lax about this over the years, due in part to children who did not do well at evening services, I could understand their amazed looks. 

"The Lenten services let us spend more time with God," I explained. "We need quiet time to think about how we've sinned, and to ask God to have mercy on us. Jesus has brought us from death to life eternal. He alone is our Lord and Savior. We need time to grow closer to God."

Would I say the word "salvation" to my children except for their protests in regard to Lent? Probably not. Will they hear it in the media or in school? Definitely not. Is it really necessary for them to know that life is first and foremost about salvation? Yes, even at a young age.

Let us meditate often in these days, on what salvation means to us, so that we are ready when the questions come. To paraphrase from the Lord's command to the Israelites after the Passover  ". . . On this day you shall explain to your son, "This is because of what the Lord did for me when I was still a slave to sin and death." (Exodus 13:8)

105 Leader Heights Road
Suite 130
York, PA 17403
Office: (717) 747-5221
E-mail: AODCE@aol.com
Fax: (717) 747-5832

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday.

September 2006

  

The Department gratefully acknowledges the on-going support of The Order of St. Ignatius which helps fund, in part, the programs we offer.

View PDF of last page of Newsletter - "Lesson Planning"

April 2006

 Expanded Content from the April 2006 Issue of the Word Magazine:

SHARING THE FAITH
NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

“Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness I”

The teacher training program, “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness I” was presented in two parishes recently, St. George of Houston, Texas, and St. John the Baptist of Post Falls Idaho. If you are interested in hosting this valuable and enjoyable training, please contact your Diocesan Christian Education Coordinator. Additional photos can be viewed at www.antiochian.org/christianeducation, “photo gallery.” Michelle Fellegy’s article is abridged here. The complete article can be found on our website under “Teacher Trainings.”

St. George Church, Houston Texas

Having recently completed a Christian Education wing, St. George Church in Houston, Texas hosted the training, “Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness,” January 21, 2006. The 25 participants were from OCA, Greek Orthodox, and our own parishes. Mrs. Vasiliki Oldziey, Diocesan Christian Education Coordinator, and Mrs. Carole Buleza, Archdiocesan Director of Christian Education, presented the workshops. At the conclusion of the event, Kh. Gigi Shadid, whose home parish is St. George’s, presented her new CD of Orthodox children’s songs.

We congratulate the Houston parish for providing the new addition of classrooms; the education wing is very beautiful, and a wonderful statement of the generosity of this vibrant community. Fr. John Salim is the pastor, Fr. Joseph Huneycutt is the associate pastor, and Mrs. Susie Sobchak is the Church School Director.

The new Christian Education wing

Participants working together

Participants working together

Mrs. Vasiliki Oldziey presenting, "Introduction to Teaching"

St. John the Baptist Church, Post Falls Idaho.  

“This, then, is our task: to educate ourselves and our children in Godliness.” -St. John Chrysostom, Homily on Ephesians

When I discovered the availability of hosting a Teacher Training Workshop, I was immediately filled with the yearning to have this workshop at our parish. We hosted the workshop, February 24-25, 2006. The workshop consisted of three units, Overview of Orthodoxy, Introduction to Teaching and Orientation to Curriculum. This was a Pan-Orthodox event and all area churches were invited. Some participants traveled long distances and stayed in hotel rooms. It was similar to a mini-retreat.

Presbytera Linda taught us to impart the life-giving beauty of Orthodoxy to our students. As a group, our understanding of God, life, death and salvation was deepened because of this unit. We learned that we are to impart knowledge, and to encourage spiritual growth in our students. The new strategies and classroom management techniques will breathe new life into our church school. I would recommend this workshop for all parishes to experience.

I am thankful that Khouria Linda was able to travel here to Post Falls, Idaho and enlighten the staff at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. I’m reminded of the quote I recently read, “Beloved Christians, you and your children shall appear at that Judgment of Christ, and you shall give account for them to the just Judge. He will not ask you whether you have taught your children the arts or whether you have taught them to speak French, or German, or Italian, but whether you have taught them to live as Christians.” – Tikhon of Zadonsk 

Fr. Gregory Horton is the pastor. The article is by Michelle Fellegy, Church School Director.

Participants writing lesson plans

The Fellegy family with Fr. Gregory and Kh. Cindy Horton

From the Director’s Desk

Beloved Fellow Servants of Christ,

I hope you have enjoyed “meeting” our Diocesan Christian Education Coordinators in the September, December, February and April issues of The Word. Their complete biographies and articles are available on our website. In addition to the Diocesan Coordinators, we have three associates on board with specific areas of interest. Kh. Leslee Abud for the Creative Festivals, Ms. Catherine Sullivan for Small Church Schools, and Kh. Gail Meena for Multiple Intelligence Strategies and Special Needs children. We are so blessed to have these dedicated volunteers!

Our next Orthodox Institute will feature courses that will assist us personally, and as teachers, in the sharing of Orthodox Christianity. It is the mandate of Christ that we “make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you . . .” (Matthew 28:19-20). While we may not be comfortable going door-to-door, it is the goal of the next Institute that we be comfortable with our faith so that we can share with a friend or co-worker, when asked a question. The courses of the Orthodoxy track will offer a comparison of Orthodox Christianity with the beliefs and practices of Protestants and Catholics. We are privilged to have His Grace, Bishop Mark as the keynote speaker.

Continuing Education. We have made progress with our important goal of bringing continuing education to each diocese, every year. This school year we christened the Orthodox Institutes of the Midwest, MidAmerica, and Northern California. Be in touch with your Diocesan Coordinator for information about next year’s events. More Institutes will be forthcoming as soon as the Coordinators are ready. 

Endowment. You may know that Ruth Ann Skaff is now the Director of Development for the Archdiocese, but did you know that the Department of Christian Education has an endowment fund with the goal of $1 million? When the goal is reached, the interest will be added to our yearly budget so that we can build, or renew programs, such as a revised Girl’s Tea, a page on the website for priests and the needs of adult education, a page for church school directors, on-going ideas for teachers, and more. In my report to the National Convention last year, I offered a five-year retrospective, as well as plans for the future. you may read, “Director’s Five-Year Report,” on the website. The report details 21 initiatives, either completed, “in progress,” or desired for the future. We are at the point where an additional staff person is needed in order to move forward. The endowment could turn this need into a reality. If you, or anyone you know, has a commitment to Orthodox Christian Education, please mention the endowment to them. Ruth Ann Skaff can be contacted at development@antiochian.org.

Your servant in Christ,
Carole Buleza

Department of Christian Education
Diocesan Coordinators
Please contact the Diocesan Coordinators for updates on trainings and other events in your region

Oakland, PA & the East;
New York and Washington DC:
V. Rev. George Alberts (203)798-1771

Toledo and the Midwest:
Robert Snyder (330)493-4029

Los Angeles and the West:
Joseph Tershay (831)335-8350;

Eagle River and for Northwest:
Linda Funk (306)934-1695

Ottawa and Upstate New York:
Jacquelyn Fadel (716)282-8243

Wichita and MidAmerica:
Vasiliki Oldziey (512)459-6264

Worcester and New England:
Anna Hughes (978)686-3274

Miami and the Southeast:
Betty Randolph (864)639-2204

The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April.

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221.
FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: DCE@antiochian.org. Web page: www.antiochian.org/christianeducation

The Department gratefully acknowledges the on-going support of The Order of St. Ignatius which helps fund, in part, the programs we offer.

Resource Review

www.familyaschurch.org

Phyllis Onest, whom many of you know from her courses, involvement with the Orthodox Family Life, and her extensive resource display that she has shared with us at our Orthodox Institute (at the Village) informed me that she is now an associate with the Center for Family Care (GOA) website, noted above.

I visited the website and was pleased to find resources that can be downloaded, such as “My Prayer Book,” a four page resource with morning and evening prayers, and particularly with “A Table Prayer Guide,” that has a variety of prayers. I recommend both and look forward to using them with my family. The latter includes a bibliography on the subject of the Orthodox family.  Check out this site!

2006
Orthodox Institute

Antiochian Village
November 2-5

Keynote Speaker:
His Grace, Bishop MARK
Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest

Theme: “Sharing Your Faith”

Courses will assist teachers when asked questions such as:
 - Why do we have to go to church?
 - Why do we fast?
 - Why are there other Christian denominations?
 - What is so special about our faith?
 - How do I explain why my friend can’t come to Communion?

Fr. George Alberts and Kh. Betty Randolph presenting, “Overview of the Divine Liturgy” at the 2005 Institute.

Presenting
Ms. Jacqueline Fadel
Coordinator for the Diocese of Ottawa and Upstate New York

 Jackie has served in this capacity since the early 1990’s. Prior to her retirement in June 2004, she taught in the Elementary Division of the Niagara Falls School District for thirty-three years, the last twenty in a specialized program for the Gifted and Talented. She has also served as Recording Secretary for NAC SOYO, Oratorical Festival Coordinator and worked for a number of years as Stewardship Coordinator for the Diocese. She enjoys volunteering at the Antiochian Village Summer Camp where she once served as Volunteer Coordinator. 

Presenting
Anna Timko Hughes
Coordinator for the Diocese of Worcester and New England

Anna has been involved in church school education for thirty years. Holding a B.A. in Sociology and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education and History, she currently teaches World and American History at Methuen High School. She is author of Divine Liturgy: An Interactive Guide and has taught various classes at her parish of St. George Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She also worked or volunteered at Antiochian Village since 1980.

The above article, as well as the articles of all eight of the Diocesan Coordinators, are offered in their entirety on the Department’s website. More extensive profiles of Ms. Fadel and Kh. Anna Hughes can also be found there. 

February 2006

 Expanded Content from the February 2006 Issue of the Word Magazine:

• "The Question" by Betty Randolph
• "Feast of St. Ellien of Homs, February 6th" by V. Rev. George Alberts

SHARING THE FAITH
NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

From the Director’s Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With the new year, comes my renewed desire to maximize our Department’s website. On my dream list is a page for frequently asked questions, a section for parents--"Raising Children Orthodox," monthly ideas for teachers-- "Out of the Box," an expanded feastday section, and continuing education for adults.

At this point in the school year, we are looking forward to our third diocesan Institute, in San Francisco on March 17 and 18. We have had two already (Livonia, MI, and Oklahoma City, OK) as well as the yearly Archdiocesan event at the Village. (A diocesan Orthodox Institute offers between six and nine courses. The event at the Village offers 18.) Mrs. Valerie Zahirsky, Co-chair of the OCA Department of Religious Education was with us at the Village. We have spoken of our two Departments jointly hosting the Orthodox Institute events, and hopefully within a year that can become a witness to Orthodox unity.

On that note, the initial teacher training, modified to the needs of future priests, was presented at St. Tikhon’s Seminary this November. The presenters were: Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, and myself from the Antiochian Archdiocese, and Mat. Myra Kovalak, and Matthew Hatrack, from the OCA. The training was very well received and, I hear, spurred many a class discussion that week.

I am absolutely thrilled to see such interest in being well-trained. Look for those who availed themselves of the certificate courses at the Village, on the following pages. May God guide our every endeavor in the new year!

Carole A. Buleza

Pan-Orthodox Training at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in Pennsylvania. From left: Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, Mat. Myra Kovalak, Carole Buleza, Matthew Hatrack.

Upcoming Events
(Pre-registration REQUIRED)
San Francisco, CA, March 17, 18
Orthodox Institute Northern California
Contact: St. Nicholas Church, (415) 648-5200

New Westminister, BC, March 17-18
Teacher Training: "Educating Ourselves and Our Children in Godliness I"
Contact: Nada Shami, (604) 777-9180.   

Department of Christian Education

Diocesan Coordinators

Please contact the Diocesan Coordinators for updates on trainings and other events in your region

New York and Washington, D.C. & Oakland, PA and the East:
V. Rev. George Alberts (203)798-1771

Toledo and the Midwest:
Robert Snyder (330)493-4029

Los Angeles and the West:
Joseph Tershay (831)335-8350

Eagle River and for Northwest:
Kh. Linda Funk (306)934-1695

Ottawa and Upstate New York:
Jacquelyn Fadel (716)282-8243

Wichita and MidAmerica:
Vasiliki Oldziey (512)459-6264

Worcester and New England:
Kh. Anna Hughes (978)686-3274

Miami and the Southeast:
Kh. Betty Randolph (864)639-2204

The Department of Christian Education newsletter is published in the months of September, December, February, and April.

The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221.

FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: DCE@antiochian.org. Web page: www.antiochian.org/christianeducation

The Department gratefully acknowledges the on-going support of the Order of St. Ignatius which helps fund, in part, the programs we offer.