Christian Education in the Orthodox Church
In the Scriptures, those who follow Jesus Christ are called disciples, that is, students. This means that we all need to be dedicated to learning more of God and his Church, no matter our age. St. Herman of Alaska said, "I, a poor sinner, have been trying to learn how to love God for more than 40 years, and I cannot say that I yet love him properly .... Let us all make a vow: at least from this day, this hour, this very minute, we should strive to love God above all else and do his will!" Every day and every minute, young and old, we must try to be true disciples of Jesus Christ by learning from the teaching he has given us through his Church and by putting what we learn into practice.
At Saints Peter and Paul Church, all of us learn above all by participating in the worship, hearing the Word of God in many different ways. We encourage everyone to participate in educational activities within the parish and also at fellow churches. For further learning, we have a pamphlet rack at the entrance to the church and a lending library downstairs. Beyond that, each Christian has the responsibility to seek daily to know the Lord more deeply by reading the Scriptures, reading works of the Fathers and our spiritual elders, and above all prayer. And then we live out what we learn: " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself' " (Luke 10:27).
Church School
Christian education for children focuses upon weekly Church School following the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Our goal is simple: to help our children understand and come to love the Orthodox faith as their own.
We are so concerned with our children’s schooling; if only we were equally zealous in bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord! Do not say, “Bible is for monks; am I turning my child into a monk?” No! It is not necessary for him to be a monk. Make him into a Christian! Why are you afraid of something so good? It is necessary for everyone to know Scriptural teachings, and this is especially true for children.
St. John Chrysostom
God's Family and God's House: ages 3 to 6 or 7 (pre-readers)
This class will focuson introducing children to the church family and sanctuary and their key elements. Using a mix of craft activities and Bible or saint stories told with felt, toys, and other manipulables, children will experience concretely how God loves us, made a world for us, and wants us all to be with Him. They will also become more comfortable in church, as they better understand the "why" and "how" of worship.
Genesis! Ages 8 and up (readers)
This class will read through a very faithful retelling of the book of Genesis, the influence of which is felt throughout Orthodox worship. Every week will feature a new story and a variety of activity choices, allowing students to respond to the story in a creative manner. As the year progresses, students will create their own "Genesis Journal"which will reflect their personal engagement with the text.
Teens are welcome to attend and will have their choice of more challenging response activities. The curriculum is designed to serve a mixed age group.