Church School

The Church School of Sts. Peter & Paul thrives because we have children, teachers and parents who are dedicated to the religious education of our youth. We have a very active Church School of 55 students, beginning with preschool and going all the way through high school. Our materials are the approved curriculum of the UOC of the USA and are ordered from the Greek Orthodox and OCEC materials. We also have a wonderful library of children's books and videos. Our Parish very generously provides all of the necessary funds for our Church School materials each year. Classes from kindergarten through high school meet after Holy Communion and begin with treats, birthday celebrations, announcements and a prayer before dismissing to classrooms. Our Valentine's project this past year was putting together hygiene kits for the Orthodox Christian Charities to send to those in need around the world. We also participated in the Mission Box project during Great Lent to aid the mission work of the OCMC.

This August as a kickoff to our new school year we plan on putting together kits of school supplies for the Orthodox Christian Charities to send to children in need all over the world. Our prayer journals teach us how important these missions are, and provide a means for us to learn how to pray for those in need. We will also be making prayer bead bracelets to aid us in our daily prayers. Our Church School participates in the UOL essay contest each year, and we have had many winners over the years. Many of our children serve as readers, choir members, altar servers and are members of the Ukrainian children's choir, under the direction of Liliana Roviaro. Our mission as a Church School is to develop the love of God in all of our children. For the 95th anniversary of our Church last year, our children put together a book about why they love Sts. Peter & Paul. Here are some quotes from that book:

• It helps people in need. It talks about how God made us and loves us.
• There are my friends and my family and many crafts.
• I like to hear the choir.
• Jesus Christ is there.
• The priest gives the best speeches I have ever heard.
• I like when the sun shines in.
• At the end of church, everyone sings "God Bless America."
• I love when I receive Jesus at Holy Communion You can taste the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
• I love going to Confession. You get to share your sins with God and ask Him to forgive us.
• Everyone loves God and me.
• I get to connect with God whom I love.
• The teachers are great.
• The church has really beautiful icons.
• Church School is fun.
• Father Taras intertwines Orthodoxy with modern day life.
• Sunday is the best.

Director: Janet Milton