The Fall 2016 Sunday Church School Teacher Workshop, “Bible Basics for the Orthodox Church School Teacher” was held on August 20, 2016 in Elmhurst, Illinois. Over 130 Orthodox Sunday School teachers and directors, representing 7 Orthodox jurisdictions, from throughout the Chicagoland area attended this event.

This program is designed to afford Sunday Church School teachers the opportunity to come together, in faith and fellowship, to learn about the Orthodox faith and share views and ideas on the role of Christian formation and education.

Speakers and topics presented at the workshop included: Dr. Anton Vrame, Director of the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, who spoke on the value of studying scripture. Ms. Ruth Faklis, Metropolis of Chicago Choir Federation President and retired librarian, demonstrated story telling techniques for all ages. Presvytera Nichole Boznos, MTS, a graduate of Holy Cross Seminary, discussed the challenges and blessings associated with teaching the Bible to children 2-8 years old. Ms. Jan Kolyvas, of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church, showed her unique approach in teaching the Parables to teens. Finally, a special presentation by GordanaTrbuhovich of the Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth, gave attendees information on drug and substance abuse amongst Teens In the Orthodox community of the Greater Chicagoland area.

Planning is underway for the 2017 Teacher Workshop: “Orthodox Spirituality for the Orthodox Church School Teacher”, which will be held on August 19, 2017.

For more information on this workshop and upcoming events, find the Metropolis of Chicago Department of Religious Education on Facebook, or email religiousedmc@chicago.goarch.org.