Jim Kastanis' Observations to Fr. Michael's GA Report
5/22/08
I would like to address a couple of topics in Fr. Michael’s report at the Spring General Assembly:
1- Sunday School attendance. Quote: “I feel that our children are now attending our Sunday school not just to play basketball and dance but they are thirsting to learn about our Lord and His Holy Orthodox Church.” If this is the reason why do we still have the attendance point system in effect?
I hear from our children that they need to attend Sunday school to acquire points to be able to play basketball or dance. Let’s eliminate the point system and evaluate the attendance.
2- Greek school attendance struggles. Quote: “Why don’t we send our children to learn and better understand the Greek language and heritage?
Other than the public schools, our children gather the most at church or church functions. Why aren’t we introducing them to more Greek to whet their appetite? In Sunday school we can teach The Lord's Prayer in Greek, The Creed in Greek, responses such as “Kyrie Eleison”, “Sy Kyrie”, etc. Make them aware and proud of their great heritage and meaning to be of Greek origin.
- Jim Kastanis
1 comment:
Interesting how Greek School is now a concern- wasn't that the first thing they threatened to cut when we don't pay our dues? Let's ask the Greek School what support they really get from our clergy...
As to sunday school... too old and out of touch. I guarantee they are not thirsty for anything other than jump shots and solos. The point system has made sunday school into a necessary evil for our youth. A negative consequence, we focus on punishment instead of encouragement.
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