September 2003
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS
September is, of course, the month of beginnings. As we all know, our Ecclesiastical Year begins on September 1st, which has been designated “A Day for the Protection of the Environment.” Sunday School this year begins on September 7. Sunday School is a unique opportunity for our children to learn about our Faith, through projects, reading, and study, in addition to group worship at the Divine Liturgy. Therefore, we applaud the parents (in the case of the younger children), who see to it that their children come to Sunday School and that they come on time (Sunday School begins at 10:30 a.m. sharp). We also applaud the students (in the case of the older children) who choose to participate in Sunday School and to take an active role in the development of their faith through their relationship with Christ. Finally, we thank a group of dedicated volunteers, who commit Sunday after Sunday to teach our children. As Orthodox Christians, they know that we ourselves grow in the Faith by helping others also grow in the Faith. And, so, our vibrant and wonderful Sunday School is about to get under way. We invite you all to be a part of it.
NEED TO RECRUIT
Four (4) new Sunday School teachers and assistants are needed as we begin the 2003-2004 school year, which resumes September 7. Search within and see whether you have that special gift of teaching. Our precious children will benefit, as you will by teaching them the way of the Lord. Please call Denise Yeilding or Father Stephen at the Cathedral at 415 864-8000.
GREEK SCHOOL BEGINS
September is also the month for the resumption of Greek School. For
years, Greek School has been a Saturday morning affair. Children would
gather at 9:30 and would be taught to read, write, and speak Modern Greek
until 12:30 p.m., with one or two breaks in between. In recent years,
an adult class was added.
However, with Saturday sports, shopping, work and other demands on the schedules
of both children and adults, a trial class was held on Wednesday evening last
year. It was so successful, that parents, teachers, and students voted to change
over to a weekday schedule. Therefore, Modern Greek will be taught as follows:
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, 4 to 6 p.m., for children in levels one and
two; Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, 4 to 6 p.m., for children in levels
three and four. Modern Greek for adults will be taught Tuesday evenings, 7
to 9 p.m.
Classes will begin Tuesday, September 16. Since the Cathedral pays the Greek
School teachers, the Cathedral, in turn, needs to collect a modest tuition,
as follows: $200 for the first child, and $150 for each of the other children
of the same family. The adult tuition is $200 per semester. For further information,
please contact Demetra Armenakis, at 415 876-0536.
ST. NICHOLAS RANCH & RETREAT CENTER HOSTS YOUTH WORKER’S CONFERENCE
On September 19-21, St. Nicholas Ranch will host the first-ever west
coast Youth Worker's Conference. This will be a Pan-Orthodox event under
the sponsorship of SCOBA (Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in
America). A similar conference has been held on the east coastat Antiochian
Village for several years now, but this will be the first timea west
coast conference has been held.
We would like to have a strong turnout for this event. It is believed that
the conference, which will feature Fr. Dan Suciu as keynote speaker, will be
a very valuable and practical experience for the youth workers of our Metropolis.
Annunciation Cathedral’s youth workers are, therefore, invited and encouraged
to attend. Although the conference coincides with Annunciation’s Festival,
those who are not directly involved are urged to go to St. Nicholas. We all
agree that whatever time is spent on our youth is a great investment for the
future of our parish.
ANNUNCIATION SUMMER CAMP
Annunciation Cathedral’s 4th Annual Family Camping Trip, held August
1-5, at the Casini Ranch Family Campground on the Russian River, was
a great success. As in past years, campers and their families experienced
the beauty and excitement of California’s north coast at this camp site,
nestled on the historic Russian River. Here, hiking, bicycling, volleyball,
softball, horseshoes, crafts and fishing were enjoyed, as well as relaxation
along the river in a canoe or by the beach.
For the first time since we have camped at the Casini Ranch Campground, Father
Stephen was able to spend Saturday, August 2nd, with the children and their
families. Although somewhat jetlagged, having just returned from Cyprus, by
means of London and, earlier, Hawaii, he was able to spend the day and accompany
them to Jenner, where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Thanks, of course, goes to Ari Stratakis, who organized the camp, and to the
parents and campers who attended, making it a memorable experience. Needless
to say, we look forward to our 5th Annual Family Camping Trip, same time, same
place, 2005.
September,
2003
Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral