The Month of April is a busy one. The Lower School classes continue to learn about Lent and Easter, while the Upper School begins conversations of behavior/habits during Lent.

We invite all Godparents to visit the classes with their Godchildren on Sunday, April 9th, godparent's Sunday.

On April 14th Sunday School children in Upper School will do the readings during the Presanctified Service and Sunday School sponsors a Lenten meal afterwards, prepared by Mr. & Mrs. Vellis.

On April 15th, Sunday School, Community Link and GOYA join together for Palm tying, Pancake Breakfast and Community visits, where all those visited will receive a Palm cross. Everyone is welcome to participate!

April 16th is Palm Sunday. We take our annual Sunday School class photos. Don't be late!

April 21st is TGI Pascha. Children ages 3.5 to 14 come to church 9am to 1pm for fun-filled activities and lessons all related to Easter. Children learn symbolism for the cross, egg, lamb and have fun with an Easter egg hunt. The Upper school children help decorate the church with flowers and have fun activities. The Priest will hold a discussion with the children about the 1:00 pm service.

Our Oratorical Festival proved to be a great success! We are proud of all our participants for a job well done! Congratulations to Stephanie Rotter, who will represent Annunciation Cathedral at the District Finals, Senior Division in Belmont, April 30th.

All of the April activities have a flyer with details at the Pangari area. Children will also be given flyers for further information.

Meanwhile, please note that, since we are hosting the Archdiocese Oratorical Festival June 2-4 (the Festival itself will take place in our chapel on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 11 a.m., and we look forward to welcoming you to this most historic occasion) the Cathedral’s Sunday School graduation, with luncheon following, will take place on Sunday, June 11.

TOO EARLY TO THINK OF SUMMER CAMP?

Not for the organizers of this year’s camp at Ionian Village. In fact, they are offering a $200 credit for early registrants. Two programs are offered. One is the Summer Travel Camp, for those in grades 7 through 9, and Byzantine Venture, for those in Grades 10 through 12. For further information , please call 646 519-6190 or e mail ionianvillage@goarch.org.

Meanwhile, do jot down the first week in August. This is when Annunciation’s own camp, under the leadership of Ari Stratakis and our camping committee, takes place at the Cassini Ranch, along the beautiful Russian River. This family camp has grown over the last five years and has become a summer destination more and more of our young people, and their families, look foward to. More information on this camp, as well as the camps at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, will appear in forthcoming issues of the Herald.