Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Catechism School
CURRENT AND UPCOMING CATECHISM SCHOOL EVENTS AND PROJECTS
Holy Friday Retreat
Last week, our Youth Ministries team hosted nearly 40 children for our annual Holy Friday Youth Retreat. This year’s theme was “Come Receive the Light.” Students attended the morning Royal Hours service, gathered for a talk with Father John, and spent the afternoon engaged in lessons and crafts. It was a beautiful day immersed in fellowship, learning, and prayer.
We’d like to thank the many GOYANs who helped out with the retreat, the parents for their generous food donations, and the adult volunteers who graciously gave their time to this important event. In particular, thank you to our Choir Director Jim Papacostas for spending the afternoon teaching a Pascha hymn to our children. What a joy to hear their voices singing “Come Receive the Light” in anticipation of the resurrection!
We are so blessed to have such a supportive community for our youth. May Christ continue to keep all of our children in His light, now and always
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Catechism School News
Congratulations to Catechism student Eliana Ojeda, who represented our parish at the Delaware Valley District Oratorical Festival at St. Thomas in Cherry Hill, NJ, last weekend. She shared an informative speech about Saint Marina of Antioch and made her Annunciation family proud. Congratulations, Eliana, and thank you for representing your church!
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
The Children's Word-Orthodox Christian Network
A weekly newsletter that includes a message, coloring page, and activities on the Sunday Gospel lesson and one of the Saints for the week.
Orthodox Pebbles- A digital collection of high-quality, free, online Orthodox Christian educational resources for young children.
Be the Bee is a video series about finding God in everything, every day.
A collection of icon printables for coloring.
MISSION
A house needs a solid foundation, and a tree requires deep roots to grow. The Annunciation Catechism School aims to create a safe, nurturing environment where youth can build faith in Christ, learn Eastern Orthodox traditions, live their faith with love and enthusiasm, become disciples, and experience God’s presence.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew. 28:19-20
CURRICULUM
Our Church School uses texts from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, added with references, projects, and activities. Children learn beyond the classroom via church processions, special services, the Nativity Pageant, 'Ask Father' sessions, and involvement in Annunciation/Evangelismos's service ministries.
PARTICIPATION
Catechism classes are held every Sunday from September to May and are available for children in Pre-K (starting at age 4 and fully toilet-trained by the first day of class) through High School (12th grade). For younger children, please see our “Little Apostles” pre-Catechism class.
Classroom instruction starts after Holy Communion and lasts about 45 minutes. Lessons use creative methods and follow the Archdiocese's curriculum, with additional special programs. Children learn best by living their faith at home and school, especially through participation in Liturgical and Sacramental life. Our teachers create a welcoming environment. Learning is fun! Join us!
'25-'26 Youth Ministries Registration
CONTACT
