Orthodox Faith Sunday School

A Letter from the Director

September 2026

Beloved Parents and Parishioners of Saint Demetrios:

In the Gospel it is written that a certain young man is in search for a positive role model who can teach and reveal to him the secret of life in hopes that he might realize everlasting salvation. Recognizing Jesus Christ as a very wise Teacher, he approaches Him with sincerity and an open heart, prepared to act upon whatever guidance he might receive and asks: “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16)

Unlike the young man who sought His counsel, children are entitled to develop spiritually from their early formative years and learn the teachings of Jesus Christ and how to be delivered from sin. But, because children are powerless, influenced by adults and required to follow their lead or set examples, they often have little choice or voice, and grownups might have a tendency not to prioritize their specific needs. As a result, essential divine ‘musts’ that would ultimately channel them to eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom many times go unfulfilled.

At this very delicate age, kids search for and gravitate toward role models who will care for, teach, cultivate, and guide them in the proper direction to realize and fulfill their undefined lifelong spiritual goals.

While the Holy Bible does not specifically mention Sunday School, the idea of educating however, is present in the New Testament Greek word ‘paideia’ and is translated with the word ‘nurture’ in Ephesians 6:4. During the early years of the Church, believers met in homes, caves, or other secluded areas where they would not be discovered due to the fear of persecution. The teaching of God’s truth to children remained the role of parents and was always fulfilled with piety and zeal. Sadly, in our modern-day society, which is influenced by far too many distracters; this practice is no longer a priority for many, and the time for prayer and religious education has become limited to once a week at Church and what we now call “Sunday School.” However, the lessons offered to children in their classrooms each week for 35 – 45 minutes, is inadequate and should merely be a ‘supplement’ to what is taught at home; the ideal situation is for Church and family to collaborate and work together to nurture children into the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Matthew 18:1-3 reads: At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Our Lord and Savior not only welcomed the child but asked everyone to enter the eternal realm of God’s blessings as children! This New Testament passage teaches us that children are not only invited, but they also can show us (adults) the way to salvation.

Focusing on their children’s religious needs, parents can likewise benefit from studying Triune, Virgin Mary, Saints, and Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Faith, ecclesiastic calendar, and services. By embracing those researching experiences, they too will be ‘welcoming God’ into their daily personal lives and homes. Most importantly, they will be spiritually growing with their children, so that one day they also may be received “as a child” – eternally united in the Kingdom of God with joy in the Resurrection and Life-everlasting.

Sunday School begins each Sunday @ 9:50amJust bring them & trust us to do the rest!

Faithfully yours, in HIS service.

George ZaverdinosOrthodox Faith Sunday School Director