Orthodox Christians discuss challenges facing religious leaders

“In actual formal content their curriculum was doubtless old-fashioned, but in educational power it was supreme, for it was the contact of living souls.”  
Dr. W.E.B. DuBois on functional education

Church bulletin

Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Marietta, Ga. is celebrating the feast day of the Virgin Mary with food for the mind, body, and soul.

On Saturday, August 18, the church had pre-celebration activities which included an educational workshop for teachers and a dinner featuring traditional Greek cooking, music, and dancing. About 150 people were in attendance.

Vrame stresses people over content.

Guest speaker for the religious educators’ workshop was Bostonian Dr. Anton C. Vrame, director of the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 

“The hidden curriculum, of course, is what our students see us doing everyday…everything we do is teaching,” he said.

Vrame stated the challenge of religious educators is keeping students engaged in a parish environment that is dynamic, creative, and positive. “Teach people over content,” he said of the value in reaching out to people who are looking for something, especially those who are puzzled over why God lets bad things happen to good people.

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“Be willing to make mistakes, take a break, and lighten up,” Vrame said. "Think outside variables.” He recommended religious volunteers who teach children should focus on prayer, saints, feast days, scriptures, hymns, icons, and hands on projects. He said in order for parishes to survive, they have to be connected to the communities they serve.

Greek Orthodox festivities feature sights, sounds, and smells in moving cultural experiences for young and old.

The Feast of the Dormition or "falling to sleep" of the Virgin Mary is being celebrated today and is preceded by a two-week fast from red meat, poultry, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine.

For more information on Holy Transfiguration Church, go to: http://www.holytransfiguration.info/

©2012 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved