Department of Christian Education leads sessions at St. Tikhon’s and Holy Transfiguration Monasteries

Department of Christian Education leads sessions at St. Tikhon's and Holy Transfiguration MonasteriesOn Monday, May 25, 2009, members of the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Christian Education [DCE] conducted activities for over 100 children during the 105th Memorial Day Pilgrimage at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA.

The activities explored the lives of the saints and employed the department’s two most recent activity books — “Saints of North America” and “Saints in Times of Trouble.”

The following Saturday, May 30, the DCE sponsored a Christian Education conference at Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Elwood City, PA. Titled “In the Beginning,” the conference is one of a series conducted recently in different regions of the US.

In her keynote address, Matushka Valerie Zahirsky, a long-time DCE member and noted author, educator, and speaker, explored various methods to teach major themes revealed in the book of Genesis. Throughout the day participants also took part in workshops offering creative ideas and resources appropriate for home and classroom use and related topics. Feedback from the conference was very positive, with participants expressing their hope that similar programs will be offered in the future.

Department of Christian Education leads sessions at St. Tikhon's and Holy Transfiguration MonasteriesThe mission and focus of the OCA’s Department of Christian Education is to support of Church school teachers, clergy, families, and others engaged in faith formation at every age level.

More information about DCE programs and resources, including the aforementioned activity books, may be found on the department’s web site here.