Education Commission establishes new on-line forum

SYRACUSE, NY [OCEC/OCA Communications] — In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Orthodox Christian Education Commission [OCEC] has estaliblished a new on-line forum designed to offer educators an opportunity to share curriculum ideas and lessons, ask questions, solve problems, and network with one another.

“The purpose of this forum is to provide an on-line community for Church school teachers, Orthodox day school teachers, college professors, and anyone interested in Orthodox Christian education,” according to Ms. Eleana Silk, OCEC spokesperson. “Hosted by yahoogroups, the forum is easy to join by simply sending an e-mail request to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).”

Fifty years ago, the first annual conference on Orthodox Christian Education was held with participants from five jurisdictions: Carpatho-Russian, Greek, Russian, Syrian, and Ukrainian. During this conference, the purpose, goals, and function of a new commission were defined.

Shortly thereafter, OCEC began developing a Church school curriculum for grades kindergarten through 12. In 1960, OCEC became the first active commission of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.

In addition to curriculum materials, OCEC published two widely circulated monthly magazines—“Young Life,” for elementary school children, and “On the Upbeat” for teenagers—both of which were discontinued in the 1980s.

“Over the years, many people have made major contributions to the development of Orthodox Christian Education,” Ms. Silk said. “However, the contributions of three people that truly stand out are Mrs. Sophie Koulomzin, Dr. Constance Tarasar, and Dr. John Boojamra. It is in honor of their dedicated work that the OCEC takes this next step in the growth of Orthodox Christian education by establishing this on-line forum.”

For more information, contact Ms. Silk at 914-961-8313 ext. 365 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).