July 30-August 2 | Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
Downloadable Material
General Information
The Department of Religious Education and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians invite you to retreat from the demands of daily life and spend time sharing fresh ideas and the latest insights for handing forward the Orthodox Faith and Tradition to young people. The Summer Institute will meet from July 30 to August 2 on the campus of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA.
As in previous Summer Institutes, there are two tracks. One is designed for Sunday church school teachers and supervisors, youth ministers, and anyone interested in teaching the faith. The second track is designed for Church musicians, choir directors and singers, youth choir leaders, or anyone interested in creating opportunities for young people to learn the musical heritage of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Topics include “Living on the Logosphere,” “Understanding Byzantine Liturgy,” “Teenagers and the Internet: What Teachers and Parents Should Know,” and “Building Faith + Summer Fun = Vacation Church School,” "'Ortho-Crafts," Desert Wisdom for City Dwellers," "Storytelling Through Art," and "St. Maximos the Confessor and the Role of the Teacher," and "Organizing for Youth Involvement in Church Music."
Each day will include worship in the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. There will be time for fellowship, sharing and networking.
There is limited space in the Polemanakos Dormitory of Hellenic College at a cost of $25 per night. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Hotel in nearby Dedham, MA at a cost of $109 per night, plus tax. Shuttle service between the campus and the hotel will be provided.
The Early Registration Fee is $100. Regular Registration is $150. This fee covers participation in the program and program materials. Participants must also cover their housing and meal costs. See options above.
Scheduled Presenters
The Presenters will be:
- His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas is the Director of the Office of Church and Society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
- Niko Chocheli has illustrated many popular books for Orthodox children, including Prepare O Bethlehem, Jonah, and Christ in the Old Testament. He teaches Fine Art in Pennsylvania.
- Barbara Harris, Rhonda Webb, Laura Morton are the creators of Traveling on the Ark of Salvation, a Vacation Church School program recently published the Department of Religious Education. They have been running Vacation Church School programs at the Orthodox parishes in St. Louis, MO.
- Theo Nicolakis is Director of the Departments of Information Technology and Internet Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
- Dr. Bradley Nassif is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University, Chicago.
- Presvytera Georget Photos has been promoting traditional arts and crafts projects for many years. She resides in Winter Haven, Florida.
- Dr. Vicki Pappas is National Chairman of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.
- Dr. Despina Prassas is Assistant Professor of Theology at Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island.
- Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris is Assistant Professor of Liturgics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA.
About the Organization
Department of Religious Education
The mission of the Department of Religious Education is to serve the parishes and dioceses of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by providing materials and services that will advance their programs of religious education. The Department also serves individuals, organizations, military bases, ecumenical groups, and overseas parishes with catechetical resources that advance the spiritual admonition to: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:1).
The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians is the Archdiocesan ministry responsible for liturgical music activities and the development, support, and recognition of church musicians. Chartered in 1976 as an official auxiliary of the Archdiocese, the National Forum serves as the liaison among local church musicians, diocesan church music federations, and the Archdiocese. It also serves as the gathering place for church musicians to discuss issues related to liturgical music and to formulate needed responses. For more information, go to http://churchmusic.goarch.org.
