St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church School & Youth Programs

A well informed Christian is a spiritually committed Christian.

Our Church School Mission

Christian education for our children is an essential ministry in the Church. The whole body of the Church participates in this ministry through the adequate provision of personal, spiritual, and financial resources.

Jesus makes it clear. He wants children to come and know Him. For us to hinder this process is a grave offense.

“But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” -Mark 10: 14

The central aim of Christian education is to evoke and nurture faith in Jesus Christ. The whole range of Orthodox educational materials—books, films, Bible Studies, lives of saints, discussion of Christian values—becomes effective only when they communicate the love and spirit of Christ.

Our Church School Program

St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church has been blessed to have many children present in the church as well as many talented and compassionate volunteer teachers. We understand that education and upbringing in the Orthodox faith is our greatest gift to our children.

General Classroom Structure

Currently our Church School Program is divided into the four following classes:

• Preschool/Kindergarten (4-5 year old)

• Lower Elementary (6, 7 & 8 year olds)

• Upper Elementary (9 & 10 year olds)

• Middle School (11 & 12 year olds)

• High School (13-18 year olds)

Classroom sizes vary from year to year. Once the church expansion is finished we are looking forward to getting back into a regular classroom routine. Currently, High School classes are meeting following Divine Liturgy in the middle classroom. Our younger kids will still work on their take home lessons until we return to new sanctuary space.

Our Church School Volunteers

Along with St. Mary Magdalene’s many children, we are also blessed with a wonderful group of volunteers assisting in the Church School Program. They are a highly qualified team coming from diverse professional backgrounds and educations. Above all, they are dedicated to the continued growth and education of our young Church members. All Church School Volunteers are background checked per the OCA and Bulgarian Diocese guidelines.

Helpers & Substitutes

• Julie Yonan

• Tammy Arnes

• Matushka Laura Bilas

Youth Events

• Mia Hillaker

• Katerina Foster

• Julie Jonascu

• Mat. Larua Bilas

Nativity Almsgiving:

Our parish youth are asked to bring St. Nicholas (on St. Nicholas Day Celebration) a new unwrapped toy for him to deliver to the foster closet.

Paschal Almsgiving:

This year’s collectin will be a cereal drive to benefit our local food bank. Breakfast cereal is a big gap of donated items to the food bank. This item is not only missed by children and their families it is also a meal that requires no cooking appliances and can be made by the children.

Looking Ahead

We are on summer break and will return September 14, 2025

Resources for Parents

A Young Family’s Guide to Holy Week

Download this document to help you guide your children through Holy Week at St. Mary Magdalene!

Elementary Pre-Lent through Pentecost workbook.

Don’t forget to turn in your pictures or writings to Fr. Gabriel on Sunday’s for a special treat!

Children in the Church

Father Gabriel’s Guide to raising children in the church.