Sunday School

Congratulations

2013 Houston Region Sunday school Competition

winners

The second annual Houston Region Sunday School competition of the Diocese of South-West America was held at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, Texas on April 20^th, 2013. His Grace Zachariah Mar Theophilos, Metropolitan of the Malabar Diocese, graced us with his presence and led the opening prayer. Very Rev. Gheevarghis Aroopala Cor-episcopa (St. Thomas, Houston), Rev. Fr. P.M. Cherian (St. Gregorios, Houston), Rev Fr. Dr. V.C. Varghese (St. Mary’s San Antonio & St. Gregorios, McAllen), Rev. Fr. Sam Mathew (St. Gregorios, Austin), Rev.Fr. Mathews George (St. George, San Antonio) and Rev. Fr. Joshua George (St. Mary’s, Houston) also graced us by being present throughout the competition.

Objective:

The Diploma exam is being conducted at the Diocese level to evaluate the understanding of the student in relation to the faith, sacramental life and traditions in the Church.

Details:

The updated Syllabus for the 12^th Grade Diploma Exam for May and June of 2013 is attached. Please note that the student who is writing the Exam has been through our Sunday school for over 12 years and should have understood the faith and life in the Church and should be able to articulate and defend the faith and traditions in the Church. However, we do not expect the students to write detailed responses to the questions that will be asked but they are expected to have an overall understanding of the faith and sacramental life in the Church and their answers should be structured in that manner and reflect that understanding. Also, these exams allow us to come together at a uniform (standardized) level across the diocese. Each examination – process is to be viewed as an opportunity for us to grow spiritually and learn more about our faith, traditions and sacraments and thus enable us to walk with our Lord a little better.

The exams are scheduled to be held across the Diocese on Sun May 12 and Sun June 9. The duration of the exam will be 2 hours. As in the previous year, we will allow the use of the Orthodox Study Bible during the exam.

All Principals are to work with the Regional Coordinators regarding the scheduling and conduct of the exams.

Principals are also requested to work with the Teachers, students and parents to ensure maximum participation in the Diploma exams.

Resources:

1. Syllabus

2. Model Qestion Paper 2012 May

3. Model Qestion Paper 2012 June

Resources

Sunday School Registration Form for students

Teachers Notes : Provides guidance and resources on how to prepare to teach.

Teachers Resource : Dn. Abey's thesis- Provides resources for teachers.

Greek Orthodox Site :Helpful articles for research.

Guidelines to be observed for properly structuring Sunday School Activities and how Parents can contribute

Guidelines on Expectations from Sunday School Teachers

Sunday School Principals and Coordinators Directory

Sunday School Teachers Certification Program

Objective

The primary objective of the Teachers Certification Program is to ensure consistent, thorough, and correct understanding of the faith, sacraments, practices, and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Church in all Sunday School teachers of the South- West Diocese of America.

Details

This Certification Course is being conducted at the diocese level. The syllabus and some of the lessons are already posted on the diocese website: http://ds-wa.org/sunday-school-teachers-certification-program.html

Sunday School

2013 Houston Region Sunday school Competition

Resources

Sunday School Teachers Certification Program

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