Where can my children obtain an Orthodox education?

The need for children to receive an Orthodox education in our time has never been more crucial. In past decades a good secular education complemented Christian norms and practices. This is no longer the case. In the guise of political correctness, students are taught to accept social norms and values which are totally at odds with our Orthodox way of life, so much so, that what is abhorrent to God is presented now as logically correct, fair and appropriate. Ultimately what Orthodox children are taught and exposed to in their formative years has a direct bearing on their very survival, as this affects them emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

In April this year Metropolitan Hilarion and the Victorian clergy met with the bishops and clergy from Greek, Serbian and Rumanian Orthodox jurisdictions for the first time at the Greek Orthodox college - Oakleigh Grammar. Subsequently our clergy attended an Oakleigh Grammar presentation to review their academic standards and facilities; they match or exceed those of other quality Grammar schools, with very competitive costs. The school is now open to all Orthodox students.

On 1 January 2012 the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College officially changed its name to Oakleigh Grammar. The new name reflects the school’s current emphasis on providing an international and contemporary education, with academic excellence as the ultimate goal.

It is now attracting a broader demographic of students to better reflect multi-culturalism in 21st century Australian society. It accepts students from all faiths and denominations. Members of the Russian Orthodox community are particularly welcome, due to their close affinity with the school’s value system. Buses can be organised to transport students from particular neighbourhoods if sufficient demand exists.

Oakleigh Grammar utilises the acclaimed “The Leader in Me” program based on Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This provides students with the tools to develop essential life skills, self-confidence and characteristics to succeed in today’s world.

In 2012 Oakleigh Grammar was accepted as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) Candidate School. This highly engaging program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who can help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. It is the perfect fit with Oakleigh Grammar philosophy which remains guided by Orthodox Christian Values.

Orthodox spirituality, values and traditions are explored as students at Oakleigh Grammar take their learning journey from early childhood to young adulthood. They are encouraged to take faith and leadership into their future study and working lives.

Scholarships are available for those who excel academically or have talents, strengths and potential to make a valuable contribution to the school.

The Russian Orthodox Church strongly encourages parents to consider sending their children to Oakleigh Grammar.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the school:

(03) 9569 6128

www.oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au.

QA #8 - When should I have Confession?

It is tradition in the Russian Orthodox Church to have confession prior to Communion. All Orthodox Christians are welcome to have Communion at the Cathedral provided they have confession the night before receiving Communion. Confession can be heard by the Cathedral clergy or with your own parish priest/spiritual father. It is only acceptable to ask the Cathedral clergy for confession during the Liturgy if you are extremely frail, ill or disabled.

This is the general rule in our parish and we should strive not to treat confession superficially as “a ticket for Communion”, by coming late to the liturgy and expecting a two minute confession just before communion to suffice. However, we do have a constant influx of new churchgoers who need to be gradually taught about many things that constitute the life of the Church.Pastors do not wish to turn these people away with immediate application of strict rules. Gradually, though, as our new parishioners become regular in attendance they should realise that such condescension becomes counter productive.

A person coming for confession in the evening has the opportunity to spend quality time with a confessor that is just not available before the liturgy in the morning and especially just before Communion. There are situations, though, when those people who are very frequent communicants may be allowed to have an in-depth confession as needed and otherwise receive a prayer of absolution after a short confession or even just a blessing to receive Holy Communion. This applies especially to children and the elderly.

QA #7 - When should I stand in church?

It is fully acceptable (even preferable) to stand for the entire Eucharistic liturgy service if you can. But always during the Gospel reading, the Little and Great Entrances, the Anaphora, the distribution of Holy Communion, whenever the priest gives a blessing, and the Dismissal.

The ancient Church absorbed aspects of Old Testament traditions of the Temple and synagogue practice. The synagogue allowed sitting during instruction while the Temple prescribed standing in God’s presence.

The Eucharistic service with its bloodless sacrifice reflects the latter. Also, the Church stresses the participation of the laity in the Mystery together with the priests, thus the active stance, rather than a passive position sitting down.

It is acceptable to sit down during parts of vespers, matins and hours services. More will be said about that later

QA #6 - How old should children be to approach the chalice on their own?

Children under five years of age are to be accompanied by a parent/adult when going for Holy Communion. Ideally, children who come up by themselves should be tall enough not to require an adult to lift them. The priest should not be forced to risk spilling communion while bending down for small children.

Our parish is blessed with many children and it is a joy to see them in Church. However, parents should teach children about respect that is due to the house of God. It should not be treated as a playground.

QA #5 - How should I handle the blessed bread?

After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of blessed bread (antidoron) - the bread that was left over after Holy Gifts were prepared.

While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread, and as such, it should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to treat and consume the antidoron with respect.

The word “antidoron” means “in lieu of the Gift” and this practice was developed in early Byzantine times when weekly Communion was no longer the rule.

QA #4 - Who compiled the New Testament?

The one, holy catholic and apostolic Church compiled the New Testament. This occurred in the fourth century. Canonical books were verified via the wisdom of the Church Councils and by the fathers of the Church.

QA #3 - How many people are Orthodox?

It is estimated that there are over 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Number of Orthodox in Australia: 563 100, or 2.6% of Australia's population.

You can read more about the details of Orthodox Christians in Australia here.

QA #2 - What should I do when my child starts crying in church?

Rather than disturb the prayers inside, it is best to take the child outside until quiet resumes. You will have plenty of time to participate in a full service when the child is older.

QA #1 - What is prosphora and how do I order it?

Prosphora are used to commemorate your relatives – both living and deceased.

The Priest takes out a small portion from each one and places them in the chalice at the conclusion of the liturgy. This confers a great blessing on the people commemorated.

Prosphora must be ordered at the candle kiosk before the gospel reading. You then collect them after Holy Communion.