The church of St. Sergius of Radonezh opened their Sunday school at the start of the Great Lent in 2005. The aims of the school are as follows: – the education of the children in Russian Orthodox traditions and their familiarisation with masterpieces of Russian literature, art and music, the preservation of the Russian language and the provision of an harmonious upbringing. Parents of children attending the school include citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and South Africa. The following subjects are taught at the school: Orthodox Fundamentals, Choral singing, Art and the Mother tongue. The subjects are taught by expert teachers in an informal home environment. With great success, the learners of the school perform various Christmas and Easter concerts and take part in the organisation of various feasts, displays and other matters.
Orthodox FundamentalsFamiliarisation with church architecture and proper behaviour within the church is the main aim of Orthodox fundamental studies for the intermediate and the junior groups, as are the important feasts and celebrations of the Orthodox Church, the basis of the gospels and the attainment of Orthodox prayer. An incomplete mastery of the Russian language by some children does cause problems, and we are often required to explain in English.
The Mother TongueThe study of the home language proceeds differently in each age group. The senior group studies an abridged version of the Russian literature syllabus, which covers tales from the olden days to present-day authors. Our main aim is to promote and inspire appreciation for our national literature among our youth. In the hope that they won’t be afraid to pick up the four volumes of “War and Peace”, or be able to quote from Eugene Onegin, to know the biography of F. M. Dostoevsky, to make them proud to be part of such glorious Russian culture.
Art ClassesArt lessons at our Parish Sunday school began in March 2005. The classes are divided into 3 groups, based more on the children’s ability to speak Russian rather than their age. The course, which we developed to extend over two years, includes drawing, painting, sculpture, and appliqué work. Materials such as watercolors, gouache, chalk, and pastels are used. The curriculum includes an introduction to famous Russian artists of the 19th century, and to Russian architecture.
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