January 28, 2013
Jordanville, NY: The
Nativity Celebration of the Church School at Holy Trinity Monastery
Holy
Trinity Monastery’s principal purpose is to serve as a habitation
for monastics. However, the monastery’s role as a spiritual center
includes the preparation of future pastors – at the sole seminary of
the Russian Church Abroad. It also includes the enlightenment of the
flock by way of publishing spiritual literature and receiving
pilgrims. Added to these obediences, borne by the monastery since
its very inception, is the spiritual care of "parishioners." This
word is placed in quotes because the monastery operates under the
Statutes for Monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of
Russia, rather than the Normal Parish
By-Laws. There is no formal parish to speak of. But there are in
reality people who regularly attend the divine services at Holy
Trinity Monastery. It was for the children of these people and any
other interested parties that a church school as opened at the
monastery.
Over the course of many years, the schools heart and soul – its
principal and catechist – was Hieromonk Roman (Krassovsky). Owing to
his departure to Jerusalem to assume the post of Temporary Head of
the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, no classes were held at the
school last fall. Nevertheless, the school put on a Nativity play.
Beginning at the end of November, rehearsals were held at least once
a week. As a result, a wonderful festivity was arranged to the joy
of its many attendees.
On Sunday, January 13, 17 children from the Jordanville-Utica
region, ages 3-12, gathered in the main seminary hall and put on
several performances. The first part of the presentation, after the
singing of the Nativity troparion and carols, included the reading
of Christmas poems and the performance of Russian folk dances and
even an Irish jig. The second part of the presentation included
children acting out the fables of "Grandfather Krylov" (Ivan A.
Krylov, 1769-1844). The heroes of every fable were sewn
corresponding costumes by their parents.
Upon
conclusion of the presentation, the school’s principal, Matushka
Maria Psarev thanked all those who worked to make it a reality,
especially noting the active support provided by the monastery’s
abbot, Archimandrite Luke (Murianka). A cordial word was also
extended to the teachers of local American schools, who came to
acquaint themselves with Russian culture, an invaluable part of the
lives of their students – the parishioners’ children.
Of course, Grandfather Frost (Santa Claus) arrived in due time, and
each of the children received a gift. The design of staging and
production, and decoration of the hall, were realized through the
tireless efforts of Svetlana Korol; the choreography was led by
Natalia Zadorozhny; and generous refreshments were provided by
Svetlana Burenina. These parents fulfilled many other roles, as
well. As a result, the "Yolka" was a success. The children,
meanwhile, received yet another brick in the building of their
Orthodox worldview, while the adults were able to take part in the
joyous children’s festivities. It was a blessing for adult and child
alike.
Classes resume on Saturday, January 26. Seminarians will teach the
classes: Artemy Sys will teach the Law of God, while Daniel Semenov
will teach church singing. Classes are free; the school’s goal is to
attract children to the Church.
Deacon Andrei Psarev
Photos by Reader Eugene
Pozniak
Republication of materials must include a reference to:
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."
