Christian Education Updates: December 2019
TWO DAYS LEFT FOR SERVANT CERTIFICATION VIDEOS
Thank God we have had the certification videos available for three years. God willing on January 1, the certification videos will no longer be available to certify servants. Instead, there will be a yearly Summer examination for those called to enter the service. The examination, as in the past, will be divided into seven core sections. However, the workbooks will be expanded to be more comprehensive. They are intended to be used in Servant preparation courses, and tools for studying. Videos will still be available as a learning tool, but will not be available certify servants. If a servant, for example, has completed five videos by January 1, they will only need to take the exam for the remaining two sections. Also, those who are enrolled in courses at ACTS in these seven core fields can use those courses to qualify for each section (e.g., “Introduction to Church History” will qualify for Church History certification requirement, and “Introduction to Liturgical Studies” will qualify for the Liturgy certification requirement, etc.).
DIOCESE DEACONS’ DAY
By the grace of God, the Diocese held the first diocese-wide day for deacons at Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Los Angeles, on Saturday December 28, 2019. His Eminence delivered the main lecture, “On Worship of God in Spirit and Truth.” There were also workshops for each rank of minor orders headed by one of our beloved bishops. Material from the day is available here.
God willing, the next spiritual day for deacons will be held on March 14, 2020 at Pope Kyrillos VI church in Westminster. God willing, the topics will include hymns and the readings and rites of Great Fast and Holy Pascha Week. We kindly request that deacons register for this day once it is available so that we can adequately arrange for the day.
SUBDEACON EXAMINATIONS
Next round of examinations for Subdeacons will be held on February 1, 2020 at St. Gregory American Coptic Orthodox Church. These exams will be offered to those who have been RECOMMENDED by their parish priest for this consecration. The material to study for the examination is available here.
WORLD YOUTH WEEK #2
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II will be hosting the second World Youth Week for Coptic youth around the world. Representatives will attend from each region around the world. Six youth from our diocese, ages 22-28, will attend the event. To apply for this event, please click here.
SERVANTS’ DAY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
God willing, the Department of Christian Education in the Diocese will be hosting another Servants’ Day on January 11, 2020 at St. John Coptic Orthodox Church. At this meeting, we will launch the first three modules for the New Sunday School Curriculum, as well as the accompanying new resources and tools. We encourage each Sunday School Servant to register in advance for the day, and the workshops. God willing, we will be presenting an overview for each series and discussing any relevant questions.
CED LAUNCHES GAP YEAR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Department of Christian Education is now offering a special program for college and graduate students who are in their gap year (or semester). We are currently conducting interviews for 10 volunteer positions in 2020. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact us at info@coptic.education.
ACTS KIDS
The next day for ACTS Kids will be on Saturday, January 4 at COCC in Orange. The subject will be Dogmatics, or the basic teachings of the faith. We will be blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion joining us. Please register today as space is limited. Divine Liturgy begins at 8 a.m.