On Saturday, August 21, 2021, the Christian Education Council of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church held a Zoom workshop for the Sunday school Superintendents and teachers.
The workshop had over 70 participants both from the Western Diocese as well as the Eastern Diocese.
A welcoming message was delivered by the Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and after the opening prayer, the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, the new Chair of the CEC commenced the workshop.
Fr. Mesrop Ash introduced the new CEC board and presented a new route which the CEC will be taking for 2021-2022 educational year. The new CEC chair also spoke about the new goals of the CEC, including:
1. Keep Sunday Schools Connected,
2. Help, Prepare and Train Sunday school Staff,
3. Provide a framework for Calendars and Curriculum.
Such items as ongoing online teacher training platform, monthly curriculum updates and safety measures were discussed.
After his presentation, Fr. Mesrop introduced Mr. Hayk Madoyan, the Diocese’s Librarian and Ecumenical Officer, who presented the new 2021-2022 Sunday school curriculum. This year’s curriculum will concentrate on Church Saints and the Holy Bible.
Mr. Madoyan’s presentation was followed by Fr. Mesrop’s introduction of the keynote speaker of the workshop, Mrs. Dionne Katinas, Sunday school Co-Director and teacher at St. Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church at Mansfield, MA.
Mrs. Katinas’ topic was “Tips and Tricks to keep the Joy in Your Classroom” where she shared her wisdom and vast experience on how to manage and efficiently pass Christian knowledge to your classroom with the participants of the workshop.
Prior to the close of the workshop Archbishop Derderian expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Katinas for her presentation as well as thanked all the participants for making an effort to improve their skills and knowledge in their sacred mission.
CEC workshop turned out to be a exceptional success and a great start to the new educational year.