St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

February 18, 2009

The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is quickly approaching! This festival gives teenagers in grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. Through their participation, they strengthen their understanding and appreciation of their identity as Greek Orthodox Christians, and cultivate spiritual growth and maturity. The overall Oratorical program is called an Oratorical Festival rather than a contest to minimize the competitive spirit and emphasize a joyful learning experience.

The festival is set up into four levels: Parish, District, Metropolis, and Archdiocese. Each parish in the Metropolis is strongly encouraged to participate in this ministry and offer the youth of their community to chance to be a witness of their faith.  Please visit the following website: www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof for the Oratorical Festival handbook, topics, and resources. For information on how to participate, please contact your parish priest and district chairman.

Leading this ministry are: Fr. Haralambos Fox from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA, and Ms. Michelle Hawe, Youth Director from St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, CA.  The Schedule of Events for the Metropolis and District Festivals is as follows:

      Metropolis of San Francisco:

Chairperson:  Ms. Michelle Hawe
Email:  myouthdirector@comcast.net
Phone: 559.233.0397
Host Parish:   St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA
Date:  Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10, 2009

      Pacific Northwest District:

Chairman: Mr. Vasili Hillhouse
Email:  vasandmaria@yahoo.com
Host Parish:  St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Beaverton, OR
Date:  Sunday, April 5, 2009

      Northern California District:

Chairperson:  Mrs. Christena Powell
Email: ckpowell@us.ibm.com
Host Parish:  St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose, CA 
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009

      Central Valley District:

Chairperson: Mr. Lou Demas
Email: ldemas@demaslaw.com
Host Parish:  Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Sacramento, CA
Date:  Sunday, April 26, 2009

      Southern California District:

Chairperson: Ms. Aristi Contos
Email:  aristiofoz@yahoo.com
Host Parish:  St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Downey, CA
Date:  Sunday, April 5, 2009                       

      Southwest District:

Chairperson:  Presvytera Andrea Barakos
Email:  presandrea@yahoo.com
Host Parish:  Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Scottsdale, AZ
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009

If you would like to get involved in the ministry or need additional information, please contact Ms. Michelle Hawe at 559-233-0397.

NEW - SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL PARISH WINNERS

For the first time this year Hellenic College is offering a full-tuition scholarship to all juniors and seniors who are the first place finalist at their parish festival and want to attend Hellenic College.  Those who accept the scholarship will be awarded 100% tuition for their first year at the school, with 80% of their tuition to be covered for each subsequent undergraduate year at Hellenic College.