On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 14th September 2019, the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Church school, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios and in collaboration with all the NSW Antiochian parishes held their first Annual Primary-aged Exhibition.
The exhibition was held in the carpark of St Nicholas Parish in Punchbowl on a glorious Spring Saturday. His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios officially opened the Exhibition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and prayer. The exhibition provided the opportunity to NSW church school students to showcase and explain what they have been learning in Church school each Sunday.
Sts. Michael and Gabriel Parish exhibited their learning of the Psalms and saints through artwork, this included a beautiful violin piece played by two students, to the chant, Rejoice Unwedded Bride. St. Mary’s Nativity parish displayed their understanding of the meaning of each element of the Church structure. St. George showcased the Feast of the Theotokos through art and music. St. Michael’s built an iconostasis and explained its meaning. St. Nicholas parish made models of the church interior and explained the narthex and nave, as well performed an interactive activity explaining the iconostasis. Sts. Peter and Paul parish built a fishing boat and explained how just like Christ we can become fishers of men. St. Mary’s Dormition parish, had a children’s choir of approximately 15 members who chanted several known chants as well as explained the Divine Liturgy.
Overall, the exhibition was a great success and all the students enjoyed the opportunity to share what they know about their Orthodox faith. A big thank you to all the teachers and parents who assisted, and we hope to make it an annual event in the future.
