Beloved in the Lord,

After many years of dedicated service, Amelia Hoffman has asked for a well deserved retirement from serving as our Sunday School Director. Under her leadership we have seen a blossoming of our program, and we thank her profusely for her love and work.

I am very pleased to announce Carolyn Navikonis as our new Sunday School Director! Carolyn, Josh, and their two daughters Julia and Ella live in Melrose and have been parishioners here for several years. Carolyn most recently coordinated our HOPE Ministry last year and the Kids Zone at the Greek Festival in June, and she brings to this position a wealth of energy and desire to continue and build upon the tremendous work already happening.

I'm looking forward to another year of Sunday School and welcoming all our boys and girls back to Church.

Blessings,

FrNicholas

Dear Annunciation Woburn Families,

September is just a few weeks away, and with it comes an opportunity to reconnect with Annunciation Woburn’s many services and ministries for the coming liturgical year, including our Sunday School program.

The purpose of Annunciation Woburn’s Sunday School program is to teach the children all aspects of the Orthodox Christian life, as well as to promote fellowship with their Orthodox peers and parish family. Our Sunday School educators work to nurture in every child a love for our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, and to foster an enduring personal relationship with the Holy Trinity. As a part of our Sunday School program, students will worship during liturgical services, study the Holy Scriptures, practice the Holy Commandments and honor the Church’s Holy Traditions. By teaching the children about the life of Christ and the beauty of Orthodox Christianity, we hope to give them the foundation they need to lead faithful lives and go out into the world bearing witness to Christ courageously and humbly. 

We have been busy getting ready for the new Sunday School year. Please come visit our table at the Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 7, during Fellowship Hour to register your children and ask any questions.

Our Sunday School Program is open to all children of our parish who are at least four years old by September 1 of the year in which instruction begins. Our successful program consists of grades Pre-K through Grade 12 with a teaching staff of dedicated volunteers in the service of our Lord. 

Read below for information about our teachers, expectations, calendar, and registration. And if you have any questions, please reach out to me at sundayschool@annuncationwoburn.org.

Warmly,

Carolyn Navikonis

Sunday School Director

TEACHERS

Pre-K: Melanie Balesteri & Maria Piekos

Kindergarten: Nina Varoutsos, Reggie Cokkinias

First Grade: Jean Providakes

Second Grade / Third Grade: Chuck Otis & Maria Dubrowksi

Fourth / Fifth Grade: Juliana Jarvis & Matthew Jarvis

Sixth/Seventh Grade: Rebecca Boyko & Fofe Vasquez

Seventh/Eighth Grade: Tom Speros

High School: Mike Bibilos & Suzi Jervinis

Substitute Teachers: Maria Stanitsas, Viki Fondulis, & ​​Andrea Dimitriades

SUNDAY SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Students and teachers are expected to attend the Divine Liturgy. 

Classes begin following Holy Communion and last roughly 45 minutes.

We ask that parents not linger in the Sunday School classrooms after dropping off their children. Please return to worship in the Divine Liturgy and wait in the Fellowship Hall for your children to be dismissed after Sunday School lessons have concluded. **All parents of students in grades Pre-K through First Grade must pick up their child(ren) from their classroom at the conclusion of Sunday School.**

SEPARATION ANXIETY

We know that some children are not always comfortable or prepared to leave their parents, especially at the beginning of the year. Our teachers and assistants are experienced and know how to support your children. Please follow any requests and directions that the teachers give you. Being in the Sunday School area around the room can upset not only your child but the other children in the class as well.

TAKE HEART AND KEEP IT UP

To our parents, we offer our most genuine support and encouragement! While Sunday morning might feel more like a wrestling match, a battle of the wills, or a circus, your time, efforts, and distracted worship are certainly worth it. Even the messiest and most frustrating days are not wasted.

Give thanks to God for His grace and continue to faithfully bring your children. Please know that families and children are welcome and wanted in the services.