Dear parents, Sunday School teachers, and beloved children,
On the occasion of the beginning of the new ecclesiastical and school year, we are pleased to announce that, starting on Sunday, September 14, 2025, our parishes’ Sunday School classes will commence.
We kindly ask parents who accompany their children to occupy the front pews of our churches, so that, immediately before Holy Communion, both I and the parish priests can address the children with a short talk.
Following this, the children will receive Holy Communion and then proceed to the classrooms for their Sunday School lessons.
This year, several of our volunteers have undertaken the important task of teaching our children, conveying to them the message of the Gospel, the lives of our Saints, the traditions of our Church, and engaging them in various activities.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, they will return to the church to receive the antidoron (blessed bread).
On the first Sunday, i.e. September 14, 2025, the children will also be grouped into classes according to their age.
Our Holy Church, following the example of our Lord, who said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14), invites all children to discover the truth of the Gospel and experience the joy of our faith.
As Saint John Chrysostom teaches: “The greatest of all things is education; everything depends on it.” In other words, Christian upbringing is one of the most important tasks, for upon it depends the progress of one’s entire life.
Furthermore, Sunday School gatherings aim to deepen the knowledge of Orthodox faith, cultivate Christ-like love, strengthen the morals and spiritual life of our children, and foster genuine bonds of friendship and unity.
We warmly invite all beloved parents to support this effort, entrusting their children to the care of the Church, so that together we may build a “house of salvation” for their souls.
We wish you all a blessed and fruitful new ecclesiastical and school year!
With heartfelt paternal blessings,
† Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden
