On the bright, sunny morning of Saturday, September 19, the parish school at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY began the new school year. A moleben was served in the church, after which parish rector and school principal Archpriest Ilya Gorsky addressed the students, teachers, parents, and grandparents, calling on them to bring their children to church for the services more often, and teach them the Word of God, in accordance with the command of the Lord Jesus Christ heard in the Gospel reading: "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not" (Luke 18:16). We as adults must serve as an example to our children, teaching them about prayer and love, instructing them in how to oppose the temptations of the modern world and strive toward a virtuous life.

After the moleben, the children and teachers proceeded to their classes. The school’s director of studies, Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, and classroom inspector Deacon Alexei Pnev joined the teachers in helping students find their classrooms, and then rang the starting bell.

The school currently has 100 enrolled students and 28 teachers, who come from various parishes of our Diocese. The oldest parish school on the East Coast, the Russian School in Nyack is ready to celebrate its 65th anniversary next school year. Taught in the school are the Law of God, Russian Language, Russian Literature, Russian History, Russian Geography, Russian Culture, and Singing. This year, two young female graduates of the school will be teaching Singing, History, and Reading. Children ages 4 to 17 can be enrolled. The school’s educational program spans 14 years, beginning with kindergarten and ending with 12th grade. Thanks to the efforts of parents, teachers, and students, the school year features poetry recitation competitions, a Children’s Bliny, a grand play for the Nativity Yolka, various talks, lectures, and gatherings, a pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, the baking of "larks" for the feast of the Forty Martyrs, and the year concludes with a graduation ceremony and celebratory school picnic.

Best wishes to all on the start of the new school year!