The Parish School at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY has begun its new school year. On Saturday, September 28, school director and parish rector Archpriest Elias Gorsky, director of studies and parish cleric Priest Andrew Podymow, Law of God teacher and Synodal Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, the students, parents, and teachers gathered in church for a moleben before the start of classes, after which the first day of the 2024-2025 schoolyear began.

One of the oldest Russan parish schools on the East Coast, having first opened its doors in October 1951, the Nyack school was nourished for many years by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, author of the now-world-renowned textbook Law of God. After Fr. Seraphim’s repose in 1971, the parish rector and school director for many years was Archpriest George Larin, who in his final years went into retirement and reposed after a lengthy illness on July 5 of this year. May he inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, and may his memory be eternal!

Classes in the Nyack Parish School are held on Saturdays for children aged 4-17. Depending on the year, the school hosts 50-120 students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Roughly 25 teachers volunteer their time at the school. The school day begin with prayer in the church at 9:00 AM, and likewise ends with prayer after the fifth class period, at 1:00 PM. Classes are taught in such subjects as Law of God, Russian, Reading, Russian Literature, Russian History and Geography, and Singing. The chief aim of the school is to provide an Orthodox upbringing for children and youths in a Russian spirit with the help of parents and families. The school works to develop in children a Christian worldview and moral values, love for parents and peers, respect for elders, and moderation and discipline in all things.

Throughout the school year, with the help of students and parents, the school traditional organizes a Nativity Yolka with performances, Children’s Bliny with a costume contest, a poetry recital competition, the Young Artists Concert & Exhibition, pilgrimages to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, and picnics.

To enroll in the school or for more information, please contact Julia Winward at 203-313-6643, RSNyack@gmail.com, or visit the school’s website at: school.holyvirginprotectionchurch.org.