The Orthodox Syrian Sunday school Association (OSSAE) is the parent body for all the Sunday schools of the Church, with its’ headquarters at Devalokam Kottayam.Under OSSE the following regional organisations function
- OSSAE Kerala Region
- OSSAE Outside Kerala Region
- OSSAE USA region
- OSSAE East Asia Region
OSSAE East Asia Region was formed as per the decision of the Holy Synod and vide Kalpana from H.G. Mar Diascoros, the Diocesan Metropolitan on 25 December 2020
The Sunday School Samajam started functioning in 1931 with the appointment of L.L.H.G Puthencavu Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos as its President and Fr. K. David as the General Secretary. On 15 October 1964 it was rejuvenated to receive its present form as “Orthodox Sunday School Association of the East” (OSSAE). This spiritual organization is functioning in all the parishes of the church throughout the world. It takes care of the spiritual nurturing of the children by bringing them up in the knowledge and fellowship of Jesus Christ and His Church.
The Indian Orthodox Church lays great emphasis and importance in educating children with the values of the Christian life, the contents of the Bible and the Church history. This is carried out through Sunday schools functioning in all churches. Our Sunday school also functions to achieve this dream of our Church.
OBJECTIVES:
- To nurture kids to become God-fearing, service-oriented and be loyal to the church
- To teach kids, the doctrines of the church, Holy Bible, practise of Holy Qurbana and other services and Church history
- To develop children to become better human beings and understand their role in our church and parish
- To aid children to uphold and practise the orthodox faith and respond to the changing world
- To empower teachers and assist parents in bringing up kids in our faith and traditions
CURRICULUM
The syllabus and textbooks used are as directed by the OSSAE East Asia Region. The classes range from Preparatory to 12th . Along with the classes taken we also promote self-learning through projects and activities and involve parents in various activities of the child and help them to practise it at home.
TIMINGS
Children are scheduled to attend Sunday school after the Holy Qurbana that takes place weekly
OTHER ACTIVITIES :
OVBS :
OVBS is conducted every year . Children are brought together by classes, fun and activities making them realize the need for moral values and Christian values to stay together. Teachers and parents also have this opportunity to interact and look into the spiritual and social needs of a child.
TALENT COMPETITIONS:
Talent competitions such as Solo singing, elocution, Group songs and Quiz competitions are conducted on annual basis . These activities help the child in understanding hard work and also to withstand success and failures
FUNCTIONS OF CHURCH :
Children are promoted to participate in all occasions of the church like Perunal, the Holy week, Christmas, prayer meetings etc to help them focus in understanding the liturgy used and traditions and practises of the church.
Role of a Family and individuals in Sunday School:
A family is an important unit of the church. We urge parents to develop a practice of bringing kids early to church and making him /her involved with the Sunday school and activities of the church. Family prayers at home are highly recommended to aid kids in developing a prayer-filled life. Individuals can come up as volunteers to help in various activities of the Sunday school.
