Vacation Church School (VCS)
The 2025 Vacation Church School was a success, praise God! We will return in June 2026. Watch this space for more information beginning around April 2026.
Posted June 20th, 2025
Vacation Church School 2025: The Beatitudes…
There are no words to express the feelings for the 2025 amazing Vacation Church School that took place this week and had as a theme ‘‘The Beatitudes’’.
Excellent organization, passion, responsibility, synergy, inspiration, empathy, and pedagogical principles brought together 95 kids, 46 volunteers and two priests who worked hard for 5 days to create a safe space for these children to be themselves, through orthodox spiritual guidance, positive influence, inspirational classes, and great food!
A huge thank you to Antonia Degliantoni who led our parish project. She has put in so much time, above the call of duty, organizing every single detail, inspiring people, and getting the most out of the skills and talents of our team members. She has fostered a sense of support and appreciation that allowed our volunteers to improve their practice daily. Her dedication helped everyone to reach their goals while her excellent problem-solving skills and creativity allowed everyone to swiftly resolve issues that might have easily escalated into roadblocks. Her communication, compassion, and commitment to the wellbeing of our VCS has been invaluable!
A big thank you to the art teacher, Cheri Carandanis who with Melanie Nickel and Presv. Theodora Nakou, and the music class teachers, Beth Gerry, Helena Khoury, Katya Lomvardias went that extra mile to make sure their work was stellar.
A ton of thanks to the kitchen crew, Christine Rulli, Sandra Karafotias, Eleni Anadiotis, Ann Mehas, Annette Bacon, Lisa Psihogios, Christos and Eleni Efthimiadis, Maddie Angelopoulos and Nick Degliantoni for putting in such an arduous work on the demanding fasting period of the Twelve Apostles. Working in the kitchen can be challenging but these people made it look so easy! Special thanks to Presv. Theodora who taught our children how to make prosphoron (actually, tomorrow’s antidoron, is made by them).
A lot of thanks and gratitude to our counselors Sophia Whelden, Marina Whelden, Kalliope Protopapas, Jacqui Bouchard, Elena George, Thanasi Anadiotis, Maria Chende, Thomas Paris, Anamaria Leahu, Stefania Chende, Jonah Nickel, Alexa George, Adam Simon, Sara Simon, Bella Robles, Anthony Chende, Rufta Simon, Zoe Anadiotis, Eirini Athanasakis, Luke Semerikov, Elsie Martinsen, Vaso Whelden, Violet Serafimovska, and Olivia Robles, to our sports leaders Eliseo George and Kam Khoury, to the three extra adult volunteers, Eleni Booth, Vasiliki Estes, Irini Souris, and to our photo man Nick Mallos who worked tirelessly to provide our children with an incredible Vacation Church School experience.
All these adult and teenager counselors did their best as each day brought new challenges and new successes: they were energized, they were inspiring, they were exhausted! They are a terrific group, and we are so grateful for each one’s dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the parents who trusted, supported, and encouraged us along the way. We absolutely could not do this without them. - Thank you!
It wasn’t an easy project, but we reached new heights on this one! We feel so blessed to be members of this parish that supports one another and never gives up. We can’t wait to have everyone back again next year!
Have a wonderful summer!
For the Youth Committee,
Fr. Christos