On Sunday, September 14, our parish family at St. Elijah in Aliquippa, PA joyfully celebrated the beginning of the new liturgical year and the opening of Sunday School. It was a day filled with hope, joy, and gratitude as our children gathered to grow in the Orthodox faith, surrounded by the love of their families, teachers, and parish community.

 

This year carries a special blessing. Each of our students received a copy of the Holy Bible as a gift from our parish family. More than a book, it is the very Word of God—the most precious treasure we can place in the hands of our children. The Bible will serve as their guide in life, a source of wisdom, and a reminder that Christ Himself is always present with them.

 

To make this gift even more personal, our pastor, Fr. George, wrote a special note in each Bible. His prayer is that every child, as they open the Scriptures, will feel the encouragement of their priest, their teachers, and their entire parish standing beside them. In this way, the Bible is not just a gift but a lasting reminder of the living faith they inherit and the love that surrounds them.

 

The start of Sunday School is always a time of renewal - not only for the children but for the whole parish. 

 

As Christ taught, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). 

 

With this in mind, we entrust this new year to God, praying that our children grow in faith, love, and wisdom, shining as witnesses of Christ in the world!