History

A Brief History of the Sunday School in the Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church lays great emphasis and importance in educating children with the values of Christian life, the contents of the Bible and the Church history. The "Koonenkurish Sathyam" in 1653 was a turning point. It emphasized the need for Catechism and Scriptural studies. During the period 1765-1808, the study of sacraments and prayers were also included in the lessons. This was the beginning of the Sunday school in the Church. The Sunday School Samajam started functioning in 1931 with the appointment of Puthencavu Geevarghese Mar Philexinos 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 classes are conducted in Malayalam for the children in Kerala and for others in English. It has a separate wing for the outer Kerala region, which is called as OSSAE-OKR.

The classes range from Pre-primary classes to the 12th class. As in secular schools, class ten concludes the secondary level and a certificate is awarded -Sunday School final Certificate (SSFC) to the successful candidates. Higher Secondary course is for another two years.

We follow a curriculum, jointly prepared and published by the Oriental Orthodox Churches which is revised from time to time.

PATRON: His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulos II , Catholicos of the East.
PRESIDENT: H. G. Dr Yakob Mar Irenaios
DIRECTOR GENERAL: Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew

Office Bearers of OSSAE-OKR

PRESIDENT: H. G. Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius
DIRECTOR: Rev. Fr. Dr. Bijesh Philip

Sunday School in the Delhi Diocese

The Sunday school in Delhi Diocese was started in late 60s and is affiliated to the OSSAE (Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of East). It started in the area of R K Puram, New Delhi with two teachers and four or five students. Classes were conducted in the house of an Air Force Officer in Sect-2, R K Puram. Later this was shifted to St. Mary's Cathedral, Hauz Khas in 1968-69.

There are Thirteen Sunday schools in Delhi and NCR and Nineteen active/partially active Sunday schools in UP, Punjab and Rajasthan areas.

Our mission is to enhance the spiritual growth of the new generation by teaching the Holy Bible and other religious lessons to the children of the parish.

Office Bearers of OSSAE-OKR Delhi

PRESIDENT: H.G. Dr.Youhanon Mar Demetrios
DIRECTOR: Rev. Fr. Saji Abraham
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Rev. Fr. Saju Thomas