THE PROBLEM: Sunday schools, Orthodox gymnasia and lyceums, optional religious classes at secondary schools and parents who want their children to be educated as Christians – all have to face the same basic problem, namely, an absence of contemporary Orthodox catechetical books.
The aims of the project:
- To prepare and publish contemporary catechetical aids for various age groups.
- To develop a concept and guidelines for Orthodox education today and to work out a concrete program and recommendations for publishing educational aids.
The work under the project has been carried out in the following two directions:
A. Publishing catechetical literature;
B. Developing concepts of teaching religion, especially catechism.
A. The following modern catechetical books have been published under the project: The Liturgy – a coloring book for pre-school children in 364.800 copies, including 11.200 copies for Belarus; A Prayer Book for the Smallest Ones by Father Artemy Vladimirov, a book for pre-school and primary school in 100.000 copies; Orthodox Divine Services, Sacraments and Traditions – a book for primary, secondary and high school and also an catechetical aid in 534.000 copies, including 17.600 copies for Belarus; Thinking About Children in the Orthodox Church Today by Sister Magdalina – a book for high school children, parents and teachers in 101.200 copies. These books have been distributed to dioceses, monasteries, parishes, educational centres and Sunday schools throughout Russia either free or at a symbolic price covering only part of transportation and storage costs, because these books are intended for low-income families.
B. The development of conceptual aspects has been another thrust of the project. The project working group has held regular meetings. It is also engaged in scientific work which has already resulted in preparation of several methodological and analytical aids and a series called “The Catechiser”, which is a collection of resources in aid to catechisers. Its first, second and third editions came out in 3.000 copies each. The project has conducted international meetings on education with the participation of Russian and foreign experts and advisers. The purpose of these meetings is to work out concrete recommendations for drafting catechetical curricula.