Joliet, IL – October 28, 2023

The Church School Teacher Training Workshop, hosted by the Department of Religious Education at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Joliet, Illinois, proved to be a remarkable success. This educational event united dedicated clergy and church school educators across the Chicago Deanery for a morning of learning, fellowship, and interactive workshops.

Engaging Presentations and Discussions

Participants had the privilege of learning from experts in the field gaining valuable insights into improving church school programs.

Fr. Radovan Jakovljevic, Director of Religious Education, delivered an insightful presentation that addressed the current challenges faced by Church Schools and offered practical solutions to overcome these challenges. His knowledge and guidance were well-received by attendees, who left with a renewed sense of purpose in their educator roles.

Anastasija Iglendza, the church school coordinator at Holy Resurrection Cathedral, shared exciting information about an upcoming educational retreat for younger students. Scheduled for December 27-29, 2023, this retreat will take place at the Salvation Army Retreat Center in Wisconsin, promising an enriching experience for all participants.

 

Deacon Jovan Anicic Joins the Community

Participants had the privilege of meeting and greeting Deacon Jovan Anicic, who was recently appointed director of the Diocesan Youth Department. His presence at the workshop added a new dimension to the event, as attendees eagerly anticipated the positive impact, he would have on youth education within the Diocese.

A Stepping Stone for Future Workshops

This workshop, as well as all future educational events for church school teachers and educators, is poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing improvement of religious education within the Diocese. The Chicago Deanery event was just the beginning, with plans to extend this day of knowledge, fellowship, and spiritual growth to other deaneries within the Diocese.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

In closing, Fr. Radovan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to V. Rev. Aleksandar Bugarin and his church school for hosting this successful event and their warm hospitality. The event left participants inspired and motivated, ready to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to enrich religious education in their respective communities.

The Church School Teacher Training Workshop at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church exemplified the power of collective learning and shared dedication to religious education, setting a solid precedent for future educational endeavors within the Diocese.