JOHNSTOWN, PA -- His Grace, Bishop Gregory has issued an appeal to diocesan parishes to assist the National ACRY in submitting nominations for their Annual Church School Teacher of the Year Award.    The following is the text of His Grace's communique:

Protocol No. 8
April 8, 2013

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear Very Reverend Protopresbyters and Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers and Diocesan Faithful,

During a recent meeting with the officers of the National Senior ACRY, I was pleased to learn that each year the ACRY recognizes an exemplary Church School Teacher at its annual Convention by awarding the Church School Teacher of the Year Award.   

Having myself served as a middle and high school level Church School Teacher for over twenty years, I know well the challenges our teachers experience instructing our youth in the Orthodox Faith.  Many exercise their teaching ministry under less than optimal conditions in an increasingly difficult era in Church life where religious education is often relegated to the bottom of a family’s list of priorities.  Despite all this, they do so with grace and determination and love for our precious youth who are not the future of the Church but full members of the Church of today.

I bring this matter to your attention because the ACRY is seeking nominations of worthy candidates for this Church School Teacher of the Year Award from our Diocesan parishes.  Please be aware that this award is open to any Church School Teacher in the Diocese whether or not a member of the ACRY.

A copy of the award nomination form which clearly lists the award criteria and submission guidelines may be downloaded here.  If you have an ACRY chapter in your parish please assist them in discerning if a member of your parish’s Church School teaching staff is deserving of this award.  If your parish does not have an ACRY chapter, I ask that the parish priest personally undertake this evaluation process.

The completed nomination form is to be returned to the National President, Mrs. Amy Coffman by May 15, 2013 at the following address:

104 Jumper Lane 
West Chester, PA  19382

With appreciation for your assistance in highlighting this important ministry and assuring you of my prayers, I remain,

Working in His Vineyard,

+Bishop Gregory of Nyssa