St. George Oratorical Festival: Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Our Metropolis includes Speech, Vocal Solo, Essay, Poetry, and Iconography! Click here to learn more: https://chicago.goarch.org/oratorical-festival/
Topics
SENIOR DIVISION (GRADES 10-12)
TOPIC 1
The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople is the highest seat and the Mother Church of Orthodox Christians. The Ecumenical Patriarch is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. Discuss how the Patriarchate has been a symbol of unity, a source of missionary growth, an advocate of dialogue among Christians, and a defender of the historical Orthodox Faith.
TOPIC 2
During times of crisis, our faith is tested. How are Orthodox Christians taught to understand and manage pain and suffering?
TOPIC 3
The Christian message in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has influenced many believers of Christ. How has another work of fiction inspired people to seek Jesus Christ?
TOPIC 4
We have lived through a pandemic and emerged with deep societal divides. How can our faith in Christ heal us and take us forward together?
TOPIC 5
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ both transforms the relationship between God and humanity and alters the course of history. How would you explain its significance to someone who has not heard about it or is unsure if God exists?
JUNIOR DIVISION (GRADES 7-9)
TOPIC 1
Orthodox tradition teaches that the saints remain spiritually active beyond their earthly life. Discuss how we ask the Saints to intercede and pray for us and why.
TOPIC 2
Orthodox Christians honor the Virgin Mary, the Most Holy Theotokos. What does the Orthodox Church believe about her and her role in our salvation?
TOPIC 3
The sacraments are the mysteries of the Church through which God gives us His grace by actions, words, and material objects (for example, oil, wine, and bread). Pick one sacrament and explain its meaning.
TOPIC 4
Jesus models and teaches humility throughout His life and ministry. Discuss the challenges of living according to Jesus’ teachings in a society that does not necessarily emphasize humility.
TOPIC 5
Consider and discuss why and how icons are central to our faith and Orthodox practice.
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Metropolis Oratorical Festival
Dear Reverend Fathers, Oratorical Chairpersons, and Participants,
We hope this new year brings health and happiness to you, your families, and your communities. Once again, we are pleased to announce that the 39th Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 (the week after Bright Saturday) at Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church, 1207 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, Illinois, 60069. We are excitedly anticipating a weekend of spiritual celebration and fellowship for all in attendance. All necessary information may be obtained by clicking on the document and registration links below or by visiting our Metropolis Oratorical website
GENERAL INFORMATION/NEW CATEGORY
The Metropolis Festival will offer 6 categories (Speech, Essay, Poetry, Iconography, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant), each with 2 divisions (Senior and Junior). New this year, we will be adding a
separate Vocal Chant category to accommodate the growing interest in this ministry. Once again, our Metropolis youth are invited to register for as many as
two separate events at the Metropolis Festival. The guidelines for these changes are contained in the
Parish Information Packet (
https://chicago.goarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Packet-1.pdf). We hope these changes will welcome more participation at the Festival.
DEADLINE
All entries for Speech, Essay, Poetry, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant, both Senior and Junior Divisions, must be submitted no later than
Monday, April 10, 2023. These submissions must be sent
electronically to oratoricalfestival@gmail.com. All entries for
Iconography, both Senior and Junior Divisions, must be postmarked no later than Monday, April 10, 2023. These submissions must be sent by mail to Andrea Tsakopoulos, 8800 Verbena Court, St. John, Indiana, 46373. Late submissions in any category will not be judged.
AWARDS LUNCHEON/HOTEL/DAY-OF-FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding the Awards Luncheon, hotel information in the Lincolnshire area, and a schedule for the day of the Festival will be posted to our website and sent to you as the date draws nearer.
NATIONAL ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
The National Oratorical Festival, which includes the Metropolis winners for the Speech category only (Senior and Junior Divisions), is scheduled to take place during the weekend of June 9-11, 2023 at St. George GOC in Clifton, New Jersey.
We ask that you forward this Metropolis Festival information to everyone at your parish who is involved in a youth ministry, as well as parents of your church school registrants. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at
oratoricalfestival@gmail.com with any questions.
We look forward to celebrating with everyone in April!
Chicago Metropolis Oratorical Festival Committee