On Sunday February 10th, St. Spyridon held their Parish Level Oratorical Festival. The oratorical festival is an opportunity for youth to write a speech and express their faith. The festival consists of two divisions; the junior division for students in 7th – 9th grade and the senior division for students in 10th – 12th grade. This year there were three junior contestants - Eleni Armatas, Emily Bollinger and Kate Snyder, and two senior contestants - Alexia Armatas and Victoria Snyder. The festival was judged by Dn. Mark O’Dell, Cathi Aigaki, and Daniel Tucker.
A huge congratulations to our division winners Kate Snyder and Alexia Armatas!
Kate Snyder spoke on the significance of water in the Orthodox Church and what this suggests for our responsibility of the natural world. Alexia Armatas spoke regarding the Hymn of the Lamentations sung on Holy Friday, its theological importance, and the significance it carries for her personally.
On March 31st, both Kate and Alexia will present their speeches to the St. Spyridon community following liturgy. Then, on April 6th they will advance and compete at the Metropolis level – hosted this year by St. Spyridon. Many thanks to all of our festival participants, and good luck to Kate and Alexia!
