​​​​​​​Subscribe
St. Nicholas Church Ann Arbor
  • Visit
  • Media
  • Membership
  • Ministries & Groups
  • Contact
  • Give
Picture

Church School registration for the 2026-2027 school year has begun
Register anytime before the first day of classes (the Sunday after Labor Day)

REGISTRATION FORM
If you cannot fill out the on-line registration form, then print, fill out by hand, and submit this form at the Church School office.
Church School will then fill out the on-line registration form for you.

Our Mission at St. Nicholas Church School

To help our young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Saints of the Church, to develop the need and sincere desire to attend all Church Services of our Faith on a regular basis, and the need and sincere desire to participate conscientiously in the worship and sacramental life of the Greek Orthodox Church.

To educate our younger generation religiously and morally, and to give them the tools to grow spiritually, in accordance with the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and according to the Faith and Traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church.

To cultivate in our young people a Greek Orthodox conscience, as well as devotion to our religious-cultural ideals and principles, and to prepare them in order that they may become faithful, unwavering and devoted members of our Greek Orthodox Church, the community in which they reside and good citizens of the United States.

Curriculum

K-1st Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children.
2nd-3rd Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Great Lent starts 40 days before Holy Week and the beginning of Lent changes every year (because it depends on when Easter is).
Know that Palm Sunday is when Jesus entered Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion.
Last Supper happened on Holy Thursday.
Crucifixion happened on Holy Friday.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that Ascension is 40 days after Easter and is when Jesus rose up into Heaven.
Know that Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit was sent by God to the Apostles, made them speak in different languages, and allowed the apostles to spread the word about Jesus to the whole world — that happened 50 days after Easter.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children, travelers, and mariners.
Know the 10 commandments
1. You shall have no other god before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Know Psalm 117 by heart.
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
laud Him, all you peoples!
for His merciful kindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
Know the 4 Evangelists — Ss. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — they wrote the Gospels.
Know that the Divine Liturgy is the name of the service on Sundays.
Know that Orthros is the name for the morning service before the Divine Liturgy.
Know that Vespers is the evening service done before a Divine Liturgy.
4th-5th Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Epiphany is January 6th — when Jesus was Baptized and when God spoke and the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove.
Know that Great Lent starts 40 days before Holy Week and the beginning of Lent changes every year (because it depends on when Easter is).
Know that Palm Sunday is when Jesus entered Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion.
Last Supper happened on Holy Thursday.
Crucifixion happened on Holy Friday.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that Ascension is 40 days after Easter and is when Jesus rose up into Heaven.
Know that Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit was sent by God to the Apostles, made them speak in different languages, and allowed the apostles to spread the word about Jesus to the whole world — that happened 50 days after Easter.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children, travelers, and mariners. He was the bishop of the city of Myra in the region of Lycia (south-east Asia Minor).
Know the 10 commandments
1. You shall have no other god before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Know Psalm 117 by heart.
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
laud Him, all you peoples!
for His merciful kindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
Know the Creed by heart
1. I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
3. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
4. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
5. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
7. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.
8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
9. In one, holy catholic, and apostolic Church.
10. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
11. I look for the resurrection of the dead,
12. And.the life of the age to come.
Amen”
Know the 4 Evangelists — Ss. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — they wrote the Gospels.
Know that the Divine Liturgy is the name of the service on Sundays.
Know that Orthros is the name for the morning service before the Divine Liturgy.
Know that Vespers is the evening service done before a Divine Liturgy.
Know that St. Nicholas is a parish or church.
That St. Nicholas is in the Metropolis of Detroit, which is lead by Metropolitan Nicholas, a bishop (Metropolitan is a special title for a bishop).
That the Metropolis of Detroit is in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is lead by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
That the Archdiocese of America is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is lead by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Know that Holy Scripture (the Bible) has two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Know that the Old Testament is the first part of the Bible and was written over a long period of time - way before the birth of Christ.
Know that the New Testament was written over a shorter period of time after Christ’s Ascension.
Know that the icon to the right of the center doors of the church is always of Christ, the icon to the right of the icon of Christ is always of John the Baptist, who pointed everyone to Christ and set the groundwork up for Christ’s ministry.
Know that the icon to the left of the center doors is always of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and the icon to the left of that is always of the patron saint or feastday of the church (for us, since we’re St. Nicholas, it’s St. Nicholas — if the church was called Annunciation, the icon would be of the Annunciation, etc.
6th-7th Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Epiphany is January 6th — when Jesus was Baptized and when God spoke and the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove.
Know that Great Lent starts 40 days before Holy Week and the beginning of Lent changes every year (because it depends on when Easter is).
Know that Palm Sunday is when Jesus entered Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion.
Last Supper happened on Holy Thursday.
Crucifixion happened on Holy Friday.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that Ascension is 40 days after Easter and is when Jesus rose up into Heaven.
Know that Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit was sent by God to the Apostles, made them speak in different languages, and allowed the apostles to spread the word about Jesus to the whole world — that happened 50 days after Easter.
Know that August 6th is the Metamorphosis/Transfiguration — when Jesus went on Mt. Tabor with Peter, John, and James.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children, travelers, and mariners. He was the bishop of the city of Myra in the region of Lycia (south-east Asia Minor).
Know the 10 commandments
1. You shall have no other god before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Know Psalm 117 by heart.
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
laud Him, all you peoples!
for His merciful kindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
Know the Creed by heart
1. I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
3. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
4. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
5. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
7. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.
8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
9. In one, holy catholic, and apostolic Church.
10. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
11. I look for the resurrection of the dead,
12. And.the life of the age to come.
Amen”
Know the Trisagion Prayer by heart:
“Holy God, Holy Might, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord forgive our sins. Master pardon our transgressions. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord have mercy (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven... (Lord’s prayer)”
Know the 4 Evangelists — Ss. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — they wrote the Gospels.
Know that the Divine Liturgy is the name of the service on Sundays.
Know that Orthros is the name for the morning service before the Divine Liturgy.
Know that Vespers is the evening service done before a Divine Liturgy.
Know that St. Nicholas is a parish or church.
That St. Nicholas is in the Metropolis of Detroit, which is lead by Metropolitan Nicholas, a bishop (Metropolitan is a special title for a bishop).
That the Metropolis of Detroit is in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is lead by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
That the Archdiocese of America is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is lead by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Know that Holy Scripture (the Bible) has two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Know that the Old Testament is the first part of the Bible and was written over a long period of time - way before the birth of Christ.
Know that the New Testament was written over a shorter period of time after Christ’s Ascension.
Know that the icon to the right of the center doors of the church is always of Christ, the icon to the right of the icon of Christ is always of John the Baptist, who pointed everyone to Christ and set the groundwork up for Christ’s ministry.
Know that the icon to the lefi of the center doors is always of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and the icon to the left of that is always of the patron saint or feastday of the church (for us, since we’re St. Nicholas, it’s St. Nicholas — if the church was called Annunciation, the icon would be of the Annunciation, etc.
• St. Basil — Bishop — wrote many things on the Christian faith including a liturgy that we do 10 times a year (during Great Lent, Holy Week, and on Epiphany and his feast day, which is January 1st).
• St. George — Soldier saint — fought for captives and the poor — was tortured because he wouldn’t give up his faith—feast day is April 23rd— or if Easter falls on the 23rd of April or afterward, the feast day of St. George is celebrated on the Monday after Easter.
• Ss. Constantine and Helen — St. Constantine was the first Christian emperor and allowed Christianity to be practiced freely. Built a new capital for the empire (Constantinople), erected many, many churches, organized the first Ecumenical Council. St. Helen was the mother of St. Constantine - she found the true Cross in Jerusalem under basil plants — built many churches in Palestine— Their feast day is May 21st.
• Ss. Peter and Paul — Peter was a leader of the Apostles — name changed from Simon to Peter (in Greek “Petros”, from the Greek word for “rock” — and his faith was like a rock) — brother of St. Andrew - wrote 2 letters in the New Testament — was Bishop of Antioch and then Rome — and was crucified upside down. St. Paul was born as Saul, persecuted Christians at first, then converted, and name was changed to Paul. Wrote 14 letters in the New Testament. Traveled all over the Mediterranean and was martyred in Rome — Feast day for both is June 29th
• St. John Chrysostom — was a bishop of Constantinople — brilliant speaker, called “Golden-mouth” because his sermons were so good — strong defender of faith and wrote many letters and books about the bible and being Orthodox — feast day is November 13th.
• St. Katherine — From Alexandria, Egypt — extremely brilliant — best speaker of her time — was tortured for not giving up her faith — monastery on Mt. Sinai named after her — feast day is November 25th.
• St. Andrew — first-called of all the apostles — brother of St. Peter — became first bishop of what is now Constantinople — died on a cross in the shape of an X — feast day is November 30th.
• St. Barbara — lived in Phoenicia — father did not believe in Christ, she did and was a defender of the Holy Trinity — tortured by her father because of her beliefs — feast day is December 4th.
8th-9th Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Epiphany is January 6th — when Jesus was Baptized and when God spoke and the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove.
Know that Great Lent starts 40 days before Holy Week and the beginning of Lent changes every year (because it depends on when Easter is).
Know that Palm Sunday is when Jesus entered Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion.
Last Supper happened on Holy Thursday.
Crucifixion happened on Holy Friday.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that Ascension is 40 days after Easter and is when Jesus rose up into Heaven.
Know that Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit was sent by God to the Apostles, made them speak in different languages, and allowed the apostles to spread the word about Jesus to the whole world — that happened 50 days after Easter.
Know that August 6th is the Metamorphosis/Transfiguration — when Jesus went on Mt. Tabor with Peter, John, and James.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children, travelers, and mariners. He was the bishop of the city of Myra in the region of Lycia (south-east Asia Minor).
Know the 10 commandments
1. You shall have no other god before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Know Psalm 117 by heart.
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
laud Him, all you peoples!
for His merciful kindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
Know the Creed by heart
1. I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
3. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
4. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
5. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
7. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.
8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
9. In one, holy catholic, and apostolic Church.
10. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
11. I look for the resurrection of the dead,
12. And.the life of the age to come.
Amen”
Know the Trisagion Prayer by heart:
“Holy God, Holy Might, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord forgive our sins. Master pardon our transgressions. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord have mercy (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven... (Lord’s prayer)”
Know the hymn of St. Nicholas by heart:
“The truth of your manner of life manifested you to your flock as a rule of faith and an icon of gentleness and a teacher of self-control. By humility, therefore, you acquired the things on high, and riches through poverty. Father Holy Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, entreating that our souls be saved.”
Know the 4 Evangelists — Ss. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — they wrote the Gospels.
Know that the Divine Liturgy is the name of the service on Sundays.
Know that Orthros is the name for the morning service before the Divine Liturgy.
Know that Vespers is the evening service done before a Divine Liturgy.
Know that St. Nicholas is a parish or church.
That St. Nicholas is in the Metropolis of Detroit, which is lead by Metropolitan Nicholas, a bishop (Metropolitan is a special title for a bishop).
That the Metropolis of Detroit is in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is lead by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
That the Archdiocese of America is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is lead by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Know that Holy Scripture (the Bible) has two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Know that the Old Testament is the first part of the Bible and was written over a long period of time - way before the birth of Christ.
Three parts of the Old Testament --
l. First five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
2. Wisdom Literature (Psalms, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, etc.)
3. Prophets (Must know Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jonah)
Know that the New Testament was written over a shorter period of time after Christ’s Ascension.
Know that the icon to the right of the center doors of the church is always of Christ, the icon to the right of the icon of Christ is always of John the Baptist, who pointed everyone to Christ and set the groundwork up for Christ’s ministry.
Know that the icon to the lefi of the center doors is always of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and the icon to the left of that is always of the patron saint or feastday of the church (for us, since we’re St. Nicholas, it’s St. Nicholas — if the church was called Annunciation, the icon would be of the Annunciation, etc.
• St. Basil — Bishop — wrote many things on the Christian faith including a liturgy that we do 10 times a year (during Great Lent, Holy Week, and on Epiphany and his feast day, which is January 1st).
• St. George — Soldier saint — fought for captives and the poor — was tortured because he wouldn’t give up his faith—feast day is April 23rd— or if Easter falls on the 23rd of April or afterward, the feast day of St. George is celebrated on the Monday after Easter.
• Ss. Constantine and Helen — St. Constantine was the first Christian emperor and allowed Christianity to be practiced freely. Built a new capital for the empire (Constantinople), erected many, many churches, organized the first Ecumenical Council. St. Helen was the mother of St. Constantine - she found the true Cross in Jerusalem under basil plants — built many churches in Palestine— Their feast day is May 21st.
• Ss. Peter and Paul — Peter was a leader of the Apostles — name changed from Simon to Peter (in Greek “Petros”, from the Greek word for “rock” — and his faith was like a rock) — brother of St. Andrew - wrote 2 letters in the New Testament — was Bishop of Antioch and then Rome — and was crucified upside down. St. Paul was born as Saul, persecuted Christians at first, then converted, and name was changed to Paul. Wrote 14 letters in the New Testament. Traveled all over the Mediterranean and was martyred in Rome — Feast day for both is June 29th
• St. John Chrysostom — was a bishop of Constantinople — brilliant speaker, called “Golden-mouth” because his sermons were so good — strong defender of faith and wrote many letters and books about the bible and being Orthodox — feast day is November 13th.
• St. Katherine — From Alexandria, Egypt — extremely brilliant — best speaker of her time — was tortured for not giving up her faith — monastery on Mt. Sinai named after her — feast day is November 25th.
• St. Andrew — first-called of all the apostles — brother of St. Peter — became first bishop of what is now Constantinople — died on a cross in the shape of an X — feast day is November 30th.
• St. Barbara — lived in Phoenicia — father did not believe in Christ, she did and was a defender of the Holy Trinity — tortured by her father because of her beliefs — feast day is December 4th.
10th-12th Grade Curriculum Requirements
Can make the sign of the cross:
  • Know that the three fingers together (thumb, first, and middle) represent the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • The other two mean Christ is both God and Man.
Know the Lord’s prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
Know their Baptismal name and their nameday.
Know that Christmas/Nativity is on December 25th and that is the day Christ was born.
Know that Epiphany is January 6th — when Jesus was Baptized and when God spoke and the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove.
Know that Great Lent starts 40 days before Holy Week and the beginning of Lent changes every year (because it depends on when Easter is).
Know that Palm Sunday is when Jesus entered Jerusalem just prior to His crucifixion.
Last Supper happened on Holy Thursday.
Crucifixion happened on Holy Friday.
Know that Easter is the day when Christ rose from the dead and that date changes every year.
Know that Ascension is 40 days after Easter and is when Jesus rose up into Heaven.
Know that Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit was sent by God to the Apostles, made them speak in different languages, and allowed the apostles to spread the word about Jesus to the whole world — that happened 50 days after Easter.
Know that August 6th is the Metamorphosis/Transfiguration — when Jesus went on Mt. Tabor with Peter, John, and James.
Know that March 25th is the day when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would have a Son and that her Son would be Jesus.
Know that August 15th is the day when we remember that the Virgin Mary fell asleep and went to heaven.
Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to be born as a man because God loves us very much. When Jesus went to back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us on the earth. The Holy Spirit acts in us when we receive the sacraments, when we pray and when we do things that God likes.
St. Nicholas is our patron Saint. His feast day is December 6th. He is the saint for children, travelers, and mariners. He was the bishop of the city of Myra in the region of Lycia (south-east Asia Minor).
Know the 10 commandments
1. You shall have no other god before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Know Psalm 117 by heart.
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
laud Him, all you peoples!
for His merciful kindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!”
Know the Creed by heart
1. I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made.
3. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
4. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
5. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
7. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.
8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
9. In one, holy catholic, and apostolic Church.
10. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
11. I look for the resurrection of the dead,
12. And.the life of the age to come.
Amen”
Know the Trisagion Prayer by heart:
“Holy God, Holy Might, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord forgive our sins. Master pardon our transgressions. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord have mercy (3X).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven... (Lord’s prayer)”
Know the hymn of St. Nicholas by heart:
“The truth of your manner of life manifested you to your flock as a rule of faith and an icon of gentleness and a teacher of self-control. By humility, therefore, you acquired the things on high, and riches through poverty. Father Holy Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, entreating that our souls be saved.”
Know the communion prayer by heart:
“Receive me today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.”
Know the 4 Evangelists — Ss. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — they wrote the Gospels.
Know that the Divine Liturgy is the name of the service on Sundays.
Know that Orthros is the name for the morning service before the Divine Liturgy.
Know that Vespers is the evening service done before a Divine Liturgy.
Know that St. Nicholas is a parish or church.
That St. Nicholas is in the Metropolis of Detroit, which is lead by Metropolitan Nicholas, a bishop (Metropolitan is a special title for a bishop).
That the Metropolis of Detroit is in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is lead by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
That the Archdiocese of America is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is lead by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Know that Holy Scripture (the Bible) has two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Know that the Old Testament is the first part of the Bible and was written over a long period of time - way before the birth of Christ.
Three parts of the Old Testament --
l. First five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
2. Wisdom Literature (Psalms, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, etc.)
3. Prophets (Must know Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jonah)
Know that the New Testament was written over a shorter period of time after Christ’s Ascension.
Know that the icon to the right of the center doors of the church is always of Christ, the icon to the right of the icon of Christ is always of John the Baptist, who pointed everyone to Christ and set the groundwork up for Christ’s ministry.
Know that the icon to the lefi of the center doors is always of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and the icon to the left of that is always of the patron saint or feastday of the church (for us, since we’re St. Nicholas, it’s St. Nicholas — if the church was called Annunciation, the icon would be of the Annunciation, etc.
• St. Basil — Bishop — wrote many things on the Christian faith including a liturgy that we do 10 times a year (during Great Lent, Holy Week, and on Epiphany and his feast day, which is January 1st).
• St. George — Soldier saint — fought for captives and the poor — was tortured because he wouldn’t give up his faith—feast day is April 23rd— or if Easter falls on the 23rd of April or afterward, the feast day of St. George is celebrated on the Monday after Easter.
• Ss. Constantine and Helen — St. Constantine was the first Christian emperor and allowed Christianity to be practiced freely. Built a new capital for the empire (Constantinople), erected many, many churches, organized the first Ecumenical Council. St. Helen was the mother of St. Constantine - she found the true Cross in Jerusalem under basil plants — built many churches in Palestine— Their feast day is May 21st.
• Ss. Peter and Paul — Peter was a leader of the Apostles — name changed from Simon to Peter (in Greek “Petros”, from the Greek word for “rock” — and his faith was like a rock) — brother of St. Andrew - wrote 2 letters in the New Testament — was Bishop of Antioch and then Rome — and was crucified upside down. St. Paul was born as Saul, persecuted Christians at first, then converted, and name was changed to Paul. Wrote 14 letters in the New Testament. Traveled all over the Mediterranean and was martyred in Rome — Feast day for both is June 29th
• St. John Chrysostom — was a bishop of Constantinople — brilliant speaker, called “Golden-mouth” because his sermons were so good — strong defender of faith and wrote many letters and books about the bible and being Orthodox — feast day is November 13th.
• St. Katherine — From Alexandria, Egypt — extremely brilliant — best speaker of her time — was tortured for not giving up her faith — monastery on Mt. Sinai named after her — feast day is November 25th.
• St. Andrew — first-called of all the apostles — brother of St. Peter — became first bishop of what is now Constantinople — died on a cross in the shape of an X — feast day is November 30th.
• St. Barbara — lived in Phoenicia — father did not believe in Christ, she did and was a defender of the Holy Trinity — tortured by her father because of her beliefs — feast day is December 4th.
Books of the New Testament:
  • Matthew
  • Mark
  • Luke
  • John
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Letters of St. Paul
    • Romans
    • 1 & 2 Corinthians
    • Galatians
    • Ephesians
    • Philippians
    • Colossians
    • 1 & 2 Thessalonians
    • 1 & 2 Timothy
    • Titus
    • Philemon
    • Hebrews
  • Epistle of St. James (written by St. James)
  • 1 & 2 Peter (written by St. Peter)
  • 1, 2, & 3 John, written by St. John the Apostle, Beloved, Theologian, etc.
  • Epistle of St. Jude
  • Revelation (written by St. John as above)

Administration

General Information
​1. Academic Year
    • Our Church School Academic Year begins in September and ends the following June.
    • Registration Sunday and the First Day of Church School Classes is usually the first Sunday after Labor Day.
    • Graduation is on a Sunday close to the middle of June.
    • Specific dates appear on the on-line Church School calendar.
2. Student Eligibility
    • Our Church School accepts children ages 3 through 12th Grade.
    • Minimum student age: A child's 3rd birthday must have occurred before the start of the Academic Year (which is defined as September 1st).
3. Registration
    • Registration in Church School is not automatic. Families need to register their children for each new Academic Year.
    • Students should be registered for Church School prior to the start of the Academic Year.
    • Detailed Registration Instructions and all Registration Material are available on the Registration page.
4. Divine Liturgy and Classes
    • Church School students must be in Church by 10:00 AM every Sunday and attend the Divine Liturgy with their families.
    • Church attendance on Sunday is a requirement of our Church School curriculum.
    • Our children must attend the Divine Liturgy properly to establish a sense of order, duty, and to appreciate what is important to us as Greek Orthodox Christians.
    • After receiving holy communion, children will receive antidoron and proceed to their classrooms.
    • The time allotted for in-class instruction is approximately 45 minutes. Classes typically end by 12:15 PM.
    • There may be occasions, however, when extra time may be required to finish a lesson.
5. Attendance and Tardiness
    • All Church School students should attend the Divine Liturgy starting at 10:00 AM sharp. This is a Church School requirement.
    • In-class instruction begins immediately after holy communion.
    • Students must be in class on time so as not to disrupt instruction.
    • Teachers take attendance each Sunday.
6. Curriculum and Exams
    • The curriculum for each class is available here.
    • Near the end of each Academic Year, students are given take-home exams (see the calendar for details).
    • All take-home exams are finalized, corrected and graded by Fr. Nick.
7. Charitable Fundraisers
    • Our Church School (Preschool through 12th grade) participates in three major fundraisers during a year:
      • Thanksgiving Food Drive to gather food for the needy in our communities (ends on Sunday before Thanksgiving).
      • Help our Philoptochos to raise funds for the children at St. Basil’s Academy (1st Sunday in January).
      • Raise funds for the “Orthodox Christian Mission Center” (O.C.M.C.) during Great Lent.
    • Through these projects our children learn to share with others thereby practicing the virtue of Christian charity.
    • The exact start and end dates for these fundraisers appear on the Church School online calendar.
8. St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
    • Each year the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides the opportunity to our Church School students to write about their Greek Orthodox faith.
    • More information about the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is available in a separate page.
    • All Church School students must participate in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at the parish level.
9. Attendance Pins, Perfect Attendance and Honor Reward
    • Attendance Pins:
      • A student will be given an Attendance Pin if he/she has 3 absences or less.
    • Perfect Attendance:
      • A student will be given a pin and a special award if they have no absences.
    • Honor Reward: To be eligible, a student must:
      • Attend at least one class (to accommodate altar boys/captains)
      • Pass a final exam on the requirements of his/her grade; and
      • Participate in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.
10. Discipline
    • In the rare case where a student disrupts the class because of poor behavior, to the point where the lesson for the day cannot continue reasonably, the teacher will refer that pupil to the Church School Director(s) who will handle each case according to their discretion.
    • If necessary, the Director(s) will refer the matter and consult with the Parish Priest.
Guidelines for Church Email
General
  • The St. Nicholas Church School is a ministry of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • The following are guidelines for email communications sent to and from our Church School.

Church School Email Address
  • All Church School official communications should use the address:
"St. Nicholas Church School Ann Arbor Michigan" <churchschoolaa[at]gmail.com>
  • Emails sent to the above address are received only by the Church School directors (typically, two persons).
  • Only the Church School directors can send email from the above email address.
  • Church School email sent to all families is sent "To:" the above address and "Bcc:" to the families (see example below).

Family Email Addresses and Confidentiality
    • The St. Nicholas Church School does NOT communicate directly with its students through email.
    • When parents register their children for Church School, they provide a family email address (which is usually that of a parent). This is the only address that Church School uses to send email to families.
    • It is the responsibility of the parents to inform their children about email communications received from Church School.
    • The email addresses of all Church School families are confidential and should be hidden in all emails sent by the Church School directors or teachers (see below).

How Email from Church School should be AddressedTypical Email from Church School to all Families and Staff
From: St. Nicholas Church School Ann Arbor Michigan <[email protected]>
To: St. Nicholas Church School Ann Arbor Michigan <[email protected]>
Bcc: [email protected], [email protected], ..., [email protected], [email protected], ..., [email protected], [email protected], ...
Subject: St. Nicholas Church School: <specific topic goes here>
Dear Church School Families,
[email message text...]
How it works:
    • The field "Bcc:" stands for "Blind Carbon Copy" and serves to send email to all the addresses listed after the "Bcc:" without revealing them in the email that is actually sent.
  • Only the email addresses listed in the "To:" and "Cc:" fields can be seen by the email recipients.
  • Email recipients do not know the number and email addresses of the other email recipients listed in the "Bcc:" field.

How Email from Church School Teachers to the Student Families in their Classroom should be AddressedExample Email from the Teachers to the families in the 4th and 5th Grade Classroom
From: Jane Doe "[email protected]"
To: St. Nicholas Church School Ann Arbor Michigan <[email protected]>
Cc: Other teachers in the classroom
Bcc: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],...
Subject: St. Nicholas Church School, 4th-5th Grades: <specific topic goes here>
Dear 4th and 5th Grade Church School Families,
[email message text...]
  • Church School teachers are provided with the family email addresses for the students in their classroom.
  • This allows teachers to communicate with the families of their students (always through the parents).
  • Teachers should also use the above "Bcc:" approach when sending email to the families in their classroom.

Avoiding Email Spam
  • Using the "Bcc:" field also protects the email addresses of Church School families against email "spam".
    • It safeguards the recipients of mass-email from clicking the "Reply All" button (deliberately or accidentally) and sending an email to everyone whose address is visible in the original email. (This often starts a wave of emails "sent to all" each of which complains about the flood of emails.)

Contact

For questions or more information, please contact the Church office at [email protected] or call (734) 332-8200
HOME
 
ABOUT
​BELIEFS
An Introduction
Art & Architecture
Scripture
Church
Fasting
Godparenting​
History of Orthodoxy
House of God
​Hymnology​
Lent
Liturgy
Major Feasts
Other Services
Prayers
Sacraments​
Saints​
Services​
Spirituality
​Teachings
Twelve Apostles
Worship
​
Clergy
Contact us
Council
​Mission/Vision
Our Community
Pastoral Care
Patron Saint

​VISIT
Etiquette
​Visitors Info

MEDIA
Calendar
Calendar of Feasts
Great Lent Schedule
Great Lent Daily Messages
Compass Newsletter
News​
Photos
Podcasts
Sermons
Schedules
​​Sunday Bulletin
Videos
Webcam
​
MEMBERSHIP
Intro
Breeze
Stewardship
​Welcome Package

MINISTRIES
​EDUCATION
Bible Study
Church School
Greek School
Learning Videos
Oratorical Festival
​Scholarships
Vacation Church School
YOUTH
HOPE
JOY
GOYA
ADULTS
Cross+Way
The Men's Group
OCF
Orthoblaze
​Orthodox Dads
Orthodox Moms
Philoptochos
Seniors​

SERVICE
Altar Acolytes
Bookstore
Internet
Music
Outreach & Evangelism
Volunteer Opportunities
Ushers

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS​
AHEPA
DOP

RESOURCES
Documents & Forms
Publications
Useful Links

SPECIAL EVENTS
Iconography
Greek Festival
​
Strategic Planning
Solar Project
 
CONTACT
Church Office
Fr. Nick
​Subscribe

​GIVE
ANN ARBOR
© 2024
​
Church Address
​Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 332-8200
​Fax: (734) 332-8201

NEW MAILING ADDRESS
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 1033
Ann Arbor, MI  48106

Directions
Picture
  • Visit
  • Media
  • Membership
  • Ministries & Groups
  • Contact
  • Give