Holy Trinity Parish Oratorical Festival March 5th, 2023 following Divine Liturgy

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival begins at the parish level and provides Greek Orthodox youth the opportunity to learn, write, and talk about their faith.

Elementary Division for students in grades 4-6
Junior Division for students in grades 7–9
Senior Division for student in grades 10–12

Top speakers in Junior and Senior Divisions advance to the district level. Two finalists in each district division represent the district at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. Top speaker in each metropolis division is selected to participate in Archdiocese Finals.

The Oratorical Festival is a beautiful and wonderful way to work on ones public speaking skills while also learning more about our Orthodox faith.

Fr. William will be available for a coaching and content seminar for the Oratorical Festival for those individuals who are interested in participating in the parish event on March 5th, via zoom.

Elementary Division (Grades 4-6)

Helping Others, The Bible, Love, Being Kind, Lighting a Candle, The Cross, My Church, My Family, Prayer, Church School, My Favorite Icon

Junior Division (Grades 7–9)

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.
Orthodox Christians honor the Virgin Mary, the Most Holy Theotokos. What does the Orthodox Church believe about her and her role in our salvation?
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.
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.
Consider and discuss why and how icons are central to our faith and Orthodox practice.

Senior Division (Grades 10–12)

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.
During times of crisis, our faith is tested. How are Orthodox Christians taught to understand and manage pain and suffering?
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?
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?
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?

Oratorical Topics

Oratorical Tips and Resources

Video Release form from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: Department of Religious Education

In signing this release, I give the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, its Metropolises, and Parishes the right to use, distribute, and display this video, any photographs from the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival in which my child appears, including the right to edit or use a portion or all of the video for promotional purposes for their websites, social media and/or other related purposes. I also permit the use of my child’s written text of the speech.

Questions about the Video Release form should be directed to:

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Department of Religious Education

50 Goddard Avenue

Brookline, MA 02445

646-519-6300 | religioused@goarch.org