Vacation Church School (VCS)
Posted June 23rd, 2026
Vacation Church School 2026: The Bread of Life…
There are no words to express the feelings for the 2026 amazing Vacation Church School that took place this week and had as a theme ‘‘The Bread of Life’’, teaching the meaning of the divine Liturgy.
Excellent organization, passion, responsibility, synergy, inspiration, empathy, and pedagogical principles brought together 70 students, 46 volunteers and two priests who worked hard for 5 days to create a safe space for these children to be themselves, through orthodox spiritual guidance, positive influence, inspirational classes, and great food!
A huge thank you to Antonia Degliantoni who led our parish project. She has put in so much time, above the call of duty, organizing every single detail, inspiring people, and getting the most out of the skills and talents of our team members. She has fostered a sense of support and appreciation that allowed our volunteers to improve their practice daily. Her dedication helped everyone to reach their goals while her excellent problem-solving skills and creativity allowed everyone to swiftly resolve issues that might have easily escalated into roadblocks. Her communication, compassion, and commitment to the wellbeing of our VCS has been invaluable!
A big thank you to the art teachers, Eleni Mallos, Anthea Fraser, Sandra Karafotias and the music class teachers, Beth Gerry and Marina Geist who went that extra mile to make sure their work was stellar.
A ton of thanks to the kitchen crew, Ann Mehas, Sandra Karafotias, Annette Bacon, Nick Mallos, Christos Efthimiadis, Chris Karafotias, Olivia Mehas, Nick Degliantoni, Ann Davis for putting in such an arduous work on the demanding fasting period of the Twelve Apostles. Working in the kitchen can be challenging but these people made it look so easy! Special thanks to Pres. Theodora Nakou and Melanie Nickel, who taught our children how to make prosphoron (actually, this Sunday’s antidoron, is made by them) and to Katherine Karafotias for her lesson about the miracles happening during Liturgy.
A lot of thanks and gratitude to our counselors, Elsa Hatzipavlou, Yiannis Kondilis, Polyxeni Gustafson, Zayna Elkahl, Jonah Nickel, Alexa George, Zoi Kahl, Carter Funes, Luke Semerikov, Zoe Anadiotis, Rufta Simon, Eirini Athanasakis, Elsie Martensen, Anna Elkahl, Aoife Mora, Alexandra Semerikov, Clara Riti, Niveen Mason, Zane Kahl, Calli Jeffery, Nektarea Souza, and Daria Leahu, to our sports leaders Nidal Jr Kahl and Michael Gustafson, to our four extra adult volunteers, Christina Marneris, Luke Geist, Christina Geist, Rayya Abukhader, and to our photo man Nick Mallos who worked tirelessly to provide our children with an incredible Vacation Church School experience.
All these adult and teenager counselors did their best as each day brought new challenges and new successes: they were energized, they were inspiring, they were exhausted! They are a terrific group, and we are so grateful for each one’s dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the parents who trusted, supported, and encouraged us along the way. We absolutely could not do this without them. - Thank you!
It wasn’t an easy project, but we reached new heights on this one! We feel so blessed to be members of this parish that supports one another and never gives up. We can’t wait to have everyone back again next year!
Have a wonderful summer!
Fr. Christos