Overview of Educational Activities

Church School

The Cathedral's Church School program nurtures our most precious resource, our youth. Children raised in this program are taught to understand the spiritual values of the Orthodox Christian Faith and to embrace rich customs and traditions of the Serbian culture. The number of enrolled students in our Church School program exceeds 150 children who are spread out in various classes.
Curriculum - The curriculum follows the program set up by the Department of Christian Education of the Metropolitanate of Libertyville-Chicago.
Teaching Staff - The program is run by more than 30 dedicated volunteers. Some of the teachers and staff workers are former graduates of our Church School program. Teachers come from various educational backgrounds, and with their proficiency contribute to enrichment of our educational activities. Our teachers bring educational professionalism from various public and private school settings, academic institutions, and, of course, from home, being full time mothers and fathers to their own children.

St. Sava Academy

This is the Parochial School of our Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago. St. Sava Academy is a registered State of Illinois parochial school. An incredible learning environment and experience for children, preschool (age 3) through eighth grade, occurs at St. Sava Academy. The Academy offers a comprehensive, daily, dual language program. Students achieve language fluency and proficiency while consistently exceeding academically on local, state and national testing. This educational opportunity provides a truly bilingual Serbian and English curriculum. The students also regularly attend Divine Liturgy services and have religious education classes with the Cathedral clergy. The Academy is in a unique position to nurture leadership and integrity in students, while preserving and perpetuating Orthodox religious heritage. Please visit our web presentation at www.stsavaacademy.org.

Adult Education

The educational program geared towards the spiritual and theological enhancement of our adult parishioners is held every Friday night from September to May. Adult education program is very instructional and informative. Taught by our Cathedral Clergy and visiting guest speakers, this program aids our adult parishioners in their in-depth analysis of Orthodox Faith within the framework of the Holy Tradition and various teachings and doctrines of the Orthodox Christian Church. Classes are offered in English and Serbian language. Please check our church website for more information and upcoming schedule of lectures.

Youth Group

Educational activities organized for our high school children (ages 14 to 18) is an important link in bridging the gap between the Church and everyday life. Besides many activities in which our youth group actively participates, there is a great need to expand their educational experience through diverse discussion gatherings. One type of such a gathering is organized on Friday nights from September through May. Led by our Cathedral clergy, these interactive discussions are a valuable asset in fostering our youth’s understanding of the Church’s views on important contemporary issues. Our young people consider this educational activity to be an excellent occasion for learning, fellowship and socializing.

Jr. Branko Radichevich Choir

The Holy Resurrection Cathedral provides another brilliant opportunity to our young children who thirst for more learning and fellowship experience. Children who are gifted with beautiful voices and singing skills are invited to join “Brankies Junior Choir.” All those interested in joining the choir should contact one of the Junior Choir directors: Popadija Jelena Vranic or Miss Milica Barjaktarevic. Rehearsals are held around 7:00 PM every other Friday night inside the church.

Young Adults

Once a month (usually on Thursdays) the Young Adults of our Cathedral sponsors a fellowship night. This is an informal group which gathers with the intention to learn and broaden the knowledge of the Orthodox faith as well as to discuss various contemporary issues with the clergy and visiting speakers. Young Adult Fellowship is open to everyone college age and older.

Soko Folklore Group

Serbian Folklore Group SOKO was established in 1962 by Mr. Dragan Jordanovich and is based in Chicago, IL, as an integral part of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. SOKO folklore group has toured throughout North America and is widely acclaimed as one of the best Serbian folklore groups on the continent! Rehearsals are held every Friday evening. There are no scheduled rehearsals during the first and last week of Nativity Fast and Great Lent! Specific requirements need to be followed in order for a child to participate in the SOKO folklore group. Please consult the SOKO regulations for more information regarding the folklore participation and activities.

Altar Boys

All boys in the parish who are 7 years of age or older may serve as an Altar Boy. Being an Altar Boy is a wonderful way to learn the Divine Liturgy. This form of kid’s stewardship creates a sense of friendship and fellowship among the youth. Altar Boys who are scheduled to serve in the altar on a particular Sunday must come to Church prior to the beginning of the Divine service. Throughout the year the Cathedral clergy will organize teaching Workshops for Altar Boys. These Workshops are meant to instruct the boys on the meaning of the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical services, as well as to aid them in learning the appropriate skills in serving in the altar.  

Serbian Cultural Classes

Our Serbian Cultural classes are open to children who want to learn about rich Serbian history and Serbian Orthodox tradition. These educational activities are envisioned as tools in preparing our children to read, write and converse in Serbian. Classes are held during the school year every Sunday after the second Divine Liturgy. Additionally, the students from the Serbian school take active role in preparing the St. Sava Celebration. Mr. Milan Egelja is Director of the Serbian language program.

Other Activities

Christmas Toy Drive (Collecting gifts for needy children); Serving at Soup Kitchen, Vacation Bible Camp; Monastery Pilgrimages; Teachers Seminar; Family Fitness Nights; Kumovi Sunday; Pan Orthodox Activities; St. Nicholas Celebration, Museum Trips; St. Sava Celebration; Lenten Seminar; Marriage Seminar, and many more.

Bookstore

The Bookstore is located in the Church Hall. It contains a full selection of books, icons, CDs of Orthodox Church Music, and gift items. The bookstore is open on Sundays after Divine Liturgy and during the week by appointment only. Mr. Kris Martinovich is bookstore manager.