Start of a New Academic Year for the St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox School

On Saturday, September 9, 2017, a new academic year began. This is the 11th academic year of the Russian Orthodox School of St. Sergius of Radonezh at the Tolstoy Foundation in Valley Cottage, New York. (104 Lake Rd, Valley Cottage, NY 10989)

The first day of school began with a moleben in the church, after which everyone walked to the school building to meet their new teachers.

Classes at the school run from September to May on Saturdays from 9:15 am to 1:30 pm, with a break for lunch. Each day begins and ends with a prayer. During the classes, children study the Law of God, Russian language, literature, history, geography and singing. There are also classes for children who do not speak Russian at home, but who want to study religion, history, and culture.

Toward the end of September and the beginning of October, rehearsals and preparations for the annual play presented at Yolka are held after classes end in the school. The play, which achieves a very high level of performance, takes place at the end of January and always fills a packed hall (of 300-400 spectators).

{Yolka — literally “Christmas Tree” — is the Russian term for Christmas celebrations.)

This year’s play is based on Pushkin’s fairy tale “Ruslan and Lyudmila.” The Yolka  will be held on January 21 at: Episcopal Church, 105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ. After the performance, St. Nicholas and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) make an appearance, lead Russian folk dances, and give out gifts. The holiday celebration will end with a very tasty luncheon. The Russian School invites all to attend the Yolka.

You can find more details about the classes and the schedule by visiting the website of the school – http://www.stsergiuslc.com