School Bells Are Ringing (Continued)
by Aristea Zekios

High School
Teacher: Father Deacon Andrew Werbiansky

After studying the doctrine of the Orthodox Church last school term, this year high school students chose their own topics. There was much discussion of current events and teenage social situations. These topics dealt with the teachings and beliefs of the Orthodox Church. One recent discussion centered on the shooting in Littleton, Colorado. Other areas of discussion have included, but are not limited to, teenage pregnancy and premarital sex, the value of chastity, the evil of abortion, charity and family relations.

Lauren Dandeles - Grade 10

Christianity in a Secular Society - First Columbine, then Atlanta, and Rogers Park; it seems as if society is becoming more violent and intolerant of those who are of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Given the events of this past year, it would be easy as a student in a public high school that has a diverse population to become fearful of those who are different - to avoid contact with people not quite like me. As a member of Saint Luke's, a small Orthodox congregation, where everyone cares about others as if they were family and of course, where Christian values are cherished, "fear of others" is never an issue.

As a student in a public high school I have seldom felt that my peers were a threat. Although it is impossible to have contact with all the students attending my school, the majority of teenagers with whom I come in contact are good people who just want to be accepted. One aspect of being a good Christian is reaching out to others. When you take the time to get to know new students, learn about different ethnic traditions and religious practices, you can expand your knowledge of the world.

Courtney Bern - Grade 10

Our Church as a Sanctuary - A few weeks ago, our country was racked with the shattering news of the school slaying at Columbine High School. As one of the killers entered a classroom, he asked if anyone there were a Christian. One brave girl stood up and stated that she was. He immediately killed her. This kind of secular persecution is the latest in what seems to be a growing occurrence in school-related shootings that have crossed our country in the past few years.

My two younger sisters and I are home-schooled by my mother, so I am not faced with the daily lack of Christian guidance in the public schools. However, when I attend classes at Moraine Valley Community College, Salt Creek Ballet, or other places, I am in the presence of both Christians and non-Christians. I am often confronted with a lack of morals in the actions and conversation of the people around me. It is especially hard when many of these people are my friends. One reason my parents chose to home-school me was that they could mold my character with strong Christian views. Yet, they cannot always be there when I am out in the world; they trust that I will not succumb to peer pressure. This is why I like being in the presence of my peers at Saint Luke who share the same beliefs and values that I have. In an increasing non-Christian world, I like having friends that I can talk to openly about my faith and who will have empathy and support for me.