Balkan Orthodox Youth Association

THE 3RD SEMINAR ON CATECHISM IN THE BALKANS
“CATECHISM IN THE CHURCH AND THE CHURCH IN CATECHISM”
Soko Monastery, Holy Diocese of Sabac-Valjevo, Serbian Orthodox Church, 12 – 17/05/2003

Miss Branka Jevtic, theologian and catechist, Diocese of Sabac - Valjevo, Serbia and Montenegro

Respectable guests, honorable fathers, dear colleagues, brothers and sisters in Christ– Hristos Vaskrse! Let me introduce myself. My name is Branka Jevtic and I am catechism teacher in two high schools in Valjevo . First of all, I would like to thank the organizers of this gathering and the sisterhood of Soko monastery for their hospitality and for enabling us to gather here and exchange ideas and experiences.

As some of you may know, this has been the second year the Serbian government allowed the return of catechism in schools. In the first year this subject was optional, which means the children didn’t have to opt for any of the offered subjects, whereas this year they had to make that choice. The people from our country who are present here today know best how many difficulties there were in returning catechism, so we’re grateful to God for giving us the chance to pass the word of God to the young, especially us who have that honor and responsibility to be the first ones to do it after a long time. This school year is drawing to its close, so we can see if catechism classes had the desired effect. I will briefly inform you about what methods and didactic aids we have been using and what problems we have faced.

The teachers (lecturers) have been trying to make the lectures interesting, so the children haven’t been only passive observers. They have been encouraged to take part as much as possible during the lectures of each topic, to their contribution and to exercise creativity. The least emphasis has been placed on theory (ex catedra) and most attention has been paid to dialogue – monologue method or only a dialogue method. Namely, the teachers noticed during the first contact with the children that they had many questions about particular topics (e.g. practical behaviour in a temple when entering or during the service), so a conclusion was made that attention should be paid to open conversation between a teacher and students, where the students would be given an opportunity to ask questions or express their observations related to all forms of church life. The lessons have not been limited to the classroom, they have been held in the church and church yard as well. We noticed that the students especially liked this way of teaching. Everything they saw or practically applied on the spot (kissing of icon ,or bowing in front of one) has become permanently engraved in their minds. All the teachers agree that more space should be left if operational syllabi for teaching outside the classrooms. Workshops have also been accepted. Since this is novelty in Serbian schools, the children have shown interest and motivation to take part in the topic. Therefore we can say that this approach has been successful. This teaching method is rather new here, so there is a need for cooperation between the teachers when it comes to the choice of the topics for orthodox workshops.

I had guest lecturers in my classes (someone who is expert in the field of theology e.g. spiritual music, liturgy etc.)The children were particularly interested when I played them spiritual music.

These lessons completely attracted their attention and relieved the monotony and tiredness the children felt after other subjects. They also enjoyed the lessons when we watched films (e.g. about pilgrimage to the holy land, abortion…). A cooperation between the teachers and the church is necessary due to the funds for supply of video material. Multimedia presentation on computers would be extremely helpful, but here we have a problem with funds again. In spite of that, we can’t neglect the need for this way of teaching, because there is a large number of excellent multimedia CDs with this content. A lot of students have computers at home, so I sometimes gave them advice on what web sites to visit, and then we would discuss the content or I would answer their questions concerning the information their read there.

Prior to the most joyous Christian holiday – Christmas, the students took part in a humanitarian campaign which the students and I organized. We decided to visit the center for children without parents custody in Valjevo. We got the idea to initiate that campaign while talking in class about a great Christian virtue – mercy. We collected the money (according to the possibilities) and bought them things that they’ve told us are necessary for their “home” and on top of all that ,some kids even prepared presents of their own . My pupils could hardly wait for the day when they would visit these children, talk to them and make them feel wanted at least during this joyous holiday. Some friendships continued to last till this day and some students even invited the orphans to spend the holiday in their homes.

A few days ago we organized an excursion for primary and secondary school students with headmaster of the church in Valjevo, and all this has been very important for the children’s education. These excursions were completely free of charge-our church paid for it. We went to the monasteries in Fruska Gora, and one in our diocese-Kaona,and children are more then pleased with everything they’ve seen.

We also gave them presents for Christmas and Resurrection,-some books,postcards,and in kindergarden there was a competition organized for the best egg basket, so the best kid received valuable present provided by church in Valjevo.
Gymnasium students attended presentations of religious books.Them,and kids from primary school and kindergarden prepared plays for great Christian feasts.

Great number of students began attending church (Sunday Liturgy) on regular bases.
We also organized visits(pilgrimages-we walked all the way) to the nearby monasteries(Celije- 7 km from Valjevo).

Almost all of my students received Holy Communion more then once in this school year.
It is impossible to describe so many things that have been done for a short time. Thank you for the patience and attention you paid to me.