In the center of Los Angeles, at 650 Micheltorena Street, is the Church of Saint mother of God with an attached Orthodox Sunday School. As a rule it is quite common to have a Church school, but the unusual warm atmosphere and genuine enthusiasm of the people involved and their true love of the children here, make this one quite special.

The principal, Irina Usova, acquaints us with the premises, There is a private parking, a small two story building with well lit classrooms, teachers’ quarters, a library and a prayer counter. Few Sunday Schools can boast of such facilities.

As the children and the faculty are preparing for year-end graduation ceremonies there is a lot of excitement because the children fully participate in the preparations and the arranging of newly received furniture and supplies from the Church’s sponsors.

Here there is a home atmosphere; the faculty is made up of dedicated well-educated people for whom teaching here is not work but a connection to their roots. The children, though mostly born in the United States, still feel some detachment; but here they enjoy a connection to their Russian blood and origins.

Studies start with a short Service followed by five classes that familiarize the students with their Mother language, literature, classic authors, grammar, history, music, art, song and dance, and Bible Study.

Read more: A School at the Church