Introduced in 1983, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides Greek Orthodox teenagers the opportunity to write and talk about their faith. The Oratorical Festival Program begins at the parish level and is divided into three divisions:

• Junior Division for students in grades 7–9
• Senior Division for student in grades 10–12

The top speakers in the Junior and Senior Divisions advance to the district level. Two finalists in each district division represent the district at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. The top speaker in each metropolis division is then selected to participate in the Archdiocese Finals, which is hosted by a different metropolis each year.

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2017 District Festival Locations and Dates

Saturday, March 4th
Western Florida Conference - St Nicholas Cathedral; Tarpon Springs


Saturday, March 18th
Costal Conference - Holy Trinity; Charleston, SC
North East Conference - Annunciation; Winston Salem, NC


Saturday, April 1st
Central Conference - Holy Transfiguration; Marietta, GA
North East Florida Conference - St Demetrios; Daytona Beach, FL
South East Florida Conference - St Nicholas, Ft Pierce, FL
Western Conference - Annunciation, Pensacola, FL



Metropolis Oratorical Chairperson:  Dr Maria Angeliadis
angeliadism@msn.com

Reflections of Faith
 

This past week our Metropolis hosted the National St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.  It was a wonderful weekend, and the poise, knowledge, and confidence displayed by the 18 young people representing their parishes and metropolises was both encouraging and humbling.
 
In the Gospel passage prescribed for this Sunday, we hear Christ proclaim, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness . . . “.  These young speakers served as beacons of the Light, true followers of Christ.  For many it is easy to give a speech, to memorize some words, but to truly speak from the heart, to inspire and encourage others, this is a skill that must be cultivated.
 
To cultivate something implies preparation, labor, growth, and study.  It was apparent from listening to the speakers that from an early age they have been cultivated.  They have acquired a love of Christ, a foundation in the Faith, and growth in the Holy Spirit.  Like anyone, they may have experienced a season less bountiful than another, a time of disappointment or sorrow.  Yet having their life firmly planted in our rich Orthodox Faith, they continue to grow and excel. 
 
The students themselves were as varied as the topics.  One spoke of silence and the need for stillness, another on human trafficking, and yet another on the Divine Liturgy.  One speaker was a lacrosse player, another played cello, while a third acted in plays in the theater department of their high school.   Yet their ability to be a light to all those present united them, and ultimately united all of us. 
 
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios reflected that “today’s presenters are the voice of Christ”.  And just like the Apostles, the Martyrs, and all the Saints, these young men and women are truly lighting the way for all of us.  They are speaking in truth and in love.  They are speaking about Christ and for Christ.  And those who choose to follow their path will never walk in darkness, but will be found worthy of receiving the True Light.  
 

Julie Moricz
Coordinator – Youth, Education, Hellenic Culture

April 28-30, 2017
St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Ft Lauderdale, FL