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The light of truth and knowledge: spiritual care of the “Leader” school has become a good traditiontranslated

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

On September 1, on the day of the new school year, according to the established Orthodox tradition, the rector of the St. Nicholas Church in Istra, Archpriest Vitaly Pelishenko, performed the rite of consecration of the building of the Private secondary school “Leader” in New Riga.

At the end of the prayer service, Father Vitaly addressed the director, teachers and students with pastoral instructions. The priest wished the schoolchildren God's help in their studies, inquisitive minds and striving for the light of truth, and the teachers - wisdom, patience and spiritual strength in their responsible work.

The school director, Shchetinina Gayane Georgievna, warmly thanked the rector for the visit and spiritual support, noting that joint prayer before the start of the school year is an important part of the educational concept of the institution.

Source: Site: Одинцовская епархия · Read the full story →

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Αγγελική Παναγιωτοπούλου

Good start for kids. I'm glad that Father Vitalios wished them "enlightenment of mind" and "love for the truth", that's exactly what they need today. Gayane Georgievna seems to have taken it very seriously, well done to her.

Γιώργος Λαμπρόπουλος

Yes, I agree, the wish for enlightenment of mind and love for the truth is the most essential. I remember last year when Father Vitalios said something similar to our children in Volos, he stayed with them the whole year. Gayane Georgievna really seems to mean it, it's not just for the eyes. How do you see it, does such a tradition help schools?

Δήμητρα Παπαγεωργίου

Yes, George, I completely agree that the wish for enlightenment of mind and love for the truth remains in the children. Last year we had a similar consecration at my daughter's school here in Heraklion and it really seemed to give them courage throughout the year. Do you think it helps more when the same priest visits every September or is it enough once?

Ειρήνη Κωνσταντίνου

Yes, George, continuing with the same priest makes a difference, as you said about Father Vitalios last year. At my daughter's school here in Thessaloniki years ago we had a similar consecration and the children remembered his words about the truth even after the holidays. Do you think it helps more when it is connected to something everyday like prayer before class?

Ζωή Λαμπροπούλου

Yes, Irene, the continuity with the same priest gives a sense of stability that the children grasp. In the school I went to as a child, it was the prayer before the lesson that stayed in my mind the most, not only the celebration of the beginning. Do you, your daughter still remember anything specific from those words?