ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST
OUTSIDE KERALA REGION
ANNUAL CIRCULAR 2024
No: OKR/01/2024
1st JANUARY, 2024
To the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors, Vicars, Headmasters/Headmistresses and Teachers
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord!
Wish you all a blessed New Year!
May this new year bring rays of new hope in all our lives. We thank Almighty for all the grace showered
over the activities of our Sunday school. We highlight the following things for the smooth planning and
the functioning of the Sunday school activities during this academic year.
A. Textbooks
We follow the textbooks prepared by OSSAE since 2015. The textbooks are available at OKR
Office, Nagpur and OSSAE Central Office Devalokam, Kottayam.
The soft copy of the same is available at our website www.ossaeokr.org. Please refer the updated
list of books.
B. Inter Diocesan Competition 2023
Inter Diocesan Competition 2023 for the Senior and the Secondary Grade Students will be held in
the month of July 2024. The date for the same will be intimated later.
C. Sunday School Day and Mercy Day 2024
Sunday after the festival of Mayaltho, February 4 will be celebrated as the Sunday School day and Sunday
November 24 will be celebrated as the Mercy day this year. GCC countries (Except UAE) Sunday schools
will celebrate these days on February 2 and November 22, 2024 respectively.
D. Annual Examination 2024
As per the decision of the Annual General Body of OSSAE-OKR the Annual Examination 2024 for Class
X, XII and XI/XII for students in Kuwait/Saudi/Oman/Bahrain and Doha will be conducted on Friday,
December 6, 2024 and Annual Examination for students in UAE and India will be conducted on Sunday,
December 8, 2024. Any change in the dates will be informed.
E. Talent Evaluation 2024
As in the previous year’s talent evaluation may be conducted for the Sunday school students at
various levels as per the decision of the respective dioceses. The portions for the same is attached
along with.
AGE CALCULATION
Sub Junior 1st January 2017 Onwards
Junior 1st January 2014 To 31st December 2016
Intermediate 1st January 2011 To 31st December 2013
Seniors 1st January 2008 To 31st December 2010
Secondary 1st January 2005 To 31st December 2007
AGE WISE GROUPING FOR GROUP SONG 2024
Buds Born On 1st January 2017 Onwards- Age up to 7 Years
Premiers Born in 2011/2012/2013/2014/2015 or 2016 - Age 8 to 13 Years
Teens Born in 2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 or 2010 - Age 14 to 19 Years
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F. OVBS 2024
OVBS may be conducted at unit/diocesan levels. As per the decision of the Annual General Body
Meeting the winners of solo song competition at Diocesan level may also participate for OVBS
song recording. For further details, please contact the OVBS Director/Asst. Director.
CONCLUSION
We would like to express our profound gratitude to the Metropolitans, Vice Presidents, Directors,
Diocesan Secretaries, District Presidents, District Inspectors, District Secretaries. Vicars, Headmasters,
Teachers and Parents for all your support and cooperation for the smooth functioning of Sunday school
activities.
All the payments to OKR shouldbe made to Federal Bank A/c No. 13390100053545, Nagpur, IFS
code FDRL0001339. Those who avail the NEFT facility should intimate the office about the payment
for proper accounting.
We earnestly solicit your prayers and cooperation for the success of our ministry to lead our children
in the right path, as we were led by our parents and teachers. Joining Rev. Fr. B M Thomas, Treasurer
of OSSAE OKR, Rev. Fr. Anish Issac Mathew, Executive Officer OSSAE-OKR, Mr. Shibu Varghese,
Office Assistant and the Sunday School team wishing you all a Blessed new Sunday School Year. May
the light and life of our Lord Jesus Christ guide us and strengthen us in this glorious ministry.
With warm regards,
In His Mission,
Fr. Dr. Jossi Jacob
Director, OSSAE-OKR
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APPENDIX 1
SYLLABUS-2024 (Chapters)
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
4th Edition
Jesus Kids
September 2021 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20
3rd Edition
Class-1
February 2021 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20
3rd Edition
Class-2
October 2021 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20
3rd Edition
Class-3
October 2021 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
3rd Edition
Class-4
February 2022 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
3rd Edition Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
Class-5
January 2023 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
3rd Edition
Class-6
October 2021 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23
3rd Edition
Class-7
February 2022 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 28
3rd Edition
Class-8
December 2022 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 27, 29
Mid Term Exam 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28
3rd Edition
Class-9
June 2022 Annual Exam 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29
Part 1 3rd Edition 4, 5, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28 &
Mid Term Exam
February 2023 Vattaseril, St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius
Class-10
Part 2 3rd Edition 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
Annual Exam
November 2022 26, 27, 28, 29 & St. Gregorios of Parumala
2nd Edition Unit 1 to 3 (12 Chapters)
Mid Term Exam
February 2022 Holy Qurbana - A Study: Chapters 1 to 5
Class-11
ND - 2nd Edition Chapters 4 to 6 (12 chapters)
Annual Exam
November 2022 Holy Qurbana - A Study: Chapters 6 to 10
2nd Edition Units 1 to 3 (12 chapters)
Mid Term Exam
January 2023 Rituals are meaningful: Chapters 1 to 5
Class-12
ND - 3rd Edition Units 1 to 6 (24 chapters)
Annual Exam
December 2022 Rituals are meaningful: Chapters 1 to 10
Notes
1. Hymns and Prayers for individual classes are listed in the Appendix II of this circular.
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APPENDIX II
Prayers and Hymns for 2024
Class Prayer Hymn
Jesus Trisagion Glory is to God on high …
Kids (Sthuthi Deyvathinuyarathil …)
Mid Lord’s Prayer … (Swargasthanaya Renew your creatures
Term Njagalude Pithave …) (Karuna niranjavane ….)
1 Exam
Annual Peace be with you Mary … May this offered Eucharist …
Exam (Kripa niranja mariyame …) (kazhchayathil karthave nin ...)
Mid Prayer before going to bed By Thy light we see the light…..
Term Prayer when you got up in the (Velivu niranjoreesho nin…) (5 stanzas)
2 Exam Morning
Annual Kauma (upto Barekmor) In oblations and in prayer …
Exam (Deiva suthanmar ayiduvan …)
Mid O holy Father, guard us by Thy Let us give peace from our hearts…
Term sacred ... (Anyonyam Slomo nalkin ...)
Exam (Shudhamulla Bava …)
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Annual Prayer before and after food. Remember we those prophets ...
Exam (Neebiyanmarum
Jathikalodevangeliyon ...)
Mid O Jesus Christ our Lord, Do not By the mother’s Earnest Prayers…
Term Close ... (Moran Yeshu messiah …) (Ninmathavu Vishudhanmar..)
4 Exam
Annual O Merciful God, the voice of our Those apostles ... (Bhoovilashesham …)
Exam Prayer … (Karunayulla Daivame …) Paul the Blessed ... (Paulose sleeha …)
Mid Psalm 4 (from ‘Soothara’ of Family Come the time of prayer is here ...
Term Prayer Book) (Yachikendum Samayamitha ...)
Exam
5 Annual Nicene Creed Hearken Gracious Lord we pray ...
Exam (Nikhya Vishwasa Pramanam) (Anpudayone nin vathil …)
Seraphim of fiery line ... (Srappikale
kandeshaya …)
Mid Psalm 51 (from Holy Qurbanakramam) Kukiliyon of St. Mary
Term
Exam
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Praise of the Cherubim … Blessed are those servants good …
Annual (Karthavinte Bahumanam Thalsthanath (Yajamanan varumannera ...)
Exam ennekkum …)
Mid Prayer before and after receiving the Kukiliyon of Saints.
Term Holy Qurbana.
Exam
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Annual O thou full of mercy… Lord thy mercy on us cast …
7 Exam (Anugrahangal (Njagalkulla Karthave ...)
Niranjirikunnavane)
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Mid Psalm 91 (from Holy Qurbanakramam) Kukiliyon of the Cross.
Term Psalm 121 (from Holy Qurbanakramam)
Exam
8 He who sits under the protection of the Kukiliyon of the Cross.
Annual most high...
Exam (Mahonnathante Maravil
Irikunnavanaya Karthave ...)
Mid Awaken us lord from our sleep in the Kukiliyon of the Departed.
Term sloth of sin …
Exam (Urakkamillatha unarvaullavane …)
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Annual It is good to give thanks (Karthavine Kukiliyon of the Departed
Exam Sthothram cheyyunnathum…)
Mid Grant us Lord God ... Forever and ever. Kukiliyon of the Clergy.
Term (Deyvamaya karthave pakal
& Samayathe …)
Annual
10 Exam
Annual Lord, I have called upon you…. O God, Kukiliyon of the Clergy.
Exam Barekmor/
Karthaave ninne njaan vilichu…
Daivame sthuthi Ninakku
Mid Mary said my soul magnifies the The one on whom fiery angels …
Term Lord … St. Luke 1:46-55. (Agniayanmar are nokki …)
11 Exam (Mariam paranjathenthennal ...)
Annual Psalm 149 (from Holy Qurbanakramam) Saviour has spoken….
Exam Psalm 150 (from Holy Qurbanakramam) (Rakshakanura cheythan…)
Mid As the angels and archangels on high… High priests and priests ...
Term (Athyunnathangalil swargeeya (Melpattakkar pattakkarode
& Malakhamar …) …)
12 Annual
Exam
Annual Psalm 148 (from Holy Qurbanakramam) Clear o lord my every debt …
Exam (Ente kadangalashesham nin …)
Please note these are the Prayers and Hymns to be taught during the academic year-2024. Detailed
version of the prayer and hymns is sent from the OKR Office. Please use only that for
teaching/examination purpose.
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ARTS COMPETITION, 2024
1. Sub-Juniors:
Action Song
Story Telling – (i) Any parable of Jesus
(ii) Any story from New Testament
Coloring
2. Juniors:
Drawing
Story Telling – (i) Any Miracle of Jesus
(ii) Any story on Obedience
3. Intermediate:
Bible Verse Writing
Elocution – (i) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” –
(Psalm 119:105)
(ii) “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
4. Seniors:
Solo Song - Any Christian Song (English/Malayalam)
Elocution – (i)“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called
children of God”. (St. Matthew 5:9)
(ii) “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain”.
(Philippians 1:21)
Essay writing: (i) Intercession to the Saints
(ii) Importance of Fasting and Lent in the Orthodox Tradition.
Bible Quiz: (i) St. Matthew Ch 1 to 10
(ii)1 Kings Ch 1 to 10
(iii)Feast of Pentecost
(iv)Life and Contributions of H.G. Alvarez Mar Julius
5. Secondary
Solo Song: Any Christian Song (English/Malayalam)
Elocution: (i) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
(ii) Jesus Christ as described in the Nicean Creed.
Essay writing: (i) Participation of Youth in Orthodox worship
(ii) St. Paul and the Mission of the Church
Bible Quiz: (i) St. Luke Ch 1 to 10
(ii) Deuteronomy Ch 1 to 10
(iii) Feast of Yeldo
(iv) Life and contributions of H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios
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GROUP SONG
Buds: (Age upto 7 years)
Any song from the Holy Qurbana service (no special songs)
Premiers: (Age 8 to 13 years)
Any song from Christmas service
Teens: (Age 14 to 19 years)
Funeral service - Men
APPENDIX III
Project work of the Students during 2024
General Guidelines
The Project work is not a classroom assignment. The students can do it in their leisure time
or in the break time when they are tired of learning secular subjects.
One of the projects given below can be selected for this year. Project of the children of
classes IV to VI are to be conducted on an oral level only. Students of Classes VII to XI
(Class X excluded) should submit it in a well hand-written form.
The length of the written project should be from five to ten pages. Photos and other data
can be added, if available.
Teachers and parents should help the child in developing his/her ideas. Teachers can select
books and websites and give the name of these to the students. However, each project
should be an independent work of the student.
The Class teacher should maintain a register for the internal assessment of the student and
the marks for the project should be entered in it. It shall be examined by the HM and verified
by theparish priest. All those who are in this process should remind themselves that we are
serving the Lord and that Christian values should not be compromised at any cost.
The mark of the project work can be as follows: Punctuality (2 marks), Text (3marks),
Comprehension of the idea (3 marks), and Presentation/Neatness (2 marks). October 15 is
the cut- off date for the submission of the project at unit level.
Selected Projects can be presented in front of the people during the anniversary of the
Sunday School or on Sunday School day.
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THEMES FOR PROJECTS
Class IV 1) Recite the fruits of the Spirit with Bible reference
2) Recite the names of 12 apostles
Class V 1) Recite the “I am sayings” of Jesus with references.
2) Make note of maximum number of liturgical books used in the Church and the
occasion of use
Class VI 1) Name all the books of the Old Testament
2) Narrate briefly about the life and contribution of Late H. G. Alvares Mar Yulios
Metropolitan
Class VII 1) Write briefly about St. George
2) Write the main events in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and its significance.
Class VIII 1) Prepare a note on the 8 Sundays of Great Lent
2) Write briefly about the life of Pampady Thirumeni
Class IX 1) Write briefly about the life of St. John Chrysostom
2) Prepare a report on Synod of Diamper and its effects on the Malankara Orthodox
Church
Class XI 1) Write briefly about the contributions of Late H. G. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios.
2) Write briefly about the establishment of the Catholicate in Malankara.
Mandatory Project work CLASS XII (PRIVATE) & CLASS XI/XII STUDENTS ANNUAL EXAMINATION’
Write a detailed study on Baptism or Marriage or Anointing the Sick or Feast of Christmas
based on the liturgical text used, focusing mainly on Prayers, Hymns, Symbols and Rituals.
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2024 Year Plan at a Glance
Dates in Dates in
Month Event
India the Gulf
Sunday School New Year begins 07.01.2024 05.01.2024
January Annual Statements and Annual Reports of Headmasters to
District Inspector
Sunday School Day 04.02.2024 02.02.2024
Leaders Meet 7 and 8 Feb 2024
Announcement of Result X/ XII/XII &XII/TSE (2023) Will update later
February
Annual Statements, Annual Reports of Diocese to the Zonal 29.02.2024 29 02.2024
Secretary
Annual Statements and Annual Reports of Zonal Secretaries to 30.07.2024 30.07.2024
Director Diocesan General Body
May Beginning of Summer Vacation As per the decision of the
June Reopening after vacation Diocese/Region/Sub Region
J
Half yearly Examination As per the decision of the
Diocese/Region/Sub Region
July Annual Reports of Diocesan Directors to the OKR Director 30.07.2024 30.07.2024
Inter Diocesan Competition 2023 Dates will be announced later.
August Unit level Competition N/A
OKR Annual General Body Meeting Will be informed
September Later
Last Date for submission of Application Form for X/ XII/ 1.10.2024
XI& XII Exam
October Last Date for submission of Application Form for X/ XII/ 15.10.2024
XI&XII Exam with late fees
Zonal Level Competition N/A
Diocesan Level Competition and Teachers’ Conference TO BE DECIDED BY THE
November DIOCESE
Mercy Day (Jeeva Karunya Dinam) 24.11.2024 22.11.2024
Annual Examination for X and XII 08.12.2024 06.12.2024
December (India&U.A.E) (GCC Countries)
Annual Examination for Nursery to Class IX and Class XI As per the decision of the
Diocese/Region/Sub Region
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