Day 2 of OVBS at St George Indian Orthodox Church Brisbane

Brisbane, 20th September 2024 – The second day of the Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS) at St George Indian Orthodox Church was filled with excitement, spiritual learning, and community engagement as children participated in a variety of enriching activities. Themed in vibrant yellow, the day began with Prayer and Announcements, setting a reflective tone for the participants.

A major highlight of the day was the Motivational Talk delivered by Samuel Kurian Poikayil, a prominent member of the Marthoma Church community. Raised in Dubai and holding a Bachelor's degree from Bangalore, Samuel is currently a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. His inspiring message focused on balancing a successful career with a strong faith, encouraging the children to work hard while keeping God at the center of their lives. As a father of two, Samuel's words struck a chord with both the children and the volunteers present, motivating everyone to pursue their goals with faith and determination.

Children then participated in Bible Classes, where they deepened their understanding of scripture through engaging discussions and activities. Following the morning session, the children were treated to Morning Tea, featuring a spread of pancakes and fresh fruits, giving them energy for the day’s creative tasks.

The day's Activities included Pot Painting & Planting and Face Painting, where children expressed their artistic talents. These hands-on experiences were followed by an Interactive Session led by Silpa Kochamma, where the children played Bible-based games and sang Christian and Holy Qurbana hymns, making learning both fun and memorable.

A unique and delightful moment was the custom "Let Us Pray" cutout, where children could place their heads into the cutout spaces around an illustration of Jesus. This creative photo opportunity was more than just a fun booth – it allowed the children to feel as though they were part of a divine gathering with Jesus. Their laughter and excitement during this session captured the joy of the day.

The children also had fun with fancy glasses and accessories, posing confidently for photos with colorful, quirky glasses and headpieces. The photos captured their playful spirits and added a touch of joy and creativity to the event.

Lunch was a special treat with pizza, enjoyed by all, before the day wrapped up with practice for the upcoming Valedictory Function.

The event was further enriched by the active participation of many volunteers and parents, who took time off from their busy schedules to assist with OVBS activities. Their support and dedication were invaluable in making the day a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and spiritual fulfillment, as the children, parents, and volunteers look forward to the next day of OVBS at St George Indian Orthodox Church.