::WILD APPLAUSE::
I nominate the above for post of the month for August.
Man, you got it. Especially this: "THE ONLY CORRECT ANSWER IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR CHILDRENS FAITH." I think, if the Serbian churches aren't being as proactive as you'd like, try to pair up with another Orthodox parish that seems to have a good children's ed/youth program going. You can always go to the Serbian church for services otherwise -- I think it's great that you want to practice Orthodoxy within your own, native heritage, btw -- but you could also find out when other parishes' youth or kids meet and take your kids over there so that they could spend some time in an Orthodox setting with other kids their age.
Just a thought.
When folks look around and notice that the average age of their parishes is approaching middle age...that'll change. I've heard tell of parishes that have turned it around through changing to the vernacular.
Thanks guys and gals, God Bless you all for the input.
your input here has given me lots to go on with my wife and kids.. I will try to speak to our priest about doing a service during the week in English... his son has just been ordained a deacon so perhaps this is a solution to a problem that could initiate some positive reactions around the Churches youth. We do need some some spiritual stimulation here in Adelaide. Praise God!
I have decided to nominate myself as a rep for the "starved generation" of Serbian Orthodox Christians as I find it hard to just sit around and let things just plod along as they have been, its not fruitful and any vine that isn't fruitful should be pruned.
God Bless you all in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen