With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene runs, every Monday morning, a very successful playgroup for pre-school aged children. The playgroup is run in the hall next door to the church and is coordinated by Parish Priest Father Terry Gerovasilis and Presvytera Stamatia Gerovasilis.
On Monday the 1 April 2024, a Public Holiday and the beginning of the School Holidays, the Playgroup met for a special gathering with activities for primary and pre-school aged children. Firstly, a blessing of the waters was conducted to mark the beginning of the new month and Father Terry blessed all the children in the hall.
Then the children participated in making Lenten cookies in the kitchen. The children all enjoyed baking and then eating their creations. Following this, Presvytera Stamatia sung a few songs in English & Greek, then started story time with the Lord’s Prayer and showed the children how to do the sign of the cross. The children learnt about prayer and who and what we can pray for. The children listened to a book about the weeks leading up to Easter and learnt about Kiria Sarakosti (Lady Lent).
Finally, the children used paint sticks to create beautiful colourful crosses. This prepared then for the Third Sunday of Lent in which our Church celebrates the veneration of the Holy Cross.
The weekly Playgroup is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn more about the Church and our faith from an early age, and for the mothers and parents to have fellowship with one another.
