In conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America’s Church-wide youth movement, the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (F.O.C.A.) has announced the 3rd annual National Creative Arts Contest entitled “Celebration of Faith”.

The Celebration is open to all Church youth who are communicants in a parish or mission of a canonical Orthodox Church in North America. The program will be administered by the Junior F.O.C.A. with Mrs. Cheryl Morse of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Minneapolis, Minnesota serving as national chairperson. The theme of this year’s Celebration is“Champions of Faith”. The chosen theme reflects the designation chosen by the Holy Synod of Bishops for the OCAY movement for 2004-2005.

• Under 10 (3rd grade and under),
• 4th-6th grade,
• 7th-9th grade,
• 10th-12th grade.

Students may submit works in any of the four arts areas: literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. There is no limit to the number of entries a student may submit. A student may develop an entry in or outside church school class at the discretion of the parish priest and church school teacher. Each entry must be the original work of one student only and an adult may not alter, change, or enhance the creative integrity of a students’s work. All entries will be judged on artistic merit, creativity and interpretation of the theme. All youth who submit an entry will receive recognition and chosen entries in each category will receive a savings bond.

This year winners will be announced and all entries will be displayed at the National FOCA Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis, Mn, on May 13th-15th 2005. The winning entries will also be displayed at the 14th All-American Council in Toronto, Ontario, CANADA on July 17th-22nd 2005 and at the FOCA National Convention over Labor Day weekend 2005.

Deadline: The deadline for submissions of all material accompanied by an official entry form is April 1, 2005.

Program Details: Click here for a full desciption of the program, downloadable applications, and flyers.

Questions or additional information can be obtained from Mrs. Cheryl Morse through email at camorse916@aol.com.

Click here to view last year's winning entries.