On the holy and sacred Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. John Chrysostom, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA visited St. John Chrysostom Academy in Bethlehem, PA, accompanied by the pastor of Assumption of the Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Northampton, PA - Rev. Fr. Oleh Kravchenko and  Subdeacons Yaroslav Bilohan, Andrii Akulenko and Mykola Stefanyk. The day was marked by spiritual reflection, academic engagement, and inspiration as Archbishop Daniel joined the students, faculty, and staff of the academy to honor their patron saint and celebrate the unique mission of this Orthodox Christian school.

Chrysostom Academy, located on the serene 40+ acre campus of the St. Francis Center (395 Bridle Path Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017) for Renewal, provides a classical, Christian education steeped in the timeless values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Currently serving students in grades 1 through 9, the academy plans to expand one grade level each year, ultimately becoming a full 1st through 12th-grade school. Its curriculum prioritizes the love of God and the love of learning, integrating academic rigor with spiritual growth. Students study subjects such as Literature, Grammar, History, Math, and Science as ends in themselves, focusing on their intrinsic value and their role in pointing to the transcendentals of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

The Archbishop’s visit held special significance as it coincided with the feast day of the Translation of the Relics of St. John Chrysostom, the patron saint of the academy. In his reflections, Archbishop Daniel reminded the students that the relics of St. John Chrysostom rest in Constantinople, the ancient Patriarchal see of their heavenly patron. He encouraged the students to look to St. John’s life as an example of courage, faith, and a love for Truth. “St. John Chrysostom’s legacy,” the Archbishop remarked, “is not only in his eloquent words and sermons but in his tireless commitment to Christ’s teachings. Just as his relics inspire the faithful from Constantinople, let his life inspire you to pursue wisdom and holiness in all you do.”

Archbishop Daniel began his visit by touring the classrooms, where he engaged with students, observed lessons, and shared words of spiritual encouragement. Sitting alongside the children, he listened attentively to their lessons and offered guidance, emphasizing the importance of being kind, selfless, and grounded in faith.

Each student was blessed with two meaningful gifts from the Archbishop: a holy icon and a baked prosphora, prepared with love by seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary. These gifts symbolized the connection between their studies and the life of the Church, reminding the students that their education is part of a greater spiritual journey.

A particularly moving moment occurred when Archbishop Daniel presented Headmaster John Heitzenrater with an icon of Christ the Savior. This gesture symbolized the Archbishop’s encouragement for the academy’s commitment to classical and spiritual learning. “May this icon remind you and your community that Christ is at the center of all true learning and wisdom,” Vladyka Daniel said. “Through this sacred work, you are inspiring students to strive for excellence in their studies and in their faith.”

The visit continued with a communal lunch, during which the students and their instructors offered a beautiful program of sacred music and prayerful hymns for their distinguished guest. Archbishop Daniel expressed his gratitude, remarking on the joy he felt in witnessing the harmonious integration of faith and learning at Chrysostom Academy.

During lunch, the Archbishop spoke with teachers and staff, thanking them for their dedication to providing a quality Orthodox education. He acknowledged the blessings and challenges inherent in the field of religious and classical education, commending the faculty for their perseverance and commitment to shaping the minds and souls of the next generation. “Your work here is more than teaching,” Vladyka Daniel said. “It is a sacred calling, guiding these young hearts toward Truth and inspiring them to live lives rooted in faith and virtue.”

Chrysostom Academy stands as a beacon of hope for Orthodox Christian education, offering a unique environment where students are immersed in a culture that fosters both intellectual and spiritual excellence. As Headmaster John Heitzenrater shared, “The Chrysostom Academy will inspire students to think deeply about the world around them, to contemplate the ideas and images of God’s created order, and to pursue intellectual and spiritual excellence in a community of learners and friends.”

Archbishop Daniel extended an invitation to parents and parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA to familiarize themselves with the work and ministry of Chrysostom Academy. “This school is a treasure,” he remarked. “It is a place where children are not only taught academic knowledge but are guided to recognize the presence of God in all aspects of life. I encourage all Orthodox Christian families to consider the invaluable gift of a classical education at Chrysostom Academy.”

Through the Archbishop’s visit, the community was reminded of the sacred connection between faith and learning and the transformative power of education rooted in Christ.

To learn more about Chrysostom Academy and its mission, visit their website at https://chrysostomacademy.org. This extraordinary school continues to inspire students to seek the Divine through their studies, preparing them to live lives of purpose, faith, and virtue.