Elementary Division

This level is for students in grades 4th, 5th and 6th.  This level is not judged.  Speeches should be 30 seconds to 2 minutes long. 

This level to is give children experience to help them gain confidence for presenting in the oratorical festival in the future.  Parent's please feel free to help your children write their speech.  Help your child choose their topic, and discuss it with them.  Sit with them as the write their speech and give them guidance.

Please sign up below by January 26 so I will have time to order a gift. If your child would like to participate, but is not sure of the topic, you can register without selecting the topic.



Topics: 

1. In Austin there are many people who need help from others.  What Ideas do you have for helping those who are in need?

2. Jesus commands us to love one another.  How do you show love to others?

3. What does it mean to you when you light a candle in Church?

4. What is your favorite Church service or part of a Church service and why do you like it?

5. Why should we tell God thank you?

Senior Division Topics for 2020

1. Discuss how the separation of church and state benefits us as Orthodox Christians in the United States.
2. In his enthronement address, Archbishop Elpidophoros said, “We are all deacons.” Discuss the importance of being a deacon – a servant – in the Church.
3. Discuss the significance of Constantinople in Church history and the struggles Orthodox Christians in Constantinople face today.
4. How have modern-day saints from the past 100 years, from St. Nektarios to St. Paisios and others, helped Orthodox Christians live their lives today? 
5. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). How might Orthodox Christians put this command into practice?

Click here to download the Topic Tips!

Junior Division Topics for 2020

1. The Orthodox Church honors the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos. Discuss the role she plays in the Church and as a role model for all Christians.
2. Christ and many Church Fathers often criticized the wealthy. Do Christians need to live a life of poverty? Is it a sin to live a comfortable life?
3. “Lord have mercy” is the most repeated phrase in the Divine Liturgy. What does it mean to truly have mercy?
4. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). Discuss the importance of reading Scripture in your life.
5. The theme of the upcoming 2020 Clergy–Laity Congress is “the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Discuss the way St. Paul defines love in this important chapter of the Bible.

Click here to download the Topic Tips!

National Festival to be hosted by Metropolis of Denver!

The 37th National Oratorical Festival will be hosted by the Metropolis of Denver, at St. Spyridon Church in Loveland, Colorado on June 12-14, 2020.