The Department of Religious Education (DRE) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Saint Nicholas Tele Santa Program have teamed up on a new project that brings the spirit of Christmas directly into families’ homes across the country. The Kids Nativity Series is a collection of twelve short stories that help children understand the meaning of the Nativity through simple, faith-filled storytelling. It is a resource that families in the Philadelphia community and throughout the Archdiocese can easily bring into their homes this season.
The series connects the joy of Christ’s birth with the life of Saint Nicholas, the Archbishop of Myra. It also bridges the story of the real saint with the familiar figure of Santa Claus. Each story shows children how the generosity and kindness associated with Santa come from a real person whose life pointed to Christ. It gives parents and teachers a gentle way to bring the message of the Incarnation into daily family life.
Families in the Philadelphia area and beyond who participate in the Tele Santa Program can read these Nativity themed stories before their scheduled call from Saint Nicholas.
Santas may also share stories during the call, creating a warm, memorable experience for young children. The stories are available in English and Greek at https://www.goarch.org/departments/religioused/sermons/kids/nativity
Parents and religious educators can request a call from Saint Nicholas between December 6 and December 24. Reservations are available at https://www.stnicholas-tele-santa.com/
A powerful image stands at the center of this collaboration. The Spirit of Christmas icon, framed within a Christmas ornament, serves as the symbol of the Tele Santa Program. It shows Saint Nicholas offering the Cross of Christ to Santa Claus in a passing gesture similar to a relay.
This image reflects the way the love of Christ is handed down from one generation to the next. Every act of kindness becomes a small reenactment of the joy of the Nativity and a reminder that the Spirit of Christmas is, at its heart, love.
The Department of Religious Education continues its mission to support faith formation throughout the Archdiocese with resources that help children, youth, and adults grow in their understanding of Orthodox Christianity. The Saint Nicholas Tele Santa Program, offered as a free service in collaboration with the Archdiocese, brings children closer to their faith through a warm and personal video call with Santa Claus, originally Saint Nicholas of Myra. The program has become a beloved tradition for many young families, especially during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Families with questions can contact the Department of Religious Education at religioused@goarch.org.