St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

Introduced in 1983, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides Orthodox teenagers the opportunity to write and talk about their faith. The Oratorical Festival Program begins at the parish level and is divided into three divisions:

Elementary Division (local festival only) for students in grades 4–6 Junior Division for students in grades 7–9 Senior Division for student in grades 10–12

The top speakers in the Junior and Senior Divisions advance to the district level. Two finalists in each district division represent the district at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. The top speaker in each metropolis division is then selected to participate in the Archdiocese Finals, which is hosted by a different metropolis each year.

All eighteen finalists at the Archdiocese Finals participate in a weekend of activities, the highlight of which is the delivery of their speeches on Saturday morning. The Oratorical Festival Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships to the top speakers. Currently, the top three speakers of each division receive college scholarships of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000. This year, each Honorable Mention speaker was awarded $500.

Scholarships are also awarded for first, second and third place in the Junior and Senior Division.

2025 Oratorical Topics

Junior Division (Grades 7–9)

Topic 1
Philanthropy is an important part of the Church’s mission. It involves more than giving money. Why is it important to support people in different ways besides just donating? In what ways can we offer support, and how can these other forms of help make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community?

Topic 2
In Psalm 4, we are told to "be angry, but sin not." Why would we be encouraged to be angry? How does anger fit into the life of an Orthodox Christian? 

Topic 3
The Orthodox Church is filled with repetition: we sing “Lord, have mercy” dozens of times every service, we sing the Paschal Troparion all throughout Pascha, and we repeat the same Divine Liturgy every single time. What is the importance of repetition in the Orthodox Church?

Topic 4
The Russian Orthodox novelist, Fyodor Dostoevsky, once said that “Beauty will save the world." What is the role of beauty in the Church and in the world at large?

Topic 5
What is the symbolism of the liturgical vestments worn by a deacon, priest, and bishop, and how do these vestments reflect and correlate to their specific roles and responsibilities within the Divine Liturgy? 

Senior Division (Grades 10–12)

Topic 1
His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, is recognized as the highest Primate in the Church. This title signifies a unique leadership role within the Orthodox Church, where authority and primacy are balanced with equality among Patriarchs. Discuss the practical implications versus the theoretical aspects of His All-Holiness' role in the Orthodox Church. What does it mean for him to be both "first among equals" and "first without equals”?

Topic 2
The Seven Ecumenical Councils are regarded as seven of the most important parts of Church History, which came after the completion of the Bible. Pick one of the Council’s and explain why it is important.

Topic 3
The Bible is full of figures, both good and bad, who, while not talked about frequently, can be hugely helpful in understanding both salvation history and our place in it. Pick a lesser known figure from the Bible, explain who they are, how they fit into the Biblical narrative, and what we can learn from them.

Topic 4
While every church building is different, there are specific guidelines and practices that describe how and why they are built the way they are. Research them, and then explain their theological significance. 

Topic 5
As the world grows increasingly tumultuous and fearful, today’s youth appear to be more anxious about the future. Discuss Christ's role as the bringer of hope and how that fits into modern life.

Archdiocese Oratorical Festival Information Link

Metropolis of Denver Finals ~ Date to be Determined
More informaiton about the 2022 Metropolis of Denver Oratorical Festival coming soon!  

Archdiocese Finals ~ Date to be Determined
The Archdiocese finals will be hosted by the Metropolis of Denver, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Dallas, Texas 

Leader:
Chris Bakke