Spreading Joy and Meaning: The Mission of St. Nicholas Tele Santa
As the holiday season approaches, families around the world prepare for the joyous celebrations of Christmas. In the Orthodox community, the St. Nicholas Tele Santa ministry stands out as a unique and heartfelt initiative that aims to blend the festive spirit of Santa Claus with the profound teachings of the Orthodox Christian faith.
The Dual Mission of Tele Santa
The primary mission of the St. Nicholas Tele Santa ministry is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to introduce young Orthodox children, aged 2 to 10, to the true figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra. By connecting them via live Zoom video calls with a persona they recognize—Santa Claus—children can learn about the real priest and bishop who embodies the spirit of giving and kindness. Secondly, the ministry emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas: the Birth and Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 25th.
Who Are the Santas?
The Tele Santa experience is made possible through the dedication of community members who volunteer as Parish Santas. Each Orthodox priest, regardless of jurisdiction—be it Greek, Russian, or Antiochian—can recommend individuals from their parish who exemplify Christian values, love for children, and a willingness to volunteer fewer than 12 hours a year.
Once vetted by their priests, these volunteers undergo an orientation process to prepare them for their role. They are then assigned families to contact and will schedule calls between December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) and Christmas Eve (December 24th). This model reflects the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing that welcoming a child is akin to welcoming Him.
Connecting Families with a Simple Process
The St. Nicholas Tele Santa ministry provides an accessible platform for families and Orthodox Parochial Schools to connect their children with Santa. Here’s how it works in three simple steps:
1. Parents, grandparents, godparents, or Parochial School principals/teachers visit the website: http://stnicholas-tele-santa.
2. Select the appropriate option: “Schedule a call for a child in your life” or “Schedule a call for your classroom.”
3. Complete the questionnaire and submit it. A confirmation will be sent upon receipt.
This streamlined process ensures that families can easily arrange for a special Christmas call, filled with joy and meaning.
Personalized Experiences for Every Child
What sets the Tele Santa ministry apart is its commitment to creating a unique and personalized experience for each child. By completing an online questionnaire, parents provide details that help Santa tailor his conversation. Santa is informed of each child’s name, age, birthday, behavior, pets, and Christmas wishes, ensuring that every interaction is special and memorable.
Heartwarming Feedback from Families
The impact of Tele Santa is evident in the joyful feedback from families who have participated. Parents have reported that their children now recite prayers with renewed enthusiasm, while others have shared stories of their children’s excitement during the calls.
Nestor Gounaris remarked, “Our daughter and son were so excited for the chance to visit with St. Nicholas and now regularly recite our Lord’s Prayer with a bit more vigor and excitement.” Similarly, Demetrio and Barbara Sassos noted how Santa’s personalized approach made their children feel valued and recognized, fostering a deeper understanding of the holiday’s significance.
Expanding Beyond the Christmas Season
The St. Nicholas Tele Santa ministry does not limit its outreach to the Christmas season. It also makes specialized calls to children with special needs, ensuring that every child feels included and celebrated. Volunteers trained in interacting with children with special needs are assigned to these calls, making the experience joyful and meaningful for all involved.
Additionally, the ministry reaches out to children on their Name-days and birthdays, wishing them “Chronia polla” (Χρόνια πολλά) and teaching them about their patron saints. This outreach encourages children to engage with their faith and participate in church activities, reinforcing the spiritual aspect of their celebrations.
The St. Nicholas Tele Santa ministry beautifully merges the joyous spirit of Santa Claus with the deeper teachings of the Orthodox faith, creating an enriching experience for children and families alike. As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving that Saint Nicholas embodies, spreading joy and love to all.
