On Thursday morning, September 25, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Saint George Classical Academy, located in Boxford, MA. Accompanying His Eminence was the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Students welcomed the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, singing the troparion of the Kursk Icon, and processed into the school.

Metropolitan Nicholas joined the students, teachers, parents, and visitors in their morning prayers. The students continued to chant the troparion while those present venerated the beautiful wonderworking icon and received their ruling bishop’s blessing. Students had the opportunity to visit with the Metropolitan and ask questions before returning to class. Metropolitan Nicholas offered his love, support, blessings, encouragement, and prayers, stating that the school is a miracle and that each of the students is greatly blessed to have this place, which is good and beautiful, in the midst of a world which is very complicated. He commended the teachers, parents, and the students for their incredible work and commitment in building the school.

Head of School Juliana Schneider Joyce toured Metropolitan Nicholas through all of the classrooms, as students shared their studies with His Eminence. From multiplication, to reading the Hexæmeron, to reciting an excerpt from Macbeth, the children were thrilled to share all they are learning in school. The Metropolitan then enjoyed hospitality and visited with teachers and members of the Board, while Juliana shared the story of the school and the many ways that God has blessed them on this journey.

Two years ago, Juliana and her husband Dr. James Joyce shared with the Metropolitan their dream of launching an Orthodox classical school while he was visiting for the patronal feast of their parish of St. John the Russian in Ipswich, MA. One year later, in September 2024, the school opened its doors in Boxford with 21 students spanning from age 3 through 8th grade. This September, the school has grown to 53 students, added a Greek-language program, launched a violin program, and opened its Upper School by adding 9th and 10th grades. The school will add 11th and 12th grades in the coming two years. The school is enrolling for September 2026 with some classes already at capacity.

Students at Saint George Classical Academy are nurtured in a classical, Christian environment rich with traditions incorporated from the ancient Apostolic Faith. Scripture, lives of saints, hymns, prayer, icons, and Church history are woven throughout the curriculum. Humanities classes incorporate classical literature for the purpose of seeking eternal truths, and the sciences are taught with an eye toward what we ought to do rather than what we can do. All learning is permeated by a sense of joy and wonder in the richness of God’s creation. Saint George Classical Academy is rooted in the riches of the Orthodox Church and committed to sharing the beauty and traditions of the Ancient Faith with students of all faith backgrounds.

Glory to God for all things! Learn more about Saint George Classical Academy at www.stgca.org.