CONSTITUTION OF THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST

with Sub-Rules for Outside Kerala Region

ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST

CONSTITUTION
With Sub-Rules for Outside Kerala Region

Contents
Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
The Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of the East .................................................................... 4
Constitution ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Definitions: ................................................................................................................................................. 4
I. Name.............................................................................................................................................. 4
II. Objects .......................................................................................................................................... 4
III. Membership ................................................................................................................................ 4
IV. Regions ....................................................................................................................................... 5
V. Administration .............................................................................................................................. 5
A. Central Level ........................................................................................................................... 5
B. General Body........................................................................................................................... 7
C. Executive Committee .............................................................................................................. 7
D. Region Level ........................................................................................................................... 8
E. Diocese Level .......................................................................................................................... 8
F. District Level ........................................................................................................................... 9
G. Parish Level ........................................................................................................................... 11
H. Disciplinary Action ............................................................................................................... 12
I. Academic Year ...................................................................................................................... 12
J. Period of Appointment .......................................................................................................... 12
K. O.V.B.S. ................................................................................................................................ 13
VI. Textbooks ................................................................................................................................. 13
VII. Records and Correspondences ................................................................................................. 13
VIII. Examinations and Competitions ............................................................................................. 14
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IX. Properties .................................................................................................................................. 15

X. Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................. 15
Sunday School Day And Charity Day ........................................................................................ 15
Outside Kerala Region (OKR) .................................................................................................................. 17
(Rules and Regulations for OKR) ................................................................................................... 17
1. President - OKR ................................................................................................................. 17
2. Director - OKR ................................................................................................................... 17
3. Treasurer - OKR ................................................................................................................. 17
4. Executive Officer - OKR .................................................................................................... 17
5. OKR Executive Committee Members & General Body ..................................................... 17
6. OKR General Body ............................................................................................................ 18
7. Diocesan Sunday School Council ....................................................................................... 18
8. Diocesan Sunday School General Body ............................................................................. 18
9. UAE Sub-Region ............................................................................................................... 18
10. Sunday School Day Celebration ......................................................................................... 18
11. Examination Board ............................................................................................................. 18
12. Examinations ...................................................................................................................... 19
13. Competitions ...................................................................................................................... 22
14. Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS - OKR) .............................................................. 25
Annexure .................................................................................................................................................. 28

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PREFACE

This basic text is the English translation of the OSSAE constitution adopted by the
Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church presided over by
the supreme head of the Church H.H. the Catholicos in February 2018 and has come
into full force and effect from August 2018. As the Outside Kerala Region (OKR) is a
separate region under OSSAE, the Sub-Rules of the OKR functioning is also included.

Address of the head office of OSSAE

The Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of the East
Catholicate Palace,
Devalokam P.O.,
(Via.) Muttambalam,
Kottayam – 686 004
Kerala, India

Address of the head office of OSSAE-OKR

The Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of the East - Outside Kerala Region
St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary,
Ubali Road, Kalmeshwar PO, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Pin 441501

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CONSTITUTION OF THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST
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THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST

CONSTITUTION

Definitions:

Church: Means the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Indian Orthodox Church), headed by His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselios Paulose II and the successors in office.
Catholicos: Means the Supreme Head of the Church.
Metropolitan: Means Metropolitan (high priest) appointed by the Holy Synod of the Church, as head of a
Diocese of the Church
HM: Means Headmaster or Headmistress of a Sunday School of a Parish.
OSSAE: Means Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of the East.
O.V.B.S.: Means Orthodox Vacation Bible School
I. NAME
1. The name of the Organization shall be THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF
THE EAST.
II. OBJECTS
2. a) To guide and lead all children of the Church in the faith of the Holy Trinity and to an intimate
relationship with Jesus Christ.
b) To impart knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, the precepts and practices of the Church, the history
of the universal Church, especially the history of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church in India.
c) To bring up the young boys and girls of the Church in a firm faith in God, committed to the Church
with readiness and dedication to serve.
d) To develop and enhance the God-given talents in the children of the Church through the Sunday
School and the O.V.B.S.
III. MEMBERSHIP
3. All Sunday Schools under the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church shall be members of the
Association.
4. There can be one or more Sunday Schools in one parish, depending on the size of the parish, which
shall be under the control and responsibility of the Vicar of the Parish.
5. Under special circumstances, in case of a need, there can be a Sunday School unit independent of a
Parish (e.g. attached to a bishop’s house, convent, monastery, hermitage, children’s home etc.). It
can be done with the approval of the Diocesan Metropolitan. Such Sunday Schools shall be at par
with any other Sunday Schools at Parish level in all respects. Such Sunday Schools shall have a
President, a priest appointed by the Diocesan Metropolitan. The HM and teachers shall be
appointed/ removed by the President in consultation with the teacher’s council.
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6. Sunday Schools newly joining the Association shall apply to the Director General of OSSAE in Form
1, by the HM with the signature of the President of the unit, along with the admission fee prescribed
by the Association.
7. The Director General shall send intimation granting membership of the Association in Form 2 to
Diocesan Metropolitan, Director of Sunday Schools of the Diocese, concerned District Inspector,
Vicar and HM.
8. All the Sunday School units shall function as per directives and instructions from the Association
from time to time.
9. All Sunday School units shall pay Annual Subscriptions and Examination Fee as decided by the
General Assembly of the Association from time to time.
IV. REGIONS
10. For Administrative convenience, the Association shall have the following five (5) Regions.
a) KERALA REGION: All Sunday Schools in Kerala shall form this Region.
b) OUTSIDE KERALA REGION (O.K.R.): All Sunday Schools in India outside Kerala along with Sunday
Schools in the Gulf Region shall form this Region.
c) AMERICA REGION: All Sunday Schools in Northeast America Diocese and Southwest America
Diocese of the Church shall form this Region.
d) U.K.-EUROPE-AFRICA REGION: All Sunday Schools in U.K., EUROPE and AFRICA Dioceses of the
Church shall form this Region.
e) EAST ASIA REGION: All Sunday Schools of the Church in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and New
Zealand shall form this Region.

V. ADMINISTRATION

A. CENTRAL LEVEL
SUPREME HEAD:
11. His Holiness the Catholicos of the East, seated on the apostolic throne of St. Thomas, shall be the
supreme head of the Association.
PRESIDENT:
12. His Holiness the Catholicos of the East, in consultation with the Holy Synod of the Church, shall
appoint a Metropolitan of the Church, as President of the Association.
13. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the powers of the President shall be:
a) To assume the responsibility of the administration of the Association
b) To preside over the General body Meetings and Executive Committee meetings of the
Association
c) To give rulings on complaints received
d) To enforce disciplinary actions
e) To declare Awards etc.
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DIRECTOR GENERAL:
14. There shall be a Director General, who, in accordance with the Constitution of the Association and
under the control of the President, shall work for the growth and development of the Association.
15. In consultation with the Holy Synod, His Holiness the Catholicos shall appoint a priest of the Church
as a full-time Director General of the Association.
16. The Director General Shall be allowed to keep cash up to Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only)
in office and any amount above Rupees Ten Thousand shall be deposited in the bank.
PUBLICATION OFFICER:
17. There shall be a Publication Officer for the Association. His Holiness the Catholicos, in consultation
with the Holy Synod, shall appoint a Publication Officer.
18. The Director General, with the assistance of the Publication Officer, shall manage the Printing Press
and Book Depot of the Association. Also, the collection, printing and sale of textbooks and other
publications shall be the responsibility of the Director General, with the assistance of Publication
Officer.
19. In order to facilitate the distribution of Textbooks, each Diocese shall have a branch book depot of
the Central Book Depot, which shall be managed by the Diocesan Director, under the control of the
Director General.
TREASURER:
20. There shall be a Treasurer to handle the funds of the Association along with the Director General.
21. The Executive Committee, presided over by the President, shall elect a Treasurer, from among the
members of the Executive Committee, who shall be appointed by the President.
22. The Treasurer shall prepare quarterly accounts of the Association and present it to the Executive
Committee.
23. The Association shall have a bank account, to deposit all funds of the Association, with any
nationalized/scheduled bank, as decided by the Executive Committee, which shall be operated
jointly by any two among the President, Director General and Treasurer.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
24. There shall be an Executive Officer for the OSSAE, to assist the Director General who shall be
appointed by the President in consultation with the Director General.
CONTROLLER OF EXAMINATIONS:
25. In order to conduct examination and competitions, the OSSAE shall have a Controller of
Examinations, who shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Director General.
26. It is obligatory for the OSSAE to maintain proper accounts at all levels. Bank Accounts with
nationalized bank or scheduled bank shall be opened and operated jointly by Vicar and HM at unit
level, by District Inspector and District Secretary at District level, by Diocesan Metropolitan and
Diocesan Director at Diocesan level. All accounts shall be subjected to the audit of the Internal
Auditor and Statutory Auditor and is to be approved by the General body.

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2. GENERAL BODY
27. Subject to the supreme authority of H.H. the Catholicos, the administration of the Association shall
rest with the General Body under the responsibility of the President.
28. Members of the Executive Committee, District Inspectors and District Secretaries shall constitute
the Association General Body. The Sunday School Diocesan Director, Diocesan Secretary, OVBS
Regional Secretaries also shall be members of the General Body. Additionally, one representative
from the Gulf region, duly selected by the president of OKR, on the recommendation of OKR
Executive Committee, shall be a member of the General Body of the Association.
29. There shall be at least one General Body Meeting in a year, presided over by the President of the
Association, or in his absence by one of the Presidents of Regions, or in his absence one
Metropolitan nominated by the President of the Association. This shall be held on or before the
second Saturday of August every year. If need be, there can be more than one General Body
meetings in a year.
30. The Director General shall send the Notice and Agenda for the General Body Meeting at least 14
days prior to the meeting.
31. All resolutions, questions etc. to be considered/discussed in the General Body Meeting should reach
the Director General at least 4 days prior to the General Body Meeting and those approved by the
Executive Committee shall be presented to the General Body Meeting.
32. The General Body shall approve / adopt the Annual Report, Audited accounts, appoint auditors,
approve budget for the ensuing year and decide on the proposals for the growth and development
of the Association.
C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
33. There shall be an Executive Committee, comprising of the President of the Association, President of
Regions, Director General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Executive Officer, Controller of
Examinations, Diocesan Sunday School Directors, Diocesan Sunday School Secretaries, OVBS
Director and OVBS General Secretary. The Outside Kerala Regional Directors, Treasurers, OVBS
Regional Directors, Secretaries, Diocesan Directors shall also be members of the Executive
Committee.
34. The Executive Committee shall be presided over by the President of the Association, or in his
absence by one of the Regional Presidents, if present, or in his absence, by the Director General.
35. To implement the decisions of the General Body, prepare the Annual Report, Accounts and Budget,
conduct examinations, frame sub-rules, and take such actions for the growth and development of
the Association, are the responsibilities of the Executive Committee.
36. The President of the Association, in consultation with the Executive Committee shall appoint
Personnel for the effective functioning of the Association.
37. The Executive Committee shall meet at least three times in a year to review the working of the
Association, to consider and approve up to date income and expenditure accounts and to decide
action plans for the future.
38. Quorum for the Committee meetings shall be one third of the total number of Committee members.

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D. REGION LEVEL
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS:
39. In order to unify the activities of Regions outside Kerala, H.H. the Catholicos, in consultation with
the President of the Association, shall appoint a President for each of the Regions. The President of
a Region shall be a Metropolitan of that Region. But the President of the Kerala Region shall be the
President of the Association. In case the President of the Association is a Metropolitan from outside
Kerala, H.H. the Catholicos shall appoint a Metropolitan from Kerala Region as its President. All
Regional Presidents shall be Vice-Presidents of the Association.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR:
40. Each Region shall have a Regional Director, who will co-ordinate the activities of the Region and give
report to the Director General, who shall be appointed by the President of the Region, in
consultation with the President of the Association.
41. At the Regional level the existing arrangements (Appointment of Director of the Region, regulating
the Sunday School Units in the Diocese, Running/organizing OVBS, other arrangements depending
on the local needs) shall continue as at present. Any changes shall be implemented as decided by
the Region with approval of the President of the Association.
REGIONAL TREASURER:
42. Regions outside Kerala shall have a Regional Treasurer who shall be appointed by the President of
the Region. The Regional Treasurer is responsible for banking the funds of the region and sending
the annual accounts to the head office, as directed by the General Body of the Region.
43. The Association’s Director General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Controller of Examinations, OVBS
Director and OVBS Secretary shall be members of the General Body and Executive Committee of
the Regions.
E. DIOCESE LEVEL
44. The Diocesan Metropolitan of each Diocese shall be the President of the Sunday Schools in that
Diocese and shall have the control, responsibility, and administrative powers over them.
DIOCESAN VICE-PRESIDENT:
45. The Diocesan Metropolitan shall appoint a priest as Vice-President (of Sunday Schools in the
Diocese) to assist the Metropolitan.
DIOCESAN GENERAL BODY:
46. The Sunday School Diocesan Director, Diocesan Secretary, District Inspectors, District Secretaries
and HMs in the Diocese shall be members of the Diocesan General Body.
DIOCESAN DIRECTOR:
47. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and under the control of the Diocesan Metropolitan,
there shall be a Sunday School Director responsible for all Sunday Schools in the Diocese. The
Diocesan Metropolitan shall appoint the Diocesan Director, as in the case of any other spiritual
organizations in the diocese.
48. Intimation regarding the appointment of Diocesan Director shall be given to all parishes in the
Diocese and the Director General also shall be informed in writing.

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49. The person appointed as Director shall be a person working in any Sunday School and should have
served as Sunday school teacher for not less than five years.
50. The responsibilities of the Director shall include:
a. Inspect Sunday school and OVBS classes in the diocese
b. Conduct half-yearly and other examinations.
c. Organize teachers’ training programs
d. Organize conferences of District Inspectors and district secretaries.
e. Conduct competitions.
All these shall be done as per the directives of the Diocesan Metropolitan and under the supervision
of the Diocesan Vice-President.
51. There shall be a Diocesan Sunday School Council comprising of the Diocesan Sunday School
President, Vice-President, Diocesan Director, Diocesan Secretary, District inspectors and District
Secretaries. The responsibility of running the affairs of the Sunday Schools in the Diocese shall be
vested in the Director, in consultation with the Diocesan Council, Direction of the President and
supervision of the Vice-President.
52. Diocesan Sunday School Council shall meet at least twice a year.
53. The Director, under the directives of the President, supervision of the Vice President, and as decided
by the Diocesan Council, shall carry out matters concerning Teachers conferences, Examinations,
Competitions, OVBS activities etc.
DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARY:
54. In order to assist the Director in his/her responsibilities, and to represent the teachers in the
Executive Committee and General body, there shall be a Diocesan Sunday School Secretary.
55. The Diocesan Secretary shall be elected by the General Body, presided over by the Diocesan
Metropolitan or the Vice President or a priest nominated by the President. This meeting shall be
convened by the Diocesan Metropolitan by giving at least 15 days’ notice to all parishes, along with
the agenda. This meeting should be convened before the 15th May. The current Diocesan Director
and Secretary shall have voting rights in this meeting. The eligibility criteria for the Diocesan Director
(Rule 49) shall be applicable for the Secretary also.
56. The duties of the Diocesan Secretary shall be to record the Minutes of the meetings of the Diocesan
Council and Diocesan General Body, to assist the Diocesan Director in the discharge of his/her
duties, and to function under the directives of the Diocesan Metropolitan and subject to the
provisions of this Constitution.
57. In the absence of the Diocesan Director, the Secretary can perform the duties of the Director, with
the permission of the Diocesan Metropolitan and under the supervision of the Vice- President.
58. As per directions of the Diocesan Director, the Secretary can visit examination centers, competition
centers, Sunday Schools and OVBS centers.
F. DISTRICT LEVEL
59. Every Diocese shall be divided into Districts comprising of not more than 15 parishes. The
Responsibility of the District shall vest in the District President (Priest), District Inspector and District

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Secretary. However, under special circumstances, the Director can include more than 15 parishes
in a district, with the permission of the Diocesan Metropolitan.
DISTRICT PRESIDENT:
60. Each District shall have a President, a priest appointed by the Diocesan Metropolitan. Supervision
of District level activities shall rest with the District President under the directives of The Diocesan
Metropolitan. The District President shall submit a report of the activities of the District from time
to time, to the Diocesan Metropolitan.
DISTRICT GENERAL BODY:
61. All HMs, Teachers, current District Inspector, and current District Secretary shall constitute the
District General Body. The District President, with the approval of the Diocesan Metropolitan, shall
convene the District General Body at least twice a year.
DISTRICT SUNDAY SCHOOL INSPECTOR:
62. A District Sunday School Inspector shall be appointed by the Diocesan Metropolitan. The person to
be appointed as District Inspector shall have served a Sunday school for a minimum period of 5
years.
63. Such a District Inspector appointed, shall not serve as Treasurer, Secretary, Managing Committee
etc. of the parish of which he/she is a member.
64. The order appointing the district inspector shall also be sent to the Director General and to all
parishes in the District.
65. Duties and responsibilities of District Inspector shall include visiting and inspecting Sunday schools
in the district at least twice a year, visit OVBS units, convene meetings of teachers and conference
of HMs with the permission of the District President which shall be presided over by the District
President.
66. There shall be a District Council comprising of District President, District Inspector, District Secretary
and all HMs in the District.
67. The District Council, presided over by the District President, shall meet at least twice in a year.
DISTRICT SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARY:
68. There shall be a district Secretary, to assist the District President and Inspector, to represent
Teachers at the Association General Assembly and to participate in the District Council.
69. District General Body shall elect the District Secretary who shall be subject to all eligibility Criteria
as in the case of District Inspector.
70. It shall be the responsibility of the District Secretary to assist the District Inspector in all matters
including recording of the Minutes of the meetings of the District Council meetings and District
General Body.
71. As next in charge to the District Inspector, the District Secretary shall assist the District Inspector in
all matters concerning Sunday School classes, meetings, District Competitions, Examinations, and
OVBS etc.
72. In the absence of the District Inspector, with the approval of the District President and on the
recommendation of the Diocesan Director and with the permission of the Diocesan Metropolitan,
the District Secretary shall discharge the duties of the District Inspector.

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73. The District Secretary can visit Sunday School and OVBS Units, with the approval of the District
Inspector.
G. PARISH LEVEL
UNIT PRESIDENT:
74. The Vicar of the parish shall be the President of the Sunday School unit/units at the parish level.
HM/TEACHERS/TEACHERS’ COUNCIL:
75. There shall be a “Teachers’ Council” at all units, comprising of HM and teachers. The Teachers
Council shall be presided over by the President of the unit or the HM as authorized by the President.
There shall be an elected Secretary in the Council. The President can appoint an assistant HM to
help the HM if needed.
76. The unit President, in consultation with the Sunday School teachers and Teachers Council, shall
appoint the HM.
HM:
77. HM shall be a person with minimum five years teaching experience in the Sunday School and should
have passed “Veda Praveen” Diploma Examination.
78. Eligibility for appointment as Sunday School Teacher shall be the following:
a. Those who have passed “Veda Praveen” Diploma Examination.
b. Those who have completed Seminary studies or Mission Centre studies.
c. In case of emergency, those who have completed “Divya Bodhanam” (POCE) course or
“Satyajyoti” online course can be appointed temporary Sunday School teachers, with the
permission of the Diocesan Metropolitan. However, they should pass “Veda Praveen” Diploma
within two years.
79. Those teachers who do not have the above eligibility qualifications, should pass “Veda Praveen”
Diploma within two years.
80. Normally the appointment of the HM shall be for a period of five years. However, if found essential,
it can be extended. If there are clear and convincing reasons, the unit President, with the permission
of the Diocesan Metropolitan, can remove the HM or a teacher.
81. In a new Sunday School unit, the unit president shall appoint teachers and, in consultation with the
teachers, the HM.
82. The HM, in consultation with the Teachers’ Council and directives of the Unit President, shall
manage the internal matters.
83. The HM shall allocate classes to the teachers, conduct examinations and competitions, as per
directions of the Unit President.
84. The dates for examinations and competitions shall only be decided as per the Directives from
Diocese/Region/OSSAE.
85. In case of a change in Sunday School timings, change of teachers, fresh appointment of teachers,
the HM shall intimate the District Inspector in writing. In case of a change of the HM, the unit
President or his authorized person shall intimate the District Inspector and the Diocesan Director.

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H. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
86. The unit President shall remove a teacher for the following reasons:
a) Remaining absent without permission for three consecutive Sundays
b) Questionable character
c) Drifting away from the faith of the Church
d) Behaviour not befitting a role model
87. An HM/teacher who was subjected to disciplinary action, can appeal to the Diocesan Metropolitan.
The decision of the Diocesan Metropolitan shall be final and without appeal.
I. ACADEMIC YEAR
88. The academic year shall be from 1st January to 31st December. Regions are allowed to make
changes in this, depending upon local considerations.
89. There shall be a minimum of 40 (forty) teaching days in an academic year.
J. PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT
90. The term of office of the officials of the Association, such as Director General, Publication Officer,
Treasurer, Executive Officer, Controller of Examinations, OVBS Director, OVBS General Secretary,
Directors of Regions, Diocesan Directors, Diocesan Sunday School Secretaries, District Sunday
School Inspectors, District Sunday School Secretaries, shall be five (5) years.
91. On expiry of the term, fresh election/appointment shall be made and until then, the person
currently in office shall continue, with full voting powers.
92. The Director, Inspector, Secretary, and HM can hold only one such office at a time, in Diocese/
District/ Parish level.
93. Handing over:
Handing over of responsibilities shall be as follows:
 The Director General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Controller of Examinations and Executive
Officer - in the presence of the President OSSAE.
 The Diocesan Director and Secretary - in the presence of Diocesan Metropolitan
 The District Inspector and Secretary - in the presence of Diocesan Vice-President.
 The HM - in the presence of unit President.
94. Anyone holding an office can be removed, if sufficient reason exists, by the respective appointing
Authority. The person thus removed can go for appeal to the next higher authority.
95. In case of a vacancy in any position elected from the Diocese, prior to the expiry of term, a
replacement shall be elected and appointed for the remaining portion of the term. However, if the
Diocesan Metropolitan is convinced, the Metropolitan may make temporary appointments, if
necessary, for the remaining part of the term.
96. A person relinquishing office on completion of term can be re-elected, if the services were
satisfactory. However, a person can hold the same office consecutively for two terms only.

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K. O.V.B.S.
97. In order to conduct Bible study classes during vacations, there shall be an Orthodox Vacation Bible
School (OVBS) department, under the control of the OSSAE Executive Committee.
98. In order to manage and run the OVBS, the President in consultation with the Director General shall
appoint experienced persons as Director and General Secretary. For OVBS activities outside Kerala,
the President of the Region, in consultation with the Director of the Region, shall appoint an OVBS
Director and Secretary for the Region. The names of such appointees shall be intimated, from time
to time, to the OVBS Director of OSSAE.
99. There shall be an OVBS Committee comprising of OVBS Director, OVBS General Secretary, OSSAE
President, Director General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Executive Officer and OVBS Directors of
Regions. Additionally, there shall be five (5) more members elected by the OSSAE Executive
Committee, three of whom shall be non-members of the Executive Committee.
100. The term of office of the officials of OVBS shall be same as that of OSSAE Executive Committee.
101. The President of the OSSAE shall be the President of the OVBS Committee and the Director General
will be the Vice-President. OVBS Director shall be the Convener.
102. The OVBS textbooks prepared by the OVBS Committee shall be thoroughly studied and edited by
the Director and General Secretary. Thereafter, the same shall be submitted to the OSSAE Office,
with a felicitation message from the President and a preface by the Director General and the OSSAE
shall publish the same.
103. The Income and Expenditure Accounts of the OVBS shall be maintained and kept at the OSSAE
Office.
VI. TEXTBOOKS
104. OSSAE Textbooks shall be published by OSSAE. The Curriculum Committee required for the
Publication of Textbooks shall be constituted by the Executive Committee. The President, Director
General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Executive Officer, OKR Directors and at least two members
from each Region shall be members of this Committee. If felt necessary, the President, in
consultation with the Committee, can include more members.
105. The Director General shall be the Chief Editor and the Publication Officer shall be the Convener of
this Committee.
106. To scrutinize the textbooks and rectify the shortcomings, prepare required new books, Hymn books,
reference books for teachers and publish such other books, shall be responsibilities of this
Committee.
107. The copyright of such books prepared as above, shall rest with the Association and can be published
only with the permission of H.H. the Catholicos and shall bear the seal of the Association.
108. Once the task assigned to the Curriculum Committee is accomplished, the Committee can be
dissolved and can re-constituted as and when the need arises.
VII. RECORDS AND CORRESPONDENCES
109. Each Sunday School shall keep the following records:
(a) Admission Register, (b) Attendance Register, (c) Logbook, (d) Visitors’ Diary, (e) Inspection Diary,
(f) Accounts Ledger book, (g) Record Register, (h) Stock Register, (i) File containing Circulars, (j)

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Correspondence file, (k) Minutes book, (l) Staff Register, (m) Return file etc. These shall be kept by
the HM and shall be produced, if required, by the unit President.
110. The HM with the approval of President, shall submit to the District Inspector a statement in the
month of January in form 3, showing the details of students and teachers at the beginning of the
academic year and a statement in the month of August in form 4, showing the details of students
appearing for the final examination. The Inspector in turn shall submit a copy of these to the
Director.
111. The Inspector shall keep the following documents:
(a) Sunday School Register, (b) Logbook, (c) File containing all Circulars, (d) Correspondence File, (e)
Examination File, (f) Competitions File, (g) Minutes Book, (h) Return File, (i) Ledger Book of Income
and Expenditure, and (j) Teachers’ Register. The District Inspector shall present these records when
asked for by the District President.
112. Statement in Form 3 received from each unit in the beginning of the academic year, shall be
compiled into District Statement in Form 5 by District Inspector and shall be submitted to the
Director and Director General in the month of April.
113. Half yearly statement in Form 8, concerning the responsibilities of District Inspector, shall be
submitted to the Diocesan Director in the month of June. A report of OVBS activities in Form 9 shall
also be submitted to the Diocesan Director and a copy to OVBS Director.
114. The Director shall keep the following records:
(a) District-wise Sunday School Register, (b) File containing Circulars, (c) Correspondence File, (d)
Examination File, (e) Competitions File, (f) Minutes book, (g) Accounts ledger Book. These shall be
submitted to the Diocesan Metropolitan as and when required.
115. The start-of the year statement in Form 5, received from all District Inspectors shall be compiled
into Diocesan report in Form 7 and shall be submitted in the month of June, to the Director General,
after obtaining the signature and seal of the Diocesan Metropolitan.
116. Half-yearly statement, concerning the work of the Diocesan Director, in Form 7 shall be submitted
to the Diocesan Metropolitan and Director General in the month of June and December.
117. The Director General shall present monthly statements of printing, sale, stock etc. and accounts of
press and book depot, at every meeting of the Executive Committee.
118. The Director General shall send the Annual Report and Accounts to H.H. the Catholicos, all
Metropolitans, all Sunday School Officials, and all Sunday Schools.
VIII. EXAMINATIONS AND COMPETITIONS
119. The academic year shall be divided into 2 (two) and half-yearly and Annual Examinations shall be
conducted.
120. There shall be a Central Examination Board for the purpose of submitting necessary directions
concerning examinations and also to conduct annual examinations and competitions. The Director
General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Executive Officer, and one executive committee member
from each five districts in Kerala and 3 members from outside the Executive Committee, duly
elected by the Executive Committee shall be members of this Central Examination Committee. The
Controller of Examinations shall be the convener of this Committee.

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121. Half-yearly Examinations shall be conducted at the Diocesan level, under the responsibility of the
Vice-President and Director.
122. A student passing Class 10 shall be awarded “Bible Study Certificate” and those passing Class 12
shall be awarded “Veda Praveen” Diploma. “Veda Praveen Diploma” is the highest qualification
given out by the OSSAE.
IX. PROPERTIES
123. Movable and Immovable properties for the OSSAE shall be purchased in the name of H.H. the
Catholicos.
X. MISCELLANEOUS
124. The Emblem of the OSSAE shall be the one printed on the first page of this Constitution.
125. The Association shall have a common seal which shall be put-on all important documents of the
Association. The same shall be in the custody of the Director General.
126. All remittances to the Association shall be sent to the Director General.
127. There shall be a receipt book for all receipts of the Association, which shall be in the custody of the
Director General. All receipts issued shall have the common seal of the Association.
128. The President shall have powers to inspect the records/accounts/stocks etc. of the Director General
and the Treasurer, without prior notice and to take necessary steps.
SUNDAY SCHOOL DAY AND CHARITY DAY
129. To raise sufficient funds for the activities of the OSSAE, one Sunday has been set apart as “Sunday
School Day” by the Church. In Kerala it shall be the Sunday preceding “Pentecost” and outside Kerala
it shall be the Sunday celebrated by the Church as the birthday of St. John the Baptist. Sunday
Schools in all Regions in Kerala shall send the offertory and cover collection to the Central Office.
Sunday Schools in Regions outside Kerala shall send the offertory and cover Collection to the
respective Regions. (Nagpur Seminary, New York etc.). The Region Offices shall send twenty percent
of these collections to the OSSAE Central Office. However, the Sunday Schools in the Gulf Zones
shall send the entire collection of the offertory and cover collection directly to the OSSAE Central
Office. Thirty percent of these collections shall be given for OKR activities by the Central Office.
130. In case any amendment to this Constitution is required, the same shall be suggested by at least 10
Members of the General Assembly for discussion in the Executive Committee and if the Committee
approves, the same along with other amendments, if any, put forth by the Executive Committee
itself, shall be send to the members of General Assembly, so as to reach them at least 14 days prior
to the date fixed for the General Assembly. If approved by the General Assembly with 2/3 majority
of members present and voting, the same shall be sent for the approval of the Holy Synod and upon
receiving its approval of the Holy Synod, these amendments shall come into force. However, any
amendments deemed fit by the Holy Synod can be implemented without the aforesaid procedures.
131. All units and establishments of the Sunday School Association shall function as per the provisions of
this Constitution and the directions, from time to time.
132. Any matter not explicitly mentioned in this Constitution and felt essential, can be suggested by the
Executive Committee, and if such suggestions are approved by the Holy Synod, can come into force
and effect.

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133. This Constitution has been adopted by the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian
Church, presided over by the Supreme Head of the Church, H.H. the Catholicos in February 2018
and shall come into full force and effect from August 2018.

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ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST

OUTSIDE KERALA REGION (OKR)
Sub-Rules
(Rules and Regulations for OKR)

OUTSIDE KERALA REGION (OKR) LEVEL (Ref. Clause 41 of OSSAE Constitution)

At the OKR level the existing arrangements (Appointment of Director OKR, Regulating the Sunday School
Units in the Dioceses, Running/organizing OVBS, other arrangements depending on the local needs) shall
continue as at present. All changes shall be implemented as decided by the OKR with the approval of the
President of OSSAE. Such changes shall be informed to the OSSAE Office.
1. PRESIDENT - OKR
To unify the activities of Regions outside Kerala, HH the Catholicos, shall appoint a President for the
OUTSIDE KERALA REGION (OKR) in consultation with the President of the Association. The President of
the OKR shall be a Metropolitan from any one of the Dioceses outside Kerala and within India.
2. DIRECTOR - OKR
(Ref. Clause 40 of OSSAE Constitution)
The OKR shall have a Director appointed by the President-OKR in consultation with OSSAE President. As
the OKR Central Office is functioning in STOTS Nagpur, the Director OKR, shall be from the STOTS, Nagpur
faculty. The Director OKR, will co-ordinate the activities of the OKR Region and give report to the OSSAE
Director General. The Director OKR, shall report to the President-OKR and shall, according to the
provisions of this Constitution, take all necessary steps for the progress of the OKR.
3. TREASURER - OKR
(Ref. Clause 42 of OSSAE Constitution)
The Treasurer-OKR shall be appointed by the President-OKR. The Treasurer is responsible for banking the
funds of the Region and sending the audited annual accounts to the OSSAE head office.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER - OKR
There shall be an Executive Officer for the OKR, to assist the Director OKR and serve as the Secretary to
the Executive Committee of the OKR. Executive Officer shall be appointed by the President-OKR in
consultation with the Director-OKR.
5. OKR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & GENERAL BODY
(Ref. Clause 43 of OSSAE Constitution)
The President-OKR, Presidents of the Dioceses under the OKR, Director-OKR, Treasurer-OKR, Executive
Officer- OKR, OKR OVBS Director, OKR OVBS Secretary, Vice Presidents of Dioceses and Sub-Regions under
OKR, Diocesan/Sub-Region Directors of OKR, and Diocesan/Sub-Region Secretaries of OKR shall be
members of the OKR Executive Committee.
The Director General, Publication Officer, Treasurer, Controller of Examinations, OVBS Director and OVBS
Secretary of OSSAE shall also be members of the General Body and Executive Committee of the OKR.

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6. OKR GENERAL BODY

The President-OKR, Presidents of the Dioceses under the OKR, Director-OKR, Treasurer-OKR, OKR
Executive Officer, OKR OVBS Director, OKR OVBS Secretary, Vice Presidents of Dioceses and Sub-Regions
under OKR, Diocesan/Sub-Region Directors of OKR, Diocesan/Sub-Region Secretaries of OKR, District
Presidents, District Inspectors, District Secretaries and HMs shall be members of the OKR General Body.
7. DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL COUNCIL
(Ref. Clause 51 of OSSAE Constitution)
There shall be a Diocesan Sunday School Council comprising of the Diocesan Sunday School President,
Vice-President, Diocesan Director, Diocesan Secretary, District Presidents, District inspectors and District
Secretaries.
8. DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL GENERAL BODY
(Ref. Clause 46 of OSSAE Constitution)
There shall be a Diocesan Sunday School General Body, comprising of the Diocesan Sunday School
President, Vice-President, Sunday School Diocesan Director, Diocesan Secretary, District Inspectors,
District Presidents, District Secretaries and HMs in the Diocese in the Diocesan Sunday School General
Body.
9. UAE SUB-REGION
Considering the multi-Diocesan jurisdiction in UAE and taking into account the number of students and
teachers, Sunday Schools in the UAE has been categorized as ‘UAE Sub-Region’ under OKR as per Kalpana
No. HES/HH/50/2019 dated 10th August 2019 from HH The Catholicos of the East. One of the
Metropolitans of the Dioceses having Sunday School units in the UAE Sub-Region shall be the President of
the Sub-Region. The Sub-region President Metropolitan shall appoint a Priest from the Parishes in UAE
Sub-Region as the UAE Sub-Region Vice-President, and a Teacher from the Sunday schools in the Sub-
Region as the Director of UAE Sub-Region.
10. SUNDAY SCHOOL DAY CELEBRATION
(Ref. Clause 129 of OSSAE Constitution)
The Sunday School Day from 2020 shall be celebrated on the first Friday / Sunday in the Gulf Region and
India Region respectively after the feast of Mayaltho as given in Kalpana No HES/HH/ 50/2019 dated 10th
August 2019.
Distribution of Sunday school cover collection amount will be as follows.
a) Unit - 10%
b) District - 30%
c) Diocese - 20%
d) OKR - 40%
11. EXAMINATION BOARD
As defined in Clause 120 of the OSSAE Constitution, there shall be an Examination Board to ensure smooth
conduct of Examinations and Arts competitions.
a) The tenure of the Examination board shall be five years.
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b) Details of the Examinations and Competitions shall be decided in the Examination board meeting.
12. EXAMINATIONS
A. Half Yearly and Annual Examinations
All Sunday Schools under the OKR shall follow the yearly plan being issued from the OKR Office at the
beginning of each academic year. The half yearly examinations shall be conducted in July in the Sunday
Schools in India. Sunday Schools in the Middle East area shall schedule the half yearly examination locally
as per the summer vacation dates. The Annual Examination for all the classes up to IX and for XI should
be held on the 2nd Sunday of December. The Annual Examinations for Class X and XII shall be conducted
on the first Sunday (India)/Friday (Gulf) of December. The Exact dates for the examinations will be advised
in the Annual Circular being issued at the beginning of the academic year. The question papers for
examinations of all classes, except the class X and Class XII annual examinations, will be given by the
respective Diocese/Sub-Region. Question papers for Class X and XII will be prepared by the OKR Office.
The syllabus for the half-yearly and annual examination shall be advised in the Annual Circular being issued
from the OKR Office at the beginning of each academic year.
The candidate needs 60% attendance to write the annual examination.
Percentage division of Marks for Annual examination for classes Jesus Kids (KG) to Class III are as follows.
 40% for Half-yearly examination
 50% for Annual examination
 10% for attendance
Percentage division of Marks for Annual examination for all classes IV to XI, except classes X and XII, are
as follows.
 40% for Half-yearly examination
 10% for project work; deadline 15th October
 40% for Annual examination
 10% for attendance
For Classes X and XII the Grade will be based on the Annual Examination marks.
Prayers and hymns have to be a part of all examinations
B. Criteria for Class X and Class XII Registration
Class X
1. Regular students should have 60% Sunday School attendance.
2. A Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church member or his/her dependent, who has completed 17
years can appear as a private student.
Class XII (Regular)
1. Should have 60% Sunday School attendance.
2. Should have successfully completed Sunday School Class XI examination and the Class XI
project work assigned.
3. Two practical work activities as listed below are mandatory.
a) Attend the Orientation Programme being organized by the Diocese/Sub-
Region/District/Sunday School. The Orientation Programme will be about teaching
methods. One chapter from the Class XII Textbook will be taught by a Teaching expert.
b) Prepare a lesson plan and teach the lesson in your Sunday School or OVBS, under the
supervision of the Headmaster/Class Teacher. Detailed suggestions for the
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preparation of the lesson plan are given in Class XII textbook. The student is to learn
it properly, and prepare lesson plan and teach with proper preparation.
Class XII (Private)
1. A Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church member or his/her dependent, who meets any one of
the following criteria for Registration as a Private student for Class XII:
a) Should have successfully completed Sunday School Class XI examination and the Class
XI project work assigned. A Student can register for Class XII Examination 2 years after
passing Class XI.
b) A Regular student who has completed Class XI, and could not continue in Class XII due
to change of residence, can register for Class XII Examination as a Private student next
year. A request needs to be sent to the OKR Office seeking approval of the
Registration.
2. Complete the Project works specified in the Annual Circular issued by the OKR Office at the
beginning of the academic year.
Class XI & XII (Private)
1. A Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church member or his/her dependent, who meets any one of
the following criteria for Registration as a Private student for Class XI & XII
a) Should have successfully completed Sunday School Class X examination conducted by
the OSSAE/OKR. A student can register for Class XII Examination 3 years after passing
Class X.
b) A Sunday School Teacher who has 5 years teaching experience in the OSSAE/OKR
Sunday Schools.
2. Syllabus for Class XI & XII Examination will cover the complete Textbooks and Non-Detailed
books of Class XI and Class XII.
3. Complete the Project works specified in the Annual Circular issued by the OKR Office at the
beginning of the academic year.
C. Online Registration for Class X, XII and XI & XII Examination
To appear for the Class X, XII and XI & XII examinations the candidates are required to complete the Online
Registration. The last date for Online Registration will be the 1st of October and with late fees by the 15th
October of every year. Subsequently, the OKR Office will forward the consolidated list of the Registrations
to the Diocesan/Sub-Region Directors for verification. The list has to be verified with the units by the
Diocesan/Sub-Region Directors in consultation with the Diocesan/Sub-Region Vice presidents and a
statement of authentication has to be sent to the OKR Office stating the list of students have been verified
and have completed all the course requirements to attend the examination. The Examination Fee shall be
collected by the Diocesan/Sub-region Directors and remitted to the OKR Account before the 31st October
every year.
D. Students with learning challenges
Students with learning challenges shall intimate the OKR Office at the beginning of the academic year to
receive special consideration in the examinations. The request shall be supported by medical certificates
from appropriate authorities. Refer Annexure-A for ‘Exemptions/Concessions extended to challenged
learners and developmentally challenged children for Sunday School Examinations’.
E. Grades for Examination
Grades System shall be followed for Examinations. Details Grades are as listed below.

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A+ - 91 to 100%
A - 81 to 90%
B+ - 71 to 80%
B - 61 to 70%
C+ - 51 to 60%
C - 41 to 50%
D - 35 to 40%
E - below 35%
F. Save a Year (SAY) Examination
SAY Examination will be held for the students who got Grade E in the OKR annual examinations. The
schedule for the SAY examination will be advised by the OKR Office in the Annual circular being issued at
the beginning of the Academic year. The eligibility criteria for appearing for SAY examinations shall be:
1. A Student who has appeared and received a Grade E in the OKR Annual Examination.
2. Absent for OKR Examination on medical grounds.
Students shall submit the SAY Examination request through their respective Vicar/HM which shall be
supported with medical certificates issued by appropriate authorities to the Diocesan/Sub-Region
Directors with a CC to the District Authorities. Diocesan/Sub-Region Directors must forward the
consolidated application to the OKR office along with the prescribed fees within five days after the last
date to apply for the same.
G. Examination Materials
1. Examination materials, such as Hall Tickets, Facing Sheets, Attendance Sheet, and Circular of
Rules and Regulations regarding examination, will be sent to units/Districts. The HM/District
Inspector/ Vicar or any other duly authorized person can open the packet to see that
everything is in order. If there is any discrepancy, they have to intimate the same to OKR office
immediately.
2. If the examination is held at the Diocese, District Level, the question papers will be sent to the
Diocese/District officials, who reside nearest to the place of the examination center.
3. The question papers would be in a separate sealed packet. The question papers are to be kept
under safe custody till the date of examination.
4. The question paper should be opened only just before the commencement of the
examination in front of the Vicar (if possible – for Unit Level), Teachers and students.
5. The Supervisors of the examination must follow the rules and regulations strictly. The
students must write their name and register number on the facing sheet only. They will not
use any other portions of the answer sheets to write their name, roll number, locality, diocese
or any such information.
6. The answer sheet must not have any seal or watermarks of Church/ school as it creates
difficulty for a blind valuation.
H. Revaluation of Answer Paper
After the publication of the results of the OKR examination, students are eligible to apply for revaluation
of an answer paper, within the stipulated time. The date of declaration of results of revaluation will also
be announced along with the results. If the student is still not satisfied with the result of revaluation, there

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shall be a provision for verification of answer sheet at the OKR Office in STOTS Nagpur. The student shall
report personally along with the Teacher for the verification process. The answer paper shall be handed
back to the OKR office after verification.
13. COMPETITIONS
All the Sunday Schools under OKR shall follow the OKR rules in conducting the Arts Competitions.
A. Age Group and Attendance
Students should be divided into groups according to their age, as given below. Age should be calculated
as on 1st January.
Sub-juniors : Up to 7 years
Juniors : Above 7 years and up to 10 years
Intermediate : Above 10 years and up to 13 years
Seniors : Above 13 years and up to 16 years
Secondary : Above 16 years and up to 19 years
For Group Song competitions, the grouping shall be as per the following
Buds : Up to 7 years
Premiers : Above 7 years and up to 13 years
Teens : Above 13 years and up to 19 years

A competition participant shall have 60% attendance in the participating year.

The HM shall verify and ensure the information about the age of the students and their attendance to
avoid unnecessary disputes.
B. Events
Unit, District, Diocesan and Inter-Diocesan level competitions will be held for the following events. For
Elocution, Extempore speech, Solo Song and Group Song competitions, if the participant exceeds the time
limit, 0.5 marks shall be deducted from the total marks for every additional 30 seconds. Use of
written/electronic aids for reference will disqualify the participant.
1. Elocution
The subject for Elocution shall be issued by the OKR Office in the Annual Circular.
For groups with two topics, the selected topic shall be given to the participant 5 minutes before his/her
turn.
Language shall be English, Hindi or Malayalam. Mixing of languages will disqualify the participant.
Time limit shall be 5 minutes (Warning bell at 4 minutes, and final bell at 5 minutes)
Total marks - 30
Subject matter - 10 marks
Presentation (Clarity/expression, stage boldness etc.) - 10 marks
Language -command/clarity - 10 marks
2. Extempore Speech
The subject for extempore speech shall be given to the participant 5 minutes before his/her turn.
Language shall be English
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Time limit shall be 5 minutes (Warning bell at 4 minutes, and final bell at 5 minutes)
Total marks – 30
Subject matter - 10 marks
Presentation (Clarity/expression, stage boldness etc.) - 10 marks
Language - command/clarity - 10 marks
3. Solo Song
Any Christian song
Language shall be English, Hindi or Malayalam. Mixing of languages will disqualify the participant.
Time limit shall be 3 minutes. There will be no warning bell.
Total marks - 30
Tune - 10 marks
Rhythm - 10 marks
Voice - 10 marks
4. Group Song
Liturgical songs as announced in the Annual circular issued from the OKR Office in the beginning of
academic year. Language shall be English, Hindi or Malayalam. Mixing of languages will disqualify the
participant.
The Competition is to prove their musical talent only; any other type of presentation or choreographic
elements shall not be entertained (e.g. presenting a couple while singing a marriage song). Those who
disobey the regulations will be disqualified.
Number of Participants shall be three to five.
Time limit shall be 3 minutes. There will be no warning bell.
Total marks – 30
Tune - 10 marks
Rhythm - 10 marks
Voice - 10 marks
5. Bible Verse (For Sub Juniors, Juniors and Intermediate Groups only) - Only up to the District
level
Topic will be announced at the Diocesan level.
Time limit shall be 30 minutes.
Mode of examination: Oral test for Sub-Juniors and Juniors
Written test for Intermediate
6. Quiz Competition (For Senior and Secondary Groups only)
Portions and Distribution of marks will be announced by the OKR Office in the annual circular.
There will be two rounds per topic.
Maximum number of Participants shall be three (3).
7. Essay writing Competition (For Senior and Secondary Groups only)
Topics for Essay writing competition will be announced by OKR Office in the annual circular.
The selected topic shall be given to the participant 5 minutes before the start.
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Time duration shall be 30 minutes.

The above events are those recommended by the OKR, for which, District, Diocesan and Inter-Diocesan
level competitions shall be held. However, each Diocese can conduct more events (Drawing, Painting,
Bible reference, etc.) as decided by the Diocesan General Body. The rules and regulations for these events
shall be clearly stipulated by the Diocesan General Body, prior to conducting the competitions.
C. General Rules for Competitions
1. Competitions shall be conducted impartially under the supervision of the Headmaster, District
Inspector/Secretary, and Diocesan Director at Sunday School, District, and Diocesan levels
respectively. Inter-Diocesan competitions shall be held at OKR level, under the supervision of
Director OKR.
2. The participants of the Diocesan level and Inter-Diocesan level competitions should carry a
certificate (of the HM) stating that they are regular Sunday School students and that they
have at least 60% attendance in the current year.
3. The Sub-Junior group shall have competitions at Unit level only.
4. Junior and Intermediate groups shall have competitions at District, and Diocesan Levels.
5. Senior and Secondary groups shall have competitions at Inter-Diocesan level.
6. For Group Song the Buds group will have competitions up to District level only.
7. NRSV (Ecumenical Edition) shall be the official version of Bible for all competitions which
involves use of the Bible.
8. All competitions should be held in the months of August/September/October/November at
Unit, District, and Diocesan levels, respectively.
9. Inter-Diocesan competitions shall be held in the month of July of the next academic year.
10. The order for the participation for each event shall be done by casting lot.
11. Forms for Competitions are attached to this addendum.
12. There shall be three judges for each competition. The criteria for judging, and the break-up of
marks shall be clearly explained to the judges before the competitions. Judges shall be advised
to use decimal numbers for marks. If there is any correction in the mark sheets, the same shall
be attested by the judge. The Conductor of Competitions shall keep the mark lists of the
competitions and answer sheets of the written examinations. These shall be kept safely and
shall be presented, if asked for by the higher officials.
13. Two students, who secured highest marks shall be eligible to participate in the next level
competitions. In group song also two teams shall be eligible. If there is a tie in any competition
for the first or second positions, then either ‘the two students/groups secured the first
position’, or ‘the first position winner and the one person/group selected through lot from
the second position’ will represent to the next level.
14. Details of the students participating in the District, Diocesan and Inter-Diocesan level shall be
updated in Form C-I and forwarded to the District Inspector/secretary, Diocesan Director,
Director OKR respectively, two weeks prior to the competitions.
15. For group song competition, the participant and the team should give the reference about
the song selected, its context etc. prior to their presentation. If there is any conflict regarding

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this, the team leader should bring the necessary book, published by MOC publications, for
that purpose.
16. Winners of Inter-Diocesan competitions under various categories listed below will be
awarded the following titles for Senior and Secondary groups separately.
a) Elocution : Sunday School Prathibha
b) Solo Song : Sunday School Gana Sugandhi
c) Quiz : Sunday School Praveen
d) Essay : Sunday School Vijnani

14. ORTHODOX VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (OVBS - OKR)

In order to conduct Bible study classes during vacations, there shall be an Orthodox Vacation Bible School
(OVBS-OKR) department. At present this department is handled by the STOTS, Nagpur.
1. In order to manage and run the OVBS, the President-OKR in consultation with the Director
OKR, shall appoint an experienced person as OVBS Director and OVBS General Secretary. The
names of such appointees shall be intimated, from time to time, to the OVBS Director of
OSSAE.
2. There shall be an OKR OVBS Committee comprising of President-OKR, Director OKR, OVBS
Director, OVBS General Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Officer and Officiating Secretary.
3. The term of office of the officials of the OVBS shall be same as that of the OKR Executive
Committee.
4. The President of the OKR shall be the President of the OVBS Committee and the Director OKR
will be the Vice-President. The OVBS Director shall be the Convener.
5. The OVBS textbooks, prepared by the OVBS Committee, shall be thoroughly studied and
edited by the OVBS Director and OVBS General Secretary. Thereafter, the same shall be
submitted to the OKR office, with a felicitation message from the President-OKR and a preface
by Director OKR and the STOTS, Nagpur, shall publish the same.
6. The Income and Expenditure accounts of the OVBS shall be maintained and kept at the STOTS
Office

Objective:
To define the responsibilities of the OVBS Committee, the OVBS Director and OVBS Secretary with a view
to make the OVBS activities effective.
A. Responsibilities of the OVBS-OKR Committee:
a) The Committee shall meet a minimum three times a year.
b) Deliberate and approve the accounts presented by the Treasurer.
c) Organize Teachers’ training classes with a view to bring about greater improvement in OVBS
activities.
d) Approve the syllabus based on the theme.
e) Conduct follow-up meetings.
f) The second meeting shall be convened to evaluate the activities of the previous year.
g) The third meeting of the Committee shall assess current year’s activities of the Units and make
arrangements for follow-up meetings.

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h) As the tenure of the Committee is completed, till the time a new Committee is elected and
installed, the existing Committee shall continue.
B. Director OVBS-OKR:
a) Prepare the OVBS syllabus in consultation with the Secretary and place before the Committee.
b) Implement the schedule prepared by the Committee.
c) Write the preface for the materials prepared by the OVBS Committee and obtain the
superior’s approval and submit them to STOTS Office for printing and distribution.
d) Lead the Teachers’ training class.
e) Take all necessary steps to start new units.
f) Visit at least 10% of the Units every year and give guidance.
C. Secretary OVBS-OKR:
a) Write and maintain minutes of OVBS Committee.
b) Undertake day-to-day communications.
c) Collect the money needed for OVBS activities from STOTS Office and meet the necessary
expenses and submit the monthly accounts and vouchers to STOTS Office.
d) Prepare the year-by-year annual report of the OVBS in consultation with the Director and with
the approval of the same by Committee and submit it to the STOTS Office for publication.
e) Help the Treasurer in preparing the annual account and budget and place them in the OVBS
Committee and to STOTS Office.
f) Maintain records of the OVBS.
g) Assist the Director in the timely preparation of notifications and their publications.
h) Assist the Director for Teachers, training classes.
i) Visit at least 10% OVBS Units.
D. Publications:
The responsibility to print the materials, to fix their prices in consultation with the Director and to
distribute them to the Units shall be vested in the STOTS Office.
E. Income and Expenditure account:
a) The income and expenditure account shall be maintained in the STOTS/OVBS Office subject
to the rules of STOTS Nagpur. The Director, Secretary and Treasurer (STOTS) shall verify and
get convinced of the accuracy of this account from time to time.
b) The amounts received through the sale of materials shall be deposited in the Bank, as per
decision of STOTS Governing Board.
F. Treasurer OVBS-OKR:
The STOTS Bursar shall be the Treasurer of the OVBS also. The Treasurer shall be responsible to present
the credit-debit account, ledger and budget to the OVBS Committee and the STOTS Governing Board for
their approval and adoption.
G. Units:
The Diocesan Metropolitans shall be the patrons of the OVBS in their respective Dioceses. Unit level
activities are to be conducted as per the direction from Centre, under the leadership of the Directors and
with the cooperation of the District Inspectors, as far as possible in all the Parishes of the Diocese.

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H. Teachers Training Classes:

Teachers’ training classes shall be organized before the 30th of September at the Central level under
stewardship of OVBS Director and the OVBS Secretary and at the Diocesan level under the leadership of
the Diocesan Director.
I. Grievances:
In case of any grievance against the decisions or the performance of the OVBS Committee, it is open to
the aggrieved party to file a petition to the OKR Director and a decision on such petitions may be taken at
the meeting of the Executive Committee, which is presided over by the President Metropolitan. If not
satisfied by the decision of the Executive Committee, within a month of the decision, an appeal can be
filed before the Holy Synod and a copy of the appeal should be forwarded to the OKR Director.

This document is the consolidation of the various decisions taken by the Executive Committee
and subsequently accepted by the OSSAE-OKR General Body regarding all functions of the
OSSAE-OKR and OVBS-OKR. All interpretations and explanations regarding these sub-rules are
within the ambit of the OSSAE Constitution.

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ANNEXURE

Annexure-A

Exemptions/Concessions extended to challenged learners and developmentally

challenged children for Sunday School Examinations
Note: This is the first step in bringing developmentally challenged children to the mainstream Sunday
school education. The document concerns only about the concessions extended to developmentally
challenged children in examinations, in particular, for unit level examinations and OKR examinations. This
document needs to be updated to keep up with the provisions extended to them in secular curriculum.
Also, other aspects like special curriculum, training, avenues to express their talents etc. for the
developmentally challenged children need to be worked out.
This document is based on CBSE circular CBSE/COORD/112233/2018 dated 26th September 2018 which
extends the several exemptions/concessions to candidates with disabilities as defined in The Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Act-2016 and Guidelines for conducting written examination for persons with
benchmark disabilities 2018 issued by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Medical Certificate:

For developmentally challenged children to avail these concessions for Class X and XII Examinations, a
medical certificate from a competent authority needs to be submitted to OSSAE-OKR Office along with
the examination registration. The proforma of the certificate regarding physical limitation for an examinee
is shown in Annexure-B. Original medical certificate or an attested copy of the medical certificate
submitted to secular school is enough. To avail these concessions in unit level examinations medical
certificate or attested copy can be submitted to the Diocesan Director.
Request Letter:

To avail the exemptions, the parent of the special children can request the Diocese/OKR through
prescribed format shown in Annexure-C.
Special Educator:

It is advisable to have a teacher trained in the education of special children act as a Special Educator, to
provide guidance in education of special children in the district and to supervise during the examinations,
if needed.
Exemptions/Concessions Extended:

C1 – Reduced Syllabus: Only 50% of the syllabus specified for regular curriculum is prescribed for
differently abled. The exact portions can be specified by OSSAE-OKR for Class X and XII examinations and
by District/Diocese for unit level examinations. This implies a separate question paper for special children.
C2 – Project Work: For final examination, 20 % Marks can be from a project work.
C3 – Relaxation in attendance: A minimum of 50% attendance is only required for special children.

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C4 – Compensatory Time: The duration of examination is extended by additional 33% (one third) of the
regular time allowed for examination.
C5 – Option of Scribe/Reader: Candidates can opt for scribe for examination. The qualification of the
scribe should not be more than the minimum qualification criteria of the examination.
C6 – Oral Examination: Candidates have the option of oral examination, in which case marks can be
entered in the facing sheet of the examination in specified columns. For OKR level examinations, the oral
examinations can be recorded live to WhatsApp number provided by OKR.
C7 – Question Paper in Large Font
C8 – Examination room on ground floor

Type of Disabilities and concessions normally required

T1 – Dyslexia and Slow learners
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4
T2 – Physical Disability: Locomotor Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism, Muscular Dystrophy etc.
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C8
T3 – Visual Impairment: Blindness, Low Vision
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8
T4 – Speech Language Disability
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8
T5 – Intellectual Disability: Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6
T6 – Mental Behavior, Neurological/Blood Disorder, Multiple Disabilities
Concessions: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6

Annexure-B

A Suggestive Template for Certificate Regarding Physical Limitation in an

Examinee
This is to certify that; I have examined Mr./Ms./Mrs. _______________________________________
(Name of the candidate with disability), a person with ______________________________________
(Nature and percentage of disability disability) S/o / D/o ____________________________________
and to state that he/she has physical limitation which hampers his/her writing capabilities owing to
his/her disability.

Signature
Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of a Government health care institution
Name & Designation.

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Name of Government Hospital/Health Care Centre with Seal

Place:
Date:

Note: Certificate of disability should be given by a specialist of the relevant stream/disability (e.g., Visual
impairment – Ophthalmologist, Locomotor disability – Orthopedic specialist/PMR)
Annexure-C

Format of Request Letter from the parent to avail exemption for his/her ward

To

The Director / District Inspector

OSSSAE-OKR / (Name of the District)

Sub: Availing exemption for Sunday school examination for my ward

Sir/Madam,
My ward with following credentials is student of Sunday school

1. Name:
2. Class:
3. Sunday school:
4. District:
5. Diocese:
4. Nature of Disability:

It is requested that following exemption(s) may be granted to my ward:

The details of Scribe opted by me is as under:

Date: (Signature of Parent)

Name:
Contact No.
Address:

Enclosure: Medical Certificate

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