About Us
About how we get started
the great story
The Russian parochial school at Holy Transfiguration Church in Los Angeles began its work in 1951, when the rector of the Transfiguration Church, Father Gerasim Shorets (1866-1966), began to study the Law of God with children. In 1952, Vladyka Anthony (Sinkevich) arrived from Jerusalem and made teaching children at the church the main goal of his life. Vladyka spoke about the peculiarities of teaching Russian children in Orthodoxy and the importance of their knowledge of Russian history and literature.
Attestation of students is held at the school twice a year: on the feast of the Nativity of Christ and at the end of the school year. Certification is carried out according to the five-point system adopted once in Russia, also indicating marks for behavior, attention and diligence. Awards are awarded by the Pedagogical Council of the school only to those students who have excellent (5) or good (4) successes.
According to graduates, the school played a huge role in their lives. They all always looked forward to Saturday, as the school was the only place where they met and communicated in their native language, which rallied and united them. Culture, traditional food, common interests – all this cemented their friendship and many of them are still in contact with each other. After lessons at school, some continued to study in the Russian scout squad “Nizhny Novgorod”. The team, like the school, continues to exist today.
Story
Our Historical Timeline
Founded in 1951, the Russian parochial school at Holy Transfiguration Church has served the Russian-speaking community of Los Angeles for more than seventy years. It still stands today as a legacy to our community and remains one of its most important institutions, passing on the Russian language, culture and Orthodox faith from generation to generation.
1951
Start From The Beginning
Father Gerasim Shorets begins teaching the Law of God to children at Holy Transfiguration Church.
Our students are recognized as the best Russian speaking students in Los Angeles.
Build From Zero
1995
2005
Grow To The Sky
UCLA examine our students and recognize our educational program.
Students who have acquired knowledge of the Russian language work worldwide
Our school students
2020
Vision
Our Great Vision & Mission
We believe that knowledge of languages is one of the greatest wealth.
Education
Check out our program
Research
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Community
Move forward with us.
Management
Managed future today
Partners
Our Educational Partners
We work together with schools, parishes, museums, youth and community organizations that share our mission: to preserve the Russian language, culture and Orthodox faith for the next generation.
Our Approach
Faith, Language and Family
Since 1951 our school has taught children the way generations of Russian families abroad were taught: through the Russian word, the Orthodox faith and a warm community. Lessons are built on reading, writing and speaking, on great Russian literature and history, and on the Law of God — in close cooperation between teachers and parents. Children do not just memorize rules: they read, retell, recite, sing and perform, and learn to love the language they speak at home.
- Since 1951 at Holy Transfiguration Church
- Kindergarten through 10th grade
- Saturdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Russian language, literature, history, music and the Law of God
- Concerts for Christmas, Pascha, Pushkin Day and graduation
- UCLA Center for World Languages certification after the full course
Our Team
Meet Our Teachers & Staff
Heroes don’t always wear capes. No, they wear #russianschool.
Teachers are the men and women who make a difference in our students’ lives. Meet the clergy, administration and teachers who carry on the traditions of our parish school.
Ioann (Janis) Terauds
Director and spiritual leader of our school.
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Lyudmila Petlitskaya
Manages the school's day-to-day administration.
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Irakli Gagua
Manages the school's website and technology.
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