St. Philip Orthodox Christian School
Spiritual Life
Why is the
Spiritual Life at SPOCS
so important?
“Parents with kids in private Christian schools tend to rank their experience very highly.” – St. Philip Orthodox Christian School
Here at SPOCS, one of the leading Christian elementary schools near me and a beacon of Orthodox Christian education in Florida, we believe in a holistic educational environment that fosters a foundation of faith in the lives of our students. As one of the premier private schools Davie and private schools in Davie, FL, our mission is to equip our students’ character with the resilience, diligence, and peace-making tools they need to successfully navigate life’s challenges.
The robust spiritual life of a SPOCS student promotes personal accountability and encourages a healthy understanding of their immense value in God’s eyes. Our commitment to spiritual development in schools is evident through our comprehensive spiritual formation programs, which are designed to nurture the Orthodox Christian faith and values in our students. This commitment extends to our Greek School program, which plays a vital role in our students’ spiritual and cultural education.
How is the Orthodox
ethos experienced by
our students?
We employ dynamic daily routines and strong spiritual habits that work to unite our students with the mind of Christ. Our Orthodox Christian curriculum, which incorporates elements of classical education and follows a paideia classical Christian school model, encourages each child to participate in the practices of faith that harmonize the individual’s conscience with a distinctly Orthodox phronema.
We guide our children with love and truth so they may grow an unwavering trust in Christ. Whether it be collective morning prayers, snack time devotionals, or conversational class visits made by Fr. Alex, each child is provided consistent watering in rich soil, fostering a deep connection to the Orthodox Christian tradition and Orthodox Christian spirituality. Our approach integrates Christian teachings seamlessly into daily activities, reinforcing the Orthodox tradition in every aspect of school life, including our Greek School program.
At St. Philip Orthodox Christian School, faith is at the heart of our community. On the first Wednesday of every month, Fr. Alex celebrates the Divine Liturgy with our students, staff, and families. During this sacred time, our children not only participate in the prayers and hymns of the Church but also have the opportunity to partake in Holy Communion, deepening their life in Christ and connecting their education to the
worship and rhythms of the Orthodox faith.
read more about Orthodox Christianity
- History of the Antiochian Orthodox Church
- Introducing Orthodoxy
- The Orthodox Faith
What is Antiochian
Orthodox Church?
Tracing back to the early development of Church order, the city of Antioch stood out as a pillar of the faith and was subsequently established as one of the five Ancient Patriarchates along with Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, and Jerusalem. Within the Apostolic Era, the faithful of Antioch were the first to be mockingly referred to as “Christ-ians” (Acts 11:26). The Church believes in one God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, three divine persons of one essence. We know God through the revelation
of Jesus Christ, and the Church draws near to Him in divine mystery, as reflected in Orthodox worship and liturgy.
As part of our commitment to Orthodox Christian education, St. Philip Orthodox Christian School offers a classical curriculum that cultivates both the mind and the soul. Central to this approach is the study of Latin, a cornerstone of classical learning. Latin sharpens critical thinking, strengthens language skills, and connects students to the writings of the early Church, the wisdom of Western civilization, and the intellectual
traditions that shaped Christian thought. This study aligns beautifully with the Orthodox faith, which treasures the inheritance of the Apostles, the Fathers, and the rich liturgical life of the Church.
Our school combines rigorous academics with Orthodox Christian formation, following the liturgical calendar, celebrating feast days, and weaving prayer into the life of our community. Students participate in the Divine Liturgy monthly with Fr. Alex Kouri, receiving Holy Communion and
experiencing the life of the Church not as an addition to their studies but as their foundation. By uniting faith, virtue, and knowledge, SPOCS
prepares students for academic excellence, spiritual maturity, and a life rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty.