Recognize Orthodox Good Friday as a school holiday
Recognize Orthodox Good Friday as a school holiday
Recent signers:
Renee Markakis-Yopp and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
As an Orthodox Christian mother residing in Astoria, I find myself striving to ensure that my religious beliefs are given the respect they deserve within the community and educational framework. Good Friday holds immense significance in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marking the commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection, mourning, and spiritual observance that deserves recognition equivalent to other religious holidays.
In our diverse community, we have made strides in respecting religious diversity by honoring Catholic Good Friday, various Jewish holidays, Eid, and other religious occasions by suspending school activities. Yet, the Orthodox Christian observance of Good Friday remains noticeably absent from this list. This omission affects not only my family but countless other Orthodox families who wish to honor their religious traditions with the dignity it warrants.
To align with the inclusive and respectful spirit of our community, I propose that our educational institutions recognize and honor Orthodox Good Friday as a holiday by closing schools on this day every year. This adjustment will benefit a significant portion of the community, ensuring that all religious traditions are celebrated and respected equally.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 220 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, with a substantial number residing in the United States. By acknowledging Orthodox Good Friday, we demonstrate inclusivity and promote religious understanding and respect.
I urge local educational authorities, school boards, and community leaders in Astoria to amend the school holiday calendar. This recognition is not merely a request but a demand for equal respect and consideration of religious observances that are pivotal to the Orthodox Christian community.
Join me in this movement to ensure that Orthodox Good Friday is recognized and observed. Please sign this petition to stand together for religious equality and inclusivity in our educational system.
In our diverse community, we have made strides in respecting religious diversity by honoring Catholic Good Friday, various Jewish holidays, Eid, and other religious occasions by suspending school activities. Yet, the Orthodox Christian observance of Good Friday remains noticeably absent from this list. This omission affects not only my family but countless other Orthodox families who wish to honor their religious traditions with the dignity it warrants.
To align with the inclusive and respectful spirit of our community, I propose that our educational institutions recognize and honor Orthodox Good Friday as a holiday by closing schools on this day every year. This adjustment will benefit a significant portion of the community, ensuring that all religious traditions are celebrated and respected equally.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 220 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, with a substantial number residing in the United States. By acknowledging Orthodox Good Friday, we demonstrate inclusivity and promote religious understanding and respect.
I urge local educational authorities, school boards, and community leaders in Astoria to amend the school holiday calendar. This recognition is not merely a request but a demand for equal respect and consideration of religious observances that are pivotal to the Orthodox Christian community.
Join me in this movement to ensure that Orthodox Good Friday is recognized and observed. Please sign this petition to stand together for religious equality and inclusivity in our educational system.
Aikaterini KassaraPetition Starter
320
Recent signers:
Renee Markakis-Yopp and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
As an Orthodox Christian mother residing in Astoria, I find myself striving to ensure that my religious beliefs are given the respect they deserve within the community and educational framework. Good Friday holds immense significance in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marking the commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection, mourning, and spiritual observance that deserves recognition equivalent to other religious holidays.
In our diverse community, we have made strides in respecting religious diversity by honoring Catholic Good Friday, various Jewish holidays, Eid, and other religious occasions by suspending school activities. Yet, the Orthodox Christian observance of Good Friday remains noticeably absent from this list. This omission affects not only my family but countless other Orthodox families who wish to honor their religious traditions with the dignity it warrants.
To align with the inclusive and respectful spirit of our community, I propose that our educational institutions recognize and honor Orthodox Good Friday as a holiday by closing schools on this day every year. This adjustment will benefit a significant portion of the community, ensuring that all religious traditions are celebrated and respected equally.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 220 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, with a substantial number residing in the United States. By acknowledging Orthodox Good Friday, we demonstrate inclusivity and promote religious understanding and respect.
I urge local educational authorities, school boards, and community leaders in Astoria to amend the school holiday calendar. This recognition is not merely a request but a demand for equal respect and consideration of religious observances that are pivotal to the Orthodox Christian community.
Join me in this movement to ensure that Orthodox Good Friday is recognized and observed. Please sign this petition to stand together for religious equality and inclusivity in our educational system.
In our diverse community, we have made strides in respecting religious diversity by honoring Catholic Good Friday, various Jewish holidays, Eid, and other religious occasions by suspending school activities. Yet, the Orthodox Christian observance of Good Friday remains noticeably absent from this list. This omission affects not only my family but countless other Orthodox families who wish to honor their religious traditions with the dignity it warrants.
To align with the inclusive and respectful spirit of our community, I propose that our educational institutions recognize and honor Orthodox Good Friday as a holiday by closing schools on this day every year. This adjustment will benefit a significant portion of the community, ensuring that all religious traditions are celebrated and respected equally.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 220 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, with a substantial number residing in the United States. By acknowledging Orthodox Good Friday, we demonstrate inclusivity and promote religious understanding and respect.
I urge local educational authorities, school boards, and community leaders in Astoria to amend the school holiday calendar. This recognition is not merely a request but a demand for equal respect and consideration of religious observances that are pivotal to the Orthodox Christian community.
Join me in this movement to ensure that Orthodox Good Friday is recognized and observed. Please sign this petition to stand together for religious equality and inclusivity in our educational system.
Aikaterini KassaraPetition Starter
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Petition created on February 24, 2026