YOUTH MINISTRIES


How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

— Anne Frank

Acolytes – Altar Servers

An Altar Server or Acolyte is someone who is privileged to serve in the Holy Sanctuary where the Lord dwells. The Altar Server has received special permission to serve in the Holy Altar and to assist the priest in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other Holy Services. The Holy Sanctuary is a very sacred place in the Church. The Acolyte is an adult, typically 17 years or older, who has additional responsibilities to assist the priest and is directly responsible for the actions and behavior of the Altar servers. No laymen or women are permitted entrance to the Holy Sanctuary without the blessing of the priest or Bishop.

View Altar Service Handbook >>

GOYA

G.O.Y.A.(Greek Orthodox Youth Association), is the ministry to teenagers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for the purpose of fellowship, worship, service, and witness.  Retreats and Camps are an integral part of the program.  Since G.O.Y.A. is a ministry under the advisement and spiritual guidance of the Proistamenos, the orientation and implementation of the program reflects the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life, including a well-rounded program of religious, cultural, athletic and social activities.

G.O.Y.A. is a ministry to junior high and high school grade Orthodox Christian teenagers. Teenagers should be in 7th through 12th grades to participate.

The goal of the G.O.Y.A. ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith.  By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey towards salvation.

We are very proud of our G.O.Y.A. because it is a place where young people come to learn and grow as Green Orthodox Christians in today’s society.  We have also experienced that many people make new friends and experience 

HOPE

The HOPE group is for children preschool age to grade 2. HOPE’s mission is to lead our children to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and to become active sacramental members of our Church. We meet primarily on the third Sunday of every month during Church school. Our discussions start with a prayer, followed by an assigned topic and craft activity. We have made our own icons and read stories about various saints, angels, the sacraments, and God’s animal creations. We join with the JOY group for activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, fall harvest festival, nature walks, and sledding in the winter.

JOY

Our Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) group consists of youth in grades 3-6. Its mission is to lead them to experience the Orthodox faith through Worship (Liturgia), Fellowship (Koinonia), Service (Diakonia) and Witness (Martyria). The group meets monthly for traditional religious lessons that offer present-day applications of Church teachings. The children and their advisors participate in community service and church projects throughout the year. Fun outings have included apple picking, fall harvest festival, the AHEPA House Christmas Show, pool parties, game nights and movies.

Pan-Hellenic Youth Dancers

To help celebrate and promote our Greek heritage and traditions, our Greek Folk Dancing group teaches basic Greek dancing skills to our young people. The group meets on Sundays after Church, and performs at various cultural events throughout the year. The group is divided into Elementary, Middle, and High School age groups.

St. Timothy’s Camp

Organized by the Greek Orthodox parishes of upstate New York, St. Timothy’s Camp offers an opportunity for Christian fun and fellowship, and a place to deepen faith and commitment to Christ. Young people ages 8 through 18 (graduating high school seniors) are encouraged to attend St. Timothy’s Camp with a sense of adventure and a desire to grow spiritually, mentally and physically. In addition, a young adult group has been established, for ages 19 to 22, to develop their spiritual growth and knowledge of their faith while attending college or beginning a new career. Parents driving their children to camp may stay Saturday evening for a $50 per-person fee, which includes Saturday dinner, overnight barrack-style accommodations, and Sunday Liturgy followed by brunch. Due to limited accommodations, only staff, counselors and campers may spend the week. 

For more details, visit www.sttimothycamp.org.