PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY
Besides our regular participation in the Liturgical services of our church, you and your family are encouraged to be involved in as many groups as you can throughout the year. Please check our weekly bulletin, the monthly newsletter, and our website for upcoming events and ministries. May we always be united as a congregation, and may we continue to grow in the Knowledge and Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Parish Youth Advisors
Little Angels Aisha Bangert and Catalina Finck
HOPE John Nicholas, Xeny Simpson and Peter Raptakis
JOY Samia Rabie and Anna Sadaka
GOYA Catalina Finck and Nina Seitz
YALjr. & YAL Catalina Finck, Farid Sadaka, and Anna Sadaka
Handmaidens Soula Marcou and Carol Marshal
Acolytes John Nicholas and George Siampos
EOS Scouts Tyler Burch and David Miller
Hellenic Dancers Stella Afentoullis and Dean Bellos
Altar Boys ~ These young men, 3rd grade and older, assist the priests in the altar during divine services. The boys in 3rd-12th grade through active participation in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and holidays and two evening retreats, the boys learn the meaning of the Divine Liturgy, other services, and the fundamental sacraments of the church.
Altar Boy Schedule 9:45am – Go to the Altar to assist with the Divine Liturgy. Immediately following HOLY COMMUNION they go to Sunday School.
Handmaidens ~ These young women, 3rd grade and older, assist during the Lamentation service and gather to learn more about the Orthodox faith and traditions.
Little Angels ~ Little Angels are all parents and children in kindergarten and under. We take visits to the Zoo, Farm Pumpkin Patch, Park, and Museums. Along with the networking of friendships, fellowship, and a place to escape mundane everyday activities.
HOPE/JOY ~ This group serves our young boys and girls in 1st up to 8th grade. We plan lots of fun events to bring our children together in fellowship and to continue to grow in their faith.
GOYA ~ This group is comprised of our 9th through 12th grade parishioners. They participate in religious, social and athletic events. An example of some of their activities include attending the Metropolis summer camp, retreats, basketball tournaments, volleyball tournaments, local outreach projects, and Vacation Church School.
GOYA Pilgrimage to Monastery ~ Every year the GOYA and their advisors take a 3- day trip to a MONASTERY. It is truly an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
O.W.L. Orthodox Way of Life ~ The high school discussion group provides teens an opportunity to engage in discussion with the clergy and advisors. On a regular basis, this group is from 12:30 to 2:00 pm at GOYA advisors’ homes. The teenagers discuss challenges faced by them and matters of the soul according to the Orthodox faith and belief system. Discussion topics may include: Man: Made in the Image of Christ, The Nature of God, Finding Christ, The Great Lent, Fasting and You, Orthodox Dating in a World of Passions
Greek School ~ The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Greek School is committed to nurturing and preserving the Greek language, cultural heritage and traditions within the Greek community. Our staff serves as resources, guides and observers in each child’s path of Greek language development. Our focus is on learning the Greek language and be able to use it to communicate. Through regular attendance and individual effort, our students build within them a respect, appreciation and love of the Greek language, heritage and traditions.
Hellenic Dancers ~ It is comprised of three groups: 1st-8th grade, high school, and adults. They perform traditional Greek dances at special events and especially during our Annual Greek Festival.
Breakfast with Santa and Easter Egg Hunt ~ Are two annual opportunities for the family to join us for crafts, fun and more.
Christmas Pageant ~ The annual Christmas Pageant and Choir Program is another time for students to share in the fellowship of the Christmas season and to enjoy presenting a program for the entire community. These are memories students carry with them into adulthood.
Godparent’s Sunday ~ Students are encouraged to attend the Liturgy with their Godparents, thus reaffirming the special bond that comes from the Sacrament of Baptism. Realizing that many Godparents live in other communities, we encourage students to come with a member of the Godparents’ family or simply to come and give special prayers for their Godparents. Special lessons are planned about the Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, and Communion, as well as the responsibilities incumbent upon the Godparent-Godchild relationship.
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival ~ Throughout the archdiocese, Orthodox students in Grades 7-12 participate in this annual event where they have the opportunity to write and make presentations on various religious topics. Winners of the local contest compete at the district level. The winners from the district level then continue the competition at the Metropolis level. The festival is an exceptional opportunity for youth to witness their faith. Preschool through 6th grade work on class and individual projects that are presented at our Assumption Oratorical Festival in the Spring.
Iconography Tour ~ Students and families have the opportunity to learn the meaning of icons and their role in the Church. Date to be announced.
Lenten Offerings for Orthodox Mission Box Program ~ During Lent each year, our students are asked to contribute to help Orthodox missions throughout the world.
Students are encouraged to earn and contribute their own money for this project. Students return OCMC boxes to their Sunday School classroom by the last day of Sunday School.
Holy Friday Retreat 1:00 pm – 3:00pm Retreat for ages 3 through 6th grade
Service Projects ~ The youth and families are encouraged to participate in service projects throughout the year with the parish. We ask students to put their faith into action.
Holy Friday Retreat 1:00 pm – 3:00pm Retreat for ages 3 through 6th grade
Service Projects ~ The youth and families are encouraged to participate in service projects throughout the year with the parish. We ask students to put their faith into action.
Commencement Activities ~ All Sunday School students receive their certificates and the graduating 8th and 12th grade classes are given a special gift on the final day of Sunday School, which takes place in the Church immediately following Divine Liturgy. Following the Liturgy, a picnic for the entire parish is held at a local park.
Vacation Church School ~ This one week-long summer program offers our children ages 4 years old up to those entering 8 th grade the opportunity to learn in a fun environment with meaningful lessons about our faith. They make beautiful crafts and learn songs and hymns from our liturgical treasures. We are always in need of volunteers to teach and assist during the week’s program.
Eastern Orthodox Scouts of Greater St. Louis ~ Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and Daisies are all invited to join the Orthodox Christian Scouts from throughout the metro St. Louis area for services, service projects and work together on Orthodox religious emblems: St. George, Chi-Rho and Alpha-Omega.
Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics ~ Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics is a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, and is set in a wonderful opportunity for fun, fellowship and sports in Chicago, IL.
FANARI Camp ~ FANARI Camp is a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, and is set in a wonderful setting of Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, WI. Fanari affords the youth of the Metropolis the ability to share their common faith and heritage through its many programs. Literally thousands of young people have attended the camp throughout these years, often attending all six years as campers and then serving many years as staff members. Hundreds of young adults have donated their time to serve as counselors and mentors to our campers since the beginning of this ministry. Countless lifelong friendships were gained and strengthened through the Camp.
CrossRoad ~ Attention high school juniors and seniors, before you decide what to do with the rest of your life, decide what to do with your summer! CrossRoad is an engaging 10-day summer institute for Orthodox Christian high school juniors and seniors of all jurisdictions that takes place every summer on the campus of Hellenic College/Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts.
