Youth Ministry
Youth Director: Petros Petropoulos
Email: Contact the Youth Director
Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. - Mark 10:14
We believe that the Goal of Orthodox Christian Youth Ministry is the integration of each young person fully into the total life of the Church. We believe that Orthodox Christians must commit themselves to living the Orthodox Faith daily. Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship are the natural expressions of that commitment.
Our parish attempts to provide a variety of activities that engage the interest of our young people, and enrich their lives. These programs seek to foster and strengthen ties to the parish, to provide social interaction in the context of Orthodox Christian values, and to offer opportunities for religious formation. The participation of our youth and young adults is earnestly encouraged.
Saint Demetrios Cathedral of Astoria is committed to the youth and the families of our community as they are an important and integral part of our parish. The Youth Ministry Program seeks to foster worship, fellowship, witness and service facilitating growth in the Faith.
Under the spiritual direction of our clergy, with guidance from talented, dedicated volunteers and teachers, the youth of Saint Demetrios are given many opportunities that meet both their spiritual and social needs through the Church. Through various activities the youth can explore, think, and express their faith in a loving and safe environment.
We offer opportunities to empower young people to live as disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the world today. We want them to participate in the life, mission, and work of the Church, and want to foster the personal and spiritual growth of all the youth.
To register for all youth ministries for 2024-2025, you must create an online profile and fulfill your stewardship obligations.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR PROFILE
HOPE: hope@sdastoria.com
JOY: joy@sdatoria.com
HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education) and JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) ministers to children in our community from Kindergarten through 6th grade. The mission and goal is to lead children together in becoming active sacramental members of the living Church and developing a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout all the activities, the youth will be given the opportunity to express their faith and enjoy fellowship with other young people in their age group. By laying the foundation at these ages, they will have the foundation to guide them through their teen years.
Such activities for HOPE and JOY include:
- Biddyleague Basketball
- Youth Liturgy
- Advent and Pascha Retreats
- Food, Clothing, and Toy Drives throughout the year
- Social Outings and Fellowship such as Board Game Extravaganza
- Dances
- Family Night
GOYA: goya@sdastoria.com
The Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA, is the ministry for teenagers in our community from grades seven through twelve. The mission and goal of GOYA is to lead our young people in the path of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ experiencing the Orthodox Faith.
In developing a personal relationship with God, becoming active sacramental members of the Church, our young people will grow through God’s grace in the areas of worship, fellowship, witness and service. The various activities throughout the year reinforce this mission and goal giving youth the tools necessary to help them on their journey toward salvation.
Such activities for GOYA include:
- Basketball League
- Paraklesis Services with once a month group dinner
- Youth Liturgy
- Food, Clothing, and Toy Drives throughout the year
- Midnight Run helping the homeless
- Dances
- Orthodox Life Club
- Social Outings such as ice-skating at Bryant Park
- Family Night
SUNDAY SCHOOL: sundayschool@sdastoria.com
Sunday School is held during the regular school year in both of our Churches for
grade levels Pre-K through 8th Grade. We ask all parents to enroll their children in Sunday Church School and have them attend on a regular basis so that they may become close to the Church and learn more about their faith.
As parents and caregivers of our children, we wish to ask for your cooperation, support, and commitment to the religious education program
(Sunday school) of our Saint Demetrios Church. Together, as one Christian family, we can
nurture the spiritual life of our children so that they may continue to grow in the values of the
Greek Orthodox Church and faith.
Our Sunday school aims to provide well-rounded lessons on the bible, liturgical worship,
prayer life, sacramental life and mission awareness to enable our children to translate orthodox
principles into their personal lives.
As parents, bringing our children to church and Sunday school is one of the best gifts we
can gift to them, the gift of Christ’s love and saving message.
Sunday school is being held every Sunday at our churches. If you have not registered your child yet, please do so!
