Youth Ministries
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Altar Service
The opportunity to serve in the Altar is open to all Orthodox Christian boys, ages 10 – 18, who would like to help Fr. Alex, while learning more about the Divine Liturgy and the entire liturgical life of our Church. Interested boys must have a sense of reverence and respect, as well as an eagerness to learn and serve. In addition to time in the Altar, our boys enjoy great fellowship through events like retreats and fun outings.
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GOYA
Through our GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) Ministry, we strive to provide a fun, safe and uplifting environment in which teenagers can experience the Orthodox Christian Faith and simply make friends. Monthly events include everything from hikes and other fun outings to Bible studies and philanthropic endeavors. Special events each year include the “Giving Tree” Christmas outreach effort and attending Metropolis of Boston camping and retreat programs. 6 – 12 graders are welcome and encouraged to join this vibrant ministry.
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HOPE & JOY
The spiritual growth of our younger parishioners is of great importance, and HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education—grades K – 2) and JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth—grades 3 - 5) are dedicated to presenting the Orthodox Faith to our children in an age-appropriate, fun and hands-on manner. Participants, and their families, regularly enjoy learning events that feature crafts and other interactive projects. In addition, fun outings (like ice-skating, bowling and hiking) are on the yearly agenda for both ministry groups. Some HOPE and JOY events are held together; some are unique to either HOPE or JOY.
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Myrrhbearers Ministry
Young women of our parish, ages 6 – 18, are welcome to join this ministry inspired by the faithful, dedicated ministry of the Myrrhbearing Women to our Lord. At Holy Communion each Sunday, servers assist Fr. Alex with offering the Antidoron—blessed bread—to our faithful after they receive Holy Communion. Members also take part in processions during Holy Week, offer readings at services and take on a host of other liturgical and leadership roles within the Church.
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Scouting
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, in conjunction with the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, has developed a program that fosters meaningful interactions between scouting activities and the life of our Church. Ultimately, the purpose of this program is to make our young Scouts more aware of God’s presence on a daily level, especially concerning homelife and time spent at Saint Gregory. All active Saint Gregory Scouts are eligible to take part in this program, and upon completion they will be recognized for their efforts on Scout Sunday (each year in February).
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Voices of Faith
Each week at Sunday Divine Liturgy—and during other special services throughout the year—our children are especially invited to offer the Epistle reading. It is always wonderful to hear the voices of our children in Church, and this is a meaningful way to engage our beautiful liturgical services.
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Sunday School
This vital ministry is the backbone of our youth education and enrichment activities, offering our children (grades K – 12) classroom sessions each Sunday following Holy Communion. Through discussions, activities and projects, our youth learn about their Orthodox Faith, while building life-long friendships along the way. Class sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are led by dedicated, well-informed volunteer teachers and mentors. Special yearly events include the Nativity Pageant, Holy Friday Youth Retreat and Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.
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