The Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA, is the ministry to teenagers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Since GOYA is ministry, the orientation and implementation of the program should reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life. GOYA is ministry to junior high and high school grade Orthodox Christian teenagers. Teenagers should be in seventh through twelfth grades to participate.
MISSION AND GOAL OF GOYA MINISTRY
The mission and goal of GOYA 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 toward salvation.
THE FOUR CHARACTERISTICS
The National Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries recommends that GOYA ministry be based on the following four characteristics: Worship (Liturgia), Fellowship (Koinonia), Service (Diakonia), and Witness (Martyria).
WORSHIP: As Orthodox Christians, we believe that God reveals Himself through Holy Tradition and Scripture. Worship is the sacramental expression of these, and is thus a very important element in ministering to our young people. It is important for GOYAn’s to be active sacramental members of the Church.
FELLOWSHIP is the way Orthodox Christians integrate their faith with daily life. It is sacred when Orthodox Christians gather together in our Lord’s name. The relationship of the Holy Trinity is the perfect model of Fellowship. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share perfect communion and exist in perfect love. By gathering together in fellowship, and by experiencing this love, we emulate the relationship of the Trinity, and develop our life in Christ.
SERVICE: Christ came to serve, not to be served. Young people are urged to do the same. Therefore, we can honor and glorify God by loving and serving humanity in His name. Young people should use their God-given charismata (gifts) to serve.
WITNESS: Man is both a spiritual and physical being. The spiritual reality is not always expressed in the material world. In order to be true to oneself and to the Orthodox Christian Faith, young people should strive to exemplify faith. They must be a witness to their faith, offering a convincing word and verbal expression of this faith, to those they come in contact with.
Officers
Co-President: Stephen Zevgolis
Co-President: Connor Whitaker
Co-Vice Presidents: Matthew Geize and Mary Scott Winstead
Treasurer: Diamond Russos
Secretary: Kristin Kelly and Historian, Nada Milkovich
Advisors: GOYA:
Cathy Russos, Rhonda Milkovich, Mary Wehbie
Coaches: Boy's Basketball, John Dombalis, Girl's Volleyball, Lee Palles
Counselors: GOYA
Vicky Flaherty, Nik & Alex Kamilaris, John & Leslie Dombalis
Yonas Micael, Dori Shand, Nikki Russos, Sara Milkovich
Upcoming Events:
GOYA NEWS
Our GOYA Youth Group is enjoying a very active time with a variety of balanced activities for our teenagers in grades 7-12. Sunday evening dinner meetings are a great way to enjoy a great meal prepared by volunteer parents and GOYANS, listen to our GOYA Officers take the lead on all the events and then have an opportunity to spend time with the priest sharing and discussing various subjects regarding our Orthodox Faith.
At the previous meeting, GOYANS were challenged to be able to address someone who has never heard of Orthodoxy and to share the essentials of the Faith in a few minutes. Our next Dinner/Meeting is Sunday, December 7, 5:30 - 7 PM
Don't forget: Men's Shelter, decorating of Christmas Tree & Blessing of Shelter, Satuday, November 30, 4:30 PM, we will serve dinner at 5:30 PM
Funtastic Friday, December 5, 6-9 PM, followed by our GOYA Lock-In
ONCE A MONTH YOUTH SUNDAY
Each 1st Sunday of the month GOYANS will participate in YOUTH Sunday! On these Sundays, GOYANS will assume the duties of the Parish Council, offer the Sermon, read the Epistle Reading, sing in the Choir, etc. Our next Youth Sunday is December 7. Our speaker will be Co-President, Connor Whitaker
WINTER YOUTH RALLY IN Atlanta, December 27-30
* OUTREACH MINISTRY
GOYA offers an opportunity to reach out to others who are less fortunate or struggling in life. The last Saturday of every month, our GOYANS and PARENTS, serve dinner at the Men’s Shelter in downtown Raleigh. Sunday, November 30 at 4:30 PM is our scheduled time. Meet at the church no later than 4:00 PM. Contact Cathy Russos at 847-9989 or cathyrussos@gmail.com or Rhonda Milkovich at 781-4548 or remilkovich@nc.rr.com in order to volunteer.