The HOPE & JOY ministries are part of the Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. HOPE, meaning Holy Orthodox Primary Education, serves children from PreK through 2nd grade, while JOY, or Junior Orthodox Youth, is aimed at those in 3rd through 5th grade.
The mission of HOPE & JOY is to nurture and instruct young children, guiding them toward a spiritually enriching relationship with Jesus Christ, known in Greek as the Φιλάνθρωπος, or “friend of humankind.” This program fosters the spiritual growth of young Church members, encouraging active participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Through activities grounded in the four core principles of Orthodox Christianity—Worship (Liturgia), Fellowship (Koinonia), Service (Diakonia), and Witness (Martyria)—this ministry seeks to deepen children’s faith and ultimately lead them toward Salvation.
Learn more about the HOPE & JOY Guidelines from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: Youth Ministry Guidelines.
Our HOPE & JOY meets monthly during Parish Fellowship Nights. Following Great Vespers and a dinner, the kids split into PreK/K, 1-2, and 3-5 grade for a rotation of religious education, art, and games.
2024-2025 HOPE & JOY Schedule:
- Sat, Nov 2 (6-8 PM)
- Sat, Dec 7 (5-7 PM): St Nicholas Caroling Party
- Sat, Jan 25 (6-8 PM)
- Fri, Feb 21 (6-8 PM)
