The Greek
Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA, is the ministry to
teenagers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Since GOYA is a church ministry, the orientation and
implementation of the program reflects the Orthodox
Christian Faith, Tradition and Life. Pensacola’s
Annunciation GOYA provides activities to engage the
interest of our young people, to enrich their lives and to
strengthen their relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. The youth ministry is based on these four
characteristics.
Worship (Liturgia) - Worship is so much more
than showing up for Liturgy on Sunday. It is being an active
participant not just in the Liturgy but the whole cycle of
worship. It is praying in church but also praying at home,
school and work.
Fellowship (Koinonia) - Fellowship is so
much more than coffee and donuts after church. It is how we
as Orthodox Christians integrate our faith with our daily
lives. We are called to gather together with Christian love
in times of joy and sorrow.
Service (Diakonia) - Christ came to serve,
not to be served. Young people are urged to do the same. We
honor and glorify God by loving and serving humanity in His
name. Young people should use their God-given gifts to serve
for the glory of God.
Witness (Martyria) - We are witnesses to
our faith when we live our Orthodox faith at every moment of
the day. We should strive to exemplify the faith in word in
deed. Through this witness, Christ shines in all that we do
to the world around us.
GOYA incorporates these characteristics with the following
activities:
- Monthly Meetings with a Discussion Topic and
planning.
- Service Projects including cooking for Appetite 4
Life and Youth Servant Sunday
- Dances, Basketball, Volleyball & Bible Bowl
Tournaments
- Annual Pre-Lenten Retreats and Winter Youth Rally
- Camps, Fundraisers, other outings
- Stewardship is also emphasized.
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.
For our youth to enjoy these activities, we need the
support and participation of parents. We request parents to
play an active role by encouraging their children to become
involved in the many activities of the GOYA ministry. This will give our youth a well rounded experience.
GOYA Advisors
Charles & Faye Stamitoles
pensacolagoya@gmail.com
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