Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry at Saints Constantine and Helen
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
At Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, Maryland, our Youth Ministry is dedicated to helping young people grow spiritually and connect with the Church community. We engage youth through worship, service, fellowship, and opportunities for active participation in Church life.
Our programs are designed for children at every stage:
- Youth Catechism School: For children and teens of all ages, providing age-appropriate lessons on the Orthodox faith, Bible stories, and the teachings of the Church. Classes meet every Sunday from September through June, directly following Holy Communion.
- JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth): For children in grades 3–6, focusing on building a strong foundation in the Orthodox faith through lessons, activities, and community service.
- GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America): For teens in grades 7–12, offering opportunities for leadership, service projects, retreats, and fellowship to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Church.
- Greek Folk Dance: For youth in grades 1–12, this program includes performances at the Metropolis of New Jersey Folk Dance Festival in February and our Annual Greek Festival, celebrating Greek culture and fostering community pride.
- Basketball: Our JOY Basketball program meets weekly in the spring for youth in ages 2–12, while the GOYA Basketball program runs from September to April for teens in grades 7–12. The GOYA team also participates in basketball tournaments with other churches in the Metropolis, offering youth the chance to compete, build teamwork skills, and grow in fellowship with other Orthodox teens.
- Oratorical Festival: For students in grades 6–12, this annual spring event provides a platform for youth to present speeches on topics related to the Orthodox faith. Our students have participated at every level of the festival for decades, including at the national level, demonstrating excellence in public speaking and deepening their understanding of the Orthodox faith.
- Altar Servers: Boys in late elementary through high school are encouraged to participate as altar servers, assisting the clergy during the Divine Liturgy and other services. Serving at the altar offers a unique opportunity for young men to deepen their connection to the Divine Liturgy, grow in their faith, and serve the Church in a meaningful way.
Through these ministries, we create a vibrant, welcoming environment where youth can develop a personal relationship with God, engage with their faith, and become active members of the Church community.
