Youth Activities

Sunday School Ministry

We strive to demonstrate our love for God by learning about Him through Holy Scripture and Holy Traditions. We receive Holy Communion each week.

Our curriculum consists of Bible study at every grade level. We study the saints and try to emulate them through daily prayer.  This was our primary focus this year.  Each class makes a meal for our soup kitchen as well as hosting a coffee hour after liturgy.

Our middle school and high school participated in the St. John the Chrysostom Oratorical festival at the church level.  We have a Christmas pageant every year in which the entire Sunday School participates.

 

Youth Programs

The Youth Program at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is aimed at developing a deeper faith and strong friendships among the young people of the parish. Our young people are encouraged to take part in various philanthropic activities, such as helping at Lazarus House in Lawrence MA, collecting canned goods and warm clothes, providing Christmas gifts for needy children, etc. Our meetings are a combination of activities and serious discussion.

   

 

Youth Groups

JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)

The JOY group includes our young people from 1st to 5th grades. The children enjoy getting together for activities and projects, as well as for outings and fun events.

 

Jr. GOYA (Junior Greek Orthodox Youth of America)

All young people of the parish from 6th to 8th grades are invited to join the Jr. GOYA.

The JOY children enjoyed an afternoon exploring the Spencer-Pierce Farm in Newbury in October 2012. They enjoyed petting the horse and admiring the goats and sheep, and then had a wonderful tour of the Spencer-Pierce House, learning a lot about how people lived in the 17th to the 20th centuries.

 

Gifts for the St. Basil Guests

At Thanksgiving the JOY children made pumpkin pies for our guests at the St. Basil's Kitchen. They also made Turkey Bags with home baked cookies for our shut-ins.

 

GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America)

All of our young people from 9th to 12th grade are invited to participate in the Sr. GOYA.

The Sr. GOYA has a couple of special projects. Every Christmas they adopt a family and go shopping for Christmas presents. In February and March they spend a couple Sunday afternoons on the soup truck for Lazarus House in Lawrence MA. They also take part in the annual "Hike for Hope" to help support the good work done by Lazarus House. 

 

College Connection

When our young people set out into the world, mostly for the first time in their lives, and go on to college, the Annunciation Parish Family wants to remain a part of their lives. Under the auspices of the Evangelism Team, our college students receive messages and periodical "care packages" to help strengthen that bond and keep them aware of the love and concern the family 'back home" has for them.

 

Church Summer Camp

Every summer before school starts, the youth of our parish gathers for a day summer camp. The mysteries of the Faith are taught through games, crafts and various activities. 

 

Social and Cultural Committee

Exciting social and cultural events help bring the parish members closer together and enhances our presence in the greater Newburyport community.