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Youth Ministries
The youth programs at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church are all based on four essential elements: WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SERVICE AND WITNESS. These elements are accomplished by having our youth participate in a variety of events:
Participation in the sacraments, attending spiritual retreats, prayer, religious education, sports activities, arts and crafts, music, meetings and social gatherings, fund raisers, shut-in visitation, helping with parish events.
The ultimate goal brings our youth into a closer relationship with Christ as they become active and growing members of Christ’s body the Church.
Sunday-School- A ministry of religious education for youth beginning at age 3 through 12th grade. Students hear a short Sunday- School lesson just after the Gospel reading, presented during the Divine Liturgy. Children then proceed to their classes after Holy Communion where they learn about their Orthodox Christian faith and tradition.
Nursery- A ministry for children age two and under that provides a safe and loving environment for the children while allowing their parents to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Altar Servers- This ministry allows young men in the fifth grade and older to assist the clergy in the service of the sacraments of the Church. This ministry also helps young men to learn about service to the Church and hopefully will help prepare some for future ordination to the clergy.
Angel Choir- A ministry for children in kindergarten through 3th grade that meets on Sundays after Sunday-School. The children learn the hymns of the Church and on occasion throughout the year lead the congregation in the singing of the hymns during the Divine Liturgy.
HOPE- A youth ministry for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade that helps them to learn the basic elements of the Orthodox Faith. HOPE usually meets once a month in conjunction with Community Fellowship Night.
JOY- Junior Orthodox Youth A ministry for students in the 3rd through 6th grades that continues to build on what the students learned in HOPE. JOY also meets once a month in conjunction with Community Fellowship Night and they also have occasional outings throughout the year.
GOYA- Greek Orthodox Youth of America A ministry of students in the 7th through 12th grades. The GOYA participate in meetings, social events, service projects, athletics and spiritual retreats through out the year. The GOYA continue to learn about their Orthodox Christian faith and are challenged to put their faith into action in their everyday lives and in service to their Church.
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Cultural Programs
GREEK SCHOOL- Classes provide education in Greek Language and cultural traditions in order to foster an appreciation for the Hellenic culture and it’s contribution to our faith and to society in general.
HELLENIC DANCE TROUPES- Classes provide education for those interested in learning the traditional dances of Greece. Students perform in authentic costumes at our annual Greek Festival and some students compete at the annual Hellenic Dance Festival which is held at various locations throughout the Southeastern United States.
OCF- Orthodox Christian Fellowship (www.ocf.net)
Orthodox Christian Fellowship is the national pan-orthodox campus ministry of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) www.scoba.us The goal of this ministry is to provide Orthodox Christian Students on college campuses around the country a means of fellowship, worship and spiritual support. The Annunciation parish supports OCF on our local area campuses including Wake Forest University, Salem College, and the NC School of the Arts. Students have regular meetings, attend worship services at Annunciation and on campus, and can participate in annual OCF events such as Real break, the OCF Annual Conference, the OCF day of prayer, and various regional retreats for Orthodox Christian college students.
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