St. George - GOYA
Welcomes 7th to 12th Graders

Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA, is the ministry created for teens to experience the Orthodox Faith and foster a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By becoming active, sacramental members of the living Church through community service and philanthropic endeavors, they stay connected to the Church and build their Christian foundation for their adults lives. 

GOYA basis its ministry on four elements (Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship). Service is a priority for our GOYA. The teens are actively involved throughout the year with various charities and local events. 

Worship and Witness are part of the Monthly GOYA Meetings, the two Lock-In Retreats, Sunday School, as well as various times throughout the year including Holy Week. The teens enjoy being an integral part of the Church including helping in the Altar, singing in the Choir, decorating the Epitaphio on Good Friday, diving for the cross during the Elevation of the Cross celebration, assisting with the spring and fall clean up at our cemetery. 

GOYA also has social, cultural, and athletic aspects as well. The Metropolis of New Jersey, a composition of all Greek Orthodox Churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, hosts multiple events that enable GOYA members to interact with others of the same faith and upbringing. These events range from dances and athletic tournaments to cultural festivals and competitions in which GOYA chapters perform authentic Greek folk dances, songs and dramas in an effort to celebrate and preserve the Greek culture. 

Our Mission is to educate our teens so they remain close to God and our Orthodox Christian faith through spiritual, athletic, social and cultural events. Under the direction of Father Andrew Eugenis, the four GOYA advisors, George Moutis, George Costidis, Maria Connery and Konnie Keastead, help fulfill the GOYA ministry.  They all work together to assist in keeping our GOYANs connected to the Orthodox Church as good standing stewards and Christians.

PATRON SAINTS OF YOUTH MINISTRY
Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced.
And the Prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Apolytikion of Daniel the Prophet and the Three Holy Youths