Youth Ministry is an integral part of our parish’s overall program.  In this ministry, we seek to help our young people grow to know Christ and live their Orthodox faith daily.  The basis for our entire Youth Ministry program includes four principles-  Witness, Service, Worship and Fellowship.  Currently, our youth ministries include Sr. GOYA, Jr. GOYA and JOY.

CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS

For Church service and activity cancellations due to inclement weather tune to  WDTN T.V. 2  or WHIO T.V. 7 or log on to the website www.whiotv.com.                

Welcome to G.O.Y.A.!

GOYA is a  ministry of our Annunciation Parish that has as its mission to lead young people in experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith.  By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and becoming active participants in the sacramental life of the Church, young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.

Orthodox Christian youth in 6th through 12th grade are welcome to participate in this ministry. 

          SR. GOYA ministers to 9th-12th Grade students. 

          JR. GOYA ministers to 6th-8th Grade students.

Youth Ministry of GOYA is based on the following four characteristics:

*  WORSHIP (LITURGIA) ~ As Orthodox Christians, we believe that God reveals Himself through Holy Tradition and Scripture.  Worship is the sacratmental expression of these, and is thus a very important element in ministering to our young people.  It is important for GOYANs to be active sacramental members of the Church.

*  FELLOWSHIP (KOINONIA) ~ Fellowship is the way Orthodox Christians integrate their faith with daily life.  It is sacred when Orthodox Christians gather together in our Lord's name.  The relationship of the Holy Trinity is the perfect model of Fellowship.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the perfect communion and exist in perfect love.  By gathering together in fellowship, and by experiencing this love, we imitate the relationship of the Trinity, and develop our life in Christ.

* SERVICE (DIAKONIA) ~ Christ came to serve, not to be served.  Young people are urged to do the same.  Therefore, we can honor and glorify God by loving and serving humanity in His name.  Young people should use their God-given gifts to serve.

Young people serve God by serving the Church.  For Orthodox Christians, service to God and community is the way of life, the way of living one's faith.

*  WITNESS (MARTYRIA) ~ Man is both a spiritual and physical being.  The spiritual reality is not always expressed in the material world.  In order to be true to oneself and to the Orthodox Christian Faith, young people should strive to exemplify faith.  They must witness to their faith, offering a convincing word and verbal expression of this faith, to those they come in contact with.

Activities, meetings, worship, retreats, community projects, etc. are all part of the GOYA experience.  We encourage participation from all the youth.

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