HOPE/JOY/GOYA

WHAT IS HOPE, JOY & GOYA MINISTRY?

MISSION
The mission of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is to coordinate the youth and young adult ministries of the national church in collaboration with Metropolis Directors; by providing standardized resources and training,
this unified national ministry team enables youth workers, young people,
and their families to better understand and fully experience the Orthodox
Christian Faith.

The Holy Orthodox Primary Education, or HOPE, The Junior Orthodox Youth, or
JOY, The Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA is a ministry of the
Department. The mission of HOPE is to strengthen the relationship of
young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The
program works to educate and edify young members of the Church, encouraging
them to become active sacramental participants in the life of
the Body of Christ. This ministry offers them the opportunity to experience the
Faith, ultimately leading them to Salvation.

MINISTRY VS. ORGANIZATION
HOPE, JOY & GOYA is a ministry of the Church. It is not an organization or club,
but simply a gathering of the faithful of the Church who share the same
grades, ages and common interests. It is a spiritual ministry, based on thetheological tenets of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

PARTICIPANTS VS. MEMBERS
Belonging to HOPE, JOY & GOYA Ministry depends solely on being an OrthodoxChristian. Children are not classified as members or non-members—if
they are members of the Faith, they belong! That is, they are participants
or children rather than members. If non-Orthodox children wish to participate,
welcome and offer ministry to them. Encourage them to participate in the
program and explain to them that the Sacraments are only for
baptized and/or chrismated members of the Orthodox Church. There
have been many instances of entire families converting to Orthodoxy because of
their child’s involvement in HOPE Ministry

EVENTS