GOYA - HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Our Ministry Goals

At the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, our GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) ministry aims to create a nurturing and engaging environment for Orthodox Christians between the ages of 13 to 18. Our three main goals are:

Education

We believe in fostering a deep understanding of the Orthodox faith through study, reflection, and discussion.

Fellowship

Building strong relationships with one another and with God is at the heart of our ministry. We come together to support each other, share experiences, and create lasting connections.

Service

Living out our faith through acts of love and service is essential. We strive to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.

Regular Meetings

Our GOYA meets every two weeks to break bread and enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings include a meal, dessert, breakout discussions, and planning sessions for upcoming events and ministries. They’re an excellent opportunity for Orthodox youth to connect and learn more about their faith.

Breakout Discussions

During our breakout discussions, we delve into topics relevant to our faith and lives as Orthodox Christians. These conversations help strengthen our understanding and commitment to living out our beliefs.

Event Planning

We also use our regular meetings to plan various events and outings, ensuring that our calendar is full of exciting opportunities for fellowship and growth.

Fun Outings and Events

Throughout the year, we organize a variety of entertaining outings and events, such as amusement park visits, movie nights, and more. These activities offer a chance for our members to bond and create lasting memories.

Examples of Past Events

Some of our past events have included trips to Six Flags, bowling nights, and ice-skating outings.

Community Service

Goya ministry bonfire gathering, teens around fire, cozy atmosphere, watercolor painting

Goya ministry outdoor event, teens playing games, lush green park, illustration

In addition to our regular meetings and events, we’re committed to serving both our church community and the broader community around us.

Angel Bag Drive

One of our ongoing service projects is the Angel Bag drive, which occurs monthly. We collect essential toiletries like soap, toothbrushes, and toilet paper and donate them to the Saint Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen on Cliff Street in Norwich, CT.

Youth Retreats

We also participate in youth retreats for younger children within our church community and lend a hand with event setup and cleanup.

St. Nicholas Ministry

Our latest ministry initiative is the St. Nicholas Ministry, which aims to serve our community by providing assistance to families in need during the holiday season.

Getting Involved

If you’re interested in joining us for fellowship, education, and service, please reach out to the church office or Fr. Demetri for more information.

GOYA Officers:

President: Zenovia Panteloukas

Vice-President: Brandon Ghattas

Treasurer: Makayla Gale

Secretary: Holly Ghattas

Internal Links:

External Links

Orthodox Youth Ministry Resources

https://www.orthodoxyouthministry.com/

Discover a wealth of resources and tools to help you grow in your Orthodox faith and enhance your youth ministry experience, including articles, videos, and activity ideas.

Saint Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen

https://www.svdpsoupkitchen.org/

Learn about the Saint Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen in Norwich, CT, and explore ways you can volunteer, donate, or support their mission to provide meals to those in need.