The Youth Ministries of the Annunciation Cathedral
“The right training of youth is likened to the training of Olympic victors. Fathers who bring up their children in the proper way are builders of temples in which Christ dwells and are the guardians of heavenly athletes. If a man trains his boy correctly, and the boy trains his son correctly, and so on, the succession of Good Christians will be like a golden chain.” – St. John Chrysostom
College Outreach Ministry
The Cathedral College Outreach Ministry works with local universities and the Sigma Epsilon Phi Fraternity of The Ohio State University to help our young adults attending college out of the area find their local Church home, and also to welcome all new students from out of town as they transition to their new homes here in Columbus. The ministry offers many services including ride sharing opportunities, home cooked meals and study breaks during finals. Also, area college students are always welcome to be our guests at the Cathedral’s community luncheons and other events. Whether it is in Columbus or elsewhere, we are here to help smooth over the transition from high school to college.
GOYA
Are you between thirteen and eighteen, or in seventh through twelfth grade? Then GOYA is for you. Typically, the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) meets after Church School on the first Sunday of the month. The GOYA plans activities that build friendships and nurture the mind, body and soul, including popular favorites such as lock-ins and snow tubing. GOYAns from Columbus often participate in activities on the Metropolis and Archdiocese levels, such as summer camp, spring and fall retreats, athletics, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival and Ionian Village, as well as serving our Cathedral home through preparing meals for the homeless, serving at parish events, and assisting with the needs of the community as requested. Please join us to find out what other fun activities we have coming up!
HOPE and JOY
Not quite ready for GOYA? If you are between five and twelve years old, The Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE) and Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) are the ministries for you! The two groups meet together to learn about their Faith through play, and also for fellowship time for their parents. Children in third grade and older are eligible to attend the Metropolis of Pittsburgh summer camp on the designated “JOY” weeks.
Little Lambs
If you’re somewhere between walking and crawling but not quite ready for the big kids, then we’d like to see you at Little Lambs. The Little Lambs is the ministry to the youngest of our parishioners, comprised of children aged one through five. Little Lambs plans energetic activities including learning through play time, story time and crafts, and also an opportunity for parents of young children to meet one another.
Catechetical School
Our Sunday School program runs from September through may, offering children preschool age through twelfth grade an opportunity to learn and grow in their Faith. After the reception of Holy Communion, children exit the Divine Liturgy and attend classes until 12:00 PM, where they are engaged by a curriculum that begins with learning the fundamentals of Orthodoxy and culminates in discussions of ethics and preparation for life as an Orthodox Christian young adult. Children may enroll in Church School at any point throughout the year.