Acolytes

The Acolytes are a group of dedicated males who desire to serve their church in special way by assisting the clergy during the Divine Liturgy and special services. Any young man age six and up is eligible to join. Please be ready to serve at the start time of each service and dress appropriately (no tennis shoes). If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the Acolytes, please contact Mark Mercer.

GOYA

The Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) is open to youth ages 9th – 12th grades. Within our cathedral, the GOYA is an important organization that enables our youth to establish a Greek Orthodox identity by growing in their faith and establishing friendships. GOYA meets monthly for discussion, dinner and fellowship. In addition, our youth are given the opportunity to establish bonds with GOYAns from other parishes through the Winter Youth Rally (December 27-30), Orthodox Action (outreach weekend in January or February) and St. Stephen’s Summer Camp. For more information about GOYA, please contact GOYA Advisors: Beba Touloupis or Elaine Lyda.

Junior GOYA

Junior GOYA is open to youth in grades 6th – 8th. Within our cathedral, the Junior GOYA is an important organization that enables our youth to establish a Greek Orthodox identity by growing in their faith and establishing friendships. Junior GOYA meets monthly for discussion, dinner and fellowship. In addition, our youth are given the opportunity to establish bonds with Junior GOYAns from other parishes through the Orthodox Action (outreach weekend in January or February) and St. Stephen’s Summer Camp. For more information about Junior GOYA please contact Fr. Micah Hirschy at the Cathedral office.

HOPE & JOY

The purpose of Hope and Joy is to become members of an active Church Family through growing in the Orthodox Faith and making friends. Hope and Joy is for ages 5k-5th grade. Hope and Joy meets monthly, usually on Sunday afternoons in either a parishioner’s home, at the Cathedral or an outside venue. Parents, along with Fr. Micah, are in charge of planning each meeting, date and time. Recent Hope Joy events include: Ice Skating at Railroad Park, Gingerbread Houses for the Homeless, Polar Express at Alabama Theater. For more information about Hope and Joy please contact Nina McCallum at or call the Cathedral office.

Sunday School Program

The Sunday School Program is a very strong religious education program for pre-school through high school aged students. Staffed by dedicated and trained volunteers, students participate in weekly classes following Holy Communion each Sunday during the academic year. Special events and projects include: Youth Sundays, Harvest of Cans, Angel Tree, Christmas Pageant, Sunday of Orthodoxy, Holy Cross Processions and Vacation Church Camp are also part of the Sunday School Ministry. If you are interested in learning more about registering your children or volunteering, please contact Kathy Ronderos or Alexis Pappas.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Our Parish has embraced a spiritual formation for our young children, known as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This is a unique approach to the religious formation of our children.

Click here to learn more.

Nursery

Nursery for children ages eight weeks and up is available during Sunday Divine Liturgy, Holy Wednesday Evening and Holy Saturday Morning. The nursery is staffed by employees of Home Instead Senior Care and is located on the second floor of the Education Building.

Snacks and juice boxes are provided. If you have a question about the Nursery Ministry, please contact Victoria Qaqish.