MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
BYZANTINE CHOIR/CHANTER: All parishioners young and old are encouraged to participate. The Choir sings during Sunday services from September to June. During Holy Week, the choir leads the congregation in the singing of hymns. It is wonderful to hear the angelic voices of our youth as well as our many talented adults. It does take a certain amount of dedication and commitment to join, but the satisfaction is enormous. Choir members praise God during our Divine Liturgy and are giving a pleasant experience to all the parishioners. If you are interested in taking part in our Saint Andrew Choir, please call the church office for rehearsal times.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: All children Pre K through High School are invited to attend every Sunday from September through June. Please contact the church office for Registration Forms or for more information about the curriculum. To volunteer to teach please contact Fr. John.
ALTAR BOYS: All boys in the parish, 3rd grade and older may serve as an Altar Boys. Altar boys arrive on time each Sunday and take part in special services throughout the year. If your son wishes to participate in the duties and responsibilities of Altar Boy, please contact Fr. John.
GREEK LANGUAGE:
Mazi Class: Thursday Morning, Toddlers to Pre-K - The children are taught colors, numbers, shapes and nursery songs in Greek in a fun and safe atmosphere.
HAS H ellenic Afternoon School: Pre-K to 6th Grade, uses textbooks and workbooks. Children are encouraged to speak Greek in class, amongst themselves, and at home. A Preparatory class for the "Consulate General's Examinations" is offered to students over the age of 12 who have completed grade 6 or the equivalent.
Adult Education: Greek Language - This course focuses on the beginning fundamentals of communicating in Modern Greek. Alphabet, pronunciation and elemental vocabulary are taught while students develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Please call for more information.
Greek FolK Dancing:
Senior Group: An advanced dance group for GOYA members that stresses commitment, enthusiasm, team work and peer mentoring. Members are taught various regional dances from Greece and the Hellenic diaspora. The group performs at Metropolis-wide competitions as well as at Sights and Sounds and at festivals. The group meets weekly through the school year.
Junior Group: Children up to age 11 participate in this fun gathering for the development of Greek dancing skills. Multiple sill levels meet for 45 minute sessions, with up to 3 session per evening. The sessions are led by a talented instructor who has taught Greek dancing for many years in various Greek communities in Northern NJ. For more information contact the church office.
HOPE: St. Andrew HOPE playgroup is for mothers with children ranging in age from newborn to pre-school. Many religious, cultural and social events are scheduled throughout the year. It's great to come and share in this rewarding experience and build bonds with other members of our community. Children play and interact with other children their age by participating in education, arts & crafts, music and playtime. Play dates are held in the church hall every Thursday at 11 am.
JOY: J unior Orthodox Youth is our community's youth group for kindergarten to 6th grade children. The purpose of JOY is to help our children grow into emotionally, physically and spiritually well-rounded people. Children learn to live spiritually strong Orthodox lives by planning and completing philanthropic projects both inside and outside our community. Through educational programs, the children experience our Orthodox Faith first hand and learn about its richness and beauty. Various physical and artistic activities engage the children in an environment of sportsmanship and creativity. The children have fun and develop warm friendships with other children of our community. Meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month.
Chess Club: Improving chess skills can be excellent opportunity for young and old alike to learn to focus. The club is open to parishioners of all ages and abilities .
GOYA: The Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) is an organization devoted to expanding the horizons of our youth in our Orthodox Faith and our Hellenic heritage. Although the organization is primarily devoted to education, it also fosters social interaction between Greek Orthodox youth throughout New Jersey and promotes leadership within the Greek Orthodox community. Meetings are usually held on the 4th Thursday of each month.
The goal is to allow a GOYAn to:
1) Expand the horizons of his/her Orthodox Faith and Hellenic heritage,
2) Foster greater unity among youth,
3) Promote leadership opportunities,
4) Experience safe and stable environment,
5) Promote team building and cooperation,
6) Enjoy peer/mentoring and fun
PHILOPTOCHOS: The Philoptochos Society of Saint Andrew is part of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., the duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The literal translation of the word Philoptochos is 'Friend of the Poor'. Our mission is twofold. We strive to (a) indiscriminately assist those in need, whether it is locally, nationally or globally and (b) to promote the Greek Orthodox faith and traditions. Through various fundraisers we raise the resources needed for our charitable work and the growth of our own community. We also find the time to have fun and socialize. The work is fun and the rewards are many. Join us usually on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Knitting & Crochet Group: A sub-group of Philoptochos that meets every Wednesday from 10am -2pm. All are welcome to join regardless of level of ability in either knitting or crocheting. Blankets scarves are donated to the needy.
Baking and Cooking Workshop: Mostly ladies who cook and bake for the many fundraisers and events at St. Andrew. Call to find out how you can help. No experience necessary.
AGAPE GROUP: This group is comprised of the very special people in our community who have reached their golden years. We meet every 3rd Tuesday, September through June at 11:30AM at the church hall. Everyone gathers for fellowship and for a lunch prepared by talented parishioners at which an offering basket is available. During the year we have monthly luncheons, usually with some information or activity of interest. The members go to dinner theatres, movies, take trips to monasteries, visit St. Michael's Home in New York and other places of interest. All are welcomed to join our Saint Andrew Agape Family for lunch, there is no membership fee.
AHEPA - Morris County Chapter 300
Daughters of Penelope - Alexander #250.
This is the family which stands for American Hellenic Progressive Association. Both AHEPA and the Daughters strive to keep their Hellenic culture and spirit alive but at the same time they are involved and support many projects in their communities both locally and nationally. They are leaders in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with local chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece. Their objectives are to promote the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its members and to preserve the ideals and traditions of Hellenism as a contribution to the development of America. Every year they award numerous scholarships to High School Seniors going on to college or university. Meetings are monthly and are announced in the St. Andrew Weekly Bulletin.
Directions to Church
From the East: Take Rt 80 West to 287 South to Rt 10 West. Pass the K-Mart Plaza and pass through two lights. At third light, you will make the jug-handle turn for Dover- Chester, keeping left. Turn left and continue straight across Rt 10. You are now on Dover-Chester Road heading towards Ironia/Chester. After about 1 mile, at second traffic light, turn right onto Sussex Turnpike. St. Andrew Church is just ahead at the top of the hill on the right.
From the South: Take 287 North to Route 10 West. Follow the above directions.
From the West: Take Route 80 East to Ledgewood Exit, to Route 46 East to Route 10 East. After 3 lights, make a right at the Shell station onto Sussex Turnpike. You will see the Church around 1-1/2 miles on the left.
