hope
K – 2nd Grade. The Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE) is the ministry to Kindergarten through 2nd grade children. Since HOPE is a ministry, the orientation and implementation of the program should reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life.
The mission and goal of the HOPE ministry is to lead our children into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living church, our children will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation. By laying a foundation of faith at this age, the young people will have something that will guide and strengthen them through life.
GOYA
The Greek Orthodox Youth of America, or GOYA, is the ministry to teenagers. Since GOYA is ministry, the orientation and implementation of the program should reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life.
GOYA is a ministry to middle and high school grade Orthodox Christian teenagers. GOYA is for all children ages 12-18 in grades 7-12. Please note, the child must be in both in 7th grade and 12 years old by October 1st. The Metropolis of New Jersey Youth Regulations will not allow us to accept 7th graders that are 11 or 6th graders that are 12. If your child is in that age range and is interested in participating in GOYA, please email us at [email protected].
The mission and goal of GOYA ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.
The National Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries recommends that GOYA ministry be based on the following four characteristics: Worship (Liturgia), Fellowship (Koinonia), Service (Diakonia), and Witness (Martyria).
Has: Hellenic afternoon school
School for Kindergarten to 6th Grade: Using the textbooks and workbooks, the children are encouraged to speak Greek in class amongst themselves as well as at home with their families. 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.
Register now for the Hellenic Afternoon School 2023-2024 with the registration form below.
All classes will be held on Thursdays. The calendar for Hellenic Afternoon School 2023-2024 can be found below (subject to change).
*All Greek School Families must be current stewards of Saint Andrew. Pledge here.
senior dance 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, Sights and Sounds and festivals. The group meets weekly through the school year.
Little angels playgroup
Infants to Pre-K. In an effort to promote and develop the sacred bond between Parent and child, Little Angels Playgroup (LAP) operates as a mode whereby Orthodox parents can encourage each other while relating and discussing the issues and concerns of child rearing with other like-minded Orthodox Christians. Social events and day trips that support the mission are highly important and encouraged.
JOY
3rd – 6th Grade. The Junior Orthodox Youth, or JOY, is the ministry to 3rd through 6th grade children. Since JOY is a ministry, the orientation and implementation of the program should reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life.
The mission and goal of the JOY ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation. By laying a foundation of faith at this age, the young people will have something that will guide and strengthen them as they progress into junior high and high school.
Family religious education
The goal of the Religious Education School is to show our children how to lead Christian lives. The Religious Education teacher supplements and reinforces the work of the priest and the parents in educating the child to know Jesus Christ and His Church. Our first concern is that the child learns about his Saviour, Jesus Christ. Using His teachings as our foundations we bring the child to know and practice his Orthodox faith. Each teacher in the Religious Education School is not only a source of religious information to the child, but also one of the child’s prime examples of Christian behavior.
If you are interested, please complete and submit this form:
Little ANGELS’ Playgroup (lap)
Little Angels Playgroup: Toddlers to Pre-K – The children are taught colors, numbers, different shapes, and nursery songs all in Greek in an atmosphere that is safe and fun. Contact the office for more information.
junior dance group
Children up to age 11 participate in this fun gathering for the development of Greek dancing skills. There are multiple levels that meet for 45-minute sessions, with up to 3 sessions 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.
Greek Dance will be on Thursdays
Group 1 – 6:30 pm
Group 2 – 7:15 pm
Group 3 – 8 pm
other events
Each year St. Andrew competes in a multitude of events based on the skills and interests of the children in the church.