Youth Ministries

Church School

It is the foremost desire of our Church School staff to instill a love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His Holy Church, in each of our children. Our program offers an Orthodox curriculum founded on our treasured traditional teachings, the exemplary lives of the saints, and the hymns of the Church. We warmly welcome all youth from Pre-Kindergarten through High School graduation, and encourage them to experience the depth of our faith through Church School.

Acolytes

Young men, ages 7 and above, are invited to serve God in the Altar and assist in the Liturgical services of our Church. Holy Spirit acolytes have annual instructional and social events with our Fr. James and our sacristan, William Valavanis. The young men are divided into three service groups that rotate each Sunday. Please contact the Church Office if you would like to serve God in the Altar and assist Fr. James.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship of Rochester

An Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is a group of university and college students who gather for fellowship and to learn more about our faith, to worship God, and to serve through various ministries. Rochester has an active OCF group, with students from local campuses and those belonging to area churches. Although each campus organizes its own activities, once a month we all gather for an event, such as our September College Students’ Sunday, January Vespers and Greek Dancing with Buffalo and Syracuse OCFs, a service project, or a monastic retreat. See our Orthodox Christian Fellowship of Rochester Facebook for current information, or www.ocf.org for information on OCF activities at the national level.

ST. Timothy's Camp

Organized by the Greek Orthodox parishes of upstate New York, St. Timothy’s camp offers an opportunity for Christian fun and fellowship, and a place to deepen faith and commitment to Christ. Young people ages 8 through 18 (graduating high school seniors) are encouraged to attend St. Timothy’s Camp with a sense of adventure and a desire to grow spiritually, mentally and physically. In addition, a young adult group has been established, for ages 19 to 22, to develop their spiritual growth and knowledge of their faith while attending college or beginning a new career. Parents driving their children to camp may stay Saturday evening for a $50 per-person fee, which includes Saturday dinner, overnight barrack-style accommodations, and Sunday Liturgy followed by brunch. Due to limited accommodations, only staff, counselors and campers may spend the week. See sttimothycamp.org for more details.

Saint John Chrysostom Festival

The annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival trains young people to excel in one of the most important skills a Christian can possess – the ability to articulate one’s faith. Using topics and guidelines provided by the Archdiocese, classroom teachers and coaches encourage participation by students in three divisions: Elementary (Grades 4-6), Junior (Grades 7-9), and Senior (Grades 10-12). Finalists move through the various Festival levels: Parish, District, Metropolis, and Archdiocese. Prizes and scholarships are offered at every level, along with the opportunity to develop speaking skills and form lasting friendships.