GOYA
As teenagers it is of the utmost
importance to keep our youth involved with the Church, while
trying to balance all they’re other commitments and activities.
Our Goya services the needs of our youth between the ages
of 13-18, and meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursday’s
at 6:30 p.m. with various activities and projects. Gregory
Kontos, director.
About GOYA
Following the ascent of Athenagoras to
the Patriarchal throne in 1949, Metropolitan Michael of Corinth
was elected Archbishop of North and South America. Archbishop
Michael was a very devout and spiritual man and brought new
dimensions to the American Church. It was Michael who first
allowed the use of English in the sermon and other services
out of love for the youth. Michael’s greatest contribution
was to advance the rights of the youth in the Church. He left
as his legacy GOYA, the Greek Orthodox Youth of America, that
fulfilled and continues to fulfill the dreams of thousands
of young people to “learn and live their Orthodox Faith.
Over the years, the youth
of Saint Athanasios Church have had that same opportunity
through our own GOYA program. The active GOYA program got
its initial start under the direction of Fr. John Chakos and
was expanded by Fr. William Cassis. During these early times,
the GOYA gave our youth the opportunity to come together as
Orthodox for both spiritual and social occasions. Our GOYA’s
greatest growth however, was seen under the direction of Fr.
Christopher Constantinides. Fr. Christopher expanded upon
many of the existing programs but also added many new activities
that continue on today. These include lock-ins, bi-monthly
meetings, a three day Lenten retreat at La Salle Manor in
Plano, Illinois as well as many other social occasions. The
GOYA program continues to grow under the direction of Fr.
Peter Spiro and remains as an important part of the Saint
Athanasios community.
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