Youth Enrichment: Nurturing the Orthodox Faith & Leadership
Our youth come together to embark on an inspiring journey of faith, growth, and friendships. As the future leaders of our parish, we seek to empower them to embrace their unique gifts while fostering a deep connection with their Orthodox faith. Join us as we engage in exciting activities, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful projects that make a positive impact. From toddler to teenager, this is their space to explore, connect, and thrive as Orthodox Christians.
Youth Groups
Terrific Orthodox Toddlers (TOTs)
(Parents & children ages 0-3)
Weekly, Sundays during Sunday School, and occasional outside events on weekends or holidays.
A structured playtime for our youngest children with songs, games, snacks, crafts, and a chance for parents to get to know each other.
GOYA
(Grades 7-12)
Weekly GOYA Nights after Wed. Paraklesis, and regional events throughout the year!
To introduce responsibility and ownership of our church to the next generation of active faithful. 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. GOYA is where the rubber meets the road for faith, taking what is learned in Sunday school and Summer camp and discussing practical applications for living the Orthodox Faith in their everyday lives.
HOPE
(Ages 4-2nd Grade)
Our Holy Orthodox Primary Education program paves the way for active youth group participation in years to come. It is a time is to solidify the church as their spiritual home, and their church friends as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is their first experience of kid-only event group, and focuses on learning about Christ, while also kindling interest in participating in worship, serving/singing, and coming to youth group events.
JOY
(Grades 3-6)
Meets Weekly on Wed. 6-8pm!
Our Junior Orthodox Youth program leads young people into a living and active relationship with Jesus Christ. It is at this age that a foundation of faith can best be set—a foundation that will guide and strengthen our young people as they progress into junior high and high school. Through study of Holy Scripture and fun social activities, they form bonds with learning and relationships.
Religious Education
Sunday School
Sundays during school year.
Mission Statement:
The Sunday School Program has a curriculum of study of the Orthodox faith that will enhance each student’s knowledge in the following core areas: Bible and Church history, Doctrine, Spirituality and Worship.
Contact: Niki Hahlis & Thalia Schmidt
Vacation Church School
One week in early August
Age 5-6th Grade
Mission Statement:
In preparation for the feast of the Dormition, the youth of our parish gather for learning & fun.
Education
St. Nicholas Academy
Preschool: Ages 2-Kindergarten
Mission Statement:
St Nicholas Academy is a private Orthodox Christian preschool, which pursues high spiritual and academic standards. It is dedicated to educating and developing the whole person. The Academy provides an accepting and loving atmosphere in which children may grow, experiment, and reach their highest potential without fear of failure. The program emphasizes cooperation, high level thinking skills, creativity, social and emotional development.
Contact Person:
Mrs. Carmen Saemmer / Director
610-867-1530
snabethlehem@gmail.com
St. Nicholas Scholarships
Mission Statement:
Seeks to aid St. Nicholas’ high school graduates with financial assistance as they work through their studies or post high school aspirations. Funds come from the St. Nicholas Living Memorial Fund, as well as two other privately funded scholarships.
Contact Person:
Ellen Tatalias
610-867-1327 – Church Office
tataliase@gmail.com
Chrysostom Academy
Mission Statement:
Chrysostom Academy unites classical education and Orthodox Christian formation. Students benefit from the reliable disciplines of formal education and the nurturing environment of faith. Young minds are directed toward the Good, the True, and the Beautiful, and young hearts toward the Gospel and Holy Tradition to educate and form our students as complete persons.
Contact Person:
Mr. John Heitzenrater / Headmaster
610-488-2722
info@chrysostomacademy.org
St. Nicholas Greek School
Monday Nights, 4:45-7pm
Kindergarten-6th Grade
Mission Statement:
Dedicated to the transmission and teaching of the Greek language and the demonstration of its uniqueness, to the enlightenment of both students and their families of the history and our national issues, and to the conveyance of the Greek Orthodox ideals and the revival of our Greek traditions.
Register your child for Greek School here!
Contact Persons:
Anna Marmaros / Director
annoulamarmar@gmail.com
Dimitra Panagopoulos / Director
gopoulos@aol.com
Youth Programs
Altar Boys
Boys ages 6+
Mission Statement:
Altar Boys assist the priest in the altar for the Divine Liturgy every Sunday, as well as other services throughout the year. Through active participation in these services, the boys are instructed on the meaning of the Divine Liturgy and the fundamental sacraments of the church.
Byzentine Youth Choir
Sunday School, who learns and chants the Divine Liturgy on one-Liturgy Sundays during the school year.
Mission Statement:
The youth of our Sunday School learn the responses of the Divine Liturgy so that they can participate fully in worship!
Youth Greek Dance
6 week sessions, Spring & Fall
2 groups, Grades 2-12
Mission Statement:
To teach the youth of our parish traditional Greek dance, culminating with performances at our Spring and Fall Festivals.
Contact: Tammy
Missions
Contact Person:
Eugenia Vasiliades
610-867-1327 – Church Office
eugeniavasilia@gmail.com
Seasonal Events
All are welcome!
- Palm Cross Making
- Pascha Meal
- Gingerbread House Making
- Parish Picnic
- IronPigs Faith Night
- …and more!
Community Service
Would you like to provide service hours to St. Nicholas? We always have needs for ages 12+ to take part in. Reach out to learn more, as we are happy to sign needed paperwork for school credits.
Summer Faith Enrichment
Camp Nazareth
Grades 2nd to 12th
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Camp Ministry is to lead young people to Christ in an Orthodox Christian environment where they can learn and experience their faith through education, recreation, worship, fellowship and fun. Working together as committed servants of Jesus Christ under the guidance of our beloved Metropolitan, all those who offer their time, talents and treasures in this ministry are called to do so in harmony for the glory of God.
Contact Person:
Marina Papafil / Camping Ministries Coordinator
412-465-0460
camp@pittsburgh.goarch.org
CrossRoad
CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way. CrossRoad offers a space for young people to form authentic and lifelong friendships, ask hard questions, and explore their calling as an Orthodox Christian in the 21st century.
Contact Person:
Jason Oneida / Director
program@crossroadinstitute.org
Ionian Village
Grades 9th to 12th and Young Adults
Ionian Village is the international camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with campgrounds located in Peloponnesus, Greece. The mission of Ionian Village is to enrich the lives of its participants by bringing campers and staff into close contact with their Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage by providing the opportunity for young people of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to foster a life-long appreciation and love of Greece, Orthodoxy, and Hellenism.
Contact Person:
Marina Floratos
Ionian Village Office New York, NY
212-570-3536
ionianvillage@goarch.org