Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), an agency of SCOBA, has been established to create a national, sustainable and effective media witness for the Orthodox Christian Church in North America. OCN produces high-quality programs and media tools for local parishes that reach people for Christ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA)

The Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) of Saint Sophia Cathedral is an extension of the community's hallmark Sunday school program and provides the cathedral's youth opportunities to volunteer, engage in enterprising activities, make lifelong friendships and express their Faith. With guidance from the GOYA advisor and faithful parents, GOYA officers learn to express their faith through a variety of "hands on" activities, including activity planning, group leadership, and financial planning. GOYA is officially licensed to provide community service hours in Maryland, DC and Virginia.

GOYA Board

President	Paul Balland
Vice President	Despina Costalas
Treasurer	Callie Kambanis
Secretary	Demo George

Annual Activities

Thanks to the support from our parents, priests and community, the GOYA has been able to participate in the following activities:

Meetings:

Every other month, the GOYA holds a full-member meeting to discuss recently completed activities and discuss plans for upcoming events and activities.

Saint Sophia's Basketball Tournament Program Book:

The GOYA members collect donations and advertisements to support the basketball tournament and raise funds for charity and future events

Annual Trip:

Annually, the GOYA organizes a group trip to one of the local theme parks for a fun excursion with their fellow GOYAns.

Carwashes, Bake sales, and More:

Through a variety of innovative activities, the GOYA works together to raise money for local charities and for church projects, including new robes for the altar boys and the Frosene educational building.

Registering with the GOYA

To join the GOYA children must be enrolled in the Cathedral’s Sunday School program. To enroll in the Sunday School program, please contact the Cathedral office at 202.333.4730 or download the Sunday School registration form (PDF).

If already enrolled in Sunday School, contact the GOYA by calling the Cathedral office at 202.333.4730 or emailing us at GOYA@saintsophiawashington.org.

Teen Activities Calendat 2009-2010

September 20: First Day of Sunday School (DC)
September 25: Joy, Little Angels bingo &crafts*
September 26-27: Sts. Constantine &Helen's basketball tournament**
October 4: Election of GOYA officers
October 17-18: St. George Basketball tournament**
October 23: Bake "prosfero" bread with Joy &Little Angels
October 24-25: Saint Sophia's basketball tournament***
November 15: Bake Bake Sale
November 20: Variety show with Joy &Little Angels
December 5-6: Sts. Constantine &Helen basketball tournament (Newport News)
December 24: Christmas Party with the Little Angels
January 16, 2010: Ice skating with the Little Angels and JOY groups IceSKATING FLYER (PDF)
February 12, 2010: Bowling
March 12, 2010: Easter Craft with JOY &Little Angels
March 27, 2010: Saturday of Lazarus -- Family Communion and Set-up and cooking for PLAKI luncheon
March 28, 2010: PLAKI Luncheon
April 4, 2010: EASTER
April 9, 2010: Crafts with JOY &Little Angels
April 10-11, 2010: St. Katherine's Basketball tournament
May 7, 2010: Namesake Saints crafts and church tour with JOY &Little Angels
May 21-23, 2010: Greek Spring Festival (Volunteers NEEDED!!)
May 30, 2010: Trip to Hershey Park
May (tba), 2010: End of year Basketball party
June 4, 2010: Sunday School Family Picnic

* Teenagers are encouraged to help JOY &Little Angels with their events. This is a good way to get the community service hours and participate in exciting church events. They run from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

** All Basketball tournaments have a dance on the Saturday evening of the tournament weekend. All GOYAN's are welcome to attend the dances whether they play basketball or not.

*** All tennagers are welcome and encouraged to help run our basketball tournaments.