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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.

Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY)

Joy is the Junior Orthodox Youth of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Its mission is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith through Worship, Fellowship, Service and Witness. All children who attend Saint Sophia Sunday School ages 8 - 12 are members of JOY.

Organization

Organization is a committee of parents who plan and coordinate various activities for the children. The committee is supervised by the Dean of the Cathedral and two advisors from the Sunday School staff. The Sunday School Registration Roster serves as the basis for inclusion.

Activities

Throughout the year, JOY children participate in a variety of activities that reinforce positive teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church. Activities are structured to bring together our children in a spirit of love and admiration.

JOY group is encouraged to give back to their community. Past events have included: Fundraising for Orthodox and youths around the world; Christmas Caroling for Assisted Living Residents; The Saint Sophia Spaghetti Dinner which support's the new Frosene Education Building; The Saint Sophia annual Easter Egg Hunt, following the Agapi Service, is made possible by JOY members. Each year, children assemble and distribute Easter egg baskets for the youngest members of the Saint Sophia Community and organize an Easter Egg Hunt at Saint Sophia, and The Saint Sophia JOYs kids booth is organized each year for the Fall and Spring Saint Sophia Festivals, including games and fun activities for the youngest festival attendees.

Click on link to view the Exciting News: EXCITING NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS 2009 (PDF)

Calendar of Events

September 25, 2009 Welcome back night; JOY will play bingo; Little Angels will have a special craft.
September 27, 2009 Rice Pudding sale after Liturgy
October 23, 2009 Both groups will prepare and bake their own "prosfero" bread. This is the bread offered during liturgy but "before" it is blessed.
November 20, 2009 Variety Show - Children and fellow parishioners are encouraged to entertain our little ones.
December 11, 2009 Joint Christmas Pajama Party - Little Angels will do an ornament; JOY will have a community service activity at 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.
December 13, 2009 Christmas Caroling - community service

Registering for JOY

To join the JOY 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 JOY by calling the Cathedral office at 202.333.4730.

Advisors

  • Debbie Charles: ddc@smith-charles-assoc.com 202-365-0964
  • Wendy Myseros: wmyseros@verizon.net 301-320-7783

Committee

  • Angela Zambetis
  • Voula Tsoutsouras