Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY)

Overview

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 9 - 13 are members of JOY.

JOY Officers

TBD

Annual Activities

Throughout the year, JOY children participate in a variety of activities that reinforce positive teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church which include: 1) Church and Sunday School attendance 2) volunteer opportunities for parish activities 3) community outreach activities.

Annually, at the beginning of each Sunday School year, JOY members are invited to meet with Father John to develop their calendar of events for the year and elect its officers. It is at this gathering that the children set their year's agenda that reflects the creativity and interest of the youth of Saint Sophia. Activities include the following:

1. Fundraising for Orthodox and youths around the world. Past fundraisers included the Children of Afghanistan, St. Basil's Academy in New York and Saint Nicholas Church in New York City.
2. Christmas Caroling for Assisted Living Residents. JOY visits and presents a Christmas Caroling program for residents of the Methodist Home in Washington D.C.
3. The Saint Sophia Spaghetti Dinner is JOY's largest fundraising event which support's the new Frosene Education Building. JOY children are responsible for organizing this annual community luncheon which takes place the Sunday proceeding Valentine's Day.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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.