Youth Ministries

Our goal is to help our children embrace their identities as children of God!

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22:6

 

Our Mission

For the Orthodox Christian, we believe that each human being is a precious soul created in the image and likeness of God. Moreover, those individuals who have been baptized into the Church of Christ, have now been spiritually "adopted" as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father! This is the essence of our Christian identity, and a critical lesson for our young people to learn during their formative years (when the world and social media may suggest we pursue/portray other "identities"). Our goal is to help our children understand and fully embrace their true identities as children of God! We do this by teaching them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Traditions of Orthodox Christianity, all while helping them build lasting, healthy Christian relationships.

Safety

Youth protection is the #1 priority for us at Saint Mark. As such, ALL of our teachers, youth ministry leaders, and volunteers are required to submit to a thorough background check. We do not take your children's well-being lightly!

Click here to access the youth ministry registration page!

Mommy + Me

All families with children from 0-4 years old are welcome to sign up for our Saint Mark Mommy + Me ministry! Join other parents, grandparents, and godparents as we begin to expose our precious little ones to the Orthodox faith! Classes begin in the Saint Mark sanctuary where we light our candles and help our children get acclimated to our worship space. Then we head over to our early education classrooms where we pray, sing songs, read stories, make fun crafts, and have play time! Each semester consists of 7 classes in the Fall, and 7 in the Spring, and we meet every-other Tuesday at 10 am.

Interested? Email Us!

  

JOY  (Junior Orthodox Youth)

JOY is our youth group for children in Kindergarten-5th grades. JOY is designed to help young people learn more about their Orthodox faith, get to know their church friends better and grow together in positive ways; and the children do this while having a fun time! JOY events are held usually on a Saturday afternoon each month during the school year, and include learning activities and games, crafts, snacks and discussion time. JOY members pay no dues, but a voluntary donation at the meetings helps to cover the cost of activities and supplies.

Email our Lead JOY Advisor

 

GOYA  (Greek Orthodox Youth of America)

Young people from grades 6-12, are encouraged to join our GOYA. GOYA is a ministry which incorporates the four characteristics of Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship in their everyday lives. The Saint Mark GOYA holds gatherings a few times per month, with opportunities to experience the Faith. Whether a group discussion, social outreach, baseball game or religious retreat, we gather together in Christ's name. We also participate in the Southern Florida District GOYA, which offers monthly events. 

Email our Lead GOYA Advisor

 

Sunday Church School

Sunday Church School religious education is held for children from 4 years old through high school on Sundays immediately following Holy Communion. Sunday School is held from September through May, and recesses during the summer months. This is among the MOST VITAL ministries of our Church. There is NO charge to join. Please sign your children up so we can continue to teach them about their incredible Christian faith!

Email our Sunday School Director