HOPE and JOY

We are in the process of creating a HOPE and JOY ministry in our community.

WHAT IS HOPE MINISTRY?

MISSION
The mission of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is to coordinate the youth and young adult ministries of the national church in collaboration with Metropolis Directors; by providing standardized resources and training, this unified national ministry team enables youth workers, young people, and their families to better understand and fully experience the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The Holy Orthodox Primary Education, or HOPE, is a ministry of the Department. The mission of HOPE is to strengthen the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program works to educate and edify young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. This ministry offers them the opportunity to experience the Faith, ultimately leading them to Salvation.

MINISTRY VS. ORGANIZATION
HOPE is a ministry of the Church. It is not an organization or club, but simply a gathering of the faithful of the Church who share the same grades, ages and common interests. It is a spiritual ministry, based on the theological tenets of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

PARTICIPANTS VS. MEMBERS
Belonging to HOPE Ministry depends solely on being an Orthodox Christian. Children are not classified as members or non-members – they are members of the Faith, they belong! That is, they are participants or children rather than members. If non-Orthodox children wish to participate, welcome and offer ministry to them. Encourage them to participate in the program and explain to them that the Sacraments are only for baptized and/or chrismated members of the Orthodox Church. There have been many instances of entire families converting to Orthodoxy because of their child’s involvement in HOPE Ministry.

GUIDELINES VS. CONSTITUTION
Since HOPE is a ministry and not an organization or club, guidelines exist rather than a constitution. The Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries offers these guidelines to inform and direct the faithful as to the ecclesiastical purpose of HOPE Ministry, stressing the four characteristics of worship, fellowship, service, and witness.

WHO IT SERVES
HOPE ministers to Kindergarten through 2nd Grade children of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. In smaller parishes, it is sometimes necessary to combine HOPE and JOY (Kindergarten to 2nd grade) Ministry, though it is not recommended. It is important that the advisors of this combined group familiarize themselves with both the HOPE and JOY Ministry Guidelines. During planning, pay special attention to the developmental needs of the individual children in the group, as each activity may not be appropriate for all the children who attend. Occasionally, special activities may be planned for specific grades.

YOUTH MINISTRY FOUNDATION
A child’s world is changing rapidly – it is virtually impossible to keep up with every new trend and movement of their culture.

WHAT IS JOY MINISTRY?

MISSION
The mission of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is to coordinate the youth and young adult ministries of the national church in collaboration with Metropolis Directors; by providing standardized resources and training, this unified national ministry team enables youth workers, young people, and their families to better understand and fully experience the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The Junior Orthodox Youth, or JOY, is a ministry of the Department. The mission of JOY is to strengthen the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program works to educate and edify young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. This ministry offers them the opportunity to experience the Faith, ultimately leading them to Salvation.

MINISTRY VS. ORGANIZATION
JOY is a ministry of the Church. It is not an organization or club, but simply a gathering of the faithful of the Church who share the same grades, ages and common interests. It is a spiritual ministry, based on the theological tenets of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

PARTICIPANTS VS. MEMBERS
Belonging to JOY Ministry depends solely on being an Orthodox Christian. Children are not classified as members or non-members – they are members of the Faith, they belong! That is, they are participants or children rather than members. If non-Orthodox children wish to participate, welcome and offer ministry to them. Encourage them to participate in the program and explain to them that the Sacraments are only for baptized and/or chrismated members of the Orthodox Church. There have been many instances of entire families converting to Orthodoxy because of their child’s involvement in JOY Ministry.