Youth Office Responds to Archbishop's Vision

Orthodox Observer - August 1997

National Youth Office Responds to Archbishop's Vision for Youth

In his first Youth Ministry Summit meeting on May 29, His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon called all involved in Youth Ministry to unite and work together in a spirit of unity and cooperation aimed at strengthening and developing youth programs and ministry across the country. With the assistance of priests, diocesan and parish Youth Directors, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is beginning to lay the necessary groundwork which will enable the Archbishop's vision to unfold and materialize.

By Fr. Anastasios Bourantas

Currently under works and nearing completion is the Orthodox daily organizer and calendar, The Planner. The 1997-1998 Planner is focusing on the visit of His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholemew in October/ November. Coinciding with the visit of His All Holiness, the theme of "The Holy Wisdom of God" has been chosen as a means of spiritual enlightenment as well as a vehicle to educate Orthodox Christians about the rich history and wisdom of the Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the church of the Hagia Sophia.

In addition, the Youth Ministry Challenge section of the Orthodox Observer is taking on new form focusing on the spiritual growth and education of its readers. The Youth Ministry Challenge will feature monthly headlines relevant to youth, parents and youth workers such as "Saints & Feasts", "Living the Liturgy", "Raising Your Children in Christ", and "For those who are Called... 'Youth Ministry Resource."

Also being planned by the Youth Office is an annual Lenten/Pascha Retreat packet which will be distributed to all parishes by February of 1998 to help assist and facilitate J.O.Y., G.O.Y.A. and Y.A.L. retreats.

Convening on September 22-23, 1997, in Chicago, Illinois, there will be a followup Youth Ministry Summit meeting with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. George Passias, the Archdiocesan Youth Director, Fr. Anastasios Bourantas, and all the diocesan youth directors whose objective will be to discuss the implementation of the following:

• Camping programs which will function based on a common theme across the country.

• Re-evaluate the program guidelines for G.O.Y.A. and J.O.Y. which will foster spiritual as well as athletic and social growth. This will include providing suggested topics and activities focusing on a specific spiritual theme to be discussed and developed with young people throughout the course of the year's program.

• Compile data base of all youth and youth ministry workers in the Archdiocese for future correspondence and mailings from His Eminence Archbishop SPYRIDON and the National Youth Office. These names will be provided by the local parish priests and Diocesan and Parish Youth Directors.

• Provide Youth training resources and opportunities to all parishes to assist all youth workers in their ministry with young people.

• Provide opportunities for college students to become involved in Young Adult activities as well as local parish functions, through mailings and the internet.

Based on the guidance and vision of His Eminence Archbishop SPYRIDON, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is working to provide structure to the Church's youth programs. Its main concern is to offer all those involved in Youth Ministry the resources necessary in implementing programs which will allow our young people to learn about and grow in their faith, thus, encouraging them to become active and vibrant members of the Church. Through prayer, unity, and hard work we are confident that the Archbishop's vision will soon become a reality.

* Fr. Anastasios Bourantas is the National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

[ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1132, August 1997, p. 2 ]