PARISH INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION CHURCH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS SACRAMENTAL GUIDELINES SACRAMENTS AND SERVICES OF THE CHURCH BLESSINGS (EVLOGIAI) HOLY BAPTISM WEDDINGS AND DIVORCES FUNERALS OTHER INFORMATION

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Church Ministries And Organizations

ACOLYTES (Altar Boys)

All boys in the parish over the age of 10 may serve as an Altar Boy. Altar Boys must be on time each Sunday and participate at the special services throughout the year. A young boy who wishes to be an acolyte serves a training period, during weekday services and Saturday Vespers. Once fully trained, he is assigned to a Sunday group.

BOOKSTORE

The Bookstore operates in the Community Center (Fellowship Hall). It contains a full selection of books, icons, tapes and CDs of Orthodox Church Music, and gift items. In addition, each Sunday Sermon and S.O.S. class is available on audio cassette., The bookstore is open each Sunday after the Divine Liturgy.

CHURCH CHOIR

Singing primarily "acapella" the St. Mark liturgical choir encourages congregational participation during the Divine Liturgy. In addition to singing the Sunday Liturgy, the liturgical choir also sings Saturday Great Vespers (on occasion) as well as various feast days and Holy Week. Due to their reputation for musical excellence, the St. Mark Choir has been asked to participate in Pan Orthodox services held throughout the year. Their ministry of music greatly enhances the worship experience at St. Mark. The choir sings in both English and Greek and no previous choral experience is necessary. Rehearsals are conducted each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the choir room (behind the choir loft). Anyone interested in joining the choir is welcome to attend rehearsals; for further information contact the choir director or assistant choir director.

G.O.Y.A.

The Greek Orthodox Youth of America is for all the young people of our church in grades 7 through 12. GOYA meetings are held on the second Sunday of every month at 6:00 p.m.. After the business portion of the meeting, the clergy leads an "activity" which can take the form of a Bible Study, discussion group, video or audio tape and discussion, skits or many other forms. Throughout the year, our GOYA conducts fund raisers which help defray the cost of their outings to various events, ballgames and theme parks. The teens participate in a number of "Conference" events with GOYAN's from our neighboring parishes. These activities include: sports tournaments, a Lenten Retreat, and numerous "Youth Nites" hosted by one of the parishes.

GREEK SCHOOL

Greek language instruction is one of the most successful components of the St. Mark education and youth programs. Young people attend class once per week during the regular academic year. Classes are organized according to age and level of Greek ability. In our attempt to provide a comprehensive education, the St. Mark Greek program also exposes the students to Greek dance, culture and history, as well as Orthodox religion and customs. The students of our Greek School provide some of the entertainment by dancing at the annual St. Mark Festival. Adults can register for Greek Language instruction as well. Adult classes are conducted in the evenings.

J.O.Y.

The Junior Orthodox Youth (J.O.Y.) is our youth group for children in 1st-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 meetings are held usually on a Saturday afternoon each month during the school year. The JOY meetings 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.

O.C.F.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship group consists of college age students who meet on a Sunday evening once a month. Through our friendships we will come to realize that we are all on the same journey together - the journey through life. We as young adults are at a crossroads in our journey with the Church. Some will find that OCF is a transition point from high school to adult life with the Church. OCF is also a great social outlet for young adults.

OMAS

OMAS (Orthodox Mothers Agape Society) is a group of mothers that is spiritually centered and values friendship, family and motherhood. We concentrate on enriching Orthodoxy in our homes while building a network of supportive friendships. Meetings are held once a month from September through May and our spiritual discussions are guided by the priest. Our meetings are held in the evening in a member's home, thereby reaching those who work outside the home. We also have many social events for couples and the entire family. One of OMAS's most popular ministries is that of delivering meals to mothers after giving birth.

PARISH COUNCIL

This is a group of men and women elected by the general membership of the church of our community to oversee the business of all the ministries of the church and for the good of the community. The members of the parish council must be stewards in good standing and ecclesiastically in order. There are twelve members on the Parish Council. The Parish Council meets twice a month.

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

The Ladies' Philoptochos is known as a "friend of the poor." This is our focus at St. Mark, to voluntarily aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the widowed, and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through special funds. We also contribute on a national and diocesan level, which helps people throughout the country and throughout the world. Funds are raised through membership and various fund-raisers throughout the year. We are proud of the role of St. Mark Philoptochos, that of being the right arm and the charitable arm of our church.

SCHOOL OF ORTHODOX STUDIES (S.O.S.)

The School of Orthodox Studies is a ministry program of St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church designed to provide interested individuals with the opportunity to pursue ongoing education in the Orthodox Church, its history, theology and faith. During the year, we will engage in the study of various books of the Bibel and topics related to Orthodox Christian life. S.O.S meets every Tuesday from September through May. Each evening's program begins with Evening Prayer in the Sanctuary at 6:45 P.M. with the Study to begin at 7:15 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School religious education is held for children from 3 years old through high school on Sundays immediately following Communion. Sunday School is held from September through May, and recesses during the summer months.

SUPER SENIORS GROUP

The purpose of the Super Seniors organization is to provide fellowship and a program of activities for the benefit of its members. In addition, the group exists to provide a forum for the members to discuss their mutual problems and to look for solutions thereof. Membership is extended to all adults in the St. Mark Community. Whenever and wherever possible, the Super Seniors assist the various groups in our community in carrying out their scheduled activities and projects for the benefit of St. Mark.

SYRTAKI DANCE GROUP

The "Syrtaki" dance group is open to all youth members of' our Parish, from 5th grade through 8th grade for the Junior Group and from 9th grade and up for the Senior Group. There is also a Senior Advanced Group. Dance practices are held on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. for the Junior Group and 2:00 p.m. for the Senior Group. The Senior Advanced Group practices on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in being a part of the Junior or Senior group is welcome to come on any Sunday.

USHERS