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Adult Study Group: Taught by Father John Hondros and offered Wednesday, 7:00-8:30 pm, in Kokkos Hall. Adult Study begins with the popular catechism following the Greek Food Festival, "Six Classes on the Orthodox Faith." Individual study on Orthodoxy is offered throughout the year by appointment with Father John. Following the six weeks, an adult study begins on the Holy Bible or an Orthodox text. Our current class: "The Way of a Pilgrim." Contact Father John Hondros.
Altar Servers: Young men, ages 8 through adult, assist Father John in the altar for the Divine Liturgy every Sunday, as well as all the worshiping services throughout the year. Contact Sam Koutsulis.
Bill G. Andrews Library: Books are continuously purchased, donated, classified and catalogued in our magnificent Library, and available for check out every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy, or weekdays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Our collection focuses on titles on the Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Culture. For Library information, contact Spero Demoleas or Stephanie Demoleas.
Byzantine Chanters: An integral part of every worship service and sacrament. Required: Basic knowledge of Byzantine Music (or willingness to learn), the ability to chant and read in Greek and/or English, reverence for the worship, punctuality and humility. Contact Father John or Presvytera Maria Hondros.
Church School: Classroom instruction on the Orthodox Faith for Pre-Kindergarten (4 year-olds) through 12th Grade, every Sunday September through June, immediately following Holy Communion. Seasonal activities include the Christmas Pageant, Icon Procession on Sunday of Orthodoxy, Saturday of Lazaros Breakfast and Palm-Tying and Graduation Awards Ceremony. Contact Eileen Koutsulis, Director.
Forerunners: The Seniors of St. John the Baptist: A ministry for the "over 55" sector of our parish, offering monthly fellowship luncheons followed by entertainment, activities or informational discussions. Forerunners are active in many aspects of Church life, and through membership, luncheons and Sunday fellowships also consistently support charities in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. Contact Ruth Plentzas or Rex and Aphy Nikitas.
Greek Folk Dance: Our Dance Groups are organized according to age, and participants learn traditional Greek dances, perform at various parish events and the Greek Food Festival and compete in the annual Folk Dance Festival in February. For information, registration and practice schedule, contact Tina Liaos and the Greek Folk Dance Board, or any of the Dance Directors.
Greek Language Classes: Youth (starting at 5 years-old) and Adult (16 years-old and up) classes are offered weekly at the Church, beginning September 23 and continuing through the first week of June. Contact Thymios Carabas.
Hellenic Historical Society: The Historical Society aims to preserve, document and present exhibits of the Greek cultural and Orthodox religious experiences of the people of Las Vegas. Every one, new and old to this area, is encouraged to participate by submitting personal histories, photos, videos, newspaper clippings, and any historical document or data for our parish archives. If you wish to keep your originals, copies will be made at your request. The most recent exhibit was in concert with the 50th Anniversary of our Parish. Contact Nitsa Filios.
HOPE and JOY: HOPE is a ministry for Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, and JOY is for 3rd through 5th Grade children. With parent advisors, these groups are usually combined for their activities, which include outings to Mt. Charleston and local parks, and outreach projects for those in need. Contact Sharon Katsaros and Jennifer Orlando.
Junior and Senior GOYA: The Greek Orthodox Youth of America is a ministry for teenagers: Junior 6th through 8th Grade; Senior 9th through 12th Grade. GOYA bases its activities on the pillars of worship, witness, service and fellowship. GOYA meets throughout the year for service, social, outdoor or spiritual activities. During Lent, both GOYA groups gather for a Retreat. Contact Tami Stefanatos or Tammy Chomakos for Junior GOYA, and Effie Lekar or Eileen Koutsulis for Senior GOYA.
Ladies Philoptochos Society: Translated, means the “Friends of the Poor.” The “Panagia” chapter of the national women’s philanthropic organization meets monthly for business, hands-on service projects, fellowship and prayer. Philoptochos regularly provides service to the parish and the larger community through its fundraising and hands-on assistance for liturgical, charitable, educational, youth and crisis needs. Contact April Karalis, President.
Myrrh-Bearers: Young women, 7th through 12th Grade, participate in the special processions in the Holy Week Services. Practices held during Lent, and appropriate dress is required. Contact Eileen Koutsulis.
Orthodox Bookstore: Our Bookstore offers "food for the soul": A respectable collection of books on the Orthodox Christian Faith, ranging from basic catechism to lives of the saints, theological classics to children’s titles. Also available: Icons, Bibles, prayer books, prayer ropes, incense, compact discs, and seasonal items. Open every Sunday after Liturgy, or Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Contact Costa Frangakis.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship: A Pan-Orthodox Campus Ministry, under the auspices of SCOBA, meeting at UNLV for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. Local Orthodox Clergy serve as the Spiritual Advisors.
Orthodox Connection Las Vegas: A Pan-Orthodox ministry for singles in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Meets monthly for fellowship, service project and spiritual growth. Contact Adam Bieker.
Orthodox Family Fellowship: This gathering for parents with school-age children meets for fellowship, food, fun, service projects and spiritual growth. Contact Tami and Michael Stefanatos.
Parish Council: For questions and information about parish life or suggestions, please contact Peter Kypreos, President.
St. John Choir: Four-part Adult Choir sings responses and hymns every Sunday at the Divine Liturgy (except July), and nightly during Holy Week. Practices follow the Sunday Liturgy in the Choir Loft. Social activities include the Choir Potluck on the first Sunday in October and occasional gatherings. Active in the Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation, the Choir members participate in the annual conference in June. Contact Faye Brown, Director.
Stewardship and Outreach Committee: Our parish welcomes all newcomers and visitors, those who have embraced Orthodoxy since infancy or are seeking to become a member of the ancient, Apostolic Faith. Our parish is supported through the active stewardship of the time, talents and treasures of our members. Please visit the Stewardship and Outreach table following Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Contact Angela Coutris.
Youth Choir: Offered in concert with the Religious Education and Greek Folk Dance Programs. The children and teens receive instruction on the theological meaning of our Church hymns, and are taught the hymns in both English and in the original Greek; the youth are also taught traditional Greek folk songs. The Youth Choir chants the Divine Liturgy on the second Sunday of the month and annually at FDF, as well as every Friday of Lent at the Salutations Service, and on Holy Saturday morning. Contact Presvytera Maria Hondros.
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