The Greek Orthodox Youth of America is a nationwide ministry designed to help guide, educate, connect, and inspire our 7th-12th grade children to grow closer to Christ.
Faith- GOYA encourages and provides resources and experiences that bring the children closer to their faith in Christ
Diakonia- The Greek word for “service”, diakonia serves as the foundation upon which our children build their life in Christ
Community- GOYA connects the children of our parish with other Orthodox Christians throughout the entire country.
Liturgy- Going further than just worship, GOYA provides our youth with a connection to Christ that reaches every aspect of their life.
Register your Children for GOYA using our Parish Ministries Sign-up Page!
2023 Advent Retreat
We are very excited to once again host the GOYA Advent Retreat this year on December 8-10, 2023! This is for our GOYAns in the 7th through 12th Grade.
The retreat will be held at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center. The address is 4990 Picciola Road, Fruitland Park, FL 34731.
We will begin the retreat at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8 and it will end at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. On Sunday, December 10. All activities will be held at the Conference Center.
Friday night we will have pizza, icebreakers and a campfire.
Saturday, we will have Orthros and Vespers, spend all day on the high and low ropes course, some free time and rotating sessions in the evening. Please wear closed toed shoes and comfortable clothing.
The conference center has basketball courts, outdoor fire pits and other recreation spaces that we will be able to utilize.
The cost of the entire weekend including meals, lodging, all-day ropes course with instructors is $170 per GOYAn and $100 per chaperone.
Sleeping accommodations are similar to St. Stephen’s Summer camp. There will be 14 beds on each side. One side for the girls and one side for the boys. Everyone needs to bring their own bedding which includes sheets, pillows, comforter and/or sleeping bag. Two adults will be staying in each of the cabins. We are required to have one advisor for every 8 GOYAns from each parish stay the weekend.
Community Outreach: We would like every participant to bring 1 (or more) unwrapped new toy or new piece of clothing for a boy or girl in grades 7th thru 12th Grade. The Holy Trinity GOYA will help distribute them to those in need before Christmas.
In order to register please complete the following:
Complete and Sign Metropolis Medical/Photo Waiver for each GOYAn only
Challenge Course Waiver of Liability for each GOYAn only
Complete Online Payment (see instructions on registration form)
Deadline for registration is November 20, 2023 by Noon.
We look forward to this event. Any questions, please contact Fr. Kyriakos at frkyriakos@htgocorlando.org.
