St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Ministries

Philoptochos: Translated, means the “Friends of the Poor.” The “Panagias” chapter of the national women’s philanthropic organization meets bi-monthly for business, but is regularly providing service to the parish and the larger community through its fundraising and hands-on assistance for liturgical, charitable, educational, youth and crisis needs. “Founders” of the Las Vegas Greek Food Festival. Contact Angela Hernquist, President.

Adult Education: Studies in the Orthodox Faith offered by the priest every fall for six weeks, and throughout the year on an individual basis. Adult Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, November through May, in Kokkos Hall. Contact Father John Hondros.

Religious Education: Classroom instruction on the Orthodox Faith for Pre-Kindergarten (4 year-olds) through 12th Grade, every Sunday September through May, 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 Elena Madsen, Director.

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.

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, respect for the clergy and humility. Contact Father John.

Youth Choir: Offered in concert with the Religious Education Program, the children 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 Choir sings periodically at the Sunday Divine Liturgy, every Friday of Lent at the Salutations Service, and on Holy Saturday morning. Additionally the children perform at the Christmas Pageant, special events such as the March 25th Celebration and at Parish Banquets upon request. Contact Presvytera Maria Hondros.

Greek Language Classes: Age-appropriate classes are offered weekly at the Church October through May, at a minimal cost for ages 7 years through adults. Additional activities include participation in the annual March 25th Celebration. Contact Antonia Tzelalis ( 7-10 year-olds), Evgenia Sotiropoulou (10–17 year-olds), or Andreas Taxiarchis (Adults).

Greek Folk Dance: Three Dance Groups, ages ranging from 8 year-old through college, 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 Georgia Bingham, Carla Cole, or Bessie Stavropoulos, Directors.

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 often combined for their monthly activities, which include outings to Dolan Springs, Arizona, bowling and mini-retreats. Contact Christy Vino and Para Pouridis for HOPE, or Tammy Chomakos and Jennifer Orlando for JOY.

Orthodox Family Fellowship: This pot-luck gathering for parents with school-age children meets monthly on a Saturday for fellowship, fun and spiritual growth. Contact Kouli and Para Pouridis.

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 monthly, on the first Sunday after Liturgy for business, and on a select dates for spiritual discussion, sports or a service project. Additionally, the GOYA holds an annual Lenten Retreat and gathers for occasional socials. Contact Effie Lekar for Junior GOYA and Geo Nikols for Senior GOYA.

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 Christopher Hondros.

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 Marina Adamy and Eileen Koutsulis.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship: A Pan-Orthodox Campus Ministry, under the auspices of SCOBA, meeting at UNLV for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. Contact Father Cyprian Sas, Spiritual Advisor.

Senior Forerunners: A fellowship ministry for those in their “golden years.” Meets monthly on Tuesday for potluck luncheon, spiritual message, games, raffle and “parea.” Occasional outings to restaurants and an annual catered Christmas Party are part of the year’s offering. Contact Tessie Peterson.

St. John Bookstore: Inquiring minds want to know . . . and our Bookstore responds with 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 – as well as special orders. Open every Sunday after Liturgy, or Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Contact Jennia Szukiewicz.

Bill G. Andrews Library: Books are currently being organized, classified and catalogued in our magnificent new Library, and available for check out every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy. Our collection is limited to titles on the Orthodox Faith or Hellenic Culture. For Library information, contact Alexandra Spotti.

Hellenic Historical Society: The purpose of the Historical Society is to preserve and document 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, which will be invaluable as the Society pieces together the parish archives. If you wish to keep your originals, copies will be made at your request. Contact Nitsa Filios, Janelle Salon, Cheryl Pandelis., or Susan Stamis.