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MINISTRIES

There is always something happening at St. John the Baptist!  Find out more about our ministries and ways you can get involved in the services or community.

A Clergy & Ministry List

A Clergy & Ministry List

Current Ministries of St. John

Location

Date/Time

Church Office

Contact

Adult Study Groups

Adult Study Groups

The year round adult study classes, taught by Father John Hondros, focuses on books of the Holy Bible or Orthodox Classics. Adult Study includes the popular catechism, "Six Classes on the Orthodox Faith." Which runs the 6 consecutive Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 pm following the Greek Food Festival every year. Individual study on Orthodoxy is offered throughout the year by appointment.

Location

Kokkos Hall

Date/Time

Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 pm

Father John Hondros

Contact

Altar Servers

Altar Servers

Young men, ages 8 through adult, who would like to serve in the sanctuary, assist Father John in the altar for the Divine Liturgy every Sunday, as well as all other Liturgical services throughout the year.

Location

St. John the Baptist

Date/Time

Every Sunday and all services

Father John Hondros

Contact

Bill G. Andrews Library

Bill G. Andrews Library

Books are continuously purchased, donated, classified and catalogued in our magnificent Library, and available for check out. Our collection focuses on titles on the Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Culture.

Location

St. John the Baptist Community and Education Center

Date/Time

Every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy and weekdays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Church Office

Contact

Byzantine Chanters

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Father John or Presvytera Maria Hondros

Contact

Church School

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist Community and Education Center

Date/Time

Every Sunday following Holy Communion

Eileen Koutsulis, Director

Contact

Forerunners

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.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Paula Kelesis

Contact

GOYA

GOYA

The Greek Orthodox Youth of America is a ministry for teenagers in 6th 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.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Fr. Florin Ristache and Maha Habiba

Contact

Greek Folk Dance

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.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Sia Dalacas and the Greek Folk Dance Board, or any of the Dance Directors

Contact

Greek Food Festival

Greek Food Festival

Come check out the LARGEST food festival in the State of Nevada! We have over 10 acres of fun, traditional Greek food, music, dancing, shopping and more! There is something for everyone at the St. John the Baptist Greek Food Festival!

Come join us!

Location

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Grounds

Date/Time

September each year

Gus Flangas

Contact

Greek Language Classes

Greek Language Classes

For children ages 5-10 years. Free of charge for parish stewards; please pick up registration form from the Church Office. Sponsored by the Pan-Arcadians.

Location

St. John the Baptist Community and Education Center

Date/Time

Beginning classes offered weekly on Tuesdays, starting in fall.

Paula Kelesis

Contact

Hellenic Historical Society

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.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Cheryl Pandelis, Susan Stamis, or Nitsa Filios

Contact

Kali Parea

Kali Parea

Kali Parea ("Good Company") is a ministry which focuses on fellowship and social outings for single people in the 40+ crowd.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Demetri Asim

Contact

Ladies Philoptochos Society

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.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Bernadette Anthony, President

Contact

Mr. & Mrs.

Mr. & Mrs.

A Couples Fellowship: M&Ms is a vibrant ministry of our parish which is dedicated to creating opportunities for couples in the parish to connect and get to know each other. The ministry sponsors monthly social events which also include time for discussion of religious topics.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Fr. John & Presvytera Maria Hondros and Fr. Florin & Presvytera Alexandra Ristache

Contact

Myrrh-Bearers

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Eileen Koutsulis

Contact

Orthodox Bookstore

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist Community and Education Center

Date/Time

Open every Sunday after Liturgy, or Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Paraskevi Santamaria, Director

Contact

Orthodox Family Fellowship

Orthodox Family Fellowship

This gathering for families meets for fellowship, food, fun, service projects and spiritual growth.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Fr. Florin Ristache & April Rivera

Contact

Parish Council

Parish Council

Contact us for questions and information about parish life or suggestions.

Location

St. John the Baptist Community and Education Center

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

John Fotopoulos, President

Contact

St. John Choir

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist

Date/Time

Every Sunday and all services. Practices follow the Sunday Liturgy in the Choir Loft.

Athena Mertes, Director

Contact

Stewardship and Community Outreach Committee

Stewardship and Community 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.

Location

N/A

Date/Time

Contact to ask questions and find out more information.

George Bochanis

Contact

Young Adults (YA)

Young Adults (YA)

A Pan-Orthodox ministry for people in their 20s and 30s, from college students to young professionals. Meets monthly for fellowship, service project and spiritual growth.

Location

Varies

Date/Time

Contact for meeting dates and times

Fr. Florin Ristache

Contact

Youth Choir

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.

Location

St. John the Baptist

Date/Time

Second Sunday of the month, annually at FDF, every Friday of Lent at the Salutations Service, and on Holy Saturday morning

Presvytera Maria Hondros

Contact

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