St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Las Vegas, NV
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
Current Ministries of St. John
Location
Date/Time
Church Office
Contact
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ("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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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