Altar Service

Altar service is open to all Orthodox Christian boys second grade and older, who would like to learn more about our Divine Liturgy services and how to serve in the altar during liturgical services. Participants must possess a sense of reverence, respect and an eagerness to learn and serve. Altar servers are led by adult volunteers. We have altar boy training every fall. For more information, contact Fr. Bill Tragus.

Basketball

Our youth basketball program is available to young people from junior high school age to high school. Teams hold regular practices, play in games and tournaments with other local Orthodox churches, and are led by qualified, dedicated and caring volunteer coaches. The teams have a great time and enjoy Orthodox fellowship. We have a seven (7) week season competing against other southern California churches, finishing with a playoff tournament and banquet.

St Sophia Camp

Saint Sophia Camp was constructed on 66 acres in the San Bernardino Forest in southern California. During this time the ministry of Saint Sophia Camp has had a positive impact on thousands of young lives. Many past campers now serve on the Camp Committee and have children of their own who attend camp each summer.

The Saint Sophia Camp Committee is made up of members from many southern California Greek Orthodox parishes, including Saint Sophia in Los Angeles, Saint Anthony in Pasadena, and Saint Katherine in Redondo Beach. Members of the committee work hard to make sure that camp continues to provide the kind of programs that will bond our youth and create lifelong friendships. We welcome campers and counselors from all parts of the country.

GOYA

GOYA is our youth ministry for teenagers grades 7th - 12th. We have meetings on the first Sunday of every month and different events throughout the year. The events are spiritual, social, and outreach projects. For more information, contact our parent GOYA adviser Deme Lewis and check out our Saint Basil GOYA Facebook group page.

Greek Folk Dance

Our Dance Program is committed to teaching the traditional dances of our Greek heritage in a Christian environment. Dancers will be placed on a team based on ability and age.

The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival held every year in February unites the many communities of Greeks nationwide into a forum of fellowship and competition. Our youth is proud to participate in this fascinating festival year after year. We as a community of parents, instructors and volunteers spend countless hours preparing for the festival. The children also spend countless hours perfecting their skills and learning about the region of Greece that their particular group is representing. Please contact the Office to find out more.

Greek School

Our Greek School offers programs designed for children and adults, and serves all levels of language competence. Even if you don't speak a word of Greek, come and join us. It is never too late to learn. The Greek school teachers offer creative programs for you and your family which not only teach students about their language skills, but about Greek history and Orthodoxy too.

Greek School begins in September. Tuition will be announced. Please contact Tessy Ytzoytzoyrakos with any questions.

JOY & Jr GOYA

JOY is our youth ministry for kindergarten through 3rd grade and Jr GOYA is for Grades 4-6. We have five (4) events / programs a year. For more information, contact Fr. Bill Tragus.

• Holy Friday retreat - 10 am - 2:30 pm
• Eftihia Greek Dance Group, ages 6 - 9, September - February
• Visit to the pumpkin patch - October
• Christmas Party and Caroling Event - December

Sunday School

Fr. Bill, Anna Nicole, and our teachers invite your children to participate in Sunday School each Sunday during the regular school year. All classes (except Pre-school nursery) begin after Holy Communion, and end at 12:00 pm. Ages include Pre-school through High School. All families are strongly encouraged to participate. Come learn, grow, and worship with us.

Bible Bowl

Southern California Bible & Church History Tournament
All junior and senior high age people (grades 6 to 12) are invited to participate in the annual Pan Orthodox Southern California Bible and Church History Tournament! The junior division is for grades 6 to 8, and our senior division is for grades 9 to 12. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Scriptures and our Church as well as meet other Orthodox people from different parishes of our various jurisdictions. The day includes games, activities, lunch, the presentation of trophies to the winning teams, and concludes with the Service of the Ninth Hour.

Saint John Chrysostom's Oratorical Festival (SJCOF)

Our faith's perpetuation and most of what we know about it has been learned through spoken word. The program will teach your child to view and articulate their own personal experiences through the lens of Orthodoxy while learning to speak in public with poise and confidence. In addition to stagecraft, participants will be taught a universal essay/speech structure they can use in elementary school throughout higher education and in their career beyond.

Vacation Bible School

Our one-week summer program takes place in June for grades K – 3. Kids enjoy a half day of games, crafts, singing, Bible lessons, and more. Our next VBS will be in June of 2023. We are looking for adult, young adult & high school volunteers. Contact Fr. Bill to volunteer and get involved.