Christ is Risen! Our parish of Sts. Constantine & Helen in Newport News, VA seeks ways to engage our youth in the events of Holy Week. Our Acolytes are all asked to serve at least twice during the special services of Holy Week, and they enjoy choosing where they will serve. On Lazarus Saturday, we have an annual tradition of celebrating a Teaching Liturgy. Father George Chioros moves the items needed for the Liturgy out onto the solea so everyone can see better, and he stops at certain points during the service to explain what is happening. Following, our parishioners of all ages are encouraged to participate in the preparation of the palm crosses. On Holy Wednesday evening for the Sacrament of Holy Unction, our GOYA members read the seven Epistles. On Holy Friday, our young ladies in first through sixth grades serve as the Myrophores, the Myrrhbearing Women. Also on this evening, our youth dance group coordinates the setting up of luminaries, so during the Procession with the Epitafio, parishioners may commemorate loved ones who have already fallen asleep in the Lord. At the Agape Vespers service on Sunday afternoon, we regularly have young people reading some of the various languages of the Gospel. It is truly a blessing to see our young people at Sts. Constantine & Helen grow through the years as they embrace the different roles offered to them during Holy Week.

Christina Thames
Director of Youth Ministries
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Pictures courtesy of Paula Detweiler

For more on our parish life please visit us at: www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org