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The Youth Movement of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America — Living the Orthodox Faith in Christ through Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship.

News and Updates: 

St. George Cathedral SOYO Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. January 19-21, 2019

A group of 37 Teen SOYO members and advisors from St. George Cathedral in Coral Gables, Florida boarded a flight early on Saturday, January 19, 2019 to began their pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. While in the nation's capital, participants visited the Antiochian churches in the D.C. and Maryland area, as well as the National, Greek, and OCA cathedrals.

The Teen SOYO group was also blessed to see so many of our nation’s beautiful and historic sites, many of which have religious significance. In addition, many bonds were formed, creating memories which will last forever.  

Read reflections of the trip

Mid-Winter Meetings to be held in Garden Grove, CA in February

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH, the 2019 Mid-Winter Meetings ("Let's Head to the West!"), will be hosted by St. Luke Orthodox Church in Garden Grove, CA, from Friday, February 8, through Sunday, February 10, 2019. The Archdiocese and Diocese officers of the Antiochian Women and Teen SOYO will gather for their annual mid-winter meetings. Important forms and information are available below. Please contact your organization leaders with any questions.

Meeting Schedule and Information
Meeting Registration Form
NAC Teen SOYO Minor Participation Form
NAB President's Letter

Host Location
All meetings and services will be held at St. Luke Orthodox Church. 

Apply to CrossRoad 2019! Summer Program for High School Juniors and Seniors

Calling all Antiochian Youth! Are you an Orthodox Christian high school junior or senior interested in exploring your faith? Apply to the dynamic, life-changing program that is CrossRoad! The application deadline is February 1, 2019.

For more information, visit our website!

10 Days

3 Sessions

2 Locations

1 Amazing Program

DOWNLOAD the BULLETIN INSERT

2019 Special Olympics Volunteer and Coaching Applications Available

Special Olympics campers and staff at the VillageSpecial Olympics campers and staff at the VillageThe 2019 Special Olympics Sports Camp is scheduled to be held at the Antiochian Village August 9–18, 2019. This ministry is sponsored by the North American Council of Teen SOYO, and is the second longest running program of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, serving over 340 Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and staff each season. It is the premier SOYO outreach program, now in its 38th year of service. Each year SOYO teens raise the funds on Special Olympics Awareness Day.

In addition to the funds raised, SOYO teens provide at least half the coaching staff, and many adult volunteers participate as well. The Very Rev. Dr. Joseph Purpura, chair of the Department of Youth Ministry, has announced that the 2019 Special Olympic Coaches Application is now available for those youth who are interested in working at the Sports Camp. Additionally, for adults over twenty years of age, the Special Olympics Volunteer Form  is posted as well.

Download Coaches Application

Download Volunteer Form

Diocese of Miami Hosts Successful First Annual SOYO Fall Retreat

The pink team during Glow in the Dark Capture the FlagThe pink team during Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag

As a teen of this current generation, it’s hard for me to find other people my age that I can connect to and understand on a spiritual level. There are very few places where I feel completely accepted and where I am surrounded by friends who I know will always understand me. These places are at camp, and at conventions and retreats. With these events, I am only able to see my friends who come from all over the southeastern region twice a year, which I think everyone would agree, is not enough.

This is why when Bishop Nicholas proposed the idea of an annual fall retreat to the SOYO board, our immediate response was "Yes!" Anyone who has talked to Bishop Nicholas knows that he loves Teen SOYO. Many would describe him as a teen himself, from the way he uses our slang and taps people on the opposite shoulder, to joking around with all of us. Bishop Nicholas, including many others, know that we teens are the future of the Church.

Teen SOYO News Archive

Are you looking for a full-time job in youth Ministry?

If so, send your resume to FrJoseph@orthodoxyouth.com. Parish youth ministry positions are now available in several locations across North America.