Ascension Youth
Faith, Fellowship & Forever Friends
At Ascension, youth ministry is about more than individual programs or events. It is about creating a lifelong connection to faith, community, and one another.
Through age-appropriate gatherings, activities, service, worship, and fellowship, our youth have opportunities to grow in their Orthodox Christian faith, build meaningful friendships, and feel at home within the life of the Cathedral.
From infancy through high school, Ascension offers a path for children and families to stay connected at every stage.
Ascension Parea Groups
Parea (pronounced pah-REH-ah) is a cherished Greek word that describes friendship, togetherness, and the joy of being in good company.
Ascension Parea Groups bring young Orthodox Christians together for fellowship outside of their regular ministry activities. Groups typically gather about once a month during the school year for social events, outings, service opportunities, and other activities designed to strengthen friendships and build community.
Whether your family is new to Ascension or already involved in parish life, Parea is a great way for children and teens to connect with others in their age group.
Find Your Parea
Our youth ministries are designed to grow alongside our children, providing opportunities for faith formation, fellowship, service, and community at every stage.
Choose an age group below to explore programs, activities, and opportunities available for your child.
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(Ages 2 Years and Under Prior to August 1st)
Provides an easy path for new and expecting parents to introduce Orthodoxy to their children, and a welcoming and supportive environment to explore the ministries, events and traditions of the community. Programs Include:
Infant/Toddler Parea Gatherings
Birth Blessing
8 Day Blessing
40 Day Blessing
Baptism
Sunday School
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(Ages 3 and 4 Years as of August 1st)
Allows young families to firmly root their preschooler in Ascension life and community with age-appropriate programming and activities to strengthen connection and sustain engagement. Programs Include:
Preschool Parea Gatherings
HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education)
Sunday School
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Reinforces fellowship, friendship, community and heritage through activities that prioritize church, spirituality and character for elementary school kids while supporting them on their journey of discovering the Orthodox faith. Programs include:
Elementary Parea Gatherings
H.O.P.E (Holy Orthodox Primary Education)
Sunday School
Family Meal Ministry
Dance Ministry
Greek School (tbd)
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Reinforces fellowship, friendship, and community and heritage through activities that prioritize church, spirituality and character for elementary school kids while supporting them on their journey of discovering the Orthodox faith. Programs include:
Elementary Parea Gatherings
J.O.Y (Junior Orthodox Youth)
Sunday School
Alter Boys
Family Meal Ministry
Dance Ministry
Greek School (tbd)
Summer Camp
OYAA Sports Ministry
Junior Choir
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Creates the chance to bond with kids of the same age and older, the opportunity for self-expression and the ability to shine while learning about God’s teaching in a loving and fun environment.
Middle School Parea Events
Jr. GOYA
Sunday School
Alter Boys
Family Meal Ministry
Dance Ministry
Greek School (tbd)
Summer Camp
OYAA Sports Ministry
Junior Choir
Church Reading
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Provides a forum for connecting with God, making memories, building friendships and finding ways to make a difference while seeking guidance in relation to Orthodoxy and daily life.
High School Parea Gatherings
GOYA
Sunday School/Orthodox Life
Alter Boys
Family Meal Ministry
Dance Ministry
Greek School (tbd)
Summer Camp
OYAA Sports Ministry
Junior Choir
Church Reading
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
Join the Parea
Current participants can find upcoming events, schedules, and group information through their TeamSnap Parea Group.
New to Ascension or not yet connected to a Parea TeamSnap group?
Have questions or want to get involved?
Contact Maria Kubiak, Youth Council Director, or Christina Yiannakopoulos, Parea Group Lead, at ascensionyouthcouncil@gmail.com and they’ll be happy to help you get connected.