Youth and Young Adult Ministries

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is dedicated to providing quality religious, educational, and social programs for the youth and young adults of the Metropolis of Chicago. In addition to facilitating existing parish programs, it is the goal of this office to strengthen and create new programs to help educate and inspire Orthodox youth and young adults.

Director

Mr. Chris Avramapoulos is a graduate of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts.  A native of Rockford, Illinois, Chris has been leading the Youth Office for the past 5 years. He welcomes your comments and your donations of time and talent on behalf of and in service of our Metropolis' youth.

Chris was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. He received his degree in history from the University of Wisconsin / Madison (Go Badgers!!!) and was planning on getting his MBA. God had different plans. Upon graduation from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Chris worked as the Youth Pastoral Assistant for the community of SS. Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills, IL before coming to the Metropolis Youth Office. Chris loves all sports but most especially football (Da Bears). However, golf is a close second; Chris tries to get out on the course as much as possible. Chris likes working with young people because of their eagerness to learn and experience new things. We often hear how the youth are the future of the Church but actually the youth are the Church now. What they learn about their faith at this time and experience through worship is vital for their growth as a person and as an Orthodox Christian.

 

 

How We Serve You

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministries oversees or assists in many different programs:

  • HOPE, JOY, GOYA, and YAL groups in Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Parishes
  • Camping Ministries (Orthodox Christian Summer Camps)
  • Campus Ministries (OCF - Orthodox Christian Fellowship)

How we serve you depends on your needs (individual and ministry). Please let us know how we can assist you and what your needs are, be it training or resources, and we will do our best to serve you. We may not have the answers to all of your questions but we will do our best to point you in the right direction. We cannot do this alone and are always looking for partners in our youth and young adult ministry. Please let us know what talents and resources you might be able to contribute to our ministry. 

Ministries

  • Early Childhood (Pre-School Age Children)
  • HOPE (Kindergarten through 3)
  • JOY (Grades 4-6)
  • GOYA (Grades 7-12)
  • Young Adult Ministry
  • OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship – Campus Ministry)
  • EOCS (Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting)
  • Camping Ministries

Contact Information

40 East Burton Place
Chicago, IL 60610-1697
(312) 337-4130 (office)
(708) 288-2876 ( cell )
FAX: (630) 654-3514
E-mail the Youth Office Director