Youth Ministries

Sunday Church School
Welcome to the Ascension of Our Lord Sunday Church School!  Our program delivers spiritual and educational opportunities to children in the following grades:  Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade classes. Read more »

Greek School
Our teaching goals are to (1) help our students make progress at the four Greek language areas (listening, speaking, reading and writing); (2) create a positive student attitude; (3) introduce students to Greek Culture and Greek Orthodox tradition; (4) make learning Greek enjoyable; and (5) meet every student’s needs Read more »

GOYA
The primary focus of GOYA is to educate our youth about our Greek Orthodox Christian Faith and learn to incorporate those teachings into their daily lives. Read more »

Jr. G.O.Y.A.
The Jr. GOYA program encourages our youth at a pivotal age to develop their ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Church through a unique and positive youth ministry experience.   Meetings consist of relevant discussions and learning opportunities, crafts, personal interaction, games, field trips and service projects.  Read more »

Faith and Joy
Ascension's FAITH/JOY ministry provides the opportunity for children in grades K-5 to learn and grow in their faith. Read more »

HOPE Group
HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education) is a ministry for little ones ages 40 days - 4 years old. It's also a great way for Moms and their little ones to create friendships with one another. Read more »

Young Adults | Orthodox Christian Fellowship Campus Ministry
The Young Adult Ministry together with the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF - a national collegiate campus ministry program) is charged with keeping Orthodox college and post college students and young adults connected to each other, and to the Orthodox faith, while they are away at school and beginning their careers. Read more »

Acolytes
Serving in the altar is a great and Holy privilege. Acolytes are an integral part of the venerable Liturgical traditions of the Church. Read more »

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
The Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival is a longstanding tradition that provides a unique opportunity for our youth both to learn about their faith and to display their talents in the areas of Read more »

Junior Olympics 2024
The Junior Olympics of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago dates back to 1981 and has grown into the largest single gathering youth in the Metropolis, filled with family-friendly activities. Always offered on Memorial Day weekend Read more »

Celebrating Our Youth: 2023 in Review: Youth Slide Show
This slideshow highlights all of the fun and spiritually fortifying events and services our youth participated in throughout 2023! Read more »

Vacation Church School
Ascension's Vacation Church School (VCS) is offered during the summer for rising Kindergarteners through Ninth Graders! Led by committed, enthusiastic and faithful volunteers, the week-long program will enable our youth to strengthen their Orthodox faith, worship together, participate in outdoor activities and enjoy fostering lifelong friendships. Read more »

Metropolis of Chicago Youth/Young Adult - Events & Opportunities
The Metropolis of Chicago Youth & Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) offers many enriching programs, camps, retreats, etc. for our youth and young adults. Stay in touch with their webpage for up to date information! Read more »