SOYO (Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations)
2008-2009 NAC SOYO Officers
President: Amanda Sahawaneh
Vice President: Michael Paul Massad
Secretary: Elizabeth Anne Mamey
Treasurer: Timothy Basil Farha
NAC SOYO Spiritual Advisor: V. Rev. Anthony G. Yazge, fryazge@antiochian.org
Archdiocese Youth Director: V. Rev. Joseph F Purpura, FrJoseph@orthodoxyouth.com
Experience Great Friday Vigil with Teen SOYO
In order to fully appreciate the wonder of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead, it is important that we understand the significance of his sufferings that we may behold His glorious Resurrection.
An ancient tradition in the Orthodox Church, which NAC Teen SOYO has committed itself to honor, is the Vigil at the Tomb of Christ. After our Lord died on the Cross, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus, bound it in linen cloths with spices and buried it in a new tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb watching as their Lord was buried. The Church over the centuries has joined with these two women in keeping watch over Jesus’ tomb. The Holy Friday Vigil at Christ’s tomb is our opportunity to help keep watch over our Lord’s body as He descends in to Hell to loosen the bonds of death. What better way to understand the death and resurrection of Jesus than to participate in the Vigil by His tomb?
For more information and materials to assist in organizing a vigil in your own church, please visit www.antiochian.org/great_friday_vigil.
The Church has given us this opportunity to watch and wait with the countless saints and myriads of angels as our Lord conquers death.
2010 Francis Maria Scholarship Applications Now Available
Through a generous gift of the Francis Maria Foundation for Justice and Peace, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America will once again grant several scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to students attending an accredited College.
Scholarships will be granted each July. Completed 2010 Francis Maria Scholarship Application and all supporting documentation must be postmarked by May 15, 2010.
For more information, please visit www.antiochian.org/scholarships. Click here to download an application (PDF).
SOYO Currently Accepting Teen Applicants for Special Olympics Sports Camp
NAC Teen SOYO is currently accepting teen applicants as Special Olympic Coaches for this summer’s NAC SOYO Special Olympics Sports Camp. Applications must be completed and mailed by April 1, 2010.
Click here to download an application.
Please mail completed application by April 1, 2010 to:
V. Rev. Anthony G. Yazge
201 St. Ignatius Trail
Bolivar, PA 15923
Phone: (724) 238-9565 FAX: (724) 238-6415 Email: FrYazge@antiochian.org
Thanks for NAC SOYO Special Olympics Donations
NAC Teen SOYO thanks the many people from our parishes that donated to NAC SOYO Special Olympics this past October. Those parishes not listed in the report of donations (PDF) have not yet sent the money in that they were asked to collect for this ministry. Donations may be mailed to:
NAC SOYO Special Olympics
Department of Youth Ministry
PO Box 389
Westwood MA 02090
Please make checks payable to “NAC SOYO Special Olympics".
Sacred Gift of Life Sunday
January 17, 2010, is the Sunday that precedes the 35th anniversary of the tragic Supreme Court Decision of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the United States. This Supreme Court decision overturned all moral and logical reasoning that most citizens of our society held and practiced. Since 1973, over 43 million lives have been aborted. Approximately 93% of the women who have had abortions cited they did so for social reasons (i.e. unready for responsibility, can’t afford the baby, concern over how baby would change her life, etc) as opposed to issues regarding the mother’s health, the baby’s health, rape or incest. These few facts are very alarming for us as Orthodox Christians who hold all life as sacred and holy.
The teens of our archdiocese are very concerned about this issue and desire to do whatever is in their ability to help bring about change that leads to godliness and holiness. The members of the North American Council (NAC) of SOYO, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip, are leading our Archdiocese in observing Sunday, January 20, 2008, as the “Sacred Gift of Life Sunday: Protecting the Life of the Unborn”. Our teens, as part of the celebration of January as Orthodox Education Month, are furthering their education, understanding and commitment regarding the Orthodox Church’s teaching on the sacred gift of life and abortion. In turn, they are helping to bring a greater awareness to the faithful of our parishes and throughout their local communities.
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.
