Youth Ministries

At St. Demetrios we have a deep care and focus of ministry on our Youth. As stated in our Parish Mission Statement, we strive to bring our youth to Christ and His Church. This is done through our Church Ministries as we offer various programs in both experiences & education. Our Youth Ministries focus on worship, fellowship, service, witness and education. 

  • GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) is an opportunity for our teenagers to participate in the church community and to have some fun with other Greek Orthodox teenagers. To join, you must be anywhere from 7th grade to 12th grade. Meetings are typically the first Sunday of the month following Divine Liturgy & Sunday School.

    Our activities include basketball tournaments, volunteering at shelters, Christmas luminaries & caroling, Lenten dinners, and even more during the year. To join us, contact the Church Office.  We will need the following information about yourself:

    • First/Last-Name,

    • Baptismal name

    • Gender

    • Age

    • Date of birth, including birthyear

    Come join us today!

    • GOYA Advisors:
      Kelly Steffas,
      Lilly Anitas

    • President(s):
      Emmanuel Loizos,
      Taki Psaropoulos

    • Vice President:
      Maria Kolokouris

    • Secretary:
      Nina Matheos

  • The Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) is a ministry to Kindergarten through 6th grade children of the St. Demetrios Rocky River Greek Orthodox Church.

    The mission and goal of the JOY ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.

    JOY takes part in many fun events like Fall Fun Night, Gingerbread House Making,

    Vacation Bible School, and more! By laying a foundation of faith at this age, the young people will have something that will guide and strengthen them as they progress into junior high and high school.

    Contact: Marina Papafil

  • Students are dismissed from Divine Liturgy following Holy Communion for grades Pre-K through High School. Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m. and classes end at 11:15 a.m.

    Sunday School Director: Beth Patterson

    Our Teachers

    • Pre-K thru Kindergarten:
      Fay Stamatis,
      Jessica Mallias

    • 1st & 2nd Grade:
      Lia Augoustidis,
      Antonia Hadgis

    • 3rd thru 5th Grade:
      Presv. Lorena Lentz,
      Dina Boyer

    • 6th - 8th Grades:
      Marina Papafil,
      Rachel Trotter

    • 9th - 12th Grades:
      Dean Titas,
      Ted Seidl

  • ► We also offer classes for adults!

    Our primary goal is to teach our children to communicate in the Greek language, to instill in them pride in our Hellenic heritage, and reverence for our Greek Orthodox faith. Parents are welcome to visit the classrooms and observe the class in session upon request to the clergy or the Principal. Call the church office if interested.

    • Principal:
      Eleni Papouras-Jenks

    • PTO Contact:
      Lia Fresty

    ► Greek School Registration Form

    ► Greek School Code of Conduct

    Our Goals:
    Prepare our students to communicate in both oral and written Greek. Emphasis will be given to spoken Greek.

    • Help students develop a deep appreciation of Greek culture and pride in their heritage.

    • Familiarize students with major chapters of Greek history: Ancient, Byzantine and Modern.

    • Teach students famous stories from Greek mythology and literature.

    • Identify major contributions and impact of Greek on Western civilization

    • Increase awareness of presence of Greek in the English language

    • Increase students understanding of Orthodox Christianity and Philosophy.

    • Help students share their knowledge and present information about Greek language and culture in their schools.

    Our Staff:

    • Eleni Papouras-Jenks

    • Marina Ermidis

    • Mary Szekely

    • Antonia Perris

    • Leo Mallias

    • Niko Mizas

    Parent - Teacher Organization (PTO)
    All parents are encouraged to become members of the P.T.O. Dues can be paid upon registration of your child. The P.T.O. plays a vital role in helping with the programs and providing the means for worthwhile projects that enhance our school and benefit our children.

    The P.T.O. has established a scholarship program for high school graduates that have graduated from our Greek School and who are entering college. This scholarship is presented on Greek Letters Day.

    PTO Contact: Lea Presty

    St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

    22909 Center Ridge Road
    Rocky River, Ohio 44116

    Phone: (440) 331-2246
    ©2023 St. Demetrios Church