Alyssa Kyritsis Appointed New Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh
In a message to the faithful of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas conveyed:
To the reverend Clergy and Presvyteres, esteemed Metropolis, Philoptochos, and Parish Council members, dedicated Parish Secretaries, and devout faithful of the Holy and God-Protected Metropolis of Pittsburgh:
Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη!
For the past fifteen years, the dynamic and spiritually rich Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Metropolis have been stewarded by Ms. Rhea Ballas, who served faithfully as our longest tenured Director in the history of the Diocese-turned-Metropolis. Through the Summer Camp program, Athletic ministry, Young Adult gatherings, and retreats for many ages, Rhea has demonstrated her numerous God-given talents, and has allowed the vision of the Metropolitan (begninning under Metropolitan Maximos before my arrival) to be translated into a Christ-centered program for our young ones to fully engage in all aspects of the Christian life.
For much of that time, she has also worked tirelessly to study, develop, and implement appropriate policies for the safety of our youth, and rising to the challenge of doing so in step with the expectations of 3 states and our Holy Archdiocese. In all her work, she has exemplified Christian humility and love, going above-and-beyond the job description to be a meaningful part of the lives of many.
This month will mark the final month in her exemplary tenure as our Metropolis Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director. However, Rhea is not moving anywhere, as she will continue to serve the Church in an Archdiocesan ministry beginning this summer which will allow her to continue to live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We are grateful for her offering of time and talent over these many years, and look forward to the wonderful work she will continue to do on behalf of Christ.
It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Mrs. Alyssa Kyritsis as the new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. A daughter of our Metropolis, she grew in faith through the All Saints GOC of Canonsburg, and pursued undergraduate studies in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut. Inspired by a deep calling, and through her participation in the ministries of her parish and Metropolis, she pursued further education at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where she graduated from the Master of Divinity program with High Distinction.
Following Graduation, Alyssa began a 6.5 year tenure as the Pastoral Assistant of the St. John the Divine GOC of Jacksonville, Florida, where she served not only the youth and young adults of the community, but also worked diligently for their capital campaign to build a new Church, for their Centennial celebration, and coordinated the youth events for the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity Assembly hosted by her community. During that time, she also served as a logistics coordinator for the St. Stephen's Summer Camp program (Metropolis of Atlanta), and served on our Metropolis's Summer Camp Committee assisting with Curriculum Development.
May the Lord grant Rhea and Alyssa His abundant grace, wisdom, strength, and love, that they each continue to glorify Him in their new positions, and that through their labors people of all ages may find the light, life, and compassion of Christ.
With Archpastoral blessings and love in the Risen Lord,
+ SAVAS
Metropolitan of Pittsburgh
