NEW YORK – Three new staff members join the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries to enhance the critical mission of this department. They are Alexis Gianopoulos, as Administrative Coordinator; Steven Christoforou as Youth Protection/Parish Ministries Coordinator; and Nick Lionas as Young Adult Ministries Coordinator. Their work will help the department focus on the its mission of strengthening the relationship between God and the Greek Orthodox youth and young adults through Christ-centered resources aimed to sustain youth leaders and Orthodox individuals.
“I am very excited about the group of recruits that has been assembled. Each brings experience, exceptional talent and enthusiasm as well as a love for the Orthodox faith and for the youth and young adults of our Church” says Fr. Jason Roll, Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. “While each has a particular focus within the department we will also work closely together as a team to support the youth and young adult efforts of our Holy Archdiocese.”
Alexis Gianopoulos, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, has been an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral community. She worked as a counselor at Camp Angelos for many years, as well as working as a buddy at Camp Agape, the local Philoptochos Kids and Cancer Camp. Alexis has directed several dance groups at Holy Trinity ranging from 6 years old to high school aged youth. She graduated from Oregon State University with Bachelors Degrees in History and Secondary Education.
Steven Christoforou is from Astoria, New York. A graduate of Yale University and Fordham University School of Law, Steve worked as a Corporate Attorney on Wall Street for two years before enrolling at Holy Cross School of Theology. He has served as Lay Coordinator for the Harvard and MIT chapters of Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and has extensive parish experience as a former Parish Council member, Sunday School teacher, and youth volunteer. He also has extensive experience in youth and camping ministries, having led retreats around the country as a member of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Ambassadors Program, and having served at the Direct Archdiocesan District's Camp Saint Paul, both as a Counselor and Boys Director. Steven will receive his Masters in Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in May 2013 and will serve full-time as the department’s Youth Protection/Parish Ministries Coordinator beginning June 2013.
Nick Lionas grew up in the community of St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. His experience includes working with the Metropolis of Detroit Summer camp, Metropolis of Boston Camp, OCF and serving on staff with the CrossRoad Summer Institute at Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Nick served as the Director of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Ambassador program where he organized and ran youth retreats across the country including Michigan, Texas, Indiana, New York and California. Nick has a Bachelors Degree in Communication from Michigan State University and will receive his Masters in Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in May 2013. Nick will serve the department full-time as Young Adult Ministries Coordinator beginning August 2013.
To learn more about the staff and the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries visit www.youth.goarch.org and follow us: Facebook: GOAyouth and GOAyoungadults
