Ministries
St. Basil Orthodox Church enjoys many talented and faithful parishioners who offer their work and service to God through our ministries. We believe that every Christian should shine the light of their faith in the world and our ministries offer a wonderful opportunity to do that. Below are listed our ministries with brief summaries of each and the ministry leaders. If you are interested in joining a particular ministry, please reach out to a ministry leader and they will be happy to get you involved.
Please select a ministry below for more info.
Adults & Young Adults
Parish Council
The Parish Council is the body of practicing Orthodox Christians elected by the members of the parish for the purpose of working together with the Priest in serving God and continuing the work of His Church on earth. This brief description also describes the fundamental structure of the Orthodox Church; that we, as clergy and laity together, are the “People of God”, seeking by the grace of God and to the best of our human capabilities, to fulfill the mission ascribed to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A member of the Parish Council is privileged to assume a position of responsibility which demands love and dedication to Christ and His Church. A member reaffirms his obligation to be faithful to the teachings of Christ, and to use his or her God-given talents and energies for the progress and advancement of the parish. The role a member of the Parish Council plays, however, is best understood when the parish is viewed as one part of the total structure of the whole church. We are parishes and members in particular, and yet in Christ we are one body, one family mutually sharing and caring for one another.
The Council is one of the ways the laity of the Orthodox Church share in the Church’s mission of bringing the life of Christ to all people. Parish Councils help do the work of the Church. The “work of the Church” is to continue the work of Jesus Christ in the world.
Parish Council President: Tom Chiarchianis
Parish Council Vice President: Michael Fields
Philoptochos was founded in 1937 with a handful of ladies ready to minister the needs of our parish. Philoptochos is the duly accredited national ladies philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and our local chapter is an integral part of St. Basil’s parish. Women of Greek Orthodox faith, at least 18 years of age, are eligible for membership. We have seen the creation of many national projects and have loyally supported these, realized the importance of supporting many worthwhile needs in our community. Assistance is also given to our Church School, the sick and shut-ins, senior citizens, the choir, and the altar boys. May the Lord continue to bless us and give us wisdom and strength to do the work that has to be done in the future.
Mission Statement
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
- To help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts;
- To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;
- To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;
- To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
Do you find joy in giving and helping others? Do you desire to serve? You have a place in the St. Basil Philoptochos.
Executive Board 2023
President Donna Vasiliou
Vice-President Mary Carroll Bandy
Treasurer Edna Fields
Recording Secretary Teri Blum
Corresponding Secretary Vacant
Board Members 2023
Patricia Manuse, Dena Panos, Georgia Perlegos, Dimitra Veziris, & Bobbe Xenos
Ministry Leaders: Donna Vasiliou
Ministry Leaders: Michael & Edna Fields
Bookstore
The bookstore is located in the Church office during office hours and in the office and the hall during coffee hours on Sunday.
In the bookstore you will find Orthodox books for all ages and other Orthodox gifts such as calendars, cards, icons and more!
Ministry Leader: Patty Manuse
Outreach and Evangelism
Our Mission
To share the ancient Orthodox faith with our community. Following Christ’s Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations”, we strive together in prayer and action to create opportunities to share our faith. Hoping to build meaningful relationships as we introduce others to the beauty of Orthodoxy.
Services:
GREETERS MINISTRY
Welcoming everyone to church is a part of who we are as a family. Greeting visitors, providing them with worship materials, and inviting them to participate in our fellowship coffee hour after the service. All first-time visitors will receive our Welcome packet and a chance to fill out a follow-up information card.
JOURNEY TO FULLNESS
This is an informational video series created by Fr. Barnabas Powell to introduce visitors and inquirers to the Orthodox faith. It is presented as a four-week event held after our Greek Festival every September. It is held in our Hall one evening a week with refreshments provided in a casual atmosphere.
NARTHEX PAMPHLET RACK
In the Narthex next to the icon of St. Basil, you’ll find our multi -tiered oak information rack. It is stocked with educational pamphlets for parishioners and visitors. The items are free. Donations are accepted.
Ministry Leader: Terri Blum
Ministry Leaders: Chris Papas & Rick Gaines
Ministry Leader: Demetra Veziris
Ministry Leader: Vicky Papachristos
Please see the official Greek Festival here.
Ministry Leader: Peter Koulouris
Ministry Leader: Patty Manuse
Ministry Leader: Vasili and Demetra Veziris
Ministry Leaders: Matthew Mourad & Tyler Musser
Ministry Leader: Presbytera Angie Sotiras
Ministry Leaders: Ken Jochimsen & Michael Fields
Ministry Leader: Demetra Veziris
Ministry Leaders: George Chimiklis (Chair) & Kathy Walcowic
Stewardship
WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Stewardship supports the Orthodox Christian practice of consistent, cheerful and purposeful giving of time, talent and treasure in support of our Church and its ministries to help further the word and teachings of Jesus Christ. On a personal level, it supports and showcases a life being lived in Christ. Stewardship creates and fosters a spirit of generosity and giving for the Glory of God. When we are generous and give freely of our time, talent, and treasure we proclaim, preserve, and practice our Orthodox Christian faith and make a difference in our parish and community. Stewardship furthers Christ’s message within ourselves, our families, and our communities. This creates a spiritual atmosphere of worship, engagement, fulfillment, and inspiration that we can offer to the world, following the example set by God Himself of love, service, and giving.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STEWARD?
Stewardship is a personal responsibility and prayerful commitment that each and every Christian makes in order to support the Church. Stewardship helps us understand that God is the true owner of our possessions, and each of us is accountable to God for the acceptable care and use of those possessions. According to the Bible, a steward is one who responsibly manages the gifts entrusted to them for the perpetuation of the Lord’s work. A steward honors and glorifies God.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF STEWARDSHIP?
Orthodox Christian stewardship has these key elements: Leitourgia (Worship) – Literally means “Work of the people” (also where the word “liturgy” comes from). It is the active participation of the people in the Work of God Koinonia (Fellowship) – Gathering together and giving glory to God as a Parish Family Diakonia (Service) – Offering our best to Christ by helping those around us Martyria (Bearing Witness) – Living a life in Christ and being an example for others
HOW DOES STEWARDSHIP HELP THE CHURCH?
Money is a necessary tool for ministry. Every act of giving, no matter the size, makes a difference. Generosity is contagious.
The Church’s mission of salvation and evangelism depends directly on our generosity. Our Parish’s many ministries, including Sunday Church School, Music Ministry, VIP Ministry, GOYA, HOPE, JOY and Choir Ministry, are all funded by our stewardship.
Stewardship is vital to our Church and, among many things, helps to:
Provide religious services and sacraments
Provide religious counseling
Provides visitations to the hospitalized and shut-ins
Minister to the community outside of our Church walls
Offer help and support to those in need
Support those who serve us
Support our Metropolis
Keep our Church grounds and buildings in good condition.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT STEWARDSHIP?
GIVING TO GLORIFY GOD
“We thank you, our God, and praise your glorious Name … for all things come from you and we have only given back what is yours already.” (I Chronicles 29:13-14)
GIVING WHOLEHEARTEDLY
“And He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So, He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4)
GIVING CHEERFULLY
“Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly, nor under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7)
GIVING FREELY
“He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”(II Corinthians 9:6)
GIVING HUMBLY
“Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3)
GIVING REGULARLY
“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.”(I Corinthians 16:2)
To make a stewardship pledge, please click here to go to our main Stewardship page where you can fill out a Stewardship card.
Ministry Leader: Edna Fields
Ministry Leader:
Jeff Perlegos
Our Mission
To provide an Orthodox community for young adults to engage in fellowship and assistance in personal and spiritual growth.
Events:
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING
Every other month there is a young adult gathering at the church or a parishioner’s home where there food, drink and fellowship. Please see the email blast or Basilian for information about the next young adult gathering.
Ministry Leaders:
Jared & Alona Chacon
Youth
Please see the official preschool website here.
Ministry Leaders: Brittany Ruhl, Gayle M and George K.
Please click this link to register for Sunday School.
Ministry Leader: Anastasia Cook
Alcolytes – Altar Servers
Young men going into the 2nd grade and above have the opportunity to serve in the Holy Altar during services. This is reserved for those who are Orthodox Christians and is a great honor to be able to serve the community in this way. The role of the acolyte is a privilege and is to be taken seriously.
Ministry Leaders: Chris Papas & Tyler Musser
Ministry Leaders: Demetra Veziris, Georgia Aliferis, Georgia Perlegos
Ministry Leader: Terri Blum
HOPE- Holy Orthodox Primary Education (4-7yrs)
The Holy Orthodox Primary Education, or HOPE, is a ministry of Saint Basil Community. HOPE brings children from 4-7 years of age to learn the orthodox Faith, to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. HOPE gathers the faithful of the Church who share the same grades, ages and common interests. HOPE meets one Saturday a month with JOY.
GOYA (9th Through 12th Grade)
GOYA is a ministry is to strengthen the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program works to educate and edify young members of the Church between the ages of 13-18 or from grades 7-12, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. This ministry offers them the opportunity to experience the Faith, ultimately leading them to Salvation.
GOYA is a friendly mix of fun, fellowship, and education.
The Ministry of Greek dance is an opportunity for youth of all ages to participate in the communal folk dance tradition that the country of Greece has. When joining hands with one another in a line and dancing together, the youth have the opportunity to learn to work as a team and support one another while enjoying this fun activity.
Ultimately, this activity is means which we bring the youth together in a fun way, bringing them ever closer to one another, in Orthodox Christian fellowship, which in turn helps bring them closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
