The Ministries of our Parish are the essence of who we are as Orthodox Christians. Our ministries are intended to enhance our Faith – keeping it active and pure – in order to draw near to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
ACTIVE FAITH ~ In the 23rd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, our Lord criticized the religious leadership of His day, calling them, among other things, “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones” (Matt. 23:27). Christ came to revive the people of Israel, deadened by this spiritual malaise. Through the ministries of our Parish, we seek to feed our souls in order to be alive spiritually.
PURE FAITH ~ In the book of Acts (8:26-40), the Apostle Philip asks an Ethiopian eunuch reading the Scriptures, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He responds, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” The ministries of our Parish seek to not only teach us who God is, but to experience His presence in our lives. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Worship is the heart of our Parish, pumping life into all our ministries. It includes our Sunday Divine Services, Sacraments, and the special services that take place throughout the year.
- The Music Ministry enhances our worship experience. It is primarily comprised of our Chanters who sing or chant the hymns in both the classical and byzantine styles.
- The Youth Ministry is an expression of our young people being an active part of the Parish. Opportunities for youth to be involved include participation in Sunday School, being an acolyte, Greek dancing, and other youth programs.
- The Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Saint Barbara Parish. Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities, and the victims of disasters” through numerous programs that make a difference in people’s lives.
- The Missions Ministry seeks to spread the Gospel of Christ through works of love and mercy. This ministry supports three orphanages in India, Mexico, and Albania. It was also instrumental in establishing the Saint Barbara Orthodox Church in Kazinga, Tanzania, where we have dug and are maintaining fresh water wells. This project has brought safe water to over 240,000 people in rural Tanzanian villages.
- The Education Ministry provides members of the Saint Barbara Parish occasions by which to learn about their faith and culture. This ministry includes the Sunday School, Scholarships, Greek School, and Adult Education Opportunities.
- The Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to encourage academic excellence and to offer moral support and financial assistance to high school graduates who are furthering their undergraduate education at a university, college, or vocational school.
- The Fellowship Ministry recognizes that the Saint Barbara Parish is a family. This ministry provides opportunities for members of our Parish Family to interact and spend quality time with one another.
- Catechism — studying our Faith in light of the Scriptures, and the Scriptures in light of our Faith, in a “continuous education” format. Fridays at 5:30pm.
- Community Outreach — providing a hot meal service once or twice a month to those experiencing homelessness, in collaboration with the City’s SB ACT organization.
If you are interested in becoming part of one or more of these ministries, please contact the Church Office.
