Ministries
Faith in Action
Our parish ministries offer ways for every generation to worship, learn, serve, and grow together in Christ.
Parish life
Ministries for every age and season
From education and fellowship to outreach and service, we invite you to find a place to participate in the life of St. Athanasios.
Altar Boys
Boys ages 9–17 are invited to serve in the altar, with monthly meetings and programs that build reverence, responsibility, and fellowship.
Bible Study & Catechism
Parishioners gather to study the books of the Holy Bible and learn about the Orthodox faith under the direction of the parish priest.
Dance
Greek ethnic and cultural dances are taught to the children of our community, celebrating heritage through movement, discipline, and fellowship.
2026–2027 classes · Three grade groups · $325–$375 per student
Diakonia Agapes Food Pantry
St. Athanasios Diakonia Agape Ministry and Food Pantry help families who need assistance and work to alleviate the physical and emotional hunger of the poor and needy in a dignified and supportive manner.
Ongoing parish ministry · Food, clothing, shelter, and support
Episkesis Visitations
In cooperation with Philoptochos, this ministry visits and comforts Orthodox Christians in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private homes.
FOS (Light)
“FOS” (Light or φως), the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, is a parish ministry within Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. Its purpose is to promote the Orthodox Faith within and outside the parish in cooperation with and under the direct supervision of the parish priest.
FOS Bookstore · Icons, books, gifts, and more
GOYA
Boys and girls between the ages of 12–18 are welcome to join the G.O.Y.A. Various athletic, social, and religious activities are held, as well as other programs.
Meets once a month on Tuesdays
Greek School
Our afternoon Greek School serves students from pre-K through sixth grade with Greek language, reading, writing, speaking, history, religion, ecclesiastical hymns, and the geography of Greece.
Mondays & Wednesdays · 4:45–6:15 PM
HOPE & JOY
This ministry encourages our youth ages 4–11 to connect with their faith and establish friendships that will last a lifetime. We invite children of our parish who are also enrolled in our Sunday Church School Program to join us!
Events about once a month · Dates subject to change
Philoptochos Society
The Philoptochos Women's Society leads philanthropic endeavors and programs, serving those in need and supporting the life of the Church. All parish men and women are welcome to participate.
Meetings on the first Monday of each month
P.T.O.
The Parent Teacher Organization brings together Greek School teachers, parents, and parishioners to support the education and programs of our students.
Sunday Church School
Sunday Church School is held during the regular school year for grade levels from Little Angels through 12th grade. Registration is online. We ask parents to enroll their children and bring them regularly so they may grow close to the Church and learn more about their faith.
Little Angels through 12th grade · Online registration
Welcome & Outreach
A ministry of welcome for new parish members and a witness to the Greek Orthodox faith both within and beyond our parish community.
Sunday School
Sunday Church School
Sunday Church School is held during the regular school year for grade levels from Little Angels through 12th grade. Registration is online. We ask parents to enroll their children and bring them regularly so they may grow close to the Church and learn more about their faith.
Click here for our Sunday Church School Fall Newsletter
Click to RegisterThe importance of Sunday School
“Let the children come to me, so as not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”Mark 10:14–15
The greatest gift and most precious inheritance we give our children is our Greek Orthodox Faith. Christian education nurtures faith in Jesus Christ according to the Orthodox phronema, or vision, and helps form a genuine Orthodox way of life.
Our program
A shared responsibility
Our St. Athanasios Sunday Church School Program begins on September 10 at 10:00 AM. Parents, bring your children to Sunday School. The priest and teachers cannot do this work alone; your example and involvement are essential to your children's spiritual life and moral upbringing.
- Register your child in our Sunday Church School Program.
- Bring them to Church on time.
- Stay and worship at the Divine Liturgy in the Church.
- Be positive about Church.
- Discuss with them what they learned each Sunday.
- Teach them to bring their weekly stewardship offering.
- Give your personal example of Christian living.
- Emphasize regular repentance and Holy Communion.
- Put Church before every other activity on Sunday.
- Avoid criticism of others.
- Let your love for Our Lord Jesus Christ radiate.
Hope & Joy
Faith, friendship, and fellowship
This ministry encourages our youth ages 4–11 to connect with their faith and establish friendships that will last a lifetime. We invite children of our parish who are also enrolled in our Sunday Church School Program to join us!
Events about once a month · Dates subject to change.
Click to RegisterIntroduction
Hope & Joy
Our ministry depends on family engagement and participation. All events are “pay as you go” and supported by your time and donations.
Sign-ups and RSVPs are required for every event so we can make adequate arrangements. Once registered, parents will receive email updates, reminders, and sign-up links for the events.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at every event.
Please contact our H/J advisor, Sandy Prassakos, for more information.
JOY@stathanasiosnj.orgGOYA Introduction
Greek Orthodox Youth of America
Boys and girls between the ages of 12–18 are welcome to join the G.O.Y.A. Various athletic, social, and religious activities are held, as well as other programs.
Meets once a month on Tuesdays.
Click to RegisterRegistration
GOYA Registration
2026–27 GOYA Registration
Families should be in good standing with their Stewardship before registering.
Please click here to pay a minimum stewardship of $500 for 2026 if you have not already; otherwise, your registration will be invalidated.
We require you to provide your "giving number" or "envelope number" from Realm. You can locate it on your stewardship statement that was mailed to you, or call the parish office for the number.
If you do not have an account, please register online for one.
GOYANs must be baptized in the Greek Orthodox faith and at least 12 years old, entering the 7th grade of American school. First-year GOYANs must submit a copy of their baptismal certificate.
Registration Fee: $100 per child must be paid online through Realm after submitting this form. Every GOYAn will receive a GOYA T-shirt.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be paid through October 31, 2026. There will be no refunds thereafter.
GOYA registration is separate from Sunday School. The $100 fee per youth is calculated by the registration form, which opens Realm with the household total prefilled.
Greek School
Language, faith, and heritage
Greek School is held twice each week for Pre-K (5) through sixth grade, helping students build confidence in Greek language and deepen their connection to Orthodox tradition.
Register onlineClass schedule
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:45–6:15 PM
The first day of Greek School is September 14.
Enrollment
Pre-K (5)–6th grade
Pre-K (5) students must have reached their fifth birthday by October 1. A Pre-K (4) class may be considered if there is enough interest.
Curriculum
Learning rooted in Hellenic tradition
- Greek language
- Reading, writing, and speaking
- Greek history
- Orthodox religion
- Ecclesiastical hymns
- Geography of Greece
2026–2027 registration
Welcome to the 2026–2027 St. Athanasios Greek School Registration
Αίτηση εγγραφής ελληνικού σχολείου
Registration Fee: $450 for Pre-K (5) and Kindergarten; $650 per child for students entering 1st through 6th grade. Payment must be made online using the registration form.
Registration deadline: July 31, 2026.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund, less $50 for credit card fees and book costs paid by the church, will be issued through October 31, 2026. There will be no refunds thereafter.
Registration is completed through OnRealm. Please use the link above to sign up, create your account, and then submit the Greek School registration form.
Dance Groups
Greek dance and heritage
Greek ethnic and cultural dances are taught to the children of our community, celebrating heritage through movement, discipline, and fellowship.
Instructor: Ms. Anna-Maria Delardas
Register for Dance2026–2027 class schedule
Grades K–2
Friday · 5:30–6:30 PM
$325 per student
Grades 3–6
Friday · 6:30–7:30 PM
$325 per student
Grades 7–12
Wednesday · 7:00–8:00 PM
$375 per student
Participants must meet the age and parish requirements listed on the registration page.
FOS / Bookstore
FOS Ministry
“FOS” (Light or φως), the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, is a parish ministry within Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. Its purpose is to promote the Orthodox Faith within and outside the parish in cooperation with and under the direct supervision of the parish priest.
Contact FOSFOS Ministry News
Saint Phanourios icon
Dedicated to the glory of God and in honor of Saint Phanourios, FOS commissioned a new parish icon painted by a local priest. The icon of the holy martyr rests on a beautiful Byzantine-style wooden stand funded through generous anonymous donations from a member of the St. Athanasios community.
Little is known of Saint Phanourios except what is depicted on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church centuries after he lived. He is therefore called the “Newly Revealed.” The faithful pray to Saint Phanourios especially to help recover things that have been lost, and the custom of baking a Phanouropita as a thanksgiving offering has grown from answered prayers. The saint is commemorated on August 27.
We pray for the intercessions of Saint Phanourios, the great martyr, and thank everyone who made this icon and stand possible for our community.
FOS Ministry Bookstore Items
Resources for the life of faith
- Easter candles
- Holy Week books
- Lenten books
- Icons
- Bibles
- Incense and charcoal
- Censors
- Prayer ropes and prayer books
- Icon bracelets
- Children’s books
- Greek books
- Gifts
If you do not see something in our bookstore, we can order it for you.
Make a purchase or inquire about a special orderDiakonia Agape
Food Pantry
St. Athanasios Diakonia Agape Ministry and Food Pantry help families who need assistance and work to alleviate the physical and emotional hunger of the poor and needy in a dignified and supportive manner.
We wish to thank all our parishioners and friends of St. Athanasios for remembering our Food Pantry for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is important that we keep the pantry filled at all times.
Support the food pantryService of Love
Serving families with dignity
The Diakonia Agape (Service of Love) program takes a comprehensive approach to providing services that address not only hunger, but also the structural causes of hunger and poverty.
Our program supports a network of charitable programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, and related social services for those in need.
We work together with churches, health facilities, social service providers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and the corporate community to promote emotional and physical well-being.
How to help
Give time, talent, and treasures
All donations can be placed in the designated box as you enter the Community Hall. Please remember that the food pantry bank for the needy is at the entrance of the Community Center. Food items assist needy families of our parish and food pantries in our neighborhood.
This is an ongoing parish ministry. Let us continue to do the work of our Lord and reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ who need our help.
Visit the giving page →Philoptochos Women's Society
Compassion in action
The Philoptochos Women's Society of St. Athanasios brings parishioners together for philanthropic work, community care, and faithful support of the Church.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month.
All parish men and women are invited to participate. The society assists the disadvantaged and supports the parish through charitable programs, outreach, and service.
At the heart of this ministry is a Social Services Program that helps Orthodox Christian individuals and families address human-service and financial challenges with care and respect.
How we help
Support for our community
Social Services
Short-term counseling, interventions, and referrals to trusted resources.
Financial Assistance
Help provided within the policies of the organization.
Resources
Guides, education, training materials, and community connections.
Presentations
Seminars, workshops, and webinars for the Orthodox community.
Philoptochos board
St. Athanasios leadership
- President
- Aspasia Panagiotopoulos
- 1st Vice President
- Anna Gourmos
- 2nd Vice President
- Vasiliki Panagopoulos
- Treasurer
- Xanthippi Nakopolos
- Assistant Treasurer
- Lucy Papamichael
- Corresponding Secretary
- Stephanie Mouzakis Smith
- Recording Secretary
- Constance Calandrino
- Past President
- Arete Pavlou
When support is needed
Responding with dignity and care
Philoptochos may be able to help individuals and families experiencing:
- Economic hardship or poverty
- Hunger and food insecurity
- Domestic violence
- Elder abuse
- Health and mental health issues
- Substance use disorder
- Housing insecurity or homelessness
- Effects of disasters and tragedies
Chapter news
A season of generous service
The chapter congratulates Xanthippe Nakopoulos, a recent honoree at the Metropolis Clergy Laity Recognition Dinner, for her charitable service to the Church and Philoptochos.
In support of parish life, the chapter contributed $3,000 to the St. Athanasios General Fund on Mother's Day and $2,000 toward Festival expenses.
The chapter is also preparing for elections and its annual scholarship awards as it looks toward another season of service.