Our Annual Chili Cook-Off was a great success!  So much fun!  Appreciation to all who organized, worked the event, attended and especially the youth workers and many Chefs!  Congratulations to the winning Chefs!  

The Youth Group (Junior FOCA Chapter #256J) gives parish tweens and teens opportunities for fellowship and service. Its goal is to provide opportunities for youth to put their knowledge of the Orthodox faith into action while building relationships and having fun! Talks and interactive sessions led by Father Constantine and lay leaders in the church focus on incorporating the teachings of the church into everyday life.

Youth group service projects and activities include:

• Hosting game and craft nights at a local homeless shelter
• Collecting winter coats donated by parishioners and delivering the coats to the Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive
• Volunteering at events such as the church festival and parish community dinners
• Social events such as bowling, go-carts, game and pizza nights

Membership is open to youth in grades 5 -12. For more information, contact the Junior FOCA advisor at info@stmatthewoca.org

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 5:4