Ministries - Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church

Choir

The Church Choir is an important and vital ministry at Prophet Elias. Singing by the people enhances the beauty and meaning of the holy services. All people, men, women and children, are always welcomed to join and lend their singing talents to the glory of God.The choir welcomes people of all ages to sing the hymns of the holy services. If you are interested, please contact Lara Willingham at 831-688-6383

Altar Boys

If you are a young man between the ages of 8 - 18 you are encouraged to serve in the sanctuary as an altar boy. Service around the holy table is a wonderful gift to Our Lord. Please speak with Fr. Dennis or Christopher Willingham at 831-688-6383 if you are interested in serving.

Epistle Guild

Members of our Epistle Guild volunteer their time to read the epistle or old testament readings for many of the holy services, especially the Divine Liturgy. This is a vital and important service to the church, as the holy services are not conducted solely by the priest but by both the clergy and the laity. The term liturgy means "work of the people." All men or women are asked to consider joining the Epistle Guild. Contact Fr. Dennis at 831-429-6500.

Parish Council

Serving on the Parish Council is the means by which devoted lay persons assist and aid the parish priest in fulfilling the aims and purposes of the parish to keep, practice and proclaim the Holy Orthodox Faith. Parish Council members serve as role models for fellow parishioners. They lead by example by attending church and parish events, and regularly participating in the sacramental life of the church. At Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church the members of the parish council are elected for a three year term. The Parish Council President for 2012 is Sophie Moore (831-428-1110).

Philoptochos

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Society is the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Philoptochos literally means "friends of the poor" and its holy mission is to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family, to perpetuate and promote our Greek Orthodox Faith and tradition.
Our Philoptochos Chapter is involved here in Santa Cruz to aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry and is ever ready to offer assistance to those in need. Women of all ages are encouraged to join this important ministry of the church. For more information, contact the Philoptochos President, Annie Gouskos at 831-234-5471

Greek School

The goal of the parish's Greek School is to teach the modern Greek Language, as well as other cultural elements such as religion, history and mythology. The classes are held between January - May. The cost is $200 per student and is open to adults and youth, of Hellenic background or not. If you need more information, please contact our instructor, Joanna Stebbins, at 831-462-1070 .

Orthodox Christian Fellowship

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official collegiate campus ministry program under the various Orthodox jurisdictions. Their mission is to support fellowships on college campuses, whose members experience and witness to the Orthodox Church through community life, prayer, service to others and study of the Faith. The OCF contact on the campus of UCSC is Vladimir Howry. You can contact Vladimir at jhowry@ucsc.edu.