10/16/2026
𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗟 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆
(Toronto, Ontario) As an essential component of this new Archdiocesan initiative, His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos of Canada calls upon every parish and ecclesiastical community of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada to establish and actively support two new national ministries.
GOYAC — Greek Orthodox Youth Athletics of Canada, dedicated to children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17, seeks to integrate Orthodox Christian spiritual formation with organized athletics, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other recreational activities, cultivating Christian character, discipline, teamwork, friendship, and mutual respect.
GOYAL — Greek Orthodox Young Adult League, dedicated to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, seeks to strengthen their relationship with Christ and His Church through spiritual enrichment, athletic participation, Christian fellowship, leadership development, cultural activities, and philanthropic service.
Both ministries constitute integral expressions of the pastoral, educational, and missionary work of the Archdiocese and shall operate under the spiritual authority and guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos.
Every parish and ecclesiastical community shall establish these ministries under the spiritual leadership of its parish priest and in close collaboration with its Parish Council. Together, they shall identify and encourage dedicated young people who demonstrate a sincere commitment to the Orthodox Church, leadership potential, organizational ability, and a willingness to serve.
A qualified individual shall be designated as Parish and Community Youth Director, assuming responsibility for coordinating both GOYAC and GOYAL locally, under the spiritual guidance of the parish priest and in cooperation with the National Youth Director of the Archdiocese.
The name and contact information of each designated Youth Director shall be communicated to the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry, establishing a unified national network of youth leadership, pastoral cooperation, and effective communication.
GOYAC and GOYAL activities shall take place once a week, on a day that best suits each parish and ecclesiastical community. Church and community facilities shall become welcoming centers of spiritual formation, athletic and recreational participation, mentorship, cultural enrichment, and philanthropic engagement.
Activities shall be organized according to the distinct age groups and pastoral needs of participants, with appropriate supervision and safeguarding standards. These gatherings will provide opportunities for young people to strengthen their relationship with Christ, establish enduring friendships, and experience the Church as their spiritual home.
His Eminence emphasizes that the establishment of GOYAC and GOYAL constitutes an immediate pastoral priority. Every parish priest and Parish Council, together with community leadership, is therefore called to undertake the necessary preparations without delay, identify its local Youth Director, and initiate the weekly programs as soon as possible.
His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Deacon Christos Bourolias as National Youth Director of the Archdiocese.
The National Youth Director, in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry, the regional spiritual advisors—Rev. Fr. Christian Vela (Ontario and Manitoba), Very Rev. Fr. Nikodimos Kodogiorgakis (Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick), and Rev. Fr. Timoleon Prattas (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta)—and Youth President Katerina Sclentzas, shall provide guidance and coordination to support the development of these ministries across Canada.
His Eminence congratulated the newly appointed National Youth Director, the spiritual advisors, and the Youth President, extending his paternal blessing and prayers for a fruitful ministry.
Speaking on this important initiative, His Eminence Archbishop Apostolos of Canada stated:
“Our children and young adults are not simply the future of our Church; they are an indispensable part of its present life and sacred mission. Their spiritual formation and active participation in the ecclesiastical community constitute one of the foremost responsibilities of our Archpastoral ministry.
Through GOYAC and GOYAL, we seek to bring our younger generations closer to Christ and His Holy Church through Orthodox spirituality, athletics, Christian fellowship, mentorship, and service.
I therefore call upon every parish priest, in cooperation with the Parish Council and community leadership, to embrace these ministries with dedication and a renewed sense of pastoral responsibility, encouraging capable young people to assume leadership roles.
It is my heartfelt desire that, once a week, our churches and community facilities throughout Canada become vibrant centers of Orthodox Christian fellowship, spiritual enrichment, athletic participation, and meaningful engagement.
We must reach out to our young people with paternal love, welcome their aspirations, cultivate their God-given talents, and entrust them with responsibilities through which they may discover the joy of belonging to Christ and His Church.
Let us begin this new chapter of youth ministry without delay, united in faith and inspired by our common responsibility to nurture faithful Orthodox Christians who will serve the Church, our Hellenic heritage, and Canadian society with integrity, compassion, and love.”
Through this coordinated national effort, GOYAC and GOYAL shall become an enduring expression of parish and community life, strengthening the bonds between younger generations and the Orthodox Church throughout Canada.
Press Office
Archim. Evdokimos Mathioudakis
October 13, 2026
