St. Gabriel Youth Association
Executive Board
Chair - Deacon Wolde Youhannes Mighty
Vice Chair - Archdeacon Liqe Tiguan Be'de Mariam Jacobs
Tresurer - Saife Mariam Arscott
Secretary - Finote Hiwot Arscott
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Email - orthodoxsgya3@gmail.com
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The St. Gabriel’s Youth Association (SGYA) of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was founded in August 1998 by our late Archbishop Abuna Yesehaq, and revived and reorganized by our Priest and Administrator, Melake Ganet Kesis Tesfa Eyesus in 2011. Melake Ganet Kesis Tesfa Eyesus has worked diligently and consistently with all youths, and has also developed the St. Gabriel’s Youth Association Constitution. The goal of the St. Gabriel’s Youth Association is to inspire and empower all the youths of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. There is an understanding that it is important for the youth to know and understand the laws and structure that make up the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith. Yet still, it is equally just as important to help the youth find a balance between their spiritual life and their social experiences within school and the community. The SGYA strives to create a safe, fun, spiritual and educational environment for all youth, while aiming to teach them responsibility, accountability, courage and compassion. We also aim to teach the youth the power of their voices, the strength and abilities they possess within themselves, and what great achievements can be accomplished when they come together to work as a team.
The SGYA is comprised of a Youth Advisor, Executive Board (E-Board) and all youth members. The association’s E-Board is made up of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer and historian. SGYA meetings are held every month, with a meeting held once a quarter designated to for all youth members to attend. SGYA meetings are held in order to discuss and plan future events and activities, community service initiatives, and fundraisers in an orderly fashion. Although the meetings are carried in a formal and structured setting, there is always allotted time where members will have the opportunity to express themselves freely, ask questions and address concerns.
The SGYA works progressively to make sure that all youths are advised on the structure and hierarchy of the church, and that respect is to be maintained for the Priests, Deacons, leaders, the elders, and each other. The SGYA seeks to develop well-rounded, confident and progressive youths, who can take their rightful place in the church and their communities. The objective of the SGYA is manifold, and includes developing leadership for tomorrow. We look to build skills in each youth such as public speaking, organization, upholding responsibilities, diligence, communication, tolerance, and being firm in their faith as Orthodox Christians. All the youths within the SGYA are expected to fulfill responsibilities and contribute within the church. These attributes should naturally filter out into areas such as school, family, work and the society. As Our Holy Lord and Savior, Eyesus Kristos says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matt.5: 16) With this intent, our youths will be well prepared to face the world, take the torch and lead our church firmly into the future.
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Friday Youth Nights : 6-9pm at 35 Cleveland Street Orange, NJ 07050
Meeting every Friday, Except the 3rd Friday of each month
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Bible Studies– the Deacons spearhead teaching the bible to all the youth and answer questions using other books of the church to supplement understanding.
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Bible Trivia– from Genesis to Revelations, the bible is presented in a way that is both spiritual and educational and fun as well.
Kidase (Liturgy) Studies– youth are taught the order of church, service and the chants.
Mezmur (Hymns) Practice– each week the youth are given selections pertaining to the major holidays and holy days pertaining to the week.
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Educational Sessions– youth are taught about different aspects of life to help maintain their ability to sustain as an individual in society, such as, scholastic enrichment, sports involvement, job placement, health prevention and practices, law, extracurricular participation, communication, respect for others, etc.
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Game Night– youths of all ages come together and play multiple games, whether new or old or invented.
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Movie Night– youth are given the opportunity to pick movies and come together and watch. Movies are geared towards the younger youth, so it can be viewed by all.
Workshops
Professional & Education Workshops– workshops are implemented geared towards academic success, communication skills, and future endeavors, including, but not limited to, resume building, mock interviews, mentor/mentee relationships, Q&A and guest speakers presenting on specific lessons.
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Back to School “Spiritual Power Pack” Workshop– annually, the youth will be provided with school supplies, spiritual and educational material. Information provided, for example, are pertaining to scholarships, intern/externships, financial aid guidance, emergency/health information, as well as, an orthodox prayer pamphlet.
Retreats
Annual Summer Family & Friends Youth Outing (Funplex & Splashplex)
Annual Fall Fruit Picking (Califon Farm Market & Orchards)
Fundraisers
SGYA Baked Goods Sale– designated Sundays each month, the youth bake goods and sell.
Orthodox SGYA T-shirt Sales– shirts designed by the youth are sold to be worn at youth outings.
SGYA presents Afternoon @ the Movies– designated movies are selected and used as a fundraiser.
Community Service Efforts
Hurricane Sandy Relief- provided clothing, perishable and nonperishable items to families dispersed by the hurricane.
Grove Manor Senior Citizen Home– youth provide food and beverages to the seniors yearly. Furthermore, they sing mezmurs, educate seniors about the church and spend time with an individual senior for the day.
Newark Emergency Services NonperishableDrive – provide food items to people in need.
Visionary Trail Blazers– youth volunteer to assist the blind in a myriad of activities for the day.
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Athletics
Our youth are planning to implement sports tournaments by creating teams inviting the community and building relationships.
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