Total Parish Youth Ministry

We often refer to our youth as “the future of the Church.” Simply looking at them as the future has led to an overall decrease in participation of our youth in parish life, most notably liturgical worship. How can our youth become the future without being a part of the present? From the time of our baptism and/or chrismation, we are full members of the Body of Christ. This course will seek to empower participants, as stewards of the Church's youth, to guide our youth towards realizing their membership within the Body of Christ.

Students who complete this course will be able to

Demonstrate an understanding of the integration of Youth Ministry within their parish life.
Brainstorm ways to incorporate Youth into the fabric of parish life and liturgical experience.
Communication of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through one’s approach to Youth Ministry.

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Course Information

Professor
Dn. Greg Abdalah

Dn. Greg Abdalah, a native of the Pittsburgh area, began his college career at Duquesne University studying Music Education during which time he gained theoretical knowledge and practical experience in how children learn, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. During that time, he worked in various positions at the Antiochian Village, applying what he was learning at Duquesne. Following graduation, Dn. Greg worked as the Deanery Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Deanery, organizing and implementing youth programs for the Antiochian churches in the Pittsburgh area. In 2005, Dn. Greg enrolled in St. Vladimir’s Seminary to gain the education needed to continue work in youth ministry, earning a Master of Divinity in 2008. His thesis is titled: “The Role of Youth Choirs in the Orthodox Church.” While there, he was often invited to speak at various camps and youth retreats around the US and Canada. Following graduation, he served as the Pastoral Assistant and Youth Director at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, MA until 2014 when he became the Youth Pastor at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ where he currently serves as the Pastoral Assistant. In 2018 he earned his Doctor of Ministry from St. Vladimir’s Seminary, focused on teaching the Divine Liturgy to our Youth. In 2020, Dn. Greg was appointed to the Doctor of Ministry faculty at St. Vladimir's and named Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology where he focuses on Youth Ministry. He and his beautiful bride Diana are the proud parents of Eleanor and Jonathan.

Course Description

Live sessions: Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. EST (May 6, 13, 20, 27)
Access: April 29-June 30
Course cost: $200

This is a non-credit and non-transferable course. This online course includes 4 live discussion sessions with the professor (Q&A), 4 pre-recorded lectures, 4 presentation slides based on the lectures, and optional reading material, as well as the recorded live discussion sessions. The live discussion will take place via Zoom every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET (May 6, 13, 20, 27). You will have access to all the course material from April 29-June 30.

Discussion Sessions: ~ 45 minutes each, including introduction, asynchronous material review by the professor, and Q&A (you will be able to submit your questions to the professor before each Zoom live discussion session).

Important: After registration, please note that the course will be available from April 29-June 30; during this time you will have access to all the lectures, slides, and reading material, as well as the recordings of the live sessions after they are completed. You will need the username and password that you created to log into the course.

There will be no refunds after April 28, 2024.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and work with the dynamic faculty of St Vladimir’s Seminary.