Athletics

The Athletics Ministry offers the opportunity for athletes to compete in the G.O.A.L. Basketball Program and the Metropolis of Chicago Jr Olympics! Want to compete? Check out the athletics website for more information! Questions? Contact the Athletic Director Joanna Psyhogios at . 

Church Bookstore

The church bookstore at St. John the Baptist continually tries to research Orthodox Christian materials and then make them available in the bookstore. We especially look for new items. One of our greatest source of suggestions comes from our own parishioners. Our bookstore offers a variety of Orthodox Christian books, icons, children’s books, prayers books, lives of saints, books in Greek, coffee, greeting cards, bibles and much more. The church bookstore also has an online presence at: www.sjbbookshop.org.

Church Office

The Church Office is here to serve priests, parish council, parishioners, ministry leaders, employees and staff, visitors, and callers. We welcome Office Volunteers to help. Do you have a little time to dedicate? Are you a college student or a teacher who can volunteer in the church office during the summertime?  Email Angela to be added to our Office Volunteer list.

Iconography

Why Iconography? A Committee that meets to coordinate parish gatherings in order to share inspirational and educational aspects of the meaning and importance of icons within our Orthodox Faith.  Our goal is to create awareness of the importance of Iconography throughout our parish and to inform them of the exciting Iconography initiative taking place in our Guardian Angel Chapel.  For more information please contact Maria Karkazis or at (847)331-8633. Visit also the Iconography page.

IOCC

IOCC Celebrates 26 Years:  

Inspired by Faith, Driven by Purpose

On March 10, 1992, Orthodox Christian leaders came together to form International Christian Charities (IOCC) to be a hand of compassion reaching out to those in need in times of war, civil unrest, natural disaster, and economic hardship.  IOCC is the official humanitarian relief agency of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States of America. Since their first airlift to Russia in 1992, IOCC has grown into a professional relief and development agency serving people in more than 60 countries by providing over $600 million in program services.
IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond.
For additional information and for ways to get involved, visit iocc.org or contact Eva Economy at econoe2@aol.com.

Click here for a YouTube to see a very informative video about how IOCC helps families in Greece.
 

Jr. GOYA

Jr. GOYA is a youth ministry for youth in grades 6th - 8th. Jr. GOYAns will continue to learn about the Orthodox faith and how to apply these teachings in everyday life to become Christ-like. We typically meet every other Tuesday from 7-8:30pm.  For more information, please contact Anthoula Tsiampas or (847) 275.7415.

Building & Grounds

The Building & Grounds Committee oversees all activities associated with the operation, maintenance, safety and security of all buildings, grounds, furnishings and equipment owned by the church, except items expressly the responsibility of another committee.  As needed, the Building Committee assists the Priests and Education Ministries’ directors on matters relating to the building, facilities, and grounds.  Its ultimate responsibility is Taking care of HIS Home.  A Facilities Request Form (FRF) is required for any event or meeting being held at the church facilities.  Click here for the FRF.

Church Library

Welcome back for the Fall 2019 school year!  The Church Library, which is open at your convenience by appointment, has some new acquisitions of Greek Orthodox books for you (and your children!) to check out.  Contact librarian Lambrini Papangelis ().

Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School (Pres-School-7th Grade)

GAODS was founded in September 1999 as an Orthodox Christian preschool. Through God’s grace, GAODS has grown into a Pre-K through Grade 7 elementary school. Our goals are to provide an education that is both academically excellent and rooted in the Orthodox Christian faith, and to lay a foundation for our students’ lives: intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually—that will allow them to reach their full, God-given potential. Contact the principal Irene Robaidek and visit www.gaods.org. With great awe to our great God and with deep reverence toward a Christ-centered child development, the Guardian Angel Orthodox Preschool welcomes you. We are committed to securing a strong spiritual foundation and high learning standards.  Through creative expression, children experience development of their physical, motor, visual, and auditory skills.  The learning curriculum allows for social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth.  Education takes the form of knowledge and truth. As a result, the children grow to be fruitful in every good work (Dewey, Piaget, & Vygotsky). Our goal is to educate the whole child in a program that provides a stimulating learning environment and the opportunity to discover the Orthodox Christian Faith. Our quality program offers a structured curriculum for 3, 4, and 5-year-old children.  Self-expression and socialization are emphasized through music, arts & crafts, stories, fine/gross motor skills activities, and hands-on manipulatives. Academics and socialization, as well as our Orthodox faith, are the focus of our preschool program.  It is our belief that children learn best through engaging exploratory activities. Contact the director, Maria Kroll and visit: www.gaods.org.

Jr. Choir

Junior Choir is for registered members of the Sunday School in grades 6-12. Boys and girls are welcome to join! The Junior Choir chants the Divine Liturgy in the Guardian Angel Chapel every Sunday during the Sunday School year, as well as special services during Great Lent. The mission of the Junior Choir is to teach the youth of our parish the traditional Byzantine music of the Orthodox Church. Click here to email Elena Stavropoulos with any questions. You may also visit the Jr. Choir website here.

Martha & Mary Women's Study Group

Women's group for all ages meets for Orthodox Christian reading, discussion and fellowship. Wednesday mornings 9:45 - 11:15am. Contact Presvytera Irene Rallis.

Philoptochos

“For God loves a Cheerful Giver”

2 Corinthians 9:7

Our Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. John the Baptist welcomes all ladies of our community to join us in continuing the charitable work that began here over 60 years ago.  Our chapter is composed of a vibrant group of women of all ages coming together in sisterhood to accomplish our mission of helping those in need. See our mission statement here.

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Board of Directors

2019-2021

• Kathi Stamatis, President

• Linda Karras, First Vice President

• Maria Moshovitis, Second Vice President

• Tina Psyhogios, Treasurer

• Cathy Tshilds, Assistant Treasurer

• Lena Milissis, Recording Secretary

• Laura Paulus, Corresponding Secretary

• Anthoula Tsiampas, Chapter Advisor

• Maria Bouloulis, Membership

• Angie Gelis, Membership

• Vickie Syreggelas, Membership

• Cleo Pirpiris, Cards

• Pat Kladis, Nursing Home

• Mary Pagones, Nursing Home

• Cathy Athans, Good Samaritan

• Demetra Skoulikaris, Avenues

• Maryann Ralle, Outreach Liaison

• Kathy Pappas, College Outreach

• Nikki Foutris, Prison Ministry

We encourage EVERY woman in our parish to join us in our efforts.  Joining is easy!  Click here to join (or to make a donation online) or contact us at philoptochos@stjohnthebaptistgoc.org or by calling Kathi Stamatis 773-230-2370. 

Pythagoras

Greek School

Our "Pythagoras" Greek School of St. John the Baptist is a student centered school, embracing Greek educational principles and values and it continues to meet the needs of its ever-growing community, representing the latest approaches in learning and language acquisition. For over 55 years our school continues to thrive and achieve its overarching goal: To create an enjoyable learning experience that instills the understanding, enthusiasm and appreciation for the Greek language and heritage while it provides all students with the highest quality of learning. Our hand picked faculty members, with advanced studies in education, are all dedicated and highly competent teachers. They are committed to helping our children develop an understanding of their heritage and cultural identity.

Our children are offered the opportunity to learn about our Greek Orthodox faith, culture, heritage, and language in a safe, nurturing and pleasant environment. Contact the principal Georgia Katsis and visit the Greek School website.

St. John the Merciful

This ministry is a summer-only ministry. It meets every Wednesday during an allotted time period (usually every Wednesday in July) to feed those in need from 4:30-6:30pm. The meals are usually donated by local restaurants or individuals and parishioners/volunteers prepare and serve the meal to our guests. To participate as part of this ministry, please contact Elpida Platis.

Sisters of Faith

The Sisters of Faith is a ministry for young women from 6th grade to 12th grade. Our goal is to have all involved to better love and serve God, our church, our family, and others. We try and meet monthly with a variety of topics and activities. In the past these have included: decorating icons, discussion on media & technology, making artoclasia, book discussion, crocheting scarves, cider and hot cocoa and panel discussion with three presvyteres and more.  Contact Pat Kladis, Katerina Rallis or Angela Sinzianu for more information.

Summer Camp

St. John the Baptist Summer Camp is a 5-day a week, full day program that is offered every June and July on the church campus. Summer Camp has a "Church School" component every morning, followed by a rotation of fun activities including games, crafts, sports, theater, and on some days water games. Each week has a weekly theme taken from the Bible or the lives of the Saints. During the week of Vacation Church School, the Summer Camp runs in the afternoon after VCS. Please contact the Summer Dimitra Anderson or Voula Prosiliakos for more information.

Vacation Church School

Vacation Church School is a 1 week, half day program offered at St. John's every summer for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Each summer a different topic related to our church is presented to the children. The children divide off into age groups and learn from their teachers about the chosen topic. This past summer the topic was Archangels. The children participate in an art activity, along with music, and gym time. Lunch is also offered to the children and they leave each week with various projects they have done throughout the week. The children really enjoy this blessed week together. Save the dates for this year's VCS: June 18 - June 22, 2018! 

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Young

Adult

League

(YAL)

YAL is a young adult ministry serving ages 18-35 through a variety of religious, service, and social opportunities. We have different events each month. For more information and for the 2018-2019 schedule please email Ellena Foutris. This picture is in front of the Archdiocese in New York from the YAL Summer 2018 Trip.