Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
YAL 
MISSION AND GOAL OF YAL MINISTRY
The mission of Young Adult Ministry is to cultivate and educate our young adults (ages 18-35), leading them to the fullness of the Faith and likeness of God; by utilizing the four circles of Christian living, Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship, young adults are integrated into the life of the Church, enabling them to become active members of the body of Christ.
The Young Adult Ministry strives to lead all persons to the fullness of the Faith and Likeness of God, through the example of its patron saint, St. Stephen the Protomartyr.
Saint Stephen is the patron saint of the young adult ministry.
His total commitment to Jesus Christ shines as an example guiding the ministry. St. Stephen was one of the first Deacons ordained in the Church. He actively preached the Gospel of Christ in Jerusalem where he was criticized and persecuted by many Jewish leaders.
At a young age, Stephen was chased outside the walls of Jerusalem and was stoned to death. As his persecutors stoned him, he prayed, “Lord do not charge them with this crime,” and he took his last breath. Stephen is an example to be followed -- an important witness from an age when many Orthodox Christians died for their faith.
The witness of Stephen and other martyrs is a challenge which all of us are called to meet. He is commemorated on December 27. More can be learned about St. Stephen by reading the Book of Acts, Chapters 6 and 7.