Diocese of Melbourne

* The purpose of this department is to minister to youth workers, young people, and
their families, enabling them to fully experience the Orthodox Faith; to assist the
parishes in creating and sustaining youth adult ministries; and to create resources,
which are disseminated throughout the diocese.

* The department will focus on general youth problems and provide a structured
outreach program to nurture and reunite the “lost sheep” of the Diocese.

* The department will be instrumental in the running and overall support of COYA
and St Paul’s youth and any other youth related programs that will be established
in the future.

* The department will also be instrumental in the running and coordinating of:

  - Youth conventions

  - Youth spiritual outings

  - Youth spiritual retreats

  - Youth functions to recognize their achievements

  - Diligent youth of the month rewards program

  - Youth mentoring & encouragement programs

  - Youth guidance and counseling

  - Organize community service programs for youth

  - SMS communication program to keep in touch with all youth

* COYA is a Diocese-wide organization to assist and support the churches of the
diocese to serve the needs of Coptic Orthodox youth on a spiritual, physical,
emotional, educational and social level within the four COYA departments
1)IT, 2)Strategic & Planning,   3) Spiritual,   4) Social.

* It shall be COYA’s commitment to assist all youth in the Diocese of Melbourne
and Affiliated Regions to be empowered to live model Christian lives and through
this become successful members of  mainstream society

* It shall also be the mission of COYA to broaden the ministry of the Coptic
Orthodox Church to other communities, offering hope through a multitude
of services, developing leadership, and influencing public policy and debate
on issues of relevance to Christian interests.

  - Responsible for serving the needs of all youth

  - Need a revival of COYA

  - Need to re-nominate COYA candidates through application structure

  - Review COYA constitution

  - Plan to re-launch COYA once the act of parliament takes effect

* St Paul’s Youth: The aim of St Paul’s Youth is to encourage and develop the
spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and emotional skills of young people within
our Diocese so that they may assume constructive roles within their local societies
as responsible citizens and as member of their local Coptic Orthodox communities.

* Future objectives for St Paul’s Youth:

  - Appoint two reps from each church to assist with the work of St Paul’s youth

  - Develop a recruitment program to ensure all new youth are encouraged to join

  - Organize St Paul’s youth visitation program to visit and give company to the
elderly and attend to their needs

  - Recognition program for achievements