Parish Ministries
Parish Council
A Parish Council is the administrative body of a Church community elected by its stewards for the purpose of working together with the Parish Priest or Proistamenos in fulfilling the mission and goals of that particular community. The parish council along with the parish priest/proistamenos, represent the communtiy of Sts. Constantine and Helen at various outings sponsored by the Metropolis and ensure that our church runs smoothly so that we can focus on our spiritual growth. Any questions or concerns with operations should be directed the current members of the parish council. You can leave a message for any of our parish council members at the church office @ (815)-963-8625.
Philoptochos
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered eighty years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. The Society was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters through its National and Metropolis Boards and its 26,000 members and more than 400 active chapters, nationwide.
The Philoptochos chapter of St. Helen in Rockford is involved with national and local charities such as St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison NY, food pantries, schools, homeless shelters, and elderly care, just to name a few. The St. Helen's Philoptochos also hold various fundraisers throughout the year that assists in their philanthropic endeavors.
Philoptochos Book Store
The book store has many items great for gifts or to keep for yourself. We have many icons, religious study and self-help books, jewelry, prayer ropes, night lights, bookmarks, and magnets to name a few. All proceeds go toward the charitable works of the Philoptochos.
Adult Religious Education
The Adult Religious Education Program is designed to allow for the study of of the Orthodox Church in a more in-depth manner. There is time at the end of each session to do a questions and answer segment regarding other topics that may arise regarding the Theology and Tradition of the Orthodox Church. Please consult the Church Calendar for the schedule.
Sunday Church School
Beginning in September and concluding at the end of May, the school age children attend Sunday School following Holy Communion each Sunday. The objective of Sunday School is to aid our families in the formation of our youth in the basics of the Worship, Theology and Basic expressions of the Orthodox Church.
Altar Boys
The role of the altar Boy remains a genuine and vital one in the Eucharistic Assembly of the faithful, as well as in other services. He stands ready to serve God in this capacity. It is a stewardship of young men; a service that they offer to God as their regular Sunday offering of talent and ability.
Choir and Chanters
The purpose of the Choir and Chanters is to offer prayers by singing praises to the Lord during worship services. They offer the Liturgical responses during the Divine Liturgies, Holy Feastdays and during Holy Week and Pascha.
Hellenic Dance Troupe of Rockford
The Hellenic Dance Troupe (of Rockford) allows our children to express and uphold our Hellenic culture through dance. One of their main events is performing at the annual Greek Fest, Athenian Night and other events/functions.
HOPE & JOY
JOY & HOPE: (JOY “the Junior Orthodox Youth,” AKA JOY) & (HOPE the “Holy Orthodox Primary Education” AKA HOPE), are programs where our youth/young people gather in a relaxed, social venue to share their experience of being a Greek Orthodox Christian with their peers and to learn how to relate their faith in their everyday experience. This is done through age appropriate interactive activities, discussions, service projects, retreats, social gatherings, and outings, with the guidance of adult advisors. The groups are broken down in the following manner: JOY Grades K-2, HOPE Grades 3-5
GOYA
The mission and goal of GOYA ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation. Grades of GOYA are 6-12th
Greek School
We currently do not have a Greek School Program. In the future/event that there is enough interest, we will be offering a Greek School Program. Enclosed you will find information regarding Greek School.
Greek School is a ministry of our church for youth that wish to study and learn Greek correctly as a second language; much like any foreign language is studied in regular day schools. It is not intended to be a shortcut Greek conversation course. Students are expected to invest time in homework assignments with parental help in order to truly maximize command of the language. Subjects include: Language, History and Culture, Religion, Music, and Dance.