On Sunday, October 9, 2023 with the blessing of Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, the Northern New Jersey Youth Commission of the Metropolis of New Jersey held the annual Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover, New Jersey.
Over three hundred area Clergy, GOYAns, advisors, family and friends were in attendance to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the 28 Mr./Miss GOYA participants representing 16 of the area parishes. In addition to the Mr./Miss GOYA Pageant, Metropolitan Apostolos offered 15 Northern New Jersey Youth Commission Scholarships to recent GOYA graduates in recognition of their tremendous accomplishments in both their schools and their local Greek Orthodox community.
In his remarks the Metropolitan congratulated all of the youth participants for their many achievements and successes in their lives. Metropolitan Apostolos praised the beautiful speeches offered by all the finalists, in which they recognized the importance of family, most especially “Yiayiades and Papoudes,” their parish community and their local GOYA in their lives, as it is through these positive influences they have grown in the faith and grown closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Pageant culminated with the announcement of Sophia Chatzopoulos of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Asbury Park (Ocean), New Jersey as the 2023 Miss GOYA and Lucas Estelas of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church as the 2023 Mr. GOYA.
Source and photo: Goarch