NATIONAL YAL - Newsletter copy:
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce
that the 2024 National YAL Conference will be held July 3-7, 2024 at The Westin Gaslamp
Quarter in San Diego, California, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
and the Metropolis of San Francisco.
This year’s National YAL Conference will coincide with the Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and
National Philoptochos Society Biennial Convention. Embracing the Clergy Laity Congress
theme, "In Christ, We Are One" (Romans 12:4-5), the National YAL Conference has adopted the
theme “UNIFY” - aiming to unite young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America for a five-day experience centered on faith, fellowship, witness and service. It seeks to
strengthen young adults' connections with the Church and each other as unified members of the
Body of Christ.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, a dedicated supporter of young adult ministry initiatives
within the Archdiocese, shared the following encouraging sentiments ahead of this year's
Conference: “We eagerly anticipate reuniting with our Young Adults this summer at the National
YAL Conference.
“This pivotal ministry stands as an exemplar within our Archdiocese—a testament that thrived,
faced a decline, and then experienced a revival. It was rejuvenated over the past several years
by the impassioned efforts of young individuals nationwide seeking something more. We rejoice
in the resurgence of the National Conference, and witness our young adult ministries across the
Archdiocese emerge as a robust and integral component of national youth and young adult
ministry.”
The event schedule will feature many incredible opportunities to forge lasting and meaningful
connections with fellow Orthodox Christian young adults. Schedule highlights include captivating
speakers and workshops, participation in select segments of the Clergy Laity Congress,
witnessing the renowned San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show, immersive
exploration of the picturesque city of San Diego, a dinner boat cruise, a "Diakonia" service
project, and will conclude on Sunday, July 7th with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.
We encourage the young adults within our community to attend this impactful event. The
Conference includes five days of meals, workshops, transportation, evening events and more!
Conference registration and hotel reservations are currently open. Please visit
clergylaity.org/yalconference to register or contact the Archdiocese Y2AM Department at
y2am@goarch.org for more information. Join young adults from across the country for an
incredible weekend!
To send a donation for the National YAL Conference, please visit
https://www.clergylaity.org/sponsorships. Your gift impacts the current and future members of
our church!
National YAL Weekly bulletin/announcements:
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is
pleased to announce that the 2024 National YAL Conference will be held July 3-7, 2024
at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, California, graciously hosted by His
Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco.
We encourage the young adults within our community to attend this impactful event,
aiming to unite young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
for a five-day experience centered on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun.
Schedule highlights include captivating speakers and workshops, participation in select
segments of the Clergy-Laity Congress, witnessing the renowned San Diego Big Bay
Boom July 4th Fireworks Show, exploring the picturesque city of San Diego, a dinner
boat cruise, and participating in a "Diakonia" service project. Festivities will conclude on
Sunday, July 7th with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence
Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Conference registration and hotel reservations are currently open. Please visit
clergylaity.org/yalconference to register or contact the Archdiocese Y2AM Department
at y2am@goarch.org for more information.