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From the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries/National Young Adult League (YAL):
“With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the GOARCH Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the 2026 National YAL Conference. The Conference will be held July 1-5, 2026 in Cleveland, OH, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
Building on the successes of the 2022 and 2024 National YAL Conferences held in New York City and San Diego, respectively, this year’s Conference aims to provide an even more engaging, interactive, and transformative experience for all attendees. The National YAL Conference will once again coincide with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Biennial Clergy Laity Congress and Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Biennial Convention.
The National YAL Conference aims to unite young adults ages 18-35 from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day experience centered on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun. It seeks to build and strengthen young adults’ connections with the Church and each other as unified members of the Body of Christ.
Mr. John Panos has been appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to serve as the 2026 National YAL Conference Chair. John will lead a dynamic Planning Committee, comprised of young adult representatives from various Metropolises of the Archdiocese, along with the support of the National YAL Board.
“It is an immense honor to be appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros,” said Panos. “I’m excited to lead our Conference and hope to curate a space where young adults engage in meaningful discussions with Clergy Laity attendees and leave with actionable insights to strengthen their roles as laity in their home communities.”
Oversight of this year’s National Conference will be under the guidance of Archdiocese Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM), Eva Konstantakos, along with the support of Conference Spiritual Advisor His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, Metropolis of Pittsburgh Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Alyssa Kyritsis, and Conference Advisor, Archon Dr. James Schooley.
The event schedule will feature captivating speakers, enriching workshops, participation in select segments of the Clergy Laity Congress, exploration of the unique city of Cleveland, active engagement in a “Diakonia” service project, and other exciting opportunities to forge lasting and meaningful connections with fellow Orthodox Christian young adults.
The National YAL Conference is deeply grateful for its invaluable partnerships that make the Conference possible. The National YAL Conference and National YAL Ministries are funded in part by a generous grant from Leadership 100. The ongoing support of Leadership 100 has been instrumental in ensuring the National YAL Conferences remain affordable and accessible for all young adults.
In addition, the National YAL Conference is blessed to be actively engaged in meaningful partnerships with the National Philoptochos Society and Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. Their collaboration and respective contributions to the Conference enrich the overall experience for our attendees and play a crucial role in making the Conference a success.
The National YAL Conference would not be possible without the generous support of countless private donors who champion and support the efforts of the Archdiocese to serve young adults through these types of events and ministries.
Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to apply to be a part of the 2026 National YAL Conference Committee. The National YAL Conference Committee is composed of exceptional young adults from throughout the Archdiocese who assist in the planning and execution of the National YAL Conference. Applications to serve on the 2026 National YAL Conference Committee will be accepted through September 22, 2025.
Apply here.
Conference registration will open in Spring 2026. For updates and more information, follow @yalnationalconference on Instagram and Facebook. For inquiries, contact the Archdiocese Y2AM Department at yal@goarch.org.”
Photo from 2024 National YAL Conference, courtesy of Allen Altchech
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