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CHICAGO, IL — The National Young Adult League (YAL) Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has formally advanced its governance structure and strategic priorities for 2026, marking an important step in strengthening young adult ministry across the Archdiocese. The Board convened in person January 30-February 1, 2026 at a centrally-located meeting site in Chicago, IL to accommodate members traveling from across the Archdiocese for prayerful discussion, strategic planning, and fellowship as they charted the path forward for young adult ministry nationwide.
Following the in-person board meeting focused on long-term sustainability and national coordination, the Board has moved to implement updated bylaws establishing an Executive Committee to support clarity, accountability, and continuity in leadership. The Executive Committee includes the roles of National Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, with an additional governance and compliance function to support oversight and strategic advisement.
The Executive Committee for the current term will serve as follows:
- National Chair: Lenie Tsakonas
- Vice Chair: George Anagnostopoulos
- Secretary: Aliki Pappas
- Treasurer: Maria Pappas
- Governance & Compliance Advisor: Grant Vlahopoulos
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the National YAL Board is composed of two young adult representatives (ages 18–35) from each Metropolis and District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, appointed by their respective Hierarchs. The Board is overseen by the National Chancellor, His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, together with the National Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM), Eva Konstantakos, and with the support and collaboration of Mrs. Stacia Counelis, the Archdiocesan Council Youth Committee Chair.
Current Board Members by Metropolis/District are as follows:
- Arianna Firpo, Archdiocesan District
- Ariel Livanos, Archdiocesan District
- Nicolas Keenan, Metropolis of Atlanta
- Marika Missailidis, Metropolis of Atlanta
- Stephan Maranian, Metropolis of Boston
- Elaina Stamas, Metropolis of Boston
- Evalina Bournias, Metropolis of Chicago
- Tia Kotsiopoulos, Metropolis of Chicago
- Aliki Pappas, Metropolis of Denver
- Maria Pappas, Metropolis of Denver
- Lenie Tsakonas, Metropolis of Detroit
- Grant Vlahopoulos, Metropolis of Detroit
- Panos Skoutelas, Metropolis of New Jersey
- Natalia Kellamis, Metropolis of Pittsburgh
- Joseph Dumont, Metropolis of San Francisco
- George Anagnostopoulos, Past Conference Chair/San Francisco
The formation of this structure reflects the Board’s commitment to a ministry that is “by young adults, for young adults,” rooted in faithful stewardship, collaboration with the Archdiocese, and long-term leadership development.
“This step is not about hierarchy, but about responsibility,” said Tsakonas. “As YAL continues to grow nationally, we are committed to building systems that ensure continuity, transparency, and meaningful engagement for young adults across every District and Metropolis.”
Central to the Board’s work is a commitment to cultivating future leaders and establishing a clear succession pathway, building a ministry designed not only for immediate impact, but for lasting growth, stability, and continuity within the life of the Church.
In addition to governance development, the Board outlined several key priorities for 2026, including:
- The establishment of a national YAL initiative
- Exploration of pilgrimage and mission opportunities
- Continued expansion and outreach for the National YAL Conference
- Development of a new brand identity, website, and coordinated social media presence
The Board is also working to finalize bylaws, develop a code of conduct and onboarding materials, and strengthen partnerships with Districts and Metropolises to increase access and participation.
The National YAL Board gratefully acknowledges the continued support of Leadership 100, whose commitment to the mission of the Church helps make national young adult ministry initiatives possible.
Through these efforts, the National YAL Board seeks to cultivate a spiritually grounded, organizationally strong, and mission-driven movement that supports young adults in deepening their faith, building community, and engaging in the life of the Church.
Eva Konstantakos, National Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, reflected on the recent in-person meeting and the continued work of the National YAL Board:
“We are grateful to the District and Metropolises of our Holy Archdiocese for appointing these exceptional young adults to the National YAL Board. These faithful and dedicated individuals have shown a deep commitment to strengthening the engagement of young adults within the life of the Church at every level. Their collaboration, sense of responsibility, and shared vision reflect a genuine desire to serve Christ and advance the mission of our Archdiocese. Rooted in the image of Christ the True Vine, their work is not simply organizational, but an expression of their identity as branches abiding in Him, drawing life from Christ as they labor together for the good of the Church.”
For more information about the National YAL and upcoming initiatives, please contact yal@goarch.org.
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