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The first full day of the 2026 National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference began with an Opening Breakfast and Ceremony, featuring welcoming remarks from Conference Chairman, John Panos, and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Spiritual Advisor to the National YAL Conference.
Following breakfast, participants joined clergy and lay leaders from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for select portions of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress. This unique opportunity allowed young adults to engage directly in discussions focused on the life, ministry, and future of the Church.
Conference attendees participated in two featured Clergy-Laity panel discussions. The first session, led by Dr. Ann Bezzerides, offered thoughtful reflections and practical guidance for on the status of young adult ministry. The second panel featured Eva Konstantakos, National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, John Panos, Chair of the 2026 National YAL Conference, and Lenie Tsakonas, Chair of the National YAL Board. Together, they explored the role of young adults in parish life, leadership development, and the cultivation of vibrant and sustainable young adult ministries throughout the Archdiocese.
A cornerstone of every National YAL Conference is the Diakonia Project, the Conference’s official service and outreach initiative. Putting their faith into action, participants took part in this year’s Diakonia project in partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). Made possible through a generous grant from the National Philoptochos Society, young adults assembled IOCC Period Packscontaining essential hygiene supplies that help women and girls manage their personal care and health safely. These resources provide essential feminine hygiene products for women and girls facing financial hardship, displacement, natural disasters, and conflict—situations in which access to basic hygiene products can be limited or unavailable.
Following the Diakonia project, attendees gathered for an evening of fellowship and fun at a Cleveland Guardians baseball game at Progressive Field. The outing provided an opportunity for young adults from across the country to continue building relationships while enjoying one of Cleveland’s most beloved community traditions.
The first full day of the Conference successfully combined faith formation, service, fellowship, and participation in the life of the Church, setting a strong foundation for the days ahead as young adults continue to explore what it means to “Claim Their Calling.”
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