SAN DIEGO, CA – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) shared a wrap-up of the 2024 National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference, held July 3-7 at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, CA. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the gracious hosting by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco, the Conference successfully united young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the inspiring theme ‘Unify.’ This year’s Conference, coinciding with the 47th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Biennial Convention, embraced the theme “In Christ, We Are One” (Romans 12:4-5). The event aimed to fortify young adults’ connections with the Church and with each other as unified members of the Body of Christ through worship, witness, fellowship, and service. Over 300 attendees from across the U.S. and Canada gathered in San Diego for a truly memorable weekend.

In addition to the attendance of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Conference was blessed with the presence of several hierarchs, including Host Hierarch His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, Ministry Spiritual Advisor and National Chancellor His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, and His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos.

The Conference was supported by several private donors whose generosity ensured a transformative experience for all attendees and laid a strong foundation for future National YAL initiatives as an essential ministry of the Archdiocese. This year’s National YAL Conference established key partnerships vital to the Conference’s impact and success, including with Leadership 100 which gave significant financial support.

The National YAL Conference also partnered with the National Philoptochos Society to assemble 1,500 care packages for Your Safe Place and San Diego Rescue Mission – two extraordinary programs in San Diego that support survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, abuse, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The National YAL Conference established another historic partnership at this year’s Conference with Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology (HCHC), who generously hosted and led a Meet and Greet Social Hour for the Conference participants. The Meet and Greet was led by Fr. Patrick O’Rourke, the Dean of Students, Dr. Bruce Beck, the Director of Enrollment Management, and Nick Moutsioulis.

The Conference was honored to have several organizations present as Ministry Pavilion sponsors, including Premium Sponsors Hellenic College-Holy Cross and the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, as well as the National Y2AM Department, Ionian Village, and Orthodox Christian Network (OCN).

George T. Anagnostopoulos, appointed by Archbishop Elpidophoros as the 2024 National YAL Conference Chair, led a dynamic Planning Committee comprised of Vice Chairs Joseph Dumont and Eva-Marie Kailas, and phenomenal group of young adult representatives from the various Metropolises of the Archdiocese: Aaron Papagalos, Caroline Basdakis, Cassiani Kateyiannis, Christine Scolinos, Christos Schwarz, Elena Guillen, George G. Papadeas, Grace Paris, Jenna Cardaras, Julia Pappas, Past Conference Chair Kostas Ouranitsas, Kostas Prevas, Lenie Tsakonas, Lucas Postolos, Stephania Veziris, and Yianna Papadeas.

Archbishop Elpidophoros stated that: “In the realm of this year’s YAL conference, the exceptional leadership of the chairman, George Anagnostopoulos, and the two co-chairs, Eva-Marie Kailas, and Joseph Dumont, has been nothing short of transformative. Their tireless dedication, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to engaging their peers in our Faith have set the stage for a conference that not only met but exceeded all expectations. Through their collaborative efforts and innovative planning, they created an environment that fostered vibrant discussions, meaningful connections, a renewed commitment to our Orthodox Faith, and true sense of purpose among all the young adults who attended. Their exemplary service is a testament to what can be achieved when young leaders who are guided by a genuine passion for community and growth are given the space to thrive and shine. The future of the Young Adult movement throughout our Sacred Archdiocese is certainly brighter because of faithful individuals like George, Eva-Marie, and Joseph, I extend to them my paternal gratitude and blessing!”

Under the guidance of the Ministry Spiritual Advisor His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, Archdiocese Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) Eva Konstantakos, and Conference Advisors Archon Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis, the Conference offered numerous opportunities for attendees to forge lasting and meaningful connections.

Announced at this year’s National YAL Conference was the establishment of the newly-formed National YAL Board, comprised of two young adults appointed by their respective Metropolitans, will serve for a two-year term to assist the National Y2AM Department with improving communication and support amongst existing Metropolis YAL Ministry efforts, the planning an execution of the National YAL Conference every two years, and the creation of new National YAL initiatives. This Board will be under the guidance of the National Y2AM Director, Eva Konstantakos.

Instagram: @yalnationalconference.