With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the highly-anticipated 2024 National YAL Conference. Taking place from July 3-7, 2024 at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, this event is graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco.

Coinciding with the Biennial Clergy Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Biennial Convention, the National YAL Conference has adopted the theme "UNIFY" in alignment with the Clergy Laity Congress theme, "In Christ, We Are One" (Romans 12:4-5). The conference aims to bring together young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day immersive experience focused on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun. It seeks to strengthen the connections of young adults with the Church and each other as unified members of the Body of Christ.

This year’s National YAL Conference 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, and will conclude on Sunday, July 7th with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.

The National YAL Conference is blessed to be in partnership with the National Philoptochos Society for the Diakonia Project – a joint philanthropic initiative that is generously sponsored by the National Philoptochos to foster further unity and collaboration across these two incredible ministries of the Archdiocese in a spirit of outreach and service. In addition, the National YAL Conference is grateful for the ongoing financial support of Leadership 100 for the National YAL Conference ministry efforts.

George T. Anagnostopoulos has been appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to serve as the 2024 National YAL Conference Chair. Anagnostopoulos will lead a dynamic Planning Committee, comprised of young adult representatives from various Metropolises of the Archdiocese. Eva-Marie Kailas and Joseph Dumont will serve as Vice Chairs. Executive Committee members are Julia Pappas, Grace Paris, Lenie Tsakonas, Caroline Basdakis, Jenna Cardaras, Elena Guillen, Cassiani Kateyiannis, Aaron Papagalos, Stephania Veziris, Christine Scolinos, Kostas Prevas, Lucas Postolos, Kostantine Ouranitsas, Yianna Papadeas, George Papadeas, and Christos Schwarz. 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 Conference Advisors Archon Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis and Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos.