Clergy-Laity workshop highlighted pathways for our youth to serve, belong, and lead

During the 2026 Clergy-Laity workshop which focused on integrating and expanding youth involvement—”From Pew to Purpose: Building Pathways for our Youth to Serve, Belong and Lead”—speakers led an interactive conversation between audience members and panelists.

Speakers included Eva Konstantakos, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres, parish priest of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois; Fr. Nicolaos Kotsis, parish priest of St. Nicholas Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Fr. Michael Prevas, parish priest of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California.

Speakers began the session by offering guidance on how to engage and bring youth and young adults into parish life with clear, welcoming entry points for service, relationships, and leadership that are realistic in a parish context, even with limited volunteers. Many parishes have youth and young adults who attend occasionally but don’t yet experience meaningful belonging or ownership in parish life. Participants learned how to design small, repeatable “on-ramps” that connect young people to the liturgical…