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

July 2, 2026 · 1 min read

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…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Надежда Морозова

In Samara, we also tried to arrange “small entry points” - for example, after the service, young people help distribute coffee on the table. But it doesn’t always work out, as you describe: “realistically within the framework of the parish.” How do you support those who do not want to take responsibility right away, but only observe?

Алексей Семёнов

In Samara, as here in Nizhny, after the service, coffee on the table is a common starting point. But we added a card to each cup asking: “What did you notice today?” The young people first answered, then began to ask questions to others. Do you have someone in Samara who helps with such cards?

Стефан Марков

In Varna, we also tried to run coffee after the liturgy, but when the young people just handed out the cups without choosing a task, they soon started to leave. Now we let them choose one small chore a week — stacking the cups or taking orders — and you can see that things feel more real when it's their choice, not just an obligation.

Марина Морозова

In Krasnogorsk, we also tried it with coffee after the service, but only when the senior volunteers themselves suggested that the guys take turns preparing the cups - not “help everyone,” but “today you are responsible for the cups.” At first they didn’t want to, but then, as Father Victor said, “seven times eight and you’ll get used to it.” How are things going in Samara with such small steps?

Ольга Смирнова

Here in Samara, in the Church of St. Nicholas, they also do this - after the service, the girls from the youth group take turns pouring tea into cups, and Father John says: “Seven times two - and you’ll get used to it.” True, we don’t have coffee, but tea, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to keep it.

Борис Илиев

My daughter also helped in the church cafeteria, but when she started stacking the cups herself instead of just handing them out, she started coming every Sunday. What exactly made her choose this task?

Роман Зайцев

In Rostov, we also sometimes hand out coffee after the service, but we noticed that those who just stand and watch most often begin to approach when they see that no one is rushing them. The main thing is not to put pressure, let them just stand next to you a couple of times. Have you tried in Samara to simply leave a separate table with tea for them without any tasks?

Евгения Комарова

In Tula, after Sunday service, we also started with such little things - one guy is responsible for putting the prosphora on plates, the other for the water. At first they refused, but now they come up and ask what’s going on this week. Marina, in Krasnogorsk, after you got used to the cups, did you try to give them something more complicated, like preparing the church for services?

Андрей Смирнов

In Tula, coffee also helps after services, but cards with questions are a fresh idea, thank you. We’re just talking for now, but “What did you notice?” It will definitely make young people look a little more carefully at the service. Who prepares these cards for you - the youth themselves or one of the elders?

Тамара Семёнова

In Munich, too, after the liturgy, people gather for coffee and cookies, but the cards really help. Our youth prepare them themselves under the guidance of their mother, who used to work as a teacher, like me. Have you already tried asking such questions in Tula or are you just planning to?

Константин Козлов

In Yaroslavl, after the service, coffee and pies also bring everyone together, but we haven’t tried the cards yet. The youth themselves prepare them - a couple of guys from the choir take the topic of the Gospel and come up with 4-5 simple questions. Andrey, how many young people in Tula usually stay for these conversations?