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Young adults convened in Cleveland for the 2026 National YAL Conference

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

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 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…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Χρήστος Μακρής

It is good that they went and listened to the discussions of the Clergy-Laity Congress. John Panos and Eva Konstantakos talked about how young people can help in the parish – this is exactly what we need in our villages. I hope they bring something practical back to Cyprus.

ريتا حداد

Καλό που άκουσαν τον John Panos και την Eva Konstantakos για το πώς οι νέοι μπορούν να βοηθήσουν στην ενορία. Συρία οι νέοι λείπουν πολύ από τις ενορίες, ίσως να ιδέες για το πώς να τους φέρουμε πίσω. Ελπίζω να μοιραστούν κάτι πρακτικό μετά.

Νίκος Μιχαηλίδης

I agree, Christos, the practical part is the most important. Here in Athens, we often see that the young people only talk if they don't find something concrete to do in the parish, such as organizing groups or helping with catecheticals. I hope they tell us exactly what they plan to implement.

سمير خوري

Yes, Rita's words are useful. I heard from a friend who attended the pannel that Eva said that the first step was to invite young people to participate in simple tasks such as organizing trips or helping in the kitchen after Mass. Maybe try this in Syria?

Αντώνης Κωνσταντίνου

I agree Christos, practicality is what counts. Here in Thessaloniki we have seen that when young people take on something specific like maintaining the church garden or providing technical support at events, they stay and don't leave after 25. What exactly could be done in the villages of Cyprus, do you have any idea?

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

I agree, Antonis, this particular project keeps the world going. In the villages of Cyprus, something simple like organizing a group to pick olives for the monastery or digitally recording the old photos of the church might have worked. What do you think, would the young people there catch it?

Νίκος Αναγνώστου

I agree, Niko, practicality is what keeps the kids. Here in Limassol, I see that when we get them to help out fishing for flounder or organize something as simple as a youth chess tournament, they stay. What do you say, have they said anything specific about Cyprus?

Κώστας Παπαδόπουλος

Yes, Antonis, the practice works everywhere. Here in Patras we have young people who help with the electrical installation at the parish festivals and then stay for coffee and football. In the villages of Cyprus, maybe they should try something with drones to monitor the fields of the monastery? Would that appeal to them?

طوني معلوف

Yes, Eva's idea is very practical. In our church here in Beirut, we began asking young people to help arrange the coffee tables after Mass, and they began to feel that they were part of the activity. Have you tried something similar in Syria or are you still at the beginning?

Πέτρος Σταθόπουλος

I agree Niko, without tangible tasks young people get bored quickly. Here in Larissa I see that when we give them to organize something simple like a bike ride with a prayer and then a treat, they stay and bring friends too. Which team have you seen working better in Athens?

Μιχάλης Αθανασίου

Niko, you are right, action works better than words. Here in Crete I see the same with the children who help with the church's electrical system or setting up the chairs for the events. They didn't say anything specific about Cyprus, but if Limassol has such results with chess and philoptoch, maybe we can recommend it to America as well.

Ηλίας Μακρής

I agree Niko, the hand at work is what binds the children to the parish. Here in Thessaloniki, I see the same thing when we have them help with the sound system or set up the cables for the events. I didn't hear anything specific about Cyprus, but tell me, how many guys stay steady after such chess tournaments?

Αντώνης Λαμπρόπουλος

I agree, Elias, the hand at work is the key. Here in Cyprus after the chess tournaments there are usually 4-5 children who start coming to church. How long does this interest last for you in Thessaloniki?