Today, July 4, 2024, a session entitled “Youth and Young Adults in the Church” concluded the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress’s ministry panels. The panel was coordinated in conjunction with the National YAL Conference, which is also meeting in San Diego this week. Members of the YAL and Clergy-Laity Congress discussed the role of young adults in our parishes from the point of view of clergy, parish leaders, and most importantly, the youth themselves, insisting that we must attend to the reality of our young adults’ experiences and needs. Centered around the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress’s theme “In Christ, We Are One,” the panel fostered a compelling dialogue on enhancing the ministry to and involvement of young adults in the Church – transcending generational gaps to forge robust Orthodox Christian communities.
Speakers Rev. Fr. Alexandros Petrides, George Anagnostopoulos, Anna Teodosiadis, and Eva Konstantakos offered decades of experience in youth and young adult ministry to their audience: Fr. Petrides as chair of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Youth & Young Adult Commission and founding chairman of Chrysostom Academy2024 National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference and Chairman/Young Adult Advisor to the Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference; Teodosiadis as Metropolis of San Francisco Youth & Young Adult Parish Ministry Advisor, Youth Director for Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, and Field Representative for Hellenic College Holy Cross; and Konstantakos as the current National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Discussion focused on both what young adults gain from participation in parish life and the ways in which youth and young adult ministry can continue to be improved and expanded upon, with both attendees and panelists highlighting the importance of engaging young adult in all parts of the Church. In particular, Fr. Petrides emphasized the power of peer-led, belonging-focused ministry; similarly, Teodosiasdis stressed the importance of personal, warm invitations to attend events and fellowship. The session’s speakers provided valuable insight into practical approaches for parishes to address the genuine and unique needs of young adults, foster closer connections to Christ, and empower young adults to contribute their gifts and talents in service to their parish communities.
Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman
