With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Organizing Committee of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress is pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for this historic gathering of the Church in America.
The Clergy-Laity Congress will take place June 30 – July 2, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing together clergy, parish leaders, ministry participants, and faithful from across the Archdiocese under the theme “Rise & Build” (Nehemiah 2:18). Convened every two years, the Congress serves as the principal assembly of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, where clergy and laity gather to pray, deliberate, and strengthen the ministries of the Church.
This year’s Congress has been intentionally expanded to welcome the fullness of the Church, providing opportunities not only for official parish delegates, but also for those actively engaged in ministry at the parish level and throughout the Archdiocese.
Registration Categories
Registration is now open for the following participants:
- Delegates and Non-Voting Participants – Official parish delegates and other non-voting participants may now register at a rate of $700.
- Retired Clergy and Presvyteres – In recognition of their continued witness and service to the Church, retired clergy and all presvyteres may register for $200.
New Subsidized Ministry Tracks
A new addition to the Congress this year is a series of specialized ministry training tracks designed to support those serving in key parish ministries. Participants may register for these tracks at a subsidized rate of $200, made possible through a generous grant from the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.
These ministry tracks include:
- Youth Ministry Leaders and Workers
- Choir Members and Church Musicians, in collaboration with the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
- Byzantine Chanters, in partnership with the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music
- Sunday School Teachers and Religious Educators, in collaboration with the Department of Religious Education
These tracks will offer specialized workshops, training sessions, and opportunities for collaboration designed to strengthen ministry at the parish level.
Exhibitor Registration Now Open
The Organizing Committee is also pleased to announce that exhibitor registration is now open. We warmly invite ministries, organizations, businesses, and institutions from around the world to participate in the Congress Exhibition Hall, which will serve as a vibrant gathering space for participants throughout the event.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to share their work, connect with clergy and lay leaders, and support the mission and ministries of the Church in America.
All registration information, including details for delegates, ministry participants, and exhibitors, can be found at www.clergylaity.org.
