Parallel Conferences for Related Ministries

In CHrist, We Are One!

In addition to the Clergy-Laity Congress, there are parallel conferences happening during the week in San Diego related to other ministries of the Archdiocese. Information about those conferences is below:

Philoptochos Convention | YAL Conference | Monastic Synaxis |
National Forum of Church Musicians Annual Meeting

2024 Biennial Philoptochos Convention

June 30 - July 4, 2024

Hosted amidst the sun-kissed beaches and dynamic energy of Southern California, this gathering promises to be a celebration of community, compassion, and commitment to service. From engaging workshops and inspiring keynote speakers, the convention offers a unique opportunity for members of the Philoptochos society to come together, exchange ideas, and renew their dedication to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Join us in San Diego, CA as we unite in our shared mission to embody the spirit of philanthropy and create a brighter future of Philoptochos.

2024 National YAL Conference

July 3-7, 2024

Register Today to "Unify"Young Adults in San Diego, CA

Taking place from July 3-7, 2024 at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, the highly-anticipated 2024 National YAL Conference is graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco.

Coinciding with the Biennial Clergy Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Biennial Convention, the National YAL Conference has adopted the theme "UNIFY" in alignment with the Clergy Laity Congress theme, "In Christ, We Are One" (Romans 12:4-5). The conference aims to bring together young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day immersive experience focused on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun. It seeks to strengthen the connections of young adults with the Church and each other as unified members of the Body of Christ.

This year’s National YAL Conference will feature many incredible opportunities to forge lasting and meaningful connections with fellow Orthodox Christian young adults. Schedule highlights include captivating speakers and workshops, participation in select segments of the Clergy Laity Congress, witnessing the renowned San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show, immersive exploration of the picturesque city of San Diego, and will conclude on Sunday, July 7th with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.

The National YAL Conference is blessed to be in partnership with the National Philoptochos Society for the Diakonia Project – a joint philanthropic initiative that is generously sponsored by the National Philoptochos to foster further unity and collaboration across these two incredible ministries of the Archdiocese in a spirit of outreach and service. In addition, the National YAL Conference is grateful for the ongoing financial support of Leadership 100 for the National YAL Conference ministry efforts.

George T. Anagnostopoulos has been appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to serve as the 2024 National YAL Conference Chair. Anagnostopoulos will lead a dynamic Planning Committee, comprised of young adult representatives from various Metropolises of the Archdiocese. Eva-Marie Kailas and Joseph Dumont will serve as Vice Chairs. Executive Committee members are Julia Pappas, Grace Paris, Lenie Tsakonas, Caroline Basdakis, Jenna Cardaras, Elena Guillen, Cassiani Kateyiannis, Aaron Papagalos, Stephania Veziris, Christine Scolinos, Kostas Prevas, Lucas Postolos, Kostantine Ouranitsas, Yianna Papadeas, George Papadeas, and Christos Schwarz. Oversight of this year’s National Conference will be under the guidance of Archdiocese Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM), Eva Konstantakos, along with Conference Advisors Archon Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis and Spiritual Advisor His Grace, Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, National Chancellor.

Download our parish marketing materials for promoting this summer's National YAL Conference within your parish.

Parish Marketing Kit

Follow the National YAL Conference Ministry on Facebook and Instagram @yalnationalconference for future announcements and information.

Annual Archdiocesan Monastic Synaxis

July 1-2, 2024

The annual Monastic Synaxis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is a sacred gathering for monastics to renew their commitment to spiritual growth, communal living, and service to humanity.

It serves as a forum for deepening religious understanding, fostering unity, and collectively addressing challenges within the American monastic community.

Church Musicians Annual Meeting

June 29 - July 3, 2024

NFCM Annual Meeting

The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians will hold their annual meeting in conjunction with the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress. Indeed, “In Christ, we are One!”. The National Forum is the Music Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, whose purpose is to strengthen and perpetuate liturgical music and elevate the worship experience of the Greek Orthodox Church through its liturgical music.

Schedule Highlights

The National Forum will begin its participation in the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress by singing at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 30. The National Forum Reception will be held the evening of Sunday, June 30 at which time the Saint Romanos Medallion, the highest honor awarded within the church music ministry, will be presented by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. There will also be a selection of music performed by the National Forum Choir during the reception. The choir will also sing at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Congress after which the business sessions begin, continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Meeting Agenda

The National Forum meeting will review projects undertaken throughout the year, including the Saint Romanos Church Music Festival, Directors Certification Program, Music Education for Young People, Liturgical Guidebook, Anastasiou Liturgy publication in English as well as updates by the eight Church Musicians Federations which comprise the National Forum.

Workshop for Clergy-Laity Delegates

The National Forum will present a workshop during the Congress, entitled “Creating a Singing Parish” on Tuesday, July 2 at 9 am. This workshop will share ideas for building a parish program of church music that extends beyond the choir and chanters. Participants will also receive information about the various Archdiocese and National Forum materials and resources that are available to assist in incorporating more hymn singing throughout the parish.

All are welcome to join the National Forum during their sessions as they strengtheen and develop this vital Archdiocesan ministry!

For more information, visit the National Forum website.

Contact:
Nick Chimitris
National Chairman