TheLeader VOLUME XXVI ISSUE1 Winter2025 - Flipbook - Page 31
G R A N T S
AT
W O R K
National YAL Conference Funded for $180,000
Leadership 100 funding enabled the National YAL
Conferences and Ministry to offer a transformative and
impactful Conference that remains both affordable and
accessible to all young adults, according to Eva
Konstantinos, Director of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries (National Y2AM) of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America. She noted that it has continued
to be a priority of His Eminence Archbishop
Elpidophoros to revitalize and strengthen the ministry to
the often-underserved young adult population of the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Therefore, it
was the vision of the minstry to reestablish the “National
YAL Conference” to engage young adults in the Church
and to support the rapidly growing young adult ministry
movement across the U.S.
The 2024 National YAL Conference was held July 3 to 7,
2024, in collaboration with the Clergy Laity Congress in
San Diego, June 30-July 4, 2024. and was hosted by His
Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of the Metropolis of
San Francisco. With the guidance and oversight of His
Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia (Archdiocese
Chancellor and Conference Spiritual Advisor), Eva
Konstantakos (Archdiocese Y2AM Director), and
Archon Hon. Steven and Mrs. Stacia Counelis
(Conference Advisors), the 2024 National YAL
Conference implemented the aforementioned project
implementation in the following ways:
Over 300 participants attended this year’s National
Conference. Participants were in attendance from
throughout the U.S. and Canada. Embracing the Clergy
Laity Congress theme, "In Christ, We Are One" (Romans
12:4-5), the National YAL Conference adopted the theme
“UNIFY” - aiming to unite young adults from across the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day
experience centered on worship, witness, fellowship, and
service. The overarching goal of the Conference was to
strengthen young adults' connections with the Church
and each other as unified members of the Body of
Christ.
The 2024 National YAL Conference was planned and
executed by an exceptional group of Young Adult
Leaders representing each one of the Metropolises, led
by Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adults: George
Anagnostopoulos (Chairman), Joseph Dumont (Vice
Chair), and Eva Marie Kailas (Vice Chair).
An Inspirational Keynote Address and Interactive Q&A
Session were given by His Eminence Archbishop
Elpidophoros of America and impactful workshops were
provided to offer YAL Conference participants with
spiritual guidance, formation, and inspiration to live a
life truly unified with Christ.
Upon the conclusion of the Conference on July 8, 2024,
the National Y2AM established the National YAL Board.
The establishment of this Board is a testament to the
progress of the National YAL Conference ministry
efforts of the National Y2AM Department and the
Archdiocese. Moving forward, it is hoped that the Board
will be a driving force in further strengthening and
stabilizing not only the Conference ministry, but for
young adult ministry as a whole. The National YAL
Board held its first meeting on September 24, 2024, and
will begin its work planning for the next Conference, as
well as planning new and exciting initiatives for the
future.
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