With the blessing of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the 2026 National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference was held July 1–5, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, hosted by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
Bringing together young adults representing 24 states across the United States and Canada, the Conference provided five days of worship, learning, service, fellowship, and leadership development under the theme “Rise and Build: Claim Your Calling.”
Made possible through a foundational grant from Leadership 100 and the generosity of numerous private donors and sponsors, the National YAL Conference continues to serve as the premier national gathering of Orthodox Christian young adults within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Rooted in the Conference pillars of worship, witness, service, and fellowship, the Conference challenged participants to deepen their relationship with Christ while exploring their unique role in building vibrant parish communities and serving the Church.
The Conference was guided by an exceptional leadership team, including His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, Archdiocese Chancellor and Conference Spiritual Advisor; Eva Konstantakos, National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM); Archon Dr. James Schooley, Conference Advisor; and Alyssa Kyritsis, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
The event was chaired by John Panos, who led a dedicated Planning Committee composed of young adult representatives from each Metropolis of the Archdiocese. Together, these leaders and volunteers spent more than a year preparing and coordinating an experience designed to inspire, form, and unite Orthodox young adults from across the country.
The Conference opened Thursday with remarks from Chairman John Panos and His Grace Bishop Nektarios, welcoming participants to Cleveland and encouraging them to fully engage in the opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership, and fellowship that awaited them throughout the week. Attendees then participated in portions of the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, joining clergy and lay leaders from across the Archdiocese in discussions regarding the mission and future of the Church.
On Friday morning, the Conference began with a breakfast gathering hosted by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The Archbishop’s remarks helped set the tone for the days ahead, encouraging participants to deepen their faith, leadership, and service. Following his address, the Archbishop engaged in a lively Q&A session, during which young adults posed thoughtful and relevant questions, fostering meaningful dialogue on topics important to their lives and the Church.
Following Friday’s Breakfast, young adults participated in a wide variety of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions led by clergy, ministry leaders, and professionals. These sessions explored topics related to faith, vocation, discipleship, leadership, service, relationships, and parish engagement, while inviting participants to reflect on how God is calling them to serve Christ and His Church in meaningful and transformative ways.
A central highlight of the Conference was the annual Diakonia Project, a longstanding hallmark of National YAL Conferences. Conducted in partnership with the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and supported through a generous grant from the National Philoptochos Society, participants assembled 300 IOCC Period Packs containing essential feminine hygiene products for women and girls facing hardship, displacement, disasters, and conflict around the world.
In addition, the 2026 Diakonia Project was able to provide necessary supplies to the Norma Herr Women’s Shelter in Cleveland, OH. The project offered a tangible opportunity for attendees to put their faith into action through compassionate service and outreach.
In addition to worship, learning, and service opportunities, the Conference featured numerous fellowship activities designed to foster meaningful relationships and strengthen the bonds of Orthodox Christian community.
Participants attended a Cleveland Guardians baseball game, enjoyed a spirited Sand Volleyball Tournament at Sandbox Volleyball Club, and shared a meal provided by the beloved Cleveland institution, Swenson’s. Young adults also gathered along the Cleveland waterfront for an Independence Day celebration featuring spectacular fireworks commemorating both the Fourth of July and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
One of the most anticipated events of the week was the annual National YAL Conference Gala. The evening began with a social hour graciously sponsored by Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, creating opportunities for networking, fellowship, and conversations about ministry and educational opportunities. During the Gala, Conference leadership expressed gratitude to the many clergy, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and young adults whose dedication made the gathering possible.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America then offered inspiring remarks on the theme “Rise and Build: Claim Your Calling,” encouraging participants to carry the spirit of the Conference back to their home parishes and communities. The evening concluded with fellowship, music, dancing, and joyful celebration of faith and friendship.
The Conference concluded on Sunday, July 5, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, along withHis Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia and local clergy. As participants prepared to return home, they departed strengthened in faith, enriched by new friendships, and inspired to continue building the life of the Church wherever they serve.
Reflecting on the success of the gathering, Conference leadership expressed gratitude to Leadership 100, the National Philoptochos Society, Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, the many clergy and lay volunteers, and the generous benefactors whose support made the Conference possible. Their continued investment in young adult ministry ensures that Orthodox young adults have opportunities to encounter Christ, develop life-giving relationships, and discover their calling within the life of the Church.
