A new online discussion group series for high school students is being launched by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Called “OrthoTalks”, the first series will focus on Lent. This six-part series will help teens in “Cultivating a Purposeful Life” and will address questions like, “Why am I here? What is the purpose of life?”
Father Gary Kyriacou, Pastor of the Metropolis of San Francisco Youth and Young Adult Ministries created this program to provide high school students an opportunity to engage in dialogue with their peers and have meaningful discussions on issues relevant to them while empowering them on their lifelong journey as Orthodox Christians.
“This is an excellent program, and I am eager to see the fruit that it bears. Our teenagers are a special age group, faced with many challenges and navigating through many vulnerabilities,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “We need to listen, love, guide, and educate them so they can discern the path ahead for their lives while retaining their connection to the Church.”
OrthoTalks for Lent begins on Thursday, March 18, and is offered weekly on Zoom through Thursday, April 22, with all sessions beginning at 6:30 p.m. PST.
Father Gary Kyriacou shared, “This is an opportunity for our youth to come together from all over our Metropolis and share, learn and grow in a very unique way. The clergy in our Metropolis has a deep love and genuine concern to help our kids navigate the challenges they face and will encounter. I encourage every High School student to set aside Thursday nights in Lent to come and ask the questions they want answers to.”
Schedule of Topics and Presenters:
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Cultivating an Enquiring Life
Father Peter Dogias – Assistant Priest
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
Redondo Beach, CA
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Cultivating a Determined Life
Father Christopher Retelas – Proistamenos
Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Anaheim, CA
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Cultivating a Committed Life
Father Nicholas Mueller – Assistant Priest
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Oakland, CA
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Cultivating a Confident Life
Father Panagiotis Sotiras – Proistamenos
Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church
Stockton, CA
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Cultivating a Servant Life
Father Christos Kanakis – Proistamenos
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Long Beach, CA
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Cultivating an Authentic Life
Father Jacob Saylor – Assistant Priest
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Scottsdale, AZ
Register today to receive the Zoom link for OrthoTalks for Lent. For more information, please contact Father Gary Kyriacou, Pastor of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
