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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
JUNE 19, 2025
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Beloved Friends in Christ,
Summer is a time for rest, renewal, and joyful fellowship—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to prepare for an incredible and transformative ministry year ahead! As young people take a break from their school schedules and work, we remain committed to equipping clergy, youth workers, and parish leaders with the tools they need to engage, guide, inspire them when they come back from vacations and summer camps.
In this email, you’ll find valuable resources designed to do just that – engage your youth and equip your ministries. So, take a moment to explore these offerings and embrace the opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the coming year. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and enthusiasm as we journey forward together – keeping our young people connected to Christ!
In Christ,
Archdiocese National Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team:
National Y2AM Director: Eva Konstantakos
Ionian Village Director: Rev. Fr. Steven Klund
Youth Safety Associate Director: Rhea Ballas
Effective Christian Ministry Cohort Coordinator: Alexis Pappas
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EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY UPDATES
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“I see a whole new perspective and have a much closer relationship with Christ due to the ECM experience.”
— Survey Respondent
The Results Are In!
Our 3rd Effective Christian Ministry (ECM) Cohort concluded with eight Parishes, each paired with a trained ECM Coach to guide them through the Principles and Practices of ECM. Throughout the year, monthly activities—rooted in God’s grace—supported:
- Personal spiritual growth
- Team discernment
- Long-term parish ministry transformation
At the final Summit, each parish shared one of their five ministry goals that they are most excited to implement. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the dedication and guidance of our 2024–25 ECM Coaches, led by the ECM Cohort Coordinator, Alexis Pappas: Angela Ferriera, Presbytera Sarah Ickes, Peter Savas, and Nicolas Al Khoury.
What Participants Valued Most
To date, nearly 30 parishes have participated in the ECM Cohort. As in previous years, we engaged an independent surveyor to evaluate the Cohort experience. The results were encouraging and insightful. Survey respondents highlighted several ECM practices and principles as especially impactful:
- Setting SMART goals
- Beginning meetings with silence and stillness, creating a spiritually grounded and intentional environment
- A renewed emphasis on “Christ over programming”
- The ongoing value of monthly reflections and projects
Looking Ahead
“The focus of the initial trainings on real encounter with Christ over mere programming remains the best and most useful principle we have covered, in my opinion.”
— Survey Respondent
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PREPARE FOR THE NEXT MINISTRY YEAR WITH Y2AM RESOURCES
As summer begins, now is the perfect time to gather materials and prepare for another incredible ministry year! To help clergy and youth workers engage and inspire their communities, we are excited to share a variety of resources—some available now and others coming this fall—to support your ministry efforts.
- Supplemental Discussion Guides for the Be the Bee Video Series – Enhance your youth discussions with guides tailored to accompany the popular “Be the Bee” video series. These materials, which will be available September 2025, provide thought-provoking questions and reflections to spark meaningful conversations.
- The Y2AM Ministry Plan – Download one of our free, fully developed curricula designed to foster engaging monthly discussions with youth. Whether you’re organizing summer programs or planning for the fall, this structured plan offers everything you need to strengthen your ministry. We have three Ministry Plans available NOW and a NEW Ministry Plan coming in September 2025!
- The GOARCH Parish Ministry Toolkit – Visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese official website to access a wealth of free resources for youth, young adults, families, and more. With contributions from the Department of Religious Education, the Center for Family Care, and other ministries, this toolkit supports parishes to grow and thrive in their ministries.
- The Effective Christian Ministry (ECM) Training Course – For clergy and lay ministry leaders alike, the ECM online course will help you set aside confusion and frustration, establishing real clarity in your ministry work. This training will also help you take concrete next steps as a faithful and committed ministry worker. Nearly 2,000 students have already signed up for the course!
Remember… we create and offer valuable resources year-round! Explore other downloadable materials at www.y2am.org or check out our various videos on the Y2AM YouTube channel for insights and inspiration. If you do not see a resource that you need, contact us at y2am@goarch.org. |
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UPDATES FROM IONIAN VILLAGE!
It’s already been an eventful season for Ionian Village.
IV Next is for participants who have completed one year of college or vocational school and up to 25 years old. This year’s IV Next program of 42 young adults was led by Olivia Stevens (4-Time IV alum) with her parents, Fr. Elias and Pres. Kasandra. Participants took an incredible 10-day journey through Greece and the Orthodox Christian faith.
While numerous colleges and universities offer study abroad programs in Greece, and our diaspora offers similar opportunities for young adults to explore this beautiful country, IV Next stands out as the sole travel-based program for young adults that places our Greek Orthodox faith at its very core. IV Next uniquely combines professional development, international travel, and the Orthodox Faith into a comprehensive and enriching experience.
Check out this VIDEO from the IV Instagram account. Follow Ionian Village on social media @ionianvillage or visit their website www.ionianvillage.org so that you can witness some of the highlights of the IV Next experience. |
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WHY SHOULD PARENTS SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SUMMER CAMP?
Attending an Orthodox Christian summer camp is more than a retreat—it’s a transformative experience that deepens faith, builds lasting friendships, and nurtures the soul. Campers step away from daily distractions to immerse themselves in an environment where Christ is at the center.
Each summer, dedicated clergy and staff create a setting filled with prayer, joy, and love, and community, guiding children toward spiritual growth. Through Divine services, confession, and heartfelt discussions, campers gain a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity and strengthen their relationship with Christ. Yet His presence isn’t limited to moments of worship—it’s found in nature walks, joyful laughter, campfires, and even friendly soccer games. God is present everywhere and filling all things.
Beyond spiritual enrichment, Orthodox Christian summer camps foster profound personal growth. Research shows campers develop greater self-awareness, stronger social skills, and lasting leadership qualities rooted in Christian fellowship. Surrounded by like-minded peers, they form friendships that extend beyond summer, supporting one another in their faith journey.
Though camp lasts only a week or two every year, its impact resonates far beyond that time. Camp isn’t an escape from reality—it’s a glimpse of the world as God intended, a reflection of His Kingdom where faith is lived and shared. The lessons and spiritual bonds formed are carried home, enriching families and parishes so young Orthodox Christians continue growing in Christ.
By sending their children to an Orthodox Christian summer camp, parents give them an invaluable gift—the chance to experience the Church in its fullness, deepen their faith, and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
Click the button below for a full list of the camping ministries of our Archdiocese.
PHOTO: Camp Emmanuel – Metropolis of Denver
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE NATIONAL YOUTH SAFETY DEPARTMENT
The Department of Youth Safety offers weekly Office Hours during the Summer. It is a good time for you and your parish to get a jump start on the new ministry year in September. You don’t need to stay long — just drop in to get your questions answered and set off on the right track. Below are both June and July Hours.
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JUNE YOUTH SAFETY OFFICE HOURS
(Thursdays, 3 pm Eastern)
(Thursdays, 8 pm Eastern)
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JULY YOUTH SAFETY OFFICE HOURS
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Are you registered to serve as a Youth Worker?
- Register and Update Registration info – each year
- Screen with a Background Check – every two years
- Train by completing the Online Training assigned – every year
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YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES (YAL)
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National YAL Board & Conference Ministry
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 2026 National YAL Conference is set to take place July 1-5, 2026, in Cleveland, OH.
Held every two years alongside the National Clergy Laity Congress, the National YAL (Young Adult League) Conference brings together young adults ages 18-35 for an inspiring and impactful experience of worship, witness, service, and fellowship – the four pillars of young adult ministry. Planning is already underway for an unforgettable event, with more details coming soon—so stay tuned!
Make sure to follow the National YAL Conference social media so you can stay up-to-date on exciting news regarding the 2026 National YAL Conference, as well as incredible young adult ministry opportunities throughout the Archdiocese. Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM @yalnationalconference. The National YAL Board, led by Eva Konstantakos, consists of two young adults from each Metropolis/District as well as the former National Conference Chair, appointed by their respective Hierarchs. This dedicated group of exceptional leaders is actively working on the development of our National Conferences, Parish Young Adult Ministry Guidelines, as well as new initiatives for parish and regional young adult ministry. We cannot wait to share more about their incredible work for the strengthening of ministry to young adults. Learn more about the establishment of the National YAL Board HERE. |
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If you know someone who would enjoy these ENGAGE AND EQUIP – YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES UPDATES, please forward this email to them so they can SUBSCRIBE!
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HELP US continue to bring young people closer to Christ by equipping ministry workers with the tools and resources needed for parish ministry. Consider offering your support today!
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