NATIONAL Y2AM MINISTRY UPDATE MARCH 2025 Beloved in Friends in Christ, As we embark on the sacred journey of Great and Holy Lent, let us take to heart the words of St. Paul: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Lent is a season of spiritual training, a time to refocus our hearts on Christ through fasting, prayer, and acts of love. Just as an athlete endures hardship to grow stronger, we, too, are called to perseverance in our Lenten efforts, trusting that God will strengthen us. May this season shape us into faithful disciples, refining our hearts so that we may more fully embrace the joy of Christ’s victory. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find our latest news for Effective Christian Ministry. In addition, we are excited to share valuable Y2AM and Archdiocesan resources for the coming months, designed to support young people, families, and ministry leaders in their journey toward Christ. We pray these updates will equip and encourage you in your own ministry and spiritual life throughout this Lenten season and beyond. In His Service, Eva Konstantakos Archdiocese Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY UPDATES ECM Online Information Sessions Effective Christian Ministry (ECM) – the Y2AM Department’s official ministry training resource – is here to support all ministry workers (clergy and laity) in meeting the needs and challenges of this generation. Join us for one of two FREE online information sessions (March 18, 2025 or March 30, 2025 at 8pm EST) and to learn how ECM is here to support you through the Online Course and Cohort. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER JOIN THE ECM COMMUNITY – Take the ECM Online Course TODAY! The Effective Christian Ministry Online Course is a self-paced series of video lessons (5+ hours) for anyone who wants to help lead young people to Christ. The ECM online course includes: 13 comprehensive lessons to teach you a new way forward for ministry Workbooks and other valuable downloads and resources Exclusive access to our Facebook group Priority access to upcoming seminars and training opportunities FREE bonus module with additional lessons on various topics   The ECM online course will help you: Set aside confusion and frustration, and establish real clarity in your ministry work Take concrete next steps as a faithful and committed ministry worker A SPECIAL LENTEN GIFT! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP AND USE CODE LENT2025 FOR 25% OFF THE COURSE. Apply for the 2025-2026 Effective Christian Ministry (ECM) Cohort Have you completed the ECM Online Course and want to dive deeper into its content? Is your parish seeking guidance and support to develop or strengthen its youth and young adult ministries? Then, the ECM Cohort is for you! Together, over the course of 9-months, parish teams experience firsthand the Principles and Practices of ECM. The monthly activities, engaging webinars from ministry experts, and the guidance of a highly-trained ECM Coach are meant to help facilitate, by God’s grace, (1) personal spiritual growth, (2) team discernment, and (3) long-term parish ministry transformation. Don’t Miss Out – Apply Today! Cohort Application Deadline is June 9, 2026. With limited spots available, parishes are encouraged to apply early. Visit Effective Christian Ministry official website www.effectivechristianministry.org for more details on the ECM Online Training Course and Cohort Program. CLICK HERE to learn more and APPLY for the ECM Cohort CLICK HERE for the full ECM Cohort Press Release MINISTRY RESOURCES PLANNING AHEAD – Y2AM RESOURCES Great Lent is a busy time of year for all ministry workers. Y2AM is here to provide you with the tools you need to make it easier. The Y2AM Ministry Plan provides parishes with a free, fully developed curriculum designed for engaging monthly youth discussions. Find all you need for ministry from now through the summertime. Y2AM offers a selection of Holy Week Retreats for JOY and GOYA youth groups that are free and ready to download. Finally, do not forget to visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese official website for a wealth of free resources for youth, young adults, families, and more from the various departments of the Archdiocese. Y2AM MINISTRY PLAN HOLY WEEK RESOURCES GOARCH LENT RESOURCES If you know someone who would enjoy these Y2AM Updates, please forward this email to them and encourage them to SUBSCRIBE! SUBSCRIBE HELP US continue to bring young people closer to Christ by equipping ministry workers with the tools and resources needed for parish ministry. DONATE