Garrison, NY - On July 2-3 the National Young Adult Committee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, convened its meetings in Baltimore, MD, prior to the Annual Young Adult Conference. The Committee, which is comprised of two young adult representatives from each Metropolis in the Archdiocese, set out a new course for the future of young adult ministry.

With the blessings and support of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Committee has put much emphasis on leading the ministry in a “new direction”. The Committee, headed by the National Coordinator, Mr. Chris Avramopoulos of Chicago and the Committee Spiritual Father, Father Mark A. Leondis, discussed and implemented the course of growth for national, metropolitan and local young adult ministries. The Committee’s main focus will be to incorporate the four circles of the young adult ministry--Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship--into creating a strong, vibrant young adult ministry within the church.

After meeting with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Committee decided to plan a National Retreat at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, October 10-13, 2003, as well as plan a Pilgrimage to Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2005. Next year’s National Conference will coincide with the Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in New York. However, there will be a new opportunity for young adults to participate in the Clergy-Laity events, educational workshops and forums. This will allow young adults the opportunity to participate fully in the Congress along with other Archdiocesan Ministries and Organizations.

The Committee feels blessed to have had the opportunity to come together to share their strengths and weaknesses with each other. This “New Direction” for Young Adult Ministry is very inspiring, and the enthusiastic Committee is working hard to see it come to fruition.

The following Metropolises were represented: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New Jersey and the Direct Archdiocesan District.

Contact:

Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries