Orthodox Youth Explore Faith and Identity in Bible Belt Symposium

A Bible Belt Symposium was held at the ROCOR St. Mary of Egypt Church near Atlanta from May 30-June 1.

ROSWELL — From May 30 to June 1, St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (outside of Atlanta) hosted a youth symposium titled “Orthodox Identity in America,” drawing 60 participants aged 18–25 from across the country. The event, organized by the St. Prince Vladimir Youth Association and the parish community, focused on the challenges and opportunities of Orthodox Christian life in the Bible Belt – a region dominated by conservative Protestant traditions.

The symposium continued the themes of Orthodox identity and heritage from the 14th All-Diaspora Youth Congress held in Stuttgart, shifting the focus to the American South, where Orthodox parishes are often few and far between. Attendees included recent American converts and young immigrants from Ukraine and Russia, many of whom are actively building parish life in areas where Orthodox Christianity remains a minority.

Keynote speaker Bishop James of Sonora, himself a convert, shared his personal spiritual journey with the youth. Fr. Peter Markevich of Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, North Carolina, offered insight into Orthodox missionary efforts and youth engagement. Archpriest Andrei Sommer, who organized the symposium, led workshops encouraging youth to become active contributors to parish life.

The symposium concluded on June 1 with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop James, drawing more than 150 faithful. Symposium participants served in the altar and choir, and nearly all present received Holy Communion. Podcasts recorded during the event are available via the St. Prince Vladimir Youth Association’s website.

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