Orthodox Young Adults Unite in Nation’s Capital for 2025 Connect Conference

This year's Connect Conference concluded in Washington, D.C. this past Sunday. Attendees are pictured at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

WASHINGTON, D.C. — From Oct. 3–5, 2025, Orthodox Christian young adults from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at the JW Marriott in the heart of the nation’s capital for the annual Connect Conference, a weekend designed to foster connection, spiritual growth, and cross-jurisdictional fellowship.

Friday’s kickoff featured a warm welcome, an icebreaker to get attendees mingling, and evening Vespers led by Fr. Paul Lundberg, the conference’s Development Coordinator. The night concluded with a lively social event at Clyde’s Restaurant in downtown D.C., setting the tone for a weekend of meaningful connection and joyful interaction.

Attendees were welcomed to the 2025 Connect Conference on Friday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

Saturday’s programming centered on faith and engagement, with thought-provoking talks by speakers Fr. John Parker, Katrina Bitar, and Daniel Bein. In the evening, Fr. David Subu – joined by Deacon Ken Liu of Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM) – led Vespers and brought with him the relics of St. Olga of Alaska, blessing attendees with the opportunity to venerate the beloved American saint. The service, enhanced by a choir led by Subdeacon Nicholas Jones, offered a prayerful close to a day rich in spiritual reflection. Festivities continued with dinner and dancing, offering time for connection and celebration.

A holy relic of St. Olga of Alaska was brought to the conference for veneration. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

Sunday’s final day began with Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. After worship, the group gathered for a final talk by Katrina Bitar and closing remarks. Spyridoula Fotinis, Director of the Inter-Parish Association, also spoke about the organization’s mission to build unity and cooperation across Orthodox parishes in the U.S.

At the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

Though the conference officially ended Sunday, many attendees stayed for a post-event visit to the Lincoln Memorial, enjoying extra time for fellowship and reflection.

Special thanks were extended to the 2025 planning team – Julia Goussetis, James Thomas, Simeon Brasowski, Fr. Paul Lundberg, Larissa Hatch, Victor Lutes, and Charity Williamson – for their dedication to making the event a success.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Youth Department of the Midwest Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church is excited to announce its first-ever Orthodox youth retreat in Texas.

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