Orthodox Teens Gather for First Sacred Arts Conference

Photo: Mindi Popovich-Schneider/Facebook

SOUDERTON, PA — Orthodox homeschool teens from across the region gathered at St. Philip’s Orthodox Church this past weekend for the inaugural Teen Sacred Arts Conference organized by Saint Emmelia Ministries. The four-day event combined liturgical worship, hands-on instruction, and fellowship in an immersive spiritual setting.

Participants chose focused tracks in iconography or Byzantine chant, while also learning to bake prosphora and knot prayer ropes. Each day included multiple church services, lectures on prayer and inner stillness, and time set aside for community-building. Organizers noted that much of the weekend’s joy—late-night bluegrass music, shared laughter, and new friendships—extended beyond what photographs could capture.

With all 20 spots filled and a waitlist in place, organizers are asking for prayers as planning begins for next year’s conference, with hopes of expanding capacity to welcome more teens seeking to deepen their faith through sacred arts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox homeschooling got a boost with a new liturgical planner. 

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