Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference to Be Held in Seattle for First Time

2024 YAL Conference. Photo: Allen Altech Photography

SEATTLE, WA — The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) is scheduled to host the 2025 YAL Conference over Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2025) at the Seattle Marriott in Bellevue. This year marks a historic first, as the annual event comes to the Pacific Northwest.

Open to Orthodox young adults ages 18 to 35, the conference offers a new setting for participants to gather, grow, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Against the backdrop of Seattle’s natural beauty and vibrant Orthodox presence, the weekend promises a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience grounded in YAL’s Four Pillars: Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship.

“It brings me great joy to see the continued growth and expansion of the YAL Conference over the past six years,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I look forward to this event each year and witnessing the spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth of our young adults as they progress in their careers and lives. Having this ministry available to our young adults is vital to their ongoing involvement in the Church.”

This year’s theme, RENEW, calls participants to spiritually recharge, re-engage with their Orthodox identity, and recommit to life in the Church. With programming designed to meet young adults where they are—whether in college, early career, or professionally established—the conference promises personalized content and opportunities for growth.

“Our goal is to build on the legacy of YAL in the Metropolis of San Francisco while responding to the spiritual hunger of today’s young adults,” shared Conference Co-Chairs Joseph Dumont and Eva-Marie Kailas. “Through the Four Pillars, we are creating a space where Christ is at the center and every moment—from workshops to worship—is an invitation to grow closer to Him.”

Vice-Chair Julia Pappas added, “This year’s format will offer something meaningful for everyone, with renewed opportunities for faith-based discussion, mentorship, and connection at every level.”

The 2025 YAL Conference will feature:

• A new conversation format tailored by life stage—college students, young professionals, and established professionals—to foster relevant and faith-driven discussion.
• Panel conversations connecting Orthodox teachings with real-life challenges.
• Worship and sacramental life, including Divine Liturgy, Orthros, confession, and personal prayer, will remain central to the weekend. The conference is under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, with Fr. Nicholas Metrakos serving as Spiritual Advisor, offering ongoing pastoral care and guidance to the team and participants.
• Service and outreach opportunities that allow attendees to embody Christ-like love in action.
• Fellowship events and excursions designed to create lasting friendships and genuine community.

Of course, the weekend will also include fun and memorable social gatherings. Attendees can expect late-night hangouts, waterfront excursions, and vibrant local activities that reflect the energy of the YAL movement and the unique charm of the Seattle area.

2024 YAL Conference. Photo: Allen Altech Photography

The event is organized by a dedicated planning team of young adult leaders from across the Metropolis, with guidance from YAL Advisors Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis, “whose leadership continues to shape the ministry with faith, experience, and vision.”

The 2025 YAL Conference is made possible through the generous support of Leadership 100 and private donors whose commitment ensures the continued growth of young adult ministries.

To stay updated or register, follow @yalconference on Instagram or contact the planning team at registration@sfyalconference.org. More information can also be found at the official conference website here.

Previously, UOJ reported that His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos has called Orthodox Christians on the New Calendar to deepen their prayer, fasting, and unity during the Dormition Fast.

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