OCA Announces West Coast Young Adult Summit
Three-day gathering in San Diego aims to strengthen community and spiritual formation for Orthodox young adults, with talks by Bishop Vasily and Fr. Josiah Trenham planned.
SAN DIEGO — Registration is now open for the Diocese of the West’s first-ever Young Adult Summit, scheduled for February 13–15, 2026, in San Diego, California. The event, held with the blessing and participation of His Grace Bishop Vasily, seeks to foster deeper community and spiritual growth among Orthodox Christians ages 18–30.
The summit responds to a growing need for intentional ministry to young adults who, after aging out of church school and summer camps, often find themselves without structured opportunities for continued spiritual formation. Organizers say the gathering will focus on the young adult’s primary calling as a follower of Christ, with discussions on discernment, spiritual life, and the daily practices that shape Christian identity. A service project is also planned.
Participants will stay at the Best Western San Diego Pacific Beach/Mission Bay, within walking distance of St. George Serbian Church, where Friday and Saturday sessions will be held. The program begins Friday morning, with Thursday arrival recommended.
Highlights include time with Bishop Vasily, talks and breakout sessions on vocation, free time in San Diego, an in-person address by Fr. Josiah Trenham, an afternoon service project led by YES (Youth Equipped to Serve), and weekend liturgical services at St. John of Damascus Church in Poway.
The summit will launch an ongoing network of young adults who will continue meeting monthly for support, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.
The event is open to young adults ages 18–30 from the Diocese of the West. Registration is $100 for the summit, which is supported by grant funding, and space is limited.
For questions, organizers can be reached at [email protected].
Previously, UOJ reported that Orthodox young adults united in the nation's capital for the 2025 Connect Conference.
