Greek Orthodox Young Adults to Meet for ROOTED Conference
The 2026 YAL Conference in San Francisco will unite young Orthodox adults for worship, service, and fellowship under the theme “ROOTED.”
SAN FRANCISCO — The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) will host its 2026 YAL Conference over Labor Day Weekend, September 3–7, 2026, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, bringing together Greek Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese for a multi-day gathering centered on worship, fellowship, service, and spiritual growth.
The conference, held with the blessing of His Eminence Metr. Gerasimos of San Francisco, marks a milestone year for the ministry following the establishment of a national YAL Board and the return of the event to the city where the movement originally gained momentum. Organizers describe the theme “ROOTED” as an invitation for participants aged 18 to 35 to deepen their connection to the Orthodox faith. “ROOTED is more than a theme, it’s about creating space for young adults to deepen their relationship with Christ,” said Conference Chair Julia Pappas.
Programming for the 2026 conference will include worship services such as Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Paraklesis, alongside opportunities for confession and personal prayer under the spiritual direction of Metr. Gerasimos and Fr. Nicholas Metrakos, appointed as spiritual advisor. Additional features include a young professionals panel, redesigned discussion formats, service projects in partnership with the Metropolis Philoptochos Society, and social events designed to build community among attendees. “I’m excited to help lead a conference where Greek Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese come together,” said Vice-Chair Anna Counelis.
The event will also feature excursions and evening gatherings across San Francisco, with organizers emphasizing a balance between spiritual formation and community life. Registration opens May 20, 2026, at 6 PM PST.
Updates can be found by following the Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference on Instagram, or by contacting the planning team at [email protected].
Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Vasily led young adults in faith and fellowship.
