'Apologia' Conference to Bring Orthodox Apologists Together in Arizona

FLORENCE, AZ — The Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas and Uncut Mountain Press are preparing to host “Apologia: A Gathering of Orthodox Apologists,” bringing together Orthodox hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and lay apologists for a conference on defending and sharing the Orthodox faith.

The gathering is scheduled for December 3–5, 2026, at the Windmill Winery and Green Tree Inn in Florence, Arizona, near St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery. Its theme, drawn from 1 Peter 3:15, is “Apologia: Give an Answer to Every Man that Asketh.” Organizers describe the conference as an opportunity for Orthodox apologists and catechists to develop a common approach to apologetics rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers.

Metr. Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia is serving as chairman of the conference. Other participating hierarchs include Abp. Alexei of Alaska and Metr. Neophytos of Morphou, while the speaker list includes Archpriest Josiah Trenham, Archpriest John Whiteford, Archpriest Peter Heers, Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff, Fr. Seraphim Holland, and Constantine Zalalas.

The program will feature talks and roundtable discussions addressing various aspects of Orthodox apologetics and catechesis. A special feature will be the first celebration in English of the feast of St. Cleopa of Sihăstria, along with a visit to St. Anthony’s Monastery. Organizers say the setting in the Sonoran Desert is intended to provide an atmosphere conducive to fellowship, learning, and spiritual encouragement.

The conference will explore a broad range of topics related to Orthodox apologetics, including contemporary challenges facing American Orthodoxy, faithfulness to Holy Tradition, evangelism and missionary work, the witness of the saints and martyrs, and the proper ethos of Orthodox apologetics. It will also examine practical questions surrounding online apologetics and digital evangelism, including how Orthodox Christians should witness to their faith through social media, the spiritual dangers of online engagement, the role of prayer and asceticism in apologetic work, and approaches to presenting and defending the Orthodox faith in the modern world.

The conference has attracted a broad group of Orthodox speakers and online apologists, including Jay Dyer, David Patrick Harry, Alex Sorin, Buck (Seraphim) Johnson, and representatives of several Orthodox podcasts and ministries. Registration information has been offered through Uncut Mountain Press, with organizers noting that accommodations and conference capacity are limited.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Fr. Peter Heers was received into the Romanian Metropolia.