Midwest Orthodox Youth Gather for Annual Basketball Tournament

CANTON, OH — Orthodox Christian youth from across the Midwest gathered November 6–8 for the annual Midwest Orthodox Basketball Tournament, hosted by St. George Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio. The weekend combined athletic competition with prayer, fellowship, and opportunities to learn about Orthodox history.

The gathering opened Friday with a presentation by Dcn. Paul Najeeb Haddad, Ph.D., on the life and legacy of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. The talk introduced participants to the saint’s contributions to the Orthodox Church and provided a spiritual focus for the weekend.

Saturday was devoted to the basketball tournament, bringing together teams from throughout the region. Players competed while families, clergy, and supporters gathered to cheer them on. Following the games, participants attended Great Vespers and a traditional hafli, sharing a meal and an evening of fellowship.

The weekend concluded Sunday with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, followed by a farewell brunch before participants returned home. The gathering was held under the spiritual leadership of V. Rev. Fr. Michael Corbin.

Organizers described the tournament as an opportunity for Orthodox young people to strengthen friendships, deepen their faith, and build connections across the Midwest. The annual event brings together athletic competition and the shared life of the Church, giving young faithful an opportunity to meet and worship alongside peers from other communities.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Serbian World Cup champions donated a gold medal to a Montreal church.