Orthodox Parishes to Observe Youth and Young Adult Sunday on September 27

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Orthodox parishes across the United States will observe Youth and Young Adult Sunday on September 27, 2026, a day established by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America to encourage the Church’s ministry to children, youth, and young adults. Parishes are encouraged to recognize the observance during the Divine Liturgy or announcements and to take a special collection supporting Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM).

In his encyclical for the observance, Bp. Thomas, Episcopal Liaison to OYM, reflects on the example of Timothy, whose faith was nurtured by his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. “Timothy did not come to faith merely on his own. He was raised in it, with people who were willing to be present, like his mother and grandmother,” Bp. Thomas writes. He calls on Orthodox Christians to remain present in the lives of young people, continuing the work of passing the faith from one generation to the next.

The Assembly established OYM in 2022 as its official agency for youth and young adult ministry, connecting and equipping ministries across the country's Orthodox jurisdictions. Executive Director Dr. Christopher Krampe emphasizes that the organization is intended to support rather than replace parish-level efforts. “We do not exist to replace the incredible, life-giving work you are already doing in your parish. We exist to make sure you are not doing it alone,” Krampe writes.

OYM's initiatives include Ministry Support Coordinators working directly with clergy and youth workers in an increasing number of cities, as well as the Removing the Veil ministry course and The Godparent Project, a video resource for parents and godparents. The organization also sponsors Outdoor Orthodoxy, which helps families and parishes engage with faith and creation through outdoor activities, while the What's Your Ministry? website gathers youth ministry resources from across Orthodox jurisdictions.

Bp. Thomas concludes his encyclical by urging Orthodox Christians to pray for those serving the next generation and to remain actively involved in the lives of young people. Krampe likewise asks parishes to share the encyclical and OYM materials and to support the ministry financially. “Your support helps us keep connecting the youth workers, clergy, and volunteers who show up week after week for the young people in their care, so that fewer of them have to do that work alone,” he writes. Donations can be made through parish collections or directly to OYM.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Orthodox Youth Movement reunion centered on prayer and fellowship.