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San Francisco, California | September 3 – September 7, 2026

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) is pleased to announce the 2026 YAL Conference, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3 – September 7, 2026, in San Francisco, California at the Westin St Francis.

This is a year of milestones for YAL as a National YAL Board has been established and the Metropolis of San Francisco conference returns to the city where it all started. The Metropolis of San Francisco offers Greek Orthodox young adults ages 18 to 35 a dynamic new setting to gather, grow, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Framed by the spectacular natural beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area and a vibrant Orthodox presence, the weekend promises a transformative experience ROOTED in the Four Pillars of YAL: Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship.

The 2026 Conference theme—ROOTED—invites a generation coming into its own to lean on the timeless faith, practices and tradition of the Orthodox Church. Whether they are college students, emerging professionals, or seasoned in their careers, young adults will encounter content and community tailored to their stage in life.

This year’s YAL Conference is led by an all star team of young adults who all share roots at Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, California. “With roots here in the Bay Area, it means so much to host YAL in a place that has shaped my own faith journey and the heart of our Metropolis” shared Conference Chair Julia Pappas. “ROOTED is more than a theme, it’s about creating space for young adults to deepen their relationship with Christ, build lasting friendships, and engage in experiences that speak to every stage of life”. Similarly, Vice-Chair Anna Counelis shared, “As a third-generation leader of the YAL movement, it feels especially meaningful to serve alongside Julia and William, where our shared Oakland roots and the roots of the San Francisco Metropolis lie. I’m excited to help lead a conference where Greek Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese come together to build lasting relationships grounded in their love for Christ and His Church”. Lastly, Vice-Chair William Cumbelich added “It is a privilege to serve the church and I’m confident that this will be the best YAL conference yet!” 
The 2026 YAL Conference will include:

• A new young professionals panel that allows the next generation of Greek Orthodox leaders to share lessons of success with their peers
• And a streamlined convo format that allows our speakers to shine and builds even greater camaraderie among participants as they engage in dialogue
• Worship services and Sacraments, including a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Paraklesis, and opportunities for confession and personal prayer, will be at the heart of the weekend. The Conference will be under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos who has appointed Fr. Nicholas Metrakos as Spiritual Advisor for the Metropolis Young Adult Conference. In this role, he offers ongoing pastoral care, guidance, and spiritual mentorship to the planning team and all participants. This will help ensure the ministry remains Christ-centered, enriching, and aligned with the spiritual formation of young adults
• Service and outreach initiatives embedded in the weekend to foster a spirit of Christ-like love in action, highlighted by a Diakonia project in partnership with the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Society
• Fellowship events and excursions designed to build authentic relationships and lasting community among participants

And of course, no YAL Conference would be complete without memorable social events, late-night hangouts, and unforgettable excursions! While details are still being finalized, attendees can look forward to fun-filled activities that showcase the energy of the YAL movement and the beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area. From vibrant nightlife to waterfront gatherings and new friendship moments, this year’s conference promises a perfect balance of spiritual depth and joyful celebration.

The conference is organized by a dedicated Planning Committee of young adult leaders from across the Metropolis and Archdiocese, guided by YAL Advisors Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis, whose leadership continues to shape the ministry with faith, experience, and vision. 
This year’s event is made possible through the continued and generous support of Leadership 100 and private donors, whose steadfast commitment to investing in the next generation is vital to the success and sustainability of YAL programming.

Registration and hotel reservations will open on May 20, 2026 at 6 PM PST. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

To stay informed, follow the Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference on Instagram at @yalconference, or contact the planning team at registration@sfyalconference.org.

Instagram: @yalconference 
YouTube: @yalmetropolisofsanfrancisco