Seattle, Washington | August 28 – September 1, 2025

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) is pleased to announce the 2025 YAL Conference, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, August 28 – September 1, 2025, in Seattle, Washington at the Seattle Marriott in Bellevue.

This milestone event marks the first time the YAL Conference will be hosted in the Pacific Northwest, offering Greek Orthodox young adults ages 18 to 35 a dynamic new setting to gather, grow, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Framed by Seattle’s natural beauty and vibrant Orthodox presence, the weekend promises a transformative experience rooted in the Four Pillars of YAL: Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship.

“It brings be great joy to see the continued growth and expansion of the YAL Conference over the past six years,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I look forward to this event each year and witnessing the spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth of our young adults as they progress in their careers and lives. Having this ministry available to our young adults is vital to their ongoing involvement in the church.”

The 2025 Conference theme—RENEW—invites participants to spiritually recharge, re-engage with their Orthodox identity, and recommit to life in the 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.

“Our goal is to build on the legacy of YAL in the Metropolis of San Francisco while responding to the spiritual hunger of today’s young adults,” shared Conference Co-Chairs Joseph Dumont and Eva-Marie Kailas. “Through the Four Pillars, we are creating a space where Christ is at the center and every moment—from workshops to worship—is an invitation to grow closer to Him.”

Vice-Chair Julia Pappas added, “This year’s format will offer something meaningful for everyone, with renewed opportunities for faith-based discussion, mentorship, and connection at every level.”

The 2025 YAL Conference will include:

• A new convo format customized by life stage—college students, young professionals, and established professionals—providing relevant, faith-driven dialogue and mentorship.
• Panel discussions that apply Orthodox teaching to real-world challenges.
• Worship services and sacraments, including Divine Liturgy, Orthros, and opportunities for confession and personal prayer, will be at the heart of the weekend. The Conference is under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, 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.
• Fellowship events and excursions designed to build authentic relationships and lasting community among participants.

Of course, no YAL Conference would be complete without memorable social events, late-night hangouts, and unforgettable excursions! Attendees can look forward to fun-filled activities that showcase the energy of the YAL movement and the beauty of the Seattle 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 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 in Summer 2025. 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.

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Photos of 2024 YAL Conference – Photo Credit Allen Altchech Photography