Guided by the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, excitement continues to build for the 2026 Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) Conference at the Westin St. Francis. Just weeks from now, this event will keep Greek Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese ROOTED in the Four Pillars of YAL: Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship. We are excited to highlight the people and partnerships bringing that vision to life.
Meet the 2026 Executive Committee: This year's conference is powered by the dedication of a talented executive committee, each leading a key area of the weekend's programming. We are grateful for their service and leadership of the YAL ministry.
- Eleni Gulas — Outreach
- Ellie Papathanasiou — Outreach
- Katherine Anastopulos — Events
- Christina Bayouk — Registration
- Grace Paris — Registration
- Demetrios Pickett — Diakonia
- Ereni Delis — Diakonia
- Paul Pappas — Transportation
- Lenie Tsakonas — Marketing
- Lucas Paris — Convos
Meet the Praxis & Convo Speakers
At every YAL Conference, attendees engage with clergy and lay leaders who inspire and share wisdom for every stage of young adult life. This year, we are honored to have our Metropolis’ own Fr. Nicholas and Presvytera Anysia Metrakos as our Praxis speakers, from the Holy Trinity Chuch in San Francisco. In a new addition, this year’s conference will also include a peer panel presentation of young professional leaders. Workshop sessions are no less impressive, with a wonderful group of speakers including Rev. Father Constantinos Economos (Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco), Rev. Father Nicholas Mueller and Presvytera Dena Mueller (Ascension Cathedral, Oakland), Rev. Father Panagiotis Sotiras (St Basil, Stockton), Rev. Deacon Gabriel and Diakonissa Johanna Otte (San Francisco Bay Area), and Bethany Cichon (San Francisco).
This year's Diakonia service project is made possible through the generosity of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Society and the hospitality of Annunciation Cathedral's Community Kitchen in San Francisco. We are blessed to partner with both organizations and offer young adults a hands-on opportunity to put their faith in action.
Lastly, the YAL Conference is a transformative ministry. At a critical moment in the lives of our Archdiocese's young adults, it facilitates lifelong relationships and inspires a life of service to our Church. But each year we hear from young people who hesitate to register because of the cost of attendance. On behalf of the executive committee, we invite you to donate and help us change lives at YAL 2026 in San Francisco. Visit our website for giving instructions — every amount makes a difference!
Registration and hotel reservations are open now and 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.
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. Planning for this year’s conference is led by chair Julia Pappas and vice co-chairs Anna Counelis & William Cumbelich.
Follow YAL
Download the Flyer: 2026 Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference