The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is honored to host the 2026 National Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This program provides a valuable educational opportunity for youth to express their faith, gain important skills in public speaking, and to deepen their knowledge about theology and its application in our world today.

The National Festival is being graciously hosted by Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA during the weekend of June 12 – 14, 2026. Representatives from across the Archdiocese will gather during this weekend where finalists will present their speeches and be rewarded for their excellent preparation and presentations.

The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is a nationwide Department of Religious Education (DRE) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that centers around faith, education, and fellowship. Greek Orthodox youth participants present speeches discussing the faith and the Church through exploring and deepening their faith while honing their speech writing and public speaking skills. National finalists earn sizeable monetary awards, and finalists at all four levels earn scholarships. The Oratorical Festival was established in 1983, by DRE Director Ernest Villas and Minerva Stergianopoulos, and began in 1984.

WHAT: National Oratorical Festival
DATE: June 12 – 14, 2026
LOCATION: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 9501 Balboa Boulevard Northridge, CA 91325

For more information visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Oratorical Festival.