Well over 100 children and teens participated in the week-long Youth Program that took place during the 19th All-American Council July 23-27, 2018.
The highlight of their week came as delegates enthusiastically received the presentation offered by Dimitrios Rentel and Miriam Sheehan at the closing plenary session, at which a spontaneous drive to fund a full-time Youth Director for the Orthodox Church in America netted $87,000.00 in donations and pledges.
When not participating in worship and educational sessions, the youth, under the direction of Priest Benjamin Tucci and his staff of instructors and chaperones, offered their stewardship at FOCUS North America’s Saint Louis site, enjoyed brunch with members of the Holy Synod of Bishops and their own youth banquet, cruised the Mississippi, and visited Gateway Arch and other area attractions.
Parishes and individuals who would like to make a donation toward funding a full-time Youth Director may do so online.
Photo credit: Jim Varian, Victor Lutes
