Five reasons why youth should attend the 18th AAC in July
It’s not too late to register for the youth program that will be held during the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America in Atlanta, GA July 20-24, 2015.
Andrew Boyd, who chairs the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry, cites five good reasons why the Church’s “younger generation” should attend.
1. Fellowship. You’ll meet youth from all over North America—participants already have registered from as far away as Alaska—and form lasting friendships while worshiping, learning, and simply being together. There’s space for all ages!
2. Experience the Church at Council. Join the Church at Council in prayer before miraculous icons, in supplication before the relics of our saints, and most importantly, in the Divine Liturgy, which will be concelebrated by the members of our Holy Synod of Bishops. You’ll also have the opportunity to address the assembled delegates as group and share your vision for the Church. Don’t miss our informal breakfast with the Holy Synod as well!
3. Learn how the saints “expanded the Church,” and how you can do the same. Each morning, there will be short educational sessions for different age groups, each of which will focus on missionary saints from near and far. You’ll learn how saints like Herman of Alaska, Maria of Paris, Nicholas of Japan, and Mitrophan of China expanded the mission of the Church. By learning from the saints, you’ll be able to help expand the mission of the Church and preach the Gospel in your local communities!
4. Remember that you’re part of something bigger! Sometimes it’s hard to be the only Orthodox Christian kid in your school, in your town, or even in your parish. Come to Atlanta to see the larger Church at work, while taking a short retreat from the world. You’ll return home filled with missionary zeal and ready to use your new knowledge, experiences, and relationships to build up the Church. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with local Orthodox Christian youth from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to share our traditions and common faith.
5. Have some fun! Still not convinced? You’ll also enjoy some great outings to places like the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Headquarters, Zoo Atlanta, and the Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Register now, where you’ll find additional information. Finances a problem? Limited financial assistance may be available through the Peter the Aleut Grant Program.