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Orthodox Observer - August 1997 Young Adults Hold 15th Conference
YOUNG ADULT League Confer- ence organizers with Archbish- op Spyridon in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS — Archbishop Spyridon experienced his first meaningful encounter with nearly 800 young adults who gathered at the 15th annual Greek Orthodox Young Adult Conference, July 3-7. Reported by Anastasia Tasoulis Bishop Iakovos of Chicago, the host bishop, also took part in the program. The conference theme was "Cultivating Our Talents for the Glory of God." The Rev. Anthony M. Coniaris, retired pastor of St. Mary's Church in Minneapolis, and a renowned author set the tone for the conference in his keynote address, relating the message of Christ's gospel to the development and use of one's God-given talents. Numerous seminars, workshops and discussions highlighted the five-day conference. The discussion at the first seminar centered on the individual's purpose in life might be. Its aim was to bring participants closer to discovering God's plan for their lives. Lecture topics included a variety of Christ-centered ministries ― including youth work, monasticism, mission work and iconography. His Eminence joined the young adults in an outing at Cedar Lake, and also celebrated Divine Liturgy and personally giving the antidoron to every member of the congregation. At a Hierarchical forum, he answered numerous candid questions about the Church's future and other key issues. He discussed his vision for the Church ― reaching out to all Greek Orthodox, improving the quality of religious education, accommodating the growing need for English in the services without sacrificing ethnic heritage, coping with the shortage of priests and for the equitable distribution of church funds. The Archbishop also participated in some of the recreational events with the young adults. Bishop Iakovos, in a speech at the grand banquet, reminded the participants of the upcoming visit to America by His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, who will attend a youth rally at the Naval Pier in Chicago. [ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1132, August 1997, p. 1 ]
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