Youth and Young Adult Sunday 2025
Monday, September 01, 2025
Youth and Young Adult Sunday
September 28, 2025
Dear Beloved in Christ,
God bless you always!
This year the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has designated September 28th as Youth and Young Adult Sunday. The work of supporting our young people to remain and grow in the Orthodox Christian faith is an integral part of the work of the Assembly. As such, in 2022 the Assembly created the Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM) to be the thread that connects all Orthodox youth and young adult ministries across jurisdictions. Our youth workers dedicate themselves tirelessly to sharing their faith with the next generation of Orthodox clergy and faithful and instill in each of them a love for Christ and his Church – but they need your help!
I have worked side by side with the growing number of faithful clergy, parents, and youth workers who want to help our young people grow up in the love of Christ and His Church. I have seen first-hand how their love for Christ and His Church has inspired generations of young people to become involved in their parish ministries, camping programs, and young adult outreach. There is incredible Orthodox ministry happening – but it’s often hard to find. OYM helps people discover and access these resources by bringing ministries together, serving as a hub for existing ministries, and building a more unified and effective witness to young people across the Orthodox Church, giving them a robust foundation for lifelong faith.
In Psalm 77 (78), verses 5-7, we read, “He commanded our fathers to make these things known to their children, that a different generation may know, children yet to be born; and they will arise, and declare these things to their children, so they may put their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, and seek out His commandments.” What important guidance for our parents and youth workers who are bridges from the previous generation and the next, handing down the life and faith so that they might walk in the ways of God.
I urge everyone to observe this day and consider how you can support and encourage the youth workers in your parish, as well as the wonderful youth and young adults who are an integral part of the Church, now and in the future. May they, and all of us, “…put their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, and seek out His commandments” as together we follow Christ. May God bless all our young people, youth workers, and parents in this new ecclesiastical year!
Yours in Christ,
†Bishop Thomas (Joseph)
Episcopal Liaison to Orthodox Youth Ministries