The 39th Diocesan Youth Conference

The theme of the 39th annual Diocesan Youth Conference in Australia was ТSave Yourselves and a Thousand Around You will be Saved.У Some 140 people, including clergy and youth gathered at Galston Youth Centre from 21-26 December.

The Conference opened on Monday, 22 December with a service of supplication. After the service, Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney and Australia greeted the participants and reminded them of the purpose of these conferences.

This year, the main speaker was Priest Andrew Phillips (photo above: Fr. Andrew and his Matushka) of England. Besides Fr. Andrew, the clergy participating in the Conference were Protopriests Gabriel Makarov, Michael Boikov and George Lapardin and Priest James Carles. The psychologist Nadezhda Crittenden also read a lecture. In addition to the speeches at the Conference, round tables were held on various topics, including the priesthood, and concluding with ТHow to be a Good Parishioner.У (Photo below:  Protopr. George Lapardin leads a discussion.)
 

On Wednesday, 24 December, a vigil was served for the feast day of St. Herman of Alaska. Protopriest Michael Boikov and Andrei Lapteff directed the singers—a choir of clergymen and a choir of youth. On Thursday, Vladyka Hilarion officiated at divine liturgy, at which almost all the participants received Holy Communion. Fr. Andrei read a sermon on St. Seraphim of Sarov and St. Herman of Alaska.

Aiding in the spirit of the Conference was the fact that it was held far from the hustle and bustle of the city, in an Australian forest setting. It is hoped that the 40th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference will be held at the Canberra Parish.

Glory to God for all things!