- 1520 GREEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123
- 415-567-WEST(9378)
- webmaster@dowoca.org
Are you a young adult (18-30 years old) in our Diocese? Surely you have noticed the importance our parishes put on having a church school program for school-age kids. You have seen first hand the transformative experience that our deaneries provide at annual summer camps. Indeed, these are important aspects of our communities’ ministry to ‘the least of these.’
But once you graduate from church school and age out of church camp, there can be another, less auspicious graduation: ‘graduation’ from church provided programming and spiritual formation. This comes at a time when you are moving away to college, or leaving your home parish to start that job that allows you to finally be independent, or navigating how to be an adult member of your parish, or experiencing being a couple, or young parents, in a new church.
The Diocese of the West is taking a decisive step to build community among young adults and to deepen our life in Christ.
With the blessing and participation of His Grace, Bishop Vasily, we will convene a diocesan-wide Young Adult Summit from February 13 to 15, 2026 in San Diego, CA. The focus of this Summit will be the young adult’s calling first as a Christ-follower: a Christian. We will discuss discernment, spiritual life, and the practices that make our identity as Christians come to life (including a service project).
Highlights include:
• Time with our Diocesan Hierarch, Bishop Vasily
• Talks and breakout sessions to explore for the first time, or more deeply, what your vocation is in this busy life.
• Free time in beautiful San Diego (beach time, weather permitting!)
• An in-person address delivered by Fr. Josiah Trenham
• An afternoon serving our neighbor, led by YES (Youth Equipped to Serve)
• Saturday Vespers and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday at St. John of Damascus Church in Poway, CA
Register now to secure your place at this first ever Young Adult Summit!
This event is being organized for young adults ages 18-30 years old from the Diocese of the West. This grant-funded event has a modest registration fee of $100 to lock in your registration. Space is limited, so don’t delay!
Questions? Please reach out to our team at thriving@dowoca.org with any questions. We look forward to gathering with you!
The Diocese of the West is the geographical district of the Orthodox Church in America consisting of the Western United States. The diocese has active parishes in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii. San Francisco is home to the diocese’s cathedral, Holy Trinity, as well as the Chancery offices. The diocese is led by His Grace Vasily, Bishop of San Francisco and the West.
