The XI All-Diaspora Russian Orthodox Youth Conference

All young people (18 years and older) interested in developing their knowledge of Orthodoxy, strengthen and renew their faith, wishing to share their thoughts and feelings and spend 8 days in social contact and prayer are invited to the XI All-Diaspora Youth Conference of Russian Orthodox Youth in San Francisco from 25 June to 3 July 2004. The Conference will be held at the Cathedral of the Mother of God ТJoy of All Who Sorrow.У

The topic of the Conference will be ТPaths.У A choice stands before our young people: how to live, what path to follow. A great deal depends on this choice not only in one’s personal fate, but the future of our Church, the future of the Russian Orthodox family. In the words of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, ТThe beginning of hell is on earth. The beginning of heaven, also, begins in a person’s soul while still in earthly life.У Our challenge is to help our youth make the right choice, lead them on the right path, strengthen and inspire them.

The XI All-Diaspora Conference is scheduled to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the glorification of St. John, and is dedicated to his memory. The Conference will be held during a lenten period, and so will be conducted in a spirit of pilgrimage and the spirit of the glorification of Vladyka John.

The Organizing Committee has devoted a great deal of effort and prayer in the planning of the Conference. Besides lectures (speakers from Australia, Canada, Jerusalem, Russia and the USA are expected), the Conference will also sponsor round-tables and workshops. Services will help edify the youth, and various activities will allow them to get to know each other. The Organizing Committee hopes that the Conference will be successful and will bring spiritual benefit to all the participants.

For information, list of lecturers and registration, visit the official website of the XI All-Diaspora Conference of Russian Orthodox Youth at www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/sfsyezd2004