St. Herman’s Youth Conference

The St. Herman’s Youth Conference was held on 22-26 December at St. Sergius Cathedral. Some 200 young people attended from various regions in the US and Canada. A series of lectures was given: “Religion and Science,” by Bishop Alexander, “The Meaning of Joy,” by Fr. James Rohrer, “Let My Prayer be Set Forth as Incense Before Thee,” by Fr. Martin Swanson and “Orthodox Life in the XXI Century,” by the Rector of St. Sergius Cathedral, Fr. Victor Boldewskul. A roundtable was held during which the younger generation could pose questions to the clergy on various topics of concern to them. All the youth participated in the all-night vigil to St. Herman of Alaska and in divine liturgy; there was antiphonal singing at both services. The Conference was visited by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the Miracle-working Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, before which an akathist was served. Besides the services and official program, winter recreation was provided: skating and a snowball fight.

Fr. James Rohrer



The youth sings an akathis to the Mother of God before the Kursk-Root Icon.

All-night vigil in St. Sergius Cathedral.



The youth choir.




What is winter without ice-skating?