Greek Metropolis of Atlanta to Host 3rd Annual Catechist Conference This August
![St. Nektarious Greek Orthodox Church, Charlotte NC [Credit: uoj.news]](/img/article/845/80_tn-v1750520674.jpg)
Orthodox educators, parents, and clergy will gather for a day of learning and fellowship in North Carolina and Florida
ATLANTA — On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta will kick off the first session of its 3rd Annual Catechist Conference at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC. Running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event welcomes Sunday School teachers, adult educators, parish leaders, clergy, and Orthodox families for a full day of formation, inspiration, and community-building.
Headlining the Charlotte session are two distinguished speakers: Dr. Albert Rossi of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, known for his Ancient Faith podcast and works on Orthodox psychology, will present “Life is All About Relationships” for high school-level catechists. Also speaking is Ms. Anastasia Stonestreet, a veteran youth ministry leader, whose talk “The Little Monastery” explores creative, hands-on methods for forming the faith of Orthodox children.
The second session will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, FL. Running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the conference is open to Orthodox Christian educators, parents, clergy, and parish leaders seeking to deepen their approach to faith formation and community ministry.
Featured speakers at the Boca Raton gathering include Fr. Mark Leondis, Senior Pastor of St. Mark and former National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Archdiocese. A widely respected Orthodox educator and leader, Fr. Mark will draw from his decades of pastoral and youth ministry experience to offer guidance on building vibrant, Christ-centered parish education programs.
Joining him is Dr. Helen Nixon, a seasoned academic and Sunday School Coordinator at Saints Constantine and Helen in Washington, DC. With over 20 years of leadership in K–12 education and graduate instruction, Dr. Nixon will share practical tools and insights for catechists working in a variety of settings and age levels.
The conference includes a light breakfast, lunch, and opportunities for connection and collaborative learning. As with the Charlotte session, all content will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation.
You can register by following the link (here). To learn more, contact Gerry Clonaris (704-574-6179) for Charlotte or Dr. Thomas Copulos (561-706-3562) for Boca Raton.
