St Herman’s Youth Conference in Toronto

Every year, on the feast day of St. Herman of Alaska, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad youth gather for a multi-day St Herman’s Youth Conference that includes lectures, beautiful hierarchical services, and social events. Each year, different parishes host the conference, providing resources to make this important gathering possible.

The year 2024 marked the 45th anniversary of the conference, hosted by the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto, thanks to a dedicated organizing committee and an active Sisterhood. This year’s central theme revolves around an important question for young people: “How can I discern the truth?” Many Christians wonder what to believe in a world filled with uncertainty. Through workshops, round-table discussions, and interactive sessions, participants explored the tools, insights, and skills necessary to navigate and understand God’s truth in our complex world.

Two of the active youth from our parish, Anton Karpov and Tatiana Mironova, were jointly sponsored by the Parish Council and the Kanata Orthodox Church Foundation to attend the conference.

Our Canadian diocese  Archbishop Gabriel long ago was one of the clerics who helped start this gathering. St. Herman of Alaska was chosen as the patron saint for two reasons: he is the first glorified Russian Orthodox saint in North America, and his feast day falls on December 25 on the Gregorian calendar, while we in the Russian Orthodox Church are still observing the Nativity Fast.

Metropolitan Nicholas, Archbishop Gabriel, and about 18 priests and deacons made an effort to gather for Divine Liturgy on St. Herman’s Day. A large youth choir, including Anton and Tatiana, helped beautify the service.

With its metropolitan stature and large Orthodox community, Toronto registered a record number of over 230 youth from various countries.

Next year, the conference will be hosted by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad parish, Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, which is located near Ottawa in Albany, New York. These conferences have proven to be life-changing experiences for the youth who attend, and we hope to see more participants from St. Xenia at next year’s event.