On a beautiful summer afternoon, two young men graduated from the same college. They were very much alike, these two young men. 

Both had been good students, both were personable, and both went to church every Sunday with their families. 

Recently, these two men returned for their college 25th reunion. 

They were still very much alike. Both were happily married, both had five children. One was president of a small business and went to church on Nativity and Pascha. The other one also had his own business but also – taught Sunday school at his parish.

What made the difference

Have you ever wondered what makes this kind of difference in people’s lives?

Why did one young man become deeply involved with the Faith and the other one didn’t?

It’s not just the God-given talent, the education, or the family support… It isn’t just that one was more ambitious and the other one wasn’t. 

The difference is that one lost interest in the Church during his college years, and the other one gained more interest. 

And that’s why I'm writing to you about the St. Herman’s Youth Conference. 

An Event Like No Other

You see, St. Herman’s Youth Conference is an event like no other. Hundreds of young people come together every year to learn more about Christianity in their lives, their Church, and most importantly – Jesus Christ. 

They listen to highly-educated, experienced Orthodox speakers, discuss burning issues with clergy, pray together, attend church services, create life-long friendships, and – sometimes – even get married. 

Community is Power

It’s not just that they receive good information about their religion. Subjects under discussion are sometimes very intellectual and sometimes extremely practical. But by attending these events, young people get into the right mindset – the mindset of the Orthodox Church. 

The best part is that support from these events continues month after month and year after year. 

Attendees make friends with other Orthodox kids and keep in touch. They feel more connected and more comfortable talking to clergy, so that they can discuss things that worry them freely. 

In short, St. Herman’s Conference is a stepping-stone into a deeper connection with the Church and – consequently – with God.

Some kids come back and lead their whole families back to church. Others start participating more in parish life: take up serving in the altar or singing in the choir. Still others begin fasting for the first time in their lives. 

The fact is, St. Herman’s Conference was designed to help Orthodox kids stay Orthodox. And most of them do. If you’ve never seen a kid change after a conference, believe me, it’s a real joy. Because community – Orthodox community – is power. 

But back to those two men I mentioned at the beginning. So what made their lives so different? One is the Church and Her people, and the other one eventually became lukewarm. 

The difference (at least in part) was that one would attend St. Herman’s Conferences. The welcoming atmosphere, the fascinating topics of discussion, the heart-to-heart talks with clergy, and the continuing friendships helped him stay on track, attend church at least every Sunday and feast day, and develop his knowledge of the Faith and his spiritual life. 

Today he is not only in a better place spiritually: he is helping others grow in the Faith. 

Of course, I can’t promise you that if you send a child to a St Herman’s Conference, they will become a Sunday school teacher or even a dedicated church-goer.  

But I can guarantee that when you send a kid to a St Herman’s Conference, you will help them start wondering about their place in the Church, their relationship with God, and eternal life. 

So – send your kid (or grandkid) to a St. Herman’s Conference. But, if that’s not possible, please help other parents send their kids. Not only would you be doing a kindness to a struggling family. You’d be doing a good deed. And you’d be actively strengthening your Church. 

If everyone on our list gave $97, $51, or even $17, more families could afford to send their kids to St. Herman’s Conference in their diocese. 

So won’t you, please, give a gift today?

P.S. Your generous donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law. Ask your tax advisor.