UPCOMING EVENTS
April 19-21, 2024
SPRING RETREAT
St. Iakovos Retreat Center | 920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139
Our Spring Retreat is back again! Join YAL Chicago for a weekend retreat full of faith, fellowship, and service! Our theme for this retreat is "Holy Week: Walk with Christ." The speakers are Fr. Tasso Theodoropoulos and Maria Klesmith. Registration is required so use the link to sign up! General admission tickets are $75. Greek Time tickets start April 15th at $85. Tickets include a 2 night in a hotel-style room with a roommate and all meals. Extra excursions or activities are on your own. More details will be provided closer to the event.
PAST EVENTS
April 1, 2024
YAL Orthodoxy On Tap
Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen | 9860 N Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL | 7-9pm
Our next Orthodoxy on Tap will be lead by Mrs. Maria Kroll, Principal of Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School! Please join us at Plateia for dinner on April 1 at 7pm. Registration is required with a $5 ticket.
February 16-18, 2024
YAL CHICAGO CONFERENCE
Rosemont, IL
The Annual YAL Chicago Conference is an opportunity for Orthodox Christian young adults, ages 18-35, to come together in faith, fellowship, worship, and service. The 2024 conference will run from Friday night (2/16/24) and end Monday morning (2/19/24) following the Sunday night banquet. Register now before the tickets sell out!
January 16, 2024
Vasilopita and Vespers
St Andrew’s Chicago 5649 N Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL | 6:30-9pm
“Vasilopita and Vespers” will be hosted by Father Kosmas Kallis. He will lead our young adult group through a vespers service, and afterward we will cut the vasilopita and bring prosperity to the new year. Afterwards, we will gather and have food as well.
December 28, 2023
YAL Christmas Party
Hubbard Inn | 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago | 7-11pm
Come celebrate the holidays while enjoying heavy appetizers and desserts, 3 hours of a beer and wine open bar (for 21+), juice, soda and mocktails from 7-10pm! Guests are welcome to stay until 11pm, with a cash bar. There will also be a surprise DJ providing entertainment for the evening!
The Flash Sale tickets will only be on sale December 2nd from 10am – 11:59pm for $75. Regular Tickets will be from December 3rd to December 20th for $85. Greek Time tickets will be from December 21st to December 27th for $95. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
November 3-5, 2023
FALL RETREAT
St. Iakovos Retreat Center | 920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139
Join YAL Chicago for a weekend retreat full of faith, fellowship, and service! This season's theme is "Let Us Commit." The General Admission price is $75 for the weekend. The Greek Time tickets start on October 27th, with a price of $85 for the weekend. Price includes 2 night in a hotel-style room with a roommate**, and all meals. Extra excursions or activities are on your own. More details will be provided closer to the event.
November 2, 2023
BIBLE STUDY | "CONTEMPORARY ORTHODOXY"
In Person & Zoom | 7pm
Please join us for our Bible Study series "Contemporary Orthodoxy." Our speakers and topics are as follows:
SEPT. 21 - FR. KOSMAS KALLAS (topic TBD)
OCT. 5 - FR. ATHANASIOS MINETOS (topic TBD)
OCT. 19 - FR. THEOFANIS RAUCH (topic: SEARCHING FOR A SPOUSE AND PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE IN CHRIST)
NOV. 2 - FR. PANAGIOTIS BOZNOS (topic TBD)
NOV. 16 - FR. ANDREW KARAMITOS (@ ST. SOPHIA, ELGIN) (topic: GODPARENTING)
NOV. 30 - FR. SOTERIOS MALAMIS (topic: PARISH LIFE OR RELATIONSHIPS |IN PERSON AT ST. HARALAMBOS UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE & ZOOM)
If you have questions, please reach out to Sofia Gjata (gjata032@gmail.com) or Adrianna Daskalopoulos (adrianna.daskalopoulos@gmail.com).
October 11, 2023
ORTHODOXY ON TAP
DRAFT PICKS | 912 Busse Rd. Mount Prospect, IL | 7-9pm
Kicking off our first OOT of the year with Christo Papademos! Christo is a 2018 graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and is the Pastoral Assistant and Youth Director at Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco since 2019. He will be diving deeper into our theme for the new year: "Commit." We welcome young adults ages 18-35. Tickets are $5 and registration is required.
August 24, 2023
SUMMER ROOFTOP PARTY
Avli on the Park | 180 North Field Blvd, Chicago | 6:30-10pm |
Enjoy drinks and mezze on the rooftop of Avli on the Park as we kick off the start to our Ministry Year! Tickets are on sale now but going fast. With the purchase of a ticket, heavy apps will be served and each guest will get one drink ticket (21+), although all ages 18+ are invited to join.
July 27, 2023
YAL BOAT CRUISE
Save the Date for YAL Chicago Boat Cruise 2023 set for Thursday July 27th, 2023! Tickets go LIVE on Friday, June 23rd at 10AM CST. Ticket prices will be $75 for early bird, $90 for regular and $100 for greek time. All other information will be posted on the Eventbrite! Make sure to get them fast because it WILL. SELL. OUT.
June 5, 2023
Beach Day & Picnic
St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church & Kathy Osterman Beach | 10AM-2PM
Let the games begin! YAL is hosting our first volleyball bracket at Kathy Osterman Beach in Edgewater, directly across from St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church (5649 N Sheridan Rd). We will grill hot dogs and burgers, provide some snacks and beverages of all kind to help fuel the competition. Find a team of 6-8 to be part of the competition, or come as a spectator! The winning team members will each be awarded a gift card to use for future YAL events. Sign up's will open soon! Ticket price is $15/person.
May 30, 2023
St. Emmelia Akathist & Dinner
St. George Greek Orthodox Church & Broken English Taco Pub | 6:30PM
Please join us for Akathist & Dinner on 5/30 as we commemorate the patron saint of YAL - St. Emmelia. We will meet at St. George (2701 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614) at 6:30PM and walk to Broken English ((2576 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614) for dinner afterwards. Please use the sign up link so we can make a reservation accordingly. We look forward to seeing you!
April 27, 2023
Orthodoxy On Tap
Mykonos Greek Restaurant | 8660 W Golf Rd, Niles, IL | 7-9pm
Our next Orthodoxy on Tap x Pascha Celebration will take place on 4/27 at @mykonosgreekrestaurant! We are excited to announce our guest speaker: John Anton! You can find John Anton's bio on our Instagram @yalchicago so be sure to check it out to learn more! We look forward to hearing from a member of our own YAL Chicago community as we continue the exploration of this year’s theme: Lost then Found! Ticket link will be shared soon.
April 5, 2023
Presanctified Liturgy & Dinner
Holy Apostles | 25015 Wolf Rd, Westchester, IL | 5:30PM
Please join us to attend Presanctified Liturgy at Holy Apostles on April 5th! Following liturgy will be a dinner provided for all YALers who attend.
March 10-12, 2023
Spring Retreat
St. Iakovos Retreat Center | 920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139
SAVE THE DATE 🗓 Spring Retreat is booked! Join us over March 10-12 (Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon) at our home away from home, @gosirc! This is a perfect way to take a two back and connect with your faith during the Lenten season. Speaker to be announced soon….!
March 5, 2023
Pan-Orthodox Vespers
Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church | 5701 N Redwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60631
Celebrate Sunday of Orthodoxy with our brothers & sisters at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church. We would love to have as many of our young adults there as possible!
February 17-19, 2023
YAL Chicago Conference
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago
The YAL Chicago Conference is BACK! Mark your calendars for President's Day Weekend and plan on spending a weekend of fellowship, faith and fun with Greek Orthodox young adults from around the country. For Conference information, workshops, schedule and more, click the button!
December 29, 2022
YAL Christmas Party
National Hellenic Museum | 333 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 | 7-11PM
Please join us for our annual YAL Christmas Party! This year, it is being hosted at the National Hellenic Museum & we ask that everyone dress to the nine's for a jolly time! Tickets go on sale November 25th. Drinks, heavy appetizers & a guaranteed good time included! Please note: due to the costs involved in our weekend for venue, food, beverage, and entertainment, YAL Chicago is not able to provide refunds for cancellation.
November 18-20, 2023
Fall Retreat 2022
St. Iakovos Retreat Center | 920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139
SAVE THE DATE! We had such a great time at our first-ever fall retreat last year that we decided to make it a staple. Join us at our home away from home at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center on November 18th-20th. Don't miss it!
October 11, 2022
Orthodoxy On Tap
Demetri's Restaurant | 600 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 | 7-9pm
The YAL Chicago 22/23 ministry year has begun! Join us for our kick off event at Demetri's on October 11th for a crowd favorite -- Orthodoxy On Tap! Our first speaker for this year's OOT series is Fr. Tilemahos from Holy Taxiarhai & St. Haralambos! He will be diving deeper into our theme for the year: Lost Then Found. Sign up using our link!
August 23, 2022
Summer Rooftop Party
Avli on the Park | 180 N Field Blvd, Chicago, IL 60601 | 6:30-10pm
Join us at @avli on August 23 for our Rooftop Party! Enjoy drinks and mezze with your YAL Chicago family as we say goodbye to summer ‘22. Tickets include heavy papa and one free drink (if 21+). There are limited spots available and they will sell out.
July 28, 2022
Boat Cruise
200 N Breakwater Access, Chicago, IL | 5:45pm - 10pm
YAL Boat Cruise 2022 is a White Party! Put on your best white outfit, arrive at the Anita Dee II boat by 5:45pm as we set sail at 6:30pm (no later! So don't miss the boat!). Tickets go on sale 6/18 at 9am and they will go fast. Should there be a waitlist, tickets will be given to those first come, first served. Register now!
May 5, 2022
Othrodoxy on Tap
Demetri's Greek Restaurant | 660 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield IL | 7-9pm
Xristos Anesti! We hope everyone had a joyous Pascha celebration. For our next event, we welcome you to join us for Orthodoxy on Tap on Thursday, May 5 from 7-9pm at Demetri's Greek Restaurant in Deerfield. It's only $5 with mezze included and a cash bar. We will be joined by guest speaker Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos. Register using our link!
April 8-10, 2022
YAL Spring Retreat
St Iakovos Retreat Center
YAL Spring Retreat registration is LIVE! It has been a challenging two years, and many of us have experienced doubt in varying capacities. Join your YAL Chicago family at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center on April 8-10th for a weekend of fellowship, fun, discussion and reprieve. Sign up now as tickets are $80 and will increase to $95 starting 3/25. Registration closes April 7th, so secure your spot today!
March 1, 2022
Bible Study
Tuesdays | 7:00pm | Zoom
Join young adults from across the Chicagoland area for a bi-monthly discussion that started February 1st! Each session will have a new topic led by various keynote speakers interpreting the Bible's teaching on relationships, anxiety, the Second Coming, what it means to live a Christian life and more! The link will be sent out via email. Email gjata032@gmail.com for questions.
February 18-21, 2022
YAL Chicago Conference
Loew's Hotel Rosemont
The YAL Chicago Conference is back! This event is SOLD OUT and we're looking forward to having young adults from across the country to join us in a weekend full of fellowship, service and fun!
December 30, 2021
YAL Christmas Party
7:00pm | Tunnel | 151 W. Kinzie, Chicago
Enjoy food, drinks, music, and time with your YAL Chicago parea on December 30th from 7-10PM at Tunnel for the YAL Chicago Christmas Party! Tickets include appetizers and unlimited soft drinks for under 21 and wine & beer for our 21+ crew. More information in the ticket Eventbrite!
November 6-7, 2021
Fall Retreat
10:00am | St. Iakovos Retreat Center
We are so excited to welcome everyone to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center this November for our FALL RETREAT! Join YAL Chicago for a weekend retreat full of faith, fellowship, and service! The itinerary and packing list will be distributed closer to the event. Stay tuned for more information!
September 18, 2021
Liturgy on the Streets
9:30am | Annunciation Cathedral
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45.
Join us for our first event of the new ministry year for a service opportunity and fellowship! On September 18 at Annunciation, we will be preparing a meal together and breaking bread with those experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Please sign up on using sign up genius so we know how many people to expect.
August 17, 2021
Rooftop Party: Orthodox Style
6:30pm | Avli on the Park
Enjoy drinks and mezze on the rooftop of Avli on the Park before we retire to a night of discussion and parea. Sponsored by both YAL Chicago and St George Greek Orthodox Telos YAL team.
October 2, 2021
Oktoberfest
2:00pm | St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church
Fall is in the air...and YAL Chicago is ready for it! Enjoy festive fall food, drinks, pumpkin carving, yard games and more while hanging out with your YAL parea at Oktoberfest!
Get your flannels and beanies ready and join us at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church in Edgewater on October 2nd!
July 22, 2021
Annual YAL Boat Cruise
6pm | Wendella Boats, 400 N Michigan Ave.
Join the Greek Orthodox Young Adults of Chicago for a fun evening on a cruise of the Chicago River and Lakefront! Limited number of tickets, get yours today!
Tuesdays
Bible Study: Book of Exodus
7:30pm | Zoom Meeting
Join us every Tuesday beginning at 7:30pm via Zoom where we will partake in a series studying the Book of Exodus.
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April 27: Holy Tuesday SPECIAL TIME: 8pm: Holy Week Facts & FAQs
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May 4: Exodus 29-32
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May 11: Exodus 33-36
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May 18: Exodus 37-40 Last Session
During Lent
Let's Talk: With His Eminence
Schedule a time
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael invites young adults across the Metropolis to exchange ideas and share their lenten experience with him. Please submit the form via schedule link to get started. Someone from the Metropolis will follow up with you to schedule the meeting.
April 16-18, 2021
Living Wholly: Sanctifying Body, Mind, and Soul
4/16 7pm - 4/18 1pm | St. Iakovos Retreat Center
Join us as we welcome back the annual Spring Retreat! Appropriate COVID-19 protocols must be followed at all times, and all participants must purchase a ticket in advance. We are excited to welcome Mary Long as our keynote speaker.
April 7, 2021
Virtual Volunteer Fair
7:00pm | Zoom Meeting
Remember volunteer fairs at school?! Well join us on a virtual one if you’re curious how you can help other communities. This month we will be visiting the By the Hand “virtual booth!” Join us on Zoom as we hear from BTH about what they do and their needs.
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April 2, 2021
Orthodoxy on Tap
6:00pm | St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church & Zoom Meeting
OOT Theme: Rejoice evermore, give thanks, & pray unceasingly with Fr George Livanos
Location: St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church 525 Church Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 & streaming online for social distance viewing.
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March 8, 2021
Virtual Volunteer Fair
7pm | Zoom Meeting
Remember volunteer fairs at school?! Well join us on a virtual one if you’re curious how you can help other communities. This month we will be visiting the IOCC “virtual booth!” Join us on Zoom as we hear from IOCC about what they do and their needs.
February 27, 2021
Winter Hybrid Retreat
9:30am - 3pm | Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church or Zoom Meeting
Join us for our hybrid Winter Retreat, themed, "Why Orthodoxy: healing in the World", led by Kathryn and Eddie Bocanegra. This event will be available both in-person and via Zoom, as our capacity is limited due to COVID. All appropriate measures of COVID precaution will be used for this event, including distancing and PPE.
ZOOM info is available in the Eventbrite registration.
January 11, 2021
Outreach Initiative
7pm | Zoom Meeting
Each month we invite you to join a quick zoom call with a nonprofit that will explain their organization and their needs. Perhaps they need goods, financial donations, services, hands on deck, etc, this is a way we can introduce the needs of our community to those that want to help.
So, if your New Years resolution is to give back, here’s your very first chance!
Login on Jan 11 at 7pm to hear from Evanston’s Northwestern Settlement
November 4, 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16, 30
January 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10
Bible Study
7:30pm | Zoom Call
Join us for our weekly YAL Bible Study via Zoom, where we will discuss the Book of Acts. See syllabus for reading schedule.
December 10, 2020
Orthodoxy on Tap
7pm | Zoom Call
YAL Chicago welcomes Fr. Nicholas Andruchow to the OOT series, "Why Orthodoxy?" Father will discuss the conversion impact and experience of Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage. Join us 12.10.2020 at 7pm via Zoom meeting!
December 1, 2020
Orthodoxy on Tap
7pm | Zoom Call
YAL Chicago welcomes Neena Vlamis to the OOT series, "Why Orthodoxy?" Neena will discuss why she converted to the faith and what Orthodoxy means to her.
Join us 12.01.2020 at 7pm via Zoom meeting!
November 19, 2020
Orthodoxy on Tap
7pm | Zoom Call
YAL Chicago welcomes Ian Brewer to the new OOT series, "Why Orthodoxy?" Ian will discuss why he converted to the faith and what Orthodoxy means to him.
Join us 11.19.2020 at 7pm via Zoom meeting!
Sunday Mornings
YAL Sunday School
9:30am | Zoom or St. Iakovos Retreat Center
If you were snoozin' during Sunday School years ago and feel like you missed some stuff or just have a craving to learn more, now is the time! Join Fr. Kosmas Kallis either at the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center (reservation required, space is limited to 8 people in-person) or via Zoom (registration required for log-in information) Sundays for liturgy and YAL Sunday School!
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July 20, 2020
YAL Book Club
7pm | Zoom Meeting (password 698531)
YAL Chicago will be hosting a virtual book club for the book, "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" by Father Gregory Boyle.
"For twenty years, Father Gregory Boyle has run Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention program located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles—also known as the gang capital of the world. In Tattoos on the Heart, he has distilled his experience working in the ghetto into a breathtaking series of parables inspired by faith." (Los Angeles Times)
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Sundays
Liturgies at Camp
8:30am | St. Iakovos Retreat Center
Young Adult Liturgies - 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12 at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center
Register now to attend, due to current guidelines we are limited to 8 people per Sunday, so sign up today to reserve your spot! Fr. Kosmas Kallis will be preaching each of the listed Sundays and is looking forward to seeing you all soon.
June 12, 2020
Virtual Canon for Racial Reconciliation
7pm | Zoom Meeting
Join YAL Chicago for an evening of prayer as we chant the Canon for Racial Reconciliation. Stay after for a discussion on current events and civil unrest.
May 29, 2020
Orthodoxy on Tap Part III
7pm | Zoom Meeting
Virtual Orthodoxy on Tap with Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos to tell us why he became a priest.
Pour a beer or glass of wine and enjoy an awesome conversation with YAL Chicago.
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May 22, 2020
Virtual Connection Webinar Series
6:15pm | Zoom Meeting
6:15pm begins a Paraklesis for the pandemic followed by a discussion beginning at 6:45pm entitled, "Creating Sacred Spaces."
May 15, 2020
Orthodoxy on Tap Part II
7pm | Zoom Meeting
Virtual Orthodoxy on Tap with Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos to tell us why he became a priest.
Pour a beer or glass of wine and enjoy an awesome conversation with YAL Chicago.