JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Diocesan Chancery has received the following information regarding an upcoming Pan-Orthodox youth gathering:

AKRON, OH -- Pan Orthodox United is thrilled to announce their 3^rd annual Midwest Fellowship Weekend to be held in Akron, Ohio from May 29, 2015 – May 31, 2015.  The weekend is a cross-jurisdictional event that is being hosted by a group of churches in the Akron area. It will give attendees a chance to meet and spend time with their peers from different Orthodox jurisdictions across the US.

Highlights of the Fellowship Weekend will include a Charity Walk to benefit Zoe For Life, a soccer tournament, group service project to benefit FOCUS Cleveland, other sporting activities, church services (including Vespers and Liturgy), and an International Festival with local Orthodox faithful that will include dinner and a display and lessons in ethnic dancing.

See Complete Schedule of Events

Anyone wishing to attend does NOT have to play soccer. However, if you wish to play soccer, but aren’t a part of a team, simply indicate that when you sign up, and you can be placed on a team that has open spaces! Soccer games are intended for those ages 15 and up. Everyone will be welcome to watch the soccer games, and some additional activities will be set up near the soccer field.

Dance groups are also invited to register to participate in the Ethnic Folk Dance Competition that will be held throughout the day at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church. And everyone present for the weekend will be encouraged and welcome to watch and learn ethnic dances that are different from their own! Please visit the Pan-Orthodox United website  for the weekend’s event for FAQ’s, registration information, and all other information.

A discounted rate of $75 for Early Registration will be given until May 1^st for Individual Registration. Any Dance Groups can register at the price of $100 and fully formed soccer teams can register at the price of $150 before the Early Registration deadline of April 1^st. After this date, the registration fees will increase.

Scholarships to help fund your trip can be applied for here.

A discounted rate of $52.99 (+tax) per night is being offered by the Quality Inn & Suites in Akron (say you are there for the “Pan Orthodox” Event) and is available through May 5th. There is also a Hilton Hotel and an Econo Lodge within driving distance of all of the weekend’s events.  Get Full Hotel Details Here.

Any questions about this event can be directed to Rachel Pribish (rprib89@yahoo.com or [908]-247-2269) or Subdeacon William Bennett (wbennett@acrod.org or [607]-372-2681) the two members of our diocese who serve on the committee of Pan Orthodox United with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa.

Come join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and faith as we grow our Orthodox family to new heights!

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Pan Orthodox United was formed with one purpose, to provide Orthodox Christians from all jurisdictions with fellowship, sportsmanship, worship and opportunities to work together. It creates and maintains a series of Regional Pan Orthodox Conventions to provide the environment for youth and young adults of different jurisdictions to get to know each other. Its second objective is inspiring, informing and invigorating the Orthodox youth and young adults online through relevant and exciting content.