Youth from throughout the Diocese gathered in Placerville, CA, from December 23-28, 2018.

Excursions included trips to Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park where the 1849 Gold Rush began and a decent into Black Chasm Cavern.

Back at the hotel the conference provided two lectures: 1) about Saint Sebastian of San Francisco and Jackson by Archpriest Peter Perekrestov and 2) about faith, humility and magnanimity in suffering by Archpriest Moses Berry. There were the usual round table discussions when the youth were able to ask important questions about faith and life; they sang Christmas Carols before the elderly at senior home, and many of them participated in the talent show.

Divine services were performed at Saint Elias Church (ROCOR) in Placerville, CA, and at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, CA. Saint Herman of Alaska Day was celebrated at St. Elias Church, presided over by his Grace Irenei of Richmond and Western Europe. At St. Sava’s Church the youth were able to receive Holy Communion and venerate the honorable relics of St. Sebastian of San Francisco and Jackson.