The afternoon festivities started with the traditional FYC procession which started outside of the hotel. The different regions of the Diocese were separated as the clergy followed them into the building and eventually main hall. Upon arriving at the hall, the evening and compline prayers were done. The inauguration of FYC 2025 took place in which our Metropolitan, Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, gave the presidential address. This was followed by speeches from clergy and FYC committee members, including Rev. Dr. Ninan V George, who expounded on the theme of “Pilgrimage”. The inauguration ended with the lighting of the lamp, marking the beginning of the conference. Following this, participants engaged in various events, including a mixer for FOCUS and a hangout for our MGOCSM. This ended day 1 of FYC 2025.
Write up: Joshua Mathew, St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Long Island