**LODGING UPDATE**
Important LODGING Information: Saint Nicholas is located in a beautiful, safe neighborhood, which is a suburb of Washington, DC. As with all major cities, we have great neighborhoods in the area, but also others which may not be as safe. For this reason, for those choosing to book an Airbnb / other hotel, we recommend THESE TOWNS, for a safer choice:
Annapolis; Edgewater; Crofton; or Davidsonville
We have also blocked off rooms at two local hotels for a discount (note: the annual Annapolis Sailboat Show taking place that weekend, is affecting prices and availability).
DEADLINE to book blocked off / reserved rooms below is SEPTEMBER 16, 2026, for both hotels. They will release the rooms after this date, midnight Eastern time. Options will dramatically reduce after that point, in the area, so please book early.
Courtyard by Marriott, $209 to $229 per night (depending on room) plus taxes; to reserve call the number below and mention SAINT NICHOLAS YOUTH CONFERENCE BLOCK:
Courtyard by Marriott: 240-544-1400
Country Inn and Suites, $226 per night (depending on room) plus taxes. To reserve, please use the Saint Nicholas Youth Conference LINK below:
Country Inn LINK: St. Nicholas Youth Conference
Feel free to contact us with any questions-- YouthConferenceGOC@gmail.com
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
THEME: "WHAT IS TRUTH?" John 18:38
With the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius, this year's GOC Family and Youth Conference will take place at Saint Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church in Maryland ~ Friday Oct 16 (Optional DC Trip Day, meet at St. Nicholas), Saturday Oct 17 (meet at venue-475 W Central Ave, Davidsonville-8:30am), and Sunday Oct 18 (Optional Banquet after Liturgy).
Fr. George Psaromatis and Fr. John Psaromatis look forward to welcoming you to the DC area for an edifying conference of growth and fellowship! Please pray that God blesses our efforts and our gathering!
NOTES:
** Please purchase SEPARATE TICKET(s) for Friday's DC Trip, and SEPARATE TICKET(s) for Sunday's Banquet, as these are optional activities that not all conference goers will opt to attend. The main conference will take place on SATURDAY at the venue (475 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035). Under "Tickets," scroll down to see options / descriptions.
** For ages 6 to Adult (Children ages 5 and under must remain with parents/ caregivers at all times)
** Saturday's conference events are FREE for priests, presbyteres, and their minor children, as well as deacons, diakonisses, and their minor children--however EVERYONE needs a ticket (fill-out FREE ticket forms for these guests) because we need to place everyone in groups according to age, and also plan enough food. THANK YOU, Fathers and families for your sacrifices to serve His flock! (Due to bus expenses/ limited space/ restaurant expenses, etc. free tickets cannot be offered for the DC trip on Friday, nor the Banquet on Sunday).
Other Conference Information:
Friday, October 16, 2026 ~ OPTIONAL Bus Trip to DC -- sign up separately for tickets; meet at St. Nicholas 8:30am-- 18433 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (look for more details to come).
Fasting breakfast and packed lunches INCLUDED
Friday, Option 1 ~ Smithsonian Debunking Tour -- Dr. Mary (also known as Presbytera Mary) will guide secondary students/ older elementary students / adults on an exploration of fake science vs. real science in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.
Friday, Option 2 ~ Youth Tour (over 18), led by Nektarios Fotopoulos and Saint Nicholas Staff; will explore a specific itinerary of one or more engaging locations in DC, TBD--stay tuned.
Friday, Option 3 ~ Free Roamers-- families/ groups may opt to be dropped off by the bus at the DC mall and do their own exploring, and then meet back at the pickup point at the agreed time, in order to return to Saint Nicholas by bus; BE ON TIME, as bus cannot wait.
Parents/ Guardians please be in charge of your children at all times.
Saturday, October 17: Main Conference, MEET AT VENUE (475 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035) 8:30am; Metropolitan Demetrius is Keynote Speaker; Schedule and Details to Follow
Sunday, October 18: OPTIONAL BANQUET ~ sign up separately for tickets (look for details to come) Questions? YouthConferenceGOC@gmail.com
ALL attendees of all ages (including FREE tickets for clergy families and 6th + family members) must fill out ticket applications for planning purposes (food, age grouping/ group sizes, etc.)