By God’s grace, the 2025 Midwest St. Herman Conference, hosted by St. Jonah Orthodox Church in Spring, TX, took place from December 29, 2025 until January 2, 2026. Twenty-eight young people with 11 priests and chaperones gathered at Camp Mohawk in Alvin, TX, where we heard several inspiring talks, held a panel discussion and breakout groups, and enjoyed recreation time together.

The conference was made possible by generous grants from both the Fund for Assistance (FFA) to ROCOR and the DCMA St. John Kochurov Society (SJKS). Healthy, tasty lenten meals were provided by our own volunteers.

On Tuesday afternoon, the group spent time in nearby Galveston, TX. We first visited the Sts. Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church, where we were treated to lunch, a lecture on the parish’s history, and an opportunity to see the iconostasis icons and Gospel book which were donated by the Tsar-Martyr Nicholas. We then visited the Galveston Seaport Museum, took a bus tour of historical sights, and had a tour of the historic Moody Mansion, where we also had a catered supper. The Moody Mansion commented that we were one of the most respectful and well-behaved groups who have visited there. Glory to God!

Divine Services were held on the night of December 31 - January 1, beginning with a Vigil Service and ending with the Divine Liturgy. Many participants partook of the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Communion. The service was led by His Grace Bishop Luke of Syracuse, concelebrated by four priests. All of the conference participants sang in the choir under the direction of Matushka Genevieve Park and Emilia Park.

Bishop Luke gave two inspiring talks to the participants. In the first, he vividly described the progression of technological developments leading through the internet, smartphones, social media and now artificial intelligence. His Grace pointed out the dangers that these technologies present and urged everybody to carefully limit their use. This talk provoked many good conversations in the days to come.

The second talk was based on our conference theme: "Inspiration for our struggle: honoring our forebears.” In this talk, Vladyka showed us photographs of several of the deceased fathers of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, describing parts of their lives and lessons that he learned from them. Many of the youth were greatly moved by these examples.

Bishop Luke and three priests sat on a panel to answer a series of thoughtful questions from the assembled youth, and the breakout groups following provided an opportunity for further discussion and questions. Our final evening together was punctuated by our traditional talent show, where we were treated to 12 different acts displaying the many talents in our small group.

Many thanks to the FFA, the SJKS, and all of our gracious volunteers, as well as to St. Jonah Church for hosting us. Glory to God for his great benefactions to us!