As part of the pastoral visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan to St Ignatius Orthodox Church on 5–6 September, we are delighted to announce the inauguration of YAM Belfast — the Belfast chapter of the Archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry (YAM).
The inauguration will take place on Saturday, 5 September at 6:30 PM, following Great Vespers, with a special meeting and Q&A with Metropolitan Silouan.
Young Adults and the Life of the Church
Young adulthood is an important period in the life of every Christian. It is during these years that many people make some of the most significant decisions of their lives: concerning work and vocation, relationships and family, and their own place within the Church and wider society. It is also a time when questions about faith, purpose and the Christian way of life often become particularly important.
The Church wants her young people not simply to remain on the margins of parish life, but to grow in their relationship with Christ, to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox faith, to form friendships with one another, and to discover their own place of service within the Church.
It is with this purpose that the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) of our Archdiocese brings young people together for faith, fellowship and service.
YAM is aimed broadly at young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. This is not intended as a rigid boundary, but rather describes the particular stage of life which the ministry seeks to serve.
YAM Belfast
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan, we are very pleased now to establish a chapter of YAM here in Belfast.
YAM Belfast will bring young adults together throughout the year through Bible and faith study group, social gatherings and outings, opportunities to serve and work together within the Church, and other activities shaped by the interests and needs of our young adults.
YAM Belfast is not only for those who already attend St Ignatius. Young adults from Belfast and beyond are warmly invited, and you do not need to be Orthodox to take part. Those who are interested in Christianity, exploring the Orthodox faith, or simply interested in coming along and meeting us are very welcome.
Q&A with Metropolitan Silouan
And what better way to begin YAM Belfast than by meeting our bishop!
Following Great Vespers at 5:00 PM on Saturday, 5 September, His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan will meet with young adults at 6:30 PM.
This will be an informal meeting in which His Eminence will speak to the young people and, importantly, give them an opportunity to speak with him and ask their own questions about the Orthodox faith, Christian life, the Church, the challenges facing young Christians today, or anything else they would like to discuss with their bishop.
During the evening, His Eminence will also inaugurate YAM Belfast, marking the beginning of this new ministry in our parish.
All young adults, roughly 18–35, are warmly invited. Whether Orthodox or not, whether you regularly attend St Ignatius, go to another parish, or have never visited us before.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Great Vespers: 5:00 PM
Young Adults Meeting & Q&A with Metropolitan Silouan: 6:30 PM
Location: St Ignatius Orthodox Church, Cullen Memorial Hall, 381 Donegall Road, Belfast, BT12 6GR
Registration is not mandatory, however, registering will help us prepare for the evening and will also give you the opportunity to stay connected with YAM Belfast and hear about future events. To register, please complete this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=e28deEh-AEGuFKvInN_vtMldJdwkMlBLsHMfrskyHYZUQjk3RFRVQ0JDMENSRVQwSUhSR1lXMzVROCQlQCN0PWcu
We look forward to welcoming you to the beginning of YAM Belfast!