Apologia conference in Arizona will gather hierarchs, clergy, apologists to coordinate Orthodox outreach

# What this event is

Apologia: A Gathering of Orthodox Apologists is a three-day conference scheduled for December 3–5 in Florence, Arizona. It is presented by the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America in partnership with Uncut Mountain Press. Organizers describe the event as an effort to bring apologists and catechists together to work out a shared approach to presenting Orthodoxy, grounded in the Patristic ethos.

# Why it matters

Knowledge of Orthodoxy in the United States and the broader diaspora has been growing, in part through online apologetics. The conference addresses the practical need for coherence in how clergy, monastics, and lay apologists present the faith. The stated goal is to move toward a common approach that stays rooted in Orthodox patristic teaching while engaging modern audiences.

# Program and highlights

The schedule will include a mix of formal talks and roundtable discussions on aspects of Orthodox apologetics today. Two program elements called out in the announcement are the first-ever English celebration of the feast of St. Cleopa of Sihăstria and a group visit to St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in the area. The format—talks plus roundtables—suggests opportunities both for presentation of ideas and for practical conversation among attendees.

# Who will be there

The conference lists a broad roster of participants spanning hierarchs, parish clergy, monastics, and lay apologists. Named attendees include:

• His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas
• His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Alaska
• His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou, Cyprus
• Fr. Josiah Trenham (St. Andrew's, Riverside, CA)
• Fr. John Whiteford (St. Jonah, Spring, TX)
• Fr. Peter Heers (Florence, AZ)
• Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff (Shirley, NY)
• Fr. Seraphim Holland (McKinney, TX)
• Fr. John Valadez (Lompoc, CA)
• Fr. Turbo Qualls (Kansas City, MO)
• Fr. Sebastian Craffey (Sedona, AZ)
• Deacons, monastics, and lay apologists including Jay Dyer, David Patrick Harry Ph.D., Alex Sorin Esq., Seraphim Johnson, BM Langlois, and others

This mix indicates the event intends to include hierarchical oversight, parish-level pastoral perspectives, monastic witness, and experienced lay communicators.

# Practical details and where to get more information

Organizers direct interested people to the conference page hosted at Uncut Mountain Press for registration and additional details. The announcement also provided a conference trailer. Social-media follow links were given (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and others) for updates.

# What attendees and observers can expect

Expect a conference focused on aligning methodology rather than on debating fundamentals of faith. The structure—talks, roundtables, a feast celebration, and a monastery visit—combines theological grounding, practical discussion, liturgical life, and informal networking. Given the participation of hierarchs and recognized apologists, conversations are likely to cover both pastoral practice and online outreach strategies.

# Immediate next steps for interested readers

• Visit the conference page at Uncut Mountain Press for registration and schedule details.
• Watch the trailer provided by the organizers to confirm format and speakers you want to hear.
• If you plan to attend, consider contacting your local parish or the presenting archdiocese for travel and lodging guidance.

This gathering is positioned as a working meeting for those already engaged in Orthodox teaching and outreach, and for clergy and laity seeking practical, patristically informed approaches to sharing the faith.