GYP ’26 · Feb 6–8, 2026
Do not pass byYour Servant
Guest speaker H.G. Bishop Kyrillos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California and Hawaii, with the presence of our beloved fathers.
The Encounter2027
Grads & Young Professionals Convention · Ages 22–40
Registration opens November 1 at 8:00 PM EST
With our belovedMetropolitan & Bishops
H.E. Metropolitan Youssef · H.G. Bishop Basil · H.G. Bishop Gregory
Welcome to The Encounter
The Encounter is the graduates and young professionals convention of the Coptic Orthodox Metropolis of the Southern United States. Every February, young adults ages 22–40 from across the diocese gather for a weekend of prayer, liturgy, talks and fellowship with our fathers the bishops and priests.
This year's theme is Walking Behind Him. Join us for sessions with our guest speaker Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony, with the presence of our beloved fathers H.E. Metropolitan Youssef, H.G. Bishop Basil and H.G. Bishop Gregory.
Registration opens November 1 at 8:00 PM EST. Stay tuned to our Instagram and this site, and don't miss the Sunday Social river cruise. We can't wait to welcome you.
2027 Theme
WalkingBehind Him
Feb 19–21, 2027 · Titusville, FL
Theme & Speaker →
Guest Speaker
Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony
From the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England
Meet the speaker →
Sunday Social
Cruise • Dinner • Fellowship
Our post-convention outing on Sunday afternoon, Feb 21.
Social details →GYP ’26 · February 6–8, 2026
Do not pass by Your Servant
Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2026, and to our beloved fathers for their presence. We can't wait to see you again in February 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What's The Encounter all about?
“The Encounter” is a convention under the auspices of the Coptic Orthodox Metropolis of the Southern United States, dedicated to serving graduates and young professionals. We strive to encourage spiritual growth, fellowship, and professional development. Through this convention, we aim to inspire a generation to genuinely encounter the Lord Christ in their daily lives, deepening their understanding of their faith, as well as their purpose in life.
Who's invited?
Graduates and young professionals ages 22–40.
How do I register?
Registration opens November 1 at 8:00 PM EST on our registration page. Spots are limited, and both of the last two years filled up, so register early. You can add a Sunday Social ticket as part of your registration.
Which airport should I use, and when should I arrive and leave?
Orlando (MCO) or Melbourne (MLB). Check-in starts Friday at 2:00 PM, so plan to arrive Friday afternoon, and leave Sunday evening if you're joining the social. See Travel & Stay.
Who is speaking this year?
Our guest speaker is Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony from the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York & New England, with the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Youssef, H.G. Bishop Basil and H.G. Bishop Gregory.
Will the convention provide transportation?
We will share a carpool link so attendees can coordinate rides to and from the convention. Check back here and on our Instagram for the link.
What if it's full?
Once registration closes, we'll open a waitlist on this site. If any spots open up, we'll reach out to you.
Where can I ask questions and stay in the loop?
Use our contact form, email us at theencountergypsus@gmail.com, or DM us on Instagram at @theencountergypsus.
Theme & Speakers
Walking Behind Him
Guest speaker
Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of
New York & New England
2027 Theme · Feb 19–21, 2027
WalkingBehind Him
About our guest speaker
Hegumen Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony
Hegumen Fr. Anastasi Saint Antony joined St. Antony Monastery in Newberry Springs, CA in 1997. He was tonsured a monk in 2001 and ordained a priest in 2003, delegated to serve at Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Elevated to Hegumen by Pope Shenouda III in 2006, he served as Papal delegate and steward of St. Antony Monastery.
He now serves in the Diocese of New York & New England, focusing on Youth Ministry and Mission & Evangelism, and is currently establishing St. Bishoy's Monastic Order.
About the theme
This year, under the theme “Walking Behind Him,” we meditate on what it truly means to follow Christ.
Beyond simply knowing the way, we as Christians are called to walk in His footsteps, surrender our own will, and entrust our journey to the One who has gone before us.
Through every trial and uncertainty, we are asked to take up our cross and follow Him, discovering that the beauty of the journey lies not in knowing where we are going, but in knowing Whom we follow.
Come. Walk Behind Him. Encounter Him.
With the presence of
Our beloved fathers
- H.E.Metropolitan Youssef
- H.G.Bishop Basil
- H.G.Bishop Gregory
Past conventions
Where we've been
GYP ’25 · Feb 14–16, 2025
Into the DEEP
- H.E. Metropolitan Youssef
- H.G. Bishop Basil
- H.G. Bishop Gregory
- Fr. Arseny Aziz
Travel & Stay
Titusville, FloridaWhereSt. Stephen Retreat Center
WhenFeb 19–21 · Check-in Fri 2:00 PM
Fly intoOrlando (MCO) or Melbourne (MLB)
RidesCarpool link coming soon
The venue
St. Stephen Christian Retreat & Conference Center
On Florida's Space Coast in Titusville. Check-in starts Friday, February 19 at 2:00 PM. Lodging is at the retreat center, and details will be shared with registered attendees.
Address
4951 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780 Open in Google Maps
Titusville, FL 32780 Open in Google Maps
Getting there
Flights & rides
MCO
Orlando International
The most flight options and usually the best fares. About an hour's drive to Titusville.
MLB
Melbourne Orlando Intl.
A smaller, easier airport south of Titusville. About 45 minutes by car.
Carpool
We'll share a carpool link so attendees can coordinate rides to and from the convention. Check back here and on Instagram.
GYP ’27 · Post-convention outing
Sunday Social
cruise · dinner · fellowshipSunday afternoon, February 21, 2027
WhenSun, Feb 21 · Afternoon
WhatRiver cruise & dinner
WhoEncounter attendees only
TicketsAdd when you register
Flying out Sunday? The cruise and dinner run into the evening, so book a later flight if you want to join.
Extend your stay
Book an extra night
Want to arrive early or stay after the Sunday Social? You can book an extra night before or after the convention.
Register Now!
The Encounter 2027: Walking Behind Him · February 19–21, 2027 · Titusville, Florida. Open to graduates and young professionals ages 22–40. Spots are limited and fill up every year, so register early to save your place.
Pricing
Pricing depends on your room capacity.
Quad Room
4 per room- Early Bird
- $260
- Regular
- $280
Double Room
2 per room- Early Bird
- $290
- Regular
- $310
Single Room
1 per room- Early Bird
- $350
- Regular
- $370
Before you register:
- After the convention wraps up Sunday, we'll have our Sunday Social. You can add a ticket as part of your registration!
- Please note that we can't offer refunds for cancellations, or allow spot switching or reselling.
Registration opens November 1 at 8:00 PM EST
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The registration link will be posted here soon.
Registration link: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-encounter--2027-2
Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full, but you can sign up for our waitlist! Just take a moment to complete the form to get yourself on the waitlist. If any spots open up, we'll reach out to you using the contact information you share with us.
Before you join the waitlist:
- After the convention wraps up Sunday, we'll have our Sunday Social. If you are given the opportunity to register, you can add a ticket as part of your registration!
- If you are able to register, please note that we can't offer refunds for cancellations, or allow spot switching or reselling.
Join the Waitlist
The waitlist link will be posted here soon.
Get in Touch
Got questions?
You've come to the right place. Fill out the form, or email us and we'll be in touch!
You can also DM us on Instagram at @theencountergypsus.
Thank you!
We got your message and will be in touch soon.