Orthodoxy in Dialogue has decided to host VOX-Youth, a forum for Orthodox young people to share their views with each other, the hierarchy and clergy, and the adult laity of the Church.

For purposes of this project, we define “Orthodox” generously: Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern/Byzantine Catholic.

We define “youth” as 13 to 18 years of age, inclusive.

We seek essays of no more than 1000 words. There will be no forbidden topics, no forbidden opinions. The only requirements:

• You should write well.
• Your essay should focus on some aspect or question about your life in the Church.
• Provide a short bio at the end of your essay. This should include your age, grade in school, name/city/state of your home parish, and two or three extracurricular activities that you enjoy. You may also tell us briefly your plans for your future.
• Submit your essay in a Word document. If you wish to have your essay illustrated with a particular picture, send that along as a separate file. Otherwise we will select a suitable picture.

Please note also:

1. If you are 13, 14, or 15, you must get your mom, dad, or legal guardian to email us permission to correspond with you and to publish your future essays. You should be named and cc’d in this initial email to us so that we know who you are.
2. If you are 16, 17, or 18, we will accept emails directly from you without having to go through the intermediary of a parent or guardian.

Lastly, if you are 17 or 18 and would like to work with us as a youth editor, let us know in your email.

Contact editor Giacomo Sanfilippo at editors@orthodoxyindialogue.com. All correspondence will be kept in strict confidence. 

Youth submissions will be archived both in the main Archives by Author and in VOX-Youth.

We look forward to hearing from you!