About us

The Diocese of New York & New England has established various committees to enhance and support services across the diocese. Among them is the Children’s Committee, dedicated to nurturing the faith and spiritual growth of our young members.

Leadership & Mission

The Children’s Committee is led by Fr. Luke Awad, with Fr. Yacoub Ghaly and Fr. Andrew Awad as members. One of its primary initiatives is the East Coast Coptic Children Convention (ECCCC)—a special annual retreat designed for children aged 8 to 11 from across the diocese.

What is the ECCCC?

The East Coast Coptic Children Convention (ECCCC) is a fun-filled spiritual retreat where children experience independence, responsibility, and accountability while building lifelong memories. Held annually in June, this two-night, two-day retreat provides a rich environment for learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Each year, the retreat focuses on a core Orthodox faith topic, presented through:

  • Interactive Lectures
  • Engaging Workshops
  • Inspirational Songs
  • Outdoor & Indoor Activities

Past Retreat Themes Include:

  • The Seven Sacraments
  • The Power of the Holy Spirit
  • Rooted in Christ
  • My Body is a Temple of God
  • The Fruit of the Spirit
  • The Armor of God

A Growing and Expanding Retreat

With God’s grace, the ECCCC has flourished, reaching over 400+ registrants annually. To accommodate this growing demand and ensure accessibility for all churches, the retreat expanded in 2019 into two locations:

  • New York & New Jersey Region
  • New England Region

Each retreat site hosts 250-400 attendees, including children and their dedicated servants, maintaining a 5:1 servant-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention and guidance.

What to Expect at ECCCC

  • Friday Night: Arrival, check-in, and a bonfire night to build community.
  • Saturday: Full-day program with four lectures, three workshops, and various indoor & outdoor activities.
  • Sunday Afternoon: Closing activities and departure.

Children are placed in groups, accompanied by their servants at all times, following a structured schedule and guidelines for a safe, enriching, and unforgettable retreat experience.