FAQs

    1. How do I register for the event?
      Download/Print the Clergy Laity 2025 Registration Form from the event website. Complete one form for each registrant, and specify credit/debit card information or enclose a check made payable to Clergy Laity 2025. Mail your form(s) with payment to Clergy Laity 2025, 34 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
      Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Incomplete forms or payment issues may delay processing.

    2. What is the registration deadline and may I register onsite if I miss that deadline? 
      The deadline for early registration is May 1, 2025 after which time fees will increase as noted on the registration form. The deadline for all applications is JUNE 1, 2025. There is no onsite registration/registration fee payment. 

    3. What payment methods are accepted for registration?
      You can pay using all major credit/debit cards and by check.

    4. How can I modify registration details after submitting my form and payment?
      Registration change requests must be submitted in writing using the Contact Us form. Use the "Registration Changes” subject line for efficient processing.
      Please note that modifications increase the risk of processing errors, so we recommend submitting only essential changes. Modifications cannot be accepted after June 1, 2025.

    5. How do I confirm my registration?
      Once we receive and process your mailed registration, and within one business day of depositing your check, we will email your confirmation. Please allow extra time for payment processing.

    6. What is the cancellation policy for my event registration?
      A refund of your registration fee, less $200 per person, will be granted when your written request is received and approved by The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta prior to June 1, 2025.
      In order to meet the June 1st approval deadline, we recommend that you submit your request no later than May 1, 2025, using the Contact Us form. You should select the "Refund Request” subject line to facilitate accurate and efficient processing.
      We regret that we are unable to make exceptions to this refund policy.

    7. Is there a group discount for multiple attendees?
      There is no group registration fee discount.

    8. What does my registration fee include?
      The registration fee differs by participant group but in each case includes your individual access to all conference sessions, workshops and outings listed here. Please see Question #10 for included meals:

      • A Welcome Dinner hosted by the Holy Trinity parish on Wednesday, June 11th.

      • Admission to the Grand Banquet on Thursday evening, June 12th (Gaillard Center).

      • The Philoptochos Luncheon on Friday, June 13th.

      • The Thomas Heyward House private cocktail hour on Friday, June 13th.

      • Closing Luncheon and Blessing at Trinity Hall on Sunday, June 15th, following Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (30 Race Street).

      • Refreshments and snacks in the meeting areas, during breaks, and throughout the event.

    9. Which optional or a la carte social events are available to family members who are traveling with me but who are otherwise not registered for daytime sessions, and how do I reflect that on my registration form?
      We welcome spouses, etc., to these Clergy Laity 2025 social activities:

      • Welcome Dinner hosted by the Holy Trinity parish on Wednesday, June 11th.

      • The Grand Banquet on Thursday evening, June 12th (Gaillard Center).*

      • The Thomas Heyward House private cocktail hour on Friday, June 13th.*

      • Closing Luncheon and Blessing at Trinity Hall on Sunday, June 15th, following Divine Liturgy.

      * Additional fee applies. Select ‘INDIVIDUAL EVENT ONLY- Grand Banquet’ (or Thomas Heyward House) on the form and provide the guest’s name as specified. Space is limited and individual ticket purchases are subject to the deadlines noted.

    10. Are all meals provided with my individual event registration?

      These meals are included with your individual registration fee:

      • Welcome Dinner hosted by the Holy Trinity parish on Wednesday, June 11th at 6:00PM.

      • Box lunch on Thursday, June 12th for Philoptochos members only. Otherwise on your own.

      • The Grand Banquet on Thursday evening, June 12th (Gaillard Center).

      • A ‘Family Breakfast’ for Clergy and Presvyteres only, at the Hyatt Restaurant on Friday, June 13th.

      • While the Thomas Heyward House cocktail hour on Friday evening (6:30-8:00PM) will include light hors d'oeuvres, there is no formal dinner scheduled.

      • Box lunch on Saturday, June 14th for the Metropolis Council and Philoptochos members only.

      • Closing Luncheon and Blessing at Trinity Hall on Sunday, June 15th, following Divine Liturgy..

      • A daily breakfast is included with your Hyatt House room fee. Otherwise it is on your own.

      The Assembly formally ends on Saturday at Noon therefore if you extend your stay please make lunch and dinner reservations for that day. We highly recommend making brunch, lunch or dinner reservations at your earliest convenience, or at least 3 weeks prior to arrival. Go here for suggestions and links to nearby restaurants.

    1. Where will the 2025 Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference take place?
      The event venue and our recommended hotel are one and the same: the Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District, 560 King St, Charleston, SC. Phone: 843.414.4900. Select events (e.g., Grand Banquet, Philoptochos Luncheon, etc.) will be at other nearby locations; please refer to your registration packet itinerary for details. 

    2. How do I reserve a room and what is the negotiated room rate for Clergy Laity 2025 attendees at the Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District?
      Reserving Online: Please use these booking links to secure rooms at our negotiated rate of $289.00/night. You should specify arrival and departure dates:
      Greek Orthodox Church - Hyatt Place
      Greek Orthodox Church - Hyatt House
      Reserving by phone: Please contact the Hyatt Place/House Charleston - Historic District at 843.414.4900 and specify that you are part of the ‘Greek Orthodox Church’ June event.
      Note: Our negotiated rate is good through May 17th. After that date rooms are subject to availability at the hotel’s prevailing rates.

    3. What is the Hyatt Place/House Charleston - Historic District’s room cancellation policy?
      You may cancel your room reservation up to 48 hours before your expected arrival to receive a full refund. Please note that the hotel's policies may change; contact the hotel directly to confirm current policies. 

    4. Is parking available on-site at the hotel/venue, and what are the costs? 
      Valet parking is available at the hotel/meeting venue at a heavily discounted rate of $38/day for overnight guests attending Clergy Laity 2025.
      Self-parking is available at a public parking garage adjacent to the hotel at a discounted rate of $2/hour or $34/day. For large vehicles, trailers, tour buses and charter buses, please call the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for parking permit and availability at +1 843 973 7290. All public garage parking charges are subject to change.

    5. Does the hotel run a shuttle service from the airport?
      The Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District does not run a dedicated shuttle from the airport. See below for transportation suggestions.

    1. How far is Holy Trinity Church/Trinity Hall from the venue/hotel and what’s the best way to get there?
      Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Trinity Hall (30 & 34 Race Street, respectively) are 1/2 mile from the Hyatt Place (560 King Street) and an Uber or taxi can make the drive in five minutes, although you may want to allow extra time in case of traffic. If you prefer to walk, allow for 15 minutes each way with no stops.
      A shuttle service will be available on Friday, June 13th, to transport Assembly/Convention attendees to Trinity Hall for the Philoptochos Luncheon.

    2. How do I get from the hotel to the key off-site social activities?
      Shuttle services will be available as follows for these events:

      • Thursday, June 12th, round trip transport takes you to/from the Gaillard Center for the Grand Banquet.

      • Friday, June 13th, round trip transport takes you to/from the Philoptochos luncheon.

      • Friday evening, June 13th, we’ll offer one-way transport to the Thomas Heyward House. Return to the hotel is on your own.

    3. How far is the venue from the nearest airport or train station?

    4. What options are available to get from the airport/train station to the hotel/venue?

      • Charleston International Airport – Click here for detailed information about all ground transportation options to/from the airport, or to download a taxi brochure

      • North Charleston ITC/Amtrak – Taxis and rideshare pick-ups are in front of the terminal building, outside of baggage claim. The average cost to a downtown destination is between $30 and $50 depending on traffic and your destination location.

    5. Who do I call for help arranging transportation to and from the airport/train station/hotel/venue.

      • Charleston Black Cab Company: Towne Car/Limo/Executive – (843) 216-2627.

      • Charleston Airport Taxi Stand: 843-767-7113

      • Charleston Cab Company: 843-566-5757
        These options are based on our own web search to facilitate your planning and do not constitute a recommendation.

    6. Are there any public transit options nearby?
      Most visitors don’t rely heavily on buses since many attractions are within walking distance on the lower peninsula. However, the city offers a free shuttle service (‘DASH’) with three routes circling key downtown areas, all connected to the central Visitors Center on Meeting Street. Click here for more information and to download a route map.

    1. Where do I go to check in on the first day of the event?
      Registration for the Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference begins at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 11th. Registration will be on the first floor of the Meeting Hall directly adjacent to the hotel. 

    2. Where can I find information about the event agenda and schedule?
      Everything you will need to participate throughout the event will be provided with your registration package when you check in, including an agenda of events. The mobile friendly ClergyLaity2025.org website will also contain detailed event information. 

    3. Are there accommodations for dietary restrictions?
      All meals will offer an alternative option to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please submit additional requests for our planning with your registration form.   

    4. Are tickets required for any sessions and how do I get them?
      All applicable tickets will be included with your registration package.

    5. Are there accessibility features for individuals with disabilities? 
      Yes. Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Hall, the Gaillard Center, and the Hyatt Place are disability accessible. 
      The Hyatt’s online reservation system lets you indicate that you need a room with accessibility features, however you should make those needs clear when making reservations by telephone.

    6. What is the dress code for the event?
      Assembly Sessions – We recommend business or business-casual attire to ensure a respectful appearance. While Charleston can be warm in June, nearly all venues—including the Hyatt, Trinity Hall, Holy Trinity Church, restaurants, and sightseeing spots—are air-conditioned.
      Grand Banquet – Semi-Formal attire requested.

    7. Will there be opportunities for feedback during or after the event?
      Yes. We will conduct a formal survey on the final day of the Assembly. If you have questions or concerns during the event, please alert a session representative or registration table volunteer.

    8. How can I stay updated on event changes or announcements?
      Visit ClergyLaity2025.org for the most up-to-date event information available.

    1. How can I contact the event organizers for additional questions?
      Please use the Contact Us function to submit questions or feedback by email prior to the event.

    2. Will session recordings or materials be available after the event?
      Where requested, and as authorized by the session presenters or leaders, we will include appropriate session materials on the website prior to and during the event for attendees’ reference. 

      We will endeavor to make all final presentation materials available online at the conclusion of the event.  

    3. What is the expected weather?
      In June, Charleston experiences hot days and warm nights, with temperatures often in the mid-80s (°F). Humidity levels are often high. Remember to stay hydrated!

    4. What should I pack for sightseeing?
      When sightseeing, plan for light, breathable clothing suitable for summer weather. Pack light slacks/khakis, shorts, airy tops, sunscreen, an umbrella or waterproof jacket for occasional rain, and comfortable walking shoes. And, always carry plenty of water.

    5. Where can I go to find out about things to do in Charleston outside of Clergy Laity 2025 event activities? 
      For local attractions, dining, and sightseeing in Charleston, check out these resources:

Explore Charleston's historic sites and attractions!