“Young people are not only the future of the Church; they are its living present,” said His Eminence Atanasie, Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in his message for International Orthodox Youth Day.
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to Orthodox youth, especially those living outside their home countries.
Young people in the diaspora experience a complex reality. “For many of them, the journey of the diaspora begins early: new schools, fragile friendships, unspoken questions and a longing for home.”
“They are the generation learning to live between different languages, cultures and rhythms, yet perhaps more than ever they are searching for a meaning that does not fade,” His Eminence said.
The Church and young people
In this journey, Archbishop Atanasie underlined that the Church becomes a genuine place of belonging for young people.
“The Church often becomes the place where the heart gathers together, where you are not a stranger, where your name is spoken with affection, and your joy is truly shared.”
Within the Church, young people find peace in Christ and the authentic meaning of life:
“Young people are not looking for reay-made formulas, but for authenticity. Not lofty speeches, but a living witness. They want to know that Christ is not distant from their concrete lives, but present in their daily choices, struggles and hopes.”
Young people, a living bridge between generations
The Romanian Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also highlighted the particular role of young people in the diaspora.
“In the diaspora, young people are often a living bridge between generations – between parents who carry the longing of departure and children who are already growing up in a different world,” His Eminence said.
“They can become translators of the faith, not only through words, but through gestures, chant, service, volunteering and, above all, friendship.”
International Orthodox Youth Day is observed annually on 2 February. The observance was established in 1992.
Photo: roarch.org.uk
