Orthodox forum of Ukrainian youth from Europe held in Leipzig
Orthodox forum of Ukrainian youth from Europe. Photo: FB page of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Leipzig
A regional forum of Orthodox Ukrainian youth took place in Leipzig, gathering about 80 participants from various European countries – Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Bulgaria. Parishioner Kateryna of the UOC wrote about the event on Facebook.
The initiative came from the youth themselves, inspired by a similar meeting in Italy.
“I’m 18 now. I left Ukraine when I was 15. I had never organized anything before. After seeing how they held a youth forum in Italy, I decided to arrange one in Leipzig. Our parish youth helped with the organization,” said Viktoriia, one of the participants.
The program included talks with speakers, discussions, and Q&A sessions. The forum’s president, Bohdana, noted that the participants chose the topics and speakers themselves: “We selected the speakers on our own. We’re grateful that they came from Ukraine to meet with us here.”
UOC priest Fr. Oleksandr Klymenko emphasized the importance of conscious choice and spiritual maturity among young people: “I want to remind them that they must value the God-given gift of free will and not be afraid to make decisions,” he said.
After the discussion program, participants held an evening gathering with Ukrainian songs.
The forum concluded with the Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church parish in Leipzig.
Such meetings allow young Ukrainians living across Europe to maintain connections, take part in joint projects, and preserve their church and cultural traditions.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a similar youth gathering was held in Spain for Ukrainian Orthodox youth of Western Europe.
Read also
Georgian Church Synod to present three candidates for Patriarchal throne
Georgian hierarchs will select candidates for the Patriarchal throne, after which the Extended Council will make the final decision.
Metropolitan Tychikos' lawyers respond to media accusations
The hierarch's lawyers called the television stories targeted harassment.
EU Court: Hungary's law protecting children from LGBT violates legislation
The European Court ruled that Hungary's ban on promoting LGBT ideology among minors contradicts "EU values".
Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report
The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.
Pasika activist urges believers to join Uniates if they don't want to go to OCU
Choknadiy called on UOC believers to join the Greek Catholic Church, since they refuse to join the OCU.
OCU “priest” urges SBU to punish local community head for backing UOC faithful
Volodymyr Pedko was outraged that a fallen serviceman was buried by a cleric of the canonical Church and promised to “sort things out” with the local authorities after the holidays.