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.
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