Archbishop Makarios of Australia: “Listen to the voice of our young people”

On the occasion of International Youth Day, Archbishop Makarios of Australia issued a message highlighting the importance of recognizing young people not merely as the hope of tomorrow, but as active and creative participants in the life of the Church and society today.

The Archbishop noted that youth has rightly been described as one of the most creative periods of human life. However, he stressed that the energy and potential of young people should not be regarded solely as a promise for the future, but as “a precious gift that can bear fruit from today.”

Archbishop Makarios emphasized that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has sought to demonstrate in practical ways its commitment to giving young people an active role in the present life of the Church, the Greek Australian community and wider Australian society.

He referred to the Archdiocese’s pastoral initiatives, including Sunday Schools, schools, youth fellowships, parish activities and the Youth Conferences now regularly organized in each Diocese.

Through these initiatives, he explained, the Church seeks above all to help young people cultivate a living relationship with Christ and develop the gifts…