The head of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs met with participants of the XVIII International Congress “Commonwealth of Orthodox Youth”translated

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 18, in the Great Assembly Hall of the Moscow Theological Academy, a meeting was held between the acting chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs, Hieromonk Philaret (Zubov), and the participants of the XVIII International Congress “Commonwealth of Orthodox Youth.”

Source: Site: Московская епархия · Read the full story →

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Bogdan Radu

Okay, but why was the meeting held at the Moscow Theological Academy and they didn't mention anything concrete about what the young people discussed? It would have been interesting to know the practical themes of this congress.

Ilie Stoica

Well said, Bogdan. It would have been useful to write some concrete topics from the discussions, like how young people manage their jobs or their families in big cities. I say they chose Moscow because that is where the seat of the Synod is and they have more Russian participants, but yes, the report seems a bit general. Have you been to any similar congress?

Daniel Dumitrescu

Yes, Bogdan, I was also surprised that they didn't say anything concrete - for example, how young people relate to the temptations of social networks or the Sunday service after a week at the office. The place in Moscow seems logical to me, but a summary with practical examples would have really helped. Which theme do you think should have appeared first?

Ion Popescu

Yes, Daniel, you are right, a concrete example with social networks would have been good, especially since young people spend hours there. I think the first topic should have been how to keep the prayer in the evening when you get home tired from work. Have you ever participated in such a congress?

Radu Constantinescu

Yes, Ion, the theme of praying in the evening when you are tired is a very practical one, especially after a long schedule at the office like mine. I wasn't at this congress, but at a smaller one at the Cernica monastery a few years ago, I saw how well young people like to discuss exactly such concrete things. What do you think, could we also give an example with the networks, like how not to let your phone eat up all your prayer time?