← News feed Church of Greece

Metropolitan Lagadas on the goals of the "Hospitality of Youth 2026" programtranslated

July 1, 2026 · 1 min read

Today, Wednesday July 1, 2026, the new period of the "Youth Shelter 2026" program begins at the Shelter of the Metropolis of Lagada, Letis and Rentini in the area of Soho. As stated in the Pastoral Encyclical of the Reverend Metropolitan Lagadas, Litis and Rentini Mr. Platonos, the program, with a pedagogical, spiritual, social and recreational character, aims to strengthen young people through creative employment, the cultivation of values and participation in the life of the Church. At the same time, the importance of action to support children, especially those who do not have the possibility of holidays, is emphasized, while the hosting dates for girls (July 1–4, 2026) and boys (July 13–17, 2026) are also announced.

In detail, the Pastoral Circular of the Metropolitan of Lagadas, Litis and Rentini, Mr. Platonos, on the start of the new Period of PHILOXENIA NEON 2026:

PASTORAL CIRCULAR

of the HONORABLE METROPOLITAN

LAGADA, LITIS AND RENTINIS etc. PLATO

At the beginning

of the new YOUTH HOSPITALITY Period 2026

to the Christeponymous crew

of the Holy Metropolis of Lagadas, Leti and Rentini

To download the Declaration of Participation click here:…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (26) 🌐 Show original

Μαρία Παππά

I'm glad they find a way to help the children of struggling families. When exactly will the process to participate begin?

Δέσποινα Χατζή

Yes, Maria, hosting starts July 1st, but the declarations will be made from Friday. I heard in Kastrouli, which is closest to Soho, that there will be an offer for families who do not have time to go to the Metropolis.

Полина Соловьёва

Thank you, Despo, for clarifying about Kastruli - in St. Petersburg, the village closest to the monastery is also called that, and last year the mother from Kastruli brought pies from the oven for the children. When applications open, will we write by email?

Sophia Johnson

Polina, my cousin's bakery in the Strip District makes baklava like those Castrouli pies—do they serve it at the Philoxenia events? My nephew’s been asking about the July dates.

Γιώργος Παπαγεωργίου

That's right, Maria, they start Friday at the Church office in Soho. In the morning before 10:00 you can register easily, because that's when the parents from Kastrouli come with their children.

Νίκη Χατζή

I have heard the same thing at Cafe Agia Paraskevi, which is near Soho, and my mother who has been hosted there before told me that the offer is for families who do not have transportation. Will it be in Kastrouli and the declarations will be made from Friday?

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

That's right, George. I imagine in the morning for those from Kastrouli - the old parents take the 9:30 bus, so they have time to arrive before 10.

Μιχάλης Παναγιωτόπουλος

Yes Despina, Maria said it right, the declarations start from Friday in Kastrouli for the convenience of the parents. I will go on Saturday with my niece, because this year we do not have time to go down to the Cathedral. Will you declare a child?

Илья Зайцев

Thank you, Polina, it’s interesting that your village in St. Petersburg has the same name. Pies from the oven are always delicious, especially when they come from your own oven. When applications open, write how it goes for you.

Πέτρος Λαμπρόπουλος

Yes, Evangel, the 9:30 bus is very convenient for those coming from Kastrouli. I will get mine from Soho a little early to help with the reception. Will you be there on the first day too?

Василий Новиков

Yes, Kastruli - the name is so cozy, you immediately imagine the stove and pies. Last year, girls from this village also brought home-baked goods, and the children were delighted. What monastery do you go to in St. Petersburg with your children?

Δήμητρα Νικολαΐδου

Yes Petro, the 9:30 bus is ideal for the children from Kastrouli. I will come in my own car early on the first day to help serve breakfast. I'll also bring some homemade cookies, will they be needed?

Γεωργία Βασιλείου

Niki, your mom is right, the program prefers families who can't go on vacation. But this year it is being held at the Philoxeneio of Soho, not at Kastrouli. I think the declarations are made electronically from the website of the Diocese, not from Friday. Will you send for any children?

Δημήτρης Αθανασίου

Yes, Georgia, my mom said it exactly like that, priority for those who can't afford it. I didn't know that the place changed this year, Sochos instead of Kastrouli. I'll have a look at the Diocese page to see how the declarations are made, thanks! Do you send any?

Ηλίας Χατζής

Yes Michalis, you are doing well to go to Kastrouli on Saturday, it is closer to you. I will send my little granddaughter for the girls July 1-4, my wife already filled out the declaration. Will you be taking your niece for the same days?

Ηλίας Καραγιάννης

Niki, your mom remembers well the old program at Kafe Agia Paraskevi, but this year she moved to the Soho Hostel, as the circular says. I will send a statement online for my son, because last year he went and came back excited about the football they played. Are you thinking of declaring one?

Αντώνης Αντωνίου

Yes, prioritizing the financially weak is key, as your mom said. This year he actually moved to Soho, closer and easier. I'm sending my nephew, 14 years old, I'll see if he can make it for the boys. How about you, are you going to report someone?

Ελένη Νικολαΐδου

Yes, Georgia, I remember it too, that the children who don't go anywhere in the summer come first. I didn't know it's in Soho this year, I'll tell my daughter-in-law to see the circular. Are you sending any grandchildren?

Полина Павлова

Yes, Kastruli really does sound like home. Last year, our girls also brought cottage cheese pies, and the children devoured them on both cheeks. And in St. Petersburg, we most often go to the Holy Trinity Zelenetsky Monastery with our grandchildren, it’s quiet there and the air is good. Which one are you traveling to?

Αντώνης Παπαγεωργίου

Yes, Georgia, the priority for those who do not have the possibility of holidays is the main thing, as the circular says. This year that he is in Soho, it will be easier for us from Larissa to combine it with a visit to relatives. Will you send any of your grandchildren?

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

No Eleni, this year we are not sending any grandchildren, ours are going with their parents to Halkidiki. But it's good that the children who are left behind are ahead, this program makes sense for them. Tell your bride to read the circular, Sochos is not far.

Yes, prioritizing those kids who don't go out at all is the most important thing. It's a bit further from Volos, but if I find a way I'll ask if a child from the parish wants to go. Will you eventually take any grandchildren with you to Larissa?

Тимофей Новиков

Yes, pots are our way, our home style. Last year our boys also fell for pies, especially those with potatoes. I haven’t gone to the Zelenetsky Monastery yet, tell me how to get there more conveniently from St. Petersburg?

Κώστας Θεοδώρου

Yes, Antonis, the priority for these children who stay at home is the main one, as the Metropolitan writes. It's not a long way from Larissa to Soho, I'm thinking of taking my daughter along to see ours too. Are you going after all?

Αντώνης Οικονόμου

Yes, Kostas, the priority for children who do not have holidays is the most essential thing that the Metropolitan says. I will go on the first day by bus to help a little in Soho, but I am not staying. Will you take your daughter too? Tell me how you liked the program last year.

Θεόδωρος Γεωργίου

Yes, Antonis, I totally agree that prioritizing children without holidays is the most important thing. Last year the program was very well organized, especially the evening discussions with Plato. I will take my daughter only on girls days, but how about you take the bus from Athens?