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PS Macarie at ITO 2026: A young believer in a secularized society is not imprisoned, but the Gospel sets him freetranslated

September 2, 2026 · 1 min read

"A young believer in a secularized society is not a closed man, but the Gospel makes him free, helps him to be cleaner, more responsible and more loving," said the Most Reverend Father Macarie, Bishop of Northern Europe, on Wednesday evening, at the National Cathedral, where he had a dialogue with the participants of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO) 2026.

The hierarch supported the spiritual conference Youth and the Church in the Orthodox Diaspora. Pastoral experience in Northern Europe, which also included a consistent portion of questions from the audience, to which the hierarch answered.

His Eminence began his speech by thanking the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel. "We should all thank him," said the hierarch.

"Not only for this moment, but we thank him together for the steadfast care he shows to young people, children and families, both in the country and those outside the borders, through the catechetical and educational programs, by supporting volunteering in camps and meetings, for the pastorate towards pupils and students and for all the initiatives through which the Romanian Orthodox Church offers young people real meeting spaces, of...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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Юрій Мороз

Мені сподобалося, як владика сказав, що Євангеліє робить молодого вільним, а не замкнутим. Це точно так, бо я бачу на своїх рибалках, як хлопці, що ходять до церкви, легше тримають слово і не бояться сказати «ні» поганому. Дякуємо Патріарху Даниїлу за те, що не забуває про молодь за кордоном.

Наталія Панченко

I agree, Yuri, that about freedom from the Gospel is very apt. In our parish in Lviv, you can also see how boys become more determined after confession and do not get confused in their promises. And tell me, on which fishing trips do you observe this - on some organized ones or just with friends?

Сергій Кузьменко

Agree, Natalia, freedom from the Gospel really gives boys determination. At our parish in Poltava, after confession, I also see students from my class stop making excuses and simply do what they promised. And do you often have such conversations with young people in Lviv after service or more often on walks?

Rubén Romero

Total agreement with what Bishop Macarie said about the Gospel making you free and not closed. Here in Seville, in the parish youth group, I see the same thing: after catechesis the kids dare more to say no to certain things without feeling strange. Thanks to Patriarch Daniel for also thinking about those outside, like us.

Іван Коваль

It's interesting, Yuri, that you noticed this in fishermen. I also have boys from the parish, when they go to confession regularly, then on the football field they do not abandon the team at will and keep their word. And do you often go on these fishing trips yourself, or more often with friends on weekends?