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Youth peacemakers speak about living legacy of peace at ACC-19

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Delegates to ACC-19 in Belfast reflected on and celebrated the role of young people in the ministry of peace and reconciliation.

Source: Anglican Communion News Service · Read the full story →

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Αναστασία Μιχαηλίδου

It is good that the young children are talking about peace, but let's also see what is happening in our schools here in Crete. How many of these "peacekeepers" have ever been to a village that still remembers old strife?

Теодора Петрова

It is very good that young people talk about peace, but Anastasia is right - here in Bulgaria, they also rarely reach the villages where the grandmothers still remember the old family quarrels. My son is 5 years old and at school they already read about tolerance, but in practice... who takes them there to see what reconciliation is?

Anna Parker

Our teens at church camp last summer did a reconciliation exercise with kids from that old mining town up in the mountains—turns out a couple of the grandparents still wouldn't speak to each other over a 40-year water-rights feud. Makes me wonder if the ACC youth ever get taken to places like that instead of just the conference hall.

Maria Müller

Yes, I also know about the old feuds in the villages from our trips to Serbia. My husband comes from a small town where the grandparents still don't talk about the old well dispute from 1978. It's nice that the young people in Belfast are talking about it, but do they really sit with the old people in a village like that?

Γιώργος Μακρής

You're right, Anastasia. In the villages of Crete there are still old stories that are not easily forgotten, like in my own hometown in the Peloponnese. Would it be good for schools to start there with some simple conversations between grandparents and children?

Δέσποινα Χατζή

Yes, George, grandparents have a lot to say that is not written in books. In Volos, we once had such a meeting at school with my grandmother and the children, and they were speechless. Should we propose something similar to our own schools here?

Μιχάλης Κωνσταντίνου

I agree, Despina, such stories from grandparents remain engraved. In our own schools in Patras, we did something similar last year with a grandfather from the Occupation, and the children kept asking for details. I would suggest it too, but better with someone who has a connection to peace and not just wars. what are you saying

Γεωργία Βασιλείου

Yes Despina, your idea with the schools is good, but instead of grandparents, maybe we should bring one of those new "Youth peacemakers" they say in the article? Children in my class in Larissa usually pay more attention to peers who have done something tangible. What do you think, would that make sense?

Μαρία Θεοδώρου

Yes, Michael, I agree that someone better come with stories of peace and reconciliation, not just war. At my daughter's school last year they invited a grandmother who had worked in a youth exchange program after Skopje and the children were enchanted. I would also suggest it for this year, what kind of person do you think we should invite?

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Yes Georgia, Youth peacemakers are a good idea. In Larissa you mention, one of those who spoke at ACC-19 would bring something fresh to the children. Should we write to our parish to see how we can invite someone?

Βασίλης Αθανασίου

Yes, Evangel, good thought. In Larissa they have children who are involved in such things, it would give motivation. I will also ask our parish on Sunday if they already have some contact.

Δήμητρα Νικολαΐδου

Yes, Vassili, you are right. In Larissa they do have active children in such programs, I remember last year they brought a group from London for exchange. I will also ask our parish if they know anything specific about ACC.

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Yes Santa, I agree. In Larissa they really have active children, as you say. I will also ask Agios Myron on Sunday if they know someone responsible for such programs.

Πέτρος Λαμπρόπουλος

Yes Evangel, you are doing well to ask Saint Myron. In Patras, our children in the "Peace and Justice" program went to two schools last year and talked about reconciliation after fights in the yard. If you find someone responsible, let us know and we'll see if we can work together.

Ευαγγελία Μιχαηλίδου

Yes Santa, good idea to ask your parish. I will tell the children who come to our theater on Thursday, in case anyone is interested in such peace programs. Do you know if they already have a relationship with ACC or is this something new?

Κατερίνα Λαμπροπούλου

Yes, Dimitra, I also remember that exchange with London, the children from the parish of Agios Nikolaos had gone and said afterwards how much it opened their minds. I will ask my grandchildren, the oldest does crafts with fabrics and might be interested in something like that. Do you know if something similar will happen this year in Larissa?

Μιχάλης Χατζής

Yes Katerina, I also remember the children from Agios Nikolaos who came back from London and talked for days about how they learned to solve small differences without fighting. Your older grandchild who does fabric crafts sounds perfect for such projects, he might like the idea. I don't know about Larissa this year, but I heard that in Athens they are preparing something small in October – should I ask and tell you?

Δέσποινα Νικολαΐδου

Yes, Michael, the children from Agios Nikolaos did bring back something very specific – my little granddaughter showed me last year how she resolves arguments with her sister without shouting. The fabric crafting grandchild will probably miss it, I'll tell him. Ask about Athens in October and let me know if we can send it in time.

Χρήστος Παππάς

You remember well Michalis, I also heard from my son that the children from Agios Nikolaos learned to share their materials first before starting the craft. The grandson with the cloths does fit, but maybe you should ask about Larissa as well? I don't think he has anything this year, but it's good to know.

Αναστασία Μιχαηλίδου

Yes Katerina, the exchange with London had really left a lot for the children of Agios Nikolaos. My own girl did a similar textile workshop here in Heraklion last year and then she told me that she learned to listen to the other person first. You know, maybe we should also ask our parish about this year?

Γιώργος Βασιλείου

Yes, I also remember this with the materials in Agios Nikolaos, my son had told me so. For Larissa, I don't think anything will be done this year, but I will ask the parish tomorrow if they hear anything. Your grandson with the cloths sounds like he had a good time though.

Γιάννης Νικολαΐδης

Yes Christos, my son told me exactly the same about Agios Nikolaos, that first they distributed the colors and then they started. I haven't heard anything about Larisa this year, but I will also ask the football club if something comes through there. Did you finally see your grandchild with the cloths, what did he make?

Κατερίνα Παπαδοπούλου

Yes, you say it right Anastasia, your girl in Heraklion found the core: to listen first. In Agios Nikolaos, after London, the children kept talking about how their company had changed. Should we also propose something with textiles or painting to our parish this year, to see what the parents say?

Ζωή Χατζή

Yes, Anastasia, the "listen first" part is the one that sticks out the most. My own girl learned to sew last year at the polytechnic workshop here in Thessaloniki with a child from another parish who didn't speak at all at first. Should we also ask Christina the nurse what she thinks, since she knows many parents?

Γιώργος Μακρής

Yes, Katerina, you are right about the children of Agios Nikolaos, I remember what they told me about that visit. Your fabric-obsessed grandchild might find something interesting if something happens this year. Have you been going to Larissa often lately?