Approximately 200 Orthodox youth gathered in Perth on Saturday for the 2024 Youth Conference of the Archdiocesan District of Perth, marking a significant event in the centennial celebrations of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
The conference, held at the Archdiocesan Headquarters, promoted spiritual renewal and resilience with an address by Archbishop Makarios.
Makarios spoke of the central role of faith in navigating life’s trials and about finding solace and strength in Christ, regardless of life’s uncertainties.
“There is nothing to fear when we have Christ with us,” said Archbishop Makarios during his keynote speech, encouraging the young audience to draw inspiration from the steadfast faith of their elders.
Makarios further cautioned against the pitfalls of seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures and substances.
“People who turn to drugs and alcohol in search of happiness often find themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction,” he warned, urging the youth to prioritise spiritual fulfillment over fleeting worldly pleasures.
The divine liturgy was presided over by the Archbishop at the nearby church of St. Nektarios.
Joined by bishops Elpidios of Kyanea and Evmenios of Kerasounta, the service underscored the importance of communal worship and spiritual fellowship.
In closing, Archbishop Makarios assured the young attendees that the Church would always be a welcoming sanctuary for those seeking solace and guidance.
“The Church’s doors will never close to you, because God is the head, and the Church is your home,” he affirmed.
The conference concluded with a communal luncheon.
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