“Learn from Christ” was the central message delivered by Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the 400 Orthodox young people from New South Wales who attended the Youth Conference. The event was held at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney on Saturday, September 21.
The Conference proceedings took place at the Parish of St. Euphemia in Bankstown. Along with Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who delivered the keynote address, several other notable figures participated, including Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese, Archimandrite Christoforos Krikelis of the Ecumenical Throne, clergy from Sydney, and the Deputy Dean of St. Andrew’s Theological College, Professor Philippos Kariatlis.
In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the Gospel passage: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). He urged the young people to invite Christ into their hearts and minds, encouraging them to learn from the Lord’s example of gentleness and humility.
He explained that this would grant them the profound sense of peace we often observe in people of faith, such as our devout grandparents, but which is sadly missing from the lives of many in modern society.
The Archbishop emphasized, “No matter how many vacations we take, how much wealth we accumulate, or how far we advance in our careers, nothing can provide true rest, except having Christ in our hearts and cultivating a spirit of meekness and humility.” “How do we achieve this?” he asked, then immediately answered: “Christ Himself told us, ‘Learn from me.'” He didn’t say, “Learn to be meek and humble by reading about it,” or by attending relaxation classes, but rather, “Learn from me.”
He is our answer. Think of a person we love, our best friend. We feel a deep sense of comfort knowing that one is with us, right by our side. In this presence, we find rest, and it fills us with joy. This is what Christ offers us. He wants us to rest in Him. We accomplish this by including Him in everything we do.”
At another point in his speech, Archbishop Makarios emphasized the fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Archbishop noted that within these fruits lies the answer to whether one has truly formed a personal relationship with Christ. He concluded by emphasizing, “When we seek answers outside of God, a deep void remains within us. When we turn to worldly pleasures, our hearts find no comfort. The void remains, one that cannot be filled.”
Concluding his speech, the Archbishop highlighted the historic milestone of the centenary of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
He urged the young men and women to stay close to the Church and to work together in unity during the new century, striving to spread the eternal truth of Christ and to save as many souls as possible on the fifth continent.
He also encouraged the young audience to participate wholeheartedly and with open hearts in the upcoming reception of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the events held in his honor. This, he emphasized, would allow them to receive the Ecumenical Patriarch’s blessing and gain valuable spiritual support for the challenges they will face, both personally and collectively.
