Archbishop Makarios of Australia addresses a paternal request for young individuals to take care of their lives and “not to waste it unjustly,” focusing on a prevalent phenomenon of our time. He observes that many young people engage in numerous relationships without progressing towards marriage.
The Archbishop notes that this phenomenon “as common and normal as it may seem, is still painful.” Therefore, he accompanies his message to young people with useful advice aimed at preventing the risk of getting hurt or causing harm, while also encouraging them to prioritize marriage and the church as their ultimate destination.
Here is the full message of Archbishop Makarios, as posted on Instagram:
In our times we have the phenomenon on many relationships. Young people start a new relationship. They then end this relationship and move onto another one. This phenomenon, as common and normal as it may seem, is still painful. Our young people’s hearts are often wounded by the relationships they enter into, which may start and end without ever leading them to the church.
I urge our young people to pay attention to their life and not to waste it unjustly.
If someone, whether man or woman, chooses to leave your life, honor their decision. If someone doesn’t want to be with you, let them go. Don’t send countless messages, don’t write letters explaining why. You have to accept that some people don’t want to be with you. And sometimes view it as a benevolent act from God.
No matter how difficult it may be, strive for peace and turn to prayer. Seek to learn from past mistakes, and in future endeavors, always keep in mind the goal of reaching marriage and a connection with the church. And whatever effort you make, do not rely on biological or social needs.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
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