“Mystic Faith in Discussion” – A series of successful discussions led by graduates of St Andrews Theological College and designed for our Youth by our youth were enjoyed by all this Great Lent in the District of Northcote.
This year for Great Lent the District of Northcote Youth, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia organized a series of presentations led by graduates of St Andrews Theological College for all our Youth to enjoy.
“Mystic Faith in Discussion” included 3 talks titled “The End of Suffering – Finding purpose in pain” presented by Rev Fr Asterios Zouriakas and Mr. Philip Papagianopoulos, “It will never happen to me – Growing up with addiction” presented by Rev Fr Leonidas Ioannou and Costa Koutoulas and “Love, Intimacy and Marriage – An Orthodox perspective” presented by Rev Fr Demostheni Nicolaou and Rev Fr John Frangos.
Presentations were hosted at “The Transfiguration of the Lord” in Thomastown, “The Presentation of the Lord” in Coburg, and “St Paraskevi” in St Albans. All presentations were well attended, and all parishes offered an abundance of snacks and refreshments for all afterwards in their well-presented function rooms.
Bishop Evemnios of Kerasounta, on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, also attended and participated in the talks, offering at the end of each talk a few of His own insights and thoughts on the topics at hand. After each talk, Bishop Evemnios conveyed all the blessings of the Archbishop and His appreciation to the clergy and laity who presented the topics and for their reflections on such important topics.
Bishop Evemnios also on behalf of Archbishop Makarios, offered gifts to all the presenters as a blessing and a gesture of appreciation. At the end of the final talk, Bishop Evemnios conveyed Paschal blessings of the Archbishop to all and encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming services of Holy Week and Pascha so that together we can rise above all earthly things and spiritually benefit from the Love of God that is poured out towards us during the events and services of Holy Week and Pascha.
The youth from the District of Northcote is looking forward to continuing these beneficial discussions and events and is already scheduling and planning the next series of events for the winter months ahead.
