Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria visited the Youth Center of Oberleis, where Archimandrite Athanasios Buk, together with a group of catechumens and young Orthodox Christians, organized an excursion from May 2 to 4, 2025, with the theme: “Paths to Holiness”.
The Metropolitan was accompanied by Bishop Maximos of Aristi and Monk Savvas, while the father of Fr. Athanasios, Protopresbyter Michael Buk, was also present. During the excursion, the participants had the opportunity to attend lectures, participate in round-the-clock services, workshops, and other activities aimed at introducing them to various aspects of Orthodox spirituality. The Holy Metropolis of Austria places special emphasis on providing access to those who wish to learn about Orthodoxy and actively participate in the liturgical life of the Church.
In his keynote address, the Metropolitan spoke of holiness as the fruit of the ascetic journey of Orthodox Christians. Addressing the needs of those new to Orthodox life, he focused on simple, practical, everyday actions that give meaning to the life of the believer. He began with self-knowledge and repentance, as taught by St. Gregory Palamas and practiced by St. Nektarios and the Choir of the Saints of the Church. He explained that through this path one becomes worthy of true freedom – the freedom found in Christ.
He emphasized that confession is a fundamental element of the spiritual life because it is the first step toward self-knowledge, repentance, and seeking God’s help. He went on to speak about prayer, which fosters not only a daily but also an eternal relationship with God, allowing the believer to place his hopes in His help and to avoid despair.
Referring to St. Isaac the Syrian, who said that where there is humility, there is the grace of God, the Metropolitan emphasized that humility opens the way to divine grace. He encouraged those present not to insist on their own sense of justice, but to be characterized by a spirit of forgiveness. He also stressed the importance of continued participation in the sacramental life of the Church. He emphasized that a person is not saved because he is good, but because he regularly partakes of the Holy Eucharist, which grants participation in the mystical body of the Church – communion with Christ and eternal life.
Summing up his message, he said that in addition to sacramental and liturgical life, ecclesial participation, forgiveness and prayer, community is also essential. He urged the faithful to accept the reality of physical and emotional pain and to learn to bring it to God through the sacrament of confession. The daily challenges of work, school, family, and society at large should be faced by Christians with faith, prayer, and patience.
He encouraged them not to isolate themselves but to share their pain with the Church, their spiritual Father, and their brothers and sisters. Talk to God and share in the resurrection. He spoke of the need to turn to true life, to recognize the transience of the present world, and to seek the true Truth – our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives eternal life. He emphasized the importance of letting go of the past and following the light of Christ that enlightens every person who comes into the world.
He concluded by saying that holiness is not reserved for bishops, priests or monks alone, but is also attainable by the ordinary person who seeks God’s help.
In the extended discussion that followed, the Metropolitan congratulated the young people for dedicating their time to learning about Christ and expressed his gratitude to Archimandrite Athanasios for his tireless efforts to provide access to the youth, access that is not hindering, but freely and lovingly offered to win their hearts.
The excursion was part of the broader catechetical efforts of the Holy Metropolis of Austria. Fr. Athanasios Buk oversees the program of activities for those who have approached the German-speaking parish of St. John Chrysostom, where he serves as pastor and spiritual director, throughout the ecclesiastical year. In an accessible and engaging manner, he offers Orthodox spirituality to those interested in and friends of the Orthodox Church.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
