2025 Omatha Youth Retreats of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society

This year, the Orthodox Boys and Girls Youth Groups (Ομάδες) held their annual camps from the 7th to 12th and the 13th to 17th of January respectively. The Sydney youth were blessed to be joined by interstate youth from Adelaide and Melbourne who enthusiastically participated in the retreats. Both camps were guided by the powerful theme “Cast your cares upon the Lord” (Psalm 54:23) inspiring the children to grow in virtue and develop a personal relationship with Christ. 

The boys camp was blessed by the virtual attendance of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the girls camp was blessed by a visit from His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland. Both Hierarchs expressed their paternal love for the children and their desire for the Ομάδες of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society to produce Australia’s orthodox christians of the future.

Both of the camps were filled with joy and zeal during talks, bible studies, prayer, sport, games, communal meals, singing, spiritual reading and other recreational activities. The highlight of both retreats were the Divine Liturgy services which were officiated by Father Eusebios, the Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery, which spiritually uplifted the camp participants.

The genuine friendships and spiritual atmosphere of the camp will remain with the youth as treasured memories for years to come.