Holy Diocese of Chora: Youth Tavern Night
More than 200 young men and women participated in a special event dedicated to them, organised by the Holy Diocese of Chora at the Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord in Coburg.
The evening, full of vitality, joy and enthusiasm, was a unique opportunity for meeting, communication and meaningful fellowship among the youth of the local Church; without a strict thematic framework, but with a clear purpose: to strengthen the unity, presence and participation of youth in the ecclesiastical and spiritual space.
The event was honoured with the presence of His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. In his short speech, addressing the young people, His Grace spoke about the importance of the Church as a spiritual family, emphasising that there is nothing more beautiful than living with truth, faith and gratitude towards God and within the Church.
“Don’t choose that which is easy. Choose that which is true. The world around you will offer you temporary joys and superficial acceptance. But the Church offers you something deeper: direction, meaning, and eternal life. Christ is not one choice among many – he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
And you are not just “young people”. You are the continuation of a sacred path. You carry within you Orthodoxy and Hellenism – not as museum concepts, but as a living identity, as a flame that must burn clearly and steadily. Do not be ashamed of your faith. Do not be ashamed of your language, traditions and roots. These are your strength. In a world that is constantly changing, these are the points that will never betray you.”
His Grace Bishop Evmenios made special mention of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, emphasising to the youth that they are blessed to live in an era where the Church does not simply “tolerate” them, but honours them, trusts them and gives them space. “His Eminence does not consider youth to be “the future” of the Church. He considers you its present. He is close to you, watching over you, supporting you and believes deeply in the strength and purity of your generation. He has given us the mandate not to simply hold events for the youth, but to build relationships. To speak to you, to listen to you, to guide you with love. And that is what we do today – not because it is our obligation, but because it is the heart of our ministry.”
