Met. Ignatios: Children Today Want to Know the Truth

Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

THESSALY, GREECE — The traditional New Year’s event honoring parish catechists was held on January 4 at the Thessaly Conference Center, bringing together youth ministry leaders, parish priests, and those responsible for youth work across the Local Church.

The gathering opened with the blessing of the New Year’s vasilopita by Met. Ignatios of Demetrias, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to catechists and youth leaders for their selfless service to the Church’s pastoral mission among young people.

In his address, Met. Ignatios spoke about the spiritual disorientation of the modern world, noting that many have lost a sense of direction necessary for peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the central role of faith, stressing that when God is absent from human life, people struggle to find meaning and stability.

Referring specifically to catechetical work, he underlined its importance for children and youth, describing it as vital to helping them encounter and live the truth. He added that even small groups of young people remain a source of hope and blessing for the Church.

The Metropolitan concluded by thanking his collaborators and acknowledging the contributions of Archimandrite Maximos Papaioannou and Archdeacon Fr. Iakovos Proias. The event ended in a festive atmosphere with dinner and live music.

Previously, the UOJ reported on hundreds of children being baptized in Georgia. 

Read also

UOJ-USA Launching New Editorial Podcast

The weekly Thursday program will feature long-form conversations between staff and invited guests. This follows the recent launch of the Orthodox Dispatch news podcast.

Holy Virgin Cathedral Hosts Retreat on Hieromonk Seraphim Rose

Lenten retreat in San Francisco will examine the life and legacy of Hieromonk Seraphim of Platina.

Report: 742 Religious Sites Damaged in Ukraine Since 2022

New data show hundreds of religious sites across Ukraine damaged during four years of war.

Metr. Onuphry Calls for Fidelity to Pure Orthodox Faith

Metr. Onuphry urged the faithful to preserve pure Orthodox doctrine and live their faith authentically.

OCU Cleric Targets Businessman Over UOC Church Support

OCU cleric Roman Grishchuk calls for a boycott of businessman Andriy Biba over support for UOC church construction.

Lenten Reflections Featured in New WORD Magazine Issue

The WORD Magazine’s March–April issue offers Lenten reflection and Church news in an accessible mobile format.