ecumenism" "
A festival of Orthodox youth will be held at the abbey of Nôtre-Dame de l’Ouye, near Dourdan, in the French region of Essonne, from 1st to 4th May. The brainchild of a group of youngsters in various dioceses, the festival was approved by the Orthodox bishops of France. Its participants, including those aged from 18 to 30 from Greek, Romanian, Russian, Serbian and Bulgarian Orthodox parishes in France, will meet together for four days of prayer and reflection. “The project explain the organizers reflects the spirit of such movements as the Orthodox Fraternity in Western Europe, the World Federation of Orthodox Youth, the JOM (Orthodox Youth of the Midi), and ACER-MJO (Christian Action of Russian Students Movement of Orthodox Youth), all aimed at promoting interdiocesan relations between Orthodox youth, and forging bonds of friendship and brotherhood between them in the name of their shared faith”. “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ”: St. Paul’s affirmation, the theme of the festival, is also the title of the opening talk given by Father Alexis Struve. In the various workshops the participants will also reflect on such themes as confession, marriage, youth at the service of the Church, the couple, and the significance of being Orthodox in France today. But it’s not only a festival of reflection and prayer: cultural exchanges, sporting events, moments of celebration complete the programme.
