Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
1 Jan 09: Resolution of the 44th Australian and New Zealand Diocesan Youth Conference
Resolution of the 44th Australian and New Zealand Diocesan Youth Conference
December 26 – 30, 2008
Gold Coast, Queensland.
We, the participants of the 44th Australian and New Zealand Diocesan Youth Conference, gathered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from December 26-30, 2008, in the presence of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, together with our priests and deacons, wish to express our joy for the opportunity to learn about our Orthodox Faith and Russian heritage, and to grow spiritually through the grace of the concelebrated Divine Liturgy in Brisbane.
We rejoice in the knowledge that our spiritual fathers have met in a spirit of fraternal love to address contemporary pastoral issues, and to consider the necessity of ongoing professional development.
The theme of “Faith, Hope and Love” has provided us with an opportunity to re-focus our lives on our relationship with God and one another. The Syezd has been inspiring, and we earnestly invite all of our Orthodox youth to participate in future conferences.
We have also come to an understanding that the Russian Diaspora has much to offer and, in return, receive, from integration with the Church and people in Russia.
The Russian Orthodox Church is on the threshold of a new era. The election of a new Patriarch is a monumental decision for the future of our Church, and we pray that our Metropolitan, bishops and delegates are inspired by the Holy Spirit to choose wisely.
In any case, we offer our love, support and fidelity to our bishops and clergy in their awesome responsibilities in God’s service.
Signed,
The participants of the 44th ANZ Diocesan Youth Conference