On Tuesday, March 10, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with young participants of the GO Youth Initiative in New South Wales.
The event marked the start of the new year of Orthodox youth activities with a Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) service at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, Sydney.
Following the service, the Archbishop addressed the young people, acknowledging the anxiety many feel amid global conflict, division and uncertainty.
He encouraged them to view such challenges as opportunities to deepen their spiritual life, emphasising that the Christian message offers hope and healing through Christ.
Highlighting that true peace is not simply the absence of conflict but a deeper inner state found through faith, he urged the youth to strengthen their relationship with Christ through prayer, participation in the Church and mutual support.
Archbishop Makarios concluded by reminding the young audience that faith is not merely a tradition of the past, but a living experience that can bring hope, purpose and peace even in difficult times.
