Are you looking to meet like-minded people who have the same values and beliefs as you and follow the same faith?
Look no further than a Greek Orthodox youth group.
Located all over Australia, The Greek Herald has got the scoop on where you can join one, what exactly they are, why they are important and how can they benefit you.
According to Father Petros, the priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, a youth group is a fellowship made of young people who want to make new friends and establish deeper connections with their faith.
Father Petros holds ‘Parea,’ the Greek orthodox youth group in Canberra, which has been running for more than four years. In the last two years it has become more popular.
“Every week, we gather here at Saint Nicholas, and we share one topic,” Father Petros told The Greek Herald.
“It is a good opportunity for young people to come together to discuss and ask questions not only about the topic, but about our faith in general.
“It is important because we need to learn basic things about our faith. It’s like catechism.”
Father Petros said Parea welcomes young people aged 17 to 35 to attend every second Tuesday at St Nicholas.
“We call it Parea because we like to keep it casual. I want young people to feel casual, to come along when they can and to not be afraid to ask questions. We all love Jesus Christ and it’s a beautiful thing to discover our faith,” he said.
“The most important thing about running the youth group is to encourage young people to come along and get to know each other and learn something at the same time.
“Everyone is always welcome too.”
Iliada Mantinaos, a 22-year-old from Canberra shared her thoughts on the importance of running and attending youth groups. She has been attending Parea for almost two years.
“I attend Parea because I am always intrigued on what Father Petros is going to talk about,” Iliada said.
“I always learn something new; I get to see my friends and I love going to church because it’s so beautiful and makes me feel so peaceful.”
Iliada revealed that by attending youth groups, they can provide you with so much valuable knowledge.
“Every week you learn something new about Orthodoxy, so there are so many things I have gotten out of Parea,” she said.
“I have learnt lots about fasting, forgiveness, reasoning behind why the church says/does things, and Father Petros is always happy to answer any question we have too.”
The university student revealed that attending youth groups is also “healthy for the soul.”
“When I’m stressed with uni work, I always feel better after going to Parea. It’s also a good opportunity to see friends and make new ones,” Iliada explained.
“People should come to Parea because you get so much out of it. It’s a good social outlet, and Father Petros is also the best, so it’s always good to see him and get his advice.”
In Sydney, there are also many youth groups that always have their doors open to new people.
Dimi Galanopoulos, a regular attendee of the Kogarah Orthodox Youth (KOY) group, described the youth group as a “vibrant community centred around the teachings of Christ, the Saints, and the fundamental values of the Orthodox Church.”
“It serves as an enriching environment for youth who are eager to come closer to Christ and take their first steps in deepening their spirituality,” Dimi told The Greek Herald.
“It also provides a safe space for those who are striving to live a Christ-centred life or grow in their faith, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share similar values and beliefs.
“Through various activities and discussions, the Youth Group aims to support and empower its members on their spiritual journeys, fostering a sense of community and belonging among young Orthodox Christians.”
KOY welcomes those aged 16 to 28. Dimi said she has been attending the youth group for just over two years, and has since gained so much value in attending and has deepened her understanding of Orthodox traditions.
“I find great joy in witnessing individuals deepen their faith and form lasting friendships centred around Christ through KOY,” she said.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how our shared beliefs can bring us together and enrich our lives in profound ways.”
Dimi said KOY meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm. The youth group also holds an English Divine Liturgy, a Bible study and regular guest speakers.
As a proud member of KOY, Dimi said she encourages more people in Sydney to become a part a youth group.
“Attending groups like the KOY is crucial for young people, as it provides them with a supportive and nurturing environment to spiritually progress and grow. Beyond just spiritual development, these groups offer a space to form lifelong bonds through the church,” Dimi concluded.
