His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent greetings to the participants of the All-European Orthodox Youth Congress (Bocca di Magra, Italy, September 3-8, 2026).
To the organizers, participants, and guests of the All-European Orthodox Youth Congress.
Beloved archpastors in the Lord, venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters! I warmly greet all of you gathered today to take part in the first All-European Orthodox Youth Congress. The theme of the forum, 'Quo Vadis, Orthodox Youth?' is especially relevant today. It is encouraging that this congress, held under the omophorion of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, aims to bring you together in unified prayer, fraternal fellowship, and deep reflection on the paths of Christian witness to our contemporaries.
Many of you live and work in different countries across Europe, surrounded by people of other faiths, and sometimes by a secular world. However, this is exactly where the challenge for true followers of the Lord lies — to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world no matter what (Matthew 5:13-14).
I hope that this meeting will become a visible sign of the spiritual unity of Orthodox young people, capable of overcoming externally imposed disagreements and divisions, staying faithful to the Church and the Gospel commandments, and bearing witness to the fullness and joy of life in Christ.
May the days of the congress be a time for you of soul-nourishing reflections, strengthening in faith, and gaining new energy for joint creative work. May friendship and fellowship, participation in church services, and meaningful discussions bear good fruit, helping each of you in your continued journey on the path of salvation.
I invoke God's blessing on all of you and wish you His abundant help in the upcoming endeavors.
+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
