On Tuesday 4th June 2024 the monthly Youth meeting took place at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Wood Green, North London. The Youth Club commenced in March of 2024 and, with the blessing and guidance of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, Bishop-in-charge of the community, has steadily flourished in providing young people, from a variety of age groups, a safe, open and Christian environment, where they can socialise and simultaneously grow in their faith. The gatherings consist of a range of activities, including table tennis, air hockey, pool, chess, as well as group tasks and discussions, following a short talk or presentation by Deacon Gregory Florides on a particular theme concerning the spiritual life and witness of an Orthodox Christian in the contemporary world.
The theme of this month’s meeting was the upcoming feast of Pentecost, offering the opportunity to discuss and relate to how the Holy and Life-giving Spirit works within the life and sacraments of the Church. The participants enjoyed a BBQ in the presence of His Grace Bishop Iakovos, Fr Petros Georgiou and Deacon Gregory Florides.
The Youth Club takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at 18:30. This initiative, as well as monthly adult liturgical classes and additional catechetical classes for young people at the church of St Barnabas, are ways in which the community reaches out to the diverse and growing congregation of North London, in view of, and in response to His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas’ vision for further re-evangelisation and teaching.