A Congress of Ukrainian Youth Held in Stockholm
The Apostolic Exarchate in Germany and Scandinavia organized a Christian youth congress in Stockholm from June 12 to 15. More than 60 young boys and girls from various countries participated in the event.
The news was reported by the press service of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia.
During the event, young people prayed, connected with one another, reflected on the theme “The Secret of Happiness,” and learned about the life of the patroness of Europe, St. Bridget of Sweden. Through divine revelations, she received the practice of 15 prayers, later known as “The Secret of Happiness.”
Bishop Bohdan Dzurakh presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Jubilee Church in Stockholm, in the parish of Blessed St. Clement Sheptytsky.
Addressing the youth, the bishop emphasized, “The Church and civil society in Ukraine need you! You are already the strength and hope of the Ukrainian people. You will form civic organizations, build church communities, and raise Ukrainian families who know their roots, understand the source of true happiness, and are able to share it with others. We are called to be witnesses and instruments of God in this world.”
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the Apostolic Exarch extended Father’s Day greetings to the priests attending the Congress: Rector Fr. Andriy Melnychuk, Fr. Bohdan Sabala, Fr. Ihor Chernikhovsky, Fr. Ivan Sokhan, and Fr. Myron Kuspys. He also honored all the parents present, as well as the soldiers and defenders of Ukraine. Words of gratitude were expressed to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Sweden, Mr. Andriy Plakhotnyuk.
He then thanked the Congress organizers, adding: ”Be worthy of the Ukrainian people, of whom you are a part, and of the Church, which is your loving Mother. Never dishonor either the Mother Church or your native people. Carry the name ‘Ukrainian’ with pride. Share the richness of your spirit, the strength of your faith, and the generosity of the Ukrainian people. Let us all serve Ukraine—our native land.”
Fr. Andriy Melnychuk, priest for Ukrainians in Stockholm, expressed gratitude to Bishop Bohdan Dzurakh on behalf of the parish, saying: “Our community in Stockholm feels your fatherly presence, which is manifested through love.”
The UGCC Department for Information
