Conferences of Russian Orthodox Youth in Geelong
It is difficult to underestimate the importance of Russian Orthodox Youth Conferences. They are important for the whole Russian community in that they deepen ones knowledge of the Orthodox faith and give an opportunity to ask questions of clergy about modern phenomena of life and how to live with one’s faith.
The city of Geelong has hosted three conferences: the 22nd conference in 1986 with the topic Orthodoxy in the beginning, now and always; the 23rd conference in 1987 with the topic Our roots – 1000 years of Russian Orthodoxy and the 33rd conference Divine Services and Symbols of the Orthodox Church held in 1997. The difference between the conferences mentioned above and the ones organised by the Australian and New Zealand diocese before 1986 was that all events took place centrally – delegates did not need to move from venue to venue to listen to lectures, undertake leisure activities and take part in discussions. Up to 200 participants were present at each conference.
The 41st Conference of Russian Orthodox Youth will take place in Geelong between 23 and 28 December, 2005. The topic of the conference is “...be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3, 15).