February 3, 2025

SYNDESMOS DAY CELEBRATIONS IN NAIROBI: A HISTORIC GATHERING OF ORTHODOX YOUTH LEADERS

Syndesmos Day, also known as the World Day of Orthodox Youth, is an annual celebration that brings together Orthodox youth from across the globe to commemorate their shared faith, heritage, and mission. Syndesmos: The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth was founded in 1953 in Paris as an international organization uniting Orthodox youth movements, theological schools, and church organizations. Its mission is to foster unity, spiritual growth, and social engagement among Orthodox youth worldwide. The organization has played a crucial role in promoting Orthodox Christian identity, dialogue, and cooperation among young people for over seven decades. The World Day of Orthodox Youth serves as a time for young people within the Orthodox Church to celebrate their faith through worship, fellowship, and service. It is a moment to reflect on their role in the church and society, inspiring them to uphold Orthodox values while responding to contemporary challenges.

On this auspicious occasion, the Orthodox Christian Youth Association of Kenya (OCYAK) hosted a grand celebration in Nairobi of more than 1250 young people marking the day with a series of engaging events. The celebrations were graced by Orthodox youth leaders, dignitaries, government representatives, ecumenical partners, and international guests. This event was particularly special as it coincided with the launch of the IMPACT-ing East Africa Youth Leaders Training, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping young leaders with the necessary skills for impactful missionary work.

The day began with a Grand Divine Liturgy presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Kenya at the Hagia Sophia Cathedral at Makarios III Patriarchal Seminary in Nairobi. The liturgy served as a moment of spiritual renewal, bringing together Orthodox youth in worship and thanksgiving. After the divine liturgy, the Archbishop of Kenya officially opened the event and also called for global unity of the Hierarchs and Youth Leaders of thr Global Orthodox church. He recounted on the many good events he attended when he was young. Shockingly, one of the good friends he made during the gatherings was the present Patriarch of Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.

The event was officially opened by James Gathiaka, the Chairperson of OCYAK, who warmly welcomed all participants and dignitaries. His opening remarks emphasized the significance of the day in strengthening Orthodox unity and empowering young people to take on leadership roles within the church and society.

The Nairobi celebrations also marked the official launch of the IMPACT-ing East Africa Youth Leaders Training, a pioneering program designed to empower young Orthodox leaders in the region. This initiative brought together a multicountry youth missionary delegation from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) in America, led by the distinguished Dr. Dana Bates. The training will be conducted by the New Horizons Foundation, renowned for its expertise in leadership development and youth empowerment.

The training program aims to instill a deep sense of missionary zeal, leadership, and social responsibility among Orthodox youth in East Africa. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their communities.

Joshua Kimani, the General Secretary of OCYAK, delivered heartfelt greetings and blessings from Mr. Brian Muyunga, the Executive Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC). While Mr. Muyunga was unable to attend in person, his keynote speech was read to the participants, emphasizing the importance of ecumenical collaboration and the role of Orthodox youth in shaping the future of the church in Africa.

In his message, Mr. Muyunga commended the Orthodox youth for their dedication to faith and service. He highlighted the need for youth leadership in social transformation, calling upon young Orthodox Christians to be ambassadors of peace, unity, and development within their respective communities. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the shared mission of Orthodox and ecumenical youth groups.

The Syndesmos Day celebrations in Nairobi were attended by ambassadors from various countries, government officials, and representatives from different church organizations. Their presence signified the global and interfaith solidarity that characterizes the Orthodox Christian movement and youth engagement. The diverse representation underscored the commitment of both local and international stakeholders to support Orthodox youth in their mission-driven endeavors.

Among the key ecumenical leaders present were representatives from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), and youth leaders from various Christian denominations. Their participation reinforced the commitment to interfaith dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.

The celebrations were punctuated by a beautiful Orthodox liturgy, where young people gathered in prayer and thanksgiving. The liturgy was a moment of spiritual renewal, reminding participants of their calling as Orthodox Christians to serve both the church and society with dedication.

In the afternoon, the youth participated in a walk to sensitize the community against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), which has been actively leading a program on ending GBV. The walk served as a strong statement against GBV, emphasizing the role of young Orthodox Christians in advocating for justice, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable members of society.

The event was very important in providing a platform for Orthodox youth to engage, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections. The spirit of camaraderie and unity was palpable throughout the event, reflecting the core values of Syndesmos and the Orthodox faith.

As the Syndesmos Day celebrations came to a close, the resounding message was clear: Orthodox youth are called to be active agents of change, deeply rooted in their faith, and committed to societal transformation. The launch of the IMPACT-ing East Africa Youth Leaders Training marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Orthodox youth in Kenya and the wider East African region.

The success of this event has set a strong foundation for future collaborations, missionary efforts, and leadership development initiatives within the Orthodox Church. As young Orthodox Christians step forward in faith and service, the spirit of Syndesmos—unity and fellowship—remains a guiding force in their mission.

To support this great initiative or an enquiry about this program please contact Dana Bates through d.bates@ocmc.org

Glory to God for all things!

Article Prepared by Joshua Kimani, the General Secretary of OCYAK.

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