Greece, Penteli – On Friday, July 18, the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece at the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Penteli warmly welcomed the multicultural and interfaith youth group “Bel Espoir – MED 25” during their Mediterranean sailing journey.
The mission, composed of young men and women aged 18 to 30 from various religious and cultural backgrounds across Mediterranean countries, aims to promote peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual understanding among the peoples of the region.
This initiative is held under the auspices of the Focolare Movement and, during its recent stop in Constantinople, the group was warmly received by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
During their visit to Penteli, as part of the same program, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Interorthodox Centre and to explore the Orthodox Church’s theological approach to ecology, as this year’s mission focuses on the relationship between humanity and creation. They expressed particular interest in the environmental impact of recent wildfires in Penteli and the surrounding area.
The group was accompanied by Fr Alexis Leproux, Vicarius Episcopalis of the Archdiocese of Marseille (responsible for Mediterranean affairs), Deacon Fr Marios Atallah, Director of Youth and Vocations Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Athens, and Ms Patrizia Taranto, representative of the Focolare Movement for Greece and Cyprus.
The group was officially welcomed by His Grace Metropolitan Ioannis of Thermopylae, Director of the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece, who offered his warm wishes for their peacemaking mission and encouraged them to continue as ambassadors of hope and unity across the Mediterranean.
Welcoming the group on behalf of the Centre were scientific associates Kalliopi Mavragka, Sergios Voilas, Spyros Bitzas (security officer), and Eirini Grypaiou (librarian).
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue, spiritual encounter, and mutual discovery, highlighting the Church of Greece’s contribution to building a Mediterranean of peace and understanding.
