Your Eminence,
Reverend Fathers,
Dear participants of the tournament,
Honored coaches, referees, distinguished guests, and beloved Orthodox youth!
On behalf of the Eleos-Meirim Public Charitable Foundation, and personally, I warmly welcome you all to the opening of this youth volleyball tournament dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the honorable relics of the Holy Venerable Martyrs Seraphim and Theognostus.
It is a great honor for our Foundation to serve as the principal organizer of this wonderful sporting event. We are convinced that caring for young people is one of the foremost responsibilities of both the Church and society. For this reason, the Eleos-Meirim Foundation consistently supports spiritual, educational, social, and athletic initiatives aimed at nurturing the younger generation.
Today’s tournament is far more than a sporting competition. It is a testimony that Orthodox youth are able to unite around worthy causes, cherish the traditions of their Church, and strive to grow not only spiritually but also physically.
Through the witness of their lives, the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus demonstrated unwavering faith, love for Christ, courage, and self-sacrifice. Their example reminds each of us that true strength is found not in surpassing another person, but in overcoming our own weaknesses—in remaining faithful to God, respecting our neighbor, and living according to our conscience.
These are precisely the values we seek to pass on to our young people through events such as this. Sport forms character, cultivates discipline, mutual support, responsibility, and respect for one’s opponent. Volleyball, in particular, is a game in which success cannot be achieved alone. Every player competes for the team, supports his teammates, and shares responsibility for the common result. In the same way, the life of the Christian community is built: every person is important, and unity gives birth to strength.
I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this tournament: the clergy, organizers, coaches, referees, volunteers, and our partners. I offer special words of gratitude to all the participants, whose presence makes today’s celebration truly vibrant and joyful.
May this day bring new friendships, brotherly fellowship, fair competition, and lasting memories. May the strongest team prevail, but even more importantly, may every participant gain new friends, strengthen his character, and experience the joy of unity.
On behalf of the Eleos-Meirim Public Charitable Foundation, I wish all of you good health, fair play, competitive spirit, noble victories, and God’s help in every good endeavor.
Through the prayers of the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus, may the Lord strengthen each one of you, granting peace, unity of mind, love, and His abundant blessing.
I hereby declare the youth volleyball tournament dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the honorable relics of Saints Seraphim and Theognostus officially open!
May God grant you His help and many memorable victories!
Valery M. Kapsamun
President
Eleos-Meirim Public Charitable Foundation
Main
Login or register, to write a comment!
Your comment has been successfully added and is currently being reviewed by the site administration