Address by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ on the Occasion of the Celebration of the Day of Orthodox Youth

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ delivered an address on the occasion of the celebration of the Day of Orthodox Youth.

Dear brothers and sisters!

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord and the Day of Orthodox Youth.

Today, we recall a Gospel event filled with profound spiritual meaning: the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Righteous Joseph, in order to fulfill the prescription of God’s law, bring the Infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple. There, they are met by the pious Elder Simeon, who had awaited the consolation of Israel for many years (Luke 2:25) and had remained in prayerful expectation of the coming of the Savior of the world. This encounter is not only the meeting of the Old and New Testaments but also an image of the most important meeting in life—the meeting of a person with God.

Each of us goes through a period of formation, accompanied by certain expectations and hopes. This is especially true for young people, who inevitably find themselves searching for their own life path and value system, as well as answers to the eternal questions of existence. Youth is a time of great opportunities, but also of serious trials and doubts. More importantly, it is a period when the heart is wide open to an encounter with the Creator.

The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord also teaches us a lesson in faithfulness and patience. Elder Simeon and the Prophetess Anna show us by their example that the sincere desire for a personal meeting with the Lord is never in vain. Even if the wait seems long and the answer to prayer delayed, we must remember: God will manifest Himself in our lives at the most needed moment, when the soul is most prepared to receive Him.

On this bright and festive day, I would like to wish each of you to be courageous in faith, unwavering in hope, and steadfast in your Christian convictions. May the Heavenly Lord enlighten your hearts and minds, strengthen you in doing good deeds, and fill you with spiritual joy and peace.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother, bless you in all your life’s paths.

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’