Melbourne Youth Conference: CHANGE - How we navigate our way through a diverse world

This Saturday, January 25th 2020, the first state youth conference organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia: District of Melbourne, will be held at Oakleigh Grammar.

The focus on the youth conference is CHANGE-How we navigate our way through a diverse world.

"It’s very exciting to be part of the organising committee of the Melbourne District Youth Conference for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. There was a calling for youth to come together to connect with each other and I came forward to answer it. The theme of the conference is Change, and how we navigate ourselves in this diverse world. I am grateful to have this amazing opportunity to be part of this conference and to have answers to questions that I have about my faith. This conference is an amazing way for the youth of Victoria to come together and discuss about the topic and connect with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios," Evie Starakis, member of the organising committee stated.

The conference offers individuals between the age of 15 to 30, the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how to tackle moral social issues in the world and develop the knowledge and skills to approach faith, choice and ethical topics, as well as socialise and make new friends.

There will be a series of presentations, followed by activities and workshops for the youth to engage in.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia will talk about bioethics including ethical dilemmas such as abortion, euthanasia and other scientific advances.

Artemisia (Soula) Bennett, Director of Quantum Victorian – Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and President of the Victorian Science Teachers Association of Victoria, will present the topic of Environmental Ethics, which questions if climate change is real and if this is the reason behind the recent Australian bushfires symptomatic.

Owner of TRANSFIGURE Media, an organisation dedicated to supporting Orthodox Christian filmmakers and artists, and the founder and director of Byzanfest International Orthodox Film Festival, Chris Vlahonasios, is using the conference to speak about social media and how youth should safely use it.

A panel discussion on social ethics will also be led by solicitor and writer Dean Kalimniou, who will explore the historical development of the family unit. This will then lead to an open discussion, where attendees can ask questions around topics confronting contemporary society and our interaction with it.

The conference on Saturday is a fantastic opportunity for youth to come together, meet Archbishop Makarios and learn from each other.

"As a senior member of the organising committee, I have been blessed and humbled to work with and support motivated and passionate youth; who have willing responded to the call of the Church. I’m looking forward to Saturday and watching our youth come together as one and learn about and question their faith," Kosta Damatopoulos said, who provides support to the committee.

Details:

What: CHANGE-How we navigate our way through a diverse world?

When: Saturday 25th January 2020

Where: Oakleigh Grammar (77/81 Willesden Rd, Oakleigh VIC 3166)

Time: 8:30am-5pm

Tickets: Free. Registration is required via CHANGE