In the framework of the programme of mutual visits between the Orthodox youth of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and of the Autonomous Church of Finland, a six-member group of youngsters visited the cities of Helsinki, Joensuu, Valamo, Lintula, Mohko and Ilomantsi, between the 10th and the 17th of July.
The youngsters, among other activities, participated in the Divine Liturgy, which took place on Saturday, July 13, for the canonization of the martyr John Sokajanranta, who, as it is known, was recently registered by the Holy Synod in the hagiology of the Orthodox Church.
These mutual visits, which began in 1995, at the initiative of Patriarch Bartholomew, contribute to the mutual understanding of the youngsters of the Mother Church of Constantinople and of its daughter, the Church of Finland. The team leader this time was the Tertiary Patriarchal Deacon, Alexander.
