NETHERLANDS

XIth Gathering of Orthodox Youth in the Netherlands

Asten - Some 20 Orthodox youth gathered at the Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Asten, the Netherlands, from 24 to 27 May 2001.
For the 11th consequetive year, the monastery has been the venue of the annual Syndesmos-Netherlands youth gathering. This year's theme was "stairway to heaven": a popular way to discuss the Feast of the Ascension. As a start, small groups studied and discussed texts related to the feast: a liturgical text from the service, two patristic homilies and a Bible text. Discussion focused on the question "is it possible for man to ascend to God - and how?" Former Syndesmos-Netherlands President Michael Bakker led an interactive session on a text from St. Isaac the Syrian's second Ascetical Homily: "enter into the house of your soul, and you will find there the staiway that leads into heaven."
The former chief editor of the Orthodox Press Service SOP, Jean Tchekan, prompted intense debate on a variety of controversial topics. Other Activities included group discussions on issues such as "spiritual life" and "becoming Orthodox", Bible study, choir rehearsals and a campfire. Well instructed by Hegumena Maria and the sisters, participants spent Friday afternoon sweating on many hard jobs in the monastery gardens - or silently making prosphoras.
On 26 and 27 May, the group took an active part in the Vigil and Divine Liturgy celebrated by Hieromonk Boris (Chapchal).
Syndesmos-Netherlands thanks Hegumena Maria, Father Boris, Jean Tchekan, Michael Bakker and all participants for their contribution!