Around 100 young Orthodox Christians from countries across Europe, the United Kingdom and other regions have gathered in Italy for the first Pan-European Orthodox Youth Congress of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR).

The forum is taking place from September 3 to 8 in Bocca di Magra, a coastal area between Pisa and Florence, under the theme “Where Are You Going, Orthodox Youth?” according to the website of ROCOR’s Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe.

The congress aims to bring together young Orthodox Christians living in different European countries, strengthen their participation in Church life, foster personal connections and build lasting relationships among youth communities across national borders. Organizers had previously said they expected participants from more than 18 countries.

The gathering is attended by Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe and Bishop Job of Stuttgart. The program includes discussions with bishops and clergy, educational sessions, workshops, panel discussions, church-singing classes, sports and other communal activities.

The forum will conclude on September 8, the feast day of the Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia.

Organizers view the congress as a complement to annual youth conferences held separately within ROCOR dioceses. Unlike those regional gatherings, the current event is intended for young Orthodox Christians from across Europe.

ROCOR’s Department for Youth Ministry said such events can help young people not only strengthen their faith but also develop lasting friendships and connections within the Church.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent greetings to the participants. He said the forum was intended to unite young Orthodox Christians through common prayer, fellowship and reflection on Christian witness in contemporary European society.

The congress’s theme, “Where Are You Going, Orthodox Youth?”, is particularly relevant today, the patriarch said. For young Christians living in different European countries, he emphasized, it is important to remain faithful to the Church and Gospel values while finding ways to bear witness to the Orthodox faith in the modern world.