On March 9-14, 2024, an ecumenical workshop “In Europe at home – enhancing ecumenical exchange among Eastern and Oriental Orthodox young Christians”. It was organized by the Catholic Foundation “Pro Oriente” and held in Vienna. The seminar brought together young people from various Orthodox and Oriental churches living long-term in Western Europe.
From the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with the assistance of Sergii Bortnyk, Head of the Foundation “Academic Initiative”, Archpriest Maxym Boychura and Bohdan Mostovyi took part in the workshop. They have been studying for a longer time at the theological faculties of German universities, respectively, of Leipzig and Heidelberg.
The seminar provided an opportunity for lively communication and exchange of experience between young people. Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian unity, gave a keynote address to the participants of the workshop. Young representatives of local Orthodox churches took part in the celebrations dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the foundation “Pro Oriente”, which since the time of the Second Vatican Council devoted significant efforts to bringing Christians from East and West closer together.
