Corfu, October 30 – The Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands launched its new missionary year 2025-2026 with the first gathering of catechists on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event, held at the Spiritual Center of the local Church, drew over fifty participants, including both clergy and lay catechists.
Record Attendance Marks New Missionary Year
The first meeting of the catechetical year attracted more than 50 people, a figure described as encouraging by church officials. Particularly noteworthy was the inclusion of new members – both clergy and laypeople – who joined the catechetical team of the local Church for the first time.
The event began with a prayer, followed by a detailed PowerPoint presentation delivered by Archpriest George Bogdanos, director of the Youth Office of the Holy Metropolis. His presentation analyzed and interpreted the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple through images and texts.
Innovative Approach to Catechetical Planning
Father Bogdanos’s presentation demonstrated how to design a catechetical session, showing simple ways to combine the word and feasts of the Church with customs, traditions, images, technology, and contemporary life. The presentation focused on several key elements: the objective of the catechetical gathering, the motivation for organizing it, the narrative and commentary on the feast, and the interpretation of basic elements of the icon of the Entry of the Theotokos.
– The presentation tried to show the method of planning a catechetical meeting and how we can simply combine the word and the feasts of the Church with customs, traditions, images, technology, and especially with today’s world – according to the official announcement from the Metropolis.
As a parallel text, reference was made to words of Saint Silouan the Athonite regarding the Theotokos, as well as constructions related to the theme and websites for creating educational activities.
Church Official Emphasizes Three Key Points
Following the presentation, Father Themistocles Mourtzanos, General Episcopal Commissioner of the Holy Metropolis of Corfu, addressed the gathering. He first conveyed the paternal blessings and wishes of His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios for a constructive and fruitful missionary year.
Father Mourtzanos then highlighted the necessity of catechesis, focusing on three significant points. First, he emphasized that catechists should not approach their work in terms of majority and minority, nor should they require many children to be present or feel disappointed if attendance is low.
– Let us focus on preschool ages, but the apostolic word applies: ‘Fear not, little flock… a little leaven leavens the whole lump’ – Father Mourtzanos stated.
Promoting Christian Feasts Over Foreign Celebrations
The second point addressed the need to promote Christian feasts, especially those of the Saints, which have been replaced by celebrations from other countries such as Halloween and birthdays. This comment reflects growing concern within the Greek Orthodox Church about the influence of Western commercial holidays.
The third point stressed the necessity of the priest’s presence in catechesis and, where feasible, at events involving children and schools.
Program for the New Missionary Year Unveiled
The meeting concluded with the presentation of the program of events that the Youth Office of the Holy Metropolis will organize during the missionary year 2025-2026. The youth office director outlined various activities planned throughout the year to engage young people in the life of the Church.
Those who will undertake the difficult work of catechesis – both clergy and laity – received Appointment Letters signed by His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands. These official documents formalize their roles as catechists for the coming year.
Growing Catechetical Movement in Corfu
The Holy Metropolis of Corfu has been expanding its catechetical programs in recent years as part of a broader effort to engage younger generations in Orthodox Christian education. Catechesis, the religious instruction traditionally provided to children and adults, remains a cornerstone of Church activity throughout Greece.
The Spiritual Center where the meeting took place serves as the primary venue for youth activities and educational programs organized by the Metropolis. The facility provides space for meetings, lectures, and cultural events that promote Orthodox Christian values and traditions.
Constitutional Questions Raised in Comments
The announcement of the catechists’ meeting generated some discussion in the comments section of the news article. One commenter, identified as Stefanos, raised questions about the constitutional aspects of religious instruction, citing Article 13 of the Greek Constitution regarding religious freedom and the prohibition of proselytism.
– Now why this medieval… gathering of catechists? And who benefits in the long term… and financially from something like this? Probably not society! – the commenter wrote.
The commenter also noted that the Church and its ministers do not have any power of Public Service, despite the fact that priests are paid by the State. These comments reflect ongoing debates in Greek society about the relationship between Church and State.
Catechesis in the Greek Orthodox Tradition
In the Greek Orthodox Church, catechesis refers to the systematic religious instruction of believers, particularly children and young people. The practice has ancient roots, dating back to the early Christian communities, and continues to play a vital role in transmitting Orthodox faith and traditions to new generations.
Catechists typically work in parish settings, organizing weekly sessions where children learn about Scripture, Church history, liturgy, and Orthodox Christian living. The programs often include preparation for sacraments, participation in Church feasts, and community service activities.
The Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands oversees catechetical programs across numerous parishes throughout the island of Corfu and the smaller islands under its jurisdiction. The coordination of these programs through the Youth Office ensures consistency in teaching and provides support for individual catechists.
Metropolitan Nektarios’s Vision for Youth Ministry
Metropolitan Nektarios, who leads the Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands, has made youth ministry and catechesis priorities during his tenure. His blessing of the catechists and the signing of their appointment letters demonstrates the importance he places on this work.
The emphasis on incorporating modern technology and contemporary approaches to catechetical teaching, as demonstrated in Father Bogdanos’s presentation, reflects an effort to make Orthodox Christian education relevant to young people growing up in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
The meeting of catechists represents just the beginning of what promises to be an active missionary year for the Holy Metropolis. With over 50 dedicated volunteers committed to religious education, the Church in Corfu continues its centuries-old mission of passing on the Orthodox Christian faith to the next generation.
Source: https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-proti-synantisi-katichiton-kai-katichitrion-tis-ieras-mitropoleos-kerkyras/
