The Social Work Committee at the Orthodox Youth Movement - Mount Lebanon Celebrates the Orthodox Environment Day and the Season of Creation

As part of this year's "Season of Creation" activities, youth movements and Church groups are organizing many activities to celebrate this annual Christian and environmental season. The Social Work Committee at the Orthodox Youth Movement - Mount Lebanon Center decided to celebrate the season, as well as the Orthodox Environment Day, in a special activity in the heart of Lebanon’s nature.

The activity included a visit to the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery for the Greek Orthodox in Baaqata, on Saturday 3 September 2022. The Social Work Committee met with the Head of the Monastery Archimandrite Youhanna (Chahine) with whom they discussed environmental issues.

Father Youhanna highlighted the importance of the Orthodox Environment Day, which is celebrated by the Orthodox Church at the beginning of the Ecclesiastical year on 1 September of each year. He also explained that this day reminds us returning to the paradisiacal state towards reconciliation with all the creation. He added that through this day we also return to God after we sunk in sin. Thus, it is the feast of our repentance.

Then, participants had a walk in the nature near the Monastery and were accompanied by a monk who presented some stories emphasizing the importance of social work. They also prayed for creation through the “Season of Creation” 2022 international booklet, which was translated into Arabic by the Middle East Council of Churches for the second consecutive year.

After lunch, members of the committee met together to evaluate previous implemented work, and discuss some other points, in addition to future activities for the upcoming year.