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Russian Church to use scout methods in its work with youth

The Moscow Patriarchate states that active missionary work with youth is very important, reports Interfax-Religion.

"We shouldn't wait for the young people to come to the church. We need to go and meet them. We have to suggest interesting programs and projects to bring them in the Church," Chairman of the Synodal Youth Department Archbishop Alexander of Kostroma and Galich said at the Bishops' Council session held in Moscow.

He noted that development of Orthodox infantile and youth organizations could significantly help solve the tasks of Orthodox youth service. According to him, he meant already existing scout organizations such as the Brotherhood of Orthodox pathfinders.

"The main reason for the Church to turn to scout methods of youth service is that it causes sincere interest among children. It can be replenished and the teaching of Orthodoxy can be stressed," Archbishop Alexander said.

The archbishop cited the data proving there were 39,6 million young people in Russia, or 27 per cent of the entire country's population.

[06/29/2008]

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