About MOY
Macedonian Orthodox Youth New South Wales
Established June 2024
Mission Statement
Mark 16:15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”.
Committed to the commandment from Our Saviour to preach the Gospel to all of creation, Macedonian Orthodox Youth New South Wales (MOY NSW) will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people to connect or re-connect with the Holy Orthodox Church. Through this fellowship, as well as support from our Macedonian Orthodox Parishes throughout Australia, MOY NSW will be an avenue to deepen our relationship with God and the Holy Orthodox Church and ask questions without fear of being judged, a place free of secular influence. We will nurture a community grounded in the truth and teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church, free from any diversions that might diminish Our Lord Jesus Christ’s message, walking together to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).
We are focused on inclusivity and conducting our activities in English without depriving the use of our Macedonian language. We aim to ensure that those with limited knowledge of the Macedonian language or from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can discover with us the beauty and salvation of our Lord's teachings through the Holy Orthodox Church so‘’ that they all may be One” (John 17:21). Simultaneously We seek to encourage people to fully embrace the traditions of our forefathers by promoting our Macedonian culture, traditions and use of the Macedonian language both here in NSW and throughout the world.
MOY NSW operates within the Macedonian community and with the support of St Petka Macedonian Orthodox Church, Rockdale. We welcome relations with Macedonian and sister Orthodox Parishes, as well as people of goodwill.
Our Goals and Activities
Inclusivity
Safe and Welcoming Environment: Creating an environment where everyone is welcome to deepen their relationship with God. In honouring this, we adhere to the words of one of the Great Church Fathers, St. John Chrysostom, where he states, “The Church is a hospital, and not a courtroom, for souls. She does not condemn on behalf of sins, but grants a remission of sins.”
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Discussions: Regularly held to enrich minds with the knowledge of God's Word and the Holy Orthodox Church
Church Teachings: Parish-Priest-approved presentations of Orthodox material presented by clergy or lay people.
Liturgical Participation
Church Services: We commit to having liturgical services in Macedonian and English to ensure active participation in the Church's liturgical life without language barriers.
Celebration of Feasts and Fast Days: Honouring the Orthodox liturgical calendar to deepen our connection with the life of Christ and the Saints
Community Building
Social Events: Regular gatherings to foster fellowship and a sense of community among members.
Supportive Environment: Creating a space where everyone feels encouraged to have Christ at the centre of their lives.
Educational Resources
Leaflets, Books, and Materials: Providing accessible information on the Orthodox Christian Faith to support personal growth and understanding.
Commitment to Service
Charitable Acts and Service: Following Christ’s example by helping those in need, showing love and compassion for all our neighbours.
Cultural Promotion
Macedonian Traditions: Preserving and promoting our cultural heritage and language, embracing our identity within the broader Orthodox community.
Unity and Collaboration
Political Neutrality: We operate independently of political influences, striving for unity both within our community and across other Orthodox Christian fellowships.
Collaborative Outreach: Committed to strengthening our community and promoting the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church, working together with our Macedonian Orthodox community and sister Orthodox jurisdictions.
Conduct
Judgementalism: Judgement purely belongs to God. We commit to staying away from anything against this statement.
Behaviour: We expect everyone to show the right level of dignity and respect within the fellowship. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
With Christ as our foundation, MOY NSW will serve others and live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. Holding to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church, we strive to uphold the Christian values and principles that guide our journey towards theosis and the Kingdom of God- our true homeland.
All people of goodwill and God-seekers are welcome.