Bristol, May 19, 2026
Photo: roarch.org.uk
An Orthodox monk from Mount Athos led a three-day congress for Romanian Orthodox youth in the United Kingdom, addressing hundreds of young people on living an authentic Christian life in contemporary society.
Fr. Pimen Vlad, Abbot of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Cell at the Lacu Skete on Mt. Athos, served as the special guest of the NEPSIS UK 2026 Congress held between 15-17 May in Bristol. The event brought together participants from various parts of the UK and other European countries, reports the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The congress was held with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie, Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who celebrated the concluding Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the Parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Bristol.
Photo: roarch.org.uk
On the first day, Fr. Pimen delivered a spiritual talk to young people that was received with great emotion and interest, as he shared from his spiritual experience. The opening day also included visits to Wells Cathedral, Bristol City Council Chamber, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The second day began with Divine Liturgy, where hundreds of young people received Holy Communion. Fr. Pimen then led a spiritual conference for the more than 500 attendees, followed by an extensive question-and-answer session where he responded with patience to questions from participants about living Christian life amidst contemporary challenges. The day concluded with Vespers and a play about traditional Romanian weddings.
A special moment of the congress was a charitable marathon organized by the young people of NEPSIS Bristol in support of the Archdiocese’s philanthropic projects, particularly the One Child, One Light program for children from disadvantaged families.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Abp. Atanasie awarded Fr. Pimen the Cross of Great Britain for monastics on behalf of the Archdiocese as a sign of esteem for his spiritual and missionary work.
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