by Koni Brand | Nov 21, 2013 | News
During the annual meeting of the “Friends of Together for Europe” in Paris, on 6th November 2013 representatives of the Focolare Movement visited the headquarters of the Orthodox Movement, Acer-Mjo.
Spiritual trust, depth of sharing, discovery of a real friendship in Christ as a seed of a Christian European conscience; these are just a few of the fruits of the visit of representatives of the Focolare Movement to the headquarters of the Acer-MJO Movement (Russian Students’ Christian Action – Orthodox Youth Movement) in Paris. During the annual meeting of “Friends of Together for Europe” which took place on 7th-9th November in the French capital, Gabri Fallacara, Severin Schmid and Maria Wienken from Focolare, were received by Cyrille Sollogoub, President of the Orthodox association.
The Acer Movement was started in 1923 by some Russians who had been expelled from their country during the troubled years of the Revolution. The founders include such important personalities as Fr. Sergio Boulgakov, Fr. Giorgio Florovsky and Nicolas Berdiaev. The President, accompanied by his brother Igor who is responsible for the youth section, took us to the Church – Chapel , housed in a former garage in the courtyard, covered with glass. The Divine Liturgy has been celebrated here by famous Orthodox priests and theologians like Florovsky , Bulgakov and Alexander Men. Cyrille explained that “The icon that best expresses the charism of the Acer Movement is the presentation of Mary in the Temple: she contains Jesus and therefore she contains the Church. While in Russia, the churches were being destroyed and the Russian emigrants did not have the means to build others, a new understanding of what the Church is was born: not built from bricks but by living people, bearers of Christ and of his Church.” The aim of raising awareness, especially among the laity, of “being Church” is therefore at the origin of the Acer Movement which was approved by the Patriarch of Russia, Tikon, who was then assassinated; it depends juridically on the Patriarch of Constantinople.
The President recalled, “During the regime one of the main tasks of Acer was to print the Bible, spiritual and cultural literature and get it to Russia. It also supported thefamilies of dissidents and others in need.” Printing is still an important activity for Acer. The youth section is very active and involves over 200 young people. Despite the challenge of distance, summer camps are organized for them in the mountains, as an opportunity for re-evangelization; in this way the sense of faith and of belonging to the Church grows. Once trained, the young people get involved in their own parishes. This beautiful opportunity to meet and get to know one another left us with a sense of gratitude to God who brings us together in the world today with eyes of hope, open to a future of communion.
Gabri Fallacara
by TogetherforEurope | May 30, 2012 | 2012 Brussels, News
Together for Europe – Brussels, 12th May 2012.
“A Wave of Hope” was the title of proceedings of the third large-scale event held by Together for Europe – a pan-European event with a central point in Brussels.
More than a thousand participants from all over Europe gathered in the Gold Hall: public figures from political, cultural and ecclesial walks of life, representatives of Christian Movements and Communities. Many others expressed their support through their messages or Patronage of the event.
A unique characteristic was the extensive network linking 152 simultaneous events in 22 European countries with the main event held in Brussels. Through these small and large-scale events, new collaborations between the 300 Movements and Communities present aimed at benefiting the local areas sprang into existence while existing collaborations were stepped up.
Some of these collaborations of the last few years consisted in initiatives themed around the “The 7 Yeses” launched in Stuttgart in 2007, for example a variety of projects focused on equal and respectful integration of different peoples were carried out at different levels. Initiatives of the 12th May which brought people of all ages and persuasions together include: creating a human chain around an island perimeter, hot air balloon spectacles, European flag displays, concerts, round tables, parades and rallies on European streets and squares.
In a number of cities children from various Movements supported the initiative through a parallel event involving great commitment and creativity entitled ‘Run4Unity’. Young people also took part in the central event in Brussels through songs, testimonials and an initiative called “Face2faith in Europe”.
The event concluded with a message of hope, unity and peace addressed by thousands of people throughout Europe linked together by satellite connection with Brussels.
See the video “A current of Hope”
by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe
Flash main event Brussels
Flash local events
by TogetherforEurope | Oct 15, 2009 | 2009 Local Events, Austria, Italy, News
Together for Europe multiplied. With the 2004 and 2007 events in Stuttgart, continental in scale, many Christian Movements and Communities all over Europe set on a journey of Together.
In 2009 in order to ‘sow’ locally national meetings were held in 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Hungary. The presence of a representative of another European country at each national meeting helped maintain a broader European dimension.
Each of these events were unique in character and coloured by the culture of the region as well as the Communities and Movements involved in its organisation. A shared objective was to face up with responsibility to challenges facing today’s Europe, beginning within each country’s own borders.
Several of these local events were closely followed in the national media including TV, radio and press of the individual countries. Effective testimonials of Christian life were offered for a variety of life situations: with themes ranging from the welcoming and safeguarding of life to complex issues affecting the family today, the relationship with nature, solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, commitment to peace and to safety in cities among others.
Testimonials such as these conveyed an assurance that viable solutions to issues faced by the society today could be found in the Gospel.
See the video “10 years for Europe”
by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe
by TogetherforEurope | May 30, 2007 | 2007 Stuttgart, News
“Together for Europe 2007” – Stuttgart, 12th May. Not just an event – a way of looking to the future.
A dream of a Continent where Christians engage together with conviction to realise their vision of a “Europe of the Spirit”; signs of an emerging culture of communion; 8,000 people from 250 Movements and Communities meeting together in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart.
Encouragement from Heads of States, the presence of European political leaders and leaders from different Churches. An array of personal stories and initiatives born from lives inspired by the Gospel. The courage to go beyond suffering and difficulties. A conclusive solemn declaration of commitment and plea summed up as “The 7 Yeses” in support of life, peace, creation, family, just economy, solidarity, responsibility towards society.
Many artistic performances witnessing to the beauty and richness of different European cultures.
Parallel events taking place all over the Continent with follow up meetings reflecting the same spirit held in other parts of the world.
Just as in 2004 the event is preceded by a two-day Congress with a total of 2,000 participants.
See the video “Together for Europe 2007”
by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe
by TogetherforEurope | May 30, 2004 | 2004 Stuttgart, News
Event “Together for Europe 2004” – Stuttgart, 8th May 2004
Giving Europe a soul: 9,000 participants gathered in Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, a further 100,000 people connected via satellite broadcast in 163 European cities and in 35 other cities throughout the world. For the first time in history more than 180 Christian Movements and Communities belonging to different Churches – Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Anglican – coming together.
A vision of Europe in the light of the charisms: “In order to contribute to the advancement of our Continent there is a need for a Europe of the Spirit”. A composed and jubilant audience. A meeting of men and women, European citizens, entrepreneurs, young people, priests and pastors. The aim: a continental unity respecting diversity and allowing for greater openness beyond the borders of the European Union and of Europe. Innumerable greetings from public figures both ecclesiastic and political.
A message from young people: “The continent we want”.
Statements by politicians, charismatic leaders, Bishops of different Churches amongst others. Many testimonies of life. Music, dancing, art performances. A pact of reconciliation and brotherhood. A concluding message proclaimed together to continue the journey. A united Europe for a united world.
See the video “A Heart for Europe”
by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe
