Image
A group discussion from the workshop

"Youth Empowerment and Intercultural Coexistence" workshop, Xanthi, Greece, December 2024, Photo: Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece

The discussion brought diverse voices to the table, including youth, religious leaders, educators, and community stakeholders,  all uniting to celebrate the region's rich multicultural identity. 

The workshop was part of KAICIIDCities for Inclusion” initiative in the Europe region, which seeks to bring the learnings of the European Policy Dialogue Forum to the local level in Europe's various cities. 

Image
Workshop - Group photo

"Youth Empowerment and Intercultural Coexistence” workshop, Xanthi, Greece, Photo: Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece

It was the first time that such a dialogue took place in the city of Xanthi with the active participation of representatives and citizens from different religious and cultural communities.

The event was held with the blessing and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimonos of Xanthi and Peritheorios, who delivered the opening speech. Present throughout the action was His Grace the Bishop of Polystylos, Sophronius, Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis. Also present were the vicar Mufti of Xanthi, Nezden Hemseri and the vicar of the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Thrace, Fr Taniel Kaloglian. In addition, representatives of the local government, academics from the Democritus University of Thrace, teachers, young people, and institutions of culture, entrepreneurship, and local communities participated.

 

"WCC, KAICIID explore areas of cooperation" (WCC news release, 23 October 2024)

The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID)

Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece

"Applications open for Interreligious Studies at Bossey" (WCC news release, 5 December 2025)

Learn more about the WCC interreligious work

Current Dialogue - World Council of Churches’ journal on interreligious dialogue