Orthodox Youth Environmental Leadership Program
Suprasl and The Leadership Program
The Leadership Program Is a short-term online educational program focused on providing basic knowledge and understanding on the theology and spiritual teaching of the Orthodox Church on ecological matters, teaching about modern environmental challenges and raising the capacity of Orthodox youth to respond in a practical way to those challenges.
Suprasl is a world fellowship of Orthodox Youth founded in 2022 following an international meeting of Orthodox youth at the Monastery of the Annunciation in Suprasl, Poland. Its aim is to provide opportunities for Orthodox youth from around the world to meet in prayer and fellowship, to encourage each other in their faith and love for Jesus Christ.
Who is it for?
The first level training is for Orthodox youth who are
concerned about the environmental and climate crisis and dedicated to action in their communities.
curious about how Churches can address environmental issues, and the theological and spiritual basis for action.
interested in being part of a network of youth dedicated to protecting and renewing the natural enviornment.
Elements of the Course
3 online modules (once in a week, ca. 2.5 hours each, including core presentation, Q&A, small group work)
Environmental situation at a glance: science, policy, and public background
Module
1
Introduction to Orthodox theology and church positions regarding environmental
issues
Module
2
Church community and environmental actions: what can be done, and how it can be done
Module
3
Module
4
Optional thematic online lectures from outstanding environmental experts and Church leaders on contemporary environmental issues and the role of the Church.
Program Staff
Eugeniy Lobanov is a Belarusian environmentalist, working for 20 years in the
area of sustainable lifestyle, chemical safety, waste management, on national and international level.
In Belarus Mr.Lobanov on publicly-oriented environmental and health issues, including Zero Waste, chemicals in products, addressing local environmental challenges, developing tools for public environmental monitoring and participation.
Mr. Lobanov works with several international environmental networks, including Coalition Clean Baltic (www.ccb.se), where he works as a Working Area Leader on Hazardous Substances and Marine Litter, and serves as the Board Chairperson.
Eugeniy is responsible for environmental affairs in the Belarus Orthodox Church, and has multi-years of experience addressing environmental issues within church communities.
Sergey Yushkevich is a graduate of the Orthodox Theological Institute of the Belarusian State University and holds a Master of Theology Degree in Philosophy. Sergey has led enviornmental workshops and programs within the Church since 2013 He specializes in working with church communities to implement practical and concrete ecological projects.
Hanna Kalinina, PhD is a lecturer in history and Church and environmental issues at the Institute of Theology of the Belarusian State University. A graduate of the institute herself, she has been involved in church and ecology projects since 2013.
The Basics
Open to all Orthodox Chrisitans
Working language English
Course duration 4 weeks
Class size 15-20
Age 18-35 (exemptions are possible)
Cost there is no set cost, we ask you to make a free-will
donation to Suprasl here
Application deadline March 1st
Selection of participants announced March 3rd
Tentative class dates March 9, March 16, March 23
Tentative time 18 30 – 21 00 (CET time).
Participants commit to participate in all obligatory training elements
Contact us
Environmental Leadership Program
Eugeny Lobanov
Email: suprasl.eco@gmail.com
Director Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak
Tel. +48.536.057428 (WhatsApp)
Email. jmatusiak@suprasl2022.org