With joy, enthusiasm, and a spirit of Christian solidarity, the young people of NEPSIS Bristol, together with the NEPSIS juniors and members of the parish community, took part in the Bristol Half Marathon during the weekend of 9–10 May 2026, transforming the sporting event into an occasion of fellowship, witness, and philanthropic involvement.
Their participation aimed to support the philanthropic programme “One Child, One Light”, organised through the Philanthropic Department of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Through this initiative, monthly scholarships are offered to children in Romania facing difficult circumstances, helping to improve their living conditions and support their access to education.
The initiative for this endeavour belonged to the parish priest’s wife, who consistently supports community and charitable activities dedicated to young people, encouraging their active involvement in the life of the Church and in the work of Christian charity.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of joy and unity, with participants proudly wearing NEPSIS insignia and representing the Romanian Orthodox community in Bristol with dignity. From the children’s races to the half marathon itself, every step was taken with the thought of supporting those in need.
At the same time, through this initiative, the young participants also sought to support the organisation of the NEPSIS UK Congress, which will take place in Bristol between 15–17 May 2026, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie, the Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The event will gather Romanian Orthodox youth from across Great Britain for a programme of prayer, conferences, cultural activities, and moments of fraternal fellowship. The special guest of the congress will be Fr Pimen Vlad from the Holy Mountain Athos, who is currently undertaking a missionary visit to the British Isles.
Through this testimony of solidarity and Christian responsibility, the young people of NEPSIS Bristol demonstrated once again that sport can become a means of fellowship, service to one’s neighbour, and witness to the faith in the public sphere.
We warmly congratulate all participants, volunteers, and supporters involved in this beautiful initiative, and we pray that God may bless the fruits of this philanthropic and missionary work.